CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 50

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

(By Fritz)

Tho Now Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club held a very successful fixture last week. The weather was threatening early in tho week, and rain set in more than once, but two days’ racing was got through without serious inconvenience in that direction. On Friday, however, rain fell very steadily during the afternoon. The totalisator investments kept' mounting steadily, and an exceptional total would have been reached with fine weather to the end. As it was, the investments for three days ran out to £80,469. compared with £67,731 last year. Tho track was very greasy when racing opened on Wednesday, but it improved as the clay more on. and at the finish the going was good, though by no means fast. A lot of rain fell early on Friday, but it was lees in evidence at Addington than in other parts of the city. As a consequence the track looked quite decent before racing started. Later on more rain fell, and it was in a very bad state for the last few events. Throughout tho meeting the racing was really tip-top. There were, it is true, no fresh time records; but one scarcely looks for them in August. Some of the performances were of a particularly high-class character taking the state of the track into account, and we can look for brilliant time's in November if tho weather conditions are favourable.

Proceedings opened on Wednesday with the Midwinter Handicap, a. two-mile saddle race for unhoppled trotters. There were seven starters, the smallest field of the meeting. Electrocute being a warm favourite. Wild Tree lasted long enough to win by three lengths. The winner won his last race 16 months ago, but since then ho has run well on several occasions, being placed five times during the season just closed. Twenty was tho main for the Trial Handicap, Corbel, St. Kevin. Evelyn, and Merry Child being best backed in a good bettrfig race. A goofl finish ended in favour of St. Kevin bv half a length. Diving 801 l was four lengths away, and then came Merry Ch'ld, Lord Roanchild. Rotorua, and Dollar Princess. The winner, who is a four-year-old bv Rothschild—Rnahine, is a fu'l brother to the champion Dan Patch. He has not done much racing, but ho is a rare good sort, of whom more will be heard yet. Celtic’s display was a great improvement on what ho showed on the first dav. when ho was

■* no stage prominent. The King George Handicap, the principal event of the day, attracted 12 starters. Calm being a hot favourite, with Tnm'sfail and Bingana most in favour among the others. With half a mile to go. Calm was out well clear, and he was never afterwards troubled, winning easily by four lengths. Red Mac finished fast, and beat Tittle Arthur by a bare length for second place, with Ripon Child another length away, and Persuader close up. Bingana faded out in the last bit; but, he can he marked off as a. good horse. Persuader ran another fine race, and but for a couple of breaks would have been even closer at the finish. Red Abie, again proved himself a great stayer. Albertorious cut, up badly, and is evidently right out of form, -md among the other disappointments were Mnrieata and FR. Kevin’s sister. Innisfad. The winner by Wildwood Junior, being one of his first eron of foals. His dam, Gertie, by Knight Errant, had previously nroeluced Storm. Stornilet, and Storm less to Wildwood ; but Calm, by Wildwood’s son, is the best of the family. He is, in fact, one of the best horses seen on a local track for some time. Ho has only started thro** times, and is unbeaten. More than once he has gone wrong when being wound up for a meeting, but, ho appears to he ejirte sound . now, so wo may see him racing again before long. A field of 18 lined up for the Lincoln Handicap. 0.1. C. being a warm favourite, with D.C.L., Bright Alice, and Blackness bestbacked among the others. Three furlongs from home Bright Alice shot out with a big lead, and she ran home an easy winner by 10 lengths from Blackness, who finished fast and beat Ruddite by four lengths, with Kokenioer and St. Trella at the head of the others The winner, a useful sort by Rothschild, was ridden by the cross-country jockey A. Julian, who is a very capable pilot on a pacer. Many of our foremost jockeys are to be seen at, times riding on local trotting courses. Seventeen horses went out for the International Handicap, and they wore a narticularlv hot lot in the matter of quality, the best, in fact, seen at the mooting so far. It was a good betting race, with Bright. Mandarene, Lord Heathcote, and Jingle at the head of the quotations. The start was not a happy ore. Lord Heathcote, Wilkie, and Bell Metal broke up badly, while Blackchild Boy. one of the limit horses, went off too was called off l after leading for three furlongs. At the end of half a mile Beilis was showing the way to Mandarene. who was just, clear of Little Arthur, Jingle, and .Solo, the rest of the field being handy. Going down the back Beilis drew away, with Mandarene in attendance, while Bright commenced to improve his position. Nothing had a chance with Beilis, who ran home an easy winner by four lengths from Mandarene. with Bright three lengths away, followed by Little Arthur, Jingle, and Havoc. It was not a particularly exciting race; in fact, it was decidedly disappointing.

