RICCARTON GOSSIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22139, 19 June 1935, Page 9

RICCARTON GOSSIP

RESUMPTION OF TRAINING

COURTYARD AS HURDLER GOOD TRIAL BY HOUNSLOW [by teleokaph OWN correspondent] CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday Training operations were resumed at Riccarton to-day, but, owing to a continuous drizzle, thero was not a great deal of fast work. The grass track was open, but, following up<on the recent bad weather, it provided heavy going and times recorded were slow. Courtyard was recently sent by his owner to be worked at New Brighton, and in the meantime he is under the chargo of E. Shaw. He is to bo tried as a hurdler and to-day, at Riccarton, with R. Drinkwater in the saddle, was schooled over the pony hurdles. He made some promising but careful jumps, and stopped a couple of times, but his display wae considered quite satisfactory for a novice. Courtyard has been a most disappointing horse for the two stables he has been quartered at since coming South. Ho invariably showed tlashes of brilliancy on the tracks, thus encouraging strong support in many of his races, bat, as he has often failed with the colours up, the decision to jump him has been made, in the hope that it will improve hia racing demeanour. Hounslow (Drinkwater) and Radiant Rose (W. Lawson) were companions over six hurdler. The former, who had the ground to his liking, hit out freely, and gave a fast and clean display. His mate was put to a severe test in accompanying him, but she shaped very well. High Speed (H Turner) and Ace Pot (Drinkwater) went out to jump eight of the steeplechase fences. They kept together for half the journey and High Speed then led his companion, who tired badly and fell at the first of the stand double the second time. High Speed gave a fair exhibition and on Wingatui form should cause most trouble to Velvet in the steeplechase at Ashburton on Saturday. S. Barr is at present handling a yearling by Pink Coat from Pgllyform, dam of Nightform, Pink Lapel and Doctor Duthie. The last two are also trained by Barr, so that he has the unusual experience of having three of the progeny of one mare in his stable at the same time. There is another case at Riccarton of one mare being represented by three of her progeny, but not all under one roof. This is Polly Peachum. dam of Mclleath, who is trained by J. S. Shaw. A three-year-old brother to McHeath is being trained by Shaw for Mr. W. A. Land, owner of McHeath, and he will race as Bachilton. The third member of the family is a two-year-old colt by Siegfried trained for Mr. R. G. Westenra by F. D. Jones.

Mrs. .T. Campbell has ridded Burglar to her team. He is nn acred gelding by Night Raid, find is owned by Mr. D. W. Westenra. and at the Ota go Hunt Club's annual meeting in Senfomber. 1933. he was beaten by half a length by Umtali in tho Otago Hunt Club Cup Steeplechase. He has not raced since, but has done a good deal of hunting, and is likely to take a prominent part in hunters' steeplechases later in tho winter.

Fleeting Glance has been taken up again. She is at present being given daily road work, but will be 'jack on the tracks shortly. C. McCarthy has nn addition to his team in the five-year-old gelding Joppa, by Jericho from Sporting Girl, dam of the promising Ponty. Joppa. like Pontv. ia owned by Messrs. E. and N. Rutherford. Horowhenua was given some light exercise_ on the sand to-day and appeared to be in good o'der after his successful trip to Ellerslie. His travelling companion, Free Air. is still stif iring from lameness, and will be given a short respite.