THE RACING WORLD

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 265, 5 August 1929, Page 16

THE RACING WORLD

CHRISTCHURCH AND POVERTY BAY HUNT MEETINGS

LANCER, LORD RANALD AND PRICKLES WIN AT RICCARTON

The 1929'30 racing season opened on Saturday in glorious weather The only meetings in progress were the annual Hunt Club fixtures at Christchurch and Poverty Bay respectively. Chief interest centred at Riccarton where horses with National engagements were racing. Lord Ranald won the Homeby Steeplechase, Lancer the Longbeach Hurdles, and Prickles the Brabazon Handicap. At the Poverty Bay meeting the Ferguson Steeplechase was won by Ponjola.

NOTES AND COMMENTS (By “The Watcher.”) Acceptances for the Grand National meeting will close on Thursday at 8 p.m.

A Tinker has been engaged for Royal Saxon In the Winter Cup.

Riccarton stables accounted for Ml cisht races at the Christchurch Runt Clubs meeting on Saturday. Mrs. J. Campbell won a double with Gay Jim and 1. H. Gillett scored with Leader and Hounslow.

I xtunv cood judges were impressed by Khwlm’s 4, race at Riccarton on Saturday rn View of the Grand National Steeplechase.

It is reported that both K. Reed and A. B Ellis applied for the riding on Bright Glow in Sydney, but no arrangements have been made yet by the connections of the mare.

Aussie’s defeat in his opening race at Warwick Farm on Saturday vas no dis grace. He was saddled within a pound of 10 stone, and according to the cabled report the course was a bit heavy. •‘Cassie does not handle soft tracks too well, so that the merit of his performance is enhanced.

Royal Game put up rather a remarkable performance at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting on Saturday. At the start of the Brabazon Welter he was not turned into the tapes, with the result that he lost several lengths. By the time they settled down he was eight to ten lengths behind the last horse of the bunch. His effort in getting second from that position was the feature of the race. At the same time it tends largely to discount the form shown not only by the winner Prickles, but of all the other runners. Royal Game could not repeat that performance against the majority of the Winter Cup field.

Hounslow, who scored a rare surprise in the concluding event at Riccarton on Saturday, is a well-bred four-year-old chestnut gelding by Thurnham from Heath Lass. Heath Lass Is a brown mare bred In England by Lord W. de Broke and she and her dam Pit brow Lass were Imported to New Zealand by the late Mr. John Grigg, of Longbeach, Pitbrow Lass being again in foal to Newmarket, the sire of Heath Lass. In New Zealand Pitbrow Lass dulv foaled and I lie colt, brother to Heath Lass, raced under the name of litprop. Pitprop was a galloper of very good class, but unfortunately he was unsound, and did not last long. Hounslow, who is raced by Mr. K. Hay, who started as an owner bv 'purchasing Magna Charta from Mr T. H.‘Lowry; did not race as a two-year-old, and last season had seven races, all unplaced performances. His half-bro-ther, Royal Sjxon. did not show much form until he attained a bit of age.

Lord Ranald is putting up a remarkable sequence of wins for a recruit to steeplcchasing, and his victory over labriano and King’s Guard in the Homeby Steeplechase at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting is easily his best performance. He showed that he can negotiate the Riccarton country, but still the National is a tough race for a first-season candidate, and the opposition next week will be a lot stiffer.

At Hawera on Thursday W. Pine worked Denier and Ross Ferry at useful pace work. Bisox and Silvermlne went once round at a good working gallop, both striding out in good style. Bisox is Intended, all going well •meanwhile, for Avondale and Auckland spring meetings. Calyx and Clever Spear galloped half a mile In 57sec., with Clever Spear a head in front at the finish. Benzora, Partaga, and Latakia were allotted usual half-pace work. Partaga and Latakia will probably be seen out at the Marton meeting next month. Grand Marnia finished just in front of Silent over half a mile In 56ses. Guard of Honour was a length to the good of Royal Satin in a sprint over four furlongs in 57}sec.

