Racing Notes

Grey River Argus, 31 July 1940, Page 3

Racing Notes

Amelita: The Australian-bred mare Amelita, by Ronsard from Black Vera, oy Black Jester, has been retired from racing and will take up stud duties this year. She won a dozen races, the last at Otautau in April. Record Tote:

Totalisator betting at Flemington on Grand National Hurdles day was a record for that day, the investments, totalling £61,401, showing an increase of £15,891 over that of last year.

English Jockeys: During the week ending June 1, G. Richards rode seven winners in England, and, with 34 winning mounts, he was then eight' ahead of M. Beary. Their total mounts at that period were 184 and 171 respectively. Hazlett Team:

Besides the six horses he has quartered at Washdyke, W. E. Hazlett has kept in work at Invercargill four others, Sparkle, Astral Flame, Eire’s Ruin and a two-year-old gelding by Salmagundi from Bright Mark. Eire’s Ruin is a half-sister by Irish Lancer to Baitruin.

Cheap 1; Blackford, winner of the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase at Flemington this month, was for sale at 100 guineas a few months ago, with a proviso that he should not be entered for open steeplechases. However, the prospective purchaser did not consider Blackford worth the figure named and he did so well subsequently that he was entered for the big steeples and won a further £1,750. For the Stud:

In refusing to take part in the Te Horo Handicap at Awapuni last Saturday, Hunting Mint decided her own-er-trainer. J. Paul, to retire her to the stud. Her barrier manners for some time past had been deteriorating. Missing

Spanish Lad, Rebel Mate, Sly Fox, Blonde Princess and Classform are the principal absentees amongst the 25 that dropped out of the Winter Cup.

National Nominations Very good nominations were received for the minor events to be run at the Grand National meeting, and large fields will contest each of them during the week. Spendthrift Spendthrift gave an improved dis-, play of hurdling when he won at Timaru. He was kept in behind Waka over the last six furlongs, and had too much pace for him in the run. home. Wardress Wardress looked well when produced at Timaru. She looked dangerous at the distance in the Claremont Handicap, but failed to carry on. The race should sharpen her up for Riccarton. A Popular Win A round of applause greeted L. T. Ellis after winning on Craiglea in the Levels Hack Handicap. It was his first ride for some few months. He also won on Schoolgirl in a hard finish. Joy Boa Joy Boa was well handled in the Teschemaker Steeplechase. El Caballo and Valens were jumping better and Joy Boa was kept waiting and handy until the last fence. He then outstayed El Caballo in the run home/ The Raker The bracket made by The Raker and Dunstan in the Claremont Handicap was made a good favounite. Dunstan was prominent up to the home turn but The Raker failed to get amongst the first seven at the finish. Miltiades Wearing the rogue’s badge, Miltiades led up to the straight in the LevHack Handicap, but Craiglea and Asia proved too good for him in the run home. Miltiades, however, did much better than he did at Waimate. Arita Arita was going well in the Teschemaker Steeplechase when he crashed into the first leg of the stand double after doing well up to that stage of the proceedings over the first circuit. It is understood that Arita was got by a Balboa colt from an unknown mare. Gnohill The favourite for the Levels Handicap, Gnohill, did not begin too well, but ran up on the rails and soon got handy to the leaders. He was, however, under pressure in the straight, and ’ could not reach a place at the finish. Night Scout

Night Scout injured a stifle when schooling on Thursday, and in consequence could not fulfil his engage-, ments at Timaru. It is also doubtful if he will be able to- race at Riccarton. Trouble

Spendthrift bore out from the rails at the first hurdle in the Hadlow Hurdles, and crowded those outside him. Cintilla tried to run off, and jumped the wing and fell. He carried off In the Dark and Master Dingle.

Gold Wren Gold Wren was kept busy and helping to force the pace all the way in the South Canterbury Steeplechase. He was disputing leadership until landing over the’ last jump, but then the forcing tactics told, and he commenced to tire in the run home

The Claremont Field The field for the Claremont Handicap gave considerable trouble at the post. Kilrobe drew No. 2 at the barrier, but was finally sent to the outside of the field. She got hopelesslyleft, and put up a great performance to get third. She would be entitled to a good chance in the Winter Cup if not so doubtful at the barrier. Winkers might help her

A Confession What appears to be a confession of an unsatisfactory statfe of affairs in connection with racing is contained in the statements made by Mr James McLeod, M.L.C., and who is also a member of the Executive Board of the New Zealand Racing Conference. Mr McLeod holds far more than superficial knowledge of facing and his statement must carry more than ordinary weight, being based on facts rather than a mere expression of

opinion. It must be a rather strong suspicion that drew such statements at what is really an inopportune time when some regard racing as a mere pastime and not something carrying in its train employment for several thousand people and for many more indirectly. Anything of a questionable nature in connection with racing should not be difficult to track, and should be stamped out in a manner that ‘would effectually clean any blemishes on a national sport. It has at times been noticed that when some questionable practices have been investigated there seems a tendency to upset rather than support the stipendiary stewards in any action they take. Mr McLeod’s statements suggest a weakness in control in some respects, which tends to undermine ( the good work of those competent to control racing. It is satisfactory note that a stronger vigilance will be kept in future, and the warning issued will no doubt have a beneficial effect. (“Sentinel.”) Finish

Frenchy broke a leg when trotting and cantering on the plough track on Thursday last.

A Good Run Nigger Boy made a bold bid in the Claremont Handicap, and Haughty Winner caught him only in the last stride.

Grand National Hurdles Thirteen dropped out of the Grand National Hurdles, including De Friend, King Rey, El Meynell, and Smoke Screen.

Grand National Steeples Eight went out of the Grand National Steeplechase at the declaration of acceptances, but those missing did not include anything of note. Golden Glow

Until he struck at the second; of the stand double after going a circuit, Golden Glow was doing well. The bad jump settled his chance.

Craiglea Staying on well in the Levels Hack Handicap, Craiglea won well from a stablemate in Asia, who finished on better than she did at Waimate.