SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 25359, 10 August 1935, Page 8

SPORTING

NOTES BY THE CURRAGH.

Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting opens to-day.

The Grand National Steeplechase will be run on Tuesday.

Opening event at Addington to-day is set down for 12.10 p.m.

Valpeen, Dunmure and Royal Limond are leading Grand National fancies.

Pacer Golden Cross has been exhibiting great dash in his track work.

Lightweight horseman G. Barclay is now attached to T. E. Pankhurst’s stable.

Local mentor T. E. Pankhurst has a string of nine in work on the local tracks.

Sir Charles Clifford with £4043 was the leading owner for last galloping season.

Australian Steeplechase, about three miles and a-half, will be run this afternoon.

Betting at Addington to-day will be conducted on the single pool principle and two dividends.

Cloudy Range, Homeward and Bingen Palm will have admirers to-day for the Selwyn Handicap.

War Buoy, Taxpayer and Tempest are favoured for the main event at Addington this afternoon.

For the Introductory Handicap at Addington to-day. Air Flow, Ganton and Mataunga will be fancied.

The Advance Handicap at Addington to-day may find Royal de Oro, Dillon Queen and Supertax well fancied.

Sea Gift, Norma Bingen and Teviot Downs are likely to be well backed in the Stewards’ Handicap at Addington to-day.

Graham Direct is likely to be a good favourite for the Trial Handicap at Addington to-day over Gamble and Guy Junior.

Racing will conclude at Addington to-day with the International Handicap and likely favourites are Chancellor, Pronto Bingen and Sure.

Great Shot is a daily worker again on the local tracks. He came in from his spell in nice order, but has not since made the progress desired.

There are"seven accentors for the Queen Mary Handicap at Addington to-day and Iraq, Llewellyn’s Pride and Fembrook Lass may be the popular picks.

A private message from Melbourne states that K. Voi'tre intends leaving for England, despite his great success in Australia, states Sentinel. The letter states that Voitre’s success has resulted in other riders paying rather more attention to his mounts than to their own.

Australia’s crack hurdler Greensea is being eased off preparatory to a holiday, which he has earned. It is certain that he will not be asked to carry the 14st over hurdles in the future, but just how and where he will be raced when he comes back to work, is equally uncertain.

It is reported from Marton that L. G. Morris, who trains Mr T. A. Duncan’s fairly extensive team, has joined the ranks of owners and will race Whyte Melville during the present season. Whyte Melville, by Hunting Song from Merit, promises to develop into a useful sort.

Evidence of the recovery of the turf in New South Wales is afforded by the increase to £lOOO of the stake for the Chelmsford Stakes, the weight-for-age event at Sydney Tattersail’s meeting, the first event of the new season at Randwick. The prize dropped to £650 during the depression.

At the yearling sales at Randwick last April, a half-brother by Brazen to Peter Pan was submitted at auction. Tire bidding for the colt went to 800 guineas, but that was below the reserve, and he was retained by the breeder, Mr R. R. Dangar. The colt, who has been named Brazilian, is to be given every opportunity to mature properly before being set to race.

War Buoy has a record of 4min 25 2-ssec and in on the same mark in the August Handicap at Addington today as Tempest, who beat him by a head in 4min 25 3-ssec. They are now on 4min 28sec, which means that Red Shadow would have to crack if not completely smash 4min 22sec to get up and beat them. Red Shadow, fit and well, could be classed as 4min 20sec or better.

Mr Donald Grant has several nice yearlings running in his paddocks near Timaru, all being by Pink Coat, One that appeals is a chestnut colt by Pink Coat from The Geisha. Among the youngsters is one by British Empire from Kakara, owned by Mr G. J. Barton. Kakara was got by Paladin from Orange Blossom, the dam of Silver Ring.

Jack Horner, who won a division race at the Geelong Meeting on Wednesday is a three-year-old colt by Captain Bunsby from Cherry Pie, and one of the team taken across to Australia by S. G. Ware for Mr G. J. Barton. Jack Horner cost Mr Barton 100 gns at the 1934 national sales. He was ridden bj' W. Jenkins who is having rather a successful run over there.

