SPRING RACING

Evening Star, Issue 23374, 18 September 1939, Page 2

SPRING RACING

ASHBURTON MEETING GOLD FLIGHT WINS GRIGG STAKES BIG HANDICAP TO NIGHT DRESS Favoured by perfect spring weather and an attractive programme, the war atmosphere and petrol restrictions proved too strong a counter effect for the Ashburton County Racing Club to draw the usual good attendance to its spring meeting on Saturday, and this was further revealed in the totalisator turnover, £11,942 10s, which -was a decrease of £3,295, equal to over 20 per cent., on last year’s figures. The course was in good order, but after the previous day slower than usual. Chief interest was centred in the John Grigg Stakes, the/first classic for two-year-olds this season in the South Island, for which a field of nine went to the post. The race proved that so far this season the fillies are better than the colts, as all three places were filled by the former. Gold Flight, who won the two-year-old parade at the local hunt meeting a fortnight earlier, was too good for the northern candidates, and after being slow to find her feet at the start, beat the favourite, Doria, home after a stern struggle over the last furlong and a half. Gold Flight’s success was the second her owner, Mr D. M. Tweedie (president of the Riverton Racing Club), has scored in this classic, his former win being secured with Ortyx, who is a half-sister to Saturday’s winner. Night Dress was well handled and patiently ridden by an apprentice in the Ashburton Handicap, and with a well-timed run won nicely. Two AVingatui horses in Boloyna and Strip each won races, and despite the latter’s good form last season he returned his supporters a good dividend on the win machine. An excellent afternoon’s racing was marred hy several had despatches, hut there were some excuses, ns the starter had to deal with a number of inexperienced young horses and an unusually large number of apprentice riders. COUNTY HURDLE HANDICAP. £l3O, second 20. third 10. Aide and a-half and 100yds. 2- COLONEL FRENCH, Messrs .1. S. and W. E. Hazlett’s by Colonel Cygnus—Lovctte, 4yrs, 9.0 (R. J. Aladde) ... 1 1-I—Jewish Lad, Air J. Shirtcliff’s ch g, aged, 9.13 (R. Register) 2 4.s—Bit o’ Blue, Air T. Lalor’s hr g, 6yrs, 0.0 (W. E. Shand) 3 Also started; 3-2 Courtyard 11.1 (A. Stove), 5-4 Aletal Bird 9,10 (R. Beale), 6-6 Comus 9.0 (E. W. Jennings), 7-7 Full Back 9.0 (L. Robinson). Betting: Jewish Lad (220-219). Colonel French (183-167), Courtyard (154-168). ■Won by five lengths; half a length. Courtyard was fourth. Time, 2min 56 l-ssec. NOVICE STAKES, £IOO. For horses that hare never won a race, at . a totalisator meeting. Six furlongs, FIRST DIVISION. 1- —BOLOYNA, Air E. N. Didham’s h g by Paper Aloney—Ravenna, 4yrs, 8.4 (A. E. Did* ham) f 1 3- —St. Cloud. Air G. Hall’s hr f, 4yrs, 8.4, car. 8.5 (H. W. Hibbevd) 2 4- —Lord Alidas, Air AI. Samson’s , bc, 3yns, 8.0 (AI. Billington) 3 Also started: 18-20 Arita 8.4 (C, C. Ellis), 18-15 Jericho Jane 8.4 (L. W. Hare), 22-22 Cymric 8.0 (G. Fox), 9-12 Complexion 8.0 (AI. N. Caddy), 16-16 Palo Alto 8.0 (D. R. Alaekie), 5-5 Scold 8.0 (A. Stokes), 10-10 Dark Agnes 8.0 (E. Alaekie), bracketed with Lady Don, 13-11, Slumber 8.0, car. 8.1 (E. J, Pinn), bracketed with Astro* nomer. Won hy two lengths ; three lengths. Scold was fourth. Time, 1 min 15 2-ssec. —Second Division. — 2- BLUE COAT, Air D. Grant’s ch c, hy Pink Coat—Alise Alnffitt. 3yrs, 8.0 (P. Spratt) ... 1 6-9—Dinah Dhu, Air D. O. Rutherford’s ch. f, 3yrs, 8.0 (A. Stokes) ... 2 8-6—Ngaitama, Air D. M’Farlane's bg, 4yrs, 8.4 (W. F. Ellis) ... 3 Also started: 21-18 Trasimene 8.4 (W. Fox), 14-13 Phil 8.4 car. 8.6 (C. G. Humphries), 18-17 Almira 8.4 (AI, Holland), 12-14 Great Night 8.4 car. 8.5 (G. Elliott), 7-7 King’s Toast 8.4 car. 8.5 (H. AY. Hibberd), 11-9 Guspini 8.0 car. 8.1. (J. AY. Jennings), 15-10 John Embv 8.0 (R. J. Alaekie), 17-21 Turncoat" 8.0 (C. T. Wilson), 10-10 Lady Don 8.0 (V. Barrington) coupled with Dark Agnes, 13-11 Astronomer 8.0 (A. Alesservy) coupled with Slumber. Betting: Bologna (215-160), Blue Coat (159-183), St. Cloud (111-126), Lord Alidas (78-126), Scold .(73-102). . Won by a head; three lengths. Phil was fourth. Time, Imin 15 4-sscc.;

