One more start likely for Somoy

Press, 14 July 1982, Page 37

One more start likely for Somoy

NZPA Melbourne The Grand National Steeples winner. Somoy, could have one more jumps start back home in New Zealand before retiring, his trainer, Kevin Thomson, said yesterday. Somoy won last Saturday's $51,000 G.N. Steeples (5000 m in one of the most spectacular finishes seen at Flemington when he scored in the last strides over tearaway leader Elanora Girl. The gelding's future, according to Thomson after the win,, was that Somoy would never jump again. However, Thomson, happy with how the horse has pulled up after the gruelling journey said the owners are contemplating another Steeple start for him — the Champion Steeples (4900 m at Te Rapa, Hamilton, the race he won last year at Ellerslie in Auckland. . There's every - possibility he will run in it but it all depends on his weight and ■the penalties. "If he does go over then it will probably be his last start,” Thomson said. He said the final decision would coine from the owners. The steeplechase is run in late September and Thomson is still keen to see Somoy have a few flat starts in Australia before the chatn-

pion heads home. ■ Thomson said that the Australian jumping scene had a lot to offer New Zealanders. “The money andthe standard is good and I would hate to see the events abolished.” he said. His comments reflect the opinion of -most jumping trainers in Victoria who are worried about the state Government's proposal to drop all jumping events. “It would be a big loss." Thomson said. He believes there is no cruelty involved in the sport. “Provided the horse is taught properly he enjoys racing over hurdles and steeples," he said. Thomson admits that the New Zealand jumping scene is more concentrated during winter than Australia’s. “There are as many as four jumping races in. one day, and that is bn a major race day." On the day Somoy may run in the Cha’mpion Steeples there are two other steeples and three hurdle races, and only two flat races on the card. Thomson is concerned that jumping trainers are being phased out in New Zealand.

“Owner-trainers are increasing and the trend looks like continuing." Thomson said.