Wiltshire’s Final Try- Out was Impressive

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 727, 29 July 1929, Page 12

Wiltshire’s Final TryOut was Impressive

"Wiltshire is now every bit as good as he was at this time last year, and then he won the Grand National ■Steeplechase with ease. That is the opinion expressed to a Sun man at Te Rapa, the big- Hamilton training centre, by no less than Roy Syme, the young trainer of the dark chestnut, on Saturday morning. Such being the case—for who should ; be a better judge than R. Syme, for ; he not only trains the gelding, but I also rides him in all his work, it can | bo taken for granted that last year's winner must stand a wonderful chance of repeating his last year’s performance. If ho does so he will but repeat the feat of winning in two consecutive seasons established by such great jumpers as Agent (1579-S0). Mutiny (1595-96), Coalition (1920-21), and Oakleigli (1922-23). This news from Te Rapa as to Wiltshire's condition will be particularly pleasing to Auckland sportsmen, even although it tends still further to cloud tho issue, in instances where some have already committed themselves, in view of the suspicion that Wiltshire would not be thoroughly attuned for the long and tiring race, in respect to other Auckland representatives. A Splendid Gallop With Wiltshire leaving Frankton Junction on Tuesday night next for Riccarton, he was given what will probably be his final gallop before entraining. This vas at Te Rapa on Saturday morning. His trainer was in the saddle, and the course was very heavy after the successive several days’ rain. The flags were out all 75ft on the course proper, where the gallop eventuated. Wiltshire’s task was nine furlongs, once round, and he finished full of run - ing in the rather good time of 2.20 3-5, which he looked as if he could have improved upon to some extent, for he was pulling double all the way and was hard held. Tho chestnut got to the end of the first quarter in 32 4-5 and took 1.19 3-5 lor the initial five furlongs, coming home easily over the final half-mile in 1.1, and impressing those who saw the work-out, for the gelding was on the bit all the way up the straight. Will Take Beating Some days earlier Wiltshire had schooled excellently, so with the knowledge that he is fit as hands can make

, him and that his jumping: is up to standard, his admirers have every reason to be pleased with their selection. Wiltshire goes South tomorrow night in company with Uralla and Mangani. So far this season the best has not been seen of Wiltshire. He spread himself when he slipped on landing over a fence in the Great Xorthern Hurdles, and although started in the Great Xorthern Steeplechase two days later he was pulled up with three parts of the journey covered. On the last day at Ellerslie he finished second to Kawini, after having lost an iron a mile from home. With Wiltshire reported to be in such excellent condition, it would seem as if Auckland stables may supply the first three horses home in the Grand Xational Steeplechase next month. We have Uralla, Glendowie (who is favourite for this particular race in Wellington), Kawini, King’s Guard, Young Thurnham and Wiltshire (taking it for granted that Roman Abbey will be missing from the meeting altogether, according to Waikato reports), in the big Riccarton jumping contest, so that there is every prospect of Northerners gaining the three places that count so far as stake money is concerned A Good Record To gain the three placings the. Auckland representatives, good and all That they are, will have to put their best foot foremost, and steadily, too. at those big fences. In the past three contests for the Grand Xational Steeplechase Auckland horses have . paid all the dividends, as follow: 192 G: Peter Maxwell 1 i Kawini 2 1927: Beau Cavalier 1 Peter Maxwell 2 1925: Wiltshire 1 Pouri 2 This is a pretty attractive record, but next month the record should be continued in favour of Auckland horses. That without depreciating the quality of the opposition. Apparently it pays to back Auckland equines in the Grand Xational Steeplechase. This time it should be no exception. (