Miscellany

In Greece, the symbolic flame of the 1996 Summer Olympics sparked to life and began a 111-day journey to Atlanta beginning in Ancient Olympia, as first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton urged nations “to find peace and camaraderie through sport.” The torch, made partly of Georgia pecan wood, was carried by a runner into the ancient dirt stadium, opening a relay that ends in Atlanta at the July 19 opening ceremonies.

Rough Quest survived a steward’s inquiry to win the Grand National at Liverpool, England, the world’s most famous steeplechase, overtaking Encore Un Peu with about 200 yards to go.

At Florence, Ky., Roar, the Shug McGaughey-trained second choice at 5-2, stayed just off the pace, drew even with 35-1 longshot Ensign Ray at the top of the turn and drew off in the stretch to win the $600,000 Jim Beam Stakes at Turfway Park. Victory Speech, the even-money favorite trained by D. Wayne Lukas, held on for third without ever mounting a serious challenge. Another Lukas entry, Dr. Caton, finished seventh in the nine-horse field.