SPORTING.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5312, 25 June 1904, Page 6

SPORTING.

NOTES BY "ADVANCE." Among th© entries for the W.R.C. printer meeting appear two well-known competitors at the Hntt in Straybird and Plain Bill. The "Wanderer gelding has competed at five local winter meetings. In 1898-99 he ran unplaced in the Winter Hurdles and second in the Final Hurdles. The following season he dead-heated for hird place in the July Steeplechase. A year later he ran unplaced in the Wellington Steeplechase, and won the July Steeplechase. In 1902 he was again unplaced in the Wellington Steeplechase and ran second in the July Steenlechase. Last year he finished out of a place in the Wellington Steeplechase' and won the July Steeplechase for the second time. This year Straybird is only engaged in the July Steeplechase, in which he has been placed four years in succession—a record pretty hard to beat. Plain Bill won the Wellington Steeplechase four years ago, after running unplaced in the Hurdles. Two years later ho won the July Steeplecase after competing unsuccessfully’ in the big event on the first day. The Flintlock gelding has not been seen out since he competed in the Grand National Steeplechase two rears ago. It is to be hoped that ho will'stand a preparation, as there is no doubt about his being one of the best steeplechasers seen out of recent years. The Parliamentary Handicap field includes Shrapnel Shell, last year's winner, and Loch Erne, who acted as runner-up to Will-o'-thc-Wisp two years’ ago, PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, Juno 24. Mr J. Chadwick has declared the following handicaps for the Gisborno Racing Chib’s winter meeting, commencing July 7th:— Handicap Hurdle Race, of 60 sovs; two miles.—Hippowai 11.2, Cavalry 10.12, Medallius ana Levant 10.6, Lady Raven/ 9.12, Morpeth 9.8, Local Option *9.6, Revealer 9. Gisborne Park Steeplechase, of 100 fovs; about thro© miles.—Kiatere and Papatu 11, Straybird 10.2, Ilylas 9.13, Stockman 9.11, Gun Metal 9.7. Flying Handicap, of 45 sovs; sis furlongs.—Rehua 11.4, Paria 10.6, Lady Raven and Tukapa 9.12, Hinetapauriki and Local Option 9.10, Vivacity 9.7, Good Spec and Maoriland 9.2, Linklock 9. Winter Oats Handicap, of 45 sovs; one mile and a distance.—Rehua 11'3, Cavalrv 10.4, Paria 10.3, Lady Raven and Tukapa 9.9, Hinetapauriki and Local Option 9.7, Morpeth and Craftsman 9.6, Vivacity 9.4, Good Spec and Linklock 9. RACEHORSE DROPS DEAD. CHRISTCHURCH, June 24. Shellback dropped dead at Riocarton this mpming after doing a gallop.