SPORTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 August 1930, Page 6

SPORTING

METROPOLITAN MEETING.

PLUTO WINS AUGUST.

[PEB PBESS ASSOCIATIdjt.J

CHRISTCHURCH, August 9. For the first day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s August meeting, the weather was dull, with light showers. The course was in fair order and the attendance was fair. The tote investments were £23,421 as compared with £34,610£ on the corresponding day of last year. Remaining results: —

ADVANCE HANDICAP, 1J miles — (4) A. Quigley’s George Rey (F. G. Holmes) 1, (6) Sodium 2, (1) Morrison 3. Also started —(11) Brilliant, (5) Pro Rata, (10) Captain Wrack, (2) Erin’s Pointer, (3) Glenrossie, . (St Lydia, (<; Royal Silk and (9) Ngingongingo. Times: 2.50 2-5, 2.50 3-5, and 2.51.

AUGUST HANDICAP, 2 miles.—(3) W. J. Gudsell’s Pluto 1, (7) Imprint 2, (2) Muriel de Oro 3, (8) Jean McElwyn 4. Also started —(4) Great Logan, (5) Omaha and Bonny Logan (coupled), (9) Pageant, (10) Harvest Child, (1) Linkman and (6) Dundas Boy. Won by two lengths, with one length between second and third, and fourth horse another half length away. Times: 4.31 3-5, 4.28. 4.32 3-5.

TRIAL HANDICAP, -2 miles—(l3 j Sunchild (M. Holmes) 1, (2) Aleron 2, (3) Apex 3. Also .started —(11) MacDillon, (15) Mercury, (4) Hostess, (6) Tarndale, (10) Tactless, (17) Nelson McElwyn, (5) Wild Voyage, (8) Baynut, (7) Ngingongingo, (1) Country King, (14) Shady Spot, (16) Teremoa, (12) Sonoma and (9) Nelson de Oro. Won by a head; a length and a-half. Nelson McElwyn was fourth. Times 4.36 3-5, 4.35 4-5, 4.39.

STEWARDS’ HANDICAP, 2 miles.— (6) C. L. Kettle’s John Mauritius (W. J. Tomkinson) 1, (9> Engagement 2, (8) Quickfire 3. Also .started —(11) Bingen Starr, (7) Jock Bingen, (4) New Metford, (1) Rose Ando, (10) Nighborn,, (2) Writer, (5) Ukelele Lady, (3) Sarsaparilla and (12) Koro Peter. Won by a neck; half a length. New Metford was fourth. Times 4.40 2-5, 4.39 4-5, 4.44.

QUEEN MARY HDCPd 2 miles—(2) W. J. Moir’s Neero (A. Hendriksen) 1, (3) Erin’s Fortune 2, (7) Grand Light 3. Also started —(4) Gang Awa, (6) Invader, (9) Great Delight, (1) Wa.kataua, (10) John Noble, (8) Kid Logan, (11) Wrackeen, (12) Arikitoa, (13) Avenger, (5) Harold Logan, Logan s Pride and (7) Torpedo Huon (coupled with GranQ Light). Won by three lengths; a head. Invader was fourth. Times: 4.31 3-5, 4.29, 4.31 1-5. SELWYN HDCP., I’t miles.—(2) Mrs I. Sweetapples’ Warplane (J. S. Shaw) 1, (8) Steel All 2, (4) Rey Logan 3. Also started—(l3) Marinca, (1) Proud Dillon and Eugene de Oro (coupled), (12) Rolex, (5) Royal Comrade, (7) Shady Spot, (9) Double Event, (3) Ngahuai, (11) Granite City, (10) Huon Denver, (6) Dilnou and Lindbergh (coupled). Won by half a length; four lengths. Marinca was fourth. Times: 2.49 4-5, 2.49, 2.51 1-5. INTERNATIONAL HANDICAP, one mile. —(3) J. J. Kennerley’s Vendome (owner) 1, (4) Final McKinney 2, (6) Granite City 3. Also started—(s) Hector’s Own, (2) Morning Sun, (7) Trimmer and Native Prince (coupled), (13) Arikitoa, (9) El Direct, (15) Harvest Child, (1) Muriel do Oro, (14) Pageant, (18) Daphne de Oro, (10) Genuine, (11) Kid Logan, (17) Sunshower, (8) Vesuvius, (16) King Pointer, (12) Author Jinks, (19) Logan Chief and (20) Prince Pointer. A neck each way. Morning Sun was fourth. Times: 2.11 3-5, 2.12 4-5, 2.13.

