CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1530, 21 August 1919, Page 12

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB.

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. HIGH-CLASS JUMPING. LOCI tELLA'S STEEPLECHASE SUCCESS. (From Our Christchurch Correspondentj Never has a Grand National meeting at Riccarton been commenced under more favourable weather conditions than those prevailing early last week. As was only to be expected, the restricted train service was instrumental in keeping many regular patrons from such distant centres as Auckland, Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay away, but the club’s local and southern supporters turned out in just as strong force as ever. The course was in perfect order for the leppers, one of whom, in the Wingatui-trained Lochella, showed his claims to be considered a vastly improved ’chaser by establishing a fresh time record for the Grand National Steeplechase. Taken all round, the jumping both in the National and other cross-country events was the best seen at Riccarton for many years. The diminished attendance naturally had a prejudicial effect on the totalisator returns, which amounted to £55,832, a falling off of £4568 on last year’s opening day figures. Only four of the half dozen acceptors went to the post for the Tally-Ho Plate Steeplechase, and the race excited little interest beyond those who are keen enthusiasts of hunting. Trouble came early, as Toofan, always an ungenerous jumper, stuck his toes in at the every first opportunity. The brush fence in the home straight saw Six Cylinder turn a sevener, leaving the issue to The Grand, who was jumping particularly well, and Sandown. For some reason, the latter’s rider took his mount over a lot of superfluous ground, and soon after passing Cutts’ allowed The Grand to establish a big lead. This the latter maintained to the finish, and though he may have won under any conditions, he certainly had a pull over Sandown in the matter of riding. The Grand has improved a lot in his jumping of late, but Toofan, a carty looking gelding with no breeding, is anything but a safe conveyance. even at a hunting pace. The fact of all the competitors in

the Trial Hurdles with the exception of Tip-up, Sir Medallist and Wild Pilgrim being candidates for Grand National honours gave more than average interest to its decision. They were a. well-conditioned lot, nothing showing to more advantage in this respect than Paraoa. Signature and Master Moutoa. A faulty jump by Wild Pilgrim at the very first obstacle saw him part company with- his rider. After Tip-up and Signature had taken a hand at pacemaking, Reformation was rushed to the front in the back straight, while Paraoa, jumping slovenly, was well back. Two furlongs from home. Reformation was in trouble, and Master Moutoa soon settled the pretensions of Signature. Though he had to be shaken up in the last few strides to stall off a determined run by Paraoa, the Sarto gelding scored a comfortable win. During the early stages the winner's jumping was none too brisk, but he improved on warming to his task. Paraoa also shaped slovenly at every obstacle, which left him with a Jot of leewayto make up over the last half mile. This he did in great style, but could not get to Master Moutoa. Signature ran a solid race, but the displays of Tigerland and Tip-up hardly came up to expectations. Cynic stood right out in a class by himself amongst the quintette that saddled up for the Jumpers’ Flat Race. After showing sourness at the post, the Irish-bred horse acted as whipper-in for half a mile, galloping very easily. He indulged Gang Awa' and Jeannot with the lead till well into the home straight, but once McFlinn asked him for an effort the result was soon placed beyond doubt. After apparently being in trouble half a mile from home, Art outstayed all but the winner, while the veteran . Sir Solo was also putting in good work over the final stages. Coalition and Manawapango were the eleventh-hour withdrawals from the Grand National Steeplechase, the former having gone amiss, while the latter was reserved for the Enfield Steeplechase. Though in the past there have been better class fields seen out in the big cross-country event, the ten that paraded were a well-conditioned lot. Waimai, Bon Reve, Lochella and Mas-