Some additional riding engagements for next Tuesday at Riccarton are: — J. Mclnally, Horowhenua; A. Messervy, Sea Fox, McHeath, Cranford, Culotte; A. E. Eilis, Bella Rosa, Southdown, Horns Reef; W. H. Jones, Chrysology; J. W. Jennings, Kemal Pasha, Arrowglen, Royal Gallant, and Colombo; R. Drinkwater, Princess Rawene; S. Wilson, Joyous, Glowlight; H. Turner, Parasang; D. Bush, Trishna.

T. E. Pankhurst’s team at Invercargill comprises Steeton, Silk Arrow, McNab, Waipounamu, British Sun, Fog' Peak (a two-year-old by Rosenor— Aspiring), Wild Woodbine, a two-year-old filly by Songbird—Kyleboa and a four-year-old brother to Lochlaggen, by Woodend—Glentruin. This latter is a likely looking sort and will carry the popular black, white stars of Mr J. B. MacGregor.

Fiom, who broke down while running in the Waimate Hunt Cup, has had to be destroyed. It transpires that a bone in her fetlock was broken, and poisoning set in and spread up her leg to her body. Fiom was a fine jumper, and her owner could have secured a good price for her before she raced. Just a year ago Valves broke a leg and had to be shot, and Mr A. S, Jones has been unfortunate in losing two of his three horses in 12 months.

A pleasing feature of the schooling over the main country at Riccarton on Thursday was the big improvement shown by Dunmure, who not only looked much brighter than on Tuesday, but also gave an almost faultless display over a round. His rider stated that his mount went well throughout, and his better showing made it evident that there Was something radically

wrong with him on the previous occasion.—Christchurch Press.

Although he has been in work for only a few weeks after a spell lasting several months, the successful pacer Worthy Light is shaping up nicely. He will not be forward enough to compete at the coming Epsom meeting, but has reached a stage where his New Zealand Trotting Cup preparation can be commenced. He will get some racing at the October meeting which will help to top him off for the Addington carnival in November.

The pacing mare Queen Author was responsible for the best effort at Addington on Wednesday morning, and she is evidently in tip top condition for immediate racing. She covered a good deal of extra ground while negotiating two miles in 4min 41sec. She was under a pull over the first mile to record 2min 25sec, and dashed over the next eight furlongs in 2min 16sec. It was a smart performance, and one that will gain her many friends for the approaching meeting.

The new rule which limits the intervals between races should make a big difference in the time expended in the enjoyment of an afternoon's racing, and this is shown in the Addington programme. At the meeting last year the first race was timed to start at 11.20 a.m., and the last at 4.30 p.m. At the coming meeting the first race each day will be commenced at 12.10 p.m. and the last at 4.20 p.m. The new order of things means the saving of a full hour, an arrangement that will be appreciated by racegoers

A stir was caused at Riccarton on Thursday morning when it was made known that advice had been received from the Awapuni trainer, L. Knapp, that Tudor would not be brought to the meeting because of failing to go on the right way since he raced at the Manawatu Hunt meeting last month. His absence will rob the event of much interest, and it will mean that Valpeen will now be a pronounced favourite, while Dunmure, on his display on Thursday, will no doubt be elevated to second choice.

F. Davis has two well-related two-year-olds in his Woodville team, Missal, a chestnut by Limond from the English mare, Mirabelle 11, a sister to Theo, winner of the A.J.C. and Victoria Derbies last season. She is small, but she should go fast when required to sprint. Caste is a brown by the latest successsful Koatanui sire, Posterity, her dam being Cowl, who left some good performers, including Rational, Musk and The Masquerader. She is a good-looking, well-developed youngster, who may be given a little time before she is seriously tested.

After he had made another unsuccessful application to the Racing Conference for permission to train, H. E. (Hector) Gray was approached by Mr J. J. McGrath with an offer to take over the duties of stud groom at the Curragh Stud, Waikanae, and last week Gray accepted the position, assuming charge at the week-end. Gray’s wide experience with horses should fit him admirably for this new vocation. He will have ample time to become accustomed to the mannerisms of the young Gainsborough stallion, Leighton, before the breeding season commences.

