GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5988, 25 July 1887, Page 3

GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE.

This Morning's Work.

A steady cold rain was falling at Riccarton at da,ybreak this morning, and as it Bhowed no 6igns of ceasing Munn soon afterwards sent out Mangahone, with Master Guy for a companion, for three rounds of the sand track, the last circuit being done at as good a pace as the heavy state of the track would permit. The Napier horse moved better than he has previously done in his work here, but still not as a first favourite should. Master Guy, indeed, looked the better goer of the two. Secretary and Faugh-a-Ballagh were next to appear, the weather now showing symptoms of clearing. Both went well, though Faugh seemed to need driving along in the last of the four miles they travelled. Agent went better than anything left in the Steeplechase, but Butler explained that his condition is hardly good enough for the long journey. Romeo cantered twice round, and then- was stripped andsent twice roundfast with aboy up, pulling hard and moving very freely. Bredonhill put in four miles at half to three-quarter pace. lunwood did a Very moderate gallop, the track by thi3 time being a good deal cut up. Orient, Chance, and King Arthur did not work till later in the day. Medico is doing good work under his owner's care, and no horse will strip better on Thursday, but his legs are causing some anxiety. The South Canterbury contingent, Moody, Borderman, and Ben H., has not yet arrived at Riccarton, nor has Sultan.