Racing and Trotting.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17906, 23 July 1926, Page 2

Racing and Trotting.

(NOTES BY

“ ARGUS.”)

RACING FIXTURES. July 24—South Canterbury Hunt. July 29, 31—Gisborne Racing Club. July 31-—Christchurch Hunt. August 7—Poverty Bay Hunt. August 10, 12, 14—Canterbury Jocke? Club. HANDICAPS. July 26—Christchurch Hunt. July 26—Canterbury Jockey Club. August 2—Poverty Bay Hunt. ACCEPTANCES. July 23—Gisborne Racing Club. July 28—Christchurch Hunt, j August 3—Poverty Bay Hunt. f August 4—Canterbury Jockey Club. TROTTING FIXTURES. July 24—South Canterbury Hunt. August 7—Poverty Bay Hunt. August 7, 11, 13—New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. ACCEPTANCES. August 3—New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. August 3—Poverty Bay Hunt. RACING NOTES. In connection with the South Canterbury Hunt Club’s meeting, to be held at Washdyke to-morrow, a special train will leave Christchurch at 7.45 a.m., arriving at the course at 11.8 a.m., in ample time for the first race. The return train will leave Tixnaru at 6.47 p.m.

The South Canterbury Hunt Club’s annual fixture will be held at Washdyke to-morrow, and with record fields engaged it promises to be a great success, especially as the presence of a strong contingent of visiting horses from Otago and Southland will create a very wide interest in the racing. Many of the visitors are competing at Washdyke as a preliminary to racing at Riccarton and this will further tend to create interest. A special train will leave Christchurch at 7.55 a.m. and it will start from Timaru on the home journey at 6.47 p.m.

One of the features of the racing of the Waimate Hunt meeting yesterday was the form shown in the saddle by J. T. Ilumphris. He had a ride in each of the galloping events on the programme, his day’s record being three wins, one second and one third, while he was twice unplaced. He would have improved on these figures but for Red Sol falling at the last fence in the Hunt Club Cup. Ilumphris has only been re-licensed after being in retirement for more than a year, and his successes were very popular. He is a versatile horseman, who can hold his own on the flat, while he is right in the first flight over obstacles. During the last couple of months he has acted as whip to the South Canterbury Hounds, and he has had plenty of riding to keep him fit. Ilis return to the ranks of the race riders will be welcomed by owners, and he will have plenty of claims on his services, especially in jumping races.

R. M’Seveney and H. G. Coker, who have not been riding for a long time past, re-appeared in the saddle at Waimate yesterday, but neither was fortunate enough to be on a winner.

W. Cooper broke a collarbone when Goodform fell with him in the Hunt Club Steeplechase at Waimate yesterday. This was the only serious mishap during the day.

* * * * General Advance did not go far in the Waimate Steeplechase, as he was pulled tip after jumping the first fence. He was very lame when he returned to the birdcage, and he can be written out of the Grand National Steeplechase. He will require a long spell, and he may never stand a severe preparation again. * * * *

Vice Regal showed signs of lameness after the hurdle race at Waimate yesterday, and the Vice Admiral gelding may have to be spelled.

Lark Hall, a recent North Island purchase, started twice at Waimate yesterday, but his form was very poor, and he will need to improve marvellously before his Otago owner will secure much return from him.

Kapuna, the winner of the Studholme Hurdles Handicap at Waimate, is by from Lady Symonds, so that he is a half-brother to Reval. winner of the Great Easter Handicap, and to Tack Symons, a first-class hurdler in his day. Kapuna is only a four-year-old, and, as he has had an easy time up till now, he may develop greatly improved form over hurdles next seaRadiac was running on strongly at I the end of the hurdle race at Waimate yesterday, and. even if he fails to score | during the next few weeks, he looks certain to pay his way in short-dis-tance hurdle events at the early spring meetings. * * * * Message Boy, the winner of the Bluecliffs Hunters' Steeplechase at Waimate, is a well bred gelding by Clarenceau from Heather Dew, a Dirk Hammerhand mare, whose other progeny included Red Gown and Heather Lad, both good winners, while Lady Dick, a sister to Heather Dew, produced Carmine, another smart galloper. Message Boy was at one time trained at Riccarton, and he showed great promise until a mishap necessitated a long spell. lie has been hunted regularly this winter by his owner, J. M. Shaw, the huntsman to the South Canterbury Hounds, so that he is a genuine hunter. Provided he remains sound, he may take much higher honours later on as a cross-countrv performer. * * * * King Abbey was responsible for a very attractive performance in winning the Waimate Steeplechase. His fine turn of speed enabled him to gain a long advantage early in the contest. He is not a good stayer, however, and, though a brilliant jumper, he is inclined to chance his fences when he tires. This failing nearly brought him to brief near the end of this Waimate race, but after a clever recovery by his rider the Quin Abbey gelding was able to go on and stall Off a late challenge from Uncle Bob. Even with a rise in weight, King Abbey is likely to be dangerous in other short-distance steeplechases.