When Royal Saxon was taken to Riccarton a year ago he ranked just above useful hack form. He started off by winning the Brabazon Handicap, in which he carried the minimum weight, while he had only 51b. above the minimum when he captured the Selwyn Handicap, the concluding event of the Grand National meeting. Since then he has made steady improvement, while he has a number of wins to his credit. He was not nominated for the hunt meeting this year, but G. Fielding has him early on the scene to get some good galloping ground. He is in capital condition, and though he will have much heavier weights to carry than was the case last year, he is likely to play a prominent part in some of the flat events at the Grand National meeting. Having A. Tinker in the saddle will be no drawback to the Saxby gelding's chances.

The remaining five of W. S. Moroney’s team for Wanganui arrived on Thursday night, but their journey up from Featherston was not without sensational incident. A couple of miles before the train reached Eketabiina five wagons were derailed and rolled down a 35-foot embankment. The UG wagon containing Talisker, Count Palatine, Grecian and Banket came to rest at an angle to the line, with two wheels still on the rails, while the G wagon just behind, in which King Midas was travelling. telescoped into- the UG and canted up on its end, also with two wheels on the line. King Midas was extricated with considerable difficulty, making a bound out of the box as soon as the door was opened, and he rolled down the embankment and lay in the mud for some twentj’ minutes befor* he could be persuaded to get up. On arrival in Wanganui it was discovered that lie had injured his off foreleg, and hud lost a good deal of skin. The remaining four horses escaped with only minor injuries.

Paddon has not been given any work on the track at Te Rapa since his return from the 'Wellington meeting. The chief reason is that the weather has been against anything of this nature, and all horses are in the same category so far as training is concerned. It is likely that Paddon’s name will.- be among the candidates nominated for the Jellicoe Handicap at the Pakuranga meeting.

The owner of the winner of the Hunt Club Steeplechase on tlic opening day of the Marton spring meeting will receive n silver cup ' valued at £2O. The trophy has been donated by Mr. D. G. Riddiford, The Master of the Rangltikci Hunt.

Advice was received in the Waikato that the Lord Quex—Blended filly, Tasty, who was taken across to Sydney by M. J. Carroll, was to have her opening start at the Warwick Farm meeting on Saturday.

C. Gieseler, who hns made his home at Wingatul for about twenty years, headed the list of winning trainers in the Dominion last season, with thirty-seven wins, while the Riccarton mentor, F. I’. Clarldge, filled second place with twenty-eight. It is a coincidence that these two were associated. about thirty-five years ago, with the Lagmhor hounds, at Ashburton. Claridge being the huntsman and Gieseler the whip (writes "Argus'* in the Christchurch “Star”). It is no new experience for Gieseler to head the winning trainers’ list, as he has been in that position three times in the last four years. lie was seventh in 1924- with eighteen winners, first in 1925- with thirty-one, first in 1920-27 with thirty, third in 1927-28 with twentynine, and first last season with thirtyseven, or a total of 150 winners in five seasons. He is well known on all the South island courses from Riccarton to Southland, this being his usual touring ground, but he has made more than one visit to Trentham. with satisfactory results. Most of his successes last season were scored in minor events, as he had no horse of good class in his stable, such as Set Sail, who won him some Important races during the preceding season. That Gieseler is a very capable trainer his record proves, and as he commands a good circle of patrons, lie should be prominent again during the next twelve months. One of the strangest occurrences on a racecourse in South Australia f.or many it day was that at the Port Augusta meeting when HurL Hie iavouriMß

