THE STEEPLECHASE SEASON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19843, 18 May 1927, Page 4

THE STEEPLECHASE SEASON

JOCKEY CLUB MEETING TO-MORROW

Wanganui Steeplechase and Century Hurdles Promise Fine Jumping

The flags will be flying at the Wanganui Jockey Club’s course to-morrow and -Saturday on the occasion of the annual steeplechase meeting and all indications point to a successful fixture eventuating. A large number of visiting horses arrived yesterday and more are due to-day. and the track work both yesterday and to-day will be of great interest to keen followers of the game. A summing up of the prospects of candidates for the various events, together with news and notes on the meeting, will appear in the “Chronicle” to-morrow.

INTERESTING TRACK DOINGS. YESTERDAY’S GALLOPS. jßy “Kestrel” Heavy showers of rain fell on Mon day night and early yesterday morning but the weather cleared before daybreak and perfect weather ruled for training operations. In view of the approach of the opening day of the meeting (tomorrow) much interest was evidenced in the work of candidates engaged, especially those who will be contesting the cross-country events, and there was a large crowd of onlookers to watch proceedings. Civility’s Smart Gallop. Another of the brilliant efforts for which Civility is now well known was put down to the credit of the Elysian mare, who ran four furlongs in very fast time —48 2-ssec. —cutting out the first furlong in 12 l-ssec., the quartermile in 24 1-5 and coming home over the final two furlongs in the same time. F. Lind has the daughter of Elysian and Civilisation in tip-top order and, as she would have gone on with it yesterday, it would appear that the Easter Handicap winner will give a good account of herself in the Connolly Handicap. Royal Elm and Break o’ Day were shaping pleasingly in a work-out in which they came home over the last four furlongs in 50 2-ssec. The former is still slightly affected by the soreness evident on Monday. Rising Star Pleases. With H. Wiggins up, Rising Star pleased in an essay over four furlongs, which the Bisogne gelding left behind in smart fashion in 40 4-ssec. Though asked to carry top-weight <9.4) in the Purua Hack Flat to-morruw Rising Star may be depended on to run well. An Attractive Effort. Alloway (D. C. Watts), Ngata (B. H. Morris) and Rowley (H. Wiggins; set off un a six-furlong task in which they got to the end of the first quarter in 25 l-ssec., the three furlongs taking 38 l-ssec. ajnl the half mile 51 l-ssec. Drawing slightly away over the concluding stages Alloway completed the distance in 1.19 2-5, about half a length in front of Rowley, with a couple of lengths separating Ngata from the pair. The leader was doing it nicely but it was also a good effort on the part of Rowley, who appears in the Purua Hacic Flat with 8.6 and should run well. Ngata was not unduly hurried over the final furlong and appeared as if he could have improved somewhat. Barinthia ’ s Six.

Berinthia and Mount Marta were associated in a spin over six furlongs in which the former finished well in front in 1.18 4-5. The first quarter was cut out in 26sec., the next in 52 3-ssec., and the final quarter in 26 l-srfec. Berinthia is engaged in the Purua Hack Flat and the half-sister to Civility will run out a good six furlongs. Tin Whistle, the Kilboy-Mandalo gelding, and Calculation went four furlongs together, the half-brother to Civility taking 51sec and finishing the better of the pair. Modest Boy proved no good to Subdivision in a spin over four furlongs, the distance being cut out in 49sec. Matinee was eager to be off when he came out and was allowed to run along in his task, and several others did useful work. OVER THE OBSTACLES Several interesting essays over the timber and also over hurdles were seen and some of the jumping was very good. Banjuke and Hallowmorn (H. MeSweeney) went twice round over the country, the latter giving the better display. Ban juke appeared to get into a. couple of his fences. Whetuhine Pleases. Whetuljine, a full-sister to Lady Comet, shaped better than Tamakan’a E. Thomson) over the battens, giv--*g a pleasing exhibition. Tamakana gave signs of being touched in the wind but appears to be getting over the effects of Ivs mishap of a couple of months ago. Two of the Best. Zircon (L. Colman) and Day Bell (E. Warner) were sent twice round over the hurdles, both fencing well through out, though the former impressed most. Zircon is engaged in the Century Hurdles with 10.5 and is asked to give Day Bell 131 b.. a task that may prove too much for the Merry Moment gelding. not because he is not up to the weight—he won with 10.10 at Hawcra

—but because Day Bell appears rather leniently handicapped.

