RACING AND TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19986, 28 June 1920, Page 3

RACING AND TROTTING.

(By “ARGUS.") j FIXIHSES. ] July J4, 17—' Wellington Racine Club. ■ July 52—South Canterbury Hunt July 31 —Brackeufield Hunt Club. August 7, 11, IS—Metropolitan Trotting Club. August .10, 12, 14—Canterbury Jockey Club. NOMINATIONS. July 2—South Canterburv Hunt. July 9—Brackeufield Hunt Club. July 21—Metropolitan Trotting Club. HANDICAPS. July 2—'Wellington Racing Club. July 12—South Canterbury Hunt. July 03 —Brackeufield Hunt Club. Juiy 26—Metropolitan Trotting Club. ACCEPTANCES. Jujy 9—Wellington Racing Club. Juiy i6—South Canterbury Hunt July 27—Brackonfield Hunt Club. August 3—Metropolitan Trotting Club. NATIONAL NOMINATIONS. The Canterbury Jockey Club Iras secured tiro first essential I'or a very successful Grand National meeting, in Iho shape of an exceptionally good list, of-nominations for the leading events. The numbers are as follows, those for last year being shown in parentheses Grand National Steeplechase 31 (27), Winter Cup 60 (62), Grand National Hurdle Handicap 41 (31), Beaufort Steeplechase 39.(31), Sydenham Hurdle Handicap 40 (36), Lincoln Steeplechase. 40 (30), or a total for sis races of 261, compared with 220 last year. It is ' interesting to note that, while there is a drop of two in the Winter Cup, all the jumping events show improved figures. Apart from their numerical strength, the lists are highly satisfactory, as quality is strongly represented, nearly all tho best performers' 'being available. It- is a matter for regret, however, that the Southland steeplechasers are missing, two names that readily occur in this connection being Silverspire and Zarkoma, who have presumably failed to survive the pressure, after being in commission since early in the autumn. On the other band, southern stables have provided a. fair number of nominations for the Winter Cnp and th% hurdle races. The real strength of the lists comes from the North Island, practically every jumping winner of nolo in the north being eligible to compete in one or other event, while there is the usual sprinkling of horses who have so far only been asked to race in moderate company. The fact that the North Island provides more than half the nominations would, under normal conditions, be a source of great satisfaction, as it would ensure the fields being thoroughly representative. But the position this year is not normal, owing to tho steamer transport troubles. There will have to be a great change in this respect to permit North Island horses to reach Biccartptv and for that reason die situation, so far as the Canterbury 1 Jockey Club ia concerned, is very delicate. -With the northern competitors on the scene it sbonld.be a record meeting, but with the fields drawn only from A horses now in the South Island, there . would be a different-story to tell. Hesnito the fact that he lias as a preliminary, to negotiate Cook Strait, Lochella is strongly fancied for the Biccartpn double, Grand National Steeplechase and Grand National 'Hurdl'e Handicnp. A 'five-year-old brother to the stccpleohaspr Oaklcigh, by St A mans—Jean was-recently purchased in tho North Island by a. Canterbury sportsman. Lochella. Waimai. Slowcoach. Oraahu/Manawapango, Signysian and War- . form arc engaged in the Grand National .Steeplechase and Grand National Hurdle Handicap. * Gazique, Bisingham. Loval Arch, Bombproof and All Talk have been nominated for the Grand National Hnrcllo Handicap and also for the Winter Cup. Parisian Diamond was, very heavily supported, away from tho course, for tho Final Handicap at Hastings on Saturday. Gold Kip carried f)«t Sib in tho Winter Cnp last year', when Gazlonp J,osb nib narrowly defeated him i'or first [dace. In the interval Gazique has mm some - good, races, but Gold Kip has shown wonderfully improved form, so • hat the margin between liio pair r.ill 'be much less this year. Fisher, who hja s been nominated for the Grand National and Sydenham Hurdles, is at present in Svdney, where lie won a. valuable hurdle race this month. Of live field that contested the Grand National Hurdle Handicap last year, Parana, (second) and Ohamu are tiro only horses eligible to compete in this year's event. Warfonn, wlvo has been nominated for the Grand National double, has raced over hurdles without canting any money, hut he has nut yet started in a steeplechase. In the six leading events at the Grand National meeting, for which nominations closed on Friday, more than half the horses engaged hail 'from the North island. As their presence depends on a settlement -of the transport troubles, it is very important to the Canterbury Jockey Club. that the jockeys’ dispute should soon be settled. Thrace was responsible for a good performance over hurdles