for the Tennant Cup, galloped off the course and became lost in the bush. Burl was heavily backed in a good betting race. As he was doing his preliminary he struck the rails. In recovering himself, lie threw his head up, partially stunning his jockey, who fell out of the saddle. Burl galloped away at a great rate, and, clearing a couple of fences, disappeared in the huge sandhills to the north of the course. Attempts to catch Burl were of no avail for more than an hour, and the field went awav without him. Eventually his trainer found him wandering among the sandhills five miles from the course, and little the worse for his experience. CARTERTON RACING CLUB ’ ANNUAL MEETING.' Dominion Special Service. Carterton, August 3. There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of the Carterton Racing Club this morning. Mr. W. Howard Booth presided. . , , The chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, congratulated the club upon being able to show a profit of £54 18s. lUd. The assistance derived from the South Wairarapa Trotting Club amounted to £2OG I’Js. for the year, which the stewards endeavoured to spend on improvements beneficial to both clubs. A change of dates from spring to autumn, it was considered, would be beneficial to the club in regard to weather, but difficulty had been experienced in fitting in a suitable date, November 2 belug accepted finally as the only Saturday date available. That would clash with the Wellington Trotting Club’s meeting, but it was not considered that it would adversely affect the race meeting. The stakes had been Increased by £l3O, which enabled the winner of each race to receive not less than £lOO. The bank overdraft had been reduced fropi £ll6O to £043 10s. 7d. Mr. \V. C. Baskivllle seconded the motion, which was carried. It was decided to enter an emphatic protest against the Wellington Trotting Club being allotted the date already taken up by the Carterton Racing Club in view of the fact that November 16 was the date applied for by them. The Carterton Golf Club, who use the course as links, forwarded a donation of £2O to the club funds. Officers were elected as follow: —Patron, Hon. A. U. McLeod; president, Mr. W. Howard Booth; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. Reid and L. H. Smart; lion, surgeons, Hrs. Li. G. Johnston, F. A. Morton, and W. IL Young; treasurer, Mr. P. A. Cole; auditor, Mr. It. J. Chapman; Messrs. A. E. Booth, W. C. Deller, J. C. Harp, E. J. Matson, V. L. Robinson, and A. C. Tucker. Five new members were elected, and a vote of thanks accorded the staff and officers for their services during the year. CHRISTCHURCH HUNT MEETING LORD RANALD’S HOMEBY STEEPLECHASE HOUNSLOW PAYS LARGE DIVIDEND Dominion Special Service. Christcliurcti, August 3. There was considerable interest in the Christchurch Hunt Club's annual race meeting which was held at Riccarton today. The day was fine, and the course, although soft, was in good order. A number of horses which will race at the big fixture on the same course next week wera seen in action, and of particular interest was the success of Lord Ranald in the Homeby Steeplechase. The Masterpiece gelding will now come into favour for the Grand National Steeplechase. During the day £13,879 was put through the totaiisator. Twelve months ago the sum registered was £14,025. KENNELS HURDLES. Strong support came- for Gay Jim in the Kennels Hurdles. Barrington soon settled down in the lead, and he piloted the held till nearing the straight, where Gay. Jim, who had been lying handy, took charge and came away to win easily by five lengths from Exide, who ran in half-a-dozen lengths ahead of Barrington, with Maine, Just John, and Scion following. Barrington showed speed, but gave out quickly. Just John was big in condition, and should improve. LAWFORD STEEPLECHASE. The Lawford Steeplechase was a threehorse race, with Wnitounaha favourite. Sea Bov ran to the front six furlongs from homo and won very easily from Silver Light. Waitaunaha fell two fences from home He was remounted by a spectator, who completed the course on him, but weighed in 71b. light. Sea-Boy is a fair sort in this class. LONGBEACH HURDLES. The Longbeach Hurdles had not been long in progress when Elysianor fell and A.berfeldv tumbled over him. Heisler went to the front, but six furlongs from home Troilus ran past him. and Perlo de Leon was handy. With half a mile to go Kawin! was up behind Troilus, anjl lerle de Leon and Lancer were next. Kawini was in charge turning for home, but in the run to the post Lancer outstayed him and won bv a length. Perle de Leon was a length and a half away, third, and Paris, Troilus, Heisler, and Ranglawhio were n °Kawinl came from so far back that his performance, notwithstanding his defeat, was attractive, but it is hard to say what the result would have been but for the earlv mishap. Perle de Leon should be improved by the race. He ran well. Lancer came at the right end. MAIDEN STAKES. The public were on the mark in the Maiden. They staked heavily on Leader, who always was in front, and eventually stalled off a challenge by Desert Song, to win bv halt a length. Captivate ran a good race in third place, and Grand Song did best of the others. Tile winner Is a natural galloper, but he was all out to beat Desert. Song, who will improve. HOMEBY STEEPLECHASE. Five contested the Homeby Steeplechase, but Young Tliurnliam fell when hopelessly last, and Radiate was beaten off, leaving Lord Ranald, Fabriano, and King’s Guard tile only oues with chances over the later stages' of the race. A mile from home Lord Ranald went to the front, and though headed for a while, he soon resumed command, and eventually won very comfortably by two lengths from Fabriano, who beat Klug’s Guard by two and a half lengths. Lord’ Ranald was going well at the finish and his performance gained him a host of admirers for the Grand National Steeples. He Jumped well and should account for both Fabriano and King’s Guard unless he falls to stay. Radiate’s National shares fell heavily. BRABAZON HANDICAP. A very bad start ruined the contest for the Brabazon Handicap. Subdivision, Sagittarius and Gay Sonnet were in charge nearing the straight, with Rascal and Prickles prominent among the others. Prickles came away nicely In the straight, and won bv a length from Royal Game, who had been left a dozen lengths. King Balboa was only a length away third. Rascal and Anolo finished close behind the placed horses. Itoval Game’s was a fine performance, «n 4 o itMt

