CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1568, 13 May 1920, Page 11

CANTERBURY.

Notes on the Ashburton R.C.’s Meeting—Starland Wins the Cup—Torfreda Wins Principal Sprint Event —Some Excellent Sport Provided Patrons—Golden Prince Wins in New Owner’s Colours — Sisyphus Scores in Autumn Handicap on Second Day—Will Oakland’s Double Victory. CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. Riccarton, Dunedin and Southland stables were strongly represented at the Ashburton Racing Club’s meeting, while Arlington and Torfreda were present to do battle on behalf of North Island owners. No doubt the opposition of the Forbury Park trots affected both the attendance and speculation, neither of which came up to expectations. Though somewhat on the heavy side the track afforded nice going, while the large fields, which were of more than averare merit, supplied some high-class sport. Altogether the meeting was one of the most successful held by the club for many years, the only notable deficiency being in regard to the patronage. The presence of the North Islander, Arlington, and Crib, who has been off the scene for a long time, invested the First Hurdle Handicap with a lot of interest. Arlington looked really well, but. after racing to the front after going six furlongs, he faded out rather badly over the concluding stages. Crib appeared to be decidedly on the big side, and the race is bound to do him a lot of good. As usual, he was very slow all through the first half, after which he

gradually improved his position. Though ten lengths away in third place as the post was reached, Crib’s display was encouraging for his future engagements. Bairnsdale, Tip Up and Sea Blue were prominent all through the first mile and a-quarter, but when it came to the business Jack Symons soon had their measure, winning with a good deal in reserve by a length and a-half from Sonny. The latter put up his best race to date, his jumping being of a high standard. Jack Symons’ jumping also showed marked improvement, and he was turned out in good order by his owner, Mr. F. Shaw. Primum and Mythology gave a fair amount of trouble at the start of the First Hack Welter, but eventually the big field got off in good line. Cattach at once dashed to the front and made play round the top turn well out from Satisfaction, Admiral Talbot and Hands Off. A furlong from the post Satisfaction ranged alongside Cattach, and in a few .strides appeared to have his measure. Coming again under punishment Cattach just managed to head Satisfaction on the post. In close order came Mythology, Hands Off, Primum and Will Oakland. Kilkee was the only eleventh-hour withdrawal from the Ashburton Cup, leaving a serviceable field of 11 to* dispute its possession. Starland, who looked in nice racing trim, wound up a slightly better favourite than Melee

and Bondage. Warlike was soon out in front and made play along the back from Almoner, Bondage and Rosevear. Two furlongs from home the leader dropped right out, leaving Almoner and Bondage at the head of affairs, with Starland improving his position. A hundred yards from the post this trio were hard at it, and in a great finish Starland got the verdict by a neck from Almoner, who was a head in front of Bondage. The winner owed his success to the judicious manner in which he was handled by R. Reed. Almoner and Bondage both ran creditable races, and more vigorously ridden either of them may have beaten Starland. Jock finished a poor fourth, followed by Rosevear and Glentanner. Eleus and Melee did not seem capable of going the pace in the early stages, both finishing a long way back. Checkmate was made a strong order for the Lagmhor Plate, but again he quitp failed to reproduce his track form. Strategy, Gossard and Bothina formed the leading division from the start, while the favourite, after jumping out smartly, dropped right back. Turning into the home straight Gossard had drawn clear, and from this out had matters all his own way. A great struggle between Pitprop and Jazz for second money ended in favour of the former by a neck, though Jazz was finishing much the stronger of the pair. Gossard’s breeding and racing colours were omitted from the book, as was the fact that he is trained by R. Longley, who turned him out in excellent trim. Though there was a big field for the Fairfield Welter Handicap, only

Sisyphus and Tyne were backed with any spirit. From a rather straggling start Sisyphus was one of the first out, but he soon dropped right back into the ruck. Linden was always in a handy position and lay in second behind Glensponse till well into the home straight. There the latter faded out and Linden ran home a very easy winner by two lengths from Golden Prince. Some distance away came Tyne, well clear of Glensponse and Sisyphus. Linden is evidently right back to his best form, and another race should not be long in coming his way. The withdrawal of Nelson Derby from the Selma Trot robbed that event of much interest, while the absence of so many light harness enthusiasts at Forbury Park restricted the betting. Only Cammie and The Dingo were backed with any spirit, but the latter quite spoilt his chance by playing up at the start. Enniswood was in front for a mile, and then gave place to Gerlefan and Cammie. As at New Brighton, the latter tired badly over the last quarter, and just managed to defeat Dhan for second money, Gerlefan winning easily by four lengths. Altogether it was an uninteresting race, more than half the competitors never having a look in from the start. Kilcalm was made a strong order for the Fairfield Hack Handicap, but after getting away well she lost her position and was never afterwards

