TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3414, 20 August 1919, Page 47

TALK OF THE DAY.

By Sentinel.

A QUESTION OF ELIGIBILITY. The Hunters' Plate, run on the last day of the Orarid National meeting, was a much-discussed race owing to the divided opinion as to whether Sonny and Winslow were eligible. The condition attached to the race stated that it was " for qualified hunters that had completed a steeplechase or hurdle race to the satisfaction of the stewards, and that had not won a race of the value of more than 25sovs prior to the date of entry, hunters' races excepted." Sonny had not started in a race at the time he was entered for the Hunters' Plate,, and as the stewards dismissed the protest against him on the ground that he was mot eligible, their action in that respect places an entirely different opinion on the reading of the conditions to that of many others. It is clear that the object of the race is to cater for qualified hunters that have not won money amongst hacks or in open company. To proye eligibility for entry a horse has to complete a steeplechase or hurdle race to the satisfaction of the stewards. Unless a horse has done_ so it is not, in the writer's opinion, eligible for the Hunters' Plate. The qualification card for a hunter is not sufficient to establish right of entry. There must also be evidence that the horse has completed a steeplechase or hurdle race to the satisfaction of the stewards. The monetary part of the conditions is read to be included with the object of debarring winners in hack or open company, and the fact seems quite plain by the inclusion of the words ''hftnters' races excepted." The predominant condition attached to bility is public proof that a hor6e_ is able to jump. Hence there is the specific condition tbat a horse to be eligible must complete a jumping race to the satisfaction of the stewards. Jn former days a horse was not allowed to start unless he jumped a qualifying hurdle placed for that object in front of the etand. Horses that could only scramble over the hurdle were allowed to start; and in lieu of that we now have the more stringent condition which calls for a satisfactory completion of a jumping race. To strengthen the opinion that a horse must, complete a course before nomination, one may ask, how many have been nominated without, prior to entry, fulfilling that particular condition? The protest against Sonny should have been sustained for the dual reason that he had not completed a steeplesehase or hurdle race prior to entry, because he had not even contested one, and also because when raced after the date of entry there was no evidence to show that there had been a completion of a race. Sonny did not complete a course in the correct sense of the word, and to claim that he did is a rather laxily-read meaning of the term, which should certainly fail to be accepted in racing law. - He may have partially completed a course; but starting in a race should not be held to mean that a horse has completed a course unless it is a fact. If any other interpretation is to bo accepted the stewards should delete the word "complete" from the conditions of the race. WEIGHT WILL TELL, There is an old saying and a true one—weight will tell, and the writer received an unpleasant reminder of the fact on the return joarney from the Grand National meetirig. About 2 o'clock on Monday afternoon the writer was one of the passengers in a car which_ arrived at Bushy with the object of crossing the bridge supposed to provide passage across the stream. Jupiter Pluvius had. however, supplied Horatius in the shape of flood waters racing about 4ft deep over the decking of the bridge, and almost completely covering the guard rails. The wisdom of retreat was unquestionable. One of the company promptly retreated in the face of the enemy, and- grabbing a handbag and rug, sprinted across a partially submerged paddock to head the south-bound express if possible. It is an even bet as to whether he caught the train or the train caught him. The rest of the company decided to attack Jupiter Pluvius and his forces by attempting a passage over the Horeshoo Bange. On the way to do so several other carloads were informed of the state of affairs, and tho company became strengthened by a long line when the foot of tho range was reached. Some few attacked the hill and others returned to the riorth and shelter from the heavy downpour increasingly makinsr the situation more and more difficult. When it enmo to our turn to attack the hil! the writer was instructed to stand on the rnnninc: board with a brick in one hand, and be prepared to hop off, and, with the aforesaid and weighty

lump of clay that Lad been baptised by fire,, block a near wheel at the- first sign of a stop or chance of serious sideslip. Away we went, your humble, with brick in hand, poised on the running board, alert and ready to obey orders. Good progress was made at the start, and when running tyre-deep in the mud the car commenced to swing about. The driver called something or other which made the writer drop off and rush to block the rear wheel. Tho car, however, _ kept going, and it_ was pursued until weight and track conditions told their tale. - The pursuit lasted at the run for about 100 yards, possibly much less. The handicap wa3 two overcoats, torrents of rain, a brick, and deep and slushy going. Under tho circumstances it was impossible to stay the course, which was completed at a walk, with the brick still in evidence, and feeling heavy enough to create a new Atlas, carrying what felt like at least half the world in one of his hands. Weight will tell, and if any handicapper aspires to a coat of arms, force to its significance could be made by the inclusion of a brick carried by a sporting writer rampant.

