RACING NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24256, 26 March 1940, Page 7

RACING NEWS

By Sentinel FIXTURES March 26.—Riverton R.C. March 26.—Canterbury J.C. March 30 April X.—Greymouth J.C. March 30, April X.—Avondale J.C. March 30.—Vincent J.C. (at Wingatul). April 4, 6. Manawatu R.C April 6.—Clifden R.C April 6.—Reef ton J.C April XX 13.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. April 11, 13.—Oamaru J.C. April X2. 13 —Whangarei R.C. April 13, 15.—Nelson J.C. April 20.—Napier ’’ark R.C April 20 —Waimare R.C, April 20. 22.—Marlborough R.C. April 27—Waverley R.C. April 27—South Canterbury J.C. Out of Form “' Ashaway is not at his best and the Balboa gelding does not have bright prospects of being an early winner. Always’Going Well Auctor was always going well in the principal event at Beaumont yesterday, and lifter lying ; third for most. of the Journey’, came through in the straight to win well from Sir Hugh. Speedy | Roseileana has a nice turn of speed, but as yet does not carry it far enough The Vincent Meeting ■ There is every indication th t the Vincent Club’s meeting, to be held at Wingatul on Saturday, will be a most successful one. Owners have made a gratifying response with nominations, and the publication of handicaps to-morrow will quicken interest In the fixture. Acceptances are due on Thursday. Right-handed Course The Randwlck course (like Ellerslie) is right-handed. It is XX furlongs in circumference. but Its shape is roughly square ■with rounded comers, and the finishing straight is only two furlongs in length. Publicity The principal breeders in Australia leave very little undone in the way of publicity for the yearlings they send under the hammer at the Melbourne and Sydney sales. In connection with both sales an illustrated supplement has. been Issued by the; Australasian giving particulars of the lots to be offered by the various studs. The photos of the yearlings and reference, to breeding cannot fall to arouse extra interest in the sales. A Change of Tune Melbourne bookmakers will have to change their always-losing story for a while. Out of 41 races at the big meetings at Caulfield and Flemington, favourites won only 11, They had a clean sheet over the Newmarket-Cup double, and pocketed tens ..of thousands on one race when Amiable beat High Caste and Ajax. Tauherenikau Course The popularity of Tauherenikau is due to the fine course that the Wairarapa Club possesses. The stands and grounds are set among natural bush, and the club provides all facilities for picnicking as well as-racing. There is ho other course in the Dominion like it, A Good Horseman A story Is related of the late W. Clarke, one of the best riders of his day.. In 1894 he rode Norton, when he won the Grand National Steeplechase. A stirrup leather broke at the first fence and Clarke grabbed the leather before it fell, as he was riding close to the weight. The balance of the journey was safely negotiated to win "the race. If Clarke rode with his knees knocking over a horse’s withers he would have been dropped when the mishap occurred. He also won the Grand National Steeplechase on Freeman and Ahua, and the Grand National Hurdles on Kulnine, Social Pest, and Record Reign. Autumn Handicaps Three-year-olds have been responsible for some meritorious weight-carrying performances in handicaps in the autumn. Nonette won the Auckland Easter with 9.11, and Cruciform the Railway with 9.0 and the Great Easter with 9.9, but probably the greatest achievement was that of Advance at Ellerslie. After cantering home in the Easter Handicap with 9.6, the broken-winded black horse won the Century Stakes with a 101 b penalty. And completed the meeting by strolling home with 10.5 in the Autumn Handicap. Amiable The story is worth repeating of Mr W. R. KembaJl’s luck with Amiable, Imin 352 sec, Australian mile record-holder. Mr *' F. B. Melton ” desired to lease a yearling colt named Sunnymorn, but the owner refused, and "Mr Melton ” was given a filly. When the youngster, by then named Amiable, was about ready to race she fell lame. A veterinary’s report was discouraging and as the lease had not been lodged with the V.R.C., Amiable was returned to her owner. W. Hawthorne, one of the Kemball trainers, took her in hand, and within a few weeks the filly ran second at Caulfield. In a little over two years she has collected over £6OOO and has conquered High Caste and Ajax.