LATER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1527, 31 July 1919, Page 11

LATER.

Master Strowan Gives Finished Display— Visiting Teams Arriving— Notes on the Christchurch Hunt Meeting — Jumping Proves of a Disappointing Standard — Manawapango’s Improved Prospects in G.N. Steeplechase. (Telegraph—Christchurch Correspondent) The fact of none of Mr. G. D. Greenwood’s horses having been paid up for in the Winter Cup suggests that the trainer, R. J. Mason, has hopes of getting away for Sydney shortly. Three Dunedin representatives for the Grand National meeting in Kilboyne, Black Mountain and Grand Duchy, arrived by road on Friday. Before leaving, the first-named sustained a bruised heel, but it is not likely to affect his preparation. At Riccarton on Monday Master Strowan was given his first serious task since arriving. With F. Ellis in the saddle, he gave a finished display over six of the big fences, and pulled up really well. F. Loomb, trainer of Cynic, arrived at Riccarton on Sunday to superintend the gelding’s preparation for the Grand National Hurdles. A. Shearsby put in an appearance on Sunday with Sleight of Hand, Miramar and Reformation. The trio left Palmerston North the previous Monday, and were just on a week in getting to Riccarton. S. Reid intended being at the Christchurch Hunt meeting to ride Comment and Hiero, but got hung up in Wellington. Arrangements have been made for F. Flynn to ride Morecambe in the Grand National Steeplechase, which will ensure the gelding lacking nothing in the matter of horsemanship. After having been seriously indisposed for some weeks, stipendiarysteward, Mr. T. H. Davey, is about again. Though he started seventh favourite for the Flying Handicap at the Christchurch Hunt Club meeting, Form Up was heavily supported away from the course. He was rather slow to commence, but was galloping better than anything else at the finish. On this showing he is sure to run well in the Winter Cup. as the extra two furlongs is sure to suit him. The outstanding feature of the racing at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting on Saturday was the poorness of the jumping. Out of 19 starters in the three cross-country events only six got round -without making mistakes, amongst those who failed being such usually reliable fencers as Gang Awa’, Morecambe, Arlington, Lochella and Nita. Of the five starters in the Camla Cup Steeplechase, only Tidal Wave got round without mishap, and she scored by over a furlong from The Grand. Sandown (late Rubicon) looked like putting up a good fight till he toppled over two fences from home, and it was left to The Grand, who had previously run off, to get second money. The Lawford Steeplechase proved little more than a useful schooling task for Manawapango, who was only opposed by three moderates. Taking charge at Cutts’, the top weight cleared right out, and never gave his rivals a look in, winning anyhow by a dozen lengths from Lawsuit. Manawapango gave a nice exhibition of jumping, and the gallop over the Riccarton fences should improve his Grand National Steeplechase prospects. He was lately acquired by the local sportsman, Mr. J. S. Barrett, whose win was decidedly popular. St. Curio bumped his rider off early in the contest. Gang Awa’, the favourite, set such a strong pace from the start of the, Homeby Steeplechase as soon to have most of his opponents in trouble. Morecambe shirked at the kennels double, and Sam Pan lost his rider at the same obstacle. Jumping in great style, Gang Awa’ continued in charge till approaching, the second to last fence. There Lochella came at him, and on landing the favourite came down. This appeared to make matters simple for Lochella, who had a commanding lead at the last fence from Dardanelles and Bore. Unfortunately, the Dunedin representative ran round the jump, leaving the finish to Bore and Dardanelles, these being the only others standing up. The latter put up a game fight, but Pore outstayed him, winning nicely by half a length. On being taken back, Lochella finished the course and got third money.