SPORTING NOTES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10687, 6 August 1912, Page 5

SPORTING NOTES

(By "Also Started.") " FIXTURES. August 13, 15 and 17.—C.J.C. Grand National. August 29. —Amberley Steeplechase Club. -rjpi. i and 5.-—Martc.n J.C. Sept. 11.—Dannevirke R.C. Sept. 17 and 13.—Arfiburton County R.C. Sept. 23 and 24. —Otaki Maori R.C. Scmt. 21, 23 and 28.—Avondale J.C. > Sept. 20 and 27. —Geraldine R.C. Sept. 20 and 28. —Wanganui R.C.

J. Grvestock left for Riccarton yesterday in charge of Sir Lethe, Ned■ra, and Miss Gibbs. The former is very well, and has come through a capital preparation. His trainer is very confident that the Lethe gelding' will give a good account of himself in the big event at Riccarton. Nedra, who is engaged in the minor jumping events is also very well, and should earn a winning bracket before returning. iMiss Gibbs is engaged in the hunters' events.

Nat Williams left on Saturday with Lcapuki, who, amongst other engagements, will be a starter in the Winter Cup. Mr Halley's gelding has been at a very short price for some time for the Winter Cup. C. Price, the Foxton horseman, will have the mount on Leapuki. Bally Shannon will not be taken south, as owing to the bad state of the tracks at Opaki. his trainer has not been able to give him sufficient schooling. The Merriwee gelding will be kept going is view of early spring engagements. <

Even in this enlightened twentieth century, one still hears of superstition amongst people who are sportingly inclined. The latest in this direction is the backing of the Spaniard at very long odds for the Grand National Steeplechase' on the .strength of a dream. It is rather a pity that the dreamer did not select something better than the Spaniard as the medium for his plunge. Good judges won't hear of Continuance being beaten in the National Steeplechase. The jumping essays of the Gisborne crack since his arrival at Riccarton have greatly pleased the track watchers.

JITGOARTOX TRAINING NOTES ORRTSTGHURCH, Last Night.

The rain and snow which fell on Saturday had rendered the tracks in r, very sloppy condition, and the severe frost experienced this morning made fast work practically impossible. Several horses were indulged in steady work in the centre of the ooi'vfc, 'l>ut the majority were given walking exercise. T'ho National candidate Antarctic was on the course, hut seemed a trifle sore. Some interesting gallops should lie witnessed to-morrow morning, if the weather keeps fine.