ROBERT EARL TRIUMPHS

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32367, 5 August 1970, Page 4

ROBERT EARL TRIUMPHS

Robert Earl easily won his second Beaufort Steeplechase at Riccarton yesterday to give the Waikato owner-trainer, Mr J. Singers, his eleventh win on the course.

Robert Eatl’s contribution to that tally is four wins, Which include the 1969 Grand National.

He might have added this year’s National as well If the ground had been as good as it was yesterday, When he came OUt on top by seven lengths from Naratam. The 11-year-old Earldom gelding was a firm favourite in a “win dividend only” race yesterday and never gave G. Walters a worrying moment, although he lost a length or so at cutts’s It was ah attractive trial tor the Lincoln Steeplechase oh the third day of the meeting next Saturday and for the second year In succession he looks as if he might return north as a dual winner. Before being brought south

for his present campaign at Riccarton Robert Earl Won the Hawke's Bay and Hastings Steeples. Walters rode him each time. Mr Singers said yesterday that he was considering retiring his sprightly Veteran at the end Of the present jumping season, but Riccarton, with its usual brand of good footing which suits the horse, might again prove attractive next year.

Two members of what would have been the Hazlett “B team” a few weeks ago, were the best of Robert Earl’S rivals yesterday.

Naratam tried to make it an all-the-way win, but Robert Earl mastered him before the last fence and drew out, Waiters Ohly having to show the winner the whip. Ettrick was four lengths and a half back third and four lengths in advance Of teak. Kurrajong’s rider. R. A. Jenkins, lost an iron Carly in the race but quickly recovered it, and this did not affect the Woodville horse’s chance. He felt the strain of a fast-fun face some distance mil.