Ardath Raps Them. Brigadier Bill and Koauau had Ardath as a companion for some of the way in a good exhibition of hurdling. Mr Bull’s Century Hurdles candidate jumped splendidly throughout, but Ardath rapped a couple of his fences and smashed through the final obstacle. Wherever he finishes in the big event, the Brigadier should be in front. Koauau did not show to advantage. Attractive’s Display. Attractive and Ruby Red also gave a pleasing run over the small fences in which the former put up his usual good display and impressed spectators. .There was nothing much wrong with his campanion’s showing. Good “Lepping.” Tuki (R. E. Thomson) and Omahu (H. McSweeney) went over some of the big timber, commencing at the hencoop. Jumping well, Tuki commenced to draw away from Omahu but the latter soon improved and was on terms at the finish. They wen* responsible for a fine exhibition of “lopping/ j Bonny RilJ and Birkenella went a i couple of circuits of the country, the 1 latter giving the more ‘finished display I and being in front of his companion at I the finish. A Trio of Steeplechase Candidates. When Comical (H. Burt), Maunga (A. Griffiths) and Little River came out for a trip over the steeplechase obstacles much interest was centred on the trio. Maunga was slow to begin and was behind the other pair when they cleared the hencoop, and as they ran to the I brush Comical appeared to be crowded and jumped badly, sending H. Burt up on to his neck. However the rider recovered his seat but bad to pull up, having lost an iron. Little River went un tn finish the round, while Maunga also finished his task. Comical also set off to do th 3 rest of the obstacles but did not show his usual confidence. However he should be all right in company and can be relied on to jump as well as anything else to-morrow. Gold Ginks Jumps Well. Gold Ginks (P. McGuire) and Crown Coin (R. E. Thomson) went round the country together, the former giving the better display. Thomson rode Crown Coin at his fences and the Crown Imperial gelding managed to scramble over them but it was not too satisfactory a display. Peter Rosa and Lady Spalpeen went a circuit of the country but the former did not please the touts by his display, his companion doing her task well. A lesson over the pony hurdles was given Tin Whistle and he shaped very I well for a beginner. Yesterday afternoon the Connolly Handicap topweight Degagc was sent on two circuits at a sound pace, brushing home over the last half-mile in 50sec. TO-MORROW’S FIELDS SCRATCHINGS ANNOUNCED Diogenes, who was engaged in the Connolly Handicap, and Starshell, nominated for the Rata Hack Hurdles and the May Hurdles on Saturday, have been scratched for all ’events at the Wanganui Jockey Club’s meeting. License Granted. Yesterday H. McSweeney, recognised as one of the ablest and juost fearless crosscountry horsemen in the Dominion, received notification that he has been granted a license to ride. He will ride Banjuke in the Hack ;and Hunters’ Steeplechase and Hallow- | morn in the Wanganui Steeplechase to- ■ morrow, but has not yet accepted a ! mount in the Century* Hurdles or the ‘ Kaitoke Hack Hurdles. McSweeney’s many friends among i the sporting fraternity will wish him 'success in his “first up” after his enI forced absence from the saddle.

AUCKLAND NOTES TRAINING AT ELLERSLIE GREAT NORTHERNS CANDIDATES (Special to “Chronicle ”) AUCKLAND, May 17. The weather was fine this morning for training operations. Number two grass track was open for galloping and hurdles were erected on the outside of the course proper. There was some interesting schooling over both hundies and big fences. On the flat the going was soft. There was a fair amount of galloping- but nothing of a sensational nature. White Bird finished better than Cawnpore over five furlongs, the Zist half-mile occupying 53 3-7. Wyoming was going better than Killute at the end of four furlongs. Star Comet and Rapoa and Golden Krist came home over four furlongs in 54. Judge’s Box shaped better than Scaraniouche and a companion over the same ground in 53. Best of the Morning Lomint anil; Master Doon were associated in a spin over six furlongs, and after cutting out the first throe in 38 2-5, completed the journey in 1.19. Both went well. This was the best gallop of the morning. Over the Timber Glenotus (J. Sharkey), Glenlight (E. Rae), Simplieitas (R. Anderson) and Passionate (B. Price) were sent in company over the steeplechase fences on the flat. Glenotus had a big break at the start and finished well in front of Passionate, giving a faultless display. Passionate was jumping slowly, anil; at the first of the brush double Simplicitas made- a bad effort and threw Anderson out of the saddle, the jockey having a perilous time hanging to the horse’s neck before he was able .to crawl back into his seat. A Splendid Exhibition Cui Bono (B. Price) was set a similar task and gave a splendid exhibition, never putting a foot wrong.

