To-day’s Racing News

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 April 1932, Page 11

To-day’s Racing News

Jrotting MEETINGS TO COME April 16—Ashburton. April 21 —Nelson. April 23—Te Aroha. April .29— Marlborough. April 30 —Auckland. May 5, 7— Forbury Park. May 7 —Cambridge. Golden Pedro: , ov Golden Pedro did not race up to expectations at the Addington Easter meeting. He is a light-fleshed gelding and more apt to lose form than a robust horse.

Anon Improving: Anon, who was second to Gold Country in- the Halswell Handicap, went 4min. 27 3-ssecs. tor the two miles. When S. M. August returned to Auckland with Vallqdqn and The Abbey he took Anon with him, and th Author Dillon mare will race in tnar district. Anon should do well in the north, as she is a proved stayer and is on the improve. She has raced well for W- J. Tomkinson this season.

Kfcivpie?s Guy: . , « That useful mare Kewpie s Guy is doing steady work, but W- Willetts has not altogether had an easy time with the chestnut, and she has been giving a little cause for anxiety,- Her work-has not, been vigorous, and it may be a week or two before she is ready to show best form.

Missing Foal: The foal by Great Minto from Play Girl, which was taken from a paddock in Wainui Street, Riccarton, on a recent evening, has not been recoveredThe foal is four months old, is described as tall and leggy, and is a black, with a white star on its forehead. It is much valued by its owner, and any information as to its .whereabouts is being Sought by the police. Worthy Queen is regarded as a trotter likely to take much higher honours than she has already achieved. She is only a four-year-old and as a rule a trotter requires plenty of age to reach the top of form.

Doing Well: . Gold Country continues to thrive on the work allotted, him hy his owner. His recent racing has not brought any ill ejects, and he is in his best form for the approaching Ashburton Meeting.

Gold Cup Contender: Ifree Advice is completing her track tasks in a very satisfactory manner, and as she showed a return to form at the Easter Meeting she should go to the post a'very fit mare on , Saturday week, when the Ashburton Gold Cup Handicap.ip set down for decision.

Black Lion and Satin King: O. E. Hooper some months ago had a couple of Southland pacers join his stable in Black Lion and Satin King. The for pier has cost his connections a good deal of money as he has been backed on numerous occasions only to fail badly. There is no .question (says “Argus”) regarding either his speed or’ stamina, but the Lee Norris pacer is not too certain in his gait, and in addition has more than once failed to gd away promptly. Satin King, on the other hand, has come on. well, and raced very solidly for the Lauriston, trainer. He put up a fine effort on the first day of the Easter meeting by winning the President’s Handicap of two miles in 4min 22 1-5 sec, and followed it up on the second day by capturing the Oxford Handicap of a mile and a-quarter in 2min 41 2-5 sec. Satin King is in the best company now, and will have to be reckoned with in future races as he seems to be still improving. He is bred on very stout staying lines, being by the Hal Zolock horse Erin’s King from a mare by Harold Wilkes.

THAMES ACCEPTANCES. AUCKLAND, April 8. The acceptances for the Thames T.C. annual meeting are as follows: — Hikutaia Handicap (3.7 class), 15 miles: —Alice Axworthy, Betterwin, Cogent, Don Juan, Derby Fame, Donee Francis Lincoln, Gold Seam, Guid Harvest, Home Brew, Lislea, La Triumph, Marahia, Mazda, Nellota, Our Mac, Our Franz, Pukemiro, Pedlar, Star Pronto, Stormy Mack, Wee Machine scr., Jester 12. Kerepeehi Handicap (3.34 class), IS miles: —Astral, Eleawah, Judy Thorpe, Jesey Thorpe, Myrtlene, Nathaniel, Rolfe Audubon, Realty scr., Great Fame 12, Rey de Quest 48. Parawai Handicap, (3.50 class), • 1J miles:—Grand Triumph, Mattie Herbilwyn, Happy Thought, Kohewah, Nebraska, Miss Braeside, Pearl Parrish Wild Downs, Win Huon, Wiriwhake scr., Bingen Bell 12, Summertime 36, Tiwha, Wikitoria 48, Moko Girl 96. Thames Trotting Cup (4.40 class), 2 miles: —High Sea, Mr Penalty, Prince Pedro, Raydus scr., Sister Rose 12, Explosion, Lady Yvonne, Master Huia 24, Bingen Crest, Glandore, Our Peter 36, Dealer, First Flight 48, Great Parrish 72.

