GRAND NATIONAL WEEK

Evening Star, Issue 20253, 14 August 1929, Page 4

GRAND NATIONAL WEEK

C.J.C. RAGES' WILTSHIRE AND HISTORIC WIN THE DOUBLE For tho opening day of the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Meeting tho total- ■ isator handled £G2,USGJ, compared with ; £(il,U94i for the first day last year. ■.Concluding results:— NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL ■: STEEPLECHASE. l,6oUsovs. 31m. I—Mr T. Wilson's WILTSHIRE .(Day Cornet—Lady Lobelia), 7yrs, 10.9 (R. Syme) 1 4—Mr F. F. Nowmaivs Mil tu, 9.5 (A. -Jenkins) 2 , s—-Mr P. ,T. -Hogan’s Fabriano, 9.2 ~, (D. O’Connor). ... ... ... 3 i Others: 3 Kawinx 10.13, 3 King’s : Guard 10.3, 7 Maunga 9.11, 0 Rang! Sarto 9.0. i : Won by six lengths*..■ with ■ three- '■ lengths between second and third.King’s Guard was fourth. Wiltshire was always in the leading division, and ■ a mile from home made a good break on . the field to win easily. Maunga fell in the back stretch on the second round, intertering with Kawini, and '■ spoiling'his chance in the race.- Time, 7min-7sec. < ■ Winners of tire, Grand National Steeplechase since 1888 are as follow; -st. lb.

ENFIELD STEEPLECHASE, 250sovs. About 2m. 1— Mr L. C. Hazlett’s DUBIOUS, 10.13 (L. Hunt) - 1 s—Mr H. Elworthy’s Silver Light, 9.0 (A. S. Ellis) ......... 2 3—Mr W. F. Parkinson s Kaikahu, 9.3 (A. Peart) 3 Others; 2 Alanc 10.6, 6 Bon Aryan 9.10. 4 Handy 9.10. Won by two lengths; Ivaikahir led to the last fence and fell, but was remounted by a spectator to gain third money. Time, 3mm 59sec. WINTER CUP, 7oosovs. Im. 2 Mr V, Riddiford’s HISTORIC tNassau —Brayton), syrs, 10.4 (B. H. -Morris) ... ... ••• 115—Mr F. T Buchanan’s Gay Sonnet, 9.9 (W. Bush) ... ... 2 13—Mr L. Kelcher’s Taboo, 9.2 (B. Brodie) 3 Others: 7 Royal Saxon 10.3, 1 Black Duke 10.3. 11 Otairi 9.11, 6 King Balboa 9.10, 3 Kaiti 9.9, 4 Gold Cure 9.9. 8 Black. Mint 9 3, and Royal Game 9.0 (bracketed), 12 Full Feather 9.3, 16 Vesperus 9.2, 5 Zippor 9.1, 14 Maui 9.0. 18 Town Bank 9.11, 10 Tcheka 9.0, 9 Prickles 9.0, 17 First Raid 9.0. Won by three lengths, with half a length between second and third. . Gold Cure was fourth, ’rime, Imin 42sec. The following is a list of the winners of the Winter Cup to date:—

AVONHEAD HANDICAP, 250sovs. 7f. 3—Mr D. Jones’s MEMBO, 10.10 (A. E. Didhani) ... ••• ••• 1 B—Mr C. G.. Dalgety’s Starshooter, 9.5 (W. Bush) -A 3 1 Mr W. 11. Kemball’s Shortly.. . 10.5 (L. G. Morris) ... ... 0 Others: 4 Roi de Val 10.9, 5 Sweet Refrain 10.4, 2 Red Boa 10.4, 11 r ilosol 9.13. 7‘ Phnstar 9.8, 14 Grand Acre 9.7, 9 Hounslow car. 9.2. 15 Maisliani car. 9.2}, 12 Moy Hall 9.0, 13 Royal Flower 9.0, 10 • Otauru Lass 9.0, 6 Wrigley 9.0, : 10 j Morian car, 9.1}, .17 Dundalk 9.0. . . Won by a head, with three lengths between second and third. > Hounslow was fourth. Time, -limn 30sec. NOTES ON THE RACING [By St. Claie.] The weather for the opening day of the Grand National Meeting could not have been better, and the attendance was one of the largest ever seen at this meeting. The course was in excellent condition for winter racing, and the going between the fences on the steeplechase course perfect. Though the fields in the two cross-country races ■were on the small side, the contests were full ol interest, and provided plenty of thrills. The select contingent from Otago did well, as both Dubious and Membo were returned winners, and it also provided in Black Duke the first favourite for the Winter Cup. Throughout the afternoon the racing'was interesting, and Mr starting ex- ■ cellem * • , - wood - P. ■ ■ " u> tJure > lirst wtl i'or coughs, colds, influenza. [Advt.J,