Archibald’s Splendid Display An outstanding feature of the morning’s work was the great display given by Archibald (S. Henderson) in a round over five hurdles on the course proper. He was accompanied by Kamehameha (B. Price) and Glenotus (J. Sharkey). The latter soon commenced,' to tail off when the other pair set out to make the pace a cracker, and after they had all cleared the first hurdle correctly Kamehameha got in too close to the second and he also faltered at the next three, running the last one down badly. In the meantime Archibald was taking every obstacle in his striidje and was going very strongly at the finish, passing the post a long way ahead of Kamehameha and Glenotus, the latter overhauling Kamehameha, who was eased in the straight. The party went over five hurdles and from hurdle to hurdle Archibald cut the full round out in 2.11 1-s—a brilliant effort which is sure to gain him a host of admirers for the Great Northern Huniles. His jumping left notning to be desired. Trainer J. Williamson certainly has Archibald in great heart. Great Northerns Favourite

Kawini, with R. Olive in the saddle, went by himself in negotiating four hurdles from the six furlongs post to the bottom of the straight proper and he gave an impressive display, clearing each lot of battens without trouble. It was a very smooth performance on the part of the Great Northerns favourite. Over the Hurdles Later Tall Timber (E. Garrett), together with Glenlight (R. Anderson), Clockwork (R. Olive), Blue Sky (J. Sharkey), and* Onga Hika (A. Rutherford) was given a spin over the four hurdles on the course proper. On this occasion, Tall Timber gave a much better showing and although his fencing was not altogether faultless, he finished in front. Glenlight gave an improved showing while Onga Hika went very fast for half a mile and jumped in gre.at style before he tired. He pecked badly at the last hnniljc and was lame when he came back. AUCKLAND JOCKEYS MISHAP IN MOTOR CAE. (Special to “Chronicle.”) AUCKLAND, May 17. While motoring to the Egmont meeting last week the light-weight jockey vV. H. Jones was accompanied by the hurdle horseman G. Holland. When passing through the King Country the car got out of control and went over a bank. G. Holland was thrown out and sustained injuries to the muscles of his neck which kept him out of the saddle at the Hawera gathering. Jones was more fortunate, for he es caped uninjured and was able to fulfil his riding engagements at Hawera. G. Holland has been engaged to ride Kawini in his engagements at the Great Northern meeting, but it is expected that he will have got over the results of the mishap before the fixture opens. R. Olive, who has been doing a Jot of schooling at Ellerslie, had the mount on Kawini when he was worked over hurdles this morning.

MARTON JOCKEY CLUB LICENSES GRANTED. At a committee meeting of the Marton Jockey Club last evening the following applications for licenses were recommended:— Gentlemen Riders’ Certificates.—Mr A. W. Trotter, Mr Alister McDonald, Mr K. McK. Duncan. Trainers’ Licenses. —F. W. Ehrhorn. F. C. F. McKay, J. T. Morris, C. McKay. Jockeys’ Licenses. —L. G. Morris, B. H. Morris, A. W. McDonald, F. Corlett, H. Gordon. Apprentices’ Licenses. —N. E. Syme, F. Ware.

NOTES AND COMMENTS (By “Kestrel.”) There will be a welcome respite from racing after the Wanganui meeting concludes, nearly a fortnight intervening before the Dunedin meeting comes up for decision. Before the southern fixture concludes the Ellerslie and Otaki gatherings will be under way and winter racing will be in full swing. Great Northern Acceptors. Acceptors for the first day of the Great Northern fixture at Ellerslie on June 3 are not due till Friday, May 27, at 5 p.m. Trainers and Jockeys’ Licenses. Trainers and jockeys are required to apply for next season’s licenses by the end of this month. Valuable Colt’s Trouble. Callanmore, the two-year-old colt by Absurd from Blackada, the dam of Piuthair, Clarinda, Clandhu and Novar, was to have been operated on last week for throat trauble. Lightweight’s Rides. Jockey R-eilly is to have the mount on Gold Jacket, in the Cornwall Handicap, and he will also be on Arch Queen. On the second day of the Auckland fixture he will steer Storm Fiend. After the meeting Reilly will make a trip to Australia. Out For the Winter. Perle de Leon is to be treated to a let-up for the winter. He was dis patched from Greenmeadows on Wednesday to his owner’s property at Takapau. He has had a fairly successful season,, as he has won three races, in addition having finished second in three of his essays and third once. Perle de Leon had been freely nominated fur flat and hurdle events at Wanganui. Out For a Time.

