SPORTING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 August 1924, Page 3

SPORTING.

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. (by TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 12. The Canterbury Jockey Club’s Grand National meeting opened to-day in perfect weather. There was a very large attendance and the course was in excellent order. Their Excellencies were present. The totalisator returns were £68,128, compared with £66,921 on the opening day last year. Results : Hunters’ Hurdles, one mile and three-quarters.—Bedford (A. McDonald) 1, Adjutor 2, Cairnmuir 3. Also started: Grim joke. Naughty Boy. Won by a length, with eight lengths between second and third. Time, 3.22 1-5. Naughty Boy fell at the last fence. Trial Hurdles, one mile and threequarters.—Santiago (L. G. Morris) 1. Fort Regal 2, Goldpiece 3. Also started: Royal Star, Tenterfield. Agnola, Clicquot. Won by six lengths, with two lengths between second and third. Time, 3.24. Clicquot, Agnola and Tenterfield fell.

Cashmere Plate, six furlongs.—llka (R. Reed) 1, Sun Up 2, Rawene 3. Also started: Bonina, Logic, Markie, Queen Balboa, Trevella, Weeta, Winkie’s Best, Bonita, Chickwheat, Cochy Bond.hu, Escarpment, Hyperion, Kilcannich. To Anau Lad. Won by half a length, with the same distance between second and third. Time, 1.15 4-5. Jumpers’ Flat, one mile and a half. —Nukumai (W. H. Bowden) 1, Merry Singer 2, Penury Rose 3. Also started : Boomerday. Vagabond, Tinokaha, Lochson, Omahu, Gamecock. Demand' Maunga, Captain Sarto, Petunia. Won by a length, with the same distance between second and third. Time, 2.41 3-5.

N.Z. GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE, three miles and a half. C. P. Vallance’s br.g. Sturdee, aged, by Gluten—Zealandia Cole (E. Warner). 9.S 1 Sir Charles Campbell’s cli.g. Tigerl land, aged, by Finland—Tigris (W. Scobie), 9.11 & .... 9 J. S. Talbot’s b.g. Master Peter aged, by St. Petersburg—Deerstalker mare (H. MeSweeney), 10.3 ... ‘ q

r A , S n sU l rted: Oakleigh, Carawock. Loehella, San Forte, First Line Dick Gahvay, Fireblight, Red Cent. Poltliogue. Won by six lengths, with lour lengths between second and third. Tune, /.4 First Line, Galway and Red Cent were the onlv others to finish. Enfield Steeplechase, about two miles. Charlatan ('ll. Thompson) ], Paul Pry (D. Hall) 2, Blue Hall (C. Oracken) 3 Also started: Kovno, Red Sol, Sherlock. Won by three lengths with forty yard* between secand Rad So! fell S ' Sr «• q WINTER' CUP. one mile. Soliform (B. H. Morris), 9 8 1 Broadwood (L. G. Morris) 9 7 9 Yoma. (H. Gray), 9.4 3 Also started: Duo, Arch Salute. Sun art, Boadicea, Deucalion. Winning Hit, Bonnie Winkie. Red Wink Rav* enna, Prince Ferouz, Rose of Athens Mountain Lion, Ihapotoa, Dame btraitlace, Los Ambus, Wharfedale, Paddy’s Hope, Tussore, Dominant, Mapping. Won by half a length, the same distance between second and third. Time, 1.43 2-5. Ai onhead Handicap, seven furlongs —Sartist (J. Beale) 1, Barn Owl V Prompter 3. Also started: The Polymman, Kilfaire, Star Ranger Tiff Kuhm King Sol, Ruby Ring. Mountain Signal, Miss Minerva, Waetea Lady Gay,- Glueinent, Heraldry Yot--Ist. Won by three lengths, ‘a’ bead second and third. Time 1.30 J-5. notes on meeting.