THE RACING DESCRIBED.

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CHRISTCHURCH, August 9.

The Canterbury Winter Racing Carnival commenced at Addington to-day in bleak and cold weather. After two days’ heavy rain the track turned out in nico order, so much so that nearly every event was run up to about handicap time. The attendance was disappointing, and there was a big falling off in the tote investments, which were £ll,OOO short of last year’s figures.

FAVOURITE WINS. Ambition was favourite for the Introductory Handicap, and justified her support by leading throughout. All through the first mile Ambition had Tamahine, Fifa and Home Voyage as her nearest attendants, with White Satin and Mount Royal handy. Sticking to her task gamely, Ambition just lasted long enough to defeat the faster finishing Fifa by a head. Close up came Maxegin, Home Voyage and Midland! I' was a smart, performance on the part of each of the placed horses, all of whom wejit under their handicap times. GEORGE REY LEADS FIELD. George Rey started off .smartly in the Advance Handicap, while Brilliant, Pro Rata and Glenrossie were slow to strike their gait. Morrison and Capt.tiin Wrack had George Rey doing his best all through the first mile, while of the others Sodium and Glenrossie were the most prominent. In a spirited finish, George Rey just managed to stall off a, determined challenge from Sodium, who had all the worst of the running, by a head. After going two furlongs Pro Rata and Lydia camo down, and the former had to be destroyed. A DECISIVE VICTORY.

Linkman and Muriel de Oro were sorted out by backers as the best of those engaged in the August Handicap, but the former quite failed to race up to expectations. When the «eld had settled down to business, Pluto was in charge from Murel de Oro, Great Logan and Omaha. By the time a round had b/en completed Pluto had opened up a big lead ,and was handling the going much better than any of the other competitors. Once into the concluding circuit Muriel de Oro and Great. Logan were being hard driven to close the gap, but their efforts were futile. Coming with a great, finishing effort, imprint raced past Muriel de Oro, but failed to reach Pluto by two lengths. It was a decisive win. as once Pluto got to the front he never gave (lie opposition a look in. Muriel do Oro went a solid race but. was wanting over tho last bit, while after starting brilliantly Linkman failed to show his

usual stamina. All the honours of the race were with Imprint who, after having a bad passage, finished on so well as to suggest him as a winner before the meeting concludes. OUTSIDER COMES HOME. Betting took a wide range in the Trial handicap, for though Countij King wound up favourite, there wiia plenty of money also for Aleron, Apex, Hostess and Wild Voyage. From the start. Apex set a very solid pace, closely followed by Tactless, Mercury and Hostess. It was an interesting race all through, for after Mercury, Hostess and Tactless had faded out. Sunchild and Aleron came along with strong challenges. Over the last fuilong Aleron put in great work on the outside, but. he just failed to reach Sunchijd by a head. . The winner is trained at Forbury Park by C. R. Hadfield, and rewarded his supporters with a nice double-figure dividend.