The Sydney hurdler Sixteen Annas, who has been remarkably successful in Melbourne, having won the Leamington Hurdles at Caulfield, the Aberfeldie Hurdles at Moonee Valley and the Australian Hurdle Race at Caulfield on successive Saturdays, was bought for only £5O. His owner, N. R. McKenna, has been a leading trainer of jumpers in Sydney for many years and himself was a crack rider over hurdles in the country districts of New South Wales years ago. Sixteen Annas is the first Sydney-owned horse that has captured the Australian Hurdle Race since Les Paddington scored in 1923.

For the third year in succession, Heroic headed the winning sires in Australia last season. This result must be gratifying to those who have been trying to gain more support for Austra-lian-bred horses at the stud. It is a justification of the policy of the Australian Jockey Club and the Victoria Racing Club in banning geldings from classic races. Heroic and his brother, Thracian, as well as Windbag, who was twice second to Heroic in the winning sires’ list, have given conclusive proof that the Australian-bred sires are worthy of encouragement, also that the principal clubs acted wisely in ensuring that the best colts should remain entire.

Names have been claimed recently for the following young horses in the South Island:—Fieldfare, by British Empire from Moorbird; Gay Night, by Night Raid from Dresden China; French Raid, by Night Raid from Moulin Rouge; Laughing Light, by Night Raid from Glad Light; Lume, by Night Raid from Illume; Raiding Light, by Night Raid from Dazzling Light; Audley, by Rosenor from Gay Round; Triple Cone, by Rosenor from Silver Peak; The Wrecker, by Shambles from Brayton; Royal Rank, by Royden from Front Rank; Amoroso, by Philamor from Armourette, and Flames, by Night Raid from Flicker. A four-year-old filly by Illumination from Value has had the name of Tralee Rose allowed for her. This would seem too close to Rose of Tralee, a filly trained at Riccarton.

After being idle for two or three weeks, Vintage has made his reappearance on the tracks and with his trainer in the saddle he is getting through useful pacing. The X-ray early this week disclosed nothing wrong with his leg. He still shows slight signs of soreness when he cools out after his exercise, but he has made great improvement. The easy time he has had lately has left him backward, and the contemplated spring trip to Australia has been abandoned. He will not be able to race at the Grand National meeting next week, but if he goes on all right he will be got ready quietly for spring engagements, with the New Zealand Cup as one of the races in which it is hoped he will take part. His programme, however, will depend on how he progresses during the next week or two.—Christchurch Star-Sun.

In summing up some of the likely candidates for the Winter Cup, “The Watcher” writes in the Dominion: Golden Hair attracted attention in the Brabazon Handicap on account of her class, and if she had shown up at all in the running she would have been keenly sought after for the cup. However, she never became prominent at any stage. There is now a tendency to dismiss her from the cup possibilities. That may not be altogether wise, for, while she did not run prominently she did not run badly. She drew 17 at the barrier, and was fairly wide out all the way, but was running on at the end. It was, moreover, her first race since May, and she carried the substantial weight of 9.11, while the going was a bit too soft to suit her. O. Cox says that when she ran so well at her last start at Wanganui in May he had hopes of her coming back to form, but the wet weather experienced at Hawera has hampered her preparation, and he was not able to give her more than short sprinting tasks. He thinks that Saturday’s race will improve her, and she will also have the benefit of a week’s galloping before the Winter Cup.

j N.Z. METROPOLITAN TROTTING CLUB

ACCEPTANCES FOR TO-DAY.

