THE C.J.C. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 961, 6 August 1908, Page 5

THE C.J.C. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING.

On Tuesday next the Canterbury Jockey Club Will make a commencement with the Grand National Meeting, and it will be continued and concluded on the 13th and 15th inst. A great deal of rain has fallen at Riccarton, and all the Southern contingent are reported to be short of work, but now the weather has cleared the horses are being pushed along, as will be seen on reference to our column of training notes. The North Island is so very strongly represented that it would seem most of the prize money will leave the South. The acceptances for the three big events—the G.N. Hurdles, Steeplechase, and Winter Cup—are very large indeed, that for the one mile flat race being a record. Nineteen are engaged in the big cross country event, which looks very open. Pride of place is occupied by the Auckland pair, Kiatere and Loch Fyne, but it seems likely the winner will have to be looked for lower down the list. Le Beau and Pierre will also be acting on behalf of Auckland. For the G.N. Hurdles a very large field should go to the post, and there is every prospect of a fine race. Paritutu is at the top of the list, and as the old fellow is very well he may be relied upon to make a bold bid for victory. Scotty is Auckland’s only representative, and we should much like to be able to record a victory for the son of St. Leger. His prospects, however, do not look too hopeful. With forty-two acceptances for the Winter Cup it must be admitted that he will be a lucky man who succeeds in finding the winner. That fine sprinter Lupulite heads the list, and it will be a win of great merit if he carries his heavy impost to victory against such an array of talent. As the other events have filled well, it seems certain that the big fixture at Riccarton will prove a great success.