THE RACING WORLD

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 267, 7 August 1929, Page 16

THE RACING WORLD

NOTES AND COMMENTS

(By

“The Watcher.”)

Acceptances for the Grand National meeting will close to-morrow at 8 p.m.

Vesperus left for Riccarton last night In charge of his trainer, T. Pritchard.

Fair conditions prevailed for training work at Trentham yesterday, but the heavy nv .might rain had again softened the tracks which had dried up well. There was not a great deal of ‘“Merest in t r^ a i gallops, which were done on the trial grass.

Quantum sprinted five furlongs and did it well. He is to go to Riccarton, probably on Friday night.

Tcheka went once round at a working nice. He has done well since racing at the Wellington winter meeting, and his chance in the Winter Cup cannot be ignored. It is definite that A. E. Ellis will ride him.

Black Mint, Historic, and Roi de Vai did working gallops. Historic is looking very fit and will play his part well at the National meeting.

Matu was schooled over four fences with A Tenkins up and gave a fine display. He afterwards did a working gallop, and ran home the last half in 55sec. Matu has accomplished a lot of solid work since the Wellington meeting, and will be in good order for his National engagement.

Thurnbell, who had schooled well oyer three hurdles on Monday, did a working gallop over a mile, and, brought home by Pat’s Boy, they ran the last three furlongs in 42sec.

Otauru Lass ran four furlongs in sGsec.

Historic and Roi de Vai will leave for Riccarton to-night. Matu, Tcheka, Otauru Lass. Thurnbell, Pat s Boy, Black Mint, and possibly. Tourist will go down on Friday night.

Grand Song, who finished fourth in the Maiden Stakes at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting, had not raced previously. He is a big three-year-old by Hunting Song, and it will be no surprise if he develops good form over a distance. He carries the colours which were prominent a couple of years ago on Martarma, who won the Great -Northern Derby, and though he has a long way to go to reach that horse s class, he has excellent prospects of being a good winner.

Mr. G. M. Currie will decide this week whether he will be represented on the Australian turf this spring by some of his team. Mr. Currie was present to witness the track work on Saturday morning, when conditions made for fast times. The first out. were Pomp and Drastic, the two Absurd juveniles, the former a colt out of Pomyris and the latter a filly out of Drax. Both had light-weights in the saddle. Getting to the end of the initial furlong in 12sec., the pair covered the first quartermile in a tick over 24. The half-mile was run in 49 3-ssec. Pomp was the best part of a length in front of his companion, though neither of them was knocked about. This gallop took place on the hurdle track. On the outside of the course proper Mask, Alloy, and Pedestal, the former with a welter-weight up, ran five furlongs. The first three were run in 36 4-5 sec., and the five took Imin. 3sec. They finished in the order named, Mask travelling well. A fast gallop was recorded over the same distance by Ceremony. He ran the first three furlongs in 35sec., and put up Imin. 1 3-ssec. for the full journey. Mr. Currie would appear to have been given every encouragement to try his luck in Sydney. Two-year-olds that can break 50sec. for half a mile at this time of the year are not numerous.

A new owner, Mr. J. Carr, of Hastings, made his appearance on the winning list at the Poverty Bay Hunt Club’s meeting on Saturday,' when Essential carried his colours to victory in the Rapanui Hack Flat, after having earlier in the afternoon run second to Plimmerton in the Hexton Handicap. Essential, by Paper Money— Murihuku, is now trained by A. G. Dixon. Formerly he raced in the Interests of Mr. C. Haldane.

When S. G. Ware returns to Wingatui, after the Grand National meeting, it is probable that he will take back Mr. G. J. Barton’s three-year-olds Gold Tinge and Academy, who have been wintering at Addington under the care of W. J. Tomkinson.

Prickles, the winner of the Brabazon Handicap at Riccarton on Saturday, did her early racing in the colours of her breeder, Sir George Clifford, and was sold a few months ag<- to Mr. W. J. Blake, who in his earlier I i-lng efforts had been identified with tin trotting sport. This was the first win he had secured with his galloping purchase, and incidentally the first time that his colours had been carried by a galloper. -

Mr. W. G. Stead has sent four of his two-year-olds and others over to Greenmeadows to get the benefit of galloping on the Napier Park tracks, which are accounted amongst the best training tracks In the Dominion. Two of the youngsters are bv Leighton, and two by Lord Quex, and all four appear to possess plenty of speed. The collection of two-year-olds at present at work at Napier Park In all the stables is a very fine one (says a Napier writer), and some of the youngsters are likely to do well when they race.

Perle de Leon Is said to have been a bit backward when he went out for his hurdle engagement on Saturday. He will probably contest the Jumpers’ Flat on Tuesday, an event he won two years ago. and this should have him In satisfactory order for the Grand National Hurdle Race.

