ALL HIS OWN WAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17478, 11 August 1928, Page 19 (Supplement)

ALL HIS OWN WAY.

PASSIN' THROUGH'S HOIWEBY WIN. NOT A NATIONAL TRIAL. Generally considered to be a Grand National trial for Dubious and Passin' Through, the\Homeby Steeplechase at Riocarton on Saturday, developed into a farce (remarks a Southern scribe). Soon after the start Greenstone fell and brought down Maunga. At the stand double Mainspring ran off, and at the second-to-last fence Dubious came to grief. This left Passin' Through an easy winner, and after clearing the last fence he cantered in to win easing up by 100 yards. In previous years Passin' Through has registered his best performance at Riccarton, and though now in his twelfth year he showed on Saturday that he is still to be reckoned with. But he was a trifle lucky in having things all his own way, and as far as the Grand National Steeplechase is concerned the result failed to throw any light on next week's cross-country event. When the stand double was reached the field had been reduced to two runners. To avoid colliding with Greenstone and Maunga, when they fell, Burt, on Passin 'Through, who was racing directly behind, had to pull his mount up. But he soon got going again, and at the stand double, where Mainspring ran off, he set in pursuit of the leader, Dubious. . The rider of Dubious made Passin ' Through's task much easier than it should have been, for he was content to allow his mount to bowl along at a mere canter, with the result that soon after jumpng the sod vail Passin' Through joined him in the lead. At the Kennels v ouble Passin' Through gained two mgths on Dubious, and so they raced » the second-to-last fence, where übious tipped out. This left Passin' Through with only ie last fence to jump. Dubious was amounted, and in a good finish beat jainspring, who after running off at the stand double, went back and cleared the two fences correctly, and continued the chase, by a length, for second money. Had the rider of Dubious taken advantage of the gelding's superior speed he might have opened a break down the back that would have placed the issue beyond doubt a long way from home. Maunga jumped well till he fell, and with a stand-up he may have added interest to the race.

LONG-LIVED HORSES.

SOME EXTRAORDINARY INSTANCES

Some extraordinary instances of longevity in horses are given by a writer in the Sydney Mail:—On a station in Queensland 1 once knew or a horse 44 years of age. and In New South Wales I have seen one hale and hearty at 2,0. The latter belonged—or still may belong, if yet alive—to Mr Harry Taylor, of the Macquarie Stud, Wellington. He was a trotter, and was the foundation of Mr Taylor's fortune, for the old fellow won numerous trotting races when the Macquarie studmaster indulged in that form of racing. When I saw him two years ago ne was used as a hack on the stud, and was Jack Morlarty'a mount when rounding up the stock. H ! s great age could be seen by the leng'h of his canines, which were almost as large as a boar's tusks. The following, from the "Bloodstock Breeders'. Review" puts the two Australian instances completely in the sha de- "A letter from Kenya Colony lo a reader of 'Horse and Hound' mentioned that 'we have just shot our Arab stallion, aged 35, and we were "showing a yearling colt by him last week out of a marc that must be over 24 The old Arab .was the finest specimen of the breed I'' have ever sqpxi • On reading the foregoing reticulars Mr J. Fairfax-Blakeborough wrote to 'Horse and Hound,' stating that he had a record of a grey polo ponv Old Peter by name, who went from* England to the Argentine, died there in 1915, aged 17 and was reported to have sired 17 foals the year lie died • All his teeth had gone, so he had to be fed on mashes. So

far as longevity is concerned. Old Peter was easily beaten by Old Bill, the property of the late Mr Petrie, of Edinburgh. The horse lived to be 60, hi 3 aged being vouched for by Professor Owen Williams, whose father attended the horse. Mr FairfaxBlakeborough also stated that, until recently, there was on a wall at Norton Gonyers, near Ripon, a painting of a coach horse named Jolly, beneath which was the inscription: 'Born 1760, died 1-822.' A century ago the Mersey and Irwell Navigation Company presented to the Manchester Natural History Society the head of •Old Billy, who lived for 62 years. At Richmond, Yorkshire, in 1836, there was a trotting match between two horses aged 36 and 26. The Tartar mare (by Tartar, dam of Mogul) is stated by Pick to have gone on breeding till she was 34 years old." ■

MAKING SPRINTERS STAY.

