TURF GOSSIP.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1597, 2 December 1920, Page 9

TURF GOSSIP.

Esperance, who during the latter half of last month placed the Horowhenua Cup and the Ashhurst Cup to her credit, is a full-sister to Mascot (winner of’ the Auckland Cup) and Ardenvhor (winner of the New Zealand Cup), being by Martian from Alary of Argyle.

D. Hands has a couple of recent additions to his Trentham team in Galore and Pacific Slope. The latter was given his first schooling over hurdles at Trentham recently, and, with H. McSweeney in the saddle, gave a good display. He is to compete in the hurdle races at Woodville and Dannevirke, and will thus qualify for the jumpers’ flat races at Trentham. The Hawk, who showed up prominently in juvenile events decided at the New Zealand Cup meeting, running second to Mermin in the C.J.C. Welcome Stakes and winning the Irwell Handicap, figures among the nominations for the two-year-old races to be run at the Woodville District J.C.’s spring meeting.

Graftella, brother to the Great Northern Hurdles and Steeplechase winner Lochella, ran third in the cross-country event on the opening day of the Winton J.C.’s annual meeting, and would have improved on his showing but for his leg giving out during the final stage of the race. As a result of the mishap it has been decided to retire Graftella from the race track, and he has been thrown out of work with that end in view.

Owners and trainers should note that the distance of the Waihenga Welter Handicap, of 175sovs, to be run on the second day of the Wairarapa Racing Club’s summer meeting, to be held at Tauherenikau on January 1 and 3, is seven furlongs and not five furlongs and a-half as originally advertised. The Camp Hack Handicap, of 17550v5., which also comes up for decision on the second day of the meeting, will be run over a mile course. Nominations for all events to be decided at the fixture are due with the, secretary. Mr. C. J. Carlyon, Featherston, on Thursday, December .9, at 8 p.m.

It seems practically certain that Some 'Boy 11. took his farewell of the turf when he pulled up lame at the finish of the King Edward . Memorial Handicap. It follqws.; < that'?ie will be wanted for the studr He comes of imported parents of excellent breeding, was a good game racehorse with never-failing pluck and a good constitution, and with plenty of vital force and substance, combined with quality, he should adorn any stud. We can sympathise with the owner, who loses the racing services - of a good horse through a bad breakdown, but in this case the retirement from the turf of such a public favourite is not without its compensations, and we fully anticipate for Mr. E. W. Alison’s horse a successful career, for he has no end of admirers amongst breeders.