WELLINGTON NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3414, 20 August 1919, Page 48

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(From Oub Own Correspondent.) August 16. The breakdown of Coalition on the eve of the Grand National Steeplechase race was a body blow to his supporters. Some local sports of a speculative mind coupled Lochella for the race with Sir Solo. Lochella made a favourable impression the way he won on the concluding day at Wellington. He also confirmed the opinion by the way he shaped on his first appearance at Riccarton, when he was winning at. the last fence, when he ran off. Mr Acton Adams's horses were formerly trained by J. H. Prosser at Porirua, and during that time Rockbound won the Wellesley Stakes and Lisp the M'Lean Stakes at Wingatui. No one will begrudge the D'unedin owner a win in so important a race —in fact, the horse might have won in someone else's colours, as he was advertised for sale at the time of the Wellington meeting. Sir Solo is the first Wairarapa-owned horse to win the Grand National Hurdles. His victory, although he was not one of the fancied candidates, would be well received both at the course and away. He had been placed in the race the previous three years, and was making his last dash for the race. He was purchased by Mr F. Dorset as a yearling for 30£S, and has been racing 11 seasons, so that he has earned the old-age pension. His wins include the Auckland, Manawatu, and Wellington Cups. • Your correspondent _ has worked it out that he has started 100 times for 11 wins, and that his stales earnings amount to 572050y5. His owner, who is a steward of the Masterton Raoing Club, did not journey -down to Christchurch. Walter Garrett has always trained the_ Sir Laddo gelding, and gave him a special preparation for the race. Tho light-weight and staying ability pulled him through, as in the case of Lochella. Another Wairarapa-trained horse to win on the second day was Form Up, who is owned in Wellington. He was knocked down a few times in the Winter Cup, whiph, no doubt, was the reason he was sent out favourite for the Islington Handicap. > Mr Mason informed your correspondent that he may not be back for the New Zealand Cup meeting. He would probably go on to Melbourne from Sydney, and return for the Auckland Cur> meeting.