TRACK & STABLE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20119, 13 December 1939, Page 9

TRACK & STABLE

j CUP CANDIDATE LINES OF THE CARDINAL IS BRED TO STAY J BEAUPARTIR WON WELL By “Trenton” The Cardinal made a deep impression when he won the Avondale Cup, lj miles, in September with a brilliant finishing run from the rear, lor that was his first start after leaving maiden ranks. In one appearance since he failed to justify his favouritism in the Mitchelson Cup and as a result was not taken on to the New Zealand Cup, but his connections are satisfied that the best was not seen of him that day, and they have since taken him along quietly with the Auckland Cup in view. Now four years old, he is a chestnut son of Night Raid (sire of Phar Lap and Nightmarch), and his dam is the Clarenceaux —Judith mare Palestrina, a good middle-distance performer and from the same family as Wotan (Melbourne Cup), Peter Jackson, Gaine Carrington (Caulfield Cup in record time), and Menelaus (New Zealand Cup). There is very similar (blood in Palestrina to what there is in Wotan, Menelaus, etc., as Judith was toy Martian (sire of Menelaus and sire of the dams of Wotan, Peter Jackson, and Gaine Carrington), and this combined with Night Raid is as fine staying breeding as one could desire. Track To Suit The heavy condition of the track at Woodville on Monday allowed die noted mudlark Kena to completely reverse his first day’s form. He should not be long in notching another win if he strikes track conditions to his liking. Cup Favourite Wins Although the heavy track at Woodville was all against Beaupartir, who prefers firm going, he won easily with something in hand. The class opposed to him was not the best, but it appears that he will strip a very fit horse for the Auckland Cup, for which event he is the favourite. Worth RememberingRussian Ballet pulled very hard in die Gothard Handicap at Woodville for seven furlongs, making all the pace. However, she could not finish, but is very well and looks a good prospect for a race over the holidays. A Tempting Figure An English exchange reports that the Aga Khan turned down an offer of £50,000 for Bahram, winner of the Two Thousand, Derby, and St. Leger Stakes in 1935. /Though it was reported some weeks ago that the Aga Khan intends disposing of his stud, it would appear that he has no intention of doing so at bargain sale prices. Tiderace Filly Oragon, who finished third in the Nursery Handicap on the first day al Woodville, is owned by Mr. T. H Lowry and trained by Mrs. A. McDonald. She is by Tiderace from Oreum, by King John from Desert Gold. Those who have seen this filly working have formed a high opinion of her.

Llangollen Is Well Ever since she resumed racing in the early spring, Llangollen has never gone a bad race, despite the fact that she has not won. All her efforts have ben confined to sprinting, but next week she is to take on the Te Awamutu Cup. This fine galloper is well seasoned now, and with this race and longer work-outs since she last raced at Te Rapa, she should strip as fit as anything in the Auckland Cup field. She won the Herries Cup over 11 furlongs at Te Aroha last February, and while there may be a doubt about her at two miles, she has a nice disposition and is an easy mount. She has come into favour in knowledgable quarters for her Ellerslie engagements since the handicaps were released.

Smart Sprinters

Among the sprinters who are likely to be seen in action ac Awapuni are Russian Ballet (a winner at Feilding), Globe Trotter (a winner at Trentham and Riccarton), Lord Cavendish, Ecstatic, Solaria, and promoted hacks in Night Eruption, Duncannon, and Jeanne. Over a furlong further on the middle day there are additions to the list in Old Bill, Alunga, Alchemic (who has been at the stud for three seasons), and a number of horses who figure in the nine furlongs Grand Stand Handicap on the first day. Back at six furlongs on the final day, newcomers include Florence Mills and Tableau, who are engaged on only the one day at the meeting.

Death of Mr. .T. Malier The death occurred at Palmerston North of Mr. John Maher, a former well-known trainer, and father of Mrs. A. W. McDonald, Awa’puni's one lady horse-trainer.

Born in Christchurch 82 years ago, Mr. Maher came to the North Island at the age of 30, and was engaged for some years breaking in horses on Hawke’s Bay stations. His first active interest in racing came through his ability as a crosscountry rider, but he eventually took up the training of racehorses, and owners with whom he was associated included Messrs. Spencer Gollan, G. P. Donnelly, W. J. Douglas, G. Ormond, Captain Russell and Dr. Reid. Some of the better-known horses ho had under his Charge included Moifaa, who later went Home to win the English Grand National Steeplechase, and Dreamland and Derry, on behalf of Dr. Reid. He also owned and raced horses himself with considerable success, Prospector and Defeat being good performers in his colours.

For the last 12 years Mr. Maher had lived in retirement with his daughter in Palmerston North. He was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of Captain Douglas, of Hawke’s Bay, and his second wife a daughter of Mr. J. R. Spicer, of Upper Riccarton, Christchurch. There are three daughters, all of the first marriage, IMrs. A. Cunninghame, Wellington, Mrs. A. W. McDonald, Awapuni, and Miss D. Maher, Awapuni,