NOTES FROM RICCARTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23055, 4 December 1936, Page 17

NOTES FROM RICCARTON

(Special to Daily Times) CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 3. The tracks at Riccarton have dried up well after heavy rain early in the week. The trial grass track was m excellent order for fast work this morning, and the sand also provided good going, while the plough was not far short of being at its best. Again this morning's track work opened with a few horses going the reverse way in view of engagements at the Auckland meeting. in addition to P. V. Masons trioRoaming, Lofty, and Merry March—H. and A. Cutts sent Bun Fight and Impersonator the right-hand way of the Following on his poor form lately, Mr J. M. Samson has decided on- a change with Southdown. He was railed this week to Mosgiel, where p. P. Wilson will try him for a time in the hope that some improvement will result. Southdown was bred in Australia, and throughout his career has been trained at Riccarton by A. M'Aulay. On occasions he has shown considerable promise, but for some time past he has been a great disappointment, for in spite of looking exceptionally well, his race form has been very poor. . Acena was not brought back to Riccarton after his race at Ashburton on Saturday, A. S. Ellis sending him home to his owner, Mr L. J. Fechney. The gelding will be spelled for a few months, after which Ellis will take him in hand again to prepare him for steeplechases in the winter. His efforts over brush hurdles have encouraged the idea that he will make a good performer for cross-country racing. J. A. M'Farlane, who served his apprenticeship with L. G. Morris at Marton, has decided to settle at Riccarton, and has entered the service of J. S. Shaw. He can ride at 7st 71b, so he will be a welcome addition to local light-weights. ' L. J. Ellis was the rider last season when Cuddle won the New Zealand and Auckland Cups, and he will again be associated with Mr R. J. Murphy's mare if she contests the Auckland Cup this year, in which case a new pilot will be required for Fersen. A E. Ellis expects to be riding at the Auckland Racing Club's meeting. He will be the pilot on Silver Ring in the Auckland Cup and other events, continuing a combination that has been very successful in big events in New Zealand and Australia for more than a year. There was a report that D. O'Connor would ride Silver Ring, but he has not been approached. In any case, he will not be in Auckland, having horses from his own stable to race nearer home during the holidays.