GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5989, 26 July 1887, Page 2

GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE.

This Morning's Training.

The hard frost at Riccarton this morning prevented any work being done on the tracks until after 8 o'clock. O'Brien was the first to begin, and sent Master Guy a good striding gallop three times round the sand. The black moved in nice style, and was always ready to go a bit faster. Linwood, after cantering once round, made, two more circuits at a strong pace.^HJ Mangahone and Isaac, after several short canters, in which the former *tjs».v peared very sore, were stripped and takes: three miles at mainly racing pace. Mangahone went very short during the first mile, but improved as he warmed up and finished well. The North Islander is troubled by his feet, but is no worse now than previous to his victories at Napier. Faugh-a-Ballagh cantered once round alone, and was then picked up by Secretary, and taken a couple of miles fast. Faugh seemed to have the best of the finish, and . is wonerfully well. Romeo was first cantered by hia owner (who, by the way, Bturdily repudiates the pedigree attached to his horse in these notes some days ago), and then stripped, and with a light boy up sent two miles fast, moving in rare style. Chance, who keeps sound and is going as well as anything in the race, did good useful work, and Bredonhill, after walking, was cantered a couple of inileß. Orient covered three miles at a nice half-pace, and pulled up lookingsound and well. The Agent, who some good judges think would have won the Grand National if left in, did one of the best gallops of the morning, and Irish King, Cardale, Premier, Marniion, * and some other jumpers were exercised. Moody, Borderman, and Sultan are expected to arrive from the south this evening. Hon W. Kobinson's horses were on the course for the last time previous to their departure for Australia this afternoon, and Nelson seemed much better than reported last week.