"AGAINST LAWS OF NATURE." When writing of sprinters being made to stay I always think of what J. M. Cameron once said about that grand old battler The Hawk, writes "Cardigan." Jack Cameron is a bluff old character and one day, meeting him in a Turkish bath in Sydney, he said, "Well, I've just backed The Hawk to win me £IO,OOO for the Caulfleld Cup. The odd 3 were so tempting that I simply had to do it." I did not say anything, but in my own mind I was thinking "The Hawk over a mile and a half with 9st; not for me." He must have seen tho workings of my mind, for ho added quickly, "Oh, I know he has never won over a distance, and you need not think for a moment I am going to train him to run a mile and a half, but If he should happen to win a few handicaps over a mile In Sydney before the Cup he Is going to be at a much shorter price, and might be so fit-that he will run tho distance. He is not going to be trained for It," he added again, "as I know that he Is a great sprinter, and I am not going to ruin his sprinting powers by trying to make a stayer of him. When you have a horse and -you know that he can sprint, keep him at sprinting. Never desert the substance for the shadow." It's good advice, and It's a pity that some trainers do not follow it. Dr. Stewart McKay, one of our greatest authorities, is emphatic that a sprinter cannot be trained to run a distance. He avers that it Is against tho laws of Nature.

GOSSIP FROM ALL PARTS. Royal Saxon, who was nrst home in the Brabazon Welter ac Riccarton ou Saturday, won three races last year, but his successes .were gained in hack company.

C. Emerson is to ride Nincompoop in the Winter Cup at Christohurch. The Absurd gelding ran second to Solferite in this event last year.

Royal Mint continues to train on well at Hawera. He is to be given a run in the open six at the Hunt Club meeting on September 1. and then goes on to Marton, Wanganui and Avondale. If the tracks are on the heavy side (says "Hurry On") the son of Catmint should have no trouble in paying his way.

Flying Shot is reported to be galloping as well as any horse on the New Plymouth tracks.

Nincompoop lost all chance of success in the Brabazon Handicap by leaving the barrier lengths behind the field.

Nine of Spades is said to be one of the most promising novice jumpers seen out lately.

Royal Lineage, by Limond out of Royal Exchange, is a hack that some people expect to pay his expenses at Riccarton next week. He won the Cashmere Plate at this meeting last year and was then sent to Australia. He did not do well there, where despite good track form he failed when the colours were up. He was given a run at Hastings last month and though obviously only half ready he went a good race. Since then he has done well.

The highly-priced two year old Honour, by Limond out of Homage, for whom Mr G. D. Greenwood gave 2300 guineas at the Trentham sales last January, made his appearance in the parade at Riccarton on Saturday. There was some misunderstanding at the start and the contestants did not go away together. One chronicler states that Honour went down well.

The Grand National Hurdles candidate Red Fuchsia was given a race in the Brabazon Handicap at Riccarton last Saturday. Judging by his condition the All Red gelding' has not been idle since he acted as runner-up to Beau Cavalier in the Winter Hurdle Race at Wellington last month, and he should strip very fit on Grand National Hurdles day, says a Christchurch writer. There seems to be some doubt about his ability to run out a solid journey of 2i miles, but he did so well at Trentham that he should not be found wanting over the concluding stages of the big Riccarton event.

Advices from Wanganui aro to the effect that Kiosk is going on well in his work. Those who remember the way he defeated Reremoana and Prince Humphrey in the Jackson Stakes at Wanganui last February will look forward to seeing him in action again (says "Vedette.") The Eclipse Stakes in September might well be within his compass. Just So, his half-sister, has recovered from the lameness which affected her prior to the recent Wellington meeting, and she may make her next appearance at Marton.

Tarlcton is reported to be going well at Riccarton and may make his presence felt in some of iha minor hurdle races next week. lie claims an engagement in the Jumpers' Flat on the opening day.

The erstwhile Woodville trainer, T. Lloyd, has settled down at Riccarton, and" recently expressed himself as more than satisfied with his change. He has half a dozen horses in work, including two two year olda.

In view of the fact that four furlong races are now permissible early in the season, the Wanganui Jockey Club has decided to reduce the distance of the Debutante Stakes to four furlongs and a quarter. This may lead to a bigger field 'contesting the event than would be the case over a longer course, as few youngsters are ready to race five furlongs so early in the season.

When Mr C. E. Robertson, manager of the stock department for Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd,, went to Australia recently, he held a commission on behalf on a southern breeder, to purchase the Spearhead horse SpearfelL But, according to recent advices from Australia, Spearfelt is again undergoing a preparation for the Melbourne Cup, and for the present he is not for sale.