(By Telegraph— Special to Star.) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 12. i The Canterbury Club were favoured with splendid weather for the opening of their Grand National carnival. AT though not quite as fast as in some former years, the race track was good for the season of the year. The at- 1 tendance was large, and included a large crowd of North Islanders. The pace set by Red Cent and Sturdee tied up the top weights in the Steeple- 1 chase, and they were always doing their best. The placed horses iiUthe Winter Cun ran a solid race throughout, as is usually the ease. The field for the Hunters’ Hurdles was numerically poor. Of the runners Bullford had the best following, and fuUy justified this by going to the front from the barrier rise and winning without having to do his best. Adjutor, which ran a good second, was kept too far away in the early stages,

<wui ran unaer nis mg load. 1 Nautiboy fell at the final obstacle. The Trial Hurdles usually invokes more than passing interest by reason of the fact that a number of the aspirants for “national” honours com- 1 pete, and this year’s contest was no exception, but Income’s withdrawal points to his not being, a runner for this year’s National. Santiago, with L. Alorris on top, was the favourite with almost £ISOO opposite his name, while of the others Goldpiece £I2OO and Tenterfield £IOSO were best supported. When the tapes rose Clico.uot, Agnolo and Fort Regal went out to lead over the initial jump, at which Santiago, Tenterfield and 'Royal Star, jumping badly, lost much " ground. Passing the stand Fort Regal took chaige, and was six lengths clear of Agnola and Clicquot as they turned into the back stretch. The jump near the mile post brought to grief Agnola and Clicquot, and this left Fort Regal with 100 yards’ lead of Goldpiece, Tenterfield and Santiago. At this stage Santiago gave chase to Fort Regal, and had his measure at the last fence, which brought down Tenterfield, which was putting in a great run. Santiago eventually heating Fort Regal by six lengths. Goldpiece and Royal Star were the only others to finish. A number of promising hacks went to the barrier for the Cashmere Plate, and when betting ceased Sun Up, with Gray in the saddle, was hacked down

to a short price, and was paving very little over “evens. ’’ Of the other runners Chiclcwheat, Logic, and Winkie’s Best had most followers. "When the position in the long straight could be picked up it was found that Ilka, Escarpment, and Markie were in the leading division, and as the field entered the course proper Ilka was clenj-, hut immediately Sun Up and Rawene challenged, but Ilka ran on well to beat' the favourite by half a length, with Rawene. Escarpment./ To Anau Lad. and Corby Bondhn all close up. For such a class of race as the Jumpers’ Flat the field were a good lot, and the betting took a wide range, the actual favourite being Boomerday. which carried just over ;CIOO more than Merry Singer, while Tiuokaha carried within £“250 of Boomerday. When the barrier rose Tinokaha jumped back, losing some ground, and Petunia took charge from Likelihood, Boomerday, Penury Rose, and Xukumai. There was little alteration until rounding the home turn, at which stage Likelihood and Boomerday

led from Petunia and Nukumai. Once in the straight Boomerday took charge, but Nukumai, Merry Singer, and Penury Bose immediately challenged, and in a good race Nukumai won cleverly by over a length, with Merry Singer half a length in front of Penury Rose, with Boomerdav and Omahu next. The eleventh hour withdrawal of Pamplona from the National Steeplechase field robbed that event of much of its strength, hut still it was a particularly good one. The horses were a well-trained lot, and when betting ceased Carawock with £2806 was a big favourite from -Oakleigh with £IBBO, while the order of some of the othei runners was: Loc-hella £1698. Master Peter £1345, and Fireblight £1125. Ihe winner (Sturdee) carried only about £375. When the field were sent op the long and trying journey Red Cent was first to lead, and at the first fence was attended by Tigerland, Carawoek, Sturdee. Polthogue. and Master Peter. At the stand “double” Red Cent was just in front of Sturdee, with Tigerland, Polthogue, Master Peter, First Line and Carawock following. The order- was the same at “Cutts’ brush,” at which obstacle Red Cent and Carawock had ‘‘lives.” Going along the back stretch Sturdee had a useful lead from Red Cent, and then, 20 lengths away, caiqe Polthogue, Tigerland, and Master Peter. As the field raced to the stand “double” (second time) Sturdee was still well clear of Red Cent, Polthogue, Tigerland, and Master Peter. Carawock, after a poor exhibition, fell here, and Sturdee tackled the final circuit with a great lead. As they turned up the back stretch Sturdee was 12 lengths clear of Red Cent and Alas ter Peter, which were followed by Tigerland, First Line, Loehella, and Oakleigh. The first of the kennels double brought to earth those usually safe conveyances Loehella and Oakleigh, and, jumping beautifully and ; galloping strongly, Sturdee entered on the final part of the race. He led Master Peter by several lengths over the last fence, but Alaster Peter tired, and Tigerland I)eat him for second place, First Line, Galway and Red Cent following. San Forte’s rider lost his stirrup, and pulled the gelding up. The Enfield Steeplechase produced a good betting race between Paul Pry, Kovno and Charlatan, this trio carrying the bulk of the investments. Red Sol was the early leader from Sherlock, Kovno and Paul Pry. The fence at Cutts’ brought down Kovno, and Sherlock then took charge, but fell six furlongs from home. This left Charlatan with a useful lead, and he eventually won very easily from Paul Pry, with Blue Hall and Red Sol beaten off.

