ENGLAND’S WET SUMMER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 493, 30 June 1932, Page 13

ENGLAND’S WET SUMMER.

Constant Rain Upsets Training Operations. (Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, May 26. The season has been a very trying one for trainers, owing to the excessive rains. Gallops at the training quarters have been sodden, and in some cases in such a dangerous state that it has not been possible to send out the horses except for walking exercise. In the circumstances, it is not surprising that form is still in a very confused state, and, if we ever have any summer weather, it is certain that ideas as to many horses will have to be revised.

The Manchester meeting, which has just been completed, was seriously marred by the unfavourable weather. Chief among the events was the Cup, and it not only brought together a strong field, but it was notable for the reappearance of Orpen, who had not been seen on a course since the St Leger last year. Orpen was recently bought by Sir Alfred Butt, and he is now in the charge of Frank Butters. The latter was also responsible for the Aga Khan’s Ut Majeur, and both are exceptional horses. They were heavily weighted, Ut Majeur carrying 9st 6lb and Orpen only 31b less. It was feared that the distance might be too short for Ut Majeur, and I think this was correct for, though he ran as a great horse, he was beaten by Creme Brulee, who represented the powerful Manton stable. Orpen ran as if short of a race or two, and there is little doubt that, later in the season, he will justify Sir Alfred Butt’s purchase. Another interesting race at Manchester was the sprint for the Salford Handicap. In this appeared Heronslea, the champion of the North, and, though severely handicapped, he was well backed. He ran as pluckily as he always does, but in the heavy going his weight stopped him, and he was second, a length behind Concerto. Last year Heronslea won the Wokingham Stakes, running away with the prize, and I believe he is again being specially prepared for Ascot.