CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 48

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

By Oiiskbvkb. ,

March will bs a very busy month for racing and trotting enthusiasts in Canterbury, as five meetings are set down_ for decision in various parts of the province. The Timaru Trotting Club will sec the ball rolling on Thursday, with every prospect of a very sucessfu! gathering, as tho fields are good; and the special train from Christchurch is certain to be well patronised. On Saturday the Akaroa County Ilacing Club will hold its meeting, which ranks as one of the most popular" outings in the neigh-bom-hood of Ohristchurch. A week later, on Saturday, March 13; will corns th>3 first totalisator meeting of the Cheviot Racing Club, which should arouse a good deal of interest. The Waimato Racing Club's meeting will follow on Thursday, March 18. and judging from the nominations it is likely to provide some excellent sport, though there will not be a great number of Riccarton horses among tho competitors. A busy month will end with another trip to North Canterbury, for the Amberley Racing Club's fixture, which is growing into an exceptionally good meeting from every point of view. By the time this circuit has been completed, Easter will be only a week distant, with important gatherings at Riccarton and Addington. . . The Mayor, Dr Thacker. continues to bombard Sir Franfeis Bell, the Acting Minister of Internal Affairs, regarding the claims.of Ohristchurch for a trotting meeting during the visit of the Prince of Wales. The Mayor makes a good point when he

recalls the fact that he asked for a day's trotting during the Prince's visit at the same time-as a permit was asked for a trotting meeting during Lord Jellicoe's visit. Further, it is important to the issue that the Hon. G. W. Russell, who then was Minister of Internal Ati'airs, agreed to give the trotting permit for the Prince's visit. Sir Francis Beli has so far, however, declined to shift his ground. Tho original suggestion that a day's trotting in Christchurch should be substituted for tho day's racing granted to the Canterbury Jockey Club ho has turned down unequivocally. In,- his latest telegram he continues:' "The only point I left open was whether there should be a second day allowed for a trotting meeting, and I very clearly intimated my own personal opinion that two days at racecourses would not be the best programme for the stay of the Prince at Christchurch. From this it is generally concludsd that the prospects of a trotting meeting being held during the visit of the Prince are not bright. I think it is a pity, because as a sporting function such a meeting would rank higher than any other raoe meeting that could bo promoted here. In view of what has taken place, however, many of those who are most keenly interested in trotting am of opinion that the wisest course now would be to allow the project to drop. There has been a suggestion to add a couple of trotting events to the programme of the meeting to be held by the Canterbury Jockey Club at Riccarton. Such a proposal may not find much favour with the heads of * the trotting sport; and in any cas3, it has little to commend it from any point of view. In the interests of racing in the Dominion, and in order that th,3 Prince aaid his suite may gain a favourable impression of our horses, it is to be hoped that the meeting to be held at Riccarton will, turn out a complete success.

The case of Harold Young and George Young was advanced another stage during the wo3k, when their appeal was heard by the Cantei-bury District Committee. Both jockeys gave evidence, after which the committee endorsed the action of the committee and stewards of the Canterbury Jockey Club. It is understood that they will appeal at once to the Racing Conference, so that there still remains a chance of them coming back.

The Ricoartan trades have presented a quiet appearance during the past week. Many horses are having a comparatively easy time, as a preliminary to morestrenuous labours to fit them for important autumn engagements. At the end of last week the weather intervened, a steady downpour of rain, which lasted with litt-lo breaks for two days, causing a cessation of track work.

Amythas has been enjoying a bit of a rest, but he will bo in commission again this week with a view to autumn racing. F. D. Jones has not decided on the programme for the Demosthenes gelding at Easter.. He is engaged in the Great Northern St. Leger at Auckland and the Challenge Stakes at Riccarton, and he will bo nominated for the principal handicaps at both meetings, leaving a final decision to depend on how the prospects look nearer the day. After Easter, Amythas is likely to contest the St. Leger and Gold Cup at Trentham, after which he may go on to the Manawafcu Racing Club's meeting, for the Awapuni Gold Cup. The two-year-olds Winter Wind and Moorfowl are in steady vxork at present, and they are going on nicely with a view to Riccarton engagements at Easter. They represent a very strong hand for the Champagne Stakes, a race which may not attract much competition, though Mr G. L. Stead is pretty certain to be oh hand with his consistent gelding, Right and Left. F. D. Jones has Minsk and Judeea striding along, and they will be raced at the Akaroa County meeting this week, after which they may be sent home, as neither is above the moderate class.

Paraoa has not been long in commission, but he is beginning to get into good shape. He sports an ugly-looking joint, but ho appears to i>j quite sound on it. He is being got ready for - hurdle races in the winter, and as a preliminary he may be a competitor in some events on the flat, in which he may pay his way before the jumping season comes round., Braefceafield is now an active member of W. M'Donald's team. The Boniform gelding has some useful performances to his credit this season, and it is.doubtful if the best has been seen of him yet.

R. Lo.ngley has Cerberus looking well at present. He is, however, ,a disappointing customer, who has fallen far short of expectations. He has a fine turn of speed, but he appears, to be delicate and does not stand up to too much hard work. F. Christmas contemplates trying the roan mare Strayshot at hurdle racing. She shaped attractively in a turn round the jumping ring one morning last week. The "four-year-old gelding Plastic, _by Formative —Ladv Cecilia, has been out into work by T. H/Gillett. Tin Up has rejoined Gillett's team. Ho looks in good health after his spell, and is in fine order to start a preparation for winter jumping events. F. D. Jones has taken in hand a two-year-old gelding by Campfire from Gowrie Lass, by Gold Reef from Lass o' Gowrie. He is a powerfully-built youngster, but he is only getting through the early stages ot his education. «o it is too early to say much alxrat him.

The jockey F. Ellis has made a good recovery from the injuries he suffered in a tall at Riccarton last November. Since he left the hospital lie haa been enjoying a holiday with relatives and friends in Southland and Otago. He will return to Riccarton . very soon, and he expects to, resume ridinjr before tho end of the season.