THE TURF

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 263, 25 July 1918, Page 10

THE TURF

NOTES AND COMMENTS fBY GIiKNCOE.'Mr. l>. Uanlou, who hen controlled (lie doHtinied of the Aslihurst-t'ohanuiua Kaning Club for many years, haa been ruelected (unopposed) to the utllce of president of the club. The annual report of the AshhiirHtI'oliHngina Kaeinir Club, which was presented to nieiuljLTS iaat ftuLurdny, stutes that the course proper liuh been widened some twelve feet, and tho turn at the entrance to the straight bankod and reformed on an easier radiue. Among other work completed win the erection of a new posl-aml-rail fence on the outside lawn, re-erect ion of boundary fences, painting piu!:el fences, and effecting necessary improvements to the kitchen and luvatorien. It should be noted that MleiijlU-of-Haud has been ecratched lor the National Steeplechase only, hut he still figures in the Grand National Hurdles.

impediment has been leaned for the remainder of her racing career by llr. W. Hichmond, of Hastings. The DeniOHlhcnes mare will in future be trained by J. M. Cameron at Hustings.

Nineteen camliilalcn were nominated as stewards for the Ashhiirst-PohaiiKiiia ItaciiiK Club, and the following were elected:— Messrs. W. Jlowell, W. Ji Oliver, J. AlaeDonald. W. Hunt, T. Hardy, 1). Lloyd, D. Al'Carthy, T. Hart, J. Blnsket, and L. Treniowan.

Horses for slaughter were sold in the market at Vienna during the second week in May at the unprecedented priec of £75 to £100 apiece.

Sonic doubl has been expressed as to whether the South Oantcrbury Jlunt Club's llectiiiß would be held to-day, but tho Secretary explains that the weather at Timaru haS not been nearly as bad as at other places, and the mcetine will be held. The first event ia the Hadlow Hurdles, one mile and a half, which is to start ut 11.30 a.m. The top weiftht, Don Francisco, lint. 61b., has not had a, race over the small fences for nearly twelvo monlhe, and he cnii hardly be ready. Golden Prince, who showed such a great turn of speed at Trontham appears td be very well placed.

The Pareora, Steeplechase is for hacks, and Is run over a two-mile course. It can safely bo reckoned that Jforccamba is not hlmselt, and with Master Hamilton engaged in tho big event favouritism may rest "with his stable companion Kaupoknnui, who has been racing all tho Reason, and in consequence will be more favoured than any of tho others. Brown Joe. who is in tho race with 21b. above the minimum, will be ridden by 8. Held.

Amongst the runners In the Levels Handicap, six furlongs, is Pleetham, who scored in the Kia Ora. Handicap at Trentham. The Engliflh-bred horse may find it a difficult matter to present Moorabbe with 311b. Tho latter showed a lot of nace at Trcnfchnm, and will be belter for the two races ehe had here.

In tho South Canterbury Steeplechase, two miles and a half, Bore, llneter Hamilton, and Vascular -are down to compete. Master Hamilton, who will be ridden by H. Lorigan, will be moro forward than the others, and he looks a horee that Is certain to be improved by the racing he had at Trentham.

The Auckland-owned Seville may bo ft Rood fa.vourite in tho Hunters' Plato, as It is the general opinion that lie w.hb unlucky to be boaten by Tirnu at Hastinss.

RACECOURSE SENSATIONS

TWO AUSTRALIAN INCIDENTS, fly the Australian mail to hand yosterday came particulars of recent sensational happenings on Australian racecoureci mention of which was marie in the cablegrams liißt week. It was dißOOvcrod at Flemington, after the rimnintc of tho Grand National Steeplechase, that one of the fences had been tampered with prior to the running of that event. Tho insido top rail of the obstacle was sawn nearly through, and the padding carefully replaced. Only about an inch of beam was left intact, and the job was bo neatly done that no evidence of the work was visible even at dose inspection. The fence interfered with is ono of tho most formidable oa the course. In the firet round of tho rare in question all tho competitors cleared it safely, but in the second round Booligal (who finished second), and Doiran (fifth) struck it , and the rail fell away. ■ Tho second happening; occurred at Townsville. The Sydney "Sun" of July 15 nublished the following :-The innulry into Bensational happoninga at tho Turf Olub Meeting on Saturday, when it was found that a mare which ran in the. Farewell Handicap had had her tongue tied with a piece of tape, throw a light on recent occurrences at the Itockhampton races. This mare, Etal, was brought from Melbourne to Queensland, and at Rockhamplou won a, race when practically unbacked, and lost badly another race whon practically backed for a fortune. Etal was then brought to Townavillo. She was pulled out of the Flying Welter Handicap at Saturday's meeting, but started in tho Farewell Handicap. It was stated that the jockoy, Thompson, was not well onouen to ride, and Styles Connell's Efcrvices were secured. Etal. who opened up favourite, looked all right, aJthouffh she was twisting her tongue a good deal; but on beine brought to the steward's enclosure ehe was taken possession of by a steward. An einmination showed that the mare s lontruc was very tightly tied with a piece of tune at tho back near the root. The lower portion of tho tongue was almost black, and the tape had to be cut with a knife. In the. race Etal showed a lot of Dace for half a mile, and wae then knocked up. The reviutcd owner, Corinack. at the In(miry disclaimed any knowledge of the raave'B tongue having been tied. Two independent witnesses stated that they eov a small fair man tie Wai's toueiie. while Cormack was leaning on the rail with his back to the mare. Thomnson not nresent, The stewards dißHualified Mai. Cormack, and Thomnaon for life, and decided to prosecute the small fair man.