NOTES AND COMMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10611, 9 June 1920, Page 8

NOTES AND COMMENTS

(By “Carbine.”) Nccat-a, who won on the first day at Auckland, and ran third on the second day, is by Manianoto from Daisy Paul. Ho is a four-year-old gelding and carries the colours of Mr J. Bull. The recent performances of the Wellington Steeplechase winner, Crib, suggest that be has “come back. 1 ' Crib was operated on recently and had not been long in work again when he won on both the second and third day at Wingatui. In winning the Great Northern Hurdle Race and - the Great Northern Steeplechase, Lochella did whai, few horses haw© accomplished, Tire southerner beat some fair sorts in tho hurdles, but tho Steeplechase field was a weak one; in fact, neither field could be called strong. The most remarkable record in the northerns is that held by El Gallo, who won tbs big jumping double two years in succession. El Gallo was one of the best wo have had at -mixing with ’chasing, and it is likely that his record will stand for a long while. Lbchella may bo taken to Melbourne to try to win tho V.R.C. Grand Nationals. For the Hurdles he was weighted at 9.10, and for the Steeples 10.13. For both he has incurred penalties—7ibs for each. Lochella is a much better horse than he was a year ago when he won the New Zealand Grand National, but the extent of his improvement .could he arrived at w-ith much more certainty were he to meet some of New Zealand’s best horses oyer the big country. However, if he goes to Victoria ho may give the ’chasers there something to think about, and may even do what no other New Zealander has done—win the V.R.C. National.

The war adversely affected horsebreeding in Germany,- and, with a view to its revival, Count d’Agnel de Bourbon, Inspector-General of French Studs, recently made a special visit to that country. Few horsemen have come into prominence so rapidly as W. Bowden has in tho last few months, and none has more deserved to rise in favour. Bowden’s horsemanship has won some good races, but one of his best efforts was on Gaekwar when tho old Ghoorka gelding ran second at Otaki. Gaekwar had won on the opening day, but on tho second day his chances looked poor h a lf a milo from home. He was •well enough placed, but was going very badly. Bowden saw that ho could not beat Pawerewere, but he kept within striking. distance of Silent Dick, and, nursing his mount for a final run, crept gradually closer as the last hurdle was approached, and once over, that sat down and rode such a fine finish that be enabled Gaekwar’s supporters to collect a considerable proportion of their outlay. With ordinary horsemanship Gaekwar would not have been in a place. His victory on the first day was due largely to his rider, who also scored on The Digger, after riding a particular, ly well-judged finish. These sup cesses coming on top of his performances at Wanganui and Hawera make Bowden’s run a remarkablo one.

The W.A.T.C. (Perth) is encouraging additional two-year-old racing in West Australia. It has affirmed the desirability of continuing it right through the season, and has intimated to other clubs that a two-year-old race in their programme will be approved. Hitherto two-year-old racing 5n Perth has been confined .to W.A.T.C. meetings. Since tho stock of, Malster began racing they have, according to the figures compiled for “The Australasian Turf Register,” won £258,017 jn stakes. Malster first entered the winning sires’ list in the 1906-7 season. His stock continue to win races, and for the nine months -pf the present seaison he has been represented by 38 winners of 71 races, the stake earnings being £10,061. Since they commenced stud- duty in Australia, Linocre and Hie Welkin have been most successful. They each entered the winning sires’ list in 1913. arid from August Ist in that year until May 30th last Linacre’s stock have won stakes totalling £128,104, while the progeny of The Welkin have secured prize money amounting to £126,463.