ter Lupin were all in perfect trim, but Vascular and Master Strowan did not impress by the manner in which they got through their preliminaries. The two Otago representatives, Morecambe and Lochella, set a very .strong pace from the start, while Bon Reve and Dardanelles brought up the rear. All through the first round the jumping was a treat to witness, the only mistake being- credited to Polthogue, who unshipped his rider at the Kennels double. Entering the concluding circuit, Lochella was bowling along very freely, and it was apparent thus early that bar accident he would take a lot of catching. The pace then started to tell on Morecambe, Merrie Lad and Dardanelles, who were the earliest in trouble. It was not till well into the back straight that Bon Reve became prominent, while Master Strowan, by perfect jumping, got to within striking distance of the leading division. Lochella was still full of running as the Kennels double was crossed, where Master Lupin, Bon Reve, Waimai, Vascular and Master Strowan were the only ones with the least chances of overhauling him. Racing round the top right out from Master Lupin, the latter already being niggled at. From this out, Lochella’s position was never thieatened. He flew the last jump in fine bold style, and in the run to the post drew right away from Master Lupin, who was under pressure. Waima.i fell at the penultimate fence and enabled Master Strowan to gain third money, ten lengths behind Master Lupin and a length in front of Bon Reve. Lochella pulled up really well, and he was ridden to every advantage by the Auckland horseman, S. Hendr von, who made the most of his mount’s light weight. Master Lupin jumped and finished better than his track work suggested, while Master Strowan owed his place at the finish to his effortless jumping and gameness. Bon Reve looked to hold winning prospects half-way through the concluding circuit, but weight told on the little fellow when asked for a final effort. ‘ Nor is this to be wondered at, for he was decidedly sore on returning to the enclosure. Taken all round, the race provided one of the finest jumping displays ever witnessed over the Riccarton fences, as of the ten competitors, Waimai and Polthogue were the only ones to make mistakes. Despite his poor jumping- on the schooling tracks, Sonny was installed a good favourite for the Hunters’ Hurdle Race, which only attracted seven moderates. After chancing several of

the obstacles, Sonny unshipped his rider at the second last hurdle. Red Cent was in front all the way, and though his jumping was of a. rather haphazard character, his superior pace on the flat enabled him to score decisively from Gaylight and John Reilly. Marvelite ran a. fair race under his big weight, while John Reilly gave some promise tor a novice by the resolute manner m which he finished. The Enfield Steeplechase proved to be little more than a schooling task for Manawapango. Setting a solid pace trom the start, he jumped cleanly all Enough, and never gave the opposition a look in. San Sebastian gave a finished exhibition, but could not go the pace set by the winner in the early stages. The other pair, Traditor and st. Curio would be more at home in races for hunters. • tbe best field ever seen out in a Winter Cup lined up for the populai mile race, Imaribbon being the only eleventh-hour withdrawal. The Blen-heim-trained Rebekah was installed favourite in the best pool of the dav, £ h , lle there was also solid backing f6r Foim Up, Gamecock and Parisian Dia?iev d L delay at the post fhaf S i a5 X- y ln s ' ood orde1 ’. excepting that Gold Kip and Kilkee were venslow to begin, and Leaping Burn got left ’ ? ebekah and Cerberus running till within a furiong of the post, where they were passed by Gold Kip and Gazique. The lattei pan fought out a great finish and it was only when Gazique’s number went up that any but the judge knew for certain how the verdict went I hough beaten, the honours of the race rested with Gold Kip, who. in the early ri«i’ Pf -’ I ? ok€ ' d to have an impossible mJ J? fr ° nt him ' "’ith anything ike an even break, lie could hard v have lost The last pinch found Re 5 - be.-,ah and Cerebus wanting, while of good O showiS erO PUt UP a surprisingly Two favourites in Brackenfield and ) eJn o 'Wa° a v had lbe flnish °f the Avonhead Handicap to themselves The former showed a rare turn of speed stages and once in front nothing else a chance. Lhe results were:—

