NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2538, 12 August 1915, Page 9

NOTES AND COMMENTS

[By Glencoe.") The poor displays of jumping for which tho Bteepleohnso events at Riccarton were responsible went a long \v.ay towards confirming tho view that New Zealand is ■very badly off for cross-country performers at the present time. Not for many years have the Grand National and Enfield Steeplechases provided such disappointing contests. . Derby, Day, yhq -jroa .the Avpubead,

Handicap after a fine exhibition of speed, has an interesting pedigree. Ho is by Stronghold from a maro by Son of a Gun, who had previously been mated with the trotting stallion Electioneer, to whom she produced Electrocute, one of the boat unhoppled trotters in Canterbury. Sir Geo. Clifford has sold the three-year-old filly Holiday, by Varco—Flitaway, and she will be shipped to Sydney.

The success of Banksia in the Winter Cup will mean, a substantial addition to one of the funds brought into existenco by tlio war. Sonic time ago Mr. G. D. Greenwood announced his intention, of giving tlio first stake won by any of bis horses to the fund being raised for the Hospital Ship. No win was recorded before the ship left New Zealand, but it is understood that the offer still stood, the only difference being that the money was to go to the Red Cross Fund, which, as a result of Mr. Greenwood's offer, will benefit to the extent of .£490. Very good acceptances have been, received for the second day's racing at lliccarton. In the Hunt Club Cup The Brewer, runner up in the National Steeplechase, is top weight, witli 12st. The useful Gondolier • has been, specially reserved for this race, and being 6uch a bold jumper he may be seen to advantage ftt the end. The Summer Handicap will be a differently run raeo to the Avonhead Handicap, as there will not be so much pace in the early stages. It will also be run round the turn. This will assist Prince Laddo, who is very well now. Several fresh horses are engaged, in the August Handicap, notably Crown Pearl, Bee, and Centre. Many of those present at Eiccarton say Bhiestone will be seen in a much more favourable light to-day, as owing to the dust or some other reason his rider had him very wide put the whole way in the Winter Cup. Then again the heavy rain which fell yesterday will assist him to-day, as ho has the reputation of being a champion in the mud.

The following are the probable starters and their riders in the Grand National Hurdles to bo run to-day:— Leontii (C. Price), lOst. 131b. Sir Donald (G. llnrchant), lOst, 111b, Awahou (A. Mac Donald), lflst. 111b. ■ Styrax (A. Julian), lOst. 61b. Master Lupin (A. J. MTlinn), lOst. 21b. Harbour Light (S. Eeid), lOst. . Hurakia (Jer. O'Connell), 9st. 71b. Commotion (L. Hagerty), 9st. Gib. Diavolo (Joe O'Connell), 9st. slb. St. Elmn (W. Young), 9st. 51b. Braeburn (H. Tricklobank), 9st. 31b. Sam Pan (H. Thomson), 9st. Vascular (W. Adams), 9st. The ]jig event is still very open, and the rain has not improved tho position for the top weights, while it is greatly in favour of Harbour Light, Braeburn, and Sain Pan. It is generally admitted that the field is the strongest that has contested the Tace for years. The Beaufort Steeples, two miles and a half, will see the National horses hgain under silk. Morning may be the favourite to-day after his good showing in the big event, and also in view of the fact that the race will do him no end of good. Euatangata is not meeting a good lot in 'the Spreydon Hurdles, and the top weight will doubtless 1m first choice on the machine. Tho Islington Handicap, one mile, seems to be the most difficult race for backers. Kaminohe 'is a fresh horse, and on his best form must have a chance, but, as there does not appear to be anything likely to go out with Glenroy to worry him early, the machine will probably again closo with Oliver's mount occupying the position of favourite. . The Woolston Plato is the concluding event, and if Teviotdale goes to the post he is certain to be a hot order, as he is better than tlie others who have to meet him on even terms. FIXTURES, Aug. 10, 12, 14—C.J.C. Winter. Aug 26—Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Steeplechase. Aug. 26—Amberloy. Steeplechase Club's Animal. Sept. I—Marton J.C. Spring. Sept. 2.—Rangitikei Hunt Annual. Sept. B—Dannevirke E.G. Steeplechase.