GOSSIP OF THE TURF

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12485, 29 June 1926, Page 10

GOSSIP OF THE TURF

Talk from Track and Stable

(By

“CARBINE.”)

The Wellington winter meeting will commence this day week, be continued on July Bth, and conclude on July 10th. The big event of the fixture, the Wellington Steeplechase, will be contested on the opening day, the chief flat race (the Parliamentary Handicap) on the second day, and the Winter Hurdles on the final day. The last two Wellington Steeplechases have been won by Omahu, and, as no horse has yet won the event three times in succession, interest will be taken in the Rangitikei horse’s prospects of establishing a new record. Goto and Kaitere each won twice, the former in 1901 and 1902, and the latter in 1901 and 1905. Omahu carried 11.5 when he won in 1924, and 11.9 last year, and on each occasion he was ridden by L. 6. Morris. This year Omahu has 11.1. He has been coming on very nicely lately, but his most recent effort was very disappointing. However, he seems to have a great liking for Trentham where he has shown fine form on the flat in hurdle races, and over country. Nukumai, who is top weight in the Wellington Steeplechase, with .11.2, is such a good sort that he only has to jump well to have a great chance. Not many of those engaged would bother him on the flat, but the trouble is that he has keen jumping very indifferently in his recent efforts over fences. In the circumstances, one might have to wait and see how he schools before the meeting. Landbird, on past form, will be held in considerable respect. He was short of schooling when he was beaten at Wanganui, but went_ on to win at Ellerslie, and if he is produced here in condition that satisfies his trainer, he is sure to take beating. One of the picks of the Handicap appears to be Master Peter, who is a good jumper, and ought to stay well. He is in with 10.10, and just below him in the list, with 10.4, is Llewellyn, who is considered by many to be the best steeplechaser in , the land. Llewellyn did not have a chance to show his quality at the Auckland meeting, but he will be more forward when he appears at Trentham. If he can live up to his reputation, he has a royal chance at the weights. That is obvious. Sturdee, Dick, Kendal and Highway look to be among the most likely of the others. Wingatui training stables are unusually strong with rising two-year-olds (writes “Sentinel”), and the fact, supplies evidence of a pleasing addition to the ranks of local horse owners. omSe of the youngsters being handled comprise: Filly by Kilbroney from Elaine; colt by Paper Money from Peirena; filly, by Kilbroney. from Panama; colt by Kilbroney from Lady Violet; filly by Paper Money from Martifors; filly by Kilbroney from Filagree; filly by Kilbroney from Pot Pourri; filly by Kilbroney from Halina; filly by Boniform from Blackmail; filly by Thurnham from Matata; gelding by Kilbroney from Temba; filly hy Archery from Killala; gelding by' Tractor from Alphaea; filly by Tractor from Droski; and filly hy Tractor from’ Bon Maid. The half-sister to Razzle Dazzle and Gold Light, by Paper Money from Simper, was amongst the rising two-year-olds allowed to run down the straight at Napier Park. New Zealand had two winning representatives at the Ascot Pony meeting in Sydney last week in Kuhio and Baby Bun. Kuhio, which was a shortpriced favourite, carried 8.2 and beat a moderate field over six furlongs and 60 yards in I.2oJsec. The two-year-old Baby Bun was at a long price when she beat a big, field of all ages over half a mile. Shh carried 7.9 and ran the four in 49tseo. A disastrous drought is being experienced by bickers of first favourites at registered meetings in Sydney and Melbourne, wrote “Poseidon ’ m the Sydney “Sun” last week. Of the last 28 . events of this kind in Sydney only five have beon won by the public’s first choice. Melbourne punters have' been even more astray, as the last 26 winners there have included only one first favourite. Gold Light has been hooked to bo one of the associates of Mr J. D. Ormond’s imported sire, Arausio, next season. S. Henderson’s broken collarbone has mended well, and the Auckland horseman expects to be riding at the Wellington meeting. Cureaform did not race up to expectations at the Great Northern meeting, but was very sore, and may do a lot better at Trentham. It is not often that the Waikato trainer, R. Hannon, travels outside Auckland with his horses, but he is well represented at the approaching Wellington and Canterbury meetings. Anyone who contends that there are more sagacious four-footed animals than the horse must have changed his mind if he saw Mountaineer’s remarkable display of horse-sense in Saturday’s hurdle rrfee, says the Sydney “Sun.” Mountaineer lost his rider at the first hurdle, 'but continued as if nothing had happened., and, for the rest of the journey, jumped beautifully without in any way interfering with the other runners. In fourth position half a mile from home. Mountaineer timed his run beautifully. Ho .was up with the leader, Willanjie. at "the last jump, took it in his stride, and drew away on the flat, to pass the post a couple of lengths ahead of bis more fortunate rival. Then, with the race over, he wheeled round, and was the first horse to return to the enclosure. The only thing Mountaineer didn’t do was to take up his position >n five first horse’s “yard.” Perhaps ho knew he couldn’t get the race! Automne, Automaton, Threadneedle, Ngawati, and a coming two-year-old by Autumu out of Bebella, are being