prominent. Irish Elegance, Marching Order and Starlike were first into line for home, the others being headed by Silent King and Kilcalm. At the distance there was little to choose between Irish Elegance, Marching Order and Starlike, all three being under punishment. In a spirited . finish Starlike just got her head in front of Marching Order as the post was reached. Irish Elegance was a similar distance back, followed by Silent King and Kilcalm. The last-named ran a patchy race, while Theda had her chance spoilt at the start. Torfreda stood out in a class by herself amongst the nine that saddled up for the Grove Farm Handicap. She wats backed down to a very short price, and fully justified the confidence reposed in her. Jumping out smartly she was in front practically all the way. Over the early stages Pyjama and Moorabbe endeavoured to foot it with the speedy Hymettus filly, but the former was done with a long way from home. In the straight Satisfaction threw out a challenge which, without seriously troubling Torfreda, cut Moorabble out of second money. For some time the winner’s form has been of a disappointing nature, but her two latest efforts show that she is recovering her three-year-old brilliancy. Neither Silver Peak nor Kilkee ever threatened danger. Though the weather conditions were perfect for the second day of the Ashburton Racing Club’s meeting, the attendance was disappointing, the crowd being much smaller than on the opening day. The track was again somewhat holding, but that had little effect on the racing, which

was of a particularly high standard. No fault could be found with the management, and it is decidedly unfortunate that the efforts of the committee to popularise the gathering do not meet with better recognition from racegoers. The totalisator investments amounted to £12,497, as against £11,187 on the concluding day last year, making a total of £23,893 for the meeting, as compared with £22,769 in 1919. Golden Prince was backed down to a short price for the Second Handicap Hurdles, and justified the confidence reposed in him by scoring comfortably. Glensponse endeavoured to go with him from the start, but faded out at the end of a mile. As they turned for home Golden Prince was well clear of Sonny and Jack Symonds, this trio being out by themselves. Crossing the last obstacle the favourite was still in front, and holding his advantage in the run to the post scored bv a length. Jack Symons suffered some interference from Sonny at the final obstacle, otherwise second money, may have come his way. Arlington was never prominent, while Strayshot gave promise by finishing just behind the placed horses. Golden Prince was purchased on Thursday evening by Mr. G‘. T. Smith, and ran in that sportsman’s interest. Mythology and Vice-Regal gave a good deal of trouble at the start of the Second Hack Welter, for which

the first-named was installed favourite. Will Oakland jumped out smartly and never gave the opposition a look in, winning with a lot in reserve from Vice-Regal. The latter and Mythology had a great set to for second money, which went to Vice-Regal by a head. Will Oakland’s showing was a great improvement on his first day’s form, which may be accounted for by the fact of his having such a vigorous horseman as R. Bagby in the saddle. Lima, who carried a lot of southern money, had her chance extinguished at the start. Of the unplaced division Caliburn and Juliana gave the best showings. Though racing at over her distance Torfreda was made favourite for the Autumn Handicap, which attracted a useful field of nine. The start was a straggling one, Torfreda getting all the best of it-, while Sedd-el-Bahr and Melee lost several lengths. Torfreda showed the way along the 'back from Eleus, Sisyphus and Almoner, and was still going strongly in front as the home straight was entered. A furlong from home she was being ridden to keep her place, but failed to respond. . By a late effort Sisyphus headed Eleus inside the distance and won by a length and a-half. The winner showed great improvement on his first day’s form and was handled with more judgment. Eleus put up his best effort for some time, while had Almoner been better placed in the early stages he may have finished second. Melee put in a fine effort after getting badly away, but Bondage quite failed to reproduce her first day’s form. Fabrinade was made a strong order for the Juvenile Handicap, and when he got away with a flying start it looked any odds on his prevailing. He was well clear of Prince Martian and Link Up as they rounded into the straight, with Jazz making up his leeway in good style. At the distance the leader was being ridden to keep his position. Then jazz came along with a well-sustained effort and won decisively by a length and ahalf. It was a fine effort on the part of the Solferino gelding, who at one part of the race was standing Fabrinade up fully six lengths. The favourite had every chance and was well beaten on his merits. Despite the fact that she had just! contested the Juvenile Handicap, • Sundance was only in less demand than Tyne and High Heels for the Winchmore Welter. With Bagby in the saddle she was first out, and even to the distance looked to have winning prospects. There High Heels came along with a determined rush and just got up in time to win by half a length. After getting all the worst of the early running Caverock was putting in such good work over the last furlong as to suggest him soon getting on the winning list, for the race is bound to do him a lot of good. Tyne was well up in the early stages but'failed badly over the final stages. There was much more interest taken in the trotting event than on the opening day, and the totalisator showed a satisfactory pool, with The Dingo always a good favourite. Dhan set a. solid pace from the start and with Eliza Dalton and Elsie Nore in close attendance had a serviceable lead when half-way down the home straight. There Glenaray put in a strong challenge and defeated Dhan by a length in the smart time of 2min. 21 4-ssec. It was a remarkably fine effort on the winner’s part, as he had to work his way through a big field. After losing three or four seconds at the . start The Dingo was so far back in the . early stages as to make his chance seem hopeless. Sticking to his task iir. rare style the favourite worked his way into third place as the post was reached, and with an equitable send-off could hardly have lost. Notwithstanding a 101 b. penalty Will Oakland, on the strength of his earlier win, was established a better favourite than Braid and Primum for the Moreton Hack Handicap. Jumping out smartly Will Oakland made play throughout, scoring decisively by two lenghs from Irish Elegance, who finished strongly. Of the others Hands Off and Primum gave the best showing. LATER. Royal Meeting at Riccarton —Amythas and Arrowsmith Both Responsible for Brilliant Gallops— Waimai Puts In an Appearance at Riccarton—Stariike Changes Hands —Timaru Cup Prospects. (By Tele.—Christchurch Correspondent) Everything points to the Royal meeting at Riccarton on Saturday being an unqualified success. The visiting horses are arriving daily, and