Puriri Handicap saddle, (2.21 class), 1 mile:—Astral, Don Juan, Judy Thorpe, Loyalty, Marosa, Nathaniel, Rolfe Audubon scr., Great Fame, My Thorpe 12, Princess Thea 48.

Turua Handicap (3.45 class), 1£ miles: —Betterwin, Cogent, Donee, Derby Fame, Francis Lincoln, Gold Seam, Guid Harvestj Home Brew, La Triumph, Mazda, Marchia, Nellota, Oui* Mac, Our Franz, Pedlar, Pukemiro, Shining Metal, Star Pronto, Stormy Mac, Wee Machine scr., Jester 12, Fisher 48, Free Logan 72. President’s Handicap (4.59 class) ,2 miles:—Bingen Bgll, Kohewah, Wikltoria, Nebraska scr., Moko Girl 12, Hardy Grattan, Lord Haldane, Laurier 36, Bessie Parrish 48, Windchat 96.

Kopu Handicap (2.52 class), miles:—Direct Morning, Mr Penalty, Oliver Thorpe, Prince Pedro, Princess Thea, Rey de Quest scr., Gaza, High Sea, Raydus, Sister Rose 12, Explosion, Master Huia, Dad’s Hope, Our Peter 36,- First Plight 48

Galloping MEETINGS TO COME April 11—Te Kuiti. April 15, 16 —Masterton. April 20, 21 —Manawatu. April 28, 30 —Whangarei. April 22, 23—Nelson. April 23—S. Canterbury. April 30 —Marton. April 28, 30—Marlborough. April 30—Amberley. Croupier Case: The date of the hearing of the legal action to determine the ownership of the three-year-old racehorse Croupier has been fixed- The case will be heard in the Supreme Court, Auckland, on April 19 and 20. The National Winner:

According to a report from Southland, Snowfall, the winner of the Grand National Steeplechase last August, has not yet been put into training for the coming winter campaign. Last year he had a race before the end of March.

Why Topthorn Stopped: An explanation of Topthofn’s stopping in his second day race at Riccarton is forthcoming in the fact that he received a blow on the eye by some flying missile, thrown up by the feet of another runner,, the injury being sufficiently severe to. close the eye for four days. He is now all right again.

Lady Rene Sold: Mr. J. Dau-well, of Greymouth, has purchased the 5-year-old galloper, Lady Rene, from Mr. A. Goodman. E. Kingan will train Lady Rene at Onio to, to which place he has transferred. Kingan will also continue to, have the handling of the galloper Miss Mercia.

Kuvera’s Yearling Brother: Mr. F. “Smithden,” who has had the luck to own the best two-year-old in Australia, this season, in Kuvera, purchased his yearling brother at the Sydney sales. He got Kuvera for- 270 gns. last, year, but he had to go to 900gns. this time. The- youngster is said to be another type, and no doubt he will go to G. Price to train, as he had done so well with Kuvera.

Praise of Night Raid: G. Jones, who is at present in, Sydney with Mr. Kemball’s horses, was the last to train Nighjt Raid. He. took him to. Melbourne with Radiant for the 1923 Australian Cup meeting, axid, strangely enough, both broke down while on the other side and had to be retired. Chatting about Night Raid the other day, Jones remarked: “EEe was not only good-Jooking, but one of the best-winded horses with which I ever ha(l anything to do. Mr. Wade was his owner when I trained him and, at the time he broke down we were looking forward to winning a good long-distance handicap with him.”

No Excuses for Ammon Ra: “I have, no excuses to make for the defeats of Ammon Ra in the St. Legers at Flemington and Rand wick; Middle Watch just stayed too well for him.” said J. T. Jamieson on his return from Sydney by the Niagara on Monday. In spite of Ammon Ra’s defeats in the St. Leger, the Takanini trainer has good'reason to feel pleased with the result of his visit to Australia for the Autumn campaign, as Ammon Ra was a good winner, and Closing Time won a race in Melbourne, besides running a good second in Sydney. Ammon Ra and Closing Time and the other members of Jamieson’s team who have been in Australia are returning home next week.

Style of Riding: Reports from the north state that it is likely to be some months before Locksley, who was badly cut about in a'race at Riccarton, will be able to race again. One of his hocks was laid bare through being galloped on. This is another instance of the danger created by the present style of riding. It is quite safe to say that the mishap was not caused by deliberate interference, but simply, because the rider of anothei’ horse could not see where he was going.

New Zealanders Both: The details of Phar Lap’s careel’ can be summarised in the fact that he has been the only horse to challenge Carbine’s reputation as a racehorse. In all the discussions about Phar Lap’s racing merit the only horse brought into comparison has been Carbine. Their racing merits may be a matter of opinion, but the fact that they were both bred in New Zealand is an indisputable fact.

