CHAMPION JUMPING HORSE.

Auckland Star, Issue LVII, 1 March 1926, Page 12

CHAMPION JUMPING HORSE.

PATCH DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF.

GREAT WIN AT FUKEKOHE. SECURES W. F. MASSET CUP. (T-y Telegraph.—Siwlnl to "Star. ,, * PUKEKOHE, this day. Om-e a"-am that veteran of show rings ill all parts of the North Island, Miss A. Kelso's horse Patch, showed his superiority over all other hunters by annexing ' the biggest event at the Franklin Show, held at Pukekohe on Saturday. He was competing against some Of the best horses in the Auckland Province, and gave a perfect exhibition of jumping in the Best Ail-Round Hunter event.

In addition to the Massey Memorial Cup, Patch won the champion ribbon, as well as a £20 cash prize.

Amongst the competitors were Major A. L. Samuel's El Arish, Mr. W. A, Fisher's Tui, Mr. W. T. Gleeson's Gulklmus, Mr. Cris Allen's Salvaboy, Mr. James Flynn's Oceor, and Mr. P. H. Smith's Harkaway.

" Patch defeated the lot of them in his best style, despite his age, 19 years. The only horse to get anywhere near him was Mr. James Buchanan's Zira. On the day the letter's performance was outstanding, seeing the horse he had to compete agejinst. Mr. J. Flynn's Oceor was placed third, and Mr. Cr'is Allen's Salvaboy fourth.

The recent rain had taken the sting out of the ground, consequently some excellent jumping was witnessed. Old Patch, who knows his job as well as any steward or judge in the show-ring, lieid himself like the champion that he is as he walked up to the dais, where Miss Kelso received the handsome cup from the hands of the Hon. R. F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs—as if he had been used to it all his life, and he seemed as proud as anyone of the thousands of people there to witness his success. Making the presentation, Mr. Bollard said the functions meant much to him, as he was sure it did to the winners, for the cup tarried with it warm remembrance of the deceased Prime Minister, who was so heartily wrapped up in the welfare of Franklin. Continuing, the Minister said that, judging by .the interest taken m the event, he felt sure the way in which it was contested by competitors, and the enthusiasm displayed by the onlookers proved that the contest "was the most popular event of the show. Mr. E. D. McLennan, member for Franklin, replied on Miss Kelso's behalf. Other show champions were: — Stallion (blood stock)— J. P. Sinclair's Chesterfield. Mare (blood stock).—Roulston Bros.' Tccoma. Harness Horse. —R. H. Townsend's Nancy. Harness Pony. —Mrs. J. J. Henry's Little Dot. Saddle Pony.—Miss Melville's Little Follow. Pony, entire.—Cyril Mathews' Tony. Additional awards were: — Lady or Gentleman Driver. —A. N. McRobbie 1, L. Flay 2.

Lightweight.—P. H. Smith's Harkaway ], G. A. Brewer's Heather Girl 2, Major A. N. Samuel's El Arish 3. Ladies' Hack.—A. McEobbie's Fluke 1, W. T. Gleeson's Mick 2, S. E. Henry's Rotongaro 3.