HACK STEEPLES AT WASHDYKE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27096, 20 July 1953, Page 4

HACK STEEPLES AT WASHDYKE

CHERRY PRINCE HAS EASY WIN

Cherry Prince carried top weight of 11-2 to an easy win in the Pareora Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase at the South Canterbury Hunt Club’s annual meeting at Washdyke on Saturday. He jumped to the front at the sod wall with about two miles to run, and his speed and safe jumping kept him clear. King Karri outstayed the others, running past tiring horses in the last round to fill second place, 10 lengths behind Cherry Prince. Mentor did best of the others, battling on for third after jumping cleanly most of the way. Chasemint lost ground over the last round to finish well back fourth. He made a bad jump in the back straight the last time. This cost him a chance of a place. The Riccarton-trained Mightgo followed Cherry Prince for half the race, but a bad jump at the sod wall the last time spoiled his chance. He did not show much dash after that, and faded to sixth. Debden running past him inside the last furlong. All but Melva completed the course. Melva fell at the first of the stand double with a round to go.

All-the-Way Win Suncrest, having her first race for Dr. A. Owen-Johnston and Mr A. H. Ryder, led practically all the way for an easy win in the Gleniti Stakes.

Suncrest was followed past the five furlongs by Highwayman, Private Angelo and Captain Flint, Somatic, and Royal Sable.

Suncrest was still clear and galloping easily after straightening up for the finish, and none of the others could get within reach oS her. Captain Flint moved into second place early in the run home, but reached the end of his run outside the furlong. Highwayman worked into second place near the furlong and held that position by a length from Somatic, which just beat the fast-finishing Te Pahl. Te Pahi was well back starting the last half-mile and he did well to run Somatic to a nose for third. Air Rose also finished well for fifth ahead of Accountant.

Copperfield, Mister Pip, Two Light, and Royal Lad lost their chances at the start.

Ironside's Success As Hurdler Ironside opened his winning career as a hurdler in the Hadlow Hack and Hunters’ Hurdles. He was close behind the pacemakers, Full Tilt and Valid, starting the last half-mile, and wore down St. Simper from the last hurdle, winning decisively by four lengths, St. Simper beat the faster-finishing Irish Saint by a neck for second. .

St. Simper led early but‘was eased into the trailing position behind Full Tilt and Valid. Valid made a bad leap at the first hurdle running through the straight, but