THE GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. Despite the restricted railway service, the Grand National programme got off last week at Riccarton proved, as usual, to be sufficiently magnetic to draw sportsmen from _all parts of the Dominion. Many well"known figures were conspicuous by their absence, but, nevertheless, the enclosures on the first day presented a really wellthronged appearance, which apparently rivalled in numbers the largest attendance ever seen on the course. There was also a good muster on the second day, and that witnessing the concluding card closely approached the first day's attendance. Hiccarton at National time is the hub of our sporting world, and holds the attention, if it does not account for the presence of everyone fond of racing in one of its most, if not its most, attractive form. A new stand composed ■of timber and corrugated iron, and risen, Phoenix-like, from the ashes of the old at the bidding of the club's architect, Mr E. G. Luttrell." The timber probably grew from a magician's wand m the possession of Mr Luttrell, and the iron moulded from the corrugated brows of_ the stewards as they pondered over the situation causd by the destruction of what was formerly their very fine- grand stand. The track was in excellent order for the time of the year, and fairly fast, and in consequence contributed towards the compilation of new time records for both the Grand National Steeples and Grand National Hurdles. Much has been said concerning the race since the Grand National Steeples of 1919 was converted into history, and it is now summed up- as really a onehorse affair. When the field entered the birdcage Bon Reve and Loche'lla caught the eye as the most attractively-conditioned horses?, but Vascular, Waimai, Master Strowan, and Master Lupin looked fairly ready "to play their parts. Morecambe looked rather round, and Polthogue both stale ana common in appearance. Merry Lad and Dardanelles did not appear to at tract- much attention. Lochella was tho centre of attraction, as he looked really well to the eye, apart from the fact that his deportment suggested that he was per-* hape a shade too fresh in condition. It was .a splendid betting race, and, although Lochella started favourite, public opinion declared it to he very open. Lochella carried £244 more than Waimai, who went out second choice, and he in turn carried 150sovs more than Bon Reve. Master Strowan came next with £2lO less than Bon Revo, and about the margin existed between Master Strowan, Master Lupin, and Vascular. It is doubtful if keener betting ever took place over a Grand National Steeplechase. When it came to business Morecambe and Lochella took up the running, the latter covering a good deal of ground, and pulling at his rider to increase the pace. Morecambe commenced to hang out signals of distress after going about two miles, and then Lochella took charge. Going along the back Lochella was showing the way, with Master Lupin, Master Strowan. Waimai, Vascular, and Bon Reve all running close enough up to beat the leader if canable. Master Lupin looked likely to close "on the leader at the Kennels double, five furlongs from home, but Lochella drew out again. Waimai came down at the second last fence, and Vascular contributed to the downfall of the top-weight by otiQC more exhibiting an inclination to shirk his fences. Master Lupin was being hardridden to get to Lochella at the last fence, but the latter landed safely, and sailed home a comfortable winner from the bearer of the green and gold cap,' who had made a gallant effort to give awav 281 b and 5 boating. Master Strowan, who was third a length in front of Bon Reve, came back to the birdcage with a badly-cut stifle, and the last-named was decidedly lame. Lochella had the race won after landing over the double, but there is no doubj; that he caught a weakish field on the day. Bon Reve pulled up, as said, lame; Master Strowan must have staggered himself when he hooked a fence and cut his stifle. Master Lupin ran a good race, but it is doubtful if any of the best in the field, bar Bon Reve and Waimai, had undergone a preparation satisfactory to their trainers. The interest in the Beaufort Steeples and Lincoln Steeples fell to nearly zero owing to tho poor fields whioh. saddled up for them. The Grand National Hurdles was practically won from end to end by Sir Solo, who confirmed his form by winning again It was a well-deserved, win as the Sir Laddo— Wepener gelding had been placed in the race on three previous occasions. The winner might have been trouHed by Rrwi Poto had the latter stood up. as he seemed to bo going very comfortably and handy to the leaders when he came down.