The following are the acceptances for the first day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting on August 10. 14 and 16:— 12.10 p.m. INTRODUCTORY HANDICAP. £2OO. Class 3.36. Unhoppled trotters. One mile and a-half. yds bhd Air Flow scr Kotinga 12 Billy Sundy scr Enigma 24 Flotsam scr Gyrate 24 Ganton scr Real Boy 24 Mataunga scr Wahnooka 24 Norman Fox scr Amonos 36 Sandy N scr Guy O’ Mine 36 Welcome Guy scr Ruin 48 12.45 p.m. ADVANCE HANDICAP, £2OO. Class 2.54. One mile and a quarter. Battlefield scr Paul Drusus 12 Black Jester scr Directum 24 Nelson’s Chum scr Golden Cross 24 Royal de Oro scr Grace Supertax scr McElwyn 24 Village Guy scr Racketeer 24 yds bhd Young Travis 36 Dillon Queen 12 Worthy King 60 1.25 p.m. AUGUST HANDICAP. £5OO. Class 4.29. Two miles. Avernus scr Taxpayer 12 Great Logan scr Tempest 12 Master Roy scr War Buoy 12 Raydus scr Wrecker 12 Vesuvius scr Wild Guy 24 yds bhd Blue Mountain 36 Kewpies Glenrossie 60 Triumph 12 Red Shadow 72 Gold Tinge 12 2.0 p.m. TRIAL HANDICAP. £250. Class 4.40. Two miles. Marie Celeste scr Jolly Wave 24 yds bhd Graham Direct 36 Chechahco 12 Guy Junior 36 Grand Finale 12 Morello 36 Young Travis 12 Prince Author 36 Gamble 24 Real Burton 36 2.35 p.m. STEWARDS HANDICAP, £250. Unhoppled trotters. Class 4.38. Two miles. Fifa scr Explosion 36 Garner scr Mountain Mist 36 King’s Voyage scr Raima 60 New Metford scr Sea Gift 60 Teviot Downs scr Stanley (T) 60 yds bhd Writer 72 Great Way 12 Todd Lonzia . 96 Norma Bingen 24 3.10 p.m. QUEEN MARY HANDICAP. £250. Class 4.36. Two miles. yds bhd Fernbrook Lass scr Mountain Ore 12 Llewellyn’s Plain Pearl 12 Pride scr Agile 24 Sylvia Sydney scr Iraq 24 3.45 p.m. SELWYN HANDICAP. £250. Class 2.47. One mile and a quarter. Bingen Palm scr Willow Wave scr Eureka Boy scr yds bhd Golden Direct scr Cloudy Range 12 Gunfire scr Queen Author 12 Homeward scr Rey Spec 24 Lord Leslie scr Wild Guy 24 Mocast scr Kingcraft 36 Waress scr Native Chief 36 4.20 p.m. INTERNATIONAL HANDICAP, £250. Class 2.12. One mile. Arikitoa scr Sure scr Avernus scr yds bhd Chancellor scr Native Chief 12 Colonial Boy scr Sunny Morn 12 Lc ;an’s pride scr Taxpayer 12 Prairie King scr Wrackler 12 Pronto Bingen scr Roddy 36 Raydus scr Silver de Oro 36 Rey Spec scr Roi L’or 72 Somerby scr THURSDAY AT ADDINGTON THE FINAL WORK-OUTS. (Special to the Times.) Addington, August 8. The big track at Addington again provided splendid going for most of the final work-outs for the August meeting, beginning on Saturday. The track is in great order and, if there is no more rain, don’t be surprised to see many times bettered, and new | records established. Proceedings were started by V. Alborn driving Vesuvius, about two sulkies out from the rails all the way, a mile and a-quarter. Going from a moving start, he covered the first halfmile in 1.7, and was abreast of the mile station in 2.13 2-5. He finished on nicely to cross the line, going 2min 44 l-ssec. This horse is badly touched in the wind, and must have a warm dry day to do his best. Handicapped on 4.29, he has gone 4.20 1-5, giving him 8 4-ssec to spare. Chancellor went away two seconds in front of Fernbrook Lass, with Wrecker and Bessie Parrish following them at intervals of one and a-half lengths, in a dash over one and a-half miles. They raced in that order over the first mile and a-quarter, then Fernbrook Lass joined Chancellor. Once in line for home a good finish saw Bessie Parrish just beat Fernbrook Lass in the last stride, with Chancellor and Wrecker (the latter always doing it easy) right up. Bessie Parrish, who made many friends by her showing, went 3.24 2-5. Driven by Mcßride, his owner, Rey Spec, going solo and keeping three sulkies out from the fence, was despatched over a mile and a-quarter, going the first half in 1.8 1-5. He was at the mile in 2.16 2-5, and the full distance in 2.47, coming the last quarter in 30 3-5. He finished real well.