won easily. Anolo ran a creditable race, and so also did King Balboa, who should go well in next week's engagements. HUNTERS’ PLATE. For the Hunters’ Plate Gay Jim was brought out again, and he won nicely at the finish by a length from Fresh Breeze, with Exide and Wbiffk-r next. flying hack handicap. The Flying Hack Handicap, in which there was big backing for Red Boa, PhasPir and Honey Comb, resulted in the success of the outsider Hounslow, who paid a huge dividend. Red Boa began well and led on to the course proper from Huntley, Hounslow, and The Bailiff. Half-way down the straight Red Boa looked a certainty, but Hounslow got through on the rails, and, wearing the favourite down, won by a neck. Honeycomb finished fairly well in third place balf-a-length away, and he was followed home by Moy Hall, The Bailiff, and Phastar. DETAILS OF THE RACING By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, August 3. KENNELS HURDLE HANDICAP, of 120 sovs. Once round and a distance. 1 Mrs. J. Campbell’s Gay Jim, 9.2 (Cr • A 4 X A. Rattray’s Exide, 9.11 (I. Tilson) 2 2 H. Elworthy’s Barrington, 9.0 (A. Ellis) o Also started: 3 Just John, 11.5; 6 Scion, 10.9' 5 Grand National, 9.13; 7 Mime, 9.12. Won by six lengths, eight lengths between second and third. Mime was fourth. Time, 3min. 3 2-ssec. LAWFORD STEEPLECHASE, of 150 sovs. About two miles. 3 H. V. Wareing’s Sea Boy, 9.0 (I. Tilson) 1 2 H. Elworthy's Silver Light, 8.13 (A. S. Ellis) 2 Also started: 1 Waitaunaha, 10.13. Waitaunaha fell at the second to last fence and was remounted by a spectator to finish third, but was unable to weigh in correctly. Won by twelve lengths. Time, 4min. 3 2-ssec. LONGBEACH HURDLES, of 150 sovs. Once round and a distance.3 G. G. Holmes’s Lancer, 10.6 (E. Shaw) 1 7 H. A. Swaffield’s Kawini, 10.8 (R. Olive) 2 5 W. J. Craig's Perle de Leon, 10.3 (G. Salt) 3 Also started: 2 Elysianor, 11.2; 1 Aberfeldy, 10.13; 4 Troilus, 9.13; 9 Paris, car. 9.1; 6 Heisler, 8 Rangiawhlo, 9.0. Won by half a length, three lengths between second and third. Paris was fourth. Time, 3mln. 4 2-ssec. MAIDEN STAKES, of 100 sovs. Special e weights. Eight furlongs. 1 F. Williamson's Leader, 9.0 (W. Pascoe) 1 3 Dr. M. G. Loulsson’s Desert Song, 9.0 (J. Barry) 2 6 W. Quirk’s Captivate, 9.0 (A. Eastwood)3 Also started: 14 Haulage, 9.8; 2 Audience, 4 Kate Kelly, 10 Marsham, 8 Kentish Lady, 15 Safety, 11 Storm Raid, 8 Quick Plunge, 9.8; 9 Swiftray, 16 Innisfree, 5 Grand Song, 13 Academy, 12 Painting, 9.0. Won by a length, two lengths between second and third. Grand Song was fourth. Time, Imin. 4sec. HOMEBY STEEPLECHASE, of 170 sovs. About two miles and a half. 1 L. J. Fechney’s Lord Ranald, 10.7 (W. Scobie) 1 4 P. T. Hogan’s Fabriano, 10.7 (D. O'Connor) 2 2 R. Hannon’s King’s Guard, 10.5 (L. Dulieu) 3 Also started: 3 Radiate, 10.5; 5 Young Thurnham, 9.11. Won by two lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Radiate was fourth. Young Thurnham fell. Time, smin. 22sec. BRABAZON HANDICAP, of 120 sovs. Seven furlongs. 3W. J. Blake’s Prickles. 9.4 (A. E. Ellis) 1 6 W. H. Ballinger’s Royal Game, 9.0 (B. Brodie) 2 1 J. Graham’s King Balboa, 10.9 (L. J. Ellis) 3 Also started: 8 Gay Sonnet, 10.9; 10 Bonogne, 10.2; 12 Solrose, carried 9.11; 4 Anolo, 9.9; 5 Solfcrite, carried 9.1; .13 Chlekwhcat, 9 Overdrawn, 9.5; 2 Rascal, 9.4; 7 Subdivision, 11 Sagittarius 9.6. Won by a length, .a length and a half between second and third. Rascal was fourth. Time, linin. Slsec. HUNTERS’ PLATE, of 80 sovs. One mile and a quarter. 1 Mrs. J. Campbell’s Gay Jim, 10.9 (G. Salt) 1 4 F. P. Claridgc’s Fresh Breeze, 10.0 (11 Mackie)- 2 3N. A. Rattray’s Exide, 11.3 (I. Tilson) 3 Also started: 2 Whlffler, 10.7; 7 Clarenson, 10.3; 6 Diamond Jack, 5 Poetess, 10.2. Won by two lengths, a length between second and third. Whlffler was fourth. Time, 2niin. 16 l-ssec. FLYING HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sovs. Six furlongs. 12 E. Hay's Hounslow, 9.6 (W. Pascoe) 1 1 Mrs. R. B. Stlven’s Red Boa, 10.3 (L. J. Ellis) 2 3 G. Gould's Honeycomb, 10.9 (A. E. Ellis) 3 Also started: 6 Sarnia, carried 10.3; 11 Grand Acre, 8.13; 2 Phastar, 9.11; 10 Royal Flower, carried 9.0; 7 Moy Hall, 8 Walhemo, ’ The Bailiff, 4 Huntley, 9.0; 9 Morian, carried 9.1. Won by a long neck, two lengths between second and third. Moy Hall was fourth. Time, Imin. 17 2-ssec. POVERTY BAY HUNT MEETING STEEPLECHASE WON BY PANJOLA By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisborne, August S. The annual meeting of the Poverty Bay Hunt Club was held to-day in ideal spring weather. The totalisator handled £11,673, against £11,842 last year, a decrease of £169. Results:— HUNTERS’ HURDLES, of 80 Bovs. One mile and a half. 1 E. Langley’s ch. m. Princess Elizabeth, by Cynic—Royal Moments, 4yrs., 10.7 (Tricklebank) 1 3 W. Smith’s b. g. Purseproud, aged, 10.7 (W. H. Dods) 2 4 R. Boyd’s b. m. Miss Barcarole, aged, 10.7 (Leach) 3 Also started: 2 Sonny Boy (fell), 10.7. Won by eight lengths, two hundred yards between second and third. Time, 3min. 2 2-ssec. AWAPUNI HURDLES, of 85 sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 2 R. Gregory's ch. g. Jen, by Autumn Perle —Marie, aged, 10.3 (Anderson) 1 3 H. Flnucane’s b. g. King! Pita, aged, 9.8 (Leach) 2 1 E. Langley’s ch. g. Abisogne, aged, 10.3 (H. Tricklebank) 3 Also started: 2 Nightwitch (bracketed with Jen, 9.0. Won by three-quarters of a length, five lengths between second and third. Time, 3min. 26sec. HEXTON HANDICAP, of 110 sovs. One mile and a quarter. 2 W. Smith's b. g. Plimmerton, by Elysian—Te Multi, aged, 9.0 ..(Young) 1 7 J. Carr’s b. g. Essentiial, aged, 9.0 (Anderson) 2 1 J. Reedy’s b. g. Bold Front, aged, till (Mackie) 3 Also started; 5 Superb King, 9.6; 3 Tea

