Racing and Trotting.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18829, 1 August 1929, Page 2

Racing and Trotting.

(BY

“ARGUS.”

RACING NOTES.

To-day marks the opening of a new racing season, and all horses add a year to their age. jfc =je sjr sic At the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting on Saturday, the first race will be started at 12.16 p.m., and the last race at 4.31 p.m. * * sfc * The Riccarton tracks are drying up nicely and the course should be in good order for the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting on Saturdav. Sjc * afc * Mister Gamp, Novar, Horomea, Anolo, Bonogne, Mangani, Wiltshire and Uralla arrived from the north by this morning’s steamer. * * * * A. E. Ellis will ride Prickles, Audience and Honeycomb in their engagements on Saturday. * 3?C # D. O'Connor will pilot Fabriano, as usual, in the Homeby Steeplechase on Saturday, while he will also be on Subdivision. * sfc & ss R. M’Seveney, who has ridden a good deal of work lately, will handle Bon Ayron and Grand National in Saturday’s engagements. ifc He sfc H. Goldfinch will be riding Kaiti, Anolo and Bonogne at Riccarton on Saturday. H. Dulieu will be on Waitaunaha, Mangani and Just John in their Riccarton engagements, and R. Olive will be on hand to ride Kawini. * * * * Glendowie was nominated for the Homeby Steeplechase and the Hunters' Plate at the Christchurch Hunt meeting, but he was not accepted for in Either event. Glendowie has not put ia an appearance at Riccarton, being under the care of W. J. Tomkinson at Addington. Judged on his form at Tfrentham, he is a long way below his Wst at present, and not likely to be a serious contender for Grand National honours. * * * * J. Lindsay, who is in charge of A. M'Aulay’s stable during the absence of that trainer in Australia, has the Aus-tralian-bred Saltash filly, Bay Queen, doing useful work. She has improved in appearance lately, and she may be useful later in the season. Lindsay is waiting for the tracks to dry up, when he will make a start to break in the two-year-old sister to True Shaft, by Arrowsmith from Thea.

W. G. Hobbs is working a useful team at present. Honeycomb is in good order for engagements at the Christchurch Hunt and Grand National meetings, while the three-y’ear-old Dutch Money’ will probably have a race in the Longbeach Handicap at the Grand National meeting. Other three-year-olds in preparation for the spring meetings are Sir Roland, Juniper and Kindling, the last-named, by The Ace from Woodfire, being a novice, who has only been in work for a few months. The team also includes the two-vear-olds. Pharaoh (Shambles—Palestrina) and Tarquinius (Nightraid—Week End), both of whom will be given a run in the Two-year-old Parade on Saturday. Another two-year-old, Welcome Sight, by Tea Tray from Bon Avis, will be broken in shortly. * * . At the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting on Saturday, the outside enclosure will be open, at the usual charge. In the past only the inside paddock has been available and the innovation should be greatly appreciated by regular outside patrons. * * ? * The Christchurch Hunt Club has received an excellent list of acceptances for Saturday’s meeting, and it should provide the usual interesting curtain raiser to the Grand National carnival There is a total of eighty-three for the eight races, or thirteen more than last year, there being ample material to ensure some interesting contests. Each race has attracted some visiting horses, whose presence will be a special attraction. *

The Longbeach Hurdle Handicap has drawn a field of ten, among them being Kawini. Aberfeldy, Lancer and Perle de Leon, four horses with engagements in the Grand National Hurdles, while two other candidates for that event figure in other races on Saturday’, King’s Guard being in the Homeby Steeplechase and Just John in the Kennels Hurdles, a race restricted to hunters.

The Homeby Steeplechase should be a specially interesting race on Saturday’. as the five acceptors are all Grand National candidates. One of them, King’s Guard, is a popular fancy, and it will be his first appearance at Riccarton. Lord Ranald, a novice who has raced well in minor events lately, will also attract considerable attention.

The acceptors for the Brabazcn Handicap include six Winter Cup candidates. They are King Balboa, Gay Sonnet, Solrose, Overdrawn, Prickles and Royal Game. Among this lot most interest will centre round King Balboa, who is one of the public fancies for the Winter Cup.