TALLY-HO PLATE STEEPLECHASE of lOOsovs. Two miles and a-half. 3—T. D. Jarman’s b g The Grand, aged, by The Mohican, 12.10 (Howard) 1 1— W. Dean's h m Sandown, 12.10 (Greigg) 2 Also started: 2 Six Cylinder 10.10 (Connell), 4 Toofan 12.10 (McPherson). Toofan refused at the first fence, while Six Cylinder fell at the third obstacle. Won by a dozen lengths. Time, smin 41 l-ssec. TRIAL HURDLES of 300sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 3— 11. Raynor's b g Master Moutoa, aged, by Sarto—Branta, 9.13 (H. Lorrigan) * 1 4 — W. Slattery's b g Paraoa, 11.9 (F. Ellis) 2 2— C. Walker's b g Signature, 10.3 (S. Henderson) ..' 3 Also started: 6 Tip-up 10.11 (Hagerty), 1 Reformation 9.8 (J. Roach), 7 Sir Medallist 9.8 (McSeveney), 5 Wild Pilgrim 9.7 (McChesney), 8 Tigerland 9.0 (Smith). Wild Pilgrim dislodged his rider at the initial obstacle. Won by a length, a similar distance between second and third. Reformation was fourth. Time, 3min 22 4-ssec. JUMPERS’ FLAT HANDICAP of 150 sovs. One mile and a-half. I—H.1 —H. D. de Lautour’s b h Cynic, aged, by Henry the First—Cynane, 10.13 (McFlinn) 1 4— G. Fulton's b g Art, 10.8 (Douglas) 2 3 — W. Garrett’s b g Sir Solo, 9.9 (L. Hagerty) 3 Also started: 2 Gang Awa’ 10.8 (Lorrigan), 5 Jeannot 9.9 (F. Gray). Won easily by four lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Gang Awa' was fourth. GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE of 1500sovs. About three miles and a-half. I—R. Acton Adams’ b g Lochella, aged, by Grafton Loch —Estella, 9.9 (S. Henderson) 1 5— J. Bull's br g Master Lupin, 11.9 (A. McDonald) 2 4— F. S .Easton’s b g Master Strowan, 12.2 (F. Ellis) 3 Also started: 3 Waimai 12.7 (Tutchcn), 2 Bon Reve 12.6 (Deerey), 6 Vascular 11.4 (F. Gray), 8 Morecambe 10.10 (Flynn), 10 polthogue 9.10 (Lorrigan), 7 Meri ie Lad 9.7 (Roach), 9 Dardanelles 9.7 (Feilding). Won by eight lengths, twelve lengths separating second and third. Bon Reve was fourth and Merrie Lad fifth. Time, 7min lOsec. HUNTERS’ HURDLE RACE of 200sovs. Once round and a distance. 4 — C. O. T. Rutherford’s b g Red Cent, 6yrs, by All Red—-Mint Queen, 11.1 (McChesney) 1 5 — F. O. Salmond's br g Gaylight, 11.3 (Henderson) 2 3—D. Brosnan's blk g John Reilly, 10.0 (Mclnlan) 3 Also started: 2 Marvelite 11.10 (C. Hartley), 7 Hardshot 11.9 (O. Reid), 1 Sonny 10.8 (F. Gray), 6 Winslow 10.0 (Walls). Won by two lengths, a similar distance between second and third. Time, 3min 5 3-ssec.

ENFIELD STEEPLECHASE of 250 sovs. About two miles. 1 — J. S. Barrett’s ch g Manawapango, by All Black—Dear Heart, 12.6 (Hagerty) 1 2- —R. C. Gillies’ br g San Sebastian, 11.9 (Humphries) 3 4—J. Hobbs' b ,g Traditor, 9.7 (G. Feilding) ; . 3 Also started: 3 St. Curio 9.13 (O. Mullan). Won by 15 lengths. Time, 4min 11 sec. WINTER CUP of lOOOsovs. One mile. 9 —C. J. Bennett’s b g Gazique, aged, by Gazeley—Pauleen, 10.11 (H. Robinson) 1 12 —H. S. Keesing's ch g Gold Kip, 9.8 (Tapp) 2 I—J.1 —J. J. Corry’s ch m Rebekah, 10.2 (H. Young) 3 Also started: 4 Parisian Diamond 11.6 (H. Gray), 7 Kilboyne 10.8 (Campbell), 13 All Over 10.4 (B. Morris), 8 Battle Array 10.4 (Emerson), 3 Form Up 10.3 (Sid. Reid), 15 Samiel 9.9 (Hagerty), 14 Kilkee 9.9 (W. Robinson), 16 Potentiality 9.8 (E. Manson), 2 Gamecock 9.8 (Porter), 18 Sir Agnes 9.3 (McFlinn), 6 Cerberus 9.0 (R. Reed), 19 Sir Ralph 9.0 (R. Reed). 10 Sonnino 9.0 (A. Reed), 15 Borodino 9.0 (Wilson), 7 Hiero 9.6 (F. Ellis), 11 Leaping Burn 9.0 (J. Olsen). Won by a head, two lengths separating- second and third. Cerberus was fourth and Hiero fifth. Time, Imin 44 1AVONHEAD HANDICAP of 20()sovs. Seven furlongs. 2 — Murphy and Griffith's b g Brackenfleld, 4yrs, by Boniform— Gargaron, 9.5 (Bush) 1 I—J. T. Letet’s br g Tama-a-roa, 10.3 (H. Gray) 2 10—T. Helencourt’s br g Black Mountain, 9.0 (R. Reed) 3 Also started: 6 Omahu 10.13 (McDonald), 3 Pretty Bobby 10.12 (Bell), 10 Belair 10.6 (Campbell), 5 Sysiphus 10.6 (Pine). 11 Glenshine 10.5 (W. Robinson), 5 Spyglass 10.3 (Young), 4 Imaribbon 9.13 (Olsen), 12 All Serene 9.10 (Woods), 9 Rangi Aroha (Tapp), 13 The Sapper 9.0 (Emerson), 19 Grand Duchy 9.0 (Reed), 16 Greek Son 9 0 (Donovan), 8 Bonetta 9.0 (Young) 7 Single Rose 9.0 (Ellis), 19 Miramar’9.o (McFlinn), 20 Deflection 9.0 (Walls) 18 General Petain 9.0 (Porter). ’ Won by two and a-half lengths, four lengths between second and third rime, .'min 3 l-ssec.