Ladv. 0.3; 8 Tall Timber, 6 Good Sport, 4 Nalii, U.O. Won by one length and a nail, o. lengths between second and third. Time, 2niin. 18 2-usee. FERGUSON GOLD HUNT CLUB CUP STEEPLECHASE, of 135 sovs. Two miles and a half. 1 O. Nelson’s b. r. g. Ponjola. by Tau " uaha—Lady Millicent, aged, 11— (Mr. H. Hods) 1 3 J. Reedy and T. Reedy’s .Master Arch, aged, 10.7 (Leach) - 5 T. Fraser, jun.’s b. g. Royal Heather, aged, 10.11 (!’’• Dm 111 ) •; Also started: 4 Woden (stumbled ana was remounted), 12.2; 2 Revel, 7 Highway, 6 Banjuke (fell), 11.5. Won by six lengths, four between second and third. Time, oniin. 31 2-uscc. SWARTHMOOR TRIAL HANDICAP, of 75 sovs. Five furlongs. G R. Sherratt’s b. f. Quakeress, by Autumn —Multimore, syrs., 0.0 (N. Davis) 1 4 H. Kershaw’s br. g. Sunny Mint, 3yrs„ 0.0 (Leach) 2 5 Lady Carroll and P. Matu’s ch. g. Ruku, 4yrs., 0.0 ....(Butterworth) 3 Also started: 1 Ardri, 0.13; 3 Donuette, 2 Chronic, 9.6; 4 Waitoki (bracketed with Sunny .Mint), 9.2; 7 Primitive, 9.0. Won by a neck, a head between second and third. Time, Imin. 6 l-ssec. HUNTERS’ BRACELET, of 60 sovs. One mile. 2 H. Swan's b. m. Fall o' The Year, by Autumn —Serbia, syrs., 11.11 (Mr. J. Allan) 1 3 E. Black’s ch. g. Polydorus, aged, 11.0 (Mr. E. Black) 2 5 Sirs. W. D. Fenton’s ch. g. Tall Timber, aged, 11.13 ....(Mr. N. Cowie) 3 Also started: 1 Acred, 11.13; 6 Purseproud, 11.4; 4 Pcreki, 8 Silverfish, 7 Sonny Boy, 11.0. Won by a nose, half a length between second and third. Time, Imin. 52 2-ssec. RAPANUI HACK FLAT HANDICAP, of 80 sovs. Seven furlongs. 1 J. Carr’s b.g. Essential, by Paper Money—Murihiku, aged, 9.4 (Anderson) 1 4 F. Benson and J. H. Jamieson's br. g. King Wanga, Oyrs., 10.12 (Nixon) 2 2 R. Brown’s br. g. Kinsel, 6yrs., 9.12 (J. Walsh) 3 Also started: 3 Rich Harvest, 9.11; 12 Winnington, 9.2; 11 Suu Yat Sen, 9 Evensong, 5 Tan, 10 Lady Castlemaine, 7 Atapai, 8 Rapiata, 6 Tago, 9.0. Won by a length and a half, a length between second and third. Time, Imin. 34 l-ssec. C.J.C. HANDICAPS By Telegraph.—Press Association. Cbristchurch, August 3. The following handicaps have been declared for events on the first day (August 13) of the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Grand National meeting:— HmiTERS’ HURDLE RACE HANDICAP, of 250 sovs. One mile and three-