Going alone, Teviot Downs gave a real good showing when trotting two miles in 4.48, going the first mile in 2.22 1-5, the mile and a-half in 3.36 1-5. He was full of running as he reached the wire, and not close in. Giving Mataunga a start of 2 2-ssec in a brush over a mile and a-half, Dame Fortune was up with the trotter when the mile was reached, and keeping well on the outer. The pacing mare kept with him over the closing stages. Dame Fortune went the mile in 2.20, and the full journey in 3.27 1-5. Mataunga, who is working exceptionally well, finished about a head in front. He is on 3.36, has gone 3.25 1-5, and so has 10 4-ssec to spare. Getting a good start, Agility acted as pacemaker for Agile over the first mile and a-half of a two-mile go. Then Agile ran past him and, going on nicely, went 4.33, the last half taking 1.7 4-5.

After being given barrier practice. Real Boy was despatched over a twomile journey. Before he had gone three furlongs he put in a bad break (galloping for 100 yards). He went steady afterwards, going 4.37a,the last one and a-half miles in 3.25 2-ssec.

Keeping well out from the rails and going alone Indianapolis (who looks very well) was stepped out over a mile and a-half, which he did always on the bit in 3.22 1-5. He went the last mile in 2.14, the last half in 1.5 1-5 and the last quarter in 31 l-ssec. Battlefield, keeping well out, covered a mile and a-half, going well within himself all the way. He is in nice order.

Getting a good flying start, Fanny Bingen, with three lengths in her favour, set out to act the role of pacemaker for Llewellyn’s Pride over a mile and a-half. When five furlongs were gone Silver de Oro and Golden Cross chipped in. Llewellyn’s Pride (who is very well) went the first half in 1.7 4-5, the mile in 2.18 and the full distance in 3.23 2-5. This horse looks sure to win at the meeting. He is handicapped on 4.36, but has gone 4.28 2-5.

Norman Fox, who will be driven throughout the meeting by A. Butterfield, has never been working better. Going solo, he covered two miles (not close in) in 4.47 4-5, coming the last half-mile in 1.9 1-5 and finishing very well.

Tempest, going unhoppled and keeping wide out, worked alone when covering a mile and a-half in 3.36 1-5. Garner, who has been responsible for some real good track work, broke away alone over two miles. Trotting in faultless style she went the first mile in 2.19 1-5, the mile and a-half in 3.26 1-5 and the full distance in 4.33 2-5. She came the last mile in 2.14

2-5 and the last half in 1.7 1-5. She has been handicapped to go 4.38 and has gone 4.28 1-5, giving her 9 4-ssec to spare. Explosion, who is trotting well, stood Black Jester and Homeward up three lengths (one and a-half lengths each way) in a bout over a mile and a-half. With a quarter of a mile gone, Raima chipped in, following Explosion and keeping fairly well out. The first mile was covered in 2.22. Before reaching the mile and a-quarter Homeward made a slight break, but did not lose much ground. Once in a line for home, Explosion and Raima headed the pacing mare and in a keen struggle to the wire Raima just reached it in advance of Explosion. Raima went his mile and a-quarter in 2min 51sec (a good showing), while Explosion went his mile and a-half in 3.27 1-5. Homeward and Black Jester had enough before the distance was reached.

Going alone and trotting in real good style, Ganton covered a mile and ahalf in 3.30 3-5. He went his last half in 1.5 2-5, a good performance. Nelson’s Chum had the assistance of Betty Jinks in a spin over a mile and a-quarter covered in 2.52. Bingen Palm, with his owner in the sulky, was sent a mile and a-half, which he did in determined style in 3.24 3-5, coming home the last half in 1.4 2-5.