SECOND DAY.

SIR SOLO WINS GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES. GANG AWA’ THE BEAUFORT STEEPLECHASE. The weather was all that could be desired on Thursday for the second day of the C.J.C. Grand National meeting, and patrons assembled in strong force at Riccarton to witness the contest for the second “leg" of the double, the much-coveted Grand National Hurdle Race. The totalisator investments amounted to £54,680, as against £67,214 tor the second day of the corresponding meeting last year.

The good field of 15 was saddled up for the opening event, the Woolston Handicap, in which the Vasco mare, Moorabbe, who had the services of C. Emerson, was backed with every confidence, while Post Haste, Strayshot and Bonnetter all claimed substantial support. Grand Duchy and First Smile were the early leaders, but 'with heads turned for home Moorabbe and Bonnetter were in the van, and the former finishing with a fine turn of pace soon had the issue in her safe keeping, winning very comfortably by three lengths from Bonnetter. with Strayshot a couple of lengths away third. Sweet Smile was fourth, and Post Haste next. Graftella, a stable mate and full brother to the Grand National Steeplechase winner, Lochella, was installed a firm favourite for the Hunt Club Cup Steeplechase, in which the Grafton Loch gelding was opposed by seven moderate hunters. Graftella fully bore out the opinion held regarding his jumpingcapabilities, for he cleared the obstacles in fine style, and was never in danger of defeat, maintaining an advantage from start to finish, eventually scoring by a length from Dawsuit, who made a big effort after safely negotiating the last fence, but had no chance whatever with the winner. Marvelite was ten lengths away third. Nine started in the Sumner Handicap, for which Pretty Bobby was elected favourite, Tama-a-roa, Glenshine and Black Mountain also being well supported. Tama-a-roa and All Serene set a fast pace in the early sta;ges, with Black Mountain and Glenshine at the head of the others. At the bend into the straight Black Mountain moved up to the leaders, while Pretty Bobby also joined in the struggle, the pair having the finish to themselves, a keenlyfought issue resulting in favour of Black Mountain by a length. Glenshine was three lengths away third. Form Up and Rebekah being withdrawn from the August Handicap. Parisian Diamond, despite his solid impost of 11.11, was made favourite for that event, for which Cerberus, Kilboyne and Lionskin were also accorded heavy backing. The favourite never flattered his supporters at any stage of the race, being unable to pace it with the leaders. Cerberus began with his accustomed smartness and carried on the running from Lionskin and Redshire. Negotiating the home turn Cerberus, Bellshire, Lionskin and Redshire were racing in close order, a splendid race ensuing to the' winning line. Cerberus looked all over a winner, but when the stands were reached he commenced to tire, and Lionskin, finishing resolutely, went on to win by two lengths, Redshire being three lengths away third and Hiero fourth, followed by Kilboyne. As fully anticipated, when betting ceased on the Grand National Hurdle Race, in which there were ten contestants, Mr. J. Bull’s representative, Omahu, was found in pride of position on the totalisator. Paraoa, despite his repeated failures in leading hurdle events this season, was sent out second favourite, while Rewi Poto, Cynic and Art were most fancied of the others. When the field was despatched, Rewi Poto and Signature took charge of affairs, but Sir Solo and Jeannot soon displaced the pair, and led Signature and Omahu past the stands. There was no change in the leading division as they raced past Cutts’, where Rewi Poto came to grief. Sir Solo continued as pacemaker, Signature having run up second, while Paraoa had improved his position, Jeannot commencing to drop back at this stage. Sir Solo was still in charge as the straight was entered, with Paraoa as his nearest attendant, while Signature, Cynic and Omahu were most prominent of the others. It was apparent that bar accident Sir Solo had the issue in his safe keeping, for the 1913 Auckland Cup winner had . the right stamina needed at the business portion of a two miles and a-half race, and with a useful lead from Paraoa. Sir Solo had no difficulty in maintaining his advantage and ran home a comfortable winner by two lengths. Signature was six lengths away third, with Cynic fourth, followed by Master Moutoa and Multive.

