SOUTHLAND.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1474, 25 July 1918, Page 11

SOUTHLAND.

Bad Weather Prevents Training Operations—Mr. R. Miller’s Rising Three-year-olds—Zarkoma and Sylva Probable Starters at Timaru This Week —Jock in Commission Again —A. D. Mclvor's Strong Team. INVERCARGILL, July 20. A light snowfall in the country and heavy rain in and around Invercargill has stopped all work for racehorses during the past few days, with the exception of road exercise between the falls or showers. At the time of writing it is not known why Giralda was not produced at Trentham, as he was on the spot. In the event of all being well with the Canrobert —Minaret gelding, he will probably be heard from in connection with the hurdle race at the South Canterbury Hunt meeting next week. He may even present bold front in a welter struggle across the fiat at Washdyke on Thursday. It is reported that ex-jockey A. McKay has purchased a nice little farm within a short distance of .the Riverton Racing Club’s property. “Andy” has a very fair knowledge of agricultural life, and should do well on the land, while there is no reason why his stables should not contain a few gallopers—the property of other people. G. Easton is at present educating a three-year-old by G'lenculloch from Miss May, by Wee Lad. He is one of the sturdy type, but also has good looks and correct shape to recommend him. The stock of Glenculloch appear to be improving as the seasons pass, and breeders should note this fact, as there is no reason why the Clanranald —Madowla stallion should fail in siring valuable turf performers. Easton is putting some nice green horses through his hands this season, and it is safe to say that the Glenculloch gelding is not the worst of them. It is reported that Golden Webb (by Captain Webb —Daisy Chain) and Pretty Jane (by Martian) have missed to the Auckland Cup winner, Balboa. This is unfortunate, as both mares were useful, and their owner was very keen to raise a few thoroughbreds as an interesting hobby. The Oreti studmaster, R. Miller, has taken over a range of stabling at Otaitai Bush, near Riverton, and here the veteran horseman A. McKenzie has been placed in charge of two rising three-year-olds by Soldier’s Chorus from Folicle (Casket —Parvulu) and Turret (Sant Ilario — Minaret) respectively. Mr. Miller has also taken up the useful-looking Turton, by Crichton, again. The horses are quartered near the Riverton R.C.’s tracks, and if the juveniles show any promise both will probably be entered for the Winton Stakes. The imported Picton —Flete stallion, Fleetham, rewarded local backers who followed him throughout the Wellington R.C. meeting, as he twice returned dividends out of three starts —second in Trial Plate and winner of Kia Ora Handicap. In his winning effort very few here secured the price, round about double figures, as they supported the English racer earlier in the day, when he finished outside a place in a field of tried and proved handicap performers. The owner of Mr. J. C. N. Grigg’s cast-off, Mr. D. Kilkelly, well deserved a win, as Centimetre and Redshire have, so far, failed to win a stake. Mr. Kilkelly supported Fleetham for a similar’ amount in each of his contests at Trentham. P. T. Hogan’s charge should be in rare buckle by the time the Grand National meeting comes round. The Wingatui trainer, T. Stiven, has been on a visit to his brother in the south during the past week. Mr. R. R. Stiven, who is the owner of

Redowa and Giralda, has been called up for military service. The Southland steeplechaser Zarkoma ran fairly well and jumped correctly in the Wellington Steeplechase last week, but came to grief in the July Steeplechase on the concluding day of the W.R.C. winter meeting. He had a small body of admirers at home, who supported him on both occasions, but the rank and file of local racegoers would not give him much chance over the galloping Trentham course. Should he stand his ground in the Grand National Steeplechase he will be given a jumper’s chance by those who know hiin. To the writer’s mind, it will not do' to ignore the son of Sarto and Komuri Maid altogether at Riccarton. He and his stable companion, Sylva, may be found racing between the flags at the South Canterbury Hunt Club gathering next week.

H. G. Coker has had very bad weather to contend with during the past few days, a fact which is all against the preparation of Clynelish, who is to race at the Canterbury Hunt Club and Grand National meetings. If the son of Soult trains on he may strip fairly well at Riccarton, as his mentor has spared no trouble with him for some time past. It is reported from Riverton that Jock is in commission again. The son of Glenculloch and Folicle ran very badly during the greater part of the season, and it is hard to account for this fact, as he had hitherto proved useful. He galloped with an entire absence of spirit or courage. In addition to Sir Malt and Glensponse, G. McLean has several juveniles in hand, and as soon as the tracks are declared fit for galloping purposes the novices will be brushed up for pace, to develop them for the Winton Stakes of November next.

It may not be generally known that the Wellington winner Fleetham was used at the stud in Canterbury to a slight extent during the past breeding season. He is a fine-looking horse and several southern studmasters have had an eye on him for some time past, but they may have to await their opportunity with patience, as the son of Picton has very fair racing prospects ahead. The Gore R.C. have been granted permission to alter the date of their summer fixture, which will now be held on April 2, the Southland R.C.’s autumn fixture eventuating a week later, on April 9 and 10. The Gore R.C. will open the new season in this district, with a spring gathering on Octobei’ 26 and 28 (Labour Day)— a Sunday will intervene. A. D. Mclvor will control a powerful team at Riverton during the coming season, including Buller, Highwater, Martifors, Gunrest, Burrangong, Kilmeedy, Staff Officer, the ViceAdmiral —Redstart colt (brother to Neuroma), and perhaps several others.

The Southland-bred Minesweeper (Canrobert —Mabella, by Somnus — Blue Bell) has always been looked upon as likely to develop into a useful hurdler, and it is therefore worthy of note that he has displayed promise at the jumping game in the testing ring at Riccarton, where he is at present located with Mr. W. Kain’s Dunedin string.