sent along at Gisborne in view of approaching engagements by H. Gdscomb, private trainer to Mr D. J. Barry. , • A noticeable absentee from the nominations for the Wellington meeting is Kawini, _ which filled the role of run-ner-up in both the Great Northern Hurdles and Steeplechase. LOST HIS FORTUNE ONE-TIME TRAINER OP DICK. Arthur Skelton, a Sydney pony trainer, has had a more varied experience among horses than the majority of men. He has trained and ridden in England; France, Russia., New Zealand, India, and Australia, and has been successful in each country. Misfortune has dogged Skelton, however, as he lost a small fortune in Russia when the Bolsheviks took charge of the country. Skelton’s story is most interesting. As a lad he served his apprenticeship with Mr AV. Nightingale, at Epsom, and did a good deal of riding in England. -After serving five years he went to Franco, where he also rode' winners. i His big success came in Russia, where he stayed several years, and rode and trained 617 winners. Races big and small came his way, and his victories included three Derbies at Riga, with Sunshine, Miss Bouncer, and Minyon. He was quickly gathering a fortune, but then came disaster. The Bolsheviks broke loose, and Skelton was taken prisoner. “Brownie” Carslake and many other jockeys and trainers left Russia in 1917, and escaped trouble. Skelton, however, stayed too long and was unable to leave the country. He lost all his money and possessions. After going through several hardships he got out of Russia in 1920, and arrived in England penniless. Good man as lie was with horses he was not long idle. He went to India as trainee for Mr J. H. McGee, blit after a successful year’s work became ill, and had to return to England. Skelton then decided to try his luck still further afield, and came to New Zealand under engagement to Mr Corry. He went over to Sydney with the jumper Dick, which scored, at Ranuwick, and this year won the Groat Northern Steeplechase at Auckland. Skelton remained behind with the well-known pony trainer, J. Vernon, in whose stable he was foreman. Twelve months ago he started again on his own,,.and with, few horses in his hands has done well. Maldoms won two races for him at Wollongong, deadheated at Victoria Park, and won a double at Millfield on June sth. Quick Enough scored at Victoria Park, and Leading Lady won the first division of the Novice Handicap at Ascot a fortnight ago. ELLERSLIE TRACK WORK There was a little schooling work at Ellerslie on Tuesday, writes “Archer.” Zircon and Royal Form jumped four hurdles in good style, while Joy Ride shaped well over two pony hurdles and two of the schooling hurdles. Bahama is working along steadily at Ellerslie, and is carrying an improved appearance. This hack notched a. qouple of seconds in minor company in tlie autumn, and promises to do better. Passionate continues to move about nioely, and should he a very fit horse when he races at Trentham.. Nucleus, who is carrying a very bright appearance, seems to have benefited by her racing at Ellerslie, where she ran two good races. Tuki is being kept going steadily, and will probably race at Trentham and Riccarton. The Quin Abbey gelding ran a fine race in the Great Northern Steeplechase, and should give a good account of himself if ho goes south. Tlie- Auckland horses, Cawnpore, Quaker Oats, Bright Light, and Subdivision, who were shipped to Sydney last week, will he trained in Sydney by R. O’Donnell. J. Buchanan .is keeping Serang, Merry Damon, and Tall Timber moving, and the trio may visit Trentham and Ricoarton this winter. Joy Ride, in the same stable, may also race in the south. ELECTRIC BATTERY AGAIN A sensation was caused at Victoria Park, Adelaide, on June 7th, when it became known that an electric battery had been picked up on the course. The find was made at the 11-furlong post after the running of the Adelaide Cup. The 11-furlong post is situated close to the bend going out oif the straight, and, as it was supposed that the device , was used by one of _ the oup riders, the culprit dropped it as he began to pull up his mount shortly after passing the winning post. All racegoers are aware of the reason for the use of a battery —to stir the speed of a horse. The officials were not able to say who had employed tlie battery, but one of the spectators on the course, according to a story circulated, saw a rider drop something close to the 11-furlong post as he began to pull up his horse after the cup. The stipendiary stewards reported that a search was made for batteries at the starting-post in the Tusmore Welter Handicap. None were found. There was no search made in the Birthday Cup, but after the race a battery, was picked up in the straight and handed to the stewards. It is now in their possession. In referring to the “find” the Adelaide “Chroniclb” says:—“The battery is a small affair, fitted with three prongs with rough edges, and on pressing a button on top. of One of the prongs one comes in for a sharp electric prick or shock. It is a small instrument, and could readily be carried in the palm of one’s hand. In the AVelter Handicap and in the Jumpers’ Flat Race a search was made for batteries, the plan adopted by the officials being to call upon each rider in turn to put up his hands. No examination was made as regards the riders in the cup.” GRAND PRIX DE PARIS Reuter’s Tcleeram. PARIS, June 27. Following; is tlie result of the GRAND PRIX DE PARIS, Of 16,000 sovs; for tliree-year-olds; one mile and seven furlongs. Takemytip 1 Biribi 2 Bois Jossclyn 3 There were 22 runners. JWon by a neck.