SPORTING.

Shannon News, 10 August 1923, Page 3

SPORTING.

The C.J.C. Grand National meeting, which 'takes pi|ace 'at on August 14, *i6 and 18, is the all absorbing topic in sporting circles just now. Quite a number of Well informed ori/tics have already picked the elusive treble, -and judging from all one hears the problem would appear easy of solution. However,- when the successful horses are wired through on the day of the races there will probably be another story to tell. The three big events bear an open appearance, and those speculators who succeed in unearthing the respective winners should be w'ell repaid for their judgment. The tracks at Riccarton are reported to be in a very heavy condition and trainers -are experiencing great difficulty In working their charges. This state of affairs will be. all in favour of those horses that have been racing frequently of late. . The Auckland hunter Hoke-mai has been allotted top weight (11.13) in the Hunters’ Hurdles on the first day of the Grand National meeting. , Blue Socks has been allowed to drop out of the Grand National Hurdle Race, but he is likely to run in minor events at the gathering, in which he will not lack support as a result of (his mieritorioius -defeat of First Rom on the second day at Trenthano. At Foxton, Trainer A. M. Wright has been putting the finishing touches on First Line, Rouen and Nuku-mai ■for thei-r -Riccarton contests- The trio are wdl night cherry ripe, and should strip well on the days that they are granted l to race. Inhere is nothing amiss with Dick, wbe wttl carry Mr J. 3. Corry’s colours in the Grand National Steeplechase. A success fo-r the Gluten gelding would be very popularly received ih Marlborough, where the horses owner is a much esteemed personality. A horse that -may effect a surprise in the Winter Cup is Martulla (Martian— I Tortulla), who is just the sort to see out a strenuous mile race. The “house full” sign is floating over the establishment of It. Goqseman at Hastings, the) veteran having nine pupils studying under him at P imring the past season Joy Ride started on 21 occasions, winning seven races and gaining minor places five times- Four of his victories were recorded at Trentham. Improvements to the course- at Awapuini are at -present being carried out bv the Manawatu Racing Club. These include -a new stand fo-r patrons of the outside enclosure. This structure will be ISfc feet long by 40 feet deep. The building will be roofed in and the foundations and- retaining walls will be of sufficient strength *° perrmit of the adding of a further storey if necessary in the future. . ' There are thirteen acceptors for the Australian Steeples, none of which are New Zealanders. •