! Uncle Bob ran a good race in the W aimate Steeplechase, and it is probable he would have won had his rider started his effort just a little earlier. Save for one mistake, he gave an excellent exhibition of jumping. W hipcord gave a very’ creditable performance in the Waimate Steeplechase, and with another rider in the saddle he may be seen to even greater advan-* tage very soon. . * * * * j John Bradbury made his opponents, look very’ ordinary bv the manner in which he won the Waimate Hack Handicap, and the merit of the performance was enhanced when the runner-' up, ! airy" Herald, came out latex and j won the Morven Handicap very easily.J John Bradbury should pay his way in j much better company next season. * * * * f Fairy Herald ran two good races at 1 Waimate, starting off with a second in , hack company, and later winning an 1 open event,. He can stay seven furlongs, and he looks as if he would go much further. He is a six-year-old by Clarenceux from Fairy Benzie, so that! he is a half-brother to Golden King. ! Mythology, Agnola, Fairy Tidings and Osterman, a very’ useful batch of gallopers. * * * Sfr Mainspring, who won the Hunt Club Steeplechase at Waimate yesterday, is an aged gelding by Calibre from Fairlie, a well bred mare who has also distinguished herself as the dam of Nightraid, winner of the Otago Steeplechase last month. Mainspring won the Hunters’ Hurdles event at the Grand National meeting last August. He will probably compete over country’ when he visits Riccarton next month, and he may get some money, as he is a good jumper.

Mataipuke was a consistent but unlucky performer at Waimate, where he filled second place in both the Hunters’ Steeplechases yesterday. He is a good sort, and, as he is only a six-y’ear-old he should improve a lot.

April Showers, a half-brother to the speedy Dancing Days, showed attractive form whc-n he won the Hunters’ Plate at Waimate yesterday. He was staving on well, and, as he has shown promise as a jumper, he may’ do well over country later on.

Rorv O’Moore, a five-year-old bv Clarenceux, ran a creditable race in the Hunters’ Plate at Waimate. He has only been in training for a few weeks after being hunted by the North Canterbury sportsman, Mr Norman M’Lean, and he may take much higher honours as a racing proposition next winter.

Messrs James Gov, P. Miller and S. S. Myers have been elected honorary life members of the Dunedin Jockey Club as a reward for lorg service as ;tewards.

The election for four members of :he committee of the Dunedin Jockey’ Club resulted in the return of Messrs W. J. Goughian, A. 11. Fisher ;-.nd James Smith, the three retiring menbers, with Mr G. A. Kain as a newcomer. Messrs J. Lindsay’ anc! W. Quirk completed the list of candidates.

The Southland crack Listening Post is booked to make his first appearance as a jumper in the Ilgdlow Hurdle Handicap. With a big field, he will be well tried out and his form will be keenly’ followed, as it will provide a ine to his prospects in the Grand National Hurdle Handicap. If he acts up to his southern reputation, he should race well at Washdyke.

Projector should be greatly’ benefited by his racing at Trentham and a win may come his way long. Even if he fails at Washdyke, he will have plenty’ of admirers at Riccarton.

The Hadlow Hurdle Handicap at Washdyke will give Kapuna and Radiac an opportunity of fighting their Waimate battle over again. Radiac should be an improved horse, while he will have an advantage in weight.

Message Boy showed such attractive form at Waimate that he must be hard to beat in "the Hunters’ Steeplechase at Washdyke. A repetition of Waimate form will give Mataipuke a chance of winning some more money at Washdyke. He appears to be a better steeplechaser than was generally realised.