To many Southerners Pamplona is the most Interesting horse in the Grand National Steeplechase field. A few years ago he was one of the best cross-country performers in the Dominion, a real steeplechaser, to whom no fence came amiss. Unfortunately he was always subjeot to periods of unsoundness, but for which his record would have be&n greatly improved. He was at Riocarton a year ago, but after being beaten at the Hunt meeting he returned home and he was not seen again in public until two months ago, when he won on the second day of the Dunedin meeting, though not nearly fit. He Is reported to have done well since then, and if he gets through the remainder of his preparation, he may play a prominent j part in the Grand National Steeple- j chase. !

From now on apprentice allowances according to experience can be claimed in West Australia in races in which the stake does not exceed £4OO. A •pressman, in commenting on the general effect of this change, adds the following rather direct statement: — "However, under the new arrangement, jockeys who have been sailing close to the wind—l often think that there is collusion or an arrangement between some of them —will probably take a pull (of a different variety for a change) and that racing will be cleaner. Competition is the life of trade, and it will probably pay jockeys who have not been all that they should be to run straight in order to secure mounts in opposition to lads high in the winning list, who have an advantage by reason of the allowance."

Paitonu and Bisox are Taranaki's hopes in the Winter Cup (declares a New Plymouth writer), and both should be capable of performing with credit. The latter won the Parliamentary like a good horse, and appears to be improving all the while. The former disappointed at TrenUiam, but he was carrying very heavy loads. He is in much lighter at Riccarton, and as he is reported to have done well since then he should be capable of going a great race as he is a good miler when right.

A little time ago it was stated that Childsplay was unlikely to see a race track again, but happily this report was not correct. Concerning this the Christchurch Press has the following:

"Childsplay galloped the best halfmile of the morning at Riccarton recently and trotted away quite soundly. By some means a paragraph appeared in a southern paper to the effect that after recent fast work Childsplay showed signs of lameness in front, and there seemed little chance of the filly undergoing a preparation for three year old racing. Evidently her trainers do not share that view and they should be in the' best position to judge, as they are quite satisfied with her progress and entertain every hope that she will give a taste of her two year old form before the new season is far advanced."

The one blot on Trentham as a racecourse has been the lack of shelter for the outside public. The club's officials have- long recognised this want, and it is to be remedied forthwith (says "Vedette.") The concrete steps and base are to be added to in the outside enclosure and the whole roofed over. When .this work is completed, the buildings and appointments will be without drawback and above criticism of any kind.

Those who saw Cohesion race at Gisborne wero favourably impressed with his winning effort in the Park Hurdles and predict that he will gain further distinction as a hurdler this season. His jumping is reported to have been good for a beginner.

Some of the more sensational of Sydney's newspapers have been suggesting that the New Zealand horses and riders are being "dealt with" in races over there (writes "Vedette.") There is no suggestion of tills from the more reliable authorities, although it appears that First Acre has struck a fair amount of trouble in his races since he won the double at Canterbury Park. In his case it appears that he is receiving weight right up to his best form, and the interference to which he is being subjected may not be really anything more than the luck of the race, for he is racing on small courses. Until some of the recognised and experienced critics in Sydney draw attention 4 to this matter, it is as well to suspend judgment of any kind.

Up to the end of June the best two year old seen out In England was Arabella, a Ally' by Buchan from Polly Flinders. She cantered home in front of a field of 27 in the richly-endowed Queen Mary Stakes at Ascot. Another good youngster seen out at the same meeting was Mr Jinks, by Tetratema from False Piety. He accounted for a big field in the New Stakes in decisive style. He is owned by Major McCalmont, who also raced his sire and his grand sire, the Tetrarch.

The naming competition inaugurated recently by a Perth newspaper resulted in over 3000 names being submitted for the three two yearolds, two of whom are New Zealand bred. First prize was awarded to Boohy Money as the name for the Paper j.r one y Bonny Helen colt. Ozonia for a Sea Crest— Barinia colt secured second prize, and third prize went to the name Pure Blend for the Tea Tray Takahau filly. Commenting on the competition the judge remarked:— Coupons were gummed on, sewn on, pinned on with small and large pins, safety pins, gramophone needles, sewing needles, and machine needles, and i one reader informed me that a certain j brand of condensed milk was excel- i lent for att&flbJua*. .cannons to pacer.