Bracken and Iraq were companions over a mile and a-half, keeping a bit out from the rails. They kept together all the way to register 3.33 1-5. The last quarter, with the speed increased, took 32 2-5. Cloudy Range, who is working remarkably well, went alone _ in a spin over a mile and a-half, which he did very nicely in 3.21, the last mile taking 2.12, the last half 1.6 and the last mile and a-quarter 2.47. Stanley T, keeping well out, covered a mile and a-half in 3.33. He came home the last quarter in 30 1-5. THE GRAND NATIONAL CARNIVAL A LARGE ATTENDANCE ASSURED. DUNMURE STANDING UP. VETERAN STEEPLECHASERS WELL. (Notes by Sir Modred.) Christchurch, August 9. Frosty nights and fine days of bright sunshine best describe the weather prevailing here at present. The tracks at Riccarton and Addington are in the best of order and in the event of favourable weather conditions continuing there will be fast speeding where the trotters and pacers compete at the opening day’s proceedings of the N.Z.M.T.C.’s meeting on Saturday—increased acceptances as compared with last season have been announced for the light harness gathering. The new electric totalisator at Riccarton appears to have given general satisfaction at the Christchurch Hunt fixture last week and the fact that win and place tickets can be obtained at the same window has captured the fancy of the multitude. When the Grand National meeting opens at Riccarton on Tuesday visitors to the C.J.C. meeting will find a telegraph office installed in the lawn enclosure where messages will be received and despatched as required, but telegrams relating to betting will be barred; however, it is safe to say that an innocent message advising that somebody’s pet cow “has produced a fine bull calf” may mean something entirely different where the recipient is concerned even relating to instructions as to following a fancied Winter Cup or G.N. Steeplechase performer as the case may be. Apart from any suggestion of this kind, however, the innovation should be a welcome one. From a Southland point of view a great deal of interest will centre in the condition of the home G.N. Steeplechase representative Dunmure. It has been reported from various sources that the South Hillend candidate is “a shadow of his former self,” “an unlikely starter,” and so on, but this is not correct. He certainly lightened up as a result of his endeavours at Trentham and sports an ugly hock, but at the same time he has freshened up since the Wellington fixture and is now in solid shape, while he is not being permitted to eat the oats of idleness. As far as his connections can sum the situation up with the assistance of his rider in track essays here this week in experienced A. J. Peart, the Panmure gelding is suffering slightly from shoulder trouble which prevents him turning on his best head of steam at an early stage but this has quickly worn off when he has jumped his first fence or run half a furlong across the flat. A light-framed customer and recently clipped high Dunmure does not present the pretty appearance of Easter time at Riverton, but he may be a better horse on Tuesday as he has been racing kindly in behind various leaders in leaping exercise and jumping well over the big country, although he did dip on landing over one of his final fences in a task on Tuesday and was eased up by Peart, leaving Valpeen and Royal Limond to carry on over the next and final obstacle, the stout Cutts’s jump. Had he not raced at Trentham Dunmure might have been a fitter horse for Riccarton in some ways, but, again, it is safe to say that the experience gained in the North Island has made him more reliable and steadied him for expert guidance. His stablemate, Bandy Boa, looks very well, but has yet to master the big Riccarton obstacles, which she was inclined to rush yesterday morning when she lost her rider in an attempt to foot it with Dunmure and leave Punchestown and Free Air behind. The two veteran steeplechasers, Valpeen and Billy Boy, are wonderfully fresh and well and the former has done everything asked of him here in striking fashion, whether across the flat or over the tallest of country. His admirers are in great heart as to the condition of the National fancy, but it has to be borne in mind that he has not been carrying his racing weight in private, which may make a great deal of difference next week. At the same time, Valpeen appears to be as fit as hands can make him and he is dwelling in his work. While Valpeen has jumped the real fences during the week, ancient Billy Boy has been restricted to the schooling obstacles on the inside of the course proper. The old fellow, who is very bright and gay, has been leaping with mechanical precision and making light of his tasks and this is all in his favour, but, as on previous occasions, he may decline to negotiate the hated Kennels double on Tuesday—why he should object to this combination obstacle it is hard to understand, but his antipathy to what is not a difficult series of jumps remains as a concrete fact, hence he has not been tested on the course proper this season in the hope that he will behave obediently in the heat of Tuesday’s tussle. Tire victim of several mishaps of late to retard his preparation for the G.N. Steeplechase, Punchestown is somewhat on the burly side, but he may not be as backward as some people imagine, as he schooled well yesterday and he and Dunmure made haste to cross the big fence at Cutts’ as the wind up to a strong round of the real country. It was a reassuring tryout and V. Langford had a good ride on his National mount throughout, following on Punchestown jumping over T. A. Langford as he lay on the ground at an early fence after being dislodged from Bandy Boa. While Punchestown and Dunmure (Peart) galloped and jumped well in the task referred to, it was noticeable that Free Air was always within six or seven lengths of the leaders to jump correctly throughouthad her owner-trainer been able to give her what would be looked upon as a thorough National preparation,, she might easily have won the jumping classic of the new season, as she can