at Hastings on Saturday. Owing to telegraph interruptions, the Wellington Ilaeing Club extended the time for closing nominations for the winter meeting until noon to-day. Troytown, who had to be destroyed in , France last week, as a. result of break- ' ing a leg while, racing over hurdles. v was successful in the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase in 70arch. Molvnenx. winner of the Sontra Hack Handican at T1 listings on Saturday, ,was hacked for a lot of money in various ;wi« c.f the Dominion. He is a. four-ycar-oid by Danube from Pcne d'Or. a sister to Golden Slipper. Molvnogv. was takcp to Sydney by B. J. .Mason about two years ago and after one start in Mr G. D. Greenwood's colours lie was sold to the North Island trainer,’ J. M. Cameron. Ho proved expensive in Australia last season, but since returning to the Dominion he has won Ino races, the first being at the Fcilding Easter

Tho annual .nicotine: of the Not," Zealand Country "Racine; Clubs' Association ivill he, hold in Wellington on -Inly LT. In a. circular letter to the club?, Air Albert Bruce Coresident) states:-- ” It in parlicula'rly requested that every c*uh affiliated with the association/ iviil send a. delegate, to this meeting, ns there are many important matters calling for attention, the most important of which is that of the (laming Amendment Bill, which ha? been promoted by the association, having for its object the restoration of the day.? of country club? curtailed hv the hysterical gaming legislation of 1910. increasing the da vs of racing of existing club,? where the increase of population warrants same, making provision for granting permits to new clubs, increasing the days for trotting clubs, so that the days lost by the IiRO legislation may ho restored arid provide trotting days for new clubs, also for granting the eight existing hunt clubs annual in lieu of biennial, totalisator permits. The executive are arranging for,an interview with the Right Hon the Prime Minister and the Minister for Internal Affairs on the- morning following the annual meeting, on the subject of iho Bill and other matters of vital importance, to country clubs. It is therefore imperative (hat every dub bo represented at the interview. ’ HASTINGS RACES, (Special to the "Star.'') NAPIER, dime 20. The Hawke's Ray Jockey Cluhj's winter meeting was concluded in beautiful spring weather., hut the heavyrain which fell during the two preceding nights had made the course heavy and holding, 'flic attendance was iv record for the course, and’so was the Lotalisuior turnover, the large total of £.'W,4S2 being put through during Ihe day. making £95,111 for the, three days. .Not only was Saturday’s total a. club record, but the amount invested on the hist race, £8550, was nearly £2OOO more than the previous record for one race at Hastings. , The fields were mostly laygo and the racing was exceedingly good. The field of sixteen which started for the Juno Steeplechase was the largest in any sieepilechiase event} this ifynison, and one of the largest which has been seen in any similar event in the Dominion. The handicapping of Air H. Coyle came in for favourable commendation on all sides, while the starting of Air C. O’Connor was very ’good right through the meeting- j The favourite, Sturclee, a- Ivalfbrother to The Alou.se, carried 12st 121b to victory m the Hunters' , .Steeplechase, winning rather easily from Sandringham, with Beilin third. The winner is not a, big one. ]>ut he, has a lot of pace ‘ and jumps well. Sandringham is and is tho makings of a good’ horse for this class of event, though lie lacks the brilliancy necessary for big company. None of the others give much promise. Signysion, Alaunish and Sir Agues was the order of betting in the Fernhill Hack Hurdle "Handicap. Signysion' tipped a hurdle and unseated his rider when appearing to have the race at Ins mercy. Sir Agnes was better suited by the heavy going than Alaunish was, and ho scored a win which might hare gone to Alaunish had tho going been (inn. AJannish is only four years olet and is one of the most promising of tho new hurdle aspirants seen wit this season.- if he does not get too much racing over hurdle? before next year. The bracketed pair, Alill o' Gown© and Rckaiiui. worn heavily supported" for tho Tiiramoe Hurdle Handicap, Thrace and Paddington Green lioing next best hacked. Alill o’ Cowrie piloted the field for half the -journey, when she jumped the wing of a. hurdle and van off the course. Being quickly turned back, she continued on, but had lost a substantial lead. Paddington 'Green had llekanui settled.