King Abbey fell the last time he raced over the Washdyke fences, but with his confidence renewed by a win at Waimate he should show improved form. * * * * Uncle Bob will have to be reckoned with in the South Canterbury Steeplechase. * * * * The Tigerland-Whipcord bracket may l>e first choice with backers for the South Canterbury Steeplechase. Both horses are very well at present. * ' * * * John Bradbury and Fairy Ilerald raced so well at Waimate that they’ are entitled to support at Washdyke. In spite of their penalties, it will be no surprise to find both horses earning money’. ' * * * * Jarrettierre is in fine fettle and this speedy filly may soon be among the winners. She was left badly in her race at Waimate, so no notice need be taken of her failure there. * * * April Showers won the Hunters' Plate at Waimate in good style and was staying on so well that, even with his penalty, he should run prominent ly over the longer journey at Washdyke. There is one important difference in the two races, however, as at Washdyke gentlemen riders will be in the saddle and this may seriously affect the form. * * * * Red Wink is booked to compete in the Claremont Handicap at Washdyke. He will not be at his best, but his form will be watched with interest, as it should provide a line to future events * * * * Night Raid, who won the Otago Steeplechase and is a candidate for the Grand National, may not be able tu ; race at Washdyke. He ricked a muscle in his back recently and he has been, confined since then to jogging exercise. The injury may’ even prevent him from fulfilling his engagements at the Grand National meeting, though his owner is hopeful that the gelding will be all right for the Riccarton trip.

I Sprinkler has been galloping well lately’ and he may’ show up in the Claremont Handicap. I sfs * * * I Chickwheat is in good fettle and he I may win a race shortly, though he | may require a run in public to sharpen J him up. 11 * * * * Sir Edwin Mitchelson has been reelected president of the Auckland . Racing Club, with Mr 11. O. Nolan J vice-president. Messrs S. Bradley’, C. * A. Brown, F. Earl, M. M. M’Callum and j O. Nicholson Have been elected to the committee without opposition, but a ballot will be necessary’ to elect three stewards from Messrs M. J. Lynch, L. C. Rathbone, G. A. Wynyard ancl W. C. Ring. * * * * On many says a Napier writer, I have been asked where the names of Tiega and Bennanee had been derived from, but was unable to satisfy my’ questioners upon the subject. However, I have now got over the difficulty, as Mr J. S. M’Leod, the breeder of the pair, was good enough to supply me with the information, which is that Tiega and Bennanee are the names of two lakes in Australia, where Mr M’Leod in his youthful days used to shoot waterfowl. t’fi sft The ex-New Zealander, George Price, has nineteen horses in his stables at Rand wick, with which to start the new season. Ilis list comprises: Windbag, Royal Tea, Murray King, Whizbro, Stony’, Mychant, Release, Elsa Colugo, Macduff, Bonnie Chose, Winalot, Queen Mag, Cloud, Aquita, Jocelyn, Mangostan, Kumerlong, Gay Gordon and Midlothian. 'h * Jfc * The Eclipse Stakes, which was added last week to the winning record of Coronach, is returned as a race with £ISOO of added money’, but this is really’ only a small part of the stake. When the race was instituted in the eighties by’ the Sandown Park Proprietary, it ranked as a £IO,OOO stake. Since

then the conditions have been varied, but it remains England’s rich prize. The forfeits are heavy’, and it costs £lls to start. Last year the value to the winner was £11,943, and this year’s prize was expected to be at least that amount. TROTTING NOTES. The Auckland sportsman, M. B. Edwards, who has been on a visit to Christchurch, missed no opportunity during his stay of proclaiming the the merits of the American b: ed trotting stallion, The Triumph, whom, he has had for a couple of years. Breeders in the northern province had patronised him freely, possibly induced in part by the horse's brilliant efforts on the training track, where he had been driven at an exceptionally high rate of speed on more than one occasion. Mr Edwards recently secured another American, Worthy Bond, who will share the honours with The Triumph in Mr Edwards’s stud next season.