Sea Boy provided a surprise to Riccarton track watchers in the Lawford Steeplechase at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting on Saturday. When schooled at Riccarton his efforts were anything but impressive, while he failed to get round in a race at South Canterbury. In the Lawford Steeplechase, however. his rider handled him vigorously, and he gave a. good exhibition of jumping, while he showed speed and too much stamina for his two opponents. It was quite an attractive performance, and as he is only a young horse with very little race experience, Sea Boy may make still further Improvement very soon.

Solrose had not had a race for over twelve months prior to contesting the Brabazon Handicap on Saturday. She was amongst the leading division until well into the straight.

The Taranaki hunter Just John showed up for about half the journey in the Kennels Hurdles, and: then faded out In very disappointing fashion.

An impression seemed to prevail at Riccarton on Saturday that the steeplechase fences are not as formidable this year as on previous occasions, but it was stated by the caretaker, Mr. P. D. McNab, that there has been no alteration in the size or strength of any of the obstacles.

In the early part of his career Gay Jim suffered from unsounduess. making him a difficult horse to train. The patience of his ow.ner. Mrs. J. Campbell, has at last been rewarded, as the. horse now appears to be quite sound, with excellent prospects of winning hurdle races in more pretentious company.

Jockey C. Stratton, on returning from a fishing expedition at Gisborne a tew evenings ago, slipped on an iron rail and frac-

turod a leg Just above the ankle. This is likely to keep him out of the saddle for some time. Mr G. D. Greenwood was represented in the Maiden Stakes at Riccarton on Saturday by the three-year-old Swiftray, by Arrowsmith from Sungleam, dam of Golden Armour. He was never far back from the leaders, and finished in sixth place. Red Boa has raced very consistently during the last two months. He won twice at the Dunedin meeting in June, and since then he has started three times, finishing in second place on each occasion. He is a very solid customer, and though no more than a useful hack at the present time, he is likely to develop improved form as the season advances, as he comes from a breed that does well with age. His brother, Baldowa, was a good performer in the best handicap company. TOTALISATOR BUSINESS THE GENERAL DECREASE WELLINGTON’S SOUND POSITION (By “The Watcher.”) The peak of totalisator turnover on the New Zealand turf was reached in the season 1920-21, since ■when there has been a general decline. In that particular season, of course, the amount handled by the machine was unnaturally inflated in the postwar orgy of spending, and cannot be taken as a sound indication of the people’s capacity to support racing; but the trend since the financial position has become more fixed has undoubtedly been on a declining scale. The following figures for the principal clubs of the Dominion compare last season’s turnover with that of the peak year, and it will be seen that although Wellington shares in the decline, its position on percentage basis is the most satisfactory of any club in the

grand national meeting TWO SCRATCHINGS By Telegraph—Press Association. Chrlstehurch, August 6. Tust John and Waitaunaha were scratched for their engagements at the Grand National meeting at 3.45 p.m. yesterday. TWO-YEAR-OLD PARADE first public appearance. An Interesting interlude at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting on Saturday was provided by the two-year-old parade fsavs the Christchurch “Star”). Fifteen juveniles were given their first introduction to the public on a race day. and they ran down the straight in three divisions, made up as follow: First Division. Mr. J. Richardson’s b. c., by Weathervane —Linnet. Mr. J. Aitken’s ch. f., by Tea Tray—Victory Bond. Mr G. D. Greenwood's b. f., by Praise, by ‘ Li’mond—Eulogy., Mr G. D. Greenwoods b. g. Ozone, by ’ Saltash—Aries. Mr J F. Studholme’s blk. c. by Tarqui‘nlus, by Nightraid—Week End. Mr. G. Gould’s b. c. Pharaoh, by Shambles ' —Palestrina. Second Division. Mr. W. T. Hazlett’s b. f., by TractorMoulin Rouge. Mr. J. Cracroft Wilson s b. f. Whatnot, by Shambles —Heath Lass. Mr. J. R- McKenzie’s ch. c., by Solferino — Bon Bord. , „ , Mr. W. O. Rutherford’s ch. c., by Val- ' kvrlan —Keep Watch. Mr. j. H. Watson’s b. g. Taunton, by Paladin—Sunny Brook. Third Division. Mr. C. G. Dalgety’s b. f. The Geisha, by Tea Tray—Stardancer. Mr. C. G. Dalgety’s b. f. Spoon, by Tea Tray—Warlove. Mr. G. Murray-Aynslcy’s ch/ g- Riri, by Paladin —Reproachful. Mr. G. Murray-Aynsley’s br. f. Kakara, by Paladin—Orange Blossom. In the first division Praise broke away too soon, and, being steadied, the others ran past her. Ozone was in front from the start, but first the Weathervane —Linnet colt and then the Tea Tray—Victory Bond filly ran past him, the last-named finishing in front, with Ozone third. The Valkyrian—Keep 'Watch colt led the Solferino—Bon Bord colt home in the second division, with the others close up. , The four stable mates who comprised the third division were allowed to stride along practically in line, all of them going comfortably. There was no suggestion of racing in any of the divisions, but enough was seen to suggest that several of the youngsters are likely to develop Into useful gallopers.