considering the class of the field. I saw Lord Hoiithcoto putting in a great run over the last half-mile, and had he got off well ho must have boon hard to beat. Jingle ran a solid race, but without looking like a winner at any part of the last half-mile. Havoc’s performance was sufficiently good to show that ho is fast getting into form, and this line horse may bo seen to more advantage a little later in the year. Beilis, the winner, has more than once shown himself to be a brilliant miler, but most of his form hits been shown in saddle, though once last season ho finished second to Adonis in a mile and a-quarter race. His latest vctory was- very impressive, and as ho shapes like a stayer, lie may bo tried out over two miles later on. Thirteen lined i.p for the Avon Handicap, tho unhoppled trotters’ harness race. The Wellington representative Hova, a fine stamp of a trotter, was favourite, with Rosalie and Kelso in good request. At the finish nothing had a chance with Rosalie, and she won easily by 10 lengths from Bushranger, with Kelso, who canto Uguin very fast, two lengths away, just in front of Hova, To Kuiti, and Master Raymond. A year ago Rosalie was a Bracelet candidate, but she won four races last season, and looks like winning lots more yet, as she is a rare good sort. Kelso showed a wonderful turn of pace, but went unsteadily. _ The veteran Yorax ran well for a mile and a-half, hut is evidently on the down grade, and it seems almost a pity he has returned to the track. Fourteen smart milers wont out for the Telegraph Handicap, Lady Sybil. Bingana, Frank Tracey, and Child Boldon being in most request in an even-betting race. Lady Sybil, who shot out at the start, easily held her own to the finish, winning with something to spare by four lengths. Lingana put in a great run in the straight, and just beat Rosebery by a head for second place, with Frank Tracey, St. Swithin. Ivy Dillon, and Cute close up. The winner, a fine big mare hv Rothschild —Thelma, is a half-sister to Wildwood Junior. She has not done much racing, but looks like adding to the family reputat-on. as she should do oven better later on. In the mcantuno she does not stay too well, but she may inv prove in that direction. A good day’s racing was concluded with the Dash Handicap, for which there were 13 Harters. Starchild was a strong favourite. King’s Lynn, Ruby S., and Maplewood coming in for most support among tho others. At the finish Barmaguie shot out and, holding his own. won with a bit to spare by two lengths from Frnn/.ie, who finished very fast. Maplewood was in second place from the entrance to the straight, hut he tired at file end. Starchild wan fourth, followed by Albs Florrie and King’s Lynn, A start was made on Friday with the Maiden Handicap, a race for unhoppled trotters, ridden by amateurs. Hardwood won by three lengths from Hiroki, with Rose Palm 10 lengths away, closely followed by Violet Rothschild, with the favourite. Chief Archer, next. Tho rest were strung out round tho track after a very unsatisfactory display. Altogether the comb-nation of green unhoppled trotters and amateur riders did not work well. The first pair are useful sorts, and they may do even bettor later on, but I am afraid there is not much hope for some of the others. Rose Palm trotted well into third place. She is very much inbred, being by Mount Palm, a son of Rothschild and Messenger Maid, and therefore full brother to Jessie Palm while her dam; Rosetta, is also by Rothschild. Seventeen was the main for tho Federal Handicap, Don Caesar being a little better favoured than Childsdale, with Proud Girl, Frandocia, and Muricata next in order of fancy. Don Caesar had a strong lead three furlongs from home, but then he commenced to tire. At the entrance to the straight Muricata was in front, and slip won comfortably by three lengths from I< randoeia, who boat Childsdale by four lengths. Don Caesar was close up fourth, followed by Proud Girl and Galvanita The display of Don Caesar was much ahead of what he showed earlier in the meeting, but it was, at the same time, rather disappointing to see him stop as he did at the end, when lie seemed to have the race in safe keeping. Muricata, the winner, is a beautiful equaregaited trotter, probably the best, in fact, that has been bred in the Dominion. She is by the American-bred sire Mauritius, who did one season in Now Zealand before going to Australia. He did well in that season, among those ho left being Muricata, Bingana, and Seychelles. Ooea.n Wave, the dam of Muricata, is by Rothschild. ’! he National Cun. tho big race of the meeting, attracted 13 starters. St. Swithin, let out within two seconds of the limit, was a pronounced favourite, with Red Mac, Bright, and Adonis in most v-quest among tho others. Tho race was run in a steady shower of rain. Lord Heatheote and Glondalongh broke up bad'y at the start, and Princess Louise also cut up in the race, Ripon Child showed out at the start, attended ! y Red Mac and St. Swithin. with Schoolgirl. Adonis and Bright at the head of the others. They ran with little change for another six furlongs, when Rod Mac joined Ripon Child in the lead. St. Swithin put in a bifak entering the last lap, where lie was joined by Adonis. Bright, Albert IT., and Mandarene. A little further em Red Mac drew away, and the field strung out. Adonis went in pursuit of the loader, but Red Mac won comfortably by three lengths, with Bell Metal four lengths away. Then came St. Swithin. with Albert 11.. a long wav back, at the head of the others. Red Mac has boon a consistent and improving horse for some time past. He has a nice style of going, and he stays well. He is by General Mac, a son of General Tracey, that has left a few good performers, though his stud opportunities have been limited. Bright went away before his time. He was ordered off, and for neg'ecting the instruction tho stewards fined his driver, A. G. Wilson, £l. Th Southland mare Matilda H. was a hot favourite in a field of 17 for the Canterbury Handicap, Bright Alice. Voter, and Blackness being in most demand among tho others. Matilda H. showed in front for a furlong, when Wallace Junior streaked past her. At the end of half a mile he was followed by Matilda H.. Bright Alice, and Oontrewood. Six furlongs from home Wrallare. Junior went right away, and ho won with the most ridiculous ease by 50 yards, bis rider easing h : m up a long way from home. Bold Maid stayed on well, and beat Ruby S. by a length for second place, with Electrocute and Vote ■ next. The winner has long had a great reputation for speed, but he is an uncertain customer, who can rarely be got off Ihe mark. lie was ridden in this race by F. E. Jones, tho flat-race jockey, who is developing into a very capable man on a pacer. Matilda IT. was done with a long way from home. Twelve lined up for the Addington Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, backers going for Kelso; with the bracketed Treasure Seeker and Welfare rather better fancied than Rosalie and Betel Nut.