There are persistent rumours that the relations of the Racing and Trotting Conferences are not as amicable as could be. wished in the interests of allied sports. When the Forbury Park Trotting Club jumped the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s autumn dates, there was some friction, says the “ Timaru Herald,” and it is rumoured that the racing authorities retaliated by allotting the Banks Peninsula Club the date claimed by’ the Timaru Trotting Club. There may be nothing in the allegation, but it is unfortunate that a Timaru Club should be the innocent victim in each case. * * * * There is a lot of talk about ringingin, and one owner’s name is mentioned pretty’ freely, says a Wellington writer. Is it not time some officials inquired into the truth of it? * * ❖ * Some few months ago it was resolved that horses coming up for registration by’ the New South Wales Trotting Club should, if they were clean skins, be branded with the brand of the club. This brand is a horseshoe with a dot in the centre. Recently several horses were presented for registration and these had to be given the club’s brand. & * * * The Australian pacer Parkwood is a solid, determined horse in his work, and he gives the appearance that a two mile journey will be no trouble to him He moves with an easv free action. NAPIER TRAINING NOTES. (Special to the “ Star. ”) NAPIER, July 22. Llandudno has been turned out at his owner’s place at Poukawa for a spell. Maunga left Hastings this morning en route to Riccarton, in charge of J. Griffiths. He is hardly’ .so forward as last year and will .be all the better for a race or two, though lie sometimes races well when fresh. Ganymede, a half-brother to Runny’mede, is growing fast and may not do much racing before next summer. ELLERSLIE TRAINING NOTES. (Special to the “Star.’) AUCKLAND, July- 22. Right and Left has resumed work under J. Thorpe at- Ellerslic. Nareta, by Marble Arch—Cerita, has built up into a nice looking sort and shaped well over five furlongs at Ellerslie this morning. He is a halfbrother to Sea De’il and Whizbro, who was trained for a time by’ J. Williamson, of Ellerslie, and subsequently sent back to Sydney. He won the Moorefield Handicap on July 10. He is a member of G. Price’s team. Archeen has been a good stake earner for Dr C. Blundell. However, he raced for. the last time in the medico's colours when he won the Onslow Handicap at Wellington this month. He has since been sold to Mr Quirke, of Te Aroha, for £SOO. There was some schooling work done at Ellerslie this morning. Gala Day was given another lesson over the hurdles and jumped fairly well. Clockwork was sent over the pony hurdles and showed promise, while Fair Abbey jumped well over a round of schooling hurdles. Bizarro and Billy M’bracken were sent over two fences twice, Bizarro hitting the last. Otherwise the display was good. The No. 2 grass track was open. . Sleepy S,ol and Marble Mount worked Over five furlongs at a sound pace. Clarus, Salamander and Newberry also did useful work. Zircon and Memoir worked well over a round, but were not ridden out. Dress Circle went well over a •similar | distance. Pa-vo was ;v good hor.se a season or ] two ago, and it looks as though he may j be again seen at his best before long. He is working well at Ellerslie and has i impressed by the way’ he sprinted on Tuesday’ and this morning. 1

| F. D. JONES’S TEAM.

A SYDNEY CRITICISM. f le . Sydney writer, “Pilot,” had the following interesting comment on F. D. ' J° nes s team, after seeing them at > Kandwick:— j Limerick’s appearance is disappointing, and, on that score, he does not , compare favourably with either Rampion. Royal Tea or Bicolor, other Derby j ca . n s^ lc *at e s . being prepared at Randwick. He is black, a trifle leggy, and J light fleshed and quartered, but, as he stands over a lot of ground, is one of tne kmd that mav let down and general] 3 r i m p r0 ye in looks next season. Although he improves on acquaintance he is not a youngster that would cause anyone to be particularly interested in his identity’ if he was unaware he was looking at a Derby fancy’. However, there is no lack of vitality in him, and, while his trainer has great faith in his staying ability’, he also has form to recommend him. Battlement is a thicker-set colt than his brother, The Cypher, was at the same age, but has not yet shown any pace. One redeeming feature in his efforts has been that, after losing ground early in his races, he has been hanging on at the finish. \ oung Lochinvar takes my fancy. He is a rangy bay gelding, possessing lair substance, and is such a free goer that the first time he is galloped fast he is sure to impress those who see the work. Reonui is a solid sort of customer, and, though I thought he was a maiden, he has won one race. His owner may be able to place him so as to pay expenses over here. Count f avour is a stoutly-built chestnut gelding, and, even allowing that he is older, takes the eve more than any other member of the team. Looking at him, it is easy to understand his success under big weights in New Zea land. He is a particularlv good-bodied horse.

