CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 302, 7 May 1896, Page 5

CANTERBURY.

Gillie will compete at Wanganui— Chainshot shipped to England— Sale of “ Patsy ” Butler’s horses — Wellmanaged race club — Barnardo and Kulnine doing well —A question for Auckland owners to answer. Gillie is to be taken to Wanganui, where he will be ridden by George Murray-Aynsley. Gillie is jumping the big training fences splendidly, and, if he stands up, will take some beating in the North. Perhaps he is not as good a stayer as some of them, but. his pace is undeniable. Chainshot was shipped to England last Saturday, per the s.s. lonic, in charge of T. Clark.

On Saturday, Mi’ P. Butler’s horses were offered at auction. Liberator was purchased by Mr J. Oram for 150 guineas, and remains an inmate of Butler’s stable. The old horse looked wonderfully well, and was as fresh as a daisy. Au Revoir, who may not stand winding-up again, went to the nod of Mr J. Meikle at 50 guineas. Medicus was cheap at 36 guineas, Free Holmes buying him. Salvo was bought by Mr G. Murray-Aynsley at 44£ guineas, a cheap horse. Padlock and Cannonball were purchased by Mr J. Meikle, at 25 guineas and 30 guineas respectively, whilst Venom went to Mr G. MurrayAynsley for 17 guineas. Mona has not done much work since the North Canterbury meeting. Salvo Shot is being brushed along. This is a good horse, and I feel sure he will repay his owner some day. The North Canterbury meeting resulted in a profit of £166 10s 4d, a result greatly due to the efforts of the secretary (Mr Clarkson), ably seconded by the other officials. An honorarium of £3 3s was voted the starter (Mr C. McConnor), £5 5s to the handicapper (Mr Creswell), and a bonus of £l5 to the secretary, whose salary was fixed at £2O. Considering that the newly-formed club has just held its second meeting, it speaks volumes for those piloting it that the club is in such a sound financial position. The committee of the club were empowered to negotiate with the trustees of the racecourse with the object of purchasing the property.

Barnardo is showing great proficiency in negotiating the big fences at Riccarton. This horse is bound to be dangerous over big country if he keeps sound, as, in addition to his jumping ability, he has any amount of pace. Fire King was ridden to hounds on Saturday last, but did not relish his task. He came down, giving Mr Murray-Aynsley a fall. Kulnine is in steady work, and is to be given another chance at steeplechasing, the Grand National being his mission. If he only jumps the country, he will make the best of them travel. Local sports are wondering how many of the “ promoted” flat-racers will start in your Grand National Hurdles.