SPORTING.

Northern Advocate, 25 July 1923, Page 3

SPORTING.

There is some difference of opinion as to Rouen's capabilities as a jumper. He did badly in the "Winter Hurdles at Trentham, but it is stated that in a gallop prior to that fixture the Bosnian gelding outjumped Omahu. « * * * Nukmnai has lOst in the Gran I National Hurdles, and on form must le entitled to consideration. In his last nine starts the Manchineel gelding has been four times first, three times second and twice third. * * * * With 28 horses still engaged in the Winter Cup the event is creating much intel-est. Kilbird ran well enpugh at Trentham to gain many admirers for the Riccarton mile. * * * » First Born and Young ThnrnhaiA are two young jumpers that will not be seen out at Riccarton. Their owjier3 arc probably wise in not asking too much of them, and these promising performers should be all the better next winter for their lenient treatment during the present season. * * * * A Taranaki writer states that Poanui looked remarkably well at Trentham and showed better form than he had done for a long time past. The Great Northern winner's appearance at Riccarton will be awaited with, keen interest. * * * * Militairc is to be turned out until the next jumping, season, and this young gelding should be heard of thou. Solfanello, who 5s in the same stable at Trentham, is to have a spoil. The speedy sprinter has not been a success in mile races. » * » » The Signor mare 'CruceUc, who has been a good performer, has broken down and will not be persevered with, being booked for the matrons' paddock. * , # . ♦ . * Pamplona's withdrawal from the Grand National Steeplechase is put down to the fact that he had been causing his trainer a good deal of, anxiety. • • • • general Petain, who did not go to Wellington, is an acceptor for the big steeplechase at Riccarton. In comparison with the Wellington handicaps he meets Oakleigli on 141b and First Lino on 111b better terms. * * * * Isla Bank, who is on the minimum in the Grand National Steeplechase, was sold recently for £300—a cheap horse if he ca<n win a big race at Riccarton. * * * * Messrs Elliott Davis and J. Rowc, tlie well-known Auckland sportsmen, were in Whangarei yesterday, and enjoyed a look at Messrs Nelson and Hosking's young horses, Mr Hosking motoring them out. » # w '• Many Kittle, one of the leading three-yeaT-olds of the season, is in the sale list; at 2000 guineas. If not sold, he will visit Sydney with R. W. King' 3 team of Riccarton-trained horses. • • # • Arch Salute, who changed hands after racing at Trentham, is to be trained at Awapuni by A. Shearsby. * # » * Cupidon has been sent across to Sydney to join R. J. Mason's team. T t will be interesting to see whether he can again strike form on the scene r.f his greatest success. . » * * New Zealand evidently will be strongly represented at the Australian spring meetings this year, I®. addition to the horses previously sent over Mr A. B. Williams has a team of seven. Mr G. L>. Stead'is expected to take three, and there are others. * * * • J. H. Jefferd was expected to take the Martian —Torquato colt to Sydney, but he has been left in the Dominion and will be got ready for autumn racing. An inquirer recently ascertained that 2000 guineas is the price asked for this youngster. # * * * On his form in the Wellington Steeplechase Snake would have been very hard to boat in the July Steepjechase at Trentham, but his owner preferred to .start him in the Winter Hurdles, with no success.

Omahu did all that was asked of him at the South Canterbury Hunt nio.tincr on Saturday, winning the princi )-! steeplochaso by a fair margin. 110 carried 11.13 over two miles and n hnlf, so it was ji g»od exercise gallop for the bift' event at Riccarton, in wlii-h the Ellorslie Winter Rteeploehnso winner is weighted at 11.5. Saturday's win does not mean a penalty.