THE TURF

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 265, 29 July 1918, Page 7

THE TURF

4 . ' NOTES AND COMMENTS fBY GIiENCOB.I An acceptance for tho Grand National Steoplcchaso Hurdles nnd Winter Cup is duo on Friday nest. At the same time entries for tho minor events aro due. Tho stake money given hy racing clubs during tho season just ended totalled £231,123 lcs. Now that Slcight-of-Hand is out of the National Stceplcchasa it is expected that A. Jl'Donnld wilt ride Mr. F. Armstrong's second string, Yellow and Black. The chestnut gelding has won thrco steeplechases on end. and each time ho has had a different horseman in the saddle. The imported Linacro, who lias been at tho head of tho winning sires' list in Australia for tho past few scoeoiib, lias his list full for next season at fflCuns. The Ilawera sportsman, who races under tho assumed name of "Mr. F. Selwood." occupies twelfth position on the winning owners' list for tho season 1917-18. His total was £2600, and most of it was secured by the consistent Volo, who scored on nine occasions. Morecambe was evidently affected by the jumping at Timaru, for southern nepers record that he refused at the fourth fenco in the South Canterbury Steeplechase.

While excavating tho Ellcrßlio course recently, one ot the staff came across n wellpreserved Maori grindstone which had evidently beon there for over half a. century. The relic, writes "Whalebone, will probable finds its way to the Auckland

3. E. Thorpe's intended trip to Australia with Hopfield and Fisher has been abandoned, «rid llin former is to be submitted to public nuction.

Orange provides the latest turf sensa-tion-a judgv and a bookmaker disqualified for life. Tho Western Districts Hncing Association held au inquiry on Friday, July 5, into tho decision of the judge at tho recent Narrowminc races, when he placed UrittOM as winner of tho Novice Handicap, although that horse had finished out- of a place. Briltox was favourite for tho event. The stipendiary steward pointed out the error lo the judge, who, however, declined to alter his decision. As a result of tho inquiry tho judpo and a bookmaker were disqualified for life. A verv popular win at Timaru last week was that of Warfarin in the Levels Handicap, as it marked the first victory regis, tercel hv F. 13. Jones sinco setttner up «a a public trainer. Two others of liiß charpres in John Hn'dfycorn and llarley Kigs also ran prominently. As a- result of his success in the South Canterbury Steeplechase. Sylva will have to put up 81b. penalty in the Grand .National. -With lOst. lib. in the saddle ho

can have little more than a jumper's chance.

Flootham let his supporters down very badlv in the Levels Handicap at Timam on Thursday, and later in the afternoon jnnde no showing in the Olnremont Welter Handicap. On their form in the latter oveut John Barleycorn looks likefinishing in front of the Emilish-bred horse in the Winter Onp, an the race is bound to do him a lot of irood.

Tho Oamaru sportsman, Mr. 0. It. Wife, accepted with Ardmore for his cnga~croentat the South Canterbury Hunt Meeting. but subsequently decided to keep him 111 next month, when ho will be raced ;<tlilceartou. Mr. Wise's other charge. Killiney. has been turned out for a spell, as site was showing signs of soreness. In issuing the licenses to jockey' for ihe ensuing season, the Taranalci TMstnct Committee considered it ncces.= .iry to draw the attention of those granted recuses to Halo 4, Part 22, appearing on the face of the license issued, with respect to the betting with bookmakers. No fewer than 65 owner? won £1000 and over for the season just, ended. Til the maiorltv of cases this sum would well repay them for their outlay during the twelvo months. Owins to lieins unable to obtain stable assistants. Mr. V. T. Hall, the well-known Gishornc snortsman, has decided to rertneo the number of horses that he has m trainiir, and is offering for sale the four-year-old -eldiHE Treasure King and Oynior, and tho aged mare Cnstalia. -who has been a successful stake-winner on the flat. In last year's Winter Cup Bramhletye finished a close third after a had passaire. and this venr has to only repeat that form lo bo very dangerous. She has the same burden to carry, and is acting well in her work. - .