RICCARTON NOTES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21971, 24 May 1941, Page 10

RICCARTON NOTES

IMPROVING JUMPERS CHRISTCHURCH. May 23. Mungatoon (I. Walther) was schooled over a round of the hurdles. Going at an easy pace, he hesitated at the first flight but went on to jump the other three in attractive style. He only needs experience to develop him into a good hurdler and as he has been galloping exceptionally well on the flat he should soonbe ready to show some fqrm. Ferriby (A. Stokes) and Rebel Star (A. Leach) were sent twice over the two pony hurdles. They jumped well and they should be ready before long to take on the bigger obstacles. They look a pair of promising novices. While most of the Riccarton horses who have been entered for the Dunedin meeting will go south next week, Dividend’s programme is not certain. He is engaged at Auckland and it is possible he will be sent north. He seems well treated with 9.10 in the Great Northern Hurdles and as he has shown he can stay, he may have better prospects, even against strong opposition, than with big weights at Wingatui. Wherever he races, I. Walther will ride him. Several Riccarton jockeys will go south next week for the Dunedin meeting. P. Spratt, C. T. Wilson, H. W. Hibberd and L. J. Ellis being among those who contemplate being at Wingatul. Wilson will ride Straightdel, while Ellis may handle Prudent Prince.

A. E. Ellis was approached recently with the offer of some rides at the Auckland meeting but at that time he had no Intention of going north. With further inducements coming along, he has changed his plans and his present intention is to visit Auckland. The steeplechaser, Dozie Boy, two hurdlers, King Rey and Tidewaiter, are jumpers he has been approached to ride, also Black Majesty, who has shown good form on the flat lately. A. E. Ellis is busy with Wagner, who joined his team recently. He has not raced since August, but though he is backward, he is in healthy, condition. C. C. McCarthy has made another start with the two-year-old. Bird of Prey. She has been spelling for about two months and she is in good order to start on a preparation for spring racing. Benevolent has been turned out and will have a spell for two months. His place in C. Emerson’s team will be taken by As Required, a Tiderace two-year-old, who has been spelling since the spring, when he had three races. He may be a useful sort for next season.

F. Christmas has sent the two-year-old, Sir Grey, home to his breeder in North Canterbury, where he will have a spell. Two others from Mr J. Munro’s stud, the four-year-old Grey Night and the three-year-old. Big Game, will join the active division next week. Grey Night, a speedy galloper by Nightly, has been gelded.