SPORTING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 24 August 1907, Page 3

SPORTING.

By Probable. The recent Grand National meeting at Riccarton was marked with record success, both as regards fields, the class of jumping, and the, amount of totalisator money invested. It would be almost impossible to view better jumping than that witnessed in the two big Nationals —Hurdles and Steeples. Kaitere received a great ovation on returning to scale after the big cross-country event, in which he lumped 13.3 into third position. The most surprising display in this event was that of Needlework, who jumped faultlessly and was only beaten for the stake in the last furlong. It is doubtful if Jack Hall ever rode a better race in his life than he did on Eclair, and Hickey reaped the big stake on that account. Jack saved a lot of the distance by cutting the corners out, and even at the last fence it was well that Needlework did not hug the rails, otherwise Eclair may have been hustled off the jump. All credit to Hall and Hickey for landing the event. The latter has long persevered with Eclair, and a National was not out of turn.

Shrapnel was a fit horse when he won the hurdles, but I am of opinion, though the winner won easily in record time, Paritutu would have turned the tables oil him, had his connections been wise enough to have raced him in public over the battens prior to the big race. As it was, the son of Castor hit two or three fences very badly, which took much of the vim out of him. Idealist proved an easy winner of the Winter Cup Mile, though had Seaman got away faster he may have made the finish more interesting. Helen Cortland was not quite ready, but may gain a win at Wanganui. It is said Inglenuek’s win relieved the books of much cash at Wellington. Amongst the visitors at Riccarton was Mr Angus Keith, who by the way has. been re-appointed starter for the Taratahi-Carterton meeting. Eocal owners have not patronised the Marton meeting too freely, probably preferring to wait a week later for the Horowhenua fixture. I had a look at Mr Andrew Eaing’s Advance —Lass-o-’Gowrie colt the other day at Woodville. This youngster has filled out somewhat of late, and maybe when time comes for racing him he will win a stake or two, and thus withhold the reputation of his aristocratic parents. Idealist, winner of the Winter Cup, was purchased for 380 guineas at Tattersall’s, Christchurch, last Monday. The buyer was Mr Geo. Payne, late owner of Submarine. It is rumoured Idealist will join Dave Price’s team in Australia.' Wherever raced, Payne should not be long getting his purchase money back from Mr Ormond’s gelding, who can gallop very fast. Billy Young was just the class of horseman to ride a nag of Shrapnel’s peculiar temperament in the National, Perhaps the most patient and expert of our hurdle jocks., he sat as still as a rock on the Workman representative, allowing him to run his own race. And Shrapnel responded with world’s record time. Only three actual favourites won throughout the National ingCatchem cost Northern sports a lot ofmonej" when he failed in his hurdle events. This nag has a big track reputation, and possibly Leicester will catch a stake or two shortly with him. Canton was one of the best cuts of a fencer I have yet seen out at the meeting, and sports should keep an eye on him for future Nationals, as he has lots of pace, and can jump tpo.

The Late Harry Fairbrother. Not only those directly connected with the turf, but all with whom he came in contact, mourn the loss of Harry Fairbrother, who succumbed at Wellington Hospital last week, as a result of painful injuries received in the Jumpers’ Flat race accident at Trentham recently, Harry was one of the most popular and beloved of men in his profession, and his relatives will have slight consolation in their bereavement to know that general heartfelt sympathy went out to them at the announcement of his untimely end. Quite a gloom was cast over sport at Riccartcu, and all horsemen engaged at the meeting wore crepe, as a mark of respect. “Fairy” was one of our /most fearless and expert horsepien, and for years past had donnpd the pigskin with varied succtess. Amongst his most noteworthy victories may be mentioned thet Wanganui Steeples, in which he /steered Evening home as a winner/ while more recently he was connlected with the victories of Gold Dufet and Golden Comb over the obstacles. His funeral was one of tme largest ever seen in Hastings! while an unusually large number of artificial and floral wreaths ivere forwarded by friends from all Darts, who wished to mark their res pect for one of the most beloved £ ,nd cheerfully disposed of men—Hi irry Fairbrother. Through weeks of suffering, friends hoj >ed in vain, Praying for life, that was not to be ; And now/ we realise the sting of death agjain, We mourn, and pray “ Peace in Immortality.’’