TEMPTING THE GOOD. It. is frequently asserted _ that the totalisator is a great assisting factor towards purifying racing, becauso it provides stakes sufficiently rich to make betting a minor consideration by horse-owners. Such a claim could not, however, be advanced in ' connection with the stakes on the programme supplied by the Metropolitan Trotting Club for their National mooting. The programme carried 6CoCsovs in stakes, spread over three days' racing, and the richest stake was worth 350sovs to the winner. To gather the big money on the programme a horse had to bo eligiblo for a 4.35 class, and as a race is frequently won by something recording better time than its handicap, it is obvious that the winner of the National Cup, 'worth 350sovs to the winner, ran the risk of jeopardising a good chance in the New Zealand Trotting Cup, when the purse for the first four totals 2500sovs. When such comparisons can be made it is doubtful if the totalisator is continuously at work to

purify sport. When tho big purse is hung up it may be so, but not when high-class performers are invited to race for pence instead of pounds. At the Addington meeting just concluded the totalisator recorded a total of £135,117 10s, as against £92,144 last year, when the' programme carried only two days' racing. Compare the betting with the stakes, and consider tho question as to whether the stakes or tho betting made tho meeting. The Addington Club is labouring under a delusion if it expects the star performers on the trotting track to be in condition to run to their records for such small-inducement as 350sovs for a 4.35 class. One or two may be in shape to race and reproduce form, but others are mom likely to be spectators enjoying an outing. THE NEW ZEALAND TURF REGISTER. A copy of the latest issue of tho everwelcome and very useful New Zealand Turf Register is to hand, and found to contain all the information which racing and trotting men 'require to consult occasionally throughout the coming season. It is well got -up and attractively bound, and the contents printed on good paper. Tho book contains full reports of all the racing and trotting meetings which took place in the season ,of 1918-19, iables of past winners, sales' of bloodstock, and entries for coming events, both on the turf and the trotting track. The book is issued by the Christchurch Press Company, and can be obtained at all leading booksellers or direct from the publishers. IN A NUTSHELL Rewri Poto is to be shipped to Australia in fho near future. The next Auckland Trotting Cup will carry a stake of 1500sovs. Wingatui did not supply a nomination to this year's New Zealand Cup. Cassock, the dam of Almoner and The Monk, has foaled a colt to Nassau. Samiel was galloped on in the Winter Cup, and did not start again at the meeting. A stewards' and members' stand, to cost about £7OOO, is to be erected at Forbury Park. Mr A. G-. Wood was very successful in his work at the barrier during the National meeting. The New Zealand Cup closed with an entry of 53, as agar'nst 33 last year and - 48 in ISI7. Mr R. Rutherford ha 3 purchased Dora Derby, who will, however, remain in J. Bryce's stable. Potentiality ran a good race in the Heathcote Handicap, and', finished close up to the placed lot. ■ * Twenty-seven horses were nominated for the Lincoln Steeples, in which four started and only two finished. • Mr R. Acton-Adams was not present at Riccarton to witness Lochella land tho Grand National Steeples. Tama-a-roa is smart out of the barrier, and a good sprinter, but does not stay too well beyond six furlongs. Black Mountain ran three good races at the National, and finished in the money each time he saddled up. Borodino ran well in his races at Riccarton, but not good enough to reach the dividend part of the stakes. Lochella is to be taken over to. Melbourne, and will be tried out against the crack 'chasers at Flemington. Stray Shot was a strong order for the Redcliffs Handicap, but after being prominent at the start she faded out. Sleight of Hand did not look in racing shape when he ran in the Sydenham Hurdles and trailed the field throughout the journey. Brackenfield, who was one of the easiest winners at the Grand National meeting, was sold by his breeder, Mr Gerald Stead, at less than a score. C. Christie, the trainer of Lochella, witnessed only the first and last days of the Grand meeting owing to baing laid up with a septic throat. 