NATIONAL STEEPLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21250, 2 August 1932, Page 7

NATIONAL STEEPLES

SOUTH CANTERBURY FORM LORD RANALD'S PERFORMANCE LUCESS OUT OF FAVOUR [llY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT] CHRISTCHURCH, Monday Tho South Canterbury Hunt Club's meeting on Saturday provided some interesting contests, but at tho same time did not give all tho expected assistance to racegoers toward solving tho Grand National Stccplechaso problem. Most interest appeared to bo centred in Lucess. Ho dominated the betting, but his performance foil a long way below anicipations. This was his first raco over country emco ho ran second to Billy Boy in the Winter Steeplechase at .Ellerslio. Ho was not produced at tho Wellington meeting owing to his inability to bundle the Trenthani going, and, apparently, he was similarly troubled by tho soft nature of the Waahdyke track. Eveu bo he should havo made a better showing if ho is to be given any chance iu the big Riccarton event. There is no Question about his jumping ability, but his staying Qualities are at fault, and, unless a big improvement is ejected in him, he' must lose caste as a Grand National aspirant. Snowfall appeared to bo going well enpugli with a mile to go to join up with the leaders beiore tho post was reached, but. liko Luccss, lie failed over hali-a-niile from home, and tho pair presented a sorry spectacle in tho concluding stages. Tho track conditions also had Snowfall troubled. None of his old dash was in evidence at any part of tho race. It will be remembered that 12 months ago ho did not do much better in tho 6amo race, although filling second place, nnd came on to Riccarton to win the Gra.id National in a confident manner. The Riccarton going will probably again gel better results from Snowfall and it wouJd not bo wise to disregard him on Saturday's form. High Pitch's Good Showing High Pitch made ft very auspicious debut as a steeplechaser and is naturally open to big improvement. However, he is tackling a solid undertaking to win the Grand National with only one previous race over country. Lord Ranald gave a faultless display from end to end. This was his first race over country lor exactly three years, his previous appearance being on the occasion of his victory in the Homeby Steeplechase at the Christchurch Hunt Club's meeting at Riccarton. Prior to that success he had won the three steeplechases ho contested that season, so he now has the record of accounting for five steeplechases in succession and has not yet sutfered a defeat over country. He was ridden in all these races by the veteran horseman, W. Scobie. who on Saturday showed that he lias lost nothing of tho art of handling a juniper, and a good deal of the applause which greeted the strong combination oil entering the enclosure was directed to Scobie. Lord Ranald's preparation has been eo checked that he was not seriously considered for the race, as it was feared that his ailments might become manifest during the running. This was not 60, but tho race had its effect, as it was a hardship for him to walk back to weigh in. The seemed to be worse than after his schooling task a fortnight ago. As on previous occasions the ailment may soon work off again, but, in the meantime, those who saw him leave the grounds were not encouraged to view his prospects at the Grand National meeting in a favourable light. Nylotis' Creditable Display Calham and Lancer did not go far enough in tine race to solicit any opinion regarding their chances, but the latter at least will not now carry much public confidence from a 'umping point of view. , ;1 Nylotis gave a very creditable display, and was in the picture right up to tho last fence. He should manage the Riccarton obstacles, but the distance will be his Fit and well, there would be no hesitation in looking to Lord Ranald to again outclass those of Saturday's field likely to contest the Grand National, and. in Ins absence. Snowfall is entitled to most consideration. as he has proved himself over the Riccarton country. In alone he would be preferred- to Deportment, winner of the Hunters Steeplechase, can be considered useful onlj in "that class. He is a bold .fencer-and can be