Racing and Trotting

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17576, 29 June 1925, Page 2

Racing and Trotting

Nominations tor the Wnimate Hunt mooting will close to-morrow, and for the Smith Canterbury Hunt meeting on "Wednesday. Although G. Young lias taken up his permanent residence in Australia, which will leave an opening for another jockey as tirst horseman to Mr G. D. Greenwood’s stable, Young will ride Gloaming in his Australian spring engagements. The. four-year-old mare Avonlea, by Absurd from llolyrood, was shipped from Wellington last Friday for ‘Sydney. where she will go into G. Price’s stable. Xukumai is in great favour in the North Jslafid for important hurdle races near at hand. Some of his admirers go the length of saying lie will win two or three on end. This is a big order, but a double at Trentham may not be beyond him, as a win on the first day will not give him- a penalty for the richer event on the third day of the meeting. He is a groat jumper, a good staver, and very well. Fireblight will make her next appearance in the Wellington Steeplechase, and if tho Hawke’s Bay mare continues to improve she ip bound to be prominent in that event. She had none the best of the luck at Hastings, and when rising at the double in tho final circuit Puwhero knocked her and she lost a good deal of ground. Compared with previous years the tracks at Trentham are suprisingly good, and unless rain tails before the meeting, trainers will have very fair ground for gallops. This is due to improved drainage. Black Art his out with plenty of freedom in a working gallop at Trent ban* on Saturday. lie has lightened up a good deal since racing at Wanganui, duo no doubt to his hurried visit to Australia. By the time the Wellington Steeplechase comes up for decision, he should have freshened up well and lie a very lit Ixorso. At the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club’s meeting last week, a presentation of a gold watch was made to J. M. Cameron for his action in bringing the Ilawk from Melbourne to meet Gloaming in the J. D. Ormond Cup last month. Mr G. D. Greenwood met with a piece of bad luck at the end of last week, when the- two-year-old Dormez died from the effects of injuries to one of his legs, caused by a kick or through contact with a fence. Dormez, who was by Sutala from Yawn, an Aus-tralian-bred mare by Cooltrim. was a well-grown colt, and though ho had

well-grown colt, and though ho had no public form to recommend him. lie had shown somo promise of futuse usefulness in his track work. With Mr J. E. Henrys absent from tho Dominion on a holiday, tho handicaps for the Ashburton County Racing Club’s meeting last week were framed by Mr W. Russell, whoso work provided some exceptionally good racing, especially on Saturday, when close finishes were tho general rule. When Mainspring fell at the last fence in the Winter Steeplechase at Ashburton on Saturday, his rider, O. Cullum, met with painful injuries and he was taken to the hospital for observation. Jle is reported to be suffering from concussion and abrasions to the faro and head, but his condition is believed not to be serious. Riding honours were widely distributed at the Ashburton meeting last week. E. Shaw and R. Thompson . each piloted two winners. Shaw also being on two seconds and two thirds. No other jockey had more than one win. J. Beale rode very consistently at Ashburton last week, but without any luck. He failed to handle a winner, but he was three times second and three times third. Solferino was the most successful sire at the Ashburton meeting last week, being represented by three winners, two seconds and two thirds. Clarenceux, who had two winners and a second, was the only other sire to claim more than one winner. After the’ Winter Steeplechase at j Ashburton on Saturday an in- ; quiry was held into a charge that • Charlatan had interfered with Windermere at the last fence. The stewards found no cause for taking action. but A. J. Peart, the rider of Charlatan, was reprimanded for the unsatisfactory manner in which he gave his evidence. Gold Brick and Los Ambus were among the acceptors for their engagements on the second day of the Ashburton meeting, but owing to the track being slippery, Mr W. If. Ward withdrew his two representatives. These were the only scratchings during the I day.

NOTES BY ARGUS

ASHBURTON RACES.

A DAY OF CLOSE FINISHES. The Ashburton County Racing Cl do was unfortunate in the weather con <1 it ions on Saturday, for the conclusion of the winter meeting. There was a severe frost during tho night but instead of the bright day that was expected to follow, the morning was cold and raw. Early in the afternoon light misty rain set in and there were several similar showers as the day wore on. The track was very hard to begin with and later, when the moisture in the atmosphere dispersed the frost, the going became very greasy. Tho fields were not large but there was somo exceptionally interesting sport, i head and neck finishes being witnessed in six of the seven races, either for ; the win or the minor places The ’ meeting was well managed Mr J. BMeeking has established himself as a capable secretary and he had everv-r ; thing in his department working ! smoothly. Mr H. F- Nieoll, the vicepresident. exercised a close supervision | over everything, though one missed the ; presence of the genial president, Mr j (' X Grigg. who is enjoying a. trip It > the Home Country. The totalisator uu ■ meeting were

