RACING NEWS & VIEWS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 18, 30 August 1946, Page 3

RACING NEWS & VIEWS

The Steeplechasers of N.Z. A Wellington writer, in giving his opinion of the present low standard of the Dominion’s steeplechasers states: “About the only cheerful aspect of steeplechasing at the moment is that the standard of the horses engaged cannot get much worse.”

A Little Later On Some months ago a Royal Commission was set up by the Government to take evidence on the Gaming Act with the object of it being more or less modernised. The Commission’s Report was tentatively dated for August 31. Recently it was found that Mr Justice Findlay could not yet be spared from his judicial duties, but it was expected that an early date could be arranged for the taking of evidence. It now appears that the chairman may not be free to act until about Christmas, and the time for the Commission’s Report has been extended to March 31. Fond of the Game With 11.10 Baron Bold won the Dannevirke Hunt Club Steeplechase of two and a half miles, and then bolted for another mile before he could be pulled up. Now a 12 year old he appears to be staying on better than ever. A Brilliant Three Year Old

The now three year old Julius Caesar, is one of the first Beaulivre’s to be raced in the Dominion. As a two year old he opened his winning account at the Canterbury Easter Meeting, but in order to allow him time in which to develop he is only being lightly raced. Record Prize Money

For the present racing season the Auckland Racing Club will give the record amount of £139,000 in stakes for its 15 days racing. The Auckland Cup will be worth £6OOO, while increased prize money will rate throughout.

A Dashing Hurdler The Hunting Song—Billikins gelding, Hunting Mac, after his victories at Ellerslie in June and at the Canterbury Hunt meeting this month, was deemed a brilliant hurdler. As .a jumper he is fast and clever, but as he registers too much speed in the early stages is not likely to score at two miles or more. If restraining tactics can be brought about Hunting Mac may be in the top rank of New Zealand hurdlers next winter.