SPORTING NEWS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 329, 25 July 1889, Page 3

SPORTING NEWS.

GBAND NATIONAL MEETING. THAINING NOTES. Christchurch, l&st night. The gallops st R ccsrton this morning was good. The full strength of the various stables in the vicinity of the racecourse were represented, Torrent being the only Grand National candidate that has not put in an appearance up to noon to day. Waitangi, looking fit and fresh, opened the proceedings, and moved along in good style, going twice round. The old horse is probably as well, if not better than he has been since he had been in the South, and may be ex peoted to get over the course, though he has yet to prove that he possesses staying power. Chainehot, possibly on account ot Lands borough being a bit grizzly, accompanied Irish King in his work over a couple of miles, the National candidate going at a strong pace the last mile and a quarter, and pulling up fairly strong, his legs still having the same “ gouty ” appearance, and causing him to walk short after his work. Abua, with Tommy Scott up, and Chemist, with Ellingham in the saddle, did their mile and a half, the last time striding along at a good useful pace, the former going with great freedom, and the latter (as usual) being lazy. Both these horses appear very pink, though good judges think Ahua short of wind, possibly owing to the manner in which he strides along. Orangeman has-been working at Yaldhurst, where he has also been schooled,, and he is very well. Louis, with JBam Fergus, who is to ride him in the race, put in two rounds at half pace, going very fairly. He did not work yesterday, and was supposed to ba a “ bit off,’’ and his legs hardly look what they should be this morning. Mount Eagle, with shoulder rugs bn, did a couple of miles at a good strong pace, pulling hard all the way. . . Mr Cox, riding Potatau and leading Daddy Longlegs, did a couple of rounds at a good pace, the National candidate appearing all right, though the fact of the owner leading him on another horse looks significant.

Presto did three rounds with Sheenan, and moved along in bis usual style. I fancied him a trifle sore, but he always appears to walk short.

Orient cantered round a couple of times with clothing on. Gunpowder has been an absentee for two days, and the funeral service may be read over him, Panic has not been seen at Biccarton, but I venture to think that he will hardly be as well as some of the horses, owing to the gruelling he got in Wellington. Ivanhoe went two ronnds, the last time at top speed, going very well. Alcanous and Enterprise covered two miles at three quarter pace, the grey bleeding at the nose when pulled up. Squib did two rounds at half pace. Thia mare is very well, Ahua remains first favorite.