Perle de Leon, who has an engagement in the Grand National Hurdles, figures in two races at the Christchurch Hunt meeting. He is in the Longbeach Hurdles and the Brabazon Handicap. ❖ * * * P. T. Ilogan arrived at Riccarton yesterday’ with Fabriano, who will race in the Ilomeby Steeplechase on Saturday. as a preliminary to engagements at the Grand National meeting. * * * * iv. T. Ellis put in an appearance at Riccarton yesterday with the hunters. Silver Light and Barrington. He also : brought the Winter Cup candidate, King Balboa, who is a member of his brother’s Invercargill team. These three horses are due to race at the Christchurch Hunt meeting on Sattir day. 5k 'Jfi ij: ;Jc Terehu was sore after hi? fall at Timaru, and may not fulfil his engagements at the Grand National meeting. ❖ * * si; The Oamaru Jockey Club lost £SBO over its race meetings during the past twelve months.

As a result of her recent success at a Sydney suburban meeting, Oratrix has advanced to the position of favourite for the Metropolitan Handicap. «“ * * * During the five seasons Paper Money’s stock have been on the turf, they have won over 77,000 sovs in stakes. This amount does not include stakes won in Australia prior to the present season. * * * x In 1927, when the King's Cup was run at Flemington, it attracted nineteen starters under handicap conditions. In 1925, at Randwick, the field was eight strong, and for the race to be run at Brisbane next month fifty-three nominations were received. It is not at all likely that such a list could be obtained if weight for age conditions were attached to the race. * * * * Racing in Australia from. now on will become more interesting as the good horses are beginning to make their appearance. For the A.J.C. Warwick Farm meeting next Saturday, Aussie and Gay Ballerina have been entered for the Denham Court Handicap, which also includes First Acre, Stormy, Phillipic, High Disdain, Helotis and Royal Duke. Papatu and Tidal appear in the Warwick August Handicap, while in the hurdles are Penman, Bonhomme and Kilperon. * 5*C jfi * The New Zealander Aussie gave visitors to Randwick on Saturday morning (July 20) a taste of his galloping ability. The chestnut was commissioned for half a mile on the tan, and without any apparent effort, he sped over the distance in 49£sec. Later, carrying J. Pike, he ran the same distance in 50isec. Aussie has impressed the Sydney critics by the easy, free style in which he gets over the-ground. * * # * Interest is being taken in a wellbuilt rising three-year-old half-brother to Paddon, by Day Comet, on whom the name of Chang has been bestowed. He is located in A. Tinker’s stable. Chang is a full-brother to White Comet, a well-performed gelding of two or three seasons back.

The Wellington-owned mare Oratrix, now in Australia, is favourite for the Metropolitan Handicap. She will contest the King’s Cup in Brisbane this month. *** * _ , Aussie’s name was mentioned in Sydney for the first time, to any extent, last week, when he was supported both straight out for the Epsom Handicap and in doubles with the most favoured horses in the Metropolitan. All told the operations covered an extensive amount. Beyond the fact that he was bred here (say’s a Sydney writer), he attracted very little attention from Australian sportsmen until he beat Limerick prior to the champion being brought across for the autumn meeting. That performance brought him immediate fame, and cost him something in the handicaps Nevertheless, since he arrived here Aussie has shown his pace on the tracks, and the indications are that by the time the Epsom Handicap comes up for decision he will be well seasoned for a strongly-run mile. *** * . A cable message to Australian papers on July 18 stated that Strephon arrived in London and was hauled over the ship’s side to the quay apparently unconcerned by his experience. He was then transferred by train to Newmarket. Mr W. Robinson states that he is as good to-day as when he was put on the ship. Strephon has eaten well throughout the voyage, though be never left his box. Strephon will be in charge of S. 11. Darling. So far he has not been entered for any races.