The condition of Tommy Green, who was unfortunate enough to suffer a broken collarbone when following the hounds on Askari, is stated to be quite satisfactory, but some time will perforce elapse before the champion lightweight will be able to re-enter upon activities. He is meantime being well cared for by his employer, R. E. Hatch, at his own residence. Off to Australia.

The Papakura trainer, J. T. Jamieson, is due to leave Auckland next Friday for Sydney with Le Choucas and the two-year-old Prince Otto.

Preliminary Efforts There are one or two interesting nominations for the hack steeplechases to be run at the Great Northern meeting. These include Comical, Zircon, Lucullent, Brigadier Bill, Eonmark, and Banjuke. To Bide the,* Favourite.

G. Holland, who was successful on Kawini in the hurdle race the second day of the Hamilton meeting, will also pilot the Formative gelding in thu Great Northern Hurdles and Steeplechase. This will give Holland a chance to get his name inscribed on the list of winners of one or both of these big jumping ’events for the first time. Biding Engagements. H. Dulieu, who piloted Red Comet to victory at Te Rapa when he paid a sensational dividend, has been engaged to ride King Smock in the Cornwall Handicap, Hoariri in the Members’ Handicap, and Thurnrosae in her engagements at the Great Northern meeting. Mackie in Hospital. For some time past the Palmerston North horseman, R. J. Mackie, has been experiencing but indifferent health, and, acting upon medical advice, he decided to undergo an operation for the removal of a kidney as soon as autumn racing activities were completed. Mackie signalled the intended temporary cessation of activities by attending the Marlborough meeting to ride five winners in the course of the two days, and on his return home placed himself in the hands of his medical adviser, the operation being performed last Wednesday. Enquiry at a private hospital by an Auckland correspondent on Friday morning elicited the information that the horseman had come through his ordeal satisfactorily. Indeed, hopes are entertained that he will be able to return to the saddle within the space of two months or so. “Duds” and Cracks.

It was a somewhat peculiar fact that both Rapine and Joy King arc full brothers to horses that carried Mr A. B. Williams’ colours, who were not in the same category as x regards performances when compared with them. These “duds” were Mimetic, the full brother to Joy King, and Penitent, the brother to Rapine. Penitent was a dud of the worst sort. As a yearling he was purchased by Mr Williams for 1150gns., while Rapine was bought as a yearling for 450 gns.

Pineta, who produced Penitent and Rapine, is a daughter of Spearmint (son of Carbine) and Pintado, by Per-simmon-Guinea Hen, by Gallinule (sire of Desert Gold). Joy King, who was purchased in Sydney by Trainer J. H. Jefferd, on account of Mr A. B. Williams, brought l,ooogns, whereas Mimetic cost 2,000 gns. Shrewd Buyer. No housewife waiting in the early doors rush at a city store has a keener scent for a bargain than Mr Harry Taylor, of the Macquarie Stud, New South Wales. He paid 525 and 375 gns respectively for Courante, dam of Valicare, and Galtee Queen, and sold their foals for 5,500 and 4,loogns. Now he has received four figures for the foal of another mare that he purchased cheaply. That mare was Lais, who was bought by Mr Taylor at the dispersal sale of the Mungie Budie Stud for 190gns. At the time she had a Mountain King foal at her side, and the youngster grew into such a fine yearling that Mr Taylor was able to sell him for l,loogns. The Macquarie studmaster also bought wisely at the Slcdrnerc dispersal. Realising that the stock of Great Star would be valuable, he got a couple of marcs that had foals by him. For Cooghal he paid 280gns. and last week sold the foal, now a yearling, for 700gns. Maltoff cost him 360gns. and the Great Star colt she had at her side realised 500gns.