STEEPLES WIN

Press, Volume C, Issue 29555, 3 July 1961, Page 4

STEEPLES WIN

Vaper Easily The Invercargillowned and trained Vaper, a successful hurdler earlier in his career, recorded his first win over country at Washdyke on Saturday. He ran clear early in the run home in the Timaru Steeplechase and won by four lengths from Bilbo b, which caught Arctic Star in the last few strides. Vaper is owned by Mr F. O. Walker and trained by S. V. Todd. He was a good weightcarrying hurdler on firm tracks in Otag» and Southland before being put to 'chasing. At the Oamaru winter meeting test month he started twice in the day, losing has rider in the steeples after running unplaced in the hurdles. Vaper was the 10/10 favourite on Saturday and paid £32 10s 6d tor a win. The Wingatui horseman. G. E Izxwry. had him fairly close to the pace from the start. He was fifth little more than three lengths behind the pecemaking Tut Tut starting the last mile, and moved to third at the half-mile, and into the lead past Arctic Star hear the home turn. After jumping the last fence safely Vaper drew out to win by four lengths. Arctic Star’s rider, G. T. Dobbs, appeared to take matters rather easily and lost second to Bilbob on the post. De Gaulle plodded home tor a moderate fourth six lengths back. He was near the tail of the field for a good way. The favourite, Waikiwi Star, was a disappointing fifth. His jumping was often bed. A bad leap at the second of the stand double with a round to go nearly put him out of the race and must have taken toll of his vitality. The race showed Tut Tut’s limitations as a stayer. He jumped well in the lead for a good way before tiring to sixth. Tut Tut was followed home by Hay Time and Paper Clio. Nonplussed lost his rider at the second fence. Milord fell at the Stand double a round from home and Raglan went down at the next fence, the boards, near the seven furlongs.