MASTER MERUIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26842, 5 August 1948, Page 8

MASTER MERUIT

FILLED FETLOCK CAUSES CONCERN NIGHT PRINCE UNDER CLOUD Special to the Dally Times CHRISTCHTTRCH,. Aug. 4. The Hastings trainer, W. D. Young, is greatly worried just now over the Grand National candidate Master Meruit. He jumped late yesterday, when he was sent twice over the schooling fences in the middle of the course. Bravura ied him over the first round, after which Master Meruit continued alone over five more fences at a slower pace. He gave one of his usual displays of clean jumping. He was showing slight signs of lameness in front when he walked off, but this often happens after he schools. Later in the day, his off fore fetlock filled. This is an unwelcome development, as in the past his trouble has been centred in a shoulder. He was given some exercise in the sea at New Brighton to-day, but in the meantime his programme is dependent on how he fares during the next day or two.

High Morale was on the sand track this morning, when he moved quite , freely There is some heat in one of nis forelegs, however, and his trainer, A. D. T. Webster, is rather concerned about the horse. He was to go to New Brighton later in the day for sea bathing. ■ At present his programme is in doubt. Night Prince is under a cloud, and it is reported that he will not be a starter in the Grand National Steeplechase. Grand Coulee jumped well this morning over six hurdles, and Legal Right pleased in a similar task. Dunky and The Jester set out to school over six hurdles. Dunky gave a bold display. but The Jester soon dropped back and fell heavily at the last flight. Glen Cona may not take his place ir the Avonhead Hack Handicap, while Military Chief is a doubtful starter in the Cashmere Plate.