SPORTING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 225, 21 August 1940, Page 10

SPORTING

UNLUCKY DAY. AWAPUNI RIDER’S FALL. (By “Spectator.”) W. Jenkins had an unfortunate clay at Riccarton on Saturday, for tho injuries lie suffered in his. fall from Recollection prevented him from taking the ride on Black Thread, winner of the last race, in which P. Burgess had the mount. Riccarton, however, has previously boon a fruitful course for Jenkins. Among bis wins there was that on Catalogue in the Winter Cup last year. His success on Limbohm in the Grand Na-

tional. Hurdles this year followed a short experience of hurdle riding in races. His second in jumping races is . now six rides for three wins, and probably few -jockeys have won the big hurdles event at their fiist attempt in the race. Jenkins is attached to E. W. Watson’s stablq at Awapuni, and has had wide experience, including a visit to Australia, where he rode several winners for Mr G. J. Barton, of Dunedin. The riding fee for tho jockey of tho Grand National Hurdles was £63, but Sir A. J. Toxward, owner of Limbohm; told Jenkins he would make it £IOO if he won. Jenkins has enlisted, and will probably soon leave racing for the Army. Top-weight’s Win. The win of the top-weight, Black Thread, a.t Riccarton on the final day was full of merit. Ho was well up in the running all the way and fought on every solidly against a strong challenge by Paper Note on the rails, just keeping his head in front. First Grand National. Grand National records start in 1876, but Mr E. C. Studholme has made a statement that he intends to make a claim to have the Grand National Steeplechase meeting held in 1875 at Willowbridgc, near Waimato, placed on the official list as the first Grand National meeting. Ho was present at this meeting, and has a copy of the programme, which says that the big race was for £IOO.

Riding Engagements. Additional riding engagements for tho Pakuranga Hunt Chib’s mooting arc;—H. Wiggins: Valmint, Miss Valeric, Stratford. N. Vaughan: Prival. A. Messervy: Bronze Emerald. M. Kerr; Orate. S. Tremain: Voyana, Hinchau. F. E. Baker: Tavern Song, Gar Vaals. R. MeTavish: Classic, Erndale, Hackcrisclnnidt, Aero King. D. J. Burgess: Biform, Vaalso. M. Ritchie: Lovclilt. A. E. Ellis for Sydney.

A. E. Ellis has contracted to ride Beau Vite throughout bis Australian campaign this spring, and as a result declined several riding engagements over fences at Riccarton last week, including the mount on Gay Boa in the Grand National Steeplechase. Ellis has previously suffered injuries on the eve of leaving for Australia and it was not surprising to find that lie was of the opinion that the risk was too great this year. 1

Nigger Boy Sold. Mcoirs B. and S. Nausbaum, owners of Sleeveless, havo bought Nigger Boy, who ran in their colours in the last race at Iticcarton on Saturday. They have secured a versatile performer. A four-year-old bay gelding by Nigger Minstrel—Spoarmaid, he started racing as a two-year-old, and last season secured four wins, three seconds and four thirds in 16 starts, being seldom further back than fourth. Ho was one of the lessor fancied candidates in this year’s Winter Cup, when lie Svas third. Awapuni Team at Riccarton. Awapuni horses at Riccarton did not faro particularly well, and the only win was that gained by Clarion Call in the Grand National Steeplechase. Several local horses gained minor placings, so that the total slake money credited to this district is £1340, made up as follows: —Clarion Call, first in Grand National Steeplechase, £IOSO, including plate valued at £25; Blue Steel, second in August Handicap, £80; Raeburn, second in Paparua Handicap, £6O; Anita Foe, third in Heathcoto Handicap, £SO.