TURF NEWS AND NOTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 May 1940, Page 3

TURF NEWS AND NOTES

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE I Big English Spring Double THRILLING AINTREE RACE (BY "THE GRAFTER.”) War did not slacken public interest in the big English spring double, the Lincolnshire Handicap and the Gram! National Steeplechase. On the contrary, for when the favourite Quartier Maitre, romped home in the Lincolnshire, the bookmakers were poorer by £160.000 and speculation on the Grand National became intensified. It was estimated that £500.000 was at stake on the second leg. Kilstar, the favourite, was replaced by Royal Danieli al a point shorter at the last moment. Fortunately for the bookmakers, the Grand National was won by the outsider Bogskar, owned by Lord Stalbridge, who bet sixpence on his horse. National Night, - riderless, accompanied the winner past the post, having contributed to the defeat of MacMoffatt, who also finished second in the race last year. Quartier Maitre gave G. Richards, the champion jockey, his first success in the Lincolnshire. It was a race of few outstanding features. Quartier Maitre was two lengths ahead of Uncle Archie at the finish, with Ticca Gari third, half a length behind. A furlong from the finish all three horses, with Time Step, had a good chance, but Quartier Maitre had the most pace.

The Grand National was a thrilling race and Bogskar was declared to have achieved one of the greatest performances of all time in winning it. His time, 9min 20 3-ssec. was only one-fifth of a second outside the record set by Golden Miller in 1934. There were 30 starters, and 17 of them completed the course. As Bogskar and MacMoffat dashed toward the last fence it was last year’s race all over again, except that it was Bogskar that was with MacMoffat. instead of Workman. They landed with only a neck between them and spectators held their breath during the last desperate tussle. Bogskar produced the stronger run and fully deserved his success. Macmoffat was hampered by a loose horse all the way from the Canal Turn, and it was his jockey’s opinion that but for this circumstance he would have won.

The third horse, Gold Arrow, ran magnificently, and at one time appeared likely to- bring off a surprise win. There was confidence in the fine Irish jumper, Royal Danieli. He was going well when he fell two fences from the finish and wrenched a shoulder muscle. Kilstar was a disappointment for the second consecutive year.

Bogskar was a lucky chance mount of Mervyn Jones, who was engaged because E. Foley had not completely recovered from a leg injury. Jones had never ridden over the Grand National course before. He is a sergeant in the Royal Air Force, and is 20 years old. He was taught to ride by his uncle. Ivor Anthony. Pahiatua Dates. The stewards of the Pahiatua Racing Chib have decided to apply for Friday and Saturday. December 13 and 14 next, as the dates for the annual meeting. If those dates are not available the club will apply for Saturday and Monday. January 25 and 27. Record Equalled. Spear Gold's Australian and New Zealand record of 53sec for four and a half furlongs, established in August. 1937, was equalled at the Newcastle meeting on April 23 by Enderby, a two-year-old colt by Salamagundi (imp.) from Alicia. Swordstick’s Efforts. It has been stated that Swordstick ran disappointingly in the Timaru Cup. Students of form would not require to search deeply for a reason. Wild Talk 7.6.7 won the Sockburn Handicap in Imin 50 3-ssec, with Swordstick 7.12 fourth. Swordstick 7.6 was second in the Great Autumn, in which Wild Talk did not start. Swordstick 8.9 was fourth in the Oamaru Cup behind Thermidor 9.0. The Wrecker 7.11.7, and Settlement 7.10. He suffered another defeat into fourth place in the Gardiner Memorial Handicap when carrying 9.0 to Night Pal 7.0, Settlement 8.3, and Balmenter 7.1. Swordstick 8.3 went under again in the Waimate.Cup to Night Dress 7.10, and in the Timaru Cup. his next start, he had to meet Wild Talk on worse terms than in the Sockburn Handicap. In other words, Swordstick suffered defeats in the Sockburn Handicap, Great Autumn Handicap, Oamaru Cup, Gardiner Memorial Handicap, and Waimate Cup, and then took on Wild Talk on worse terms than when they had previously met.

Far East. Far East, winner of the Toknpo Hurdles at Washdyke was very recently taken over from S. LandonLane, who trains at Blenheim, by R. Register. On Monday week Far East won the Picton Handicap, nine furlongs, at the Marlborough meeting, and he scored at Washdyke..For some lime last season Far East was in the stable of A. Goodman at Trentham, whither he was brought from the Nelson-Marlborough circuit 12 months ago. Ho is a five-year-old gelding by Hoturoa. ‘a son of Panmure, from Ortygia. by Birkenhead, and his dam is given as by Gay Spark. Yearlings for'Sale. As he has 14 rising two-year-olds in his team, and insufficient stable help lo handle such a number. T. It. George has' reluctantly decided to offer his own three yearlings for sale. They are a colt by Pombal and fillies by Croupier and Bulandshar lyFrench Horses in England. The war has had the effect of seeing more French horses in training in England than has been the case for many years. The ranks of owners, trainers, jockeys and stable lads have been seriously depleted owing to the calls for service, but racing has car-' vied on much better than expected. It is estimated that there are about 4000 horses in training, as against the normal 5000. Most of the American owners who race in England have continued to do so.

Should Soon Win. In his last three starts Parlato has been in a minor place and he should not be long in winning a maiden event. This four-year-old son of Oration has not had much racing. Goldrace’s reappearance. After a good spell, the two-year-old filly Goldrace has made a reappearance at Ellerslie, where she is now being trained by E. George. By Tiderace from Aureate. Goldrace belongs to a family that has produced many good winners and she is a very big filly who should be all the better for not being called upon to race early. Seven Wins for Young Charles. Young Charles has raced 20 times this season, being placed on seven occasions. He is a five-year-old gelding by Resinous from Dainty Pearl, by Cam.)) fire, and is now owned and trained by his breeder. Mr G. Lamplough.