TURF TOPICS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 28, 26 June 1939, Page 2

TURF TOPICS

A HIGH GRADE TEAM Trainer Fred Davis (of Desert Gold fame) who for some years has been located at Woodville has decided upon Ellerslie as his future location for training operations, and has already brqught Silver Stick, Pern and Lutanist north. Next week Francis Drake, a colt by Phaleron Boy from Silver Rule and a. colt by Beau Pure from Verdain will join this trio. Thus the basis of a very glassy team will be formed, and it will be a decided acquisition to Ellerslie and will also mean an extra attraction to provincial meetings at which some of these high rank thoroughbreds will be competing during the 1939-10 racing season. PADISHAH DISAPPOINTS The Wellington Gup and Grand National Hurdles winner, Padishah, made his debut as a cross country performer in the Hawke's Bay Steeple chase. In the running, however, he was never closer than a furlong from the leaders, and towards the finish was jumping the last fence when Wykemist and Kikiroki were fighting out the finish a quarter oi a mile away. When Padishah cooled down a decided tenderness was notice able, and a veterinary surgeon called in said the horse had probably struck a nerve which causing pain would prevent the horse from hitting out freely. HURDLE RACE ASPIRANTS Hunting Blood by Hunting Song, who opened his winning account m fine style last winter by: being victorious at Te Rapa and Tauranga, but who has not since raced as prominently as expected, is now being schooled over the obstacles. Last season he showed superlative speed an 1 promised to reach high rank among the Dominion's sprinters, but apparently he will now have to gain fame among the timber hoppers. Young Paddon, a splendid winter performer, inasmuch as he is especially capable on muddy tracks, is also being changed over to hurdling, in which department he is likely to make a name -o. himself.

A RACING COMMISSION Just over i>ix weeks ago the Minis, ter of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, made the statement in Auckland that he intended to appoint a commission to go into th'.i whole question of racing, with view to bringing the Gaming Act into proper line. Many weeks went by but no steps under this heading were taken, and when Mr Parry's attention was directed to the fact he replied to the effect that when there was a lull in racing the commission would be appointed. Many connected with the sport are of the opinion that a lull is now and it may be that Mr Parry will yet arrange the appointment of the promised commission in time for it to have its report ready before Parliament ha s been long in session. This is probably an optimistic view to take but time will tell. NEARLY JOINED POLO RANKS Gold Vaals who won the principal event last year, scored a really meritorious win, showing both speed and gamenessjt As a three yea r old the Vaals_Gofd Dart gelding, bred by Mr T. Andrews of T e Aroha (who successfully raced some years ago the Marble Arch sprinter Dan Quin) Avas in training under the charge of E. A. Keesing. At that time he was somewhat on the small side, and,as he showed nc particular galloping ability.at that time he was sold foi? polo pony purposes to Mr Alan Mc. Nicol for £20. He was well wintered and very soon emerged from pony to that of a medium sized thoroughbred. Then it was that inquiries were made by racing men as to the probability of Gold Vaals being leased, and first in the field Mr Handley of Paeroa, was the lucky lessee. His first appearance, under colours, was at 'the Ohinemuri meeting. First away in a big field he led throughout, and his few totalisator supporters secured a dividend of over three, quarters of a century. Since then he has won several important events, but has not yet bcci; required to take part in the strenuj ous game of polo.