Though Mime did not appear to hold a winning chance in tho Hunters' Hurdles when Democratic got to him over the last two furlongs, it was onlythe hard luck of hitting the final hurdle very hard that stopped him from being second. He is sure to be a difficult horse to boat in similar races if Ids owner sends him to tho Otago or Birchwood Hunt Meetings.

Apache:, has improved as a hurdler beyond all recognition during the last month, and in the Trial Hurdles was unlucky to get beaten. He fenced a little greenly at one or two of the hurdles, and, but for jumping in towards the rails at the last fence, and thus losing some ground, he would have beaten Gala Day. He promises to take a high place amongst hurdlers when a little more seasoned. Antrim Boy looked on the light _ side when paraded for this race, and is not nearly at his best. He found the pace set by Gala Day too hot. and was never prominent. »'« - « • Captivate looked much better than when he ran at the Hunt Club Meeting ten days earlier, and was always prominent in. the Cashmere Plate. It will not be long before be earns a winning bracket - v ■: ■■■ * • * * Overhaul looked fresh and bright when paraded for the Jumpers’ Flat, and started a good second favourite He was right in the picture until after the home turn had been negotiated, and the race will do him a power of good for the big hurdle race on Thursday, in which ho promises to be one of the hardest to beat. Brightling, who has improved a lot since going into Shaw’s stable, ran a really good race: ■in this event, and, after being well up with tho leaders in the first mile, came again in-the last furlong, and boat several well fancied ones for third place. It was his best effort for two or three seasons, and it looks as if Shaw is sure to get some stake money with this son of Tractor before long.

• Any horse that P. T. Hogan has is always claimed to belong to the south, as that trainer was for so many years premier trainer in Southland, and all those from the south were on Fabriano in the Grand National Steeplechase. The Otago Steeplechase winner was always in the picture, and gave his best display of fencing to date. He forced the pace for the first mile of the final circuit, but lacked that brilliancy over the last half-mile necessary in the make-up of a National winner. He finished a dozen lengths behind Wilt shore, but it was nevertheless a good performance, and Hogan deserves great credit for landing this old cast-off at the post in such excellent condition ft was unfortunate that Lord Ranald was not able- to start, and critics are still unable to say whether he is a National horse or not. Wiltshire was the best ridden horse in the race, and appeared to have it won half a mile from home. He never put a foot wrong in the long iourney, and outjumped all who took him on. King’s Gua’-d was going well until he hit the third last fence heavily; but the unlucky horse in the race was Kawini, wliu very nearly came to grief when he stumbled over the fallen Maunga on landiig over the sod wall at Cntts’s. There was a good deal of luck in -Dubious’s success in the Enfield Handicap, for had Kaikahu not fallen at the last fence the Salisbury-trained horse would only have been a poo’ 1 second. The oaee was on all the way, and Dubious was very tired at the end of a mile and a-balf and well beaten, but he std 1 jumped well, and that alone allowed him to beat Silver Light over tbo last furlong.

