Powerful’s Steeplechase

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29827, 21 May 1962, Page 4

Powerful’s Steeplechase

“The Press- Special Service AUCKLAND, May 20, After being all but down with three furlong* to go. Powerful won a hectic cross-country race in the Waikato Steeplechase yesterday. He had a length and a half on Patrick Molloy in the end. but nothing to spare until they were within a stone's throw of the post. Powerful and Patrick Molloy came out best from a crowded, jostling rush at the last fence. Tepeta and Baron's Craig were not so lucky and finished third and fourth. The place dividends on Patrick Molloy and Tepeta (third) were held up while the judicial committee held an inquiry into alleged interference by Patrick Molloy to Baron's Craig and Tepeta at the last jump. After hearing evidence from the rider* of the three horses, the committee decided not to alter the judge’* placing*. The committee said they took into account the heavy ground and that “the movement of the tired horses was not attributable to the rider*.” A charge against J. H. Hely, the rider of Patrick Molloy, under rule 289. which deals with Interference was dismissed. An allegation that Hely caused interference to Powerful after jumping the fence half a mile from the finish, was also dismissed. The honours were clearly with Powerful and hi* rider. A. K. Lawrence, although Patrick Molloy and Hely suffered Ititle by comparison. Powerful, a five-year-old. was receiving 181 b from Patrick Molloy, an eight-year-old. Beside* he looked slightly the mere ready. Lawrence and Hely are both clever, determined riders, aad

they handled their mounts so as to get the best from them. A chestnut five-year-old, by Potent from Hoodikl, Powerful was successful over the last two and a half mil** of the Waikato Steeplechase course when running in the hack class on the first day of the Waikato meeting. Along with his other good form this year, that made him a well-respected candidate for the big race yesterday. Out of 14 he was the 3-4 favourite, paying £6 3s for a win and £2 5s 6d for a place. Four Wins Altogether. Powerful has had five starts over country for four firsts and a third. He is owned by Messrs W. B. Connor* and J. L. Muir, and trained at Awapuni by R. L. Dulleu, one of a family that has been prominent in racing for many years. After being drenched by sudden morning rain, the qourse for the big steeples was particularly heavy and the three miles and 19 fences occupied Powerful six and a half minutes. That is the slowest winning gallop in the race since 1953. when Roister scored in 6min 39 3-ssec. Lord Oman led as they made the crossing into the middle of the course. At the second of the double with a round to go. Lord Oman blundered and nearly came down. County went clear but by the time they reached the fence at the seven furlongs he was being challenged bv Powerful. Tepeta began to make ground and so did Patrick Molloy, jumping beautifully. Nearly FeU At the five furlongs Patrick Molloy joined Powerful and they approached the fence at

the half-mile on terms. A little further on Patrick Molloy dropped a bit behind Powerful and Tepeta. At the next fence, near the three furlongs. Powerful all but threw his rider. Patrick Molloy went ahead again, just shading Tepeta. Baron’s Craig started to make ground on Powerful. Starting the run home Patrick Molloy and Tepeta were leading Baron’s Craig. Powerful came again on the outside. At the last jump the four were together, closely packed. Half a furlong further on Patrick Molloy battled to a slight advantage, but right near the finish he tired and Powerful beat him by a length and a half. Tepeta ran third, two lengths behind Patrick Molloy and four lengths clear af Baron’s Craig (fourth). Sabre (fifth) came three lengths further away. Next were Royal General, Lochwood, Cabot. County and Triple Score, with gaps between them.