jump, stay and gallop and must always be considered when started in events contested between the flags. Had Punchestown not been the victim of accidents, he would have been warmly followed by Canterbury admirers on Tuesday and he may still give his friends a great run for their money. The North Island Winter Cup candidate Lapel arrived here yesterday and his legion of admirers are as sweet as ever on his chance. Little Knockfin has been galloping in attractive fashion during the current week and many of her friends refuse to hear of her being defeated in the Winter Cup, but she is a pony and a scramble at the tapes would probably leave her well in the lurch. C. Giesler has the hurdler Lycidas in good shape and his Winter Cup entrant, Travenna, also looks well. Very few northern people can be induced to believe that Travenna is a galloper of more than average merit, but they may change their minds prior to the close of the G.N. gathering. Fresh from a prolonged spell, that good cross-country performer, Make Up, gave an attractive display over the big fences yesterday. He is backward

in condition, but this will not prevent him commanding an army of supporters when he strips to compete in humble company next week. Pahu was his nearest rival at the finish of yesterday’s task and the many onlookers in evidence yyere probably not aware of the fact that he gave his best fencing exhibition since reaching Riccarton. He is not a proficient ’chaser yet, but he is getting on that way and it was no disgrace when he suffered in comparison with a gelding of the calibre of Make Up. Trentham trainer J. W. Lowe has Red Sun and Sunee looking particularly well, and the former is more than likely to win a good hurdle race shortly. His jumping prowess may not be of the best, but in the event of losing any ground at his fences, he quickly makes up for lost time on the flat and possesses the staying ability to keep on doing so.

The owner of the Waikato Grand National Steeplechase candidate, Ruby Meteor, died a few days ago, but it is understood that the mare is to start on Tuesday here in conformity with what was known to be the wish of the deceased sportsman.

Parasang was reported to have been lame last week and he was certainly moving very tenderly on Tuesday, but he gave an excellent display alone over the schooling obstacles yesterday. P. T. Hogan’s pupil has a reputation here of being a rod in pickle for fufure events, but he has yet to make good and it is safe to say that several crosscountry novices in his home province could out jump and outstay him with the colours up. Cranford has been sprinting well during the past few days, while Southdown has also been getting through attractive tasks. The Southland mare Madam Pompadour presents a well-trained appearance and her late run in a ten-furlong event at the Hunt Club meeting did not pass unnoticed—she should be an early winner at spring meetings. A. E. Didham has Valarth looking particularly well. It is reported that his late pupil, Linguist, has been transferred to the care of G. Feilding who arrived here early in the week.