Rosalie won as she liked by eight lengths. Kelso broke in the straight, and Betel Nut beat him home by a. length, with Bcnmoro and Master Raymond (both of \whom went unsteadily) at the head of the others. Rcdeliilt! ana \ erax were called off for starting before their time, each of their drivers being fined £l. Rosalie won on Wodnesday, and she is fast making a reputation as a very capable trotter. She has a nice even style of going, and looks I ke improving a lot yet. The Auckland horse, Craibwood. ran badly, as ho did earlier in the meeting, and it seems incredible that ho cou d ever have been a good one. Possibly ho may come here from Auckland again and do a iot better. There were 15

starters for the Islington Handicap, Pearl Child being a. very hot -favourite, with Oceanic (a half-sister to Muricata) second choice. Pearl Child won easily by four lengths from 0.1. G., who finished very fast. General Elmo was four lengths further back, just in front of Soda and Huon Drift. Iho winner, who is by Rothschild from Verity, by Yanc'eve, is a brilliant marc. She has not done a great deal of racing, but Pringle lias her in nice order now, and she should do Mr Nicoll further service cefore long. 0.1. C. shaped more solidly than usual, her performance being quite attractive, and she may yet develop into a a'ood mare. Soda is also an improving sort. Iluon Drift did not begin too well, but ho was running on at the end, and he should \vn a good race before long. The Lightning Handicap, a harness race at 2.19 or better, attracted 13 fliers, and they provided a gro;it ""contest. Bingana was favourite, with Hnia Dillon, Frances, and Little Arthur next in order of fanev. At the entrance to the straight Little Arthur was just clear of Jingle, Bingana, and Silver Princess. Thou Jingle drew out, and, finishing very strongly, ho won bv two lengths from Silver Princess; with Wilkie (who broke near the post) two lengths further back, followed by Little Arthur. Ri.pou Child, Bingana, and Franzalcna. It was a fine race to watch. Jingle was responsible for an excellent performanc which was not altogether unexpected by those who saw how well he moved in the International Handicap on Wednesday. The track was very slushy when ho won, which made his 2.21 for a mde even better than might be thought. Sdver Princess ran a good race, and can bo looked for again soon, as can Bingana. The meeting was brought to a close with the Farewell Handicap, a 2.19 Piddle race for which Barmaguie and Bribery were*, most fancied in a he'd of 13. Bright boat Bribery by a length, Lord Elmo being eight lengths away, followed by Beilis, Molly wood, and Miss Florrio C. Bright has raced very consistently for some time past, and he seems better now than ever he was. He will do stud duty this season. Bribery was ipilueky. as he appeared to have the. race won easily, but broke down near the finish. Lord Ehno was making his first appearance ■n a race for nearly four years. Since then he has been at the stud, but has not made a reputation for himself, which probably accounts for him being put into work again. Ho showed all his old speed, but could not see the solid mile out. The race should do him good, and probably ho will be worth keeping in mind in November.

