NOTES ON THE RACING.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 163, 15 August 1914, Page 11

NOTES ON THE RACING.

A big field of fifteen useful 'chasers lined up for the Aylesbury Steeplechase for which Daylight Bill, 011 the strength' of his running in the National, was made favourite. After lying handy from the start he took charge when half the journey had been covered, but his backers got a shock when he was seen to stumble badly when still five furlongs from home. Making a sjilendid recovery, Daylight Bill soon cut down Cousin Jack and Golden Grape, and .i'rom this out had matters all his own way. Had she been kept closer up in the early stages, Lady Bibbero would certainly have been second; indeed, she might have given the winner a lot of trouble. There were several spills, the only serious one being that which befel Otehau, who was badly injured wheu he came down at Cutts's.

The race for the Heatlicote Handicap, though only contested by a small field, produced an exciting contest. Raupani, as usual, soon dashed to the front-, and when he was allowed to fall back nearly last as they raced round the top turn, it looked as if he was already beaten. At the distance the backers of Silver Shield were on good terms with themselves, but to the general surprise, Raupani came again like a bolt from the blue and won by a length. Kaniki, the second favourite, held a good position all through, as did Listen, but both faded out badly at the business end. Though there were none of the National Hurdles cracks iu the field that

contested the Styx Hurdle Race, it produced one of the prettiest, contests over fattens ever witnessed ,at Riccartoiu After Diavolo, Chatmas, and Merry Guv had all flattered their supporters, Corrie and Sunbeam came on the scene at the business end. Fighting out every | inch of the last furlong the Riccarton- : trained pair flashed past the post on terms, and it was only the judge who 1 could say which had really won. Golden Water was do. o uj>, after putting in a good finish, but Diavolo was tiring when he fell at the last obstacle, bringing Manitau "down with him.

Leonta was made a staunch favourite for the Sydenham Hurdles, but though he held a good position all through, he faded out badly at the finish, evidently feeling the effects of his hard race in. the National Hurdles. After Hereford had made most of the running More- *: cambe took charge and looked an almost certain winner once the last hurdle had been crossed. In the final struggle he failed to stall off a great effort by Fashion Plate, who got the verdict by a length after a really fine race.