SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1921, Page 3

SPORTING.

SPLIT AMONGST BOOKMAKERS. INTRODUCING THE "TOTE” SYSTEM. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 20, 5.5 p.m. London, July 19. The Evening Standard, discussing a syndicate formed by four leading bookmakers with the object of introducing tte totalisator system, points out that the project is meeting with opposition from other bookmakers, and adds that if the ungenerous methods of the protesting bookmakers have disgusted the public to such an extent that they turn to the totalisator system, the bookmakers have only themselves to blame. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GISBORNE RE-HANDICAPS.

’ Bi Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Silent Dick has been re-handicapped to carry 10.10 in tho Gisborne Steeplechase and 11.8 In the Tramway Steeples. TURF TOPICS. (By “Moturoa.”) The South Canterbury Hunt Club meeting, which takes place on Saturday, should shed a little more light on the Grand National meeting, tte minor events in particular. Amongst those engaged in the steeplechases are Manawaponga. Gang Awa’, Luperino, Jack Symons, Barrister, Zarkoma and Hard Hit, practically all of which are likely to be seen out at Riccarton next month, as well as flat performers such as Some Kid, Jock, Thistle- | crown. Bellshire, and Wrestler, and the j hunters Dardanelles, Fire Eater, Fairy Finn, i Tidal Wave, Claverhouse and Bellrock, and j their running will be keenly observed in view iof bigger forthcoming events. It is a pity' I that Sileni Dick was not engaged, as he Is in I such fine form at present that ko might have • "cleaned up” the best of them down south. < The outstanding feature of the Wellington i meeting was Coalition’s fine victory In the ; big steeplechase. He carried his 12st 111 b • apparently without effort, and though possi- • bly his task was rendered easier through i Sturdee falling and Master Strowan running i off, still, it appeared as If he would have j won under any circumstances. To win a | Grand National, Great Northern, Wanganui, I and Wellington Steeplechase Is an unparall- | eled record, and stamps. tho Patronus gelding as tho most successful (if not actually the greatest) jumper ever produced in New Zealand. With only the maximum of 12st. 71b. to carry in tho Grand National next month his prospects of adding to his already fine score appear very bright. Should he win the race again this year ho will equal tte double victory of Mutiny (1895-96), though The’ Agent, who won in 1879, 1880, and 1884 still holds the record of wins. Mattock was one of the unfortunates In the Wellington Steeplechase, and but for interference must have finished second. Five furlongs from home he cable with a rattle, cutting down Omahu, and ranging alongside Luke. The latter swung across at the next fence, cannoning into Mattock and almost knocking him off his feet. As it was, Mat-

tock landed on all fours, stopping stone dead, while Tricklebank was thrown on to the horse’s head, then under its neck, and by the time he had struggled back into the saddle Goalltlon, Luke and Omahu had gained a big break on him, and the best he could do was to finish fourth. Mattock is not to be sent south to tho Grand National meeting, but wIH contest minor jumping events In the spring. Demagogue was produced on the Second day of tho Wellington meeting, and, as anticipated, was made a warm favorite, but he ran much below expectations, finishing fifth. First day’s form worked out well, Dick, who only went under by a head to Hyttus in the Vittoria Hurdles, winning nicely at the right end from the unlucky To Oro. Hyttus was scratched. Another "Dick,” Silent Dick, won the next jumping event on the programme, the Second Hack Steeples, but thj£ time he was not allowed to pay any fancy price, being sent out first favorite, a position in the betting that was fully justified. The Taranaki horse could not go slow enough for bls opponents, and the race was all over (barring accidents) a long way from home. * Tari. who won In hollow fashion on the first day, was the choice in the Liverpool Handicap, but was never sighted, tte winner turning up in that sterling sprinter Mustard Pot, who carried his big weight homo in earnest possible fashion, a bare length In front of Weldone. Another first day winner to let the public down was Arch Salute, who was sent out a very warm order in the Winter Oats Haridl-. cap, but succumbed after a bitter struggle to Miss Muriel and Kareao. The latter’s chance looked as good as any at the distance, and W. Pino tandled her well, but Miss Muriel finished best under pressure. The winner IS a five-year-old mare by Lucullus— Lady Bobs, and carries the colors, of Mr. R. Acton Adams. She has 10.3 in the Winter Cup, and is sum to be amongst, the shortpriced division. Anofher warriK favorite that could only gain third place ivas Sea Do’il, who was voted unbeatable in the Final Hurdles. Sea De’H was worried by Gladful for a mile, and cracked up, but the older ’inrse had to bo. kept doing his best to reach the winning post before Penury Rose. The latter is one of the most promising young hurdlers unearthed this winter, and should not be overlooked in the Grand National Hurdles.