AUSTRALIAN RACING MR. G. M. CURRIE’S VIEWS SOME INTERESTING COMMENT Mr. G. M. Currie, who arrived back last week after a holiday trip to Australia, gave to the Auckland “Sun” some interesting views on what he saw over there. Mr. Currie made reference to the extraordinary number of New Zealand horses In Australia at the present time. He was present at the Canterbury Park (Sydney) meeting last Saturday week and saw Ora•trlx and Lorlent If win the double event for their New Zealand owners. Oratrlx was meeting a very weak field In the handicap, and was quoted at surprisingly good odds. She waited on the field until the home turn was reached and then made an effort, which was short-lived. However, McCarten kept the mare up to It, and she was flying at the finish, winning by a head. Lorlent II also won well, and he was at a point longer odds In this race than that quoted against Oratrlx earlier in the afternoon. Oratrix wanted that race and she should be much better as a result of that outing, said Mr. Currie. Maurice McCarten was riding particularly well, and had fully established hlmseiX on the other side. The New Zealand riders continued to come in for a rough handling from the pens of certain critics, however, and It. S. Bagby was the latest to feel the "axe” for his handling of Crown Area when he was narrowly beaten by Perception a few weeks ago. Mr. Currie brought news of the Canterbury owner-trainer, ,T. McCombc. Last reports received were that he had been admitted to hospital. Mr. Currie said McCombe had been operated on for appendicitis and other internal trouble, as a result of which his condition becam very low, and a fortnight ago ills life had been despaired of. When Mr. Currie left Sydney last week the invalid had made wonderful progress and was now on the road to a complete recovery. Class Racing. The coming season in Australia looks like being a very weak one, so far as the welght-for-age races arc concerned, said Mr. Currie. Limerick will stand out by himself if he reproduces anything like his true form. Winalot may not be quite up to his standard and in addition lie is not too sound. Mollison is to be restricted to sprinting although his owner may be tempted to run him in the A.J.C. Craven Plato, ten furlongs, if there is little competition. The weakness of the weight-for-age horses should see the New Zealand representatives making it very interesting. Aussie, when he left, was virtually favourite for the Epsom Handicap, and Oratrlx held the post of honour for the A.J.C. Metropolitan Handicap. Promising Youngsters. Mr. Currie was impressed with the rising two-year-olds he saw working at Handwick one morning lie went to the tracks. “There were over 100 of them in work,” he said, “but the tracks were so hard that the majority of them will have to be turned out.” The youngsters do their work on tlie off mornings. Some of the Randwick trainers contended that the tracks at A.J.C. headquarters were spoilt by the application of soil as a top-dressing on the sandy turf, and consequently with rain the course became very bad and many seconds slower. Questioned as to whether he was imprpmd wHM th» wuwg Btouk bn bad «e@U>