Spalpiko Turned Out: Spalpiko, who injured his tendons at Paeroa, has been turned out indefinitely, which is a pity, for he has been jumping in an improved manner this season. Miss Lorraine, in the same stable, is also on the easy list, as is Jonathan. To be Turned Out:

Great Emblem went amiss while galloping at Ellerslie just before Easter and he is to be blistered and turned out. He may not be required to race again till the spring. Great Emblem is one of the most improved hacks in this district and he should add some good races to his record next reason.

Bulldog Nature: T. Webster, rider of Admiral Drake in the Sydney Cup, said in an interview with a representative of the “Sydney Morning Herald’’ that his mount pulled very hard all the way. When asked if he thought he had the race within his keeping at the turn, Webster replied in the negative. “As a matter of fact,” he added, “I thought we were well beaten. It was only Admiral Drake’s bulldog nature that caused him to go so close.”

A Rampion Colt: The yearling Rampion colt purchased in Sydney by Mr. J. M. Samson for 200 gs. is a remarkably well grown youngster, dark brown in colour and standing on a good set of legs. He pleases the eye at the first glance, and on closer inspection is very difficult to fault. So far none of Rampion’s stock hase raced, and in this representative of that young sire, a great racehorse himself, Mr. Samson has certainly secured the essentials of a good horse. AN APPEAL DISMISSED. j WELLINGTON, April 8. The New Zealand Racing Conference’s Judges, to-day dismissed the

appeal of the Rotorua R.C. against the decision of the Auckland District Committee in upholding the appeal of E. H. Cucksey, against the decision of the Stewards of the Rotorua R.C. in .dismissing Cucksey’s objection against the horse Sir Mond being awarded first place in the Mokoia Hack run on February 15 at the Rotorua meeting.

The Judges were of the opinion that the Rotorua Stewards had no authority to reinstate Sir Mond after he had been scratched for the race in question.

WINNER OF £66,738.

PHAR LAP’S GREAT CAREER

Phar Lap was bred at the Seadown stud, Timaru, in 1926, by the late Mr. A. F. Roberts, and was by Night Raid from Entreaty, by Winkie—Prayer Wheel, by Pilgrim’s Progress—Catherine Wheel, z by Maxim —Miss Kate (imp.), by Adventurer. He was bred on exceptionally stout lines, there being a great sequence of the Bruce Lowe Nos. 1 and 3 families. This pedigree greatly appealed to the trainer, H. R. Telford, who was part-owner of the gelding, and a keen student of thoroughbred pedigrees, and he induced Mi-. D. J. Davis, who has business interests in Australia, to allow him to purchase Phar Lap on his behalf. The commission was entrusted to his brother, Hugh Telford, at Trentham, and he fell for a modest 160 guineas. His sale was made late in the day, which may have contributed to the lack of competition, and it is not generally known that the 150-guinea bid, the next best, was that of S. J. Reid, private trainer to Mr. V. Riddiford. Earlier in the day Mr. Riddiford had been the underbidder for a colt, who eventually reached top class—Pink Coat —so he has a remarkable experience of just missing two of the greatest horses that have been sold in New Zealand during recent or any other times. Mr. Riddiford was not present when Phar Lap was paraded, and went at 160 guineas or he may possibly have become possessed of the champion. He was not well that day, and had left for home, leaving Reid to go up to 150 guineas for the Night Raid colt.

On arrival in Sydney Telford obtained a lease of Phai’ Lap, which did not expire until the spring of 1930, after the gelding had won the Melbourne Cup, among many othei’ races, and his stake winnings amounted to £46,862. Afterwards Telford bought a half-share in the gelding.

PATIENT POLICY Phar Lap’s rise to fame was due in po small measure to Telford’s patience and care, stated a writex- in the “Australasian” recently. As a two-year-old the gelding ran foui’ times unplaced before he earned his first winning bracket in a division of a Juvenile Handicap at Rosehill, and that was very late in the season, April 27, 1929, to. be exact. Having been allowed plenty of time to develop, it was. not until Phar Lap’s fifth start as a three-year-old that, he began to show the form which was to carry him through his career almost with an unbroken succession of victories.

