RICCARTON WORK

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 258, 29 July 1939, Page 17

RICCARTON WORK

Tracks In Good Order Dominion Special Service CHRISTCHURCH, July 28. Riccarton tracks were not opened yesterday, because of a thick coating of snow, but today there was practically no trace of the fall and all tracks had returned to their normal condition. The course proper showed little sign of the recent weather, and can be expected to provide excellent going for both flat racers and jumpers tomorrow. The Riccarton course has always enjoyed a reputation for quick recovery from the worst of visitations, and this week’s experience has certainly enhanced that reputation. , . , Today the outside of the trial grass was in use. and practically every horse engaged at tomorrow's meeting was exercised either on this or on the sand, both tracks having firm surfaces. The fastest half-mile gallop of the morning was credited to Yours Truly and St. Cloud, who were first to use the grass St. Cloud ran away from her mate early, and. at the end of two furlongs, was three lengths in front, but Yours Truly then gradually overhauled her. and the tiair finished abreast in 49 3-5, the last three furlongs in 36. St. Cloud is a three-year-old ally by Robes-' pierce from Charmaine, dam of Charriieuse, and is endowed wdth the family speed. Yours Truly finished up his task solidly, and can be depended upon to make a better showing on firm ground than in the heavy going at Trentham. There were numerous half-mile sprints during the morning, the average time being round about 52. Some of these were: In the Dark 52, Jumeaux Ravine 52 2-5, Montessa 51 1-5, The Wrecker 52 3-5, Royal Chief and Moorsotis 51 1-5, Grey Honqjir 52 2-5, Nightcalm 51, Wagner and Waka'so 3-5, Lockit 54, Prudent PriAce 53, Pol Roger and Gasmask 53, Defaulter and Great Memory 53 3-5. Spanish Lad 52 1-5. Grey Night and Master Hotspur ran five furlongs in 1.5, and Dictate and Roy Bun covered the same ground in'l.s 3-5. Lady Leigh was let off with a sprint over three furlongs in, 36 3-5, and carried on to the half-mile in 52 3-5. Fidelis, Konncta-and Haughty Winner were in line at the end of six furlongs in ,1.19 4-K- .Trench Fight went over this (Instance earlier.in 1.18 1-5, ami Catalogue, looking bright, occupied 1.21 2.15. A rider had not today been definitely engaged for Catalogue in the Brabazon Handicap. . Aggravate strode over a mile in 1.52 2-5, and Padishah and Aussie Ra did similar work. The morning’s jumping was confined to three horses. Power Chief (A. Lord) and Manawatu (R. Savage) gave an attractive display over five of the inside steeplechase fences, and Cottingham (A. Leach) jumped three brush fences in a dashing manner. The last-named had plenty of pace ,on and evidently requires riding into his fences more than has been done previously. Arrangements have been made to have an exhibition gallop between Royal Chief and Defaulter at tomorrow's meeting. It Is proposed to parade them after the. second race and to allow them to run .down fr.. i the top of the straight at a strong pace. Both horses are due to be shipped to Sydney next week. Under the conditions of the Christchurch Hunt Club’s programme, winners of the three principal events will not incur any penalty for'corresponding races at the Grand National meeting, and the winner of the Maiden Stakes will be eligible to start in f the Cashmere Plate, which is for horses that have not won a raci at time of nomination,