According to a Sy’dney writer, Seatown was coupled with Gay Ballerina for a large amount at a small outlay for the Epsom Handicap and Metropolitan Handicap double. Later there was a further move on behalf of the New Zealander, but in this instance the race selected was the Caulfield Cup, for which Seatown was backed both straight-out and in doubles, the horse to which most attention was given for the “ second leg ” being imported Burnewang, in L. Robertson’s stables The horses were backed to win in the neighbourhood of £20,000, and the inquiries began at the Canterbury Park meeting on Saturday. One operator reported that there was also “ good money ” for Karuma for the Caulfield Cup, who was befriended straight out and in doubles. Undoubtedly’ the horses of the moment, so far as the spring handicaps are concerned, is the New Zealander, Seatown (said the same paper in a later issue). Sportsmen seem to take it for granted that the gelding will take his place in the field for the Metropolitan, and probably for the Caulfield Cup, although Seatown’s owner, Mr James Frederic, who arrived with the horse y’esterday. states that the programme will be decided until after it is seen how Seatown shapes in the King’s Cup at Busbane next month. Another large double ending with Seatown was recorded y’esterday. Gay Ballerina being coupled with him to the extent of £IO.OOO in one hand. It is certain that the inquiry was not prompted bv the stable, but following so closely ihe laying of £40,000 against the same com bination it has had the effect of cramping the market considerably, so much so that on some charts Gay BallerinaSeatown is a special, at a very much reduced quotation to that offering a few days ago.

TROTTING NOTES. Two trotting horses, consigned to M. B. Edwards, arrived here yesterday from Australia. * ❖ * « The training track at Addington has dried up very fast since yesterday, but no horses were worked on it this morning, as it was anticipated that the race track would be opened for training work. It was decided, however, not to open the track until late this afternoon. A large number of horses were jogged on the training track and cinders. Sis s!« S{C The trotter Jock Bingen has arrived from the south, and has gone into J. Bryce’s stable. The Sheik—Lovebird youngster is taking kindly to her education, and is already pacing along in a most satisfactory manner. She has a good way of doing her work, and looks like being a good pacer. s»c si* * Native Chief was at Addington this morning, being driven about in a trap. The pacer looks well, and is being got ready to be put into fast work again. * sfc 'Jfi * G. M’Kendry has had an addition to his stable in a three-year mare by Wrack from a mare by Lord Chancellor. She is a big, plain sort of mare, and at present goes at the trotting gait, but it is more than probable that she will eventually race as a pacer. * * Hinkler is fast getting into racing condition. He has furnished, into a commanding horse, and indications point to his racing well in the new season. -f- -iThe ex-Southlander, Wilma Dillon, who is a strong, powerful pacer, is going on the right way in training. So far he has been a brilliant sprinter, but Tomkinson is of opinion that be will race well over a journey when at his best. Young Blake is in his best form. He may be started in the chief two-mile event on the first day at Addington, and. although in the past he has not been seen at his best in such races, he may race prominently when next started. * * * * Nelson Ata is being jogged about, and the trotter looks as though he only requires a few smart work-outs to bring him to his best form. He should stay better in two-mile events this season. * * * * Linkman and Vesuvius are being kept going at their work, and this pair of improving pacers should both race better than formerly. Linkman was a good performer in his efforts at the close of the season. Jj< :jC * * Royal Comrade, who went a trifle sore and has been blistered, is being jogged about preparatory to being put into solid work again by D. Bennett. J. M’COMBE SERIOUSLY ILL IN SYDNEY.

The mail which arrived in Christchurch from Sy’dney y’esterday brought news regarding the Riccarton owner-trainer, J. M’Combe, who has been laid up in an hospital during the last few weeks. Two operations have been performed on him, and when the mail left last week he was seriously til. His daughter (Mrs R. S. Bag by) and her husband intended to leave last week on their return to New Zealand, but their plans have been changed, and they are remaining in Sydney with Mrs M’Coinbe. TIMARU TROTTING CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING. The Timaru Trotting Club held its annual general meeting last night, Mr John Hole (president) being in the chair. The report and balance-sheet, a summary of which has already been published, were adopted without discussion. The chairman in his address said that although the credit balance was not growing, they were on the right side of the ledger. The new track had been a step in the right direction, and it was appreciated by the public. Referring to the late Mr H. Brinkman, the chairman spoke of the confidence and respect with which he was regarded by all. Reference to the cordial relationship between the Jockey <and Hunt Clubs and the Trotting Club was then made. Speaking of taxation, Mr Hole said that he had hopes that the clubs would receive some slight help from the Government. Appreciative reference was made to the services rendered by Mr H. H. Fraser, secretary, the grounds caretaker, Mr T. Connolly, and the ambulance. Mr H. Lowry’, president of the Jockey Club, who was present, congratulated the club on its favourable position. The election of the committee re-, suited: Messrs A. Anderson, W. Connelly, J. Hole, A. F. Stocker and G. T. Wardell. Appreciative reference was made to the services of the two retiring members, Messrs J. Gilchrist and T. M. Munro. Mr A.' C. Martin was re-elected auditor. REEFTON JOCKEY CLUB. (Special to the “ Star.”) GREYMOUTH, July 31. At the annual meeting of the Reefton Jockey’ Club a credit balance of £342 was shown for the past year. Officers were elected as follows:—President, Mr E. W. Spencer; vice-presi-dent, Mr J. B. Auld; committee, Messrs Brett. Chettle, Cleaver, P. Coghlan, E. J. Conway, Discaciati, Gebbie, T. O’Brien, D. Panckhurst, Patterson and J. H. Schoffield.