WIN LONG OVERDUE. A useful field of twelve trotters lined up for the Stewards’ Handicap, the favourite selections for which were Rose Ando, Wrtcr, Sarsaparilla and New Metford. Getting to business much fcater than the others of the long start division, Rose Ando soon opened up a useful lead which she maintained till well into the concluding circuit, where she went, to a break. Then Engagement took up the running, witn Quickfire, New Metford and John Mauritius handy. Right to the distance Engagement looked a winner, but in the last few strides John Maui itius got up to beat her by a neck. In close order came Quickfire, New Metford and Writer. This was the first race John Mauritius has won for several seasons, and his win was greatly helped by the patient manner in which ho was handled by W. J. Tomkinson. SMART PERFORMANCE. Neero, who was only in less demand than Whakataua, had an easy task in the Queen Mary Handicap. Ho soon opened up a useful lead, and with half the journey covered was .six lengths clear of Gang Awa, Invader, Grand Light, and Wrackeen. Half a mile from homo Wrackeen had taken second place, but ho could not continue his run, and faded right out. Easily keeping Erin’s Fortune, who had a bad run, and Grand Light in check, Neero won by four lengths in the smart time of 4.31 3-5. With a better passage Erin’s Fortune woulld have been troublesome, and under any conditions she could hardly have beaten Neeorc.

WARPLANE WINS SELWYN. Tho Auckland-trained Warplane was only in less demand than Proud Dillon and Eugene de Oro for the Selwyn Handicap, and the first-named fully justified his Northern support. None of the limit horses jumped out smartly, and all throughout the first mile Roy Logan, Proud Dillon and Marinca were setting a 'solid pace from Steel AU and Warplane. Two furlongs from homo Steel All drew to the front from Rey Logan, with Warplane putting in great work on the qutside of his field. Outstaying Steel All, Warplane won comfortably by half a length from Steel All, this pair being right out by themselves. VENDOME WINS NARROWLY. Final McKinney soon opened up a useful lead in the International Handicap from Granite City, Hector’s Own and Morning Sun. When Final McKinney turned into the home straight with a three lengths lead of Granite City, Hector’s Own and Morning Sun, her victory seemed assured. It was only in the last few strides that Vendome, favoured with a lucky run on the rails, got up to win by a neck. RACING FIXTURES. AUGUST. 12, 14, 16—Canterbury J.C. Grand Nat. 23 —Pakuranga Hunt (Ellerslie). 23 —Hawke’s Bay Hunt (Hastings). 27 — Dannevirke R.C. 28 — Dannevirke Hunt (Dannevirke). 30 —Taranaki Hunt (New Plymouth). SEPTEMBER. 6—Marton J.C. 13 —Otago Hunt (Wingatui). 11, 13 —Wanganui J.C. 20 —Ashburton J.C. 20. 22—Avondale J.C. 25, 27 —Geraldine R.C. 27 —Hawke’s Bay J.C.

GRAND NATIONAL' MEETING

The Steeplechase: To-morrow (Tuesday) will herald the opening of another Grand National meeting. The main attraction will be the Grand National Steeplechase, which will be decided- for the fifty-fifth occasion, the first race having been run in J 876, and continued uninterrupted since that date. In 1891 the race was reduced from about four miles to about three miles and a half. The highest weight carried Io victory is 12.10, which was Canard’s Impost in 1886. Within recent years Coalition came home first with 12.7, in 1921, which weight is also the heaviest carried to victory since 1894 when Norton saluted the judge after winning with 12.8. Five horses have annexed the event twice in successive years, namely, Agent (1879-80), also again in 1884; Mutiny (1895-96); Coalition (1920-21); Oakleigh (192'2-23); and Wiltshire (1928-29). Of the nine engaged in this year’s event, Matu is the only horse whiefi has previously contested the event, and from a report received today, he is amiss. Reviewing the field, it must be admitted that class is not well represented. The top weight Aurora Borealis has by far the best credentials of those engaged but it has also to be remembered that the country over which she has so far been successful, is infinitely easier to negotiate than is the Grand National course. In her 27 starts last season Aurora Borealis was successful in winning on nine occasions and was placed on five others. Tn her second attempt over the steeplechase courses she won the Adamson Steeplechase at the Egmont T? C meetine- in Mav. Aurora Borealis