Manawapango’s victory in the Enfield Steeplechase caused the AU Black gelding to go out favourite for the Beaufort Steeplechase, with Gang Awa' and Waimai most in request of the other five starters. Gang Awa’ went to the front from the start, and though Manawapango was handy throughout he could not pace it with Mr. F. Easton’s gelding, who scored a very easy victory by eight lengths from Waimai, who finished well under his big weight (12.9). Manawapango was eight lengths away third, and Dardanelles fourth. There were only seven candidates in the Spreydon Hurdle Race, and of this number Wild Pilgrim and Reformation were the principal selections of backers. Reformation was taken to the front by A. McDonald the moment the tapes were released, and, fencing proficiently throughout, he registered a popular win for his owner, Mr. F. Armstrong. He was always well clear of his opponents, and won without being extended by three lengths from Tip-up, while the favourite, Wild Pilgrim, was half a dozen lengths away third. In the absence of the Winter Cup contestants, Gazique, Gold Kip and Hiero, which trio were not called upon to fulfil their respective engagements in the Islington Handicap, Form Up was installed a firm first choice for the important mile event. Elocution, All Over and Kilkee were also well backed in an excellent betting race. The public’s judgment was sound, for Form Up. nicely handled by Sid. Reid, took charge in the straight and scored a long overdue win from All Over by two lengths, with Risingham a head away third. Form Up’s victory was registered in a convincing manner, the son of Formative encompassing the mile in lmin. 42 2-ssec., 1 4-ssec. faster than the time recorded by Gazique in the Winter Cup. The results were:—

WOOLSTON HANDICAP of 200sovs. Six furlongs. I—W.1 —W. Nidd’s ch m Moorabbe, syrs, by Vasco Lady Majestic, 10.7 (C. Emerson) 1 4—G. L. Stead’s ch m Bonnetter, 9.0 2 3—Strayshot, 9.4 3 Also started: 2 Post Haste 10.5, 9 Spyglass 10.1, 7 Irish Elegance 9.13, 5 Rangi Aroha 9.6, 11 High Heels 9.0, 12 Gossard 9.0, 14 Lorizon 9.0. 6 Grand

Duchy 9.0, 10 Footlights 9.0, 8 Hands Off 9.0, 13 Sweet Smile 9.0, 10 Amaranth 9.0. Won by three lengths, two lengths between second and third. Sweet Smile was fourth. Time, lmin 15sec. HUNT CLUB CUP STEEPLECHASE of 200sovs. About two miles and ahalf. 1 — R. Acton Adams’ b g Graftella, aged, by Grafton Loch —Estella, 11.12 (Feilding) 1 2 — L. C. Hazlett’s br g Lawsuit, 9.11 2 6 —M. F. Ryan’s br g Marvelite, 11.4 3 Also started: Fairy Finn 11.5, 5 The Grand 10,3, 7 Traditor 9.11, 3 Sandown 9.10, 8 Six Cylinder 9.10. Won very easily by a length, ten lengths between second and third. Time, smin 5 l-ssec. SUMNER HANDICAP of 200sovs. One mile. 4 —T. Helencourt’s br g Black Mountain, aged, by Blackstone—Peak, 9.3 (R. Reed) 1 1— T. C. Boyle’s b g Pretty Bobby, 10.13 2 3 — J. Graham’s ch g Glenshire, 10.3 3 Also started: 2 Tama-a-roa 10.11, 6 Sisyphus 10.3, 7 Fabisco 10.0, 5 Imaribbon 9.13, 8 All Serene 9.7, 9 General Petain 9.0. Won by a length, three lengths between second and third. Tama-a-roa was fourth. Time, lmin 44sec. AUGUST HANDICAP of lOOsovs. Six furlongs. 4 — Sir Geo. Clifford’s br f Lionskin, 4yrs, by Kilbroney—Counterfeit, 9.11 (Young) 1 2 — H. Ensor's b g Cerberus, 9.11 ... 2. 5 — D. Kilkelly’s b g Redshire, 9.2 ... 3 Also started: 1 Parisian Diamond 11.11, 3 Kilboyne 10.13, 7 Comment 9.8, 11 Sir Agnes 9.2, 12 Bellshire 9.2. 10 Hiero 9.6, Sonnino 9.0, 8 Leaping Burn 9.0, 9 Charley 9.0. Won by two lengths, three lengths between second and third. Hiero was fourth. Time, lmin 13 2-ssec. GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES of 1200 sovs. About two miles and a-half. 6 — W. Garrett’s b g Sir Solo, aged, by Sir Laddo —Wepener, 9.7 (L. Hagerty) 1 2 —W. Slattery’s b g Paraoa, aged, by King Rufus—The Boyne, 10.8 (F. Ellis) 2 9 —-C. Walker’s b g Signature, aged, by St. Amans —Legs, 9.0 (S. Henderson) 3 Also started: 3 Rewi Poto 11.6, 5 Art 11.6, 4 Cynic 10.9, 1 Omahu 10.7, 7 Multive 10.2, 8 Master Moutoa 9.0, 10 Jeannot 9.6. Rewi Poto fell. Won comfortably by two lengths, half a dozen lengths between second and third. Cynic was fourth, Master Moutoa, fifth and Multive next. Time, 4min 47 3-ssec.

