SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1921, Page 3

SPORTING.

RACING IN AUSTRALIA. MELBOURNE NATIONAL STEEPLES. By Teleyraoh.—Press Assn —Copyrlffbt. Received July 10, 5.5 p.m. Melbouome, July 10. The National Steeples resulted: —Mountain God 11.5 (Stan Reid) 1, Woolloo 10.0 (C. Boyd)- 2. Doiran 10.9 (Mooney) 3. Mountain God was first into the straight from Doiran, and going on. won with ease by two lengths from Woolloo. Doiran was four lengths away third. Time, 6min. 12%sec. —a record for the race. There were twelve starters. MOOREFIELD HANDICAP. Received July 10, 12.40 a.in. Sydney, July 10. The Moorefield Handicap resulted:—lnsurrection 1, Grans Park 2, October Beil 3. Won by a length. Time, 2min. 9%sec. TURF TOPICS. By "Moturoa.” A Wellington scribe states that the imported Tractor is already showing signs or tameness, and Mr. Harold Brown will be lucky if 1 he gets a race out of the English arlstoThe cables tell us that Hector Gray is already Incurring the displeasure of the “stooards” in England, which is unfortunate. One moment he is cautioned for not flogging his mount to a standstill, and the next is carpeted for making too much use of the whip! Gee! It. takes some following. Of course the lot of a visiting horse-man of the successful brand is not likely to be any happier than that of the John Hop who religiously does his "dcoty." There is no doubt that Gray is as good a horseman (if not better) as Carslake, Bullock and the rest, and his descent (or is it ascent?) on English soil is likely to be viewed with mixed feelings by those who are not fortunate to be on his side. One would not suggest that the leading riders on the other side would be openly hostile to Gray, but some of these autocratic “Dooks" and musty old Lords would be likely to go “rusty” when they found out that they didn't have the lack to retain the services of the dashing, fearless little New Zealander, and they would not be slow to And fault with his riding if their sweetest plans were upset. Possibly Gray will not remain long in England, but his admirers in Noo Zee hope that he will be long enough there to prove what a great horseman l:e really is. Last Saturday's V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race provided a great finish, and the public were not far astray in their sizing up of the event. Mscont (first) and Telecles (third) were equal favorites at latest advices, and Gold Coin, nho separated the pair was also well backed. Hie V.K.C. Grand National Steeplechase will ba run on Saturday next, and the favorite division includes Mountain Gold. Doiran, lolaus, Cotswold, Aquarock and Wool 00.