“N.Z. REFEREE” RICCARTON AND ADDINGTON Saturday next will see the opening of the Grand National racing carnival. On that day the Metropolitan Trotting Club will run its first day’s programme, with the Nationals and Winter Cup to follow early next week. A wonderful week’s sport is in prospect. Interest centres for the moment in the big jumping double at Riccarton, along with the Winter Cup. The Hunt Club meeting held last Saturday is usually regarded as in part a rehearsal for the C.J.C. winter gathering. Some of the results throw light on the prospects of a number of those horses engaged at Riccarton next week. For this reason “Carbine’s” review in the current “Referee” of the meeting, which is supplemented by a budget of notes on the running should prove useful as a guide to bettors. Apart from that review and those notes, the same writer deals in detail with the fields for the Great Northern Hurdles, Steeplechase and Winter Cup. Other features in the race section are an English letter covering the last Ascot meeting, and an article entitled “Four-footed Speed,” which tells of animals in, the Gobi Desert who can travel faster than Gloaming and are as enduring as several Trafalgars rolled into one. Light-harness devotees will want to know the prospects for Addington. A preliminary review of the handicaps has already appeared In the “Referee.” Those on the look-ouX for likely investments will want to read the summing up on the acceptances by “Miles.” The fields are large, and the fact that there will be a number of horses striving to qualify for the New Zealand .Trotting Cup must add a fillip to the proceedings. The programme for the earthquake benefit meeting to be held in Auckland also is published. On the statistical side this week’s Official Calendar carries the list of sires whose stock have won in stakes £2OO and over.

AUSTRALIAN STEEPLECHASE ACCEPTANCES By Telegraph.—Press Association. (Ree. August 6, Melbourne, August 6. The following are the final acceptors for the Australian Steeplechase, of 2100 sovs., about three miles and a half:—Sandhurst, 12.7; Seafit, 11.5-; Epergne. 11.3; Namera, 10.11; Mosstrooper. 10.9; George William. 10.7; Willanjie, 9.13.

RICCARTON GAINING NOTES WILTSHIRE JUMPS WELL Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, August 6. Gleudowle z was expected to be seen In action at lilccartou this morning, and the spectators were disappointed at his uonnppearanee. Glendowle has not been right for the past week, and his condition has not permitted him to be worked seriously enough to warrant a trip from Addington. It can now be taken for granted that he will not be a starter in the Grand National Steeplechase or even at the meeting, unless he shows sufficient Improvement to be able to contest one of the shorter steeplechases' later in the week. A. E. Ellis was offered the ride on Prickles in the Winter Cup, but was unable to accept owing to making a prior engagement for the Nightraid gelding, Tcheka, who will carry the colours of the Hon. T. M. Wllford. A rider has not been obtained for Prickles. Radiate suffered from lameness to such an extent after his race in the Homeby Steeplechase on Saturday last that It has been decided to lire his affected legs and to give him a spell on his owner's property. The Rlccarton tracks bore an animated appearance this morning. The middle of the course proper was thrown open for gallopers, and this was used by a large number of horses engaged next week, while advantage was taken by trainers of other horses being prepared for spring racing to give them some fast work on the good goilig provided. The steeplechase fences were also available, but there was verylittle demand for them, only four Jumpers tackling the course. The weather was spring-like and an unusual number of spectators were present to follow the proceedings which, although, interesting to a degree, did not produce any outstanding gallops. This was accounted for by the course proper being holding along the back stretch and to the faet that several horses were raced on Saturday, and others were not out fdr fast times. More Interest will be manifested in the winding up gallops on Thursday and Saturday. Subdivision was one of the first out, covering five furlongs in Imln. 6 3-Bsec. He was running well amongst the front division at the end of three furlongs in the Brabazon Handicap on Saturday, but got badly interfered with and was knocked back to the middle of the field. He should soon pick up a race. Quick Plunge finished better than Comique at the end of four furlongs, taking 51 3-ssee. ' Netley and Meprlsant sprinted over the same ground in 52 2-ssec. Full Feather and Sudden Storm went well over live furlongs, occupying Imln. ssec. The former is a much improved colt since he raced at the Wellington winter meeting. Gay SJonnet,. with a good weight up, strode over six furlongs in linin. 17 3-ssee. She showed some of her usual early speed on Saturday, but did not finish on in a manner suggesting her ability io go the | Winter Cup Journey. Still, the race would , improve her and she will not be friendless > next week. She will bo ridden in the engagement by W. Bush, who has been associate?! with her in the track work for some weeks past. The Viscount and Leader reeled off five furlongs in Imln. ssec. The latter looks well after his hard race on Saturday and Will face prominently again next week. Glenr.owan and Innlsfrce finished in front of Airplane after covering half a mile in 51'4-ssec. Wrigley and Gala Day were together throughout a sevon-furlong task executed in Imin. 36sec. Mister'Gamp accomplished similar work in Imln. 30sec. Gold Cure was going better than First Raid at the conclusion of six furlongs run in Imln. lO- l-osec. Prickles and Royal Flower sprinted half a mile in 53 2-ssec. Haze and Troilus did strong work over seven furlongs and Narrative and Filosol were not extended in a six-furlong task. Fabriano and Kaikahu galloped a mile at a useful pace throughout. Solferlte took 55s’ec. to run an easy half mile. Sarnia finished in front of Red Boa at the end of five furlongs in Imln. 7 2-ssec., but the latter was not ridden out over tho. last-furlong. - King’s Guard Was given strong work over a circuit. , . Grand Song and Zeuxis galloped four furlongs in 53 2 r ssec. Buoyant finished in front of Bulolo and Solgele (after covering five furlongs in Imln. 6sec. , Pangolin ran over half a mile in 53 4-ssec., and Sweet Refrain went well in a useful seven-furlong task. Amorist, strode over a mile in Imln. 51sec., Novar’ covering the same journey in Imin. 51 2-ssec. Moa Hall and Safety recorded Imin. Tsec. for- five "furlongs. The former has made marked improvement since Joining R. Ellis’s stable,, and ran a creditable race last Saturday. Honeycomb and .Tiinlper were abreast in a half-mile sprint along the back, taking 52sec. This was the latter’s first serious work since being recommissioned. Bonrose, who is engaged in the Cashmere Plate, was responsible for a smart effort in reeling off Mur furidngs'ln 51sec. J

