NOTES AND COMMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9717, 20 July 1917, Page 8

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

(Bv Tohunga.) Conditions at Trentham have boon anything but pleasant over tho week. It has rained, hailed, and thundered in the valley since tho Wellington meeting, with the result that very little has been possible in tho way of work for the horses who remain in commission.

Prince Delaware is being kept up to the collar. Ho is doing well. Johnny Walker, who will doubtless fulfil his Christchurch obligations, ifl also being sent around the course in approved style. Another of J. Lowe’s team who is doing good work is the Patronus gelding Coalition, who has improved wonderfully in his jumping.

It is a great pity that the Grand National meeting was not held a week after the Wellington fixture. There was a. great army of horses at Trentham, and, although the performances of many of them were somewhat disappointing (probably the fault of the going), their owners would have gone on to Christchurch. As things are practically all of the northern visitors have returned to the familiar box. With the present heavy cost of travelling, and the doubtful character of the transit facilities, it is surprising that the Canterbury Jockey Club did not make their meeting follow the AVellijigton meeting immediately. The horses engaged here could have proceeded straight to Christchurch. The Golfer continues to make good progress under the care of J. McLaughlin at Trentham. The grey shows no sign of his recent leg trouble, and will probably be engaged at the Grand National meeting next month. It is stated that El Gallo will not bo a starter in any - of the events at the Grand National meeting. The Spalpeen gelding was very sore when he left for homo, and double punters should forget all about him for the time being. Tararu Jack, who Is engaged in the Grand National Hurdles,'will probably be a starter, providing his owner agrees with the and he should run well on his Wellington form. Parisian Diamond, who was not produced at the Wellington meeting, is still at Trentham. She has an engagement in the Winter Cup, and is being kept going in the meantime. Heeltap, too, remains at Trentham. Ho is also in the Winter Cup, and his presence hero suggests a visit to Riccarton..