Amongst those who had seen Black Duke do most of his racing his chances in the Winter Cup were discounted when he drew No. 2 at the barrier. He is not a quick beginner, and in the big field, containing many smart sprinters, he was quickly snowed in, and at the end of the first furlong he was in a hopeless position Royal Saxon, on the other hand, was one of the first to show out, and ho was with the leading division until reaching the home turn. He lacked racing condition, and bad he had a race or two into him during the past few weeks must have been one of the hardest to beat. The going was too good to suit Taboo but he ran one of his best races, and though not well placed in the early stages he .was (lying at the finish and did well to beat Gold Cure out of third money. It was very unfortunate that King Balboa went off a day or so before the meeting, as he ran an excellent race in the Cup, and had he been himself be would have troubled the winner

Membo, who, by the way. is making his final appearance in hack company at this meeting, put up a very attractive performance by giving Sharpshooter 191 b in the Avonhead Handicap. He was bandied with excellent judgment by Didham, and a good deal of credit is due that horseman for the win.

Gav Jim and Diamond Jack were the withdrawals from the Hunters’ Hurdle Race, and the two North Islanders, Birheek and Democratic (Thurnham — Demsisalle), carried nearly all the money, the former starting at a shade of odds on, and Barrington was the best backed of the,others. The latter and Mihie were responsible for a strong pace over the first mile, and were fully ten lengths clear of Democratic at the hurdle five furlongs from home, which Barrington hit hard. Mime led Democratic into the straight, where the favourite ran up into third place Democratic headed Mime before reaching the last hurdle, which the latter hit very hard and nearly fell. This left Democratic' to win very easily by four lengths from the favourite, and Minm was six lengths further hack third. Grand National and Barrington wore next. Investments, £4,5775.

Only Fine Acre was withdrawn from the Trial Hurdle Handicap, and then was ‘little to choose in the order ot betting between Amorist, Apache, Gala Day (Quin Abbey—Bell Crispin), and Thurnbell. with Carinthia next. Gala Day at once went to the front, and to’ nine furlongs was four to six length' out in front of Carinthia and Apache who,were running together just infror of Amorist. At the hurdle five fim longs from home Apache touched it but quickly recovered his lost ground and a furlong further on Amorist joine-" Apache and Carinthia. The latter wr beaten before 'reaching the home tur and Gala Day led Amorist. Thurribe 1 ' and Apache, all in close order, over H last fence, fn the run home Gala Drjust stayed long enough to hea’ Apache, 'who beat Thumb'd! by n length. The favourite was anotbolength away fourth, and Aurora: Be realm was next. Investments. Cfiri ' 1

fn a field of twenty-three in tin Cashmere Plate, only Academy being 'withdraw " Bonrose was sent out, a ho* favourite, .being more than twice c* well backed as Leader (C’ml Ruier orm less), 4 who was,second choice, and. Bat’s

Boy, Great Lady, and Air Laddie wore each well supported. Tho barrier appeared to be caught by several of the horses when it was released, and tho smartest to leave were Leader, Desert Song, Pat’s Boy, and Grand: Song. Leader and Desert Song wore first on the course proper, and at the distance post the favourite, Air Laddie, and Honeycomb showed up, but Leader headed off Desert Song and won bv a length. Air Laddie was two lengths off third, a nose in front of Honeycomb, and then came Grand Song, Stately, Bonrosc, and Great Lady in line. Investments, £7,557. Nukumai, Red Fusehia, and Elysiauor were tho scratchings for the Jumpers’ Flat Handicap, for which Novar, with A. E. Ellis up, was made a very hot favourite, with Overhaul a good second choice, and Horornea Fine Acre, Locarno, and Aberfekh (Quin Abbey—Uranium) next: fancied. Fine Acre at once took charge from an excellent start, and led out of the straight from Troilus, Brightling, and Overhaul. Going past the mile post Fine Acre had drawn out four lengths clear from Hofomea, Troilus, Brightling, and Overhaul, and there was little change in this order until racing for the far turn, where Horornea and Overhaul ran into second place to Fine Acre, who was still bowling along in front, with Brightling and Abeffeldy next. Overhaul retired once tho straight was entered, and Aberfekly ran> into Second place behind Fine Acre At the distance post Aberfekly challenged Fine Acre, and in a good finish beat him home by.half a length. Brightling was four lengths away third, then followed Horornea, Overhaul, and the favourite, who ran a bad race. Investments, £7,9081.

