George passes fitness test for hurdles

Press, 10 August 1979, Page 17

George passes fitness test for hurdles

By

J. J. BOYLE

The Waikato hurdler, George,was examined by a veterinary surgeon after he galloped on the No. 6 grass at Riccarton yesterday. The inspection was ordered by the stipendiary steward, Mr Les Muirhead, to establish if the gelding had a respiratory problem. George, a candidate for tomorrow’s Grand National Hurdles, failed in the Sydenham Hurdles last Saturday and his rider told stewards that the horse seemed to have a breathing obstruction and was making a noise during the race. What caused the trouble is not known, but George did not make a noise when he galloped yesterday and the test left him clear of any suspicion that he had become a “roarer." George started near the

1600 m yesterday and ran the last 1200 m on a heavy track in Imin 30.75, at the final 600 in 45.1. The stablemates, Hunting Chief and Pot Shot, recorded Imin 57.6 s for 1600 m, and 43.8 s for the final 600. Both appear to have thrived on the trip. High Chief led Ben Lander by a length finishing 1200 in Imin 30.45, the last 600 in 43.4. The Gore horseman, Stephen Allen, will ride High Chief in the Koral Steeples tomorrow. Charlson started easily near the 1200, but brushed home from the 600 in 41 — a good gallop in the conditions Hi Roona recorded 43.3 fo- his 600. Along with Chiltern Blaze and Gott Go, be will represent Tom Lalor's stable in the August Handicap.

Pennianne, a winner at the Christchurch Hunt meeting, acted well in the conditions while running 1200 in Imin 28s, the last 600 in 42.4. Penianne should be one of the brighter chances in the Rolleston Handicap. Thomas Mellay worked away from the 1600, and finished with a 600 in 45.4. Star Order took 48.6 for his last 600, and Black Damson followed in 44. Tiva sprinted his 600 keenly in 42.2. He was ten der afterward, but a foot he injured in the Winter Cup is being treated and he might get a start in the Islington Handicap. With better footing on the sand Taramoa was able to hurry over 600 in 38. After a close second last week he will be a firm fancy for the Aylesbury Handicap.