The Winter Cup produced a capital field, a stirring contest, and a good betting race. At the close of the totalisator, Broadwood, with about £1275, was the elect of the backers, and Red Wink (£1200), Yoma and Winning Hit (about £950 each) and Boadicea (about £785) was the order of favouritism. After some delay at the starting post the tapes lifted. Boadicea and Yoma being temporarily in front. xjroatVwcoc then led for a jshort distance, but when the field settled down Los Ambus was in charge from Broadwood, Soliform, Boadicea, Red Wink and Yoma. There was very little alteration of the leaders till rounding into the straight. Here Brqadtvood went to the front, but Soliform and Yoma threw out challenges, and over the last part of the race Soliform and Broadwood fought out a great battle, but Gray, on Yoma. was the unlucky one, for had not Broadwood’s rider not come over on him Yoma may have won. As things went, Soliform beat Broadwood by a neck, with Yoma about three-quarters of a length away. Then followed Reel Wink, Tussore and Sunart.

The racing concluded with the Avonhead, and in a big field Ruby Ring was made- a. £2OO better favourite than Kuhio, while Sartist, Tiff, Kilfaire and Barn Owl were each strongly supported. When the barrier rose Miss Minerva immediately took up the lead, and, followed by ‘lluby Ring, Lady Gay and Barn Oavl, led to the home turn. Here Rkiby Ring assumed control, but over the' last furlong Sartist, Barn Owl, Prompter and Lady Gay threw out a challenge, Sartist coming an to win easily from Barn Owl. who got a close decision over Prompter. Lady Gay was close ijp fourth, Ruby Ring and Kuhio following. Kuhio may do better before the rneetirm closes. °

NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By M aecenas.) The poor display given by Income, with Gray in the saddle, on Saturday last, would he a great blow to many, and unless he can very much improve on that it would seem useless running the son of Guianoforte in the Grand National Hurdles to-morrow (Thursday).

Boadieea has been responsible for a lot of good work since racing at Irentham, and even if not successful in the Winter Cup (the result of which is not known at time of writing), she may get on the winning list before the meeting closes. trainer Hawthorn is very sweet on the chance of Vagabond in the Grand National Hurdles, and as this trainer has won the event twice, by the aid of Gladful, he certainly has a good line to work on. The same trainer thinps Kilfaire will do well at the meeting. A lot of money was taken about Lochella lor the double at Ricearton, but no one but a very sanguine man would support a horse to win two such races as those at Ricearton. El Gallo (twice), Liberator, and Locholla have won the Great Northern double, but to perform a similar feat at Ricearton is a very different matter. As clear proof of this one need only slate the I act that the ieat has never been accomplished in 34 years. That the ante-post bettor who seeks lor the winner of some important handicap has to take on many risks, and should his fancy win he is certainly entitled to tne lengthy odds he may have had the luck to secure. This was brought home to many by the bursting of the Income bubble. For a considerable time we have heard of his great jumping ability, but 10. on the eve of the Grand National Hurdles he gives most inglorious displays. Whether he will improve on them with the colours up was not known when this paragraph was written. Still another shock came to the seeker after doubles when he opened his paper and read in the telegraphed report of training operations that, the actual favourite since the nominations closed for the Grand National Steeplechase had shown distinct signs of lameness. Whether there is quite as much harm in the ailment as the report would lead one to believe would not be known till the big cross-country event was decided.

Since going South, Omahu has got through some attractive work, and as the black son of Maniapoto is remarkably well seasoned, and is gifted with much more pace than the average jumper, he may be equal to giving his supporters a great run in the Grand National Hurdles. One would have pre_ t'erred his chance bettor had Omahu been kept to hurdle racing solely. In

