PACING R.J. Skelton To Ride In S.A.

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32194, 13 January 1970, Page 5

PACING R.J. Skelton To Ride In S.A.

The leading jockey, R. J. Skelton, has again been invited to represent New Zealand in two international jockey stakes to be run in South Africa this year.

The first race will be run in Pietermaritzburg on February 28, the second in Johannesburg on March 7.

Skelton will leave New Zealand soon after the Waikato Racing Club’s invitation race at Te Rapa on February 17. Other jockeys who have taken up invitations to ride in the South African races are A. Barclay (Scotland), G. Dettori (Italy), W. Wil-

(liamson (Australia), K. Knapp (United States), G. Lewis (Britain), L. Ward (Ireland), and the South Africans, J. Crawford and J. McCready. A leading Japanese jockey will also be invited. Skelton, who has the brilliant record of five winning rides in the Wellington Cup, has been engaged to ride Loofah in this year's race. But last night he was not certain whether the Levin stayer would run.

“Loofah is still in the field but he will be on trial for the

race when he gallops tomorrow morning,” Skelton told “The Press” yesterday. “He got into one or two tight spots in the Auckland Cup and was bruised over his quarters on his left hand side. He was not too good at all for a while but has recovered and has shown no signs of trouble while he is working. But the acid test will be when he runs along tomorrow.” Skelton was engaged yesterday to ride Thundercloud in the Anniversary Handicap on Saturday. Other Wellington Cup day mounts for him are Crown Law and Moomba Fox. Other Wellington Cup riding engagements include: G. Hughes: Highland Rebel N. Riordan: H Tempo.

D. Sanderson: Sailing Home. B. Andrews: Tom Jones. G. Willetts: Spring Filou.

R. Taylor: Lord Cheval. Proud Chief is not a certain starter in the Wellington Cup. His trainer, T. J. McKee, may reserve this tough stayer for the Ellerslie Anniversary Cup on January 26.