Mr. Currie said there was a number of " very fine rising two-year-olds. George | Price had eight nice youngsters, including I a splendid Caravel colt owned by Mr. Murchison (who is well known in the Dominion), which topped the market at the last Randwick sales. Another very promising youngster was the Limond-Veil (Absurd—Cowl) colt in the same stable, bought at Trentham last January, and a fullbrother to the rising three-year-old Roundelay, who ran second to Last Mark in the Novices’ Handicap nt Trentham. Volimond is an own sister to this pair. J. King has a Tippler colt of splendid conformation and physique. The stock of this sire appear to be good. Mr. Currie said he was very much impressed with the youngsters sired by Moabite (by Phalaris), who are generally beautifully formed. Tidal May be Good. Mr. Currie also mentioned the fact that Mr. E. E. Jolly, of Adelaide, who had a big team iu New Zealand fur a couple of seasons, trained by R. S. Bagby, recently won a race in South Australia with his two-year-old filly Roseglow (Absurd —Rose Queen), a lull-sister to The Thorn. The distance was one mile, but the most interesting point connected with the victory was ■ that Roseglow’s dividend was considerably over half a hundred. It further emphasises the fact that there arc still mile races for two-year-olds on the other side. According to Mr. Currie, George Price holds a high opinion of the French-bred aud Auckland-owned horse Tidal (who was beaten a head by a good one in Valamila at Rosehill last Saturday). Mr. Currie spent a month in Western Australia and while there visited the Kalgoorlie racecourse, with which he was much impressed. The transcontinental train journey was an interesting trip, but the pleasure was not added to by having to change several times before Perth was reached—the change from train to train, broad gauge to narrow gauge, narrow gauge to broad gauge, and then back again to the narrow gauge railway. Mr. Currie said that the projected trip to Australia with his horses for the spring carnival was still in the air. I ! ro ’ gramme would have been carried out had not Thaw injured his hip bone when galloping the other morning at anganui, and it was very doubtful if the Limond gelding would ever race again. Now the trip depended entirely upon the progress made by Mask and Thaw, and his pair of two-year-olds, both by Absurd, and, with another owned in the South, the * as t of the progeny of Absurd. In the event of the Absurd youngsters shaping up as expected it was quite likely that they would be sent to Australia to race together with the two older horses. However, he would have to wait until he arrived in 'Wanganui and consulted with his trainer, M. Rayner. AUSTRALIAN RACING AUSSIE RUNS SECOND (Rec. August 4, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, August 4. The A.J.C. Warwick Farm races were run in fine weather, but the course was a bit heavy. Aussie’s defeat after a thrilling finish caused a sensation. Principal results :— DENHAM COURT HANDICAP of 250 sovs. added. Minimum, 7.0. Six furlongs. , Killarney, 8.13 J Aussie (N.Z.), 9.13 - Shankara, 8.11 3 Twenty-one started, including Gay Ballerina and Stormy. Won by three-quarters of a length, a similar distance between second and third. Gay Ballerina was sixth. Time, Imin. 13sec. WARWICK AUGUST HANDICAP, of 250 sovs. added. One mile and a quarter. Blather, 7.9 J Garrula, 7.12 2 Tidal (N.Z.), 7.3 3 Seven started, including Pnpatu. Won by halt a head, a length between second and third. Time, 2min. Glsec. AUSTRALIAN HURDLE RACE WON BY MOSS TROOPER. (Rec. August 4, 5.5 .p.m.) Melbourne, August 4. The Australian Steeplechase meeting opened at Caulfield on Saturdlay. The following was the result of the AUSTRALIAN HURDLE RACE, of 2100 sovs. Three miles and a quarter and 20 yards. Moss Trooper. 9.10 1 Longlands, 10.5 2 Scud Alonjr, 9.0 3 Ten started. Sir Eaton had the lead when the race was half run, Moss Trooper being his nearest attendant, with Longlands handy. Turning for home Moss Trooper gained the lead and his superior pace on the flat enabled him to win by five lengths from Longlands, who beat Scud Along bv four lengths. Then came Cobranvell, Sir Eaton, and May Day. Time, 6m in. 16sec.