-at the end of a mile and led into the straight, but Thrace, who had gradually worked his way from last position, was alongside “ Paddy ” as lie cleared the last hurdle,_ and having most left in him won fairly easily by iv length. Orccrc was a good third. _ Oak lei gh was (lie public's first selection for the June. Steeplechase,■ with the bracketed pair. First Lino and Fonnian, next in demand, but the majority of the sixteen runners had good hacking. Tho first fence proved fatal to the chances of Focman and Harbour Light, both coming down. Guauaco, John Bunny and Notability made the running for the, first round and a half, where Afaraehitara drew level with Guauaco, and headed him going out of the straight, Oaklcigh. who had been running loiifth, moved im a bit. six inrlongs from home, followed by First .Lino, while Rirokino at the sometime began to draw on the leaders from last position. At the hack Alaraototara turned a seven, and brought down Guanaco, who was racing alongside. This loft John Bunny in the lead, with Ormesby next, Oaklcigh and First Line following iu that order. At the next fence Galdeigli commenced to drop hack and First June headed John Bunny, hut Wimkino* was coming fast and-Ormesby was not yet beaten. It was'anybody's rare a.? the trio rose at tho last obstacle, with loss than a length separating them. First Line was first, over, and stalling off AVirokino's finishing effort won by (wo lengths. Ormesby being a similar distance away third. Old Mungindi was dose ii]i fourth, and John Funny fifth. Ethiopian was made a screaming hot favourite for the Ladies’ .Necklace, a one dividend race. The favourite was supposed to have the best staying credentials. and he made all the running. This just suited Piropiro, who kept in third position until nearing the straight, when lie shot to the front and won pulling up by four lengths from Ethiopian, with. Army ' Service third. The win was very popular. Black Lake opened favourite for ilie Sontra. Hack Handicap, and remained sn mdil about five or six minutes of the fotnlisator closing time, when someone must have found about £IOOO worth of gold nuggets and put (he whole lot on Alolyneux. It was too late for the public to take, any advantage of the hint given to hackers. Alolynonx was prominent all the way, and though -Sea Foam and Alosthenes made a race of it- with him until .halfway down the straight, ho then drew nut and won cleverly by a length from Sea Foam, who heat Alosthenes by a head for second place. Block Lake wa? close up fourth. Parisian Diamond and Gold Kip were the most fancied pair for the Final Handicap, bn! Hyginas, who had the services of AFFlinn in jhe saddle, was also heavily backed, in marked contrast

to the first fitly, when he was paving j nearly a century to win. Hviinas i was first our. but was soon bended by ; Money Bee, who carried on the running to the straight. Horn the Mel elosed no. and Gold Kip and Sir Fauci Inl could be seen coming fast on (lie outside. It rvas Gold Kip's race bail u furlong from homo, and tbouel, sir Fanciful beat all [be others he had no obancc with Gold Kip, Robinson landing tue bitter a nice winner bv ball'a K r •‘P ! ", sh,no ' with Gray in (ho saddle, finished strongly, and got third position, just in front of income. ENGLISH MOTES, (Special to the ‘' Star. 1 ') T1 . LONDON, April 21b no, - es will not be concluded n'lr T o,l '-in Wwcl,Ce i 0 1,16 Mf» |oi the Imo Ihousand Guineas, but it necessary at this point to touch on V 3O . PT 0 Ln; the Usher Cup. which was eecuied at Nindoivii Park on Thursday' , "nponunt handicap oF the sea-on bn th.ee-tmar-olds. the Grconham di'n k tf i ,v,!i( ' h rcsuUcd so dubiously tor Tetratema. and the Graven Stakes at NWmarkeb hj lornugla ago, whicli was as*u<iated with the success of Davl > g ! ,fc J .? t |° 1 1 a "d the failure o! nice Onlahad, Mure not handicaps ibis Cup race at Sandown Park at- ! f il , a lai '(F and interesting field, •it ue head of which bras the Irish iiuise. Roman Bachelor, owned bv Mr i mS ’ f i y| , ° . f0i ’ ,n « n y y*>r« luw men Cluster of the Limerick Hunt, and trained by -Mr Gilpin. Twenty-four Imtita prior to tins ra.ee Mr Gilpin had i!'l ,n _, lc n. :UKi '-nburban ivith .Sir iyinest 1-aget 5 Corns,ack. Because homan Bachelor had been galloping extraordinarily well with that 'four-year-old there was a strong belief Dial he Mould win ibis race in suite of a big weight. He did, in fact, mi„ in really good style and landed what may bo described us something 0 f a gamble, as -lie was backed down to a, short price, t was quite an impressive performance, considering the weight he cjfrriecl, and au immediate result was to draw atlention to the chance of Paragon 1 lor the Imp Thousand, for (hat horse had been..going in great style with Roman Bachelor. As to the lormer you will, however, lea,ni more heforo these notes arc concluded. Bracket, a lightlyweighted filly that had won at New. market, ran into second place. Sir rl T * l . I ®- vor ’ s Heart