Loch Linnhe will miss Grand National

Press, 22 July 1976, Page 20

Loch Linnhe will miss Grand National

Mr W. E. Hazlett’s jumping star. Loch Linnhe. will not run ini the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase on August *. Mr Hazlett Mid yesterday that suitable traveling arrangements could not have been made to get his Lo-i mend gelding back from Melbourne in time. "There would not have, been a plane for the horse about mid-August,; and that would have been’

through Sydney.” Mr Hazlett said yesterday. "Anyway he has done his I bit this winter. He was 24 hours it. the plane that took: him to Australia, hung up im Sydney because of fog in: Melbourne.” Mr Hazlett made one of his rare tops out of New, Zealand to see Loch Linnhe: win the Australian Grand National and returned with the news that steeplechase j fences at Flemington are! stiffer than thev used to be. I He watched the Australian National with the trainer.! Jack Winder, from the

: official, stand which is some; distance short of the post. From his position, Mr J Hazlett did not think Lochi Linnhe had won. "I asked Jack Winder what second: : money was worth,” Mr Hazlett sa ; d yesterday. One of Mr Hazlett’s immediate interests back on' ■i the lacing scene in the; [.South Island will be First 1 Wood, a close relation of ■,Loch Linnhe with an unbeaten record in three starts lover hurdles. First Wood will attempt l .to lengthen that sequence at j the South Canterbury Hunt •. Club’s meeting on Saturday. I