1 Lionsktn and Rebekah cut each other's throats by the hot pace they set in the Heathcote Handicap, and stopped badly towards the finish. Paraoa was sore • when he -ran in the Sydenham Hurdles, and, was several lengths behind the others when'he lost his rider at the second hurdle. in comfortable style, and a repetition of the form would make her a winner of other events in the future. Battle Array did not strip in the best of racing condition at Riccarton, and had probably erone off since he won the Parliamentary Handicap. Leaping Burn was conveyed to and from the National meeting by a. motor lorry. It was a lot of fruitless trouble, and he is now to be tried over hurdles. Kiiboyne showed his well-known brilliancy in the Selwyn Handicap, but, after leading for a little ovor five furlongs, beat a rapid retreat from the front. Over 500 motor cars crossed the Ashburton bridge, en route to Christchurch, on the Sunday prior to the National meeting. Some of them came from as far south as Riverton. " I ' Bon Reve. Vascular, and Master Strowan could not be reproduced after running in the National Steeples. Master Strowan cut a stifle, and the other two were more or less lame. Manawapango is a very bad-actioned horse in front ..and swings out his off fore leg when galloping so badly that it would bo dangerous _ for him to travel close to tho outside rails. Cynic fenced much better in the Grand National Hurdles than what was suggested by his displays when schooling. He was, however, too sore to show the top of his form over hurdles. Kilkee made rip a lot of ground after gettinsr badly away m the Winter Cup, and his display won him a lot of friend for subsequent efforts at the but ho did riot run up to expectations. The imported trotter Nelson Binpen pave a good display when he won on the final day at Addington, but when he contested tho race for unhobbled pacers ,and trotters he broke up several times. All Over made a bold bid for victory in the Heathcote Handicap, and looked a winner coming from the distance, but in a great finish Gold Kip and Risingham ehortheaded him as they flashed past the post. As only two horses finished in tho Lincoln Steeples, the., third money, GQsovs, went to the first horse;. The owrmr of Lad generously presented L. Hegarty wcth the money for his excellent display in the saddle. According to present indications there is not much chance of the South Island spring meetings, to be held next month, taking place on their present dates unless there is a decided improvement in the railway service. W. Robi'nson was seriously hurt when thrown out of a side-car whilst on the way

to Riccarton, and had to be removed to th* hospital. Ho was injured about the head, and will probably be under the doctor for some little time. Taking: a line through Paraoa's running at Trentham, where ho could only get third to Rewi Poto, the latter would have, bar acoident, been close to the money in the National Hurdles, as Paraoa kept Sir Solo fairly busy in the run home. Gazique made no show in the Heathcote Handicap when carrying 11.11, or a stone more than ho won under in the Winter Cup. Gold Kr.p was acting under lllb more than he had in the Winter Cup when he headed off Risingham. and All Over. Parisian Diamond was solidly backed for the August Handicap, and was a paddock tip as a sure winner. He made no show over the last three furlongs, and the failure to run up to expectations was partly explained by coming back lame after the race. A paddock rumour had' it that Vice* Admiral was out to qualify for the New Zealand Cup when he contested the National Cup, but after making a good show for a mile and a-half he retired from the lead, and failed to reach the desired mark. Sleight of Hand contracted a cold on the eve of the National meeting, and in conse* quence was allowed to drop out of his principal engagement. He did not look in anything like his best racing shape when produced on the last ■ day of the meeting. The track-watchers at Riccarton gav» Lawsuit credit for making much mprovement after reaching the course, but his performances in public were moderate, and h« does not fill the eye as a National 'chaser. He, however, seems a fairly safer fencer. Form Up's two wins at the Grand National suggested that, bar accident, h« must have been, closer to the money in the Winter Cup. In both his winning efforts he was galloping on strongly at the finish, and won going away from the other*. Some delay took place at the Btartingpost on the first day. at Riccarton,, and, in