Facewwas, s third and oir n iliiam -Cooke’s Devizes fourth. But for being interfered with by Bracket,, Devizes would at least bar*, been third, and au objection to the former is pending as I write. The chief winning two-year-old at the Sandown meeting was Sir Robert Jardine’s Gejumda, who secured tlie Stud Produce Stakes by a bead after Lord Lonsdale's Bayonne (a hot favourite), who held the advantage everywhere except on the post. The winner is bv Stedfast and was bred in Ireland by Sir Gilbert Greenall. The second is by Diaduuienos, and may win at Chester next week, as there is no doubt she can gallop. The Tudor Plate ot £IOOO for maidens-that is. horses which had not won a rape up to tho time of entry—Mas taken in good style by the Duke of Portland's Valkryan. Second was Sir Ernest (Tassel's Joseph the First, and then came the favourite Greek Vine, a fine big horse owned uy Mr P. Noble and trained bv Captain Dcwhurst at 'Newmarket. The winner bad only run once as a two-ycar-oid and there is little doubt that be will make an even smarter horse than Uo is now. Just to show the weird vagaries of racing I may note that Parella, who had failed utterly when much fancied to win -over the easy five furlongs at Epsom, was now capable of running away. with the Prince Albert Handicap,'though the five furlong course at Sandown is generally regarded as being a hard one, and quite unsuited for a nwe-staycr. It-was an amazing result and I. may add tluit her owner and trainer did not have a penny on at Sandown’. His Majesty the King i\ attending the first spring meeting ah Newmarket, which is in progress as 1 write. The opening on Tuesday was made under tlie most evil conditions of weather, and at one time during the afternoon :aj,’| fell with torrential force and turned the going from fairly good into very soft. Then when racing had concluded there iv-as •another/' swift change with, a strong wind. The recuperative character of the Heath at New mar tret, is well known. Quito the .most interesting event wns the Hastings Plate, of a mile and a quarter; for which oue of the runners was Lord Beurhyn’s Kcrasos. who had won a three-year-old handicap at the Craven meeting from O'rplvousi. The latter ran a good horse, but was hopelessly. Lcatcu in the attempt to concede PJlb. Here for the Hastings Plate, m - o had Kerases penalised, so that he had to give 131b to Mr Anthony de Rothschild's Zcrhino, who had run a good race, with Wimasu for the Faster Rlnto at Kempt on Park. At the difference in the weights and in the going Zcvbirto was backed with great confidence. His favouritism was. therefore, assured. Kcrasos was second favourite. Kcrasos won in great style by a couple of lengths, but the-one to offer the stiffest opposition was not Zcrhino, who was done ivith at the end of n .mile, but Illuminator, a very good looking horse by Radium. He put up a fine show and must be pretty good, though at least 101b behind Kcrasos. Tlie latter’s improvement from two to three years is remarkable, and lie must hare a chance now for tne Derby, though I do not think the course will suit him. Newmarket, with (its great, wide level stretch, is the course for him. Tim rest of the raring on the opening day was not of much account. A newcomer' among the two-year-olds was introduced in Sir 11. Bird's Monarch, trained by Siorier, who also bred him- This colt, stayed on well to win by a neck from .Lord Carnarvon's colt by Volta—Cambric, and there is no doubt that both first and second are pretty good. The race Mas the Firs) Spring Two-year-old Stakes. Another two-year-old winner that cost'a lot of money as a yearling was Sir H. Cun-liffc-Owciu’s ‘.Dervish. His previous form was a clear pointer to hi? victory now, a? the opposition was only moderate. Tclrntcma, 'the crack two-ycar-oki last, season and the winter Derby favourite, has been under suspicion since his defeat at Newbury Ly Silvern, and right up to the start of the Two Thousand Guineas there was a strong feeling of doubt as to whether be could stnv the. distance. But Hie race satisfied everyone on this point. Carslake, In's jockey, adopted entirely different riding tactics as compared with Newliurv. Now ho "jumped /iff with the lend and kept in front to the finish. At the Bushes it seemed as if Paragon was going (o enu.se the favourite most trouble, but 200 yards from home A Hen by came with a groat burst, ami got, to within half a.'length of Tctratema. At the finish the latter showed no distress and it now looks as if ho will be_ able to get the Derby com so. There is perhans more scone for improvement in the case of Allenby, tor it was obvious that his training had been timed for the Kipsom event rather than the Guineas race, and lie has been, made a good second Favourite. Paragon naa thi'-d and Orpheus i.. aw fourth;