! The proposal to increase the number of fences composing the Grand National Steeplechase course at Flemington to 28 is strongly opposed. The number of fences in the Grand National course at present is 23, and such, It is contended, is ample. The main reason put forward in support of increasing the number of fences is that with more fences to be negotiated such would have the effect of slowing down -the pace and thus risk of accidents would be reduced. The jockeys who ride over fences in Victoria decided to send a portion to the V.R.G. protesting against the proposed alteration. The petitioners hold that the course is already a difficult one, tnat 23 fences have to be cleared in the course of a three-mile steeplechase, and that more fences would endanger the lives and limbs of tiring riders and horses, which riders do not look forward to with pleasure though, as they naively put it, they are prepared to take what is. coming. They add that they do not endorse the claim that more fences mean re--duced pace, and conclude by saying; "We venture to think that more jumps would mean more casualties, smaller fields, and less enjowment for spectators."

R. Reed was rather unlucky In the final bout for premiership in the saddle, comments "Sentinel" in the Otago Daily Times. His mount, Dishonoured, is a three year old, and had |to give way a year and 101 bto Abisogne, who won for T. Green. It may be said that the final hole was pegged by the handicapper and not the horsemen. T. Green has done remarkably well in the saddle, and his ability is, doubtless, in no small measure, due to the fact that he was apprenticed to R. E. Hatch, who in his day ranked as a first-class horseman. Hatch would thus be an excellent scholmaster to an apprentice, who would learn by tuition and not rule of thumb methods. R. Reed has had much more experience than T. Green, as he was riding years before the latter appeared on the scene. A. E. Ellis ran a close third in success and has done remarkably well since riding as a freelance. T. Green was presented with a gold-mounted whip by the Gisborne Racing Club, upon j whose course he rode the winner which assured him the season's pre- I miership. • j

George Young, best known to the racing public as the rider of Gloaming, is an enthusiastic member of the Randvvick Bowling Club. Though it is not twelve months since Young took up the game, lie has made considerable progress in mastering the mysteries of the bias, and bowling critics speak well of his prospects of reaching championship form. Young, by the way, has not applied to the Australian Jockey Club for a jockey's license for the new season. He has not made up his mind whether he will take up the business of training racehorses or break out into some other line of commercial activity.

No horse in this year's Grand National Steeplechase lias better credentials than the locally-owned Tuki (says the Dunedin Star). He has won over the country at Riccarton on more than one occasion, is a great stayer and a good jumper. The form he showed on the last day at Trentham when he was just beaten by Kawini shows that he is well, and even in a weak field he has not been overburdened with weight.

Saturday morning at Wingatui (says the Otago Daily Times) was quite mild for this time of the year, and the inside grass track, .which was at the service of trainers, provided good, sound going. In fact, the history of Wingatui cannot iurnish a precedent when the going was so sound during the winter months as it is at the present time. The mild winter experienced up to date has provided local trainers with an anusual opportunity of getting their horses, particularly rising two year olds, with early engagements, well forward, and if a spell of bad weather should come it will be the trainers' own fault if they cannot afford to ease their charges up for a few days without any serious loss of racing condition. The luck of weather is of course a great factor in getting horses into racing trim. The majority of horses trained at Wingatui have wintered very well, and seem unusually forward in condition if required to race at the early spring meetings.

Royal Saxon Is galloping well and Is fancied for the Winter Cup (says the Dunedin writer "Sentinel" He has been off the scene for some time as a result of jarring himself at the Oamaru Summer meeting. Royal Saxon, in receipt of 231 b, finished third to Overdrawn and Gay Sonnet in the Farewell Handicap. Overdrawn is meeting Royal Saxon on 171 b belter terms in the Winter Cup. This means that Royal Saxon .will have to show improvement of about 211 b to beat Overdrawn, who, in turn, is on collateral form held safe by another below him in the list. Royal Saxon has thickened and furnished during his, compulsory spell, and is likely to show the improvement demanded from him by the handicapper.

At the present time (says a Hawke's Bay writer) the young horses in work on the Hastings tracks are more promising than for many seasons, and with so many successfully bred English sires in the district it may only be a matter of a few years when we might regain the high standard and success attained a few years back, when the late Sir W. R. Russell, Hon. J. D. Ormond, Messrs G. P. Donnelly, W. J. and W. F. Douglas, as well as when Messrs E. J. Watt, W. G. Stead and Sir G. Hunter had big strings in work in Hastings. Referring to horses in work locally he mentions that Topere,' the half brother to Gaze by Arrowsmith, now three year old, is growing very like his relative. Patuki's full-brother, Mount Shannon, is again in commission. This colt has been selected by good judges as most likely to develop into a highclass three year old despite his failure in his few engagements last autumn. In his few starts he failed to jump out of the barrier with his field as well as being slow to find his feet over the first few furlongs, but would be galloping over everything in the final furlong. Other Hastings "maidens" of promise mentioned are. Royal Court; (Grandcourt —Lady Nolan), held on | lease by T. F. Quinlivan, Gay Salute! (Lord Quex —Soot), and Mr T. White's pair of three year oid geld- \ ings. High Court (Grandcourt —j Taleteller) and Kinross (Psychology— Valley Rose}.

