RICCARTON NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 25871, 15 August 1946, Page 3

RICCARTON NOTES

DUMBO’S RESTRICTED PROGRAMME UNFORTUNATE OVERSIGHT (Special.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 14. The only schooling bout at Riccarton to-day was that between Greek Dancer and Foxspear over six hurdles. The latter led over the first two fences. They jumped the next two together, and Greek Dancer showed the way for tho remainder of the task. Both jumped well, Fo.xspear especially well for a novice.

It was unfortunate for the connections of Dumbo that ho was not nominated for either the Beaufort or Lincoln Steeplechases. The nominations for the Grand National and Beaufort and Lincoln Steeplechases were taken together some weeks before the closing of nominations for the minor races, and, through some oversight, Dumbo was only nominated for the Grand National. Later, when the mistake was realised, he was nominated for the Hunt Cup Steeplechase, but was withdrawn from this after winning tho big event. Dumbo would undoubtedly have had easy tasks in the two races, and would have added much interest to the contests. Leigh Barton.

Leigh Barton, although moving a little scratchily on the plough to-day, has again thrown off his lameness, and should again race prominently on Saturday. He has been accepted for in both tho Ileathcote and Selwyn Handicaps, and a decision as to his programme will not be made until tomorrow._ In all probability he will be started in the Heathcote Handicap. Palm Bearer has not furnished as well as expected, and it is probable that she has never thrown off the effects of her unfortunate experience on the steamer trip from Wellington earlier in the year. It was hoped that she would be ready to take her place in the John Grigg Stakes at Ashburton next mouth, but this is not now likely, and it may be decided to restrict her activities for a few months in the hope of building her up. High ideal has been sold, and will in future be trained at Greymouth by C., J. Walshe for Mr J. Trowbridge, of Greymoutb. Piccolo has been under treatment daring the week for a knock he suffered last week, but is expected to race next Saturday. Royal Robe.

ltoyal Robe created a good impression by his win last Saturday, and, as he had not done a great deal of work immediately preceding the race because of some internal trouble, he would derive much benefit from the outing. He will be put to a much more severe test in the Longbeach Hack Handicap this week. Royal Robe was bred by Mr S. Faulks, of. Wanaka, who has the young gelding’s sire, Royal Chief, at his stud there. Costume, the dam of Royal Robe, is not in the ‘ Stud Boob.’ She is by Pink Coat from Quickform, by Boniform from Quickset. The last-named was raced with success by the late Mr J. Clare. Mr Faulks has a yearling filly from Costume at his stud, and the’mare is due to foal shortly to Royal “Chief. Hasten, who ran third in the Jumpers’ Flat oil the first day of the National meeting, was not able to face on the ; 'second day because of an injury through getting a leg over a board fence. He has been a regular visitor to the tracks this week and worked freely on the plough to-day.

[He will be an interesting contestant in the Sydenham Hurdles on Saturday. Wild Note has been fairly highly assessed in the Longbeach Hack Handicap. He has had one race only, a maiden event at Wingatui, which lie won decisively, and it was after this performance that he was sold for 2,000g5. He has grown into a big three-year-old, and it is not intended to give him much racing until _ later in the season. He was not nominated for the John Grigg Stakes.

Two Engagements. Spanish "Slain is expected to contest the Lincoln Steeplechase in preference to the Hunt Cup, while Night Prince may tackle the weaker opposition in the Hunt Cup.