TURF TOPICS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1339, 29 May 1918, Page 3

TURF TOPICS.

Recent additions to the active brigade at Riccarton are Ascalaphus, Afterglow, and Braid. - . _ It was intended to send Adjutant, Gamecock, and Brambletyc south for the Dunedin Meeting, but unfortunately their acceptance was not received in time. Their presence at Wingatui would have been a big help to the sport, besides which there ■were good prospects of a race or two coming their way. Word has been received from Ellerslie that F. r>. Jones has put in an appearance there with Bore and Charley. After bis experience at Wanganui, tiie former should have excellent projects in the Maiden Steeplechase on Saturday. All the Riccaiton-tiained horses engaged at the Dunedin Jockey Club's Winter Meeting have taken their departure, and consequently matters at headquarters arc sure to be dull for a few days. The Wairarapa sportsman, Mr W. li. Bidwilt, has disposed of Association to a New South Wales sportsman. A late addition to S. Trilford's team is the jumper Master Hamilton, who was at one time trained at Riccarton. Interruption to the telegraphic service on Friday last was responsible for the acceptances' of several horses engaged at the Auckland Racing Club's Meeting being missed:—Amongst those affected were:—Pursetiller, Paul Moore, and Dingle, the Hurdles; Hushmau and Welcome Nugget, in the Cornwall Handicap; Movement, King Cliiara, and Royal Chef, in the Members' Handicap; and Paddington Green and Royal Park, in the Jervois Handicap. An injured shoulder was responsible for Harbour Light having to forfeit his engagement in the Great Northern Hurdle Race. ¥hc damage, though not serious, will necessitate a few weeks' spell. A few mornings ago two prominent Great Northern Hurdles candidates in Bon Reve and Thrace, witli Novation as a companion, were given a turn over the hurdles at Ellerslie. All three jumped well, and it ■was Thrace's best effort to date. Idealism broke down so badly at Wanganui that it is extremely doubtful if the gelding can be patched up again. It was the general opinion alter the Wanganui Steeples that Muster Strowan would be verv hard to beat in the Great Northern, but, contrary to expectations, his owner decided not to' make the trip north witii the son of Strowan. j Bon Reve will be a starter in the Great; Northern Hurdles, and in the Winter, Steeples on the second day of the A.R.C. Meeting. In the latter event he will be ridden by J. Deercy. .! After Braeburu had won the Wanganui Steeples, his trainer, V. Colello, expressed regret that be was not left in the Great Northern Steeples, in which, even with his penalty of 71b, he would have been very bard to beat. Racing will commence at 11.15 a.m. at Canterbury Park on Monday, and the last, event is timed for 4.30 p.m. At Addington, E. McDermott, T. box, A. Cox, and W. G. Abbott are keeping thenteams going in view of the Ashhurton Trotting Club's Meeting next month. The big track at Canterbury Park will be open again to-morrow morning for borses engaged at Monday's Meeting. As several visiting trainers intend putting in an appearance, the work-outs should be ol more than ordinary interest. The Hutt trainer, D. Nyhan, could not make the necessary arrangements to bring bis pacers, Mahinga and Prince Akwood, south for the Canterbury Park Meeting. Since it was announced that A. Pringle is to drive MatchJUght in the King George Handicap at Canterbury Park, the Four Chimes horse has come into a good deal of i favour for that event. On his day Matchlight is certainly a fine pacer, but he is not | over-reliable. Word has been received that Gunner H. Goggin, who acted as Mr Hattray's assistant for many years, received slight injuries in France a few weeks ago. Adelaide Direct was given a strong workout over a mile at New Brighton, and paced in her best style. Though she. looks well, the Cup winner can hardly be at her best for the King George Handicap on Monday, and it is possible that she may be reserved for the mile and a-quartcr event. Acushla Machr'ee, who is now being trained by A. Pringle, promises to be in very strong demand for the Final Handicap at Canterbury Park on Monday. Judging by appearance, Cathedral Chimes has been kept right up to the collar since bis fine performance at the Metropolitan Meeting. No horse engaged in the King George Handicap will strip in better condition to run out a bard two-mile race. The Ashburton Trotting Club takes entries for its Winter Meeting up till Friday evening. As handicaps are due on Tuesday, Mr Brinkman will be able to take Canterbury Park form into account. The Auckland horseman A. ,1. McFlinn has been engaged to ride Gold Fran in the Great Northern Hurdles. In future Turangapito will be trained at Ellerslie, but before going north he will contest the Otaki Cup on Monday next. The Wanganui horseman W. Price is to have the mount on the Australian-bred gelding. Consequent on his good form in the Century Hurdles, Collector has been installed favourite for the Great Northern Steeplechase. Conqueror's son should be quite at liome over the Ellerslie country, as he is a proved juniper and is well seasoned with racing. The Knglish-bred Polydamon is to race in Mr J. F. Lysnar's colours, and is at present u member of H. Hickey's team. During the day's racing at Tattersall's on May 18 the crack jockey, W. H. McLaclilan, was thrown from four of his mounts. TEMPLAR.