Surf Notes

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 105, 25 July 1927, Page 6

Surf Notes

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“EARLY BIRD”

Returning Home H. Wiggins, according to Melbourne papers, was likely to remain there some time, but Wiggins cabled “The Watcher” on Friday stating that he was returning to ride at the Grand National meeting, and will arrive at Auckland on August 2. English Youngsters S. J. Reid sprinted his two English fillies, Skybird 11. and Black Eye Sue, with the Leighton—Exclusive juvenile down the straight of the six furlongs course at Trentham on Thursday. Both the English Allies should gallop fast when started in the spring, for they are showing a good deal of promise. Merry Mint’s Programme Merry Mint, whom Mr. L. Clare sent over to Sydney in charge of J. M. Cameron, will have his Arst race at the A..T.C. Warwick Farm meeting in the HobartvUle Stakes, a seven-furlong race for three-year olds (colts and geldings 8.10, Allies 8.5). An effort will be made by Cameron on arrival in Sydney to secure the services of •T. Pike for Merry Mint in the A.J.C. Derby. Back in Work Jemidar has rejoined J. Gage Williams’s active brigade at Trentham. The three-year-old has been a disappointment, and although he has thickened out during his spell, his Appearance is still disappointing. He looks in great health. Smart Trial The best gallop of the morning at Riccarton on Thursday was put up by Magna Charta, who with well over 10.0 beat Satrap and Arikiwai, with lightweights up, over six furlongs in lmin 18sec. His rider never had to move on him. Out of Form Starting at an outside price in the Lawn Handicap, six furlongs, in a Aeld of 22 on Grand National Steeplechase day at Flemington, Tommy Dodd, 8.9, finished in ninth place in the hands of the crack horseman, F. Dempsey. Another New Zealander in Tea Bell, who was at a shorter outside price than Tommy Dodd, ran absolutely last. The race was won by Mr. E. A. Connolly’s imported English gelding Herilda, by Llangibby—La Melba, Ave years, who started Arst in order of selection and won by half a length. The top weight was Lady Thrill, 9.2. Picking the Winner Lord Derby’s speech at the Press Club lunch prior to Derby Day did not suggest he is a man who is ever carried away by trainers’ or jockeys’ opinions, likewise he had a shot at some of the “news” appearing in papers. He said that though it was printed that he regarded Sickle as being as good as Sansovino, he had never in his wildest moments thought anything of the kind. Lord Derby then continued: “The horse is very At and well; so is every other horse in the race. The owner is satisAed and thoroughly confident; ditto for every other owner. (Laughter.) The trainer is completely satisAed; ditto for every other trainer. The jockeys also are very pleased with their respective mounts. Nothing could be better They are all pleased—even Donoghue is pleased with his mount. I candidly confess, after what Donoghue said last year, I prefer him as a jockey to a tipster. I sincerely hope that the best horse will win. and I sincerely hope that the best horse may prove to be mine.”

Successful Remedy An old-fashioned remedy, though accidentally applied, was responsible for the recovery of the 14.1 pony Exit, who won at Rosebery recently, after she had been given up as incurable by most of the veterinary surgeons in Sydney. A couple of years ago Exit was a consistent winner on the pony tracks, but she developed an illness which threatened to dispose of her, says a Sydney writer. She broke out in lumps, and was treated unavailingly. On being taken to the Sydney University for examination, her trainer was told that she was suffering from a form of cancer, and little hope could be held out for her. Mr. W. J. Miller, the Randwick veterinary surgeon, expressed the opinion that the best thing to do would be to bleed her. and turn her out in the paddocks. This was done, and during the holiday leeches attached themselves to the mare. The blood-sucking that followed had a remarkable effect. The disease disappeared. and Exit was At for another preparation. She rewarded the patience of her connections by winning the Fourteen-one Handicap in good style, and clearly demonstrated that her days of usefulness are not at an end. Pakuranga Hunt Meeting

Entries for the annual race meeting of the Pakuranga Hunt Club, to be held at Ellerslie on Saturday, August 20, close at 5 o’clock on Friday afternoon with Mr. W. S. Spence. Gisborne Races

These come up for decision on Thursday and Saturday next. Excellent acceptances have been received for the opening day.

Eve of The Nationals The Christchurch Hunt meeting is to be held at Riccarton on Saturday next. Many National candidates are engaged. The Grand National Axture opens 10 days later. Peter Maxwell Favourite In the South Peter Maxwell is already a decided favourite for the Grand National Steeplechase. Wharncliffe is the most discussed horse in the big hurdle race at Riccarton. Epitaph’s Daughter H. Telford has the Paper Money— Epitaph Ally fairly well forward. She was sprinted last week, but a better track is awaited before seriously testing her. She has, however, shown enough to indicate that she possesses a good measure of the family speed and she should pick up an early stake. The Ally will race under the name of Endorse, and she created a favourable impression when paraded at Trentham during the races. For Small Bettors Enlarging on the 10s totalisator at Trentham, “Vedette” declares that its success exploded once and for all the fallacy of those clubs who rigidly adhere to the £1 minimum. Inquiries made reveal that there is no technical reason why a certain number of 10s windows on any totalisator, manual or electrical, cannot be provided. In these days of restricted spending money, racing clubs are acting against their own interests in not providing facilities for half-sovereign investors. That is the considered opinion of a very experienced officia'.'. of the Wellington Racing Club.