THE TURF BROOKBY SONG FAVOURED IN GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE

Grey River Argus, 6 August 1948, Page 2

THE TURF BROOKBY SONG FAVOURED IN GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE

Broie Winter Cup Fancy One of the smallest fields in vears will go to the post in the Grand National Steeplechase, the big jumping event of the season, which will be decided at Riccarton to-mor-row. With Master Meruit indefinite and High Morale under a cloud, Brookby Song is assured of favouritism. ' His was a better effort in the Homeby than he is given credit for, as besides being his first run over the Riccarton country, the journey did not provide him with the opportunity of making use of his superb staying powers. If Master Meruit goes'do the post he will have an army of supporters. His trainer, Wallace Young, is recognised as one of the best in the country with an unsound horse, and if his charge takes his place in the field, it can be taken for granted Master Meruit will be well enough within himself to see the ordeal through. Page’s Raid is no stranger to the country, and his best performances have been recorded at headquarters. Such a good jumper is never without a chance. Arabian Night would appear to hold Lisheen safe. It is in his favour that lie is a good jumper, and no journey too far for him. After his good second at the Hunt meeting, Eleanor Star has advanced in favour. A proved fencer, the southerner has a good record this season. He appeals as one most likely to offer most opposition to the topweight. Of those on the minimum High Morale should make the not well with him after his Homeby best showing, if produced. All was win, and at the time of writing a decision had not been reached as to whether he would take his place in the field. Although the field will be small on the day, the Grand National Steeplechase should prove to be an interesting race, with Brookby Song, Eleanor Star and Page’s Raid among those favoured. As usual the Winter Cup provides a problem for investors. Howe, second last year, will not have Soneri to contend with on this occasion. The long Riccarton straight suits the Defoe horse, and he should prove one of the hardest to beat. On the strength of his Brabazon run Da Vinci will have many friends. He has the ability, and a mile suits him. Super Flight, Fortune’s Smile, Lexia and Distinction l have all proved their ability over the distance. Either of this quartette would only have to have a little luck in the running to be on hand at the finish. Nothing raced better at Trentham than Broie. He is reported to have done well since, and if the big prize comes to the South Island, the Broiefort gelding appears to be the most likely to bring it off. It is expected that Wonder Boy will make a good showing on the firmer Riccarton turf. He was third, finishing on over seven furlongs at Trentham to Lyn Vaals and Super Flight, a good performance. Aganev was responsible for a smooth performance in winning her division of the Brabazon. At one stage good judges predicted that the Salmagundi mare would win a major handicap, and she now appears to be on the way to vindicating the good opinions formed of her. Taking recent form as a guide, a trio likely to give a good account of themselves are Broie, Howe and Aganev. Heavy frosts over the last few davs have kept the Riccarton course soft, and the going to-morrow is likely to be on the easy side. Prospects are:—Enfield Hack Steeplechase: Snowline. Hughsotis. Ringscarf. Cashmere Plate: Ist. Div.—Conclusion, Pedas; 2nd. Div. —Chord, Eulogise; 3rd. Div. —Corofin, All Alone. Jumpers’ Flat: Boolamskee, Wee Mac, Corineus. Pa.parua Handicap: Lord Elgin, Ballinaeh, Leigh Barton. N.Z. Grand National Steeplechase: Brookby Song, Eleanor Star, Page’s Raid. Trial Hack Hurdles: St. Simper, Roman Duke, Grand Coulee. Winter Cup: Broie, Howe, Aganev.

Avonhead Handicap: Ist. Div.— Rival Chase. The Rip; Moneylender; 2nd. Div.—Night Owl, Coral Arc, Mr Buzz.

Gaiety Should Continue Winning way at Hawke’s Bay The Hawke’s Bay and Dannevirke Hunt Clubs’ combined meeting will be held at Napier to-morrow, when under the win and place system of betting the following runners may show up:— Braehead Hack Hurdles: Kelmont, Khadim, Whiphand. Okawa Maiden: Village, Divided, Green Light. Russell Memorial Cup Steeples: Gaiety, Te Aki, Genero. Awanui Hack: Master Moti, Golden Hope. Lord Latour. Soutra Hunters’ Flat: Magnus Lux, Denny’s Gift. Old Mack. Tikokino Handicap: Carnegie, Sir Roval, Black Beret. Omarunui Hack No. 1: La Bian, Our Dave, Snow Saint. Omarunui Hack No. 2: Master Rich, Salut d’Amour, Battle Spear. greymouthTc? DISTRICT COMMITTEE At a meeting of the Greymouth Jockey Club District Committee there were present Messrs J. W. Hannan (chairman), T. E. Coates, A. J. Wilson, C. L. Kettle and J. B. Aiuld. The Racing Conference advised have been granted: M. Conza (conthat the following trainers’ licences ditional), W. K. Leader (provisional), J. C. McClure, W. J. McKendry, A. Sager, T. A. Silva, T. I. Smith, J. Stewart, C. J. Walsh. Jockeys’ licences have been granted to the following: H. M. Conza (conditional), W. K. Leader, H. H. Phillips, A. Sager; and apprentice jockeys, A. T. Campbell and R. J. Frame.

It. was decided to advise the Taranaki District Committee that the Greymouth Committee has no obieclion to the granting of a trainer’s licence to H. G. Furness, formerly of Greymouth. It was decided to approve Reefton J.C. programme, providing for £ll6O >n stakes, and also a change of the plub’s date for its meeting from the 21st to the 4th of September. Westport J.C. programme for September 11 and 13, with £2460 in stakes was also approved. Reefton Club requested that the District Committee circularise all clubs other than metropolitan clubs, seeking concerted action to secure an increase in the totalisator rebate over the present maximum of £5OO. It was decided to circularise the clubs, as suggested, but to point out to Reefton Club that the point it was making was stressed by the Gaming Commission in its report, and was later accepted by the Racing Conference.

At a meeting of the Greymouth J.C. five new members were proposed, and the resignations were received with regret of Messrs W? S. Clarke and A. Searle, who are leaving the district.

It was decided to meet the Greymouth Motor Cvcle Club to discuss details of the latter’s request for permission to prepare a track on, the river beach adjoining the racecouse, the request being favourably received.