GOOD HORSES RACE AT ASCOT MEETING. (Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, June 20. Most of Ascot’s rich races were won by good horses at the expense of equally good ones—and in some instances even better ones. This, of course, is not unusual on the Royal heath, where the best jockeys sometimes ride their worst races, and where stamina is a greater factor than mere speed. We 'must admit right away, however., that joclceyship, taken all round, was above the average of recent years, and most of the events were decided on fair and square lines, though there was a lot of crowding round the bends in the long-distance races. As a matter of fact, the stewards took it upon themselves to issue a warning to the jockeys in regard to their riding, and this is a reflection on what is officially thought of happenings in the past. We had it bought home to us that Mr Jinks is the most brilliant miler in England when he ran away from Gay Day, Brienz, and company, and we also saw it demonstrated that Lord Astor’s filly Pennyeomequick is by no means the champion some people tried to make out after her victory in the Oaks. She was an odds-on chance for the Coronation Stakes, the richest prize of all Ascot, and, while- having every

chance, could not finish in the first three. It would have been interesting to see how Tiffin would have dealt with all the fillies of her age, if she had not developed a weakness in the early months of the year. She won, of course, over five furlongs at Ascot, and was never put of a canter to beat some of the fastest horses in training. Did Ascot's results throw out any pointers for the future ? I recollect that we saw the Qesarewitch winner, Arctic Star, run unplaced in the Ascot Stakes a > r ear ago. Did we, I wonder, see the next Cesarewitch hero performing on this occasion? I should not be at all surprised—-and those who must wager early on the autumn handicap will be well advised to make a note of Bracknell Home, who seemed to be waking up only’ when the Ascot race was all over. In the main our stayers are a poor lot, but I am quite certain in my own mind that Bracknell Home has stamina in excess of most, and, no matter where he runs in future, I am determined not to miss him. If I had to choose a horse for the Cambridgeshire now it would be Midlothian, the colt of Lord Rosebery’s which lost the Trial Stakes at Ascot, and thus brought about a threat of a “ black ” week—which, however, was not exactly’ the case. Those who have a knowledge of racing will know at once that, where Bracknell Home and Midlothian are concerned, I am only guessing about the future. They may’ not even be entered for the autumn handicaps, but, if they are, we shall be able to recall our early notions with some degree of satisfaction. We are well into the summer, and no colt of outstanding merit has been forthcoming— not even on the Royal heath. Qurral al Ain and Fair Diana are the best of the fillies, but will they train on? I noted in the Queen Mary Stakes a real little filly called Fair Isle —own sister to Fairway—who was making her debut. The course and the surroundings were all against her for an initial effort, but, even so, she finished fourth, and is one that will train on and pay to follow. I understand she is highly rated by her owner, his manager, and his trainer. We must follow the fortunes of Fair Isle therefore. We shall be assembling on the July’ course at Newmarket very soon, and the feature of the meeting will be the introduction of the totalisator. It is, however, to be only a manual affair—not an electric-machine operated on modern lines. I believe that the same thing will be in operation earlier at Chepstow, and needless to say all the executives of other courses are eagerly awaiting developments. No subject arouses more controversy than this totalisator business, and the progress of the machine will intrigue everybody. That it is going to do all some people hope, however, I take leave to doubt.