WAIMATE DISTRICT HUNT CLUB. NOTES ON THE RACING. Favoured by fine weather the Waimate District Hunt Club brought off a very fixture. Hunting: enthusiasts were present from all parts of Canterbury. Large fields were the rule anil the sport was easily the best the club has provided. A speciallv pleasing fature was that in addition to a wellconducted and successful meeting from a racing point of view it seems likely that it will result in a very satisfactory balance-sheet. The opening event, the Studholme Hurdle Handicap, drew a field of nine, Clantoi being the only scratching. It \va.s an even betting race between Red „3. lss ’ cartoon and Kapuna, these three ingatui-trained condidates being fancied in that order. Happy Days and Paddy’s Hope caused some trouble at cho start, and eventually thev were left •everal lengths. Uleaborg led Kaikahu’ and Radiac to the first hurdle, but Paddy’s Hope and Vice-Regal then moved up, joining Uleaborg in the lead with Radiac and Red KrisH at the head i jf the others. They raced like this for ! about six furlongs, when Vice-Regal dropped hack, while Paddy’s Hope was -,n trouble a little further on. Kapuna then moved up, and he was in second place half a mile from home, with Radiac. and Red Kriss handy. Kapuna was with Uleaborg at the home turn, and when the straight was reached Kapuna was out in front. Radiac put in a strong run, hut Kapuna beat, him by i length. The tiring Uleaborg was three Lengths away, while five lengths further back came Red Kriss, with Happy Days uext.. The winner gave a very smooth performance. lie is only a youngster it the game and he only has to keep sound to do well. Radiac ran a solid race and looks certain to pay his way during the coming season. Uleaborg .as slow at his jumps and had too much ground to make up on the flat. Red Kriss ran a fair race, but Cartoon was never prominent. Five scratchings left a field of eleven for the Bluecliffs Hunters’ Steeplechase. Again backers went strongly for southern visitors, Galaxy having a slight call over Lark Hall, who carried more than twice as much as Message Boy, the third choice. Markhy soon drew out from Naughty Peter and Auburn. These three were followed after a gap by Faloose, who fell at the first fence, bringing Peterline down. Passing the stand Naughty Peter, Marky, Auburn and Mataipuke were together. Auburn then drew out with a good lead from Naughty Peter, Matapuke and Message Boy. These four were together at the r.rst of the stand double, where Naughty Peter lost his rider. Auburn then went on with a lead of several lengths from Mataipuke, Message Boy, Markhy and Peter Marion. The hurdle at the back brought Markhy and Peter Marion down. Message Boy then took charge, and

thought Mataipuke challenged in the straight, Message Boy beat him by two lengths. Good Form was five lengths away, well clear of Auburn and Galaxy,

who were together. The winner is a well-bred gelding, who at one stage showed great promise on the flat. He has had a lot of good schooling in the hunting field and he is now a verV capable fencer. Mataipuke ran a-good race. Laxlt Hall and Galaxy bo.th went very badly. Blue Hall and Happy Mac were withdrawn from the Waimate Steeplechase, loavms a fleia of seven. Whipcord evaf! a little hettec fancied than -King -Abbey with the General Advance-Cartoon bracket also well hacked. King Abbey took charge at the start, and after going half a mile lie was ten lengths clear of Lnclc.Bob and Cartoon, with Kipling and Whipcord not far a wav King Abbey increased his advantage still further in the next half-mile. Going along the back the last time he was forty yards in front of Uncle Bbh, with Whipcord and Kipling handy- and Cartoon next. King Abbey hit the second last fence, his rider being able to make a clever recovery. Uncle Bob then sot out in pursuit. King Abbey was stopping badly in the straight, but he lasted long enough to beat Uncle Rob by a head Whipcord was ten lengths away, with Cartoon fourth. The winner is a speedy customer, but. a poor stayer, while he is uncertain at his fences w . < .- is tiring. Uncle Bob ran a sound race and probably would have won had his rider got busy a Little earlier in place of waiting for King Abbey to come back to him. Whipcord suffered from indifferent handling, and under the circumstances he did, well to finish where lie did. Car-

toon was just fair, never having a winning chance. Kipling also ran below “1? . Ivfo . r T’ whi,e Mandrake tailed off badly, giving a poor display. The eleven acceptors lined up for the Waihao Hack Handicap. Fairy Herald was a pronounced favourite, while a long way after him John Bradbury was a little better fancied than Jarretierre, Tholomon, Sweet Melody and Taboo. The start was unfortunate, Taboo, Royal Reel, Ineursio and Fairy Herald getting out well, while Jarretierre, Gav Raiment and Fairy Tidings lost a lot of ground. At the end of two furlongs Royal Reel dropped back, and Taboo .ind Fairy Herald were just showing clear of Ineursio and John Bradbury. A little further on Ineursio was done with, the cither three being in close order at the home turn. John Bradbury then shot out, and he won very by two lengths from Fairy Herald, who beat the fast-finishing Koyal Reel by a neck, with Sweet -Vlelody a length further back, and iholomon and Fairy Tidings not far away. John Bradbury represented better class than any of the others, and the style in which he won makes hiin worth keeping in mind for better events. Fairy Herald, though easily beaten into second place hung on well, and he is an