Follo'wing is Phar Lap’s record: — Stakes TWO YEARS £ Unplaced first division Bosehill Nursery, 6.11, SVz furlongs .. .. — Unplaced Havvkesbury Two-year-old Handicap, 7.3, 5 furlongs .. — Unplaced first division Rosehill Nursery Handicap, 6.7, 6 furlongs Unplaced A.J.C. Easter Stakes, 7.6, 7 furlongs ' — WON Rdsehill Maiden Juvenile Handicap, 7.9, 6 furlongs .. .. 182 THREE YEARS Unplaced Warwick Fafm Denham Point Handicap, 7.2, 6 furlongs — Unplaced Rosehill Three-year-old Handicap, 7.13, 7 furlongs .. .. — Unplaced Rosehill Three and Four-year-old Handicap, 7.6. 7 furlongs — Unplaced A.J.C. Warwick Stakes, 7.6, 8 furlongs — SECOND Sydney Tatt’s Chelmsford Stakes, 7.6, 9 furlongs .. .. 200 WON Rosehill Guineas, 8.5, 9 furlongs 913 WON A.J.C. Derby, 8.10, 12 furlongs 7,135 WON A.J.C. Craven Plate, 7.8, 10 furlongs 2,205 WON Victoria Derby, 8.10, 12 furlongs 4.456 THIRD Melbourne Cup, 7.6, 16 furlongs '• 1.000 THIRD V.A.T.C. St. George Stakes, 8.10, 9 furlongs 75 WON. y.R.C. St. Leger Stakes, 8.10, 14furlongs 1,691 WON V.R.C. Governor’s Plate, 7.13, 12 furlongs 749 WON V.R.C. King’s Plate, 7.11, 16 furlongs 1,112 WON Warwick Farm Chipping Nor- ■ ton Stakes, 10 furlongs .. , • -747 WON A.J.C. St. Leger Stakes, 8.10, 14 furlongs 2,4 <8 WON A.J.C. Cumberland Stakes, 8.1, 14 furlongs WON A.J.C. Plate, 7.13, 18 furlongs 1,40 l WON S.A.J.C. Elder Stakes, 8.4, 9 furloilgs 340 WON King’s Cup (Adelaide), 9.5, 12 furlongs 800 FOUR YEARS SECOND A.J.C. Warwick Stakes, 8.11, one mile 2 90 WON Sydney Tati’s Chelmsford Stakes, 9.4, 9 furlongs WON Rosehill Stakes. 9.4, one mile 59 < WON A.J.C. Spring Stakes, 8.11, 12 furlongs 1,46, WON A.J.C. Craven Plate, 8.11, 10 furlongs •• 1,82 a WON A.J.C. Randwick Plate, 8.11. 16 furlongs l.lbu WON Moonee Valley W. S. Cox Plate, 8.11, 9% furlongs . - •• WON V.R.C. Melbourne Stakes. 8.11, 10 furlongs . .... .. I.o*y WON Melbourne Cup, 9.12, 16 furlongs 9.429 WON V.R.C. Linlithgow Stakes, 8 furlongs •• •• •• I’ooo 1 ’ 000 WON V.R.C. C. B. Fisher Plate, 12 furlongs • • ,■ • ’ 1 ’ ' WON V.A.T.C. St. George Stakes, 9 furlongs • ■ • • • • WON V.A.T.C. Futurity Stakes, < furlongs 2 ’ 6on WON V.R.C. Essendon Stakes, 10 furlongs •• •• •• •• 1 WON V.R.C, King’s Plate, 12 furlongs 700 SECOND V.R.C. C. M. Lloyd Stakes, 8 furlongs - uu FIVE YEARS WON Williamstown Underwood Stakes, 8 furlongs • - • • • • 3oU WON V.A.T.C. Memsie Stakes, 9 furIOII2S ‘ • • •• • • •• *>vO WON Rosehill Hill Stakes, 8 furlongs 444 WON A.J.C. Spring Stakes, 12 furlongs < <9 WON A.J.C. Craven Plate, 10 furlongs 940 WON A.J.C. Randwick Plate, 16 furlongs WON Moonee Valley W. S. Cox Plate. 9 J / 2 furlongs •• ■■■ ■ WON V.R.C. Melbourne Stakes, 10 furlongs Unplaced Melbourne Cup, 16 furlongs WON Agua Caliente Handicap (Mexico), 10 furlongs

39 firsts, 3 seconds, 2 thirds, 9 tin i? RR -QQ placed £66,.38

MUSEUM EXHIBIT [SPECIAL TO “STAB.”] AUCKLAND, April 8. On Wednesday when news reached Auckland of the death of Phar Lap, the Mayor (Mr. G. W. Hutchinson), sent a cablegram to the part-owner, Mr. Davis, asking whether it would be possible for the head of the horse to be sent to Auckland to be placed in the War Memorial Museum alongside that of Carbine. No reply has yet been received by Mr. Hutchison but he stated, this morning, that he had [noticed the suggestion that the head ■ be placed in the Dominion Museum at

Wellington. Mr. Hutchison proposes to approach the Council of the Auckland Institute, with a request that they should allow Carbine’s head to be exhibited with that of Phar Lap, in the four chief centres.