SELMA HARNESS TROT HANDICAP, £120; second 12, third 8. Class, 3min 43sec. One mile and a-half. 1-I—CLUB KING, Air T. Regal's ch g, by Jack Potts —Travis Axworthy mare, syrs, scr (D. C. AYatts) 1 3-3—Marque, Air R. W. Tovvnley's hm, aged, scr (owner) ... 2 15-16 —Passing By, Air J. Bell, jun.’s b f, 4yrs, scr (owner) 3

Also started: 11-11 Happy Man scr and Taimaiti scr bracketed, 2-2 Imperial Jade scr and Alackscot scr bracketed, 10-8 Alahoe scr and Latest Edition scr bracketed, 12-13 Kohun scr, 6-9 Diamond Cluster scr, 20-19 Gallinaceous scr, 8-6 Rcrekohua scr, 13-14 Undaunted scr. 16-12 Jacosc scr, 17-17 Ferrymeade scr. 4-4 Inquisition scr, 5-5 Diviner scr, 9-10 BroWn Top scr, 14-1-1 Star Ace scr. 7-7 Nationalist scr, 19-13 Alisdeal 36yds, 18-20 Prince de Oro 48yds.

Betting: Club King (316-307), Imperial Jade-Maokscot bracket (244-247), Alarque (151-180), Inquisition (99-138). Diviner (92-126). Won by three lengths : half a length. Diviner was fourth. Times; 3min 23, 3-ssec, 3nffn 29sec, 3min 29 l-ssec.

ASHBURTON HANDICAP, £2OO ; second 35, third 15. One mile and a-quarter. 2- NIGHT DRESS. Afossrs A. S. Elwnrthy and D. Gould’s b g by Nightinarch—Ball Dress, syrs, 8.13, car. 8.6 (AJ. Billington) 1 3- Wine Card. Air ■). B. Pearson's b m, 6yrs, 8.8, car. 8.1 (A. Stokes) 2 8-C—Gay Rebel: Hons. G. 11. Hunter ami P. C. Webb's hr n. 8,7 (11. W. Hibberd) ... ... 3