BEAUFORT STEEPLECHASE of 500 sovs. Two miles and a-half. 2 — F. S. Easton’s b g Gang Awa’, aged, by Provocation —Gold Cord, 10.12 (Lorrigan) 1 3 — T. Wilson’s b g Waimai, 12.9 ... 2 1— J. S. Barrett’s Manawapango, 10.2 3 Also started: 4 Morecambe 10.8, 5 Bore 10.8, 6 Dardanelles 9.7< Won by eight lengths, 12 lengths between second and third. Time, smin 3 l-ssec. SPREYDON HURDLES of 2 0 Oso vs. One mile and three-quarters. 2— F. Armstrong’s ch g Reformation, 6yrs, by Mystification—Reformist, 9.13 (McDonald) 1 4— J. Beban’s b g Tip-up, 10.13 .... 2 I—J. Graham’s Wild Pilgrim, 9.10 3 Also started: 5 San Sebastian 11.0, 3 Seville 9.13, 7 Sir Medallist 9.10, 8 Tigerland 9.0, 6 Sonny 9.0. Seville fell. Won easily by five lengths. Sonny was fourth. Time, 3 min 18 2-ssec. __ _ _____ ISLINGTON HANDICAP of 250sovs. One mile. I—H.1 —H. W. Brown’s b g Form Up, 6yrs, by Formative — Pursering, 10.6 (S. Reid) 1 3 — J. Bull’s b g All Over, 10.6 2 7 —Lance Wood’s b g Risingham, 9.0 3 Also started: 5 Gamecock 9.11, 4 Kilkee 9.10, 2 Elocution 9.9, 6 Borodino 9.0, 8 Leaping Burn 9.0. Won by two lengths, a head between second and third. Time, lmin 42 2-ssee. CONCLUDING DAY. GOLD KIP WINS HEATHCOTE HANDICAP. MERRIE LAD THE LINCOLN STEEPLECHASE. There was a large attendance at Riecarton on Saturday, when the Grand National meeting was brought to a successful conclusion. The track was again in perfect order, and though the chief event of the afternoon proved disappointing, most of the other races were well contested. Tlie Judicial Committee met before the first race to inquire as to Sonny’s eligibility to start. After Sonny had won a ‘protest was entered by the