followed this up with a victory in the Century Hurdles at Wanganui, and then later collected the Great Northern Steeplechase and the Winter Steeplechase the following day at Ellerslie. She finished second to Mangani in the Wellington Steeplechase and fell in the Winter Hurdles on the third day of. that meeting. Omeo, second top-weight, is amiss, and is regarded as an unlikely starter in tomorrow’s event. Snowfall competed ini eleven races last season each of them being a steeplechase. He won on four! occasions, and was placed on three* others. Included in his victories were the Southland, Wingatui, and Dune-)

din Steeplechase Handicaps. His form in the Hornby Stteplechase at the Christchurch Hunt Club meeting was anything but encouraging, yet with the. prospect of Omeo and Matu not starting, his chances can by no means be written out. Lord Ranald will have to be taken on trust, as his preparation has not been such, as will warrant the belief that he will be capable of running out a solid 31 miles. Matu is the horse which, fit and well, would command public confidence, but there is a doubt about him going to the post. Should he start he will possibly be the favourite. Wharncliffe, Kapuna, Corneroff and Valves are the other horses engaged, mid of the quartette, Kapuna appeals as the best. Aurora Boiealis stands out by herself, should Omeo and Matu not start, and the next best may be Snowfall.

Winter Cup: The Winter Cup has been run on thirty-one previous occasions being first’contested in 1890. The highest weight so far carried is 10.12, Vladimir (1903) and Kremlin (1905) being the horses to accomplish this feat. Toxeuma therefore will establish a record should he lump his 11.5 to victory tomorrow. He is a class above the others engaged and good judges expect him to make a bold bid for the honour. Havering with 10.11 is being selected to be first past the post, as he is quick off the mark and has recent good form to recommend him. Black Duke is the class of horse to win a Winter Cup and his prospects are bright. Best Friend and Staghunter look the best of the others near the top. Pride and Ranelagh are likely but the three who will command respect are Havering, Black Duke, and Toxuema, with Taboo for an outside chance. Minor Events: The Jumpers’ Flat Handicap will serve as a final gallop for several Grand National Hurdles candidates, and the prospects of Carinthia and Fine Acre appeal. For the other events the following may find favour: — Hunters’ Hurdles, West Dome, Barrington. Trial Hurdles: Zippor, Paris. Cashmere Plate: Charmeuse, Painkiller.,

Enfield Steeplechase.-Radiac, Diana’s Lad.

Avonstead Handicap: Hounslow, On Top.

GRAND NATIONAL PROSPECTS.

POOR CLASS ENGAGED.

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CHRISTCHURCH, August 11.

Now that the weather has set fine there is every prospect of a successful Grand National week. Unless more rain falls the Riccarton tracks should be in nice order and though the jumping fields are very deficient in quality they look capable of producing an interesting week’s sport. It is many years since such a poor lot of horses have been on hand for the big ’cross country event of the year. Aurora Borealis has earned her place as top weight, but she will find the solid Riccarton fences much more formidable than any she has raced over in the North Island. Omeo is a likely sort, and may be more at home than the top weight. There can be no doubt as to his jumping ability, and on Great Northern Steeplechase form he has only to stand up to-be in the money. Snowfall on 1 his form last Saturday, can be written out. and though Lord Ranald has been accepted for it is very doubtful if his preparation has been solid enough to see him to the end of three and a-half miles. Even so, his trainer is fairly confident, and nothing in the field will have anything on him in the matter of jumping. Had he undergone a real preparation it would have taken a good one to have lowered his colours. Matu is the one that on past form must appeal to backers. He is one of the few that knows the Riccarton country and his form at Trentham suggested that he will just about be cherry ripe on Tuesday. He will be ridden by Syme, who was associated with Wiltshire in his last two Grand National successes. Lower down in the list comes Wharncliffe, Kapuna, Corneroff and Valves, but none of them appear to have more than jumper’s chances. When the last fence is crossed those in the limelight may be Matu, Omeo, and Aurora Borealis.