Also started; 7-7 Studlev Royal 9.0 (AI. N. Caddy), 4-4 Parquet 8.12 (P. Spratt), 5-5 Alount Val 8.5 (J. AV. Jennings), 1-1 The Wrecker 8.4 (A. Alesservy), 6-8 Silver Slipper 8.2 car. 7;ll (W. F.' Ellis). Betting: The Wrecker (393-319), Nightdress (229-266), Wine Card (198231), Parquet (159-231). AVou by a neck; three lengths. The Wrecker was fourth. Time, 2min 11 1JOHN GRIGG STAKES, £300; second 50, third 25. For two-year-olds. Colts and geldings 8.5, fillies 8.0. Four furlongs. 2- GOLD FLIGHT. Air D. AI. Tweedie’s ch f by Nigger Alinstrel—Francolin, 8.0 (P. Spratt) 1 1-I—Doria, Air E. Hay’s ch f, 8.0 (A. Alesservy) 2 5-s—Wild, Fox, trustees late Sir Ohas. Clifford’s hr f, 8.0 (C. T. AVjlson) 3 Also started: 4-4 Whiphand 8.5 (R. ■I. Alaekie) and Don’t Forget 8.5 (AI. N. Caddy) bracketed, 3-3 Shikari 8.5 (H. W. Hibberd). 6-6 Noko 8.5 (A. E. Didham) 7.7. Tatting 8.5 (J. W. .Joinings) 8-8 Sunny Queen 8.0 (W. F. Ellis). Betting: Doria (429-383). Gold Flight (328-276), Shikari (277-205), AVhiphand-Don’t Forget bracket (139195). AVon hy neck; three lengths. Don’t Forget was fourth. Time, 48 4PENSCROFT HACK HANDICAP. £120; second 12, third ,8. One mile. $ 6-6—PRUDENT PRINCE, Afcssrs H. and N. Barlow’s hr g, by Lord Quex—Squeeze. 3yrs, 7.13, car. 7.8 (C. Stokes) ... 1 1-I—Shanghai Lily, Air J. B, Pearson’s ch f, 4yrs, 7.8, car. 7.1 (A. Stokes) 2 12-10—Knight Commander, Air E. Gate’s hr g, 6vrs, 7.7, car. 7.Si (AI. N. Caddy) ... ... 3 Also started: 3-2 AVardrcss 9.9 (A. Alcsservv), 2-3 Great Swoop 8.11 (C. T. Wilson) .-5-5 AVaka 8.6 (A. E. Didham), 7-6 Captain Bruce 8.3 (J. W. Jennings), 11-11 Asia 8.1 (E. P. Finn), 9- Screamer 8.0 ear. 7.9 (AV. Connor), 10- Great Memory 7.13 car. 7.8 (ftl. Billington). 8-8 Lockit 7.8 car. 7-1 (D. R. Alaekie). 13-12 King Gustavo 7.8 car 7.1 (C. C. Ellis). 4-4 Benevolent, 7.7 (P. Spratt), 14-14 Sunnyland 7.7 (AI. Holland). Betting; Shanghai Lily (438-3031, Groat Swoop (267-287). AVardrcss (187293), Benevolent (155-222), Waka (111-146). AVon hy a head; length. Wardress was fourth. Time, Imin 41sec. SPRING HANDICAP, £150; second 25, third 10. Seven furlongs. 5- STRIP, Air E. N. Didham’s b g, by Valkyrian—Dismantle, syrs, 7.12, car. 7.7 (W. Connor) 1 3- —Gay Parade, Air E._ Christmas’s hr g, 4yrs, , 7.0, car. •» 7.6 (P. Spratt) ... 2 9-9—Spartan. Air E. Hay’s hr g. 4yrs. 7.0, car. 7.2 (A. Alesservy) 3 Also started: 30-11 Sovereign Lady 9.0 car. 8.7 (V. Barrington), 4-3 Dictate 8.13 (R. J. Alaekie). 11-10 Silver Streak 8.12 (H. AV. Hibberd). 6-6 Second Innings 8.8 (J. AV. Jennings), 1- Winning Rival 8.6 (C. T. Wilson), 2- Paper Note 8.5 (AI. N. Caddy), 12-13 Passafonn 8.3 car. 7.12 (AV.- F. Ellis), 33-12 Rabble 8.3 car. 7.10 (G. Fox), 8-8 Lady Leigh 8.0 car. 7.9. IC. Stokes). 7-7 Kilrobe 7.5 (A. Stokes), 14-14 Glenogil 7.1 car. 7.0 (C. Hepburn). . , Betting:. AVinning Rival (4(6-311), Paper Note (303-215)' Gay Parade (176-166), Dictate (125-203), Strip (118-159). ■ AVon by a head; two lengths. Glcnogil was fourth. Time, Imin 2i 2-ssec. RAKATA HARNESS TROT HANDICAP. £160; second 25. third 15. Class 3niin 3Ssec. One mile and a-half 2-2—SIEGE GUN, Air E. ADlntyro's b g by Alaxegin—Dark Stream, syrs, scr (D. C. Watts) ••• 1 4.3 Great Blaze, Air H. Steel’s ch c, 4vrs, scr (AI. B. Edwards) 2 3.4 Axspear, Mr T. Atkinson’s ch ■ c, 4yrs, scr (R. B. Berry) ... 3 Also started: 10-11 Shadow Queen scr, 5-5 Glenholme scr, 7-7 Allen AVrack scr, 9-0 Erin’s Lad scr, G-6 Bed Rock scr, 13-11 True Glow 12yds, 8-8 Taruna 12, 1-1 Accountant 12, 11-13 Otaua 24, 12-10 Smile Again 24. Betting: Accountant (625-398), Siege Gun (586-318). Axspear (254-224), Great Blaze (253-255), Glenholme (189158) AVon bv four lengths; length.- Glenholme was fourth. Times: 3min 22 l-ssec, 3in in 24scc, 3min 24 l-ssec. NOTES OH THE FIXTURE [By St. Clair.] Jewish Lad, who was slightly better favoured than Colonel Fre.neh for the County Hurdles, with the latter and Metal Bird were first over the initial hurdle, and going to the hack Colonel French and Jewish Lad were in charge from Courtyard and Aletal Bird. With six furlongs to go Courtyard and Bit o’ Blue ran up to Jewish Lad, Colonel French dropping back. Across the top Bit o’ Blue drew out and. was three lengths clear of Colonel French turning for home. Bit o’ Blue hit the last fence hard, and Colonel French headed him on landing, and won easily by nearly five lengths from Jewish Lad, who got nn to beat Bit o’ Blue a short length. Courtyard, four lengths away fourth, the others beaten off. Only two were withdrawn from the Novice Stakes, and it was run in divisions. but bad starts in each spoiled the chances of Palo Alto and Slumber in the first and John Em by. Turncoat, and Astronomer in the second race. In the first division Boloyna, who was a hot favourite, was smartest out and he led St. Cloud, Lord Alidas. and Dark Agnes into the straight. Boloyna was not seriously challenged in the run homo and won comfortably hy over two lengths from St. Cloud, who beat Lord Alidas .three lengths, then a big gap to Scold and Cymric. In the second division Blue Coat, Guspini, Phil, and Lady Don were the first to show out, and, with Blue Coat in charge, they ran across the top in close order. Blue Coat, Guspini. and Lady Don turned into the straight on even terms. At the distance Blue Coat drew out, but over the last 100yds he was strongly challenged hy Dinah Dhu and just lasted long enough to beat her a head. Ngaitama was three lengths away third, a head in front of Phil, and Lady Don was next. « « • • Club King, who was a strong favourite for the Selma Harness Handicap, starting from No. 2 berth, ran across the field when the tapes wore released and interfered with several. Brown Tap led through the straight from Aladkscot, Diviner, and Imperial Jade, and the quartet led a bunched field into the back. At the end of a mile Mackscot and Brown Top. with Diviner, t’ndaimicd, and Imperial

