First Line Wins

NZ Truth, Issue 1030, 22 August 1925, Page 10

First Line Wins

But What of the Others? There was no more popular victory at Riccarton than that of old First Line who won the Lincoln Steeples last Saturday. First Line must nearly know Riccarton as well as Gloaming, so often has he been to the course, and the Riccarton crowd, did not forget to show their pleasure when he landed. It is said that Trainer Alf Wright was very pleased, for he has. read some nasty things about First Line m the Press. "Truth" has said its share, and though First Line has won we do not think it a case of taking anything back. All honor to the old horse, but what of the others? When First Lirye can head a field off six furlongs 'from home and win m a canter it/ says very little for them. First Line <san jump — there is v none better — but fts a trainer said after the race "I couid race him myself with shoes on." In reality First Line showed us how bad our '"chasers are. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

clearing out of several of the older horses during the past few months m each establishment.

Bob Knox will think himpelf unlucky now that Penury Rose has won the National Hurdles. He bred both him and Sir Rosebery, the Great Northern double winner, and parted with them for small amounts after racing them and thinking their time was up as stakerearners.

Insurrection proved himself a very costly investment for Mr. Kemball, and has earned nothing towards his keep during the past two seasons. He was sold the other day for a very modes^ sum, and is to be used as a hack.

The good and bad times have to be mixed, m racing, but Mr. A. McDonald has had more than a fair share of the latter during the past twelve months. But Mac knows the game from the start, and he will soon be among the headlines again.

Standard is now the only handicap horse m W. Hawthorne's team, Trespass and Blue Hall having been left behind at Riccarton, Bill has four two-year-olds coming on, and they will now be sharpened up.

Hallmark should not be a dear horse at the price he was sold for at the Grand National 'fixture, and as the Australian-bred gelding is just coming to hand, he should soon even up. His track work before going South -was improving each week.

Nicullus has built up well m condition during his long spell, and is shortly to resume work at Opaki. ■He has also shaken off the soreness which put him out of action.