consequence, the last race was run in a bad light. The starter, Mr A. G. Wood, was, in consequence, instructed not to waste any time on fractious horses during the rest of the meeting. Brackenfield, who ereated a good impression by jthe manner in which he won at Riccarton, was got by Boniform from Gat* garon, by Charlemagne II from Miss Birkenhead, by Birkenhead —Arethusa, by Bread* nought—Dryad, by St. Leger—Wood Nymph, by Musket—Sylvia. * Bebekah has a rare turn of speed, but does not stay too well. She can get a good six furlongs, and takes some beating over tt short course. At the National meeting sh« looked a bit on the light side, and, when strengthened up, she may display moi« stamina than she did at Riccarton. Omabu ran his races in patches, and was several lengths behind the leaders when five furlongs from home in the Sydenham Hurdles. He made up a lot of ground, and . finished third—a performance of merit when it is noted that the distance was covered • in close to the record for the distance. San Sebastian raced over both fence* and hurdles at the National meeting, and! his display when he won the Aylesbury Steeples was much better than his earlier . efforts. The Bravo Heart gelding has not j much reputation for honesty, and in thi« j he resembles his chestnut brother Gamer | cock. There was an impression abroad that Art would have been close to the money in the National Hurdles if he had not lost his rider at the second last hurdle. He went out a strong second favourite in the Sydenham Hurdles, but was beaten half a mile from home. He, however, pave evidence thai he was not quite set for his race. Gold Kip was one "of the most resolute finishers seen out at the National xmeeting. He came with a brilliant and well-sustained run in the Winter Cup, and just failed by the narrowest of margins. In the Heathcote he just got up in time to win. He is a bit slow on his legs in the early part of a race, , but, when once in his stride, oau put inr some good work. Reformation jumped big and a bit en the Trial Hurdles, but the race improved him, and he shaped much better at his hurdles when -he won the Spreydon Hurdles. He covers a lot of ground when flying his fences, and should win some of the big events in the future." On the ho had a good winning chance, but settled it by hooking the last hurdle. Graftella won the Hunt Club Cup in

attractive style, but he was not seasoned enough to oarry 12.10 in the Aylesbury Steeples, in which he .commenced to tire about half a. mile from home. The brother to Lochella showed himself to be one of the boldest jumpers seen out at the meetr'ng, and it is a pity that he is not sound enough to stand a thorough preparation. The top-weights -in the Grand National Steeples did not let the pacemakers get nearly so far away as they occasionally have in the past, and going along the back for the last time Bon Rove, Master Strowan, Vascular, Waimai, and Master Lupin were, all within striking distance, as they ran td the Kennels double about five furlongs from home. From that on, however, Lochellai drew oute again, and the pace and weight Jkled his. pursuers. The imported- mare Trix Pointer wen* a good race when she won the Nation*! Cup, and ranks as one of the most' solid pacers in commission. "When challenging Admiral Wood at the finish she ran unctjt the whip* of his driver, and had to be pulled out at a critical moment, but she kept going, and won in really good style. True Pointer has been improving with age, and under favourable track conditions will pro- . bably take a high-class mark this season. Sir Solo, the winner of the Grand National Hurdles, was got by Sir Laddo from Wepener, a mare bred by the late Sir George M'Lean, and got by Musketry (a son of Maxim and Flattery) from Mistral, hy' Gorton —Lady Gertrude, by Cadogan—No Name, by Traducer, and so back to the > Flora M'lvor tap-root. Sir Laddo was got by Sir Hugo from Golden Moments, by Sheen from Memoir, by St. Simon from Quiver, by Toxophilite, the sire of Musket. Some little time ago J. M'Comb wag kicked on the side of the head by Mickey Free, and on Fridliy of last week it was found necessary to remove him to a private hospital, where an operation was successfully performed. At latest reports he was doing well, and apparently making good progress towards recovery. The blow he received displaced some trepanning, which was necessary after a bad accident met with whilst riding at Forbury Park when a light-weight, and it is expected that his recent operation will result in much batter health than he has experienced of late. After Admiral Wood finished second in the National Cup an inouiry was held into hr's previous running at the meeting as compared with his greatly-improved form on the last day. The owner and trainer were called, and their explanation accepted aa satisfactory, but the committee said that the stipendiary steward had been justified in asking for an inquiry into Admiral Wood's rr.imaig. The owner and rider of Wild Pedo were also called upon to give an explanation

