THE TURF IN ENGLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19718, 18 August 1927, Page 14

THE TURF IN ENGLAND.

BEST ALL-ROUNDER. England's champion all-round horso at the present stage is Blancona, a Beven-ycar-old gelding by Groat Sport from Benedictine. He has won over hurdles as well as over tho Aintree (Liverpool) steeplechase course, and at Newmarket on Juno 28 ho accounted for tho Hare Park Handicap, of £039, li miles. He had 8.1.2, and won by half a length from King George's Magnum Bonum (7.0), in 2.35. There were a dozen runners and bad horses rarely run at Newmarket. Blancona is owned by the American sportsman, Mr. S. Sandford, and is to be a runner for a £7OOO steeplechase at Belmont Park (New York) next mouth. LUCK OF THE SALE RING. The fact of the Derby winner Call Boy being sold for £OO,OOO is another illustration of the luck that attends the purchase of bloodstock. His dam, Comedienne, created such a poor impression when she went into the sale ring as a yearling that someone jokingly made a bid of 20 guineas. The late Mr. F. Curzon went to ISOgs. and got her. Comedienne won tho first four races in which she ran, returning her owner £604 in stakes. The following season she was unsuccessful, and, after winning at her last start at four years, was retired to the stud. As her unnamed two-year-old soil by Grand Parade has shown good form this season. Comedienne is bound to realise a big price when she goes to auction with tho other horses in tho estate. She is 14 years old. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. When the French-bred horse Dark Japan won the Manchester Cup in June last he was credited with running fhe mile and a-half in 2m 29 2-ss, As Dark Japan carried 9.0 the merit of his performance was on all hands recognised.