quarters. Just John .. 11 3 Democratic .. 9 0 Gay Jim .... 10 13 Diamond Jack 9 0 Blrkbeck ... 10 2 Royal Grand Despatch 9 0 National 0 13 Whlffler .... 9 0 Mine 9 11 Barrington .. 9 0 Waitaunaha . 0 10 Master Quilflre .... 9 10 Garland 9 0 Gilgai 9 10 TRIAL HURDLE RACE, of 300 sovs. One mile and three-quarters. Amorist .... 10 11 Membo .... 9 3 Carinthia .. 10 6 Scion 9 1 Tresham .. 10 1 Paris 9 1 Gala Day .. 10 1 Wayward 9 0 Thurnbell .. 10 1 Aurora Fine Acre .. 9 13 Borealis 9 0 Apache .... 9 5 Antrim Boy . 9 0 AbiBogne .. 9 3 Blue Peter .. 9 0 JUMPERS' FLAT RACE HANDICAP, of 250 sovs. Ono mile and a half. Nukumal .. 11 9 Atareria .... 9 2 Mister Gamp 10 9 Kawlnl .... 9 0 Overhaul ..10 6 Fine Acre .. 9 0 Tresham .. 10 3 Elyslanor .. 9 0 Chickwheat.. 9 13 Alarlc 9 0 Locarno .. 9 12 Gala Day .. 9 0 Novar 9 12 Troilus .... 9 0 Aberfeldy .. 9 11 Brightling 9 0 Horotnea .. 9 10 Aurora 9 Lancer 9 10 Borealis 0 Perle de Leon 9 7 Blrkbeck 9 0 Red Fuschia 9 6 ENFIELD STEEPLECHASE, ol 250 sovs. Two miles. Lord Ranald 12 2 Handy 9 10 Dubious .. 10 13 Kaikahu 9 8 Alarle .... 10 6 Radiac .... 9 7 Blrkbeck .. 10 3 Greenstone .. 9 *> Katuna .... 9 13 Terehu .... 9 0 Oriflamb .. 9 13 Hag Tag 9 0 Waitaunaha . 9 11 Silver Light 9 0 Bon Aryan .. 9 10 Fairness .... 9 0 AVONHEAD HANDICAP, of 250 sov 3. Seven furlongs. 9 Narrative .. 10 11 The Viscount 1 Membo .... 10 10 Dumblane .. 9 1 Rol de Vai .. 10 9 Moy Hall .. 9 0 Honeycomb . 10 6 Royal Flower 9 0 Shortly .... 10 o The Bailiff .. 9 0 Sweet Refrain 10 4 Martian Spear 9 0 Red Boa .. 10 4 Hurly Burly 9 0 Filosol .... 9 13 Lucre .... 9 0 Phastar .. 9 8 Otaura Lass . 9 0 Grand Acre .. 9 7 Wrigley 9 0 Hounslow .. 9 7 Felony .... 9 0 Starshooter . 9 Morlan .... 9 0 Marsham .... 9 2 Dundalk .... 9 0