owner of Gaylight, but it was dismissed. It is reported that the matter may be taken to a higher tribunal. Falls in jumping races were more numerous than the preceding days. When Master Lupin hit a fence in the Beaufort Steeplechase he broke a hind leg, and then was shot. This ended the career of one of the most promising cross-country horses seen out this season, and his loss will be keenly felt by Mr. J. Bull. In the same race, Gang Awa’ came to grief, thereby leaving the issue to Merrie Lad and Polthogue. It was the most disappointing race of the meeting, as neither of the place fillers is in the first flight of cross-country horses. Speculation again was spirited, the sum of £56,826 being handled, the total investments for the fixture reaching £167,341, as against £127,615 12 months ago, when the meeting was limited to two days. Graftella gave a fine display of jumping in the Aylesbury Handicap Steeplechase, but his want of pace on the flat saw him well beaten half a mile from home. Lawsuit put up a good race, and though not any too clever at his jumps he was well in the fighting line as the home straight was entered. Once it came to business, -San Sebastian had too much foot for his opponents, and won in very decisive style by six lengths. The Heathcote Handicap was a great race. During the early stages Borodino, Rebekah, Lionskin and Gazique all looked to have winning chances, and a furlong from home Gold Kip, who, as in the Winter Cup, was slow to move, joined issue. Staying on better than All Over and Lionskin, Gold Kip won a good race by a head from Risingham, who was a similar distance front All Over. Rebekah faded out rather badly over the last quarter of a mile, evidently feeling the effects of her hard race in the Winter Cup. Several Grand National Hurdles candidates were included in the field of ten that went out to contest the Styx Hurdle Race. Reformation, on the strength of his fine display of Thursday, was made a strong order, but, after showing a bold front for most of the journey, he faded out badly over the last stages. Tip-up was always well placed, and after settling the pretensions of Master Moutoa had to do his best to stall off Wild Pilgrim. The latter ran a genuine race over the concluding stages and was going just as well as the winner at the finish. Red Cent spoilt his chance by a couple of faulty jumps. Sir Solo showed that there was no fluke associated with his Grand National Hurdles win by the decisive manner in which he accounted for the opposition in the Sydenham Hurdle Race. After being well placed all

through the first circuit he put in a brilliant run two furlongs from the post, which quite settled the pretensions of Signature, Jeannot and Art. It was a most convincing effort, demonstrating that though getting on in years the son of Sir Laddo has lost none of his stamina. Paraoa went sore in his preliminary, and unshipped his rider at the second fence, while Art could not go the pace from the start, evidently having trained off. Signature put up his best race at the meeting, and Omahu struggled on into third place. The last-named was again installed favourite, but his showing demonstrated that he is no champion. Backers were content to lay odds on Master Lupin winning the Lincoln Steeplechase, a. race that on his earlier form looked well within his capabilities. He did not move any too well in his preliminary, and must have met with serious injury before reaching the stand double. Here he was in difficulties, and his jockey wisely pulled him up. Gang Awa’ again showed a lack of stamina by failing to rise at the sod wall, which left Merrie Lad in front. It is doubtful if two slower ’chasers than Merrie Lad and Polthogue have ever fought out the issue of an important steeplechase at Riecarton. This was the first time Merrie Lad lias scored on the C.J.C. course, and it marked L. Hagerty’s third win for the afternoon. Blenheim visitors are reported to have had a good win over Imaribbon’s victory in the Redcliffs Handicap. She was always in a handy position, and after Strayshot, Tama-a-roa and Black Mountain had had their first turn, the speedy daughter of Gay Spark scored decisively in the smart time of lmin. 30 4-ssee. for the seven furlongs. Stravshot showed a fine turn of speed in the early stages, but is as yet deficient in stamina, while Glenshine was putting in fine work after having none too good a passage in the early part. A very successful meeting was concluded in fitting style bv Form l T p appropriating the Selwyn Handicap. Two furlongs from home it looked any odds on Redshire prevailing, so well was the southerner striding along in front. When it came to real business, however, Form Up stayed on the better of the pair, and scored a decisive win.

