TURF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3990, 24 July 1915, Page 7

TURF.

(JRA ND NA'□ ONA L ACCEPTANCE CPEESS ASSOCIATION TELKCIIAM.) CHRISTCHURCH. July 23. In consequence of the interruption oi postal communication with the North Island, acceptances for the Grand National Steeplechase, Grand National Hurdle Race, and Winter Cup, and general entries for the Grand National Meeting, which, were to have closed at 9 p.m., have been postponed till noon to-morrow.

On Thursday morning at the Park Rnapani and Birkline galloped a mile on the course proper out of the har-

rier. The former led slightly for a couple of furlongs when his companion joined him. After passing the halfmile post Rnapani went away from the Birkenhead gelding and had about three lengths to the good entering the straight, where' the latter closed up, hut failed to catch the grey hy about three-parts of a length, run in 1.45 4-5. There was a good difference in tile weights of the two riders, Birkline’s jockey (10.0) lining about a stone heavier than the rider of Ruapani (9.0). Considering the state ol . the ground the gallop was a good one, in which Birkline showed to most advantage. A number of local horses leave hy the boat on Sunday for Christchurch to take part at the National gathering. Toki is to ha. taken- south on Sunday to compete at Christchurch. The Multifid horse lias freshened up again and is galloping well, and will take some beating in the hack events. Braiisfield and Eternity, trained by J. Gravestoek at Carterton, are reported to be a pair of splendid jumpers, the latter especially. The .pair have been schooled by Gray on the Opaki course, when 1 they have given splendid exhibitions of jumping. Good money is going in on Fortify for the Winter Cup and no is one of the favorites. Hi.s last win was m the Railway Handicap, six furlongs, at Otaki on June 4, when lie gave the field several lengths start and then heat them hy the same distance. He will have a different class of horses to meet in the Winter Cup. it is thought by some persons that in awarding Chortle 12.7 in the Grand National Hurdle Race, Mr Henrys was somewhat harsh on the Multifid gelding. says ‘‘Sir Geraint.” There is an impression that there was a maximum weight in the Hurdle Race the same as in the Steeplechase, but that is not so. For such a solid performer Chortle’s weight is not an impossible one. When Record Reign went to Ricearton lie had never competed in a hurdle race. In the Maiden Hurdle Race lie carried 12.12 to victory. In the Grand National Hurdles he carried the same impost, which included a 71b penalty. Record Reign was not as good a performer on the flat as Chortle. The latter has also a hurdle race to his credit. He did not win by lengths, but by a furlong. The writer cannot- agree with these critics who are of opinion that Chortle got more weight than he was entitled to.