ABOUT HORSES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 October 1939, Page 9

ABOUT HORSES

AUSSIE RA IN SPLENDID ORDER. According to a New Plymouth report, P. Johnson has Aussie Ra in splendid order at present. Though he is not being allotted any hard tasks, the gelding is doing plenty of solid work. No definite plans have been made for him but it is probable that he will be figuring among the nominations for the hurdle events at Trentham next month. Since resuming racing at Waverley last Labour Day, Aussie Ra has won three races, besides being second in the Grand National Hurdles and third in the Wellington Cup.

It is reported that The Bigot has not been cured of his tendency to ''swerve about in a race by adding winkers to his gear. It is rather amusing to think that placing a blind over a blind eye would stop a horse from swerving. It is the sound and not the lack of sight that causes a swerve when other horses are galloping in the vicinity. Plugging the ears might reduce the cause of swerving. Some years ago the imported horse Saxby, blind in one eye, was brought to Wingatui to race. In a gallop with Lady Links, the dam of Kinnoull, he cleared right away from her and galloped straight when on his own. In the actual race Lady Links won and Saxby was never in the hunt, because he would not gallop in a crowd.

Sleeveless, who is making her name as a smart three-year-old, is the last

foal of her dam, Chivalry, who is by Gay Lad from Lady Talbot, by Pilgrim’s Progress —Lady Lilian, by Phaeton —Lady Zetland. Lady Lilian produced Lady Victoria, dam of the New Zealand Cup winner, Royal Star, and Lady Minerva, dam of the Auckland Cup winner, Minerval. It is, therefore, not surprising that Sleeveless, in addition to possessing pace, can also run on well.

It was only a few weeks ago that an announcement was made in the south that Lady Leigh had boon retired to.the stud, but she was back under colours at Geraldine last week and was winner of the open sprint on Saturday. She pulled up lame, but is to be persevered with as a racing proposition for at least another season. The Gallant Fox gelding Foxlove is again amongst the active list at Invercargill. Bay Duke-is reported to be training on nicely at Riverton and showing a return of former brilliancy. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A.J.C. DERBY RECORD. “Interested," Carterton: (1) The M’Lean Stakes was originally known as the Dunedin Stakes, but renamed to commemorate the name of Sir George M'Lean, who was president of the Dunedin Jockey Club for many years. As the Dunedin Stakes it was first run in 1908, and was won by Aema, by Stepniak. The race was never won by I Sir George M'Lean. (2) The Dunedin Guineas was first established in 1913, and was won by Ogier. Horses owned by Sir George Clifl’brd won it six times, and by Sir Chal’les Clifford three times. No winner of tlic Dunedin Guineas has ever won the New Zealand Cup. “Curios” Greytown: In 1918 New Zealand-owned horses, Gloaming, Fmmark, and Kilmoon, filled the first three places in the A.J.C. Derby, ano in 1905 the late Mr G. G. Stead’s pair, Noctuiform and Sun God, finished first and second. During the past 10 years the following New Zealand horses have won this classic: Phai Lap (1929) and Homer (dead-heat with Allunga, 1935). In Saturday’s race Do-minion-bred horses finished second, third, fourth, and fifth.

“A.E.8.”, Masterton: Phar Lap holds the race record for the A.J.C. Derby at 2min 31]sec. Noctuiform set a record in 1905 when he won in 2min 32|sec, and it stood until Salitros won in 2min 32 sec in 1920. Phar Lap put up his record in 1929.