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING LATEST SCRATCHINGS. YESTERDAY’S WORK. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, August 9. Saltspray and Santoft were scratched at 12.15 to-day for all engagements at the Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting. Bright sunshine, following light frost, gave trainers ideal conditions for the work at Riccarton this morning. A few spectators were present, but they got little reward. There were plenty of horses out, but the work was of no interest. The No. 7 track was open, but not many horses went on it. Sunee, Prince Vai and Umtali separately did strong work. Parasang and Superex did a working gallop over six furlongs. Rebel Chief ran six furlongs, taking 38 2-ssec for the last three. Vitaphone jumped two hurdles. Umtali, Kemal Pasha and Viking arrived from the South last night. North Island arrivals this morning were: Esteem, Supertax, Diamond Cardhu, Ruby Meteor, Adalene and Manawatu. APPEAL UPHELD THE VALPAI CASE. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, August 9. The New Zealand Racing Conference judges to-day upheld the appeal by L. Hodgson, the owner of Valpai. He appealed against the decision of the Auckland District Committee in upholding the appeal of G. Hodgson, owner of Thespis, against the Avondale Jockey Club’s decision in dismissing Hodgson’s protect against Valpai being placed first in the Hobsonville Hurdles run on April 29. FAMOUS RACEHORSE DEATH OF THE TETRARCH. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.15 p.m.) London, August 9. The Tetrarch, one of the most famous racehorses in the past thirty years, died in Ireland. He was unbeaten on the racecourse and later became one of the most successful stallions in the history of thoroughbred breeding. BOXING SOUTHLAND v. OTAGO AMATEURS. LOCAL TEAM SELECTED. For the forthcoming inter-provincial boxing fixture between Otago and Southland amateurs, to be contested at Dunedin on August 24 (the night of the Otago-Southland Rugby match at Dunedin), the following team has been announced by the Southland Boxing Association to represent Southland.—G. Muir, heavyweight (Tuatapere); G. McKay, middle (Tuatapere); M. Sheenhan, welter (Tuatapere); W. Campbell, welter (Otautau); J. Kelly, light (Invercargill); C. Spencer, feather (Makarewa).

This team has been submitted to the Otago Boxing Association for matching purposes, and failing the finding of opponents in any of the classes named, endeavours will be made to match other boxers. PROFESSIONAL CONTEST. A desire to give the public the best fights possible has prompted the Southland Boxing Association to import yet another boxer from Australia. Les Brander comes to Invercargill with a reputation as a hard fighter; his record of 34 fights for 32 wins speaks for itself. On Tuesday next he will meet Em Jacobs, of Wellington, in a fifteen three-minute round contest in the Civic Theatre. This should be a thrilling bout, and judging by the booking at Begg’s a bumper house is assured. Special preliminaries have been arranged, the association sparing no expense in order to put on the best programme available. JACOBS—BRANDER BOUT. PRELIMINARIES ARRANGED. Four amateur preliminaries have been arranged for the midle-weight professional contest between Ern Jacobs (Wellington) and Les Brander (New South Wales) at Invercargill on Tuesday night. ‘They are: C. Spencer (Makarewa) v. H. Baker (Tuatapere); W. Campbell (Otautau) v. R. Kitson (Invercargill); J. Watson (Otautau) v. F. Reeves (Kaitangata): C. Davis (Invercargill) v. J. Pan- (Kaitangata). Jacobs is expected to arrive in Invercargill by the express this evening. BAER AND LOUIS MATCHED. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Chicago, August 8. Max Baer and Joe Louis have been matched by the promoter Jacobs of New York, for a fight either on the 26th or 27th of September, either at New York or Chicago. ATHLETICS N.Z. HARRIERS’ TEAM. FAREWELL FUNCTION. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, August 8. A farewell was tendered this afternoon to the New Zealand harriers’ team prior to its departure for Sydney. Present were members of the council of the New Zealand A.A.A. and of the Wellington Centre, and also the New Zealand Olympic and British Games Association.

Replying on behalf of the team, Mr C. R. White (manager) said he hoped that the mission of himself and Stevens to establish biennial matches with Australia would be successful. RUGBY FOOTBALL ATTRACTIVE FOOTBALL. INTER-COLLEGIATE MATCH. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, August 9. In an attractive open game St. Patrick’s “Silverstream” College beat Wellington College by 31 points to 16 in the annual Rugby fixture yesterday. The winning team made full use of its liberal share of ball and their backs were much too fast and clever for the Wellington side. The forwards were more evenly matched, but here again the Silverstream pack were quicker in the open and steadier to support their backs. CHESS telegraph match. CANTERBURY BEAT OTAGO. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, August 9. Canterbury have been adjudicated the winners of the telegraphic chess match with Otago, and they will play off with Auckland for the Bledisloe Cup on August 31 and September 7.