PROMISING JUMPERS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27307, 25 March 1954, Page 4

PROMISING JUMPERS

FORM AT BIRCHWOOD HUNT MEETING Several promising newcomers to steeplechase racing—particularly Sivite Silver Spur, Irish Chief, Gay Fenian, Sentinel, and Parsifal—were seen at the Birchwood Hunt meeting at Invercargill on Saturday. The success of Sivite in the J. S. Hazlett Memorial Steeplechase, for amateur riders, was clear cut. He was always in front, fenced confidently, and won with a lot in reserve. Sivite proved himself a useful hurdler, but he looks an even better proposition over country. The brush steeplechase course at Invercargill is not a severe test, but Sivite should be equally at home over more difficult country, and the Riverton Easter meeting should find him playing a leading part. A six-year-old Beau Vite gelding, he is trained by H. A. Anderton, who has produced a high percentage of jumping winners. Sisu, the dam of Sivite, was by Bulandshar from Hathor, by Egypt from All’s Well, by Hotchkiss. This family produced useful stayers in Artificer and Broadcast.

It was bad luck that Gay Fenian fell three furlongs from home in the Gardner Memorial Steeplechase. At this stage he was the only runner which looked like troubling Silver Spur, and his jumping had been of an excellent standard. When W. J. Hillis gave Gay Fenian, which was galloping easily, a little rein going into the fence, he dived through the wing and fell. He looked none the worse for the mishap, and will hold his place as a strong Riverton prospect. Baygundi, which finished second, was under pressure a long way from home, and he was soundly beaten by Silver Spur. The Denbigh may be improved by the race, but his chance of feturning to form may not be bright. Parsifal showed smartness in his jumping to finish fourth after losing a big stretch of ground at the start. Duvaals jumped dashingly until his condition gave out, and Battle Signal was closer at the finish in third place than at any other stage. Silver Spur’s successful first attempt over country was not lacking in merit. He -was always one of the leaders, gave

a dashing display of fast, clean jumping, and inside the last half-mile he had the race to himself. The Philamor gelding is becoming a veteran—he is now in his eleventh year—but he was produced in excellent order by W. B. Lay, and his winning effort was in keeping with his good schooling efforts.

Irish Chief was making his first appearance as a ’chaser when he finished second in the J. S. Hazlett Memorial. He beat the others as decisively as Sivite beat him. His jumping was of a good standard, and he was running on at the finish. This Royal Chief gelding is the type to fare well over more difficult country.

Buckingham’s effort for third was full of promise, as he gave a good display but weakened over the final furlong. Sentinel, which finished fourth, was having his first start. He is a Lo Zingaro gelding, and is a member of the Hazlett team. He looks more than usual.