Several Grand National Hurdles candidates wiil be seen out in the Jumpers’ Flat Race and of their number King’s Jest and Fine Acre may be on hand at the finish. After his brilliant win at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting Radiac looks to be the pick of a poor lot in the Enfield Steeplechase. There will be at least 20 starters in the Winter Cup, and in such a bigfield luck in the jump out is bound to be a big factor. Toxeuma put up such a brilliant performance at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting as to make his chance look good, though on this occasion he will be opposed by a much better field. Havering at 10.1.1. reads well, for he is a. quick beginner and has recent form to recommend him. Black Duke and Full Feather can both carry weight, but. the lat.ter is by no means a. good beginner. Lower down the list Best Friend and Staghunter read well, and both of them should be capable of accounting for all the other lightweights. Best Friend will have the services of H. Gray in the saddle, and will probably go out favourite. An interesting race is assured, and with ordinary luck Best Friend, Havering and Toxeuma may come out best.

OMEO AND MATU AMISS.

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CHRISTCHURCH, August 11

Omeo and Matu are both amiss, and tho former is a doubtful starter in the Grand. National, Steeplechase. It is not yet certain whether Auroro Borealis will start, in the Steeplechase or tho Hurdles.

TOURIST SCRATCHED FOR CUP. CHRISTCHURCH, August 11. Tourist was scratched for the Winter Cup at 9.40 to-day. AUSTRALIAN RACING. NEW ZEALANDERS DO WELL. [BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] SYDNEY, August 10. Tho Canterbury Park races were held in fine weather. Results: — Hurdles. —Brunore (O’Dwyer) 1. [Gregello 2, Second Thought (N.Z.) 3. Six started. Won by three lengths: third twenty lengths away. Time 3.45. This is a race record. Park Stakes.—Sargon (N.Z.) Voitre 1, Silent Bird 2, Sweet Accord 3 Eigh-

teen started, including I’m Alone. Won by half a neck; third half a head away. Timo 1.58.

Three-year-old Handicap (first division). —Bayacre (N.Z.) Webster 1, Sweet Valais 2, Tippo 3. Fourteen started. Won by a long neck; half a length. Time 1.16. Flying Welter Handicap.—Vallar (N.Z.) McCarten 1, Lady O’Clare 2, Kala Moti 3. Fifteen started. Won by half a length; third three-quarters of a length away. Time 1.15. Three-year-old Handicap (2nd division). —Brazen Faco (Marsden) 1, Going On 2, Craigavon (N.Z.) 3. Thirteen started, including Huntique. Won by two lengths; third a. length and a half away. Time 1.151. New Zealand horses were among tho starters in the Ashbury Handicap, but were unplaced. The Stewards inquired into alleged interference with I’m Alone, the New Zealand horse, during tho running of the Park Stakes, and came to the conclusion that it was due to the other horses crowding in at the three furlongs turn. ■" ■

King Boy, winner of the Ashbury Handicap, was originally a New 1 Zealand horse.

AUSTRALIAN STEEPLECHASE.

MELBOURNE, August 10

The weather was damp and the track heavy yesterday for the Caulfield races. Results: — Arkaringa Hurdles. —Tiki (N.Z.) 1, Cockcrow 2. Durability 3. Eight, started, including Paul. Won by half a. length; third half a neck away. Time 4.103. Australian Steeplechase. — Good Whiskey 1, Orange Park 2, Bang Bang 3. Ten started. Bang Bang established a handy lead, with Hungarian, Adit, Kentle, Orange Park, Johnny Lake and Good Whiskey next in order. 'Good Whiskey passed Bang Bang at. tho five furlong post, «and coming into tho straight strongly, won comfortably by four lengths from Orange Park, which was five lengths ahead of Bang Bang, whilst George William was fourth.; then came Hungarian, Namera. and Adit tailed off. Time 7.73.