August 18. Tne Canterbury Jockey Club has had many successful Grand National meetings, but I doubt if there was ever a better one than last week’s. The weather was far from perfect, the prospects being very gloomy more than once. Apart from a few showers, ho wever, the rain held oft well till late on Friday, when it came down steadily for several hours. Then it cleared again, and Saturday’s racing was concluded under pleasant conditions. There was a record attendance of visitors from all parts of the Dominion. The totalisator investments on tiio first day exceeded any previous day’s turnover at Riccarton, while the figures for the second and third days were larger still. The total for the meeting (£133,319) is, I think, a Dominion record for three days. The Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting accounted for a further sum of £80,469, making a grand total for the week of £213.788. The most pleasing feature of the racing at Riccarton was the small number of accidents that occurred. Red Earl broke his neck when he fell in the Grand National Hurdle R ico, his rider (F. Ellis) breaking a thigh. There were, however, no other serious accidents; in fact, there were very few fid's in the jumping events. I doubt if the Ambulance Brigade had ever experienced a more easy time during a Grand National meeting, which is a matter for sincere congratulations. . North Island owners as usual carried off the major portion of the prizes, and they well deserved their success. The South Island, however, put up a very creditable showing, securing l 0 races out of 24. The northern successes included nearly all the chief events on the programme. The most important southern victory was that of Gold Pin in the Lincoln Steeplechase on Saturday, and it was very popular. His- trainer, W. M‘Dona!d, has had a most anxious and difficult task to get the son of Terrapin through his preparations, and his success must have exceeded his expectations. Gold Pin has proved a very useful stake-earner. It is a matter for regret that ho should be unsound. Now that wo have got through with the Grand National meeting wo will ho able to look forward to the November carnival, .lust as a preliminary the weights for the Now Zealand Cup are out, and will furnish food for plenty of talk during the next month or two.

Of the visiting horses competing last week The Native was the greatest disappointment. while among the locally-trained lot Pilgrim’s •• Way. Rulietin, and Oxonhopo failed to justify the support of their ad minus.

Paritutn has run his last race, his owner having decided to retire him after the Grand National Steeplechase. He has certainly earned his rest. Nedra cut up badly in the Lincoln Steeplechase on Saturday, her jumping being a long way below, her usual standard. She pulled up very Larne, having reopened an old sore. Toviotdalo was not started at the meeting. He has been placed under the care of W. M‘Donald, who also has Honey Girl, another of Mr Herman’s team. Shortly after the arrival of the Porima team the • hunter Pulterua was purchased by a client of A. M'Aulay’s stable, but ho did not start at the meeting. D. Roberts is sending the V asco—-Argon filly home for a respite, and her place will be taken bv a half-brother to Fisticuff. Cannic Ohiel, by Clanranald—Weather Eye. has again been leased by Sir George Clifford for the season, and he will bo quartered at Stonyhurst. Antagonist will again stand at Rieearton. His consorts will include Winning Way fby Cannic Chid- Lady Wayward) and (Scottish

Star (by Clanranald—Safeguard). I understand Winning Way will be kept in training for some time yet, but Scottish Star will be retired almost Jinmediately.