improving customer. Royal Reel was finishing well after meeting bad luck m the early stages. Jarretierre had her chance extinguished at the start, but her turn wfll come very soon. The Winter Trot Handicap drew a field of fourteen. Hostage and Schoolmate being withdrawn. Killinchy, Pretty Pointer and Boon Hay were evenly, supported, and the public picked it well, as these three filled the places. The field was sent off before the signal was given, but the horses were called back after going half a mile. Pretty Pointer, Morven Lass and Medallion Jack being in front at this stage. When the real start was made Killinchy was smartest to begin, with Morven Lass, Pretty Pointer and Great Night handy. Morven Lass joined Killinchy in the lead at the end of a mile, with Pretty Pointer, Medallion Jack and Moon Hay not far away. Six furlongs from home Killinchy had Pretty Pointer, Morven Lass and Hoon Hay as his nearest attendants. Then Killinchy and Pretty Pointer drew away, with Jloon Hay in hot pursuit. Killinchy ran wide at the home turn and Pretty Pointer, hugging the rails, went on to win by two lengths. Hoon Hay,' who was not ridden out in the straight, was forty yards away, with Master Bell and Throgmorton next. The winner is a quality-looking filly, and as she is only three years old she may be marked off as certain to improve. She was lucky to win on this occasion, as Kil-r linchy would have been hard to catch had he taken the shortest way home. 1 Toon Hay was a trifle slow to begin, but ho run a good, race fov a mile and a quarter, after which he was not persevered with. My Sonny showed speed, though he never looked like a winner, while Throgmorton also went well-for a m Vn’ a field of eight for the Hunt Club Steeplechase. Mainspring was a warm favourite, with Ited Sol, Aurore and Galaxy all fairly well backed. Red Sol took charge at the start, followed bv Aurore and Mataipuke, who were joined by Goodform after going half a mile. A little further on Goodform was rushed up to Red Sol, and these tactics were responsible for him falling at the hurdle in the back stretch, where By and Bv also lost his rider. This left Red Sol, Aurore and Mataipuke with a good lead from Mainspring, who was gradually making up ground. Half a mile from home he was just behind the leading trio, and a little further on -he headed Aurore. When the last fence was reached Red Sol still had a slight advantage, but be fell. In a ding-dong finish Main- ; spring- beat Mataipuke by a neck, while Aurore was ten lengths away, with Galaxy a bit further back. The winner is a half-brother to the Otago Steeplechase winner, Nightraid, and he is a useful steeplechaser, who may improve still further. Mataipuke ran a surprisingly good race in the hands of his owner. Aurore, as usual, failed to stay, while Galaxy went much better than in his earlier race. Red Sol lost an excellent winning chance when he fell. A field of seven lined up for the Morven Handicap. Glontarf was backed very confidently, while after him- Dancing Days and Fairy Herald were evenly supported. Dancing Days showed her customary brilliancy out of the harrier, but Glontarf was rushed up to her,

the pair soon having a lead of four lengths from Fairy Herald, with Snatcher handy- At the end of half a mile Clontarf commenced to drop back, and a little further on P'airy Herald joined Dancing Days in the lead. They raced round the turn together, hut Fairy Herald then drew away to win comfortably by two lengths. After another gap came Snatcher, who got up to take third place from Glontarf in the last stride! The winner is a useful customer. He has not done a great deal of. racing, and he will go on improving yet. Dancing Days rnn one of her usual races and. stayed on well, though she had no chance with the winner at the finish. Glontarf might have done a lot better had his rider shown more paThe concluding event, the Hunters* Plate, drew, a field of ten. The North Canterbury ' gelding. Rory O’More. was a pronounced favourite, while after him Nyanza, Rockfellow and Ineursio were all well backed. April Showers and Boiy O’More were soon out in front, with Nyanza. Rockfellow and Krasnci following'in that order. There was ho change till three furlongs from home,, where. Nyanza was in trouble.. TlVo! early pacemakers showed no sign of coming back to the field, and they really had the race to themselves the whole way, April Showers drawing nut in the straight to win by two lengths. Krasnoi, who was four lengths away, outstayed the others, Nyanza being a poor fourth. The winner is a half-bro-ther to Dancing Days, and though lacking her brilliancy, he stays well. Ho lias been trained and hunted this winter by J. M. Shaw, huntsman to tho South Canterbury hounds, and tho treatment lias agreed with him., Rory O’More is a. five-year-old by Clarenceux, and is a useful sort in tho hunter class.