the fields for both the flat and jumping events are all of more than average merit. Quite the star attraction of the day will be the meeting of Amythas and Arrowsmith in the Marlborough Stakes. Since their return from the North Island both have gone on the right way, and the three-year-old is quite at the top of his form again. On Saturday morning he went very pleasingly in a gallop with Mustard Pot ovei’ five furlongs, leaving the journey behind comfortably in lmin. 3 3-ssec. Arrowsmith has never been better, and appears to be all the better for his recent efforts in the north. On Saturday, with G. Young in the saddle, he was to have galloped six furlongs, but broke away from the seven-furlong disc. Though under a good hold all the way the English horse reeled off the journey in lmin. 28 2-ssec. —easily the best gallop of the morning. Not a few good judges give Karo more than an outside chance of beating the two cracks. She has got through a nice preparation, and can be relied on to run a very solid mile. There is always a chance that Arrowsmith and Amythas may fight each other so

strenuously over the first six furlongs that at the finish Karo may have a look in. Waimai put in an appearance on Saturday, looking somewhat on the jolly side. He is to be a runner in the Renown Steeplechase, and if in anything like racing trim must have a chance under such a lenient impost as 11.13. One of his toughest opponents will be Arlington, who is all the better for his two races at Ashburton. Imaribbon, who will contest the Royal Handicap, arrived on Saturday. She can be relied on to put up a great race. Hetaua and Kohu are others already at headquarters. Sunart has been responsible for attractive track work, and promises to take a lot of beating in the Royal Handicap on Saturday. He and Onslaught got over a mile and a-quarter in 2min. 12sec., the former showing to most advantage. Taking a line through Ashburton running. Jack Symons looks to have excellent prospects in the Welcome Hurdles, though no doubt Kohu will start favourite. Kilrush and Brackenfield were tried out over nine furlongs on Saturday morning, and accomplished a useful gallop. Over the concluding stages Kilrush had his opponent’s measure, completing the journey nicely in the good time of lmin. 56 3-ssec. Karo gave Adopted a dozen lengths’ start

and beat him decisively at the end of a mile, run in lmin.‘42sec.—an impressive gallop. The Wingatui trainer C. Christie is now in the North Island looking after Lochella, Graftella and Stirrup Cup. The first-named . will race at ' the Egmont and Wanganui meetings, while later the trio may go to Auckland for the winter meeting. C. Emerson is back again in Christchurch after a trip to England. He was present as a spectator at the Ashburton meeting, and expects to be riding at Timaru this week. Starlike changed hands at the Ashburton meeting, and got most of her purchase money back by appropriating the Fairfield Hack Handicap. She is now owned by Mr. W. J. Going. After her first day’s exertions at Ashburton Satisfaction was decidedly sore. She had to forfeit her second day engagements, and may not:' be able to race at Timaru. Kilmoon and Fiery Cross, who ■ are suffering from bruised heels, are still on the easy list. Listening Post is another eating the oats of idleness. That capable horseman F. Ellis has severed his connection with F. D.

Jones’ stable, and will ride in the future as a free lance. Cutts Bros, have ten yearlings of Sir Geo. Clifford’s at present under their care. The latest arrivals are Distant Shot, a l/ay filly by Antagonist —Telescope; Whipping Boy, a bay colt by Sanquhar—Miss Mimic; and Star Stream, a chestnut colt by Antagonist—Scottish Star. After a few days’ spell, the result of having knocked himself, Manawapango is again in steady work, and will contest the Renown Steeplechase at Riccarton on Saturday. On Saturday Mr. H. E. Holland, M.P., chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party, sent a telegram to the Prime Minister protesting against the suspension of jockeys’ licenses by the Auckland District Committee, on the ground that they constitute a victimisation. The handicaps issued by Mr. Henrys for the Timaru Cup appear to follow recent form very closely. Radial has a full share of weight at 9.4, and Eleus with S.ll will have to show improvement on Ashburton form to compete successfully with some of those he met there. The journey will trouble shuch as Bon Spec, Torfreda, Kilkee. Braid, Mythology and Juliana, all of whom may be reserved for less important engagements. Brackenfl’eld, Starland and Almoner are a trio that may be expected to show improved form.