Borodino put up his best performance at the meeting by finishing a good third, while Post Haste, as usual, was running on at the right end. The results were:— HUNTERS’ PLATE of HOsovs. One mile and a-half. 1— Miss K. Holmes’ b g Sonny, aged, by Terrapin — Patch, 12.5 (Mr. Barr) 1 2— F. O. Salmond’s Gaylight, 12.11 2 4 —T. Sheenan’s Sport, 10.0 3 Also started: 5 Winslow 11.0, 3 Ataa.heri 11.0. Won by a length. Time, 2min 47 1-5 sec. A protest against the winner on the ground that he was not eligible to compete, was dismissed. AYLESBURY STEEPLECHASE of 200 sovs. Two miles and a-half. 3— R. C. Gillies’ br g San Sebastian, aged, by San Francisco — Brave Heart, 10.2 (T. Humphries) .... 1 2 —L. C. Hazlett’s br g Lawsuit, 9.13 2 1 — R. Acton Adams’ Graftella, 12.10 3 Also started: 4 The Grand 9.11, 5 Tradition 9.7. The Grand dislodged his rider at the first fence. Won by three lengths, four lengths between second and third. Time, smin 8 4-ssec. HEATHCOTE HANDICAP of 350so V s. Seven furlongs. 2 — H. S. Keesing’s ch g Gold Kip, syrs, by St. Amans — Fraulein, 10.5 (Tapp) 1 6—Lance Wood’s b g Risingham, 9.2 2 4 — J. Bull’s b g All Over, 10.9 3 Also started: 5 Gazique 11.11, 1 Rebekah 10.10, 3 Lionskin 10.8, 8 Battle Array 10.8, 9 Kilkee 9.9, 7 Potentiality, 11 Bellshire 9.0, 10 Borodino 9.0, 12 Merton 9.0. Won by a neck, a nose separating second and third. Potentiality was fourth and Borodino next. Time, lmin 29sec. STYX HURDLE RACE of 200sovs. Once round and a distance. 3— J. Beban’s b g Tip-up, aged, by All Red — Fairy Rose, 11.2 (L. Hagerty) . ... ; 1 4— J. Graham’s Wild Pilgrim, 9.12 2 2 —H, Raynor’s b g Master Moutoa, 11.9 3 Also started: 6 Achilledes 11.8, 1 Reformation 11.2,' 5 Red Cent 10.2, 7 Sir Medallist 9.8, 9 Sonny 9.0, 8 Tigerland 9.0. Won by a neck, three lengths between second and third. Red Cent was fourth. Time, Smin 0 4-ssec. SYDENHAM HURDLES of 500sovs. One mile and three-quarters. 4— W. Garrett’s b g Sir Solo, aged, by Sir Laddo —Wepener, 10.9 (L. Hagerty) 1 5 — C. Walker’s b g Signature, 9.0 . . 2 I—J.1 —J. Bull’s blk g Omahu, 10.4 .... 3

Also started: 2 Art 11.3, 6 Sleight of Hand 11.0, 3 Paraoa 10.13, Jeannot 9.2. Paraoa dislodged his rider at the fence in front of the stand. Won by three lengths, four lengths between second and third. Art was fourth. Time, Smin 14 4-ssec. LINCOLN STEEPLECHASE of 600sovs. About three miles. 3— T. E. Whelch’s br g Merrie Lad, aged, by Merriwee — Zaida, 9.7 (L. Hagerty) 1 4 — D. J. Hughes’ b g Polthogue, 9.7 2 Also started: 1 Master Lupin 11.12, 2 Gang Awa’ 11.3. Master Lupin broke a hind leg and had to be destroyed. Gang Awa’ fell at the sod wall. Won very easily by over 100 yards. Time, 6min lOsec. REDCLIFFS HANDICAP of 200sovs. Seven furlongs. 4 —J. J. Corry’s br m Imaribbon, 6 •yrs, by Gay Spark—Grey Ribbon, 9.8 (Tapp) 1 3 —J. T. Hetet’s Tama-a-roa, 10.9 2 2—T. Helencourt’s Black Mountain 3 Also started: 6 Pretty Bobby 11.3, 5 Glenshine 10.3, 10 Spyglass 9.11, 1 Strayshot 9.3, 7 The Sapper 9.0, 11 Sweet Smile 9.0, 8 Single Rose 9 0 9 Grand Duchy 9.0, 12 Deflection 9.0. Won by three lengths, half a length between second and third. Glenshine was fourth. Time, lmin 30 4-ssec. SELWYN HANDICAP of 250sovs. Six furlongs. I—H. W. Brown’s b g Form Up, 6yrs, by Formative — Pursering, 11.6 (S. Reid) 1 - —D. Kilkelly’s b g Redshire, 9.7 . . 2 10—A. B. Armour’s ch g Borodino, 9.0 3 Also started: 5 Kilboyne 10.13, 7 Gamecock 9.13, 4 Elocution 9.11, 3 Moorabbe 9.9, G Hiero 9.0, 9 Pyjama 9.0, 8 Sonnino 9.0, 11 Post Haste 9.0, 12 Charley 9.0, 13 Hands Off 9.0. Won by two lengths, the same distance between second and third. Time, lmin 14 3-ssec.