£20,083, compared with £20,016, uni os tho stakes had been reduced by £2OO the meeting will produce a much more I satisfactory financial result than was ! the case a year ago. when the club had to face a considerable loss. Tho four acceptors lined up for the j Hurdle Handicap, Tenterfield being a | little better backed than Kaikabvi. The quartette jumped the first hurdle practically in line, hub leaving the straight Red lvriss went on with a slight advantage from Kaikaku, while Tenterfield was next and Nautical last. The two leaders were three lengths in front of Tenterfield at tho mil© post, but two furlongs further on Tenterfield was just behind them, when a bad jump cost him several lengths. Red lvriss was about half a length in front of Kaikahu at this stage and at th© entrance to the straight the other pair moved up. They could, not go on, however, and in a great finish Red lvriss beat Kaikahu by a neck, with Tenterfield five lengths away, just in front of Nautical I Tho winner has had a reputation as an uncertain galloper, but he is now j racing more solidly, though at best he is far removed from being a top class hurdler. Ivaikahu is a good jumper as one might expect of a lior.se from the stable of S. Trilford, who is a master in this line. Tenterfield was going ■well till he bucked over the hurdle near the six furlong post, after which lie was always in trouble. The vetera . Nautical was in the roar all the wav and ho does not look a good prospect. Th© AYinchmore Hack Handicap saw tho seven acceptors at the post. Olympia was a good favourite, with Solfello easily second choice. This pair and Elba showed out at the barrier rise, with Bonnie Waif next, but at the end of two furlongs Bonnie Waif had run to the front, followed by Olympia, Solfello and Elba. They ran life this to the straight, where Bonnie Wail and Solfello retired, while Fairy Tidings and Sarty moved up fast on the outside. Olympia was still in front a furlong from home and going well, but Fairy Tidings came with a rattle and beat him by a neck. Sarty was over a length away third, with Elba next. Fairy Tidings is the latest of the progeny of tho • wonderful mare Fairy Benzie, and she shapes like being far from the worst of them. She has a fine turn of speed and further successes can be expected for her over si?, or seven furlongs. Olympia appeared to be a trifle unlucky. He seems fated to minor places since ho won a maiden race at Tapanui in February, but there is hone for better things next season, as the stud record of Buckwheat in England was gained by the successes of his progeny as old horses. Solfello was again a disappointment. and it seems obvious that though he has fair speed, he is deficient in stamina.

’There were seven Starters for the Winter Steeplechase. Charlatan being a good favourite, with Cashman a little better fancied than Aurora for second choice. Charlatan, Windermere. Cashman and Red Sol ran together for about a furlong, but Cashman took charge at th© first fence, while a little further on Aurore was second and Windermere third. Racing past the stand Cashman was showing the way to Aurore and Mainspring, and going ou’. of the straight Aurore joined Cashman in the lead. They ran like this to the fence near the mile post, where Cashman ran off. while Red Sol. who was a bit further back, blundered and was pulled up. Aurore then went on in front, with Windermere and Charlatan in close attendance. Windermere took charge half a mile from home, but • there was n-T: much between Windermere, Charlatan and Aurore at the entrance to the straight. After jumping tho last fence, at which Mainspring fell, Charlatan went on to win by over a length. Aurore beating Windermere by a short head. Kipling was a poor fourth, being the onlv other to finish Though Charlatan won. with a little to spare at the finish, his performance was not impressive, his jumping, especially in the early stages of the race being patchy. The ancient Aurore though Showing signs of soreness, bat tied on gamely and just beat Windermere for second place. lie was a trifle lucky, however, as Windernfere appeared to suffer from interference, at tho last fence, where Charlatan crossed over. This probably cost Windermere second money. There was an inquiry, but the stewards decided that there j was no cause for action. Kipling finj ished a poor fourth, and never looked like getting near the leaders. The Melrose Trot Handicap attracted a field of thirteen. Gift of Song, who had shown up most of the way in tho first day’s race, was made a good favourite, and after him Tetrachord, Diilon Gold, Rufine and Four Chimes all came in for solid backing. Grey Cloud was first to show in front, but Betty’s Boy soon joined him, and they went on together past the mile post, with Goldpiece, Gift of Song and Rufine in close attendance. Then Honour Bright made a fast move, which landed him in fourth place at the six-furlong post, just behind Betty’s Boy, Grey Cloud

