National on Cheeky Fella’s programme

Press, 26 July 1976, Page 18

National on Cheeky Fella’s programme

Cheeky Felia returns to Riecarton this week as a southern hope for the Grand National Steeplechase after a dogged win in the South Canterbury Hunt Club’s Teschemaker Steeples at Washdyke on Saturday. “He’s as tough as nails, and that race will have done him no end of good,” Cheeky Fella’s Invercargill trainer, Sam Shaw, said after the Silver King gelding won by three lengths from Foreign Aid. Shirley’s Last made it an all Southland finish by battling into third. Cheeky Fella has had experience over Riecarton country but at past Grand National meetings he has been seen out as a hurdler — and to good purpose. He has won the Sydenham Hurdles twice, and was run-ner-up in the 1974 Grand National Hurdles to Frederik. His victories on the flat included the Birthday Handicap at Wingatui. He looked as if he would improve his good record at Wingatui when he led at the last fence in this year's Otago Steeplechase, but he misjudged his leap and fell. One of few runners for Silver King, a talented son of Royal Chief to race out of the Wingatui stable of the late D. J. McDonald in the 1950’5. Cheeky Fella was bred by his Poolburn owner Mr W. L. Sinnamon from

Rapport, the dam also of Big Bang and Royal Rapport. Sam Shaw regards Mr Sinnamon as one of those ideal owners. “I don’t think he has ever been at my place, but I pay up with the horses and Mr Sinnamon turns up to see them run without making a fuss. Mr Sinnamon remarked after Saturday’s win: “Now we’ve won that one, I suppose we’ll be able to go to Christchurch and see him run up there.” Cheeky Fella was well ridden on Saturday by Brian Shaw, son of the gelding’s trainer.

; Shaw had Cheeky Fella on the inside in close touch ■ with the pace starting the ! last 800 m, and was in com- ; mand at the last fence, i which tripped the tiring > Deep South, the pacemaker. i Foreign Aid tried hard to i engage Cheeky Fella, but he was safely held in the last I 100 m. r Terex was a somewhat - disappointing win favourite. > He ran close to the pace i from the start, but could not find the finishing speed to - match Cheeky Fella and i finished fourth. Blason, ans other of the strong fancies, ■fell on the first round.