Caribou fancied for steeplechase

Press, 8 May 1982, Page 17

Caribou fancied for steeplechase

By

J. J. BOYLE

The Southland-bred Caribou appears to have a double for the Wellington Racing Club's May meeting well within his reach. The stoutly bred Reindeer gelding is an obvious choice for today's ' Newtown Steeplechase’ at Trentham after having overcome difficulties to win the corresponding race last Saturday. He slipped into the first fence of last Saturday’s race and fired his rider 'Patrick Myers out of the irons. Myers recovered cleverly, but did not regain his irons until they had jumped two fences. Then, when challenging at the last fence, they were almost tripped by the fallen Blow Wave. Caribou, which was bred In Eastern Southland by Mrs P. W. Pinckney, but which was reared at the well known Okawa- Stud, in Hawke's Bay, did nothing of any account on the flat, but has sturdy influences for stamina that

might pay off handsomely for a jumping career. Caribou’s sire was an Irish St Leger winner. His dam. Opel, is a sister of Rover, winner of both St Legers in New Zealand and the top ranking three-year-old of his year. Super Snipe, the dam of Opel and, Rover, also took high ranking in a vintage year for three-year-olds — she was a contemporary of Beaumaris. Tudor Prince, and Sweet Spray — and her record as a producer of versatile performers was enhanced through the deeds of Humber, whose 17*i wins included the Trentham and Rimu Hurdles, Super Snipe’s dam, Taupiri. was by Hunting Song, the sire of some champion jumpers and winter performers. This is also the family of Tauloch, and outstanding winner in the Goosman colours, and Roman Consul, winner of 13 races from Tommy Smith's Sydney stable.