TURF NEWS IN BRIEF

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 29, 3 August 1939, Page 13

TURF NEWS IN BRIEF

Eight favourites have won the Grand National Steeplechase since order of favouritism was first recorded in the Turf Register in 1915. ' In the period since 1915, only two favourites have succeeded in the Winter Cup, Le Choucas and Fast ■The oonly favourites who have failed to complete the Grand National since 1915 have been Tim Doolan (1915), Merry Lad (1917), Lochella (1920), Carawock (1924), and Diamond (1936). the last-named breaking his back without falling. . . . The only horse remaining in the field for this year's Grand National Steeplechase who competed last year is Erination, who fell twelve months a So. . . ..,-.-. j Horses still remaining m the Grand National field this year who have been successful over the Riccarton country in other races are Erination, Padishah, Gold Wren, and Manawatu. According to a Wanganui report, bL. G. Butler recently recommissioned Eurotas, and the Pantheon gelding appears to have iriade a good recovery from his leg ailments. Hastings reports credit Indian Sun with being a much-improved horse as the result of his racing at Trentham last month, and he should pay his way in minor events at the Grand National Meeting. Charade has aiot been asked to race since winning the Great Northern and Remuera Hurdles at Ellerslie in June, but she is at the top of her form. She will be ridden at Riccarton again by A. Jenkins. The Great Northern Derby winner Essex, who 'was formerly trained at Trentham, is standing up to the light tasks being allotted him at Hastings, and hopes are held out that this highclass galloper will starid another preparation. The winner of the Grand National Steeplechase next Tuesday will not become liable for a rehandicap in the Grand National Hurdles if he is engaged also in the Hurdles. It is a rule of racing that no: penalty or re-, handicap is incurred in a- hurdle event' for a win in a flat race or a steeplechase.