of that horse's running. A lengthy examination followed, and the explanation given as to the horse's running was accepted. There would not have boon any necessity for a protest against- Sonny in the Hunters' Plate if Gaylight had been rid<*>n to the best advantage. He lost several lengtiis shortly after the start, and instead of ia V m S behind tho loaders when he got to them, it was a mistake on tho part of his rider to run third horse from the rails towards and round the far turn. Gaylight was taken to tho front near the homo turn, and looked all over a winner at the distano, but Sonny came on again and beat the other by a short length. Making too much of Gaylight lost the race, instead of winning it by at least a margin as to leave no doubt as to the result. .. The unhobbled pacers in the 'aid contesting the race for trotters and pacers made a poor show without the straps. Gold Crest galloped on a good deal of the journey, and the others mixed more or less. The verdict went to a trotter in Guy Wilkes, who broke early in the race, and again mixing a few strides from the post, crossed tho line whilst Btill on the break. Tho other trotters did not shape too well, except Red HeatheT, who, however, doubly handicapped him--?lf by a mistake at the start. A section of the spectators set up a demonstration against Guy "Wilkes being awarded the stakes, and, of course, the accompanying dividend, for galloping past the post; but the stewards did not disturb the judge's placings. Grafton Loch, the side of the Grand National Steeplechase winner Lochella, was purchased as a yearling in Sydney by Mr L. C. Hazlett, and carried that gentleman's' colours during the early part of his racing! career. He subsequently found his way to the Goldfields district, where he went to the etud. Grafton Loch afterwards travelled in South Canterbury, where he died some little time ago. Grafton Loch was got by Grafton Saon of Galopin) from Loch Lotta, by Lochiel rom Lady Trenville,. by Trenton from Lady ■Grenville, by Chandos from Lady Chester, ihe dam of the Melbourne Cup winner Chester, and another in St. George, who was one of the Middle Park stud stallions. Estella, the dam of Lochella, was got by the Australian-bred horse Epicure, so that this year's winner of the National-pedigree carries a strong Australian flavour. What was regarded by some as, the bet of the meeting at Addington was the chance supplied when Trix Pointer, Admiral Wood, and Matchlight went out coupled on the totalisator for the National Cup. Mr W. H. Nortona nominated both Trix Pointer and Admiral Wood, and they were coupled with Matchlight, because his trainer J. Bryce also trains Admiral Wood. The inducement to have three horses going for one bet was, however, largely discounted by the fact that neither Admiral Wood nor Matchlight could be granted a chance on their previous running at the meeting, and as evidence of that it need only be mentioned the running of Admiral Wood was the subject of an "inquiry made at tho instigation of the stipendiary stewards. If Matchlight had reached the money he would also have supplied grounds for a question,, and hence the bet was really on Trix Pointer with two apparently remote possibilities thrown in. A Press Association cable message from Sydney announces that Hymestra has been scratched) in the Epsom, and Rebuff in the Metropolitan. A Press Association cable message from Melbourne announces the safe arrival of Gloaming, Karo, Rossini, and Afterglow on the Port Nicholson. There is at least one racehorse owner who has overcome the train difficulty' to Christchuroh without walking his horse there (says the Waimate Times). He hired a motor lorry from an Oamaru livery stable keeper, and on this erected a horse box and eet off on a non-stop run to Christchuroh. The contrivance may not be as steady as a railway horse box, but with careful driving it. should answer the purpose .