the past Mr. Bull has gained a reputation for owning utility horses, and Omahu may cap a useful career by annexing the Grand National Hrudles at Riccarton. On Thursday next the -Canterbury Jockej Club will put oil the Grand National Hurdle race, and at the time of writing (without the form of the first day to guide one) the event hears an open appearance, and several of the acceptors have strong admirers. Iho list is headed bv Nukumai, which won on each day of' the last Wellington meeting. There is no doubt that Nukumai is a good hurdler, but whether he is capable of carrying such a weight as 11.8 over the tiring course of 21 miles remains to he proved. Personally I fancy the task is beyond Nukumai, despite the fact that Trainer \\ right is confident the gelding will win. Income’s chance is uncertain. For a horse to win a hurdle race like the one under review he must make fepy, if any, mistakes at his jumps. Will Income get through his big task like one well seasoned P Lochson met with a mishap last week, but appears to have amde a good recovery. He is capable of riming a fine two miles, but with 11.4 he will not relish the last part of the journey. Vagabond I do like, a§ he is well seasoned, and each day at Trentham the son of Alartian was finishing better than any other runner. As Vagabond has done well in the meantime, and is much fancied by his ‘trainer, he may improve on his second registered in the same event last year. Maunga. ran a good race under adverse circumstances (he was rushed to the front seven furlongs from Jiome, and was well done a furlong from home), and as Alaunga. has gone on the right way since the Wellington meeting, and may be ridden in a. more patient manner, he should give his supporters a good rim. Omahu met with inteifeience in the IV inter Hurdles at Trentham and then finished in the first half-dozen, and as Omahu is possibly the most seasoned runner o f the field, he too should give his admirers plenty of excitement. Boomerday lias been unduly boomed on account of a. moderate performance at the Great Northern meeting. This has been well ventilated in this paper, and his public form since has been such that should Boomerday win the Grand National Hurdles on Thursday his performance will be 100 per cent, better than his Ellerslie, Wellington, or Christchurch Hunt Club efforts. Gamecock has had several attempts to capture this race, but as he is getting no younger and always was a “moody” sort, he is better left alone. Tinokaha. lias run badly of late, and for this reason must be discarded; hut Royal Star will hare' a good following, not only on account of las stout blood and previously shown staying powers, but by virtue of the fact that he is well seasoned and has already won over battens (at Ashburton), although I must confess that his performance did not impress me. Sir Rosebery has been withdrawn from the Giand National Steeplechase to contest this event for preference, which in itself is an inducement for one to favour his chance, hut the class may be just too good for him. Merry Singer'did well m second class company at Trentham. but nqiy want more racing to fit him for such a contest. Loehella has registered a number of good performances over jumps, but may not lie quite as brilliant as lie once was. Santiago would he better suited by a shorter course, hut Penury Rose will relish the long journey and may he one of those finishing on over the last pinch. Likelihood and Le Forte are trained by capable men, and are useful in their class, hut the writer expects Vagabond, Alaunga, and Omahu to run well.

RACING IN AUSTRALIA. tY CABLE—PBIBB ASSOCIATION— COPYBTGH9 ' SYDNEY, Aug. 12. Pending the hearing of his appeal, F. D. Jones, trainer of Royal Dispatch, the running of which was questioned, continues the* superintendence (if the training of his team at Ranc!(wick. Stead’s racehorses, Horoscope, Limerick, Father’s Voice, Bosh, Falladeen, and the Absurd —Los Vegas filly, arrived by the Ulimaroa in good condition. ROYAL DISPATCH. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 12. Air H. A. Knight, owner of Royal Dispatch, says lie had made arrangements previously 7 to leave for Sydney in the first week in Sentemlier, and it was impossible for him to leave earlier. Hv> has not had time to think of the other horses, whether or not lie will bring them back to New Zealand. AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. AUCKLAND. - Aug. 12. The Auckland Racing Club has allotted £66,150 as stakes for the coming season as compared with £65,300 allotted last season. The stakes for the Great Northern Hurdles have been increased to £2OOO, and the Winter Steeples to £IOOO. EGMOXT-WANGANUI HUNT ACCEPTANCES. Owners and trainers are reminded that acceptances for all events at the Egmont-AVanganui Hunt Club races, to ho held at Wanganui on Saturday, dose with the secretary, Mr W. ATacFarlane, at Waverley at 8 o’clock this evening. The telegraph office at \I aveiiey closes at 5 p.lll.

AIAWTOX .IF. aml 0 AXCiTI KEI 111'NT MEETINGS. The above race meetings will he held 011 the Marton Racecourse on Wednesday 7 and Thursday. 3rd and 4th September, 1924, 'and nominations for all events (dose cm Friday', loth August, at 9 p.m. with the secretary (Air A. Wav) at Alarton. Full programmes are published in the Weekly Press and Sporting and Dramatic Review, and programmes will be forwarded on application.