Jade. were the leaders, and racing across the top Marque and Club King moved up. This pair joined Brown Top on the turn into the straight, then Club King ran clear. Halfway down the running Passing By ran into second place, but he was unable to reach the favourite, who won easily by three lengths. Passing By broke a few strides from the post and Marqne got up to beat him half a length for second place. Diviner. Brown Top, Koliua, and Imperial Jade were close up next.. • • • • The Wrecker was nearly twice as well backed as Night Dress for the Ashburton Handicap. Gay Rebel and NightDress were the first to begin, but passing the mile post The Wrecker was closely attended bt Silver Slipper, and this pair led along the back from Gay Rebel, and Night Dress, who were also racing together. They ran round the far turn and across the top in that order. The Wrecker and Silver Slipper were first into the straight from Night Dress, Gay Rebel, and Mount Val. the distance the favourite was beaten, and Night Dress took charge shortly afterwards. Then Wine Card put in a late fast run and only failed by a neck to reach Night Dress. Gay Rebel was three lengths away third, with The Wrecker and Mount Val next. Stndley Royal was last. Dona was sent out about £SO bettor fancied'than Gold Flight for the John Origg Stakes, the latter starting from next the outside and was slow to jump away. Whiphand and Moko were the first to show from Shikari and the fav\ ourite. Doria had to be ridden hard from the first furlong to join . Whiphand and Moko. These three turned into the straight on even terms two lengths in* front of Gold Flight. The latter joined Doria just inside the distance, and in a good struggle to Aho post beat the favourite a neck. Vtild Fox was three lengths away third, with another three lengths to Don’t Forget and Shikari. Shanghai Lily was much better fancied than Great Swoop for the Penscroft Hack Handicap, but in another ragged despatch was badly left, ami liockit was another that also suffered. Waka was the first to show out, and was followed along the hack by Screamer, Great Swoop, and U ardress. After rounding the far turn both the, favourite and Lockit made up lost ground Waka was first into the straight from Screamer. King Gustavo, Wardress, Great Swoop, and Prudent Prince. The last named took charge at the distance, where Knight Commander appeared on the scone. Over the last lOOvds Shanghai Lily put m a great run'', but just failed to reach Prudent Prince by a head. Knight Commander was a'length away third, then V ardress and Lockit. * * * • Winnhm Rival was much better fancied than" either Paper Note or Gay Parade for the Spring Handicap. Second Innings and Kilrobo (wearing; a hood) were responsible for a long aelay at the barrier, and when it was released Silver Streak Ladv Leigh, and Kilrobo wore badly left. Gay Parade and Strip were the smartest to jump out, and they led along the back from Spartan, Second Linings, and Glenogil. Roundinir the far turn and across the top Gay' Parade and Strip, racing together, wore just clear from Glenogil ami Spartan (also together) ami Kilrobc and the favourite. Strip and Gay Parade were still together turning for home, with Spartan and Glenogil next In a great run to the post Strip beat Gav Parade a head, with Spartan two lengths awav third : then close nn Glenogil, Lady Leigh, and Winning Rival. " * * * * Accountant was only a few pounds better fancied than Siege Gun for the Rakaia ‘ Harness Handicap, this pair carrvino- more than half the pool on the win totalisator. Great Blaze. Axspear, and Siege Gun led through the straight, ami going to the back Great Blaze was closelv followed by Otaua. Glenholme, and Allen Wrack. At the far turn Glenholme was in charge, and led across the top from Otaua. Axspear, Siege Gun. and Great Blaze. On Hie turn for home Siege Gun shot to the front and won verv easily by four lengths from Great Blaze, who heat Axsneawa length. Glenholme. Allen M rack. Shadow Queen, and Accountant were next.