Owing to .the development of kidney trouble, Lord Ranald was unable to start in the Grand National Steeplechase. The veterinary surgeon advised that lie would probably’ fall if started. Wiltshire (Day Comet—Lady Lobelia) was made one of the hottest favourites ever started in the big race, carrying considerably more than Kawini and King’s Guard or Matu, with Fabriano next fancied, Maunga being the outsider of the party. Wiltshire and King’s Guard led over the first fence, and at the stand double they were just clear of Fabriano, Matu, and Rangi Sarto, with Kawini and Maunga two lengths further back. The order was unchanged at Cutts’, but King’s Guard joined Wiltshire at. the sod wall. King’s Guard drew out on the flat, but Wiltshire caught him, again at the sod wall. Wiltshire led King's Guard, Fabriano, and Rangi Sarto into the straight, the four being close together. Rangi Sarto then retired, and ho was last passing the stand, where Wiltshire, King’s Guard, and Fabriano were together ten lengths in front of Maunga and Matu, with Kawini a little further back. King’s Guard and Fabriano led Wiltshire over the fence at Cutts’ by four lengths. Maunga fell at the sod wall, interfeiing with Kawini. Going to the post-and-rails King’s Guard and Fabriano wore just clear of Wiltshire and Matu, but at the Kennels double Wiltshire joined the pair in front. Wiltshire jumped to the front at the sod wall, and turned into the straight several lengths in front of King’s Guard, Fabriano, and Matu. Wiltshire held his lead over the last fence, whore Matu was in second place. Wiltshire finished strongly and boat Matu by six lengths. Fabriano was three lengths away, with King’s Guard five lengths further back. Investments, £9,596J. #*# * * Birkbeck was withdrawn from the Enfield Steeplechase, leaving six starters, of which Dubious (Demosthenes— Lad ate) was made a good lavourite, with Alaric and Kaikahu the best backed of the others. Handy led Silverlight and the favourite over the firstLcr.ce and stand double, the second of which Dubious hit hard, Bon Aryan falling at the first. Going to Cutts’, Handy led .Dubious, Silverlight, and Alaric, who were running together. At the next- wall Kaikahu was first over from Dubious and Silverlight. Handy dropping back lost his rider at the next. Kaikahu led over tho Kennels double from Dubious, but put in a bad jump. He was in charge .again at the next, and going over the last fence looks an odds-on winner, but fell. Dubious had to be ridden right out to heat Silver Light by two lengths. Kaikahu was remounted by a spectator for third money. Alaric baulked at the second last fence. Investments, C5.G93A.

Only Overdrawn was withdrawn from the Winter Cup, and the field and draw for positions in order of favouritism was:—

Black Duke (2), Historic (G), Kaiti Balboa (3), Royal Saxon (15), Black Mint (4) and Royal Game (10) bracketed, Prickles (11), Tcheka (1G), Otairi (12), Full Feather (18), Taboo (9), Maui (7), Gay Sonnet (5), Vcsperus (8), First Raid (1), and Town Bank (17). Black Duke was made a slightly better favourite, than Historic (Nassau — Bray ton), with Kaiti and Gold Cure nearly as well favoured. Zippor, King Balboa, and Royal Saxon were next host supported. Gay Sonnet was first to break the lino, with Royal-Saxon, Gold Cure, Historic and Wcheka in close attendance. At the end of two furlongs Gay Sonnet was just showing clear of Gold Cure, with Historic and Royal Saxon together at the head of tho others. Gay Sonnet and Gold Cure were three lengths in front of Historic at tho homo turn, with-Royal Saxon still prominent. Historic moved up when the straight was reached. He was in front at the distance, Where Taboo also made his appearance. Historic went on to win easily by three lengths from Gay Sonnet, who beat Taboo by half a length. Gold Cure was a length away just in front of King Balboa and Otairi. Investments, £11,6945. •*. * * The. Viscount and Dumblane .were withdrawn from the Avonhead Hack Handicap, for which Shortly, who went down very scratchilv in the' preliminary, was made a slightly bettor favourite than Red Boa, with Membo (Balboa—Sweet Memory), Roi de Vnl, and Sweet Refrain next in demand. Membo was tho first out from a good start, but after going a furlong gave way to Dundalk, who led Grand Aero and Membo round the far turn and across the top. This was tho order of tho leaders also at the home turn, where Starshooter and tho favourite .rare lying next. At the distance post Membo and Starshooter drew out, and m a good finish Membo beat him by a head. Shortly was two lengths away ’■bird, followed by Hounslow, Royal Slower, and Grand Acre. Investments, 38,608. . . . ’ ■