Merian and Royal Mint took 515 or mi's to cover the same ground. The la “er has given every satisfaction since arriving from Wellington, and it would not be surprising to see him make a return to ning f-rriii in the spring. _ Honour was given a swinging S i 4 l °P ever * mile accompanied by Pride, sne chtxLuut colt continues to make good progross in his work. _ , ... ~ Alaric (E. Shaw) and Birkbeck, with a stable apprentice up, were sent two rounds over the schooling country. The latter gave a fine display, but Alaric was inclined to run down some of his fences. Antrim Boy (W. Cooper) jumped two hurdles in a pleasing manner. Mangani (H. Dulieu) and Horomea (K. Svme) were companions over five huraies. Both jumped well, the former especially being responsible for an attractive exhibition. , z . Whittier (E. Shaw) and Clarenson (A. Youngman) negotiated a circuit of the hurdles, the latter making the better showing in a moderate display. Much interest was centred in the appearance ot Wiltshire (R. Syme) aud Uralla (F. Foster), who set off together to negotiate a round of the main steeplechase course. Both jumped the first two fences well, but Uralla stopped at the first of the kennels double- and refused to jump it after four further attempts. She was then got over the second of the double, but was not further persevered with. shire went on alone and gave a splendid exhibition, clearing each obstacle in his stride and completing his work with a magnficent effort over Cutts’s brush. He had the pace on throughout, and gave the impression that he has regained the which enabled him to outclass the, field •in the Grand National Steeplechase twelve months ago. He has been favourite for next Tuesday’s race since the weights appeared, and after this good showing is certain to maintain his position up to the closing of operations. Uralla’s performance was very disappointing to the onlookers, as she had the reputation of being a proficient jumper. One reason assigned for his refusing was that the kennels double was affected by shadows from the adjoining high trees, which were more pronounced than would be the case later in the day. There was evidently something in this contention, as Oriflamb (I. Tilson) and Taramoa (G. Dempster), who followed the above pair, both baulked at the same fence three or four times after jumping the previous obstacles well, and their riders brought them back to the stables.

Dec., Season, Season, Per 1020-21. 1928-9. cent. Auckland .. 1,146,480 783,025 31 2-3 Wellington .. 698,940 560,038 ■ 20 Christchurch .. 688,088 429,486 37} Dunedin .... .. 345,930 210,170 39 Takapuna .. 279,023 167,716 40 Avondale .. 256-.806 134,418 47 Manawatu .. 287,536 154,031 4Gi Wanganui ... 314,714 152,524 109,278 51} Hawke's Bay .. 223,205 51