ACCEPTANCES. CHRISTCHURCH HUNT CLUB. The following acceptances have been received for the Christchurch Hunt Club meeting - , to be held on Saturday:—

TWO-YEAR-OLD PARADE. The following horses have been entered for the two-year-old parade:— t T"» * First Division. Mr J. Richardson’s b c, by Weathervane —Linnet Mr J. Aitken’s ch f fc by Tea Tray—Victory Bond Mr G. D. Greenwood's b f by Praise, by Limond—Eulogy Mr G. B. Greenwood’s, b g Ozone, by Saltasb—Aires Mr J. F. Studholme’s blk c Tarquinius, by Nightraid—Week End Mr G. Gould’s b c Pharaoh, by Shambles —Palestrina Second Division. Mr W. T. Hazlett’s b f, by Tractor— Moulin Rouge Mr J. Cracroft Wilson’s b f'Whatnot, by Shambles——Heath Lass Mr J. R. M’Kenzie’s ch c by SolferinoBon Bord Mr W. O. Rutherford’s ch c by Val-kyrian-—Keep Watch Mr J. H. Watson’s b g Taunton, by Paladin—Sunny Brook Third Division. Mr C. G. Dalgety's b f The Geisha, by Tea Tray—Stardancer Mr C. G. Dalgety’s" b f Spoon, by Tea Tray—Warlove Mr G. Murray-Aynsley’s ch 1 g Riri, by Paladin—Reproachful Mr G. Murray-Aynsley's br f Kakara, by Paladin—Orange Blossom.

KENNELS HURDLE HANDICAP. of 120 so vs. round and a distance. Just John 11 5 Mime 9 12 Scion 10 9 9 11 Gay Jim 9 2 National 9 13 Barrington 9 0 LAWFORD STEEPLECHASE HANDICAP, of loO sovs. About two miles. Waitaunaha 10 13 Silver Light 9 13 Radiac 10 12 Sea Boy 9 0 Eon Aryon 10 11 LONG3EACH HURDLE HANDICAP. of 150 sovs. Once round and a dis tance. Elysianor 11 Troilus 9 13 Aberfeldy 10 13 Projector 9 13 Kawini 10 8 Paris 9 0 Lancer 10 6 Heisler 9 0 Perle de 10 Rangiawhio 9 *0 Leon 3 MAIDEN STAKES. of 100 sovs. Five Haulage furlongs. 9 8 Storm Raid 9 0 Marsham 9 8 Desert Song 9 0 Kate Kelly 9 8 Swift Ray 9 0 Kentish Lady 9 8 Leader 9 0 The Viscount 9 8 Painting 9 0 Huntley 9 8 InnJsfree 9 0 Audience 8 La Pompadour 9 0 Airplane 9 8 Academy 9 Safety 9 8 Grand Song 9 0 Quick Plunge 9 0 Captivate 9 0 HOMEBY STEEPLECHASE. of 170 sovs Two miles and a half. King's Guard 11 5 Radiate 10 Fabriano 10 7 Lord Ranald 10 7 Thurnham 9 11 BRABAZON HANDICAP, of 120 sovs. Seve n furlongs. King Balboa 10 9 Prickles 9 4 Gay Sonnet 10 9 Rascal 9 4 Bonogno 10 2 Subdivision 9 4 Solrose 10 1 Malmsey 9 2 9 9 Perle de Solferite D 6 Leon 9 0 Chickwheat 9 5 Sagittarius 9 0 Overdrawn 9 5 Royal Game 9 0 HUNTERS’ PLATE HANDICAP, of so sovs. One mile and a quart Exide 11 3 Barrington 10 o Gay Jim 10 9 Diamond Waitaunaha 10 9 10 2 Whiffler 10 7 Poetess 10 2 Clarenson 10 3 Fresh Breeze 10 0 FLYING HACK HANDICAP, of 100 Six £ urlongs. Honeycomb 10 Moy Hall 9 0 Sarnia 10 S Waihemo 9 0 Red Boa 10 3 The Bailiff 9 0 Grand Acre 9 13 Huntley 9 0 Phastar 9 11 Morian 9 0 Royal Hounslow 9 0 Flower 9 2