BUSINESS UNPROFITABLE.

SYDNEY, April 8.

Trainer K. B. O’Donnell, formerly well-known in New Zealand, finding that the past two years’ business at Randwick has been unprofitable, has decided to sell his plant. He probably will return to New Zealand, but his plans are uncertain.

BRITAIN’S NATIONAL STUD.

TO BE CLOSED DOWN. I have good reasons for stating that the National Stud, on the outskirts of The Curragh, Ireland, where tho State has bred racehorses since 1916, may close down (wrote “Hotspur” in the London “Daily Telegraph” on February 22 last). The step is contemplated on account of depression in the bloodstock breeding industry, and the economic pressure which is being applied in respect* of all Government departments. The idea of the State conducting a National Stud was prompted by the action of Lord Wavertree, then Col. Hall Walker) in January 1916. He presented to the nation the whole of his valuable stud of thoroughbred sires, brood mares, yearlings, foals, horses in training and even cart horses and 308 head of cattle on condition that the Government took over at a valuation the lands of the Tully Slud and the Russley Park training establishment in Wiltshire. When the Government set up trading in racehorse breeding they found themselves in the possession of half a dozen sires, including White Eagle and Royal Realm, 43 mares, 10 two-year-olds, and 19 yearlings. In the course of time Sir Henry Greer, a member of the Jockey Club, and himself the breeder of some notable horses in his time, was persuaded to give his' experience and time to the management of the stud, and right well has he done until economic forces began their pressure against the industry generally.

With the exception of 1924, National Stud yearlings since the war and up to 1930 have never failed to make an average of less than 1,000 guineas at public auction. Last year the average was reduced to between 500 and 600 guineas. In 1921 and 1929 the respective averages were 1,861 guineas and 1,842 guineas.

Last year, 18 yearlings from the stud were sold at auction for under 10,000 guineas, and I reckon that rhe stud had to pay between and £9,000 in sires’ fees, apart from seven mares which were paired off with the home stallion, Diligence. Seven 400guinea sires were on the list of matings—evidence in itself of the necessity of securing the services cf the most fashionable horses when breeding for the- public sale ring.

£17,000 COLT SOLD FOR £l3. It has been the policy of Sir Henry Greei' to lease a few of the yearlings, especially filliqs, each year in order that they might return to the stud if thought good enough on the conclusion of their racing careers. One year several were leased to the King, but, generally, they have carried the colours in training of Lord Lonsdale. Diligence did so, as also Royal Lancer, who won the St. Leger. One yeai’ Sir Henry Greer made a wonderful deal when he sold privately to the Aga Khan two yearlings for something like £21,000. One of them, by Hurry On from Ecurie, afterwards named Ferridoon, was supposed to represent the price to the Aga Khan of £17,000. This horse never won a race and ultimately 'changed hands in France fox' £l3. Sir Henry Greei’ did another good stroke of business when Warden of the Marches was returned to him after being leased to Lord Lonsdale, and was sold to Lord Dunraven for £22,000. Naturally, a lot of winners, have eminated from the stud since it became nationalised. They include Blandford, Diligence, Royal Lancer, Warden of the Marches, and Endow ment. But the success of the place was quite phenomenal ...during those fifteen years of Lord Wavertree’s ownership. The splendid grasses of the big paddocks, running to hundreds of acres, sent out horses that made 'much brilliant Turf history.

Minoru, who won the Two Thousand Guineas and the Derby of 1909, was bred there, and leased as a yearling to King Edward. So also was Prince ,Palatine, who was sold for somethinglike £2,000 as a yearfing and won the St. Leger and two Ascot Gold Cups. OFFICIAL STATEMENT. The following statement from the Ministry of Agriculture was issued later: The sale of the National Stud has been considered by the Government, but the matter has been deferred because, owing to depression in the bloodstock breeding industry, the present time is inopportune. The stud has shown a considerable profit over a period of years, but last year its progress was not maintained. This was ascribed to the general slump in bloodstock prices, and for that reason it was considered that it would be false economy to sell the stud at a time when prices are ruling so low. It is very likely, however, that in the next few years the stud -will be disposed of. Its position in the Irish Free State makes it very difficult for the British Government to exercise a satisfactoy jurisdiction over it.