and Rufine. A little further on Rufine drew clear, followed by Honour Bright, this pair opening out. a gap of several lengths from the next bunch. Half a mile from home Gift of Song broke, and was not seen again, while Tetrachord went on in third place. Succession was moving up fast at this stage, and at the time he passed Tetrachord. going after the two leaders. Honour Bright collapsed at the. entrance to the straight, where Rufine was just showing clear of Succession, with Tetrachord handy. Halfway down the straight Succession had Rufine’s measure, but his driver, handling his mount very confidently, was content to wait till a few strides from tho post, when he went on to beat -Rufine by a neck. Tetrachord, i who was not driven out, was ten ! lengths away, Four Bells and Tommy Bells following after another gap. Succession is racing very consistently at J present. lie was unlucky on the first j day at Ashburton, while a week earlier j he won over two miles at Riccarton. He j is a bold pacer, and a good stayer, who j will be seen to advantage in decent j class two-mile races next season. Ru* ; fine paced a sound race. She :s a three- 1 year-old filly by Brent Locanda from ; Emmeline’s ssiter Aileen, and a win for j Randall M'Donald would have been popular, as the Ashburton trainer lias had no luck for a long time, though a . few years ago his cardinal jacket v;.-- ! frequently seen in front. Tetr.wl. i. j L

went a good race, but, though consistent, he just misses being good enough. Gift of bong, the favourite, had every chance, but he may do better with a bit more racing experience. The seven acceptors took part in the bounty Handicap, Castellan being a little better backed than Coch-y----bondhu, with Goldtown, the third fancy, a good way behind the pair. Solferite was not in great favour with the public, probably because an apprentice was substituted for C. Emerson, but he carried the confidence of the stable. Solferite jumped out smartly, with Goldtown and Coch-y-bondhu handy and Castellan next, After going a furlong Coch-y-bondhu took second place, while at the home.turn Castellan headed Goldtown, the rest of the field being a long way back. At the entrance to the straight Coch-y-bondhu was just behind Solferite, with Castellan closing up. Solferite stayed on well, and won comfortably by two lengths. Castellan gradually overhauled Cocli-y-bondh u, but just failed to get up, the Orari filly gaining second place by a head. Goldtown. who faded out. badly, was a poor fourth, with the others a long wa . 1 a< k Apart from the first three, who provided a good contest, they all performed I v < ry badly *( )phir and Ivilbirnie failed to respect recent form, while Ferino ran another bad race, and apparently she is not partial to winter racing condition:-. Solferite’s performance was an attractive one, and, benefited by his racing, he is likely to gain much higher j honours early next season. (-old Brick was withdrawn from the | Moreton Hack Handicap, and in a field ol seven 1 lenborg, Solway, Flaming Rav and Gay Life were backed in that order, with not much between them. LTeaborg was quickest out of the barrier, followed by Solway and Flaming Ray, after whom, at an interval, came Gay Life. When half the journey had been covered Solway had joined Uleaboi'g in the load, Flaming Ray being close behind them. Solway turned for home witli a sligLt advantage over Flaming Ray, who ran wide. The pair seitled down to a desperate finish hut though Flaming Ray appeared to have a slight, advantage fifty yards from the post. Sohvav responded gamely to vigorous riding and beat the Riccarton filly by a short head. Vleaborg was three lengths away, with Gay Life fourth and the others beaten off. Solway deserved his win. after several unlucky .performances this season. He is likely to do still better, though he may never get beyond the useful class. Flaming Rav. who is a half-sister to Lovesign, being by Clarenceux from a sister to Bon Spec, is speedy but not likely to rival her well-performed relatives. Vleaborg ran surprisingly well, ns lie has not been long in work, but Gay Life was a disappointment, as she never looked like catching the three in front of her. After a day of good contests, the Wakanui Handicap, the concluding event of the programme, proved the only bad race at the meeting. There were only four in the field. Clontarl being a little better hacked than Danc-

ing Days, while Mythology and Cl axein a were comparatively neglected. From an even start Dancing Days was soon, out with a lead of three lengths from Clontarf, while Mythology and Clnreiim followed at intervals. Tho order was never altered. Dancing Days drew right away in the straight, beating Clontarf by four lengths, while Mythology was eight lengths further back, a long way in front of Clareino. The winner handled the ground well, but Clontarf did not seem at home on the greasy going, as he slipped about a lot, especially at the entrance; f the straight. Mythology and Clareiua are not ready yet to show their best form.