If Cimabue, Oratrix and Concentrate go to. Sydney under H. Lorigan's | char/e they will leave on August 24, says a Wellington writer. This will give them the opportunity of being raced at the Rosehill, Tattersall's and Hawkesbury meetings prior to the big gathering at Rand wick. It is still indefinite whether they will make the trip. Much the same applies to the two year old First Money, trained by J. McLaughlin, although in his case lie could not race until the Breeders' Plate at the AJ.G. Spring meeting.

SIRES OF THE SEASON.

Raoeful. This son of Martian and Rose Red will again be at the service of Waikato breeders this season, and is located at Frankton. His dam, Rose Red, was got by Stepniak (grandson of Musket) whilst the stock of his she, Martian, have won over £300,000 at all distances from five furlongs to three miles. With such blood as a recommendation the services of Raceful should be in great demand amongst breeders of .thoroughbred stock.

Illumination (10). 1 The imported horse Illumination, I by Limelight (12) from Fleet Street, ■ will do stud duty this season at Te ■ Rapa. On the courses of this • country Illumination proved himself 1 a racehorse of quality, whilst the ■ young stock foaled to him already are ■ of a size and quality that augurs for ■ Illumination a highly successful career at the stud. Kllbroney. This well-known horse, sire of such good ones as Razzle Hazzle, The Banker, Kilboy, Piuthair, Loughrea and many others, will this season do duty at the Mardella Stud, Otah'uhu, under the direction of Mr B. Edwards. Worthy Bond. At the same address, breeders of light harness horses will note with interest, Mr Edwards also has Worthy Bond (2.11±), a son of Axworthy, and sire of the good filly. Trustworthy. Brigand. Waikato breeders of light harness horses will this year have an opportunity to obtain the services of Brigand, a horse imported from America, who will stand the season in Hamilton, and will serve a limited number of approved mares. Brigand is by Belwin from Lissetta May, and is claimed to be the finest bred trotting horse in 'the Dominion. Metal. The standard bred pacing stallion Metal (imp), by Don Pronto from Amie Bells, is to stand the season at Epsom, Auckland. The first of Metal's progeny are slated to show excellent promise. Wattle Derby. The fashionably-bred stallion, Wattle Derby, by Nelson Derby from Wattle (a daughter of Wildwood Junior), will be at the service of Waikato light harness breeders this season. Headquarters for this horse will be at Ngaruawahia, and he will doubtless be accorded a due measure | of patronage.

MARTON JOCKEY CLUB. SPRING MEETING. The Marton Jockey Club will hold their spring meeting at Marton Junction on Wednesday, September 5, and being the first important fixture in the North Island for the new season a very wide measure of patronage can be counted -on from owners and trainers. A total sum of £1305 is to be distributed in stakes, and with open and hack flat races, a hurdle event and a steeplechase figuring on the programme an excellent afternoon's spOrt is assured.

The principal event is the Marton Handicap (open) of 250sovs-, i\ miles, while the leading sprint is the Railway Handicap (open) of 2iosovs., six furlongs. A race that is certain to attract a splendid field is the Spring Hack Cup Handicap, of 200sovs (in-' eluding a silver cup valued at 20sovs. to the winner), seven furlongs. Two jumping races arc provided, the Rata Hack Hurdles, a handicap of loOsovs., 1J miles, and the Hunt Cup Steeplechase, a handicap of 135sovs. (including silver cup valued at 20sovs. to the winner), for qualified hunters only, minimum weight 9st 71b, about 2J miles. The remaining events on the programme are the Electric Hack Handicap of ISOsovs., about six furlongs, Tutacnui Hack Handicap, of 150sovs., one mile and 137 yards, minimum weight 7st 71b, and the Trial Plate of 120sovs., about five furlongs, weight Bst 101 b.

During the courso of the racing a two-year-old parade is to be held, and the appearance of the juveniles is certain to create wide interest.

Nominations for all events including Ihe Trial Plate, are due with the secretary, Mr Arulhur Way, p.o. Box 3 Marton, on Friday, August 17, at 9 p.m.