THE WORLD OF SPORT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 584, 12 July 1913, Page 2

THE WORLD OF SPORT.

RACING. The Wellington Steeplechase meeting opens on Wednesday next. The V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase is run to-day. Captain Jingle, winner of the last New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase, is one of the popular fancies. Bercola having been allowed to drop out of his engagements at the Wellington meeting on Wednesday, such would appear to point to his party focussing the C.J.C. Grand National gathering for The Officer's son to make hia reappearance. In the south Cally Bridge, Aberbrothock, and Coronetted are the favourite selections for the Winter Hurdles at Trentham, while Glenmore is most fancied for the Wellington Steeplechase. Returned Auck-landers who were present at the Gisborne meeting express the opinion that Loch Mabin is likely to develop into a firat-class hurdler, and signs are not wanting that he is expected to be at his best by the time the C.J.C. National Hurdles roll round. Word from the south states that the stallion Sylvanite died recently in the Feilding district as the result of lockjaw, contracted through rusty nail entering a hoof. Sylvanite was a good performer in Australia, winning the A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derby, the Caulneld Guineas, and several other good races. He was valued at 600 gns, and was uninsured. Kilrain is much fancied at Wanganui for the Winter Cup, and all going'well is sure to carry a heap of Wanganui money in that event He is also being spoken of as likely winner of the Parliamentary Handicap at Trentham, in which event he should run a big race if started. Maybe, however, he will be kept for the mile race at Riccarton. The Rover, by Advance—Polly Perkins, who figures at the head of the Wellington Winter Hurdles field with 10.12, won that race two years back under 9.5. Intending backers are in a quandary with regard to North-East, as there Is so much uncertainty as to whether he will be a starter in the hurdles at Trentham or the Stewards Handicap. Ngatiruanui appears to be coming into favour for the Winter Hurdles. The son of Maniapoto is in splendid nick, and.is such a fine jumper that he is sure to have a strong following. Callv Bridge is a certain starter in the Winter Hurdles at Trentham, and the dual winner at Gisborne is expected to arrive at headquarters at the end of the present week. v For this stage of proceedings, says a Sydney paper, the business done on any of the big flat race handicaps of the spring is also limited. So far as "right out" prices are concerned, there is too much that is nominal about them to be worth giving, and except in one or two cases, the business'actually done is not of great moment, nor does it teach anything. What is believed to have been a genuinefmove was made recently. It was in favour of Bleriot 8.6 and La Reina 8.3 for Epsom Handicap and Metropolitan double. As every shilling that could be got about that combination of New Zealanders was snapped up, it is fair to conclude that whether the money was for the owners or not, it was scarcely laid out by "speckers." From what can be gathered at this end, the owners of thejabove-named mares been forestalled in the market, and it would occasion no surprise were the party who got in early find [himself with the wrong end of the stick. |Mr George Hunter, M.P. for Waipawa, and a prominent supporter of racing, has introduced into the House of Representatives a Gaming Act Amendment Bill. It is a brief measure. the following being the text of the one operative clause —"The Minister of Internal Affairs may, on the application of any racing, trotting or hunt club not being the holder of a totalisa'or license, grant to that club a license to use the totalisatcr one day. Not more than thirty licenses maybe granted under this section in any year, and of that number not more than seventeen shall be granted to racing clubs, nor ten to hunt clubs, nor three to trotting clubs. Licenses may be granted under this section not withstanding that thereby the total number of days on which the totalisator may be used exceeds the number prescribed by Section 6 of the Gaming Act, 1910."

ROWING

Ernest Barry, the sculling champion of the world, and Harry Pearce, of Sydney, his challenger, are both thoroughly fit for their race on Monday week, 21st inst. Publlic interest in the race is increasing, particularly owing to the marked difference in styles. Pearce's style is characterised by power, Barry's by neatness. Pearce is quite acclimatised, and he is well accustomed to the Thames conditions. Pearce weighs 12.12, and Barry 11.12. Pearce is practising starts. He is very fast off the mark, and the other day, despite rough water, pulled 22 strokes to the half-minute. He showed excellent, form in rowing from Putney to Mortlake, with McVilly, the Diamond Sculls winner. $