C.J.C. seeks name for formidable fence

Press, 3 August 1976, Page 26

C.J.C. seeks name for formidable fence

What’s in a name? Lots, when it is linked with a famous race like the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase, and the course it is run over.

Aintree has its Bechers Brook. Riccarton is, for thousands of jumping followers, well-known for its formidable Cutts’s Brush, five feet high, three foot thick, and jumped twice in the National. More recently the name Jumbo came in for general acceptance for the 4ft lOin brush, the second last to be jumped in the Grand National, and the stumbling block for dozens of tired, leaden-footed horses. “Jumbo” seems to have been the brainchild of one or more of the jumping rtders, and in its way carries the message of something pretty formidable. Now the Canterbury Jockey Club is anxious to name two more of its fences. One of them is the first past Cutts’s, near the 1800 m, a formidable combined brush and live fence 4ft 9in high, with matching depth. This is the fence held in a certain amount of awe by all jumping trainers. When the

Takanini trainer Colin Jillings brought Brockton to Riccarton for a Grand National he hardly spared a glance for Cutts’s, but he looked hard and thoughtful at the big one near the 1800 m.

Some might feel like calling it the Juggernaut. But if proper regard is held for those who have made big contributions to steeplechasing, especially ’chasing at Riccarton, the Canterbury Jockey Club might well name one of its big fences after Mr W. E. Hazlett. Mr Hazlett has been bringing horses to Riccarton for about 40 years, and has seen his colours carried to victory in six Grand National Steeplechases, starting with Astral Flame in 1941. One of those winners, Koral, captured a special place in the affections of Riccarton regulars by winning seven Christchurch Hunt Homebys in succession.

Before he embarked on a career as a racing owner, Mr Hazlett was one of the giant forwards in All Black teams, and toured South Africa in 1928.

The name Hazlett’s for that big fence near the 1800 m at Riccarton would, by its very size, be appro-

priate enough. But what’s the betting that those who know the veteran Southlanders well would be quick to rename it “Big Bill”?

In the photo above the North Island ’chaser Thornhill appears to be dwarfed by the wing of the yet-to-be-named fence near the 1800 m.