1888-~Mangaohaue ; ... 11 2 1889— Chemist ' ’ . ... 12 7 3890—jDaddy Long-legs-... ... 9 •'7 1891 —Freeman ... ... ... 9 12 189?—Alma .... ... ... ... 11 ‘9 1893 —Watorburv ... 10 8 1894—Norton ' .... ... .... ... 12 8 189b —Mutiny ... ... ... 11 5 1896—Mutiny ..i .... ... ... 12 ■4 1897 —Levanter ... ... ... 12 6 1898—Dummy ... ..V"... -... 10 13 1899— Blackberry ... 10 6 1900—Tho Guard ... 10 6 1901—Gobo ... ... ... ... 10 9 1902—Ha vein .. ... 10 9 1903—Awahurl .;. :... ... 11 3 1904—Slow Tom ... 11 0 1905—fnniskillen' ... ... ... « 13 190G—Phaetonitis - v ... ... 10 6 190V— V. clair ... ... 10 2 1908 —Mums ... 10 2 1909 —Xadador ... 10 8 1910--Te Arai .... .... ... ... .11 9 1911 —Paritutu ... 10 2 1912 —Captain Jingle ... ... 11 7 1913—Bercola ... 11 3 1914—Tim Doolau ... 10 2 1915 —Ngatoa ... ... 9 9 1916—VVaimai ... ... 11 8 1917--Master Strowau ... ... 10 11 1918—St. El ran ... 9 11 1919 —Locliella ... 9 9 1920 —Coalition ... 11 13 1921—Coalition ... 12 7 1922—Oakleigh ... 10 7 1923— Oakleigh ... 12 0 1924 —Sturclce ... 9 4 1926 —Tuki ... 9 4 1926—Peter Maxwell ... ... 9 1 1927 —Beau Cavalier ... 11 7 1928 —Wiltshire ... 10 9 1929—Wiltshire ... 10 9

1399 Jupiter st. lb. 9 9 in. 1 49 1900 Spider 9 0 1 47 2-5 1901 Ostiak ... ... 10 5. 1 44 3-5 1902 Waiwhera ' 9 0 1 49 4-5 1903 Vladimir ... 10 12 1 45 1904 Mahutonga • 9 10 1 45 2-5 1905 Kremlin 10 12 1 45 1906 Aboriginal ... .;. 9,0 1 50 1907 Idealist ... 9 3 1 43 4-5 1908 Penates 9 11. 1 44 1909 North-East 9 9 1 43 2-5 1910 Nyland 10 1 1 44 4-5 1911 Undecided 9 11 ■1 ; 46' 1-5 1912 Magdala ... 9 0 1 47 4-5 1913 Parky 9 0 1 43 3-5 1914 Chortle 9 12 1 42 1915 Banksia 9 11 1 41,4-5 1916 Cherry Blossom ... 9 1 1 48 1917 King Star 9 0 1 45 4-5 1918 .... 9 13 lo-ii • 1 43 1-5 1919 Garde] uc 1 44 1-5 1920 Killoweii ... 9 12 1 45 2-5 1921 Clean Sweep 10 6 1 46 2-5 1922 Bon Spec ... 9 8 1 41 1923 Sunny Loch ... .... 10 9 , 1 42 3-5 :1924.S6lifom ... ... ... -9' 8 1 ‘ 43 3-5 1925 Kuhio 9 3 1 46 1926 Le Choucas ... ... 9 5 1 40 1927 Solferite ... 1928 Bisox ... ... 9 0 9 6 1 1 42 2-5 42 4-5 1929 Historic 10 4 1 42