given a jumpers chance in the Giand National. WOEK AT RICCARTON BILLY BOY'S BAD START REFUSAL TO JUMP A FENCE [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] CHRISTCHURCH, Monday Since Billy Boy's win in tho Wellington Steeplechase, following on his success in the Winter Steeplechase at Ellerslie, he has been in strong favour for tho Lrrand National Steeplechase, but the result of his first acquaintance to-day with the pig country on the course proper at Riccarton will not be conducive to earlier prospects being sustained. Ridden by J. Burgess he was walked round the course in company with his schooling mate Royal Visitor, who had the services of tho local horsemaii. J. "Pickett, and both were shown each obstacle. They then started off from the entrance to the back stretch and jumped tho first two fences well, but _ Billy Boy, rushing away from his companion, refuses to tackle the first of the kennels double and ran off. Royal Visitor following suit. Taken back Royal Visitor had the lead and again ran off while Billv Boy baulked. The pair were then taken further back and jumped tho second fence again well but although ridden hard at the kennels the result waa the same. As a last resort each of the trainers interested took a stand outside eithej wing, but. their efforts were also unavailing. Billy Boy then jumped the second or the double without any trouble and the pair set off to carry out the remainder of the task set them. They negotiated the big top brush, carriage paddock brush and Outtß and both gave excellent displays. The first of the kennels double, has a deep ditch in front and it is evident that Billy Boy took a dislike to it when paraded before it prior to %vork. He may be persuaded to master the fence if he geia the opportunity of schooling later in the week with more experienced companions, but in the meantime there is the knowledge that it is a very difficult matter to get a horse to forget such incidents in the short timo available before next week's race. Lord Ranald was on tho tracks ogmn today showing little signs when walking of the lameness which was in marked evidence after his spectacular success at Washdyke on Saturday. Tho troublo had worn off to a large extent that evening, and had wholly disappeared yesterday. Although displaying slight tenderness when trotting he gave every indication to-day of being right back to normal. . , However, it is not intended to take any risks with him. He will not be jumped again before the meeting opens. POVERTY BAY HUNT CLUB ACCEPTANCES FOR SATURDAY [BY TELEGRAPH—rnESS ASSOCIATION] GISBORNE, Monday Acceptances for tho Poverty Bay Hunt Club's annual meeting on Saturday are us follows: — AWAPTJNT HURDLES, of £SO 11 miles. —Simeon,. 11.0: Manuin.iNeil. 10.11; ht. \nies 10.8; Atholspear, 9.1.1; Million. 0.11, Manifesto, 9.8: Kaiti. 9.5; Rongo, 9.3; King Wanga, Cat-i-mes, 9.0. WfIATATUTU lIACK FLAT HANDICAP. of .£SO, 1 mile.—Beverage, 11.7; i Waiata. 11.1; Sunny Bachelor. 11.0; urold Ruler, 10.13; Sunglarc, Bird Call, lanapeen, 10.7. HEXTON HANDICAP, of £OO. U miles. —Malahat. Teller, 9.9; Autumn Sun. 9.0; Good Idea. 8.0: Helium. Moa Bird, Koiy Mor, Bob In, Nalii, Primax, Rasouli, 8.0. COLD CUP STEEPLES, of £9O. « miles.—Simeon, 12.9; Iseil, 12.7; .Ten, 11.9. Luna Lux, WharnclilTe, 11.4; Cat-i-mes, 10.12; Harrowgate, 10.8; Hauniarire, fauugliire, Tall Timber, 10.7. SWARTHMOOR TRIAL HANDICAP, of £SO, 5 fur.—Sunny Bachelor, 8.11; Hunting Star. Gainsfid, Hunting Song—Bethin gelding, Summerhill, 8.2; Menaderva, Reviver, Prince Colossus, Hunting Jay, 8.0. HUNTERS' BRACELET, of £SO 11 miles.— Toboggan. 12.5: Cold Roller. 12.5; Freehold, 12.0: Million. 11.11: Luna Lux. 11 7; Kahunoke, 11.3; Sunglarc, Golden Pennant,' Grantham, Tall limber, 11.0. RAPANUI HACK FLAT HANDICAP, of £SO, 7 fur.— Sunny Song, 9.7; Good rdea. 9.4; Rasouli. 9.3; £ady Vane. 9.0; Lady Spy, 8.11; Stitch. Hawthorn. 8.10; Primax, 8.7; Tama Waiata. 8.6; Night Speaker. 8.4Princess Star. 8.2; Kahunoke. Bird Call, "Menaderva, Tarrapeen. Measurer, 8.0. LUNA LUX AND GOLD RULER [j)Y telegraph —OWN correspondent] HASTINGS. Monday Luna Lux and Gold Rulor loft to-day by motor-float for Giaboruo. whero they have been entered for the Poverty Bsy Hunt Club races,