Lord Hymac in- doubt for Awapuni

Press, 16 June 1983, Page 22

Lord Hymac in- doubt for Awapuni

Special correspondent

Palmerston North The star jumper, Lord Hymac, has been under a cloud all this week and there could still be a doubt regarding a start in the Manawatu Steeplechase tomorrow, though the horse pulled . up well after a searching gallop at Awapuni yesterday morning. Lord Hymac was injured during the running of the Wanganui Steeplechase. He was cut on one of his back legs and infection set in. He seems to have got over that well enough but for the last day or two he has been troubled by a corn. His trainer, Graeme Jackson, was at Awapuni yesterday morning to supervise his gallop and he was quite encouraged by the result. He will have to decide today about a run in the Manawatu Steeplechase with the southern rider, Paul Dooney, on stand-by to fly north should Lord Hymac start in the event.

Lord Hymac’s clash with Foaming Henri, Grey Warbler, Sugarmugundi and

Treghan has been a talking point this week and it is to be hoped the horse is up to his best. Jackson said yesterday that if there was any doubt on Lord Hymac’s fitness the horse would not run.

“There is still Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Riccarton to come so we will not be taking any risks,” he said.

Lord Hymac galloped on the inside trial with the improved hurdler, Tekau Kaahu. They ran 1400 m in lmin 365, the last 600 m in 41.55.

Tekau Kaahu ran another bold race on the first day at Manawatu and has taken well to hurdling. He must be a leading chance in the Ngata Hurdles tomorrow.

Solitaire and Court Jester worked together over 1400 m in lmin 38.65, the last 600 m in 41.65.

Solitaire disappointed at Wanganui and gets another chance in the Winter Handicap tomorrow. Any rain to loosen the ground before the race would be in her favour. Court Jester looks in good order for the Farewell Han-

dicap. He was another to race below his best at Wanganui.

Oceania ran keenly over 1000 m in lmin 4.45, the last 600 m in 38.45. This was a good trial and she seems close to her best again.

Indeed attracted attention running 1000 m in lmin 9s, the last 600 m in 40.25. Indeed is one of the most improved horses racing but he might benefit from his outing in the City Handicap. Paul Worthington will ride him.

Hirelm finished a long way ahead of El Paso over 1600 m in lmin 535, the last 600 m in 41s. Hirelm is another which would appreciate some rain to loosen the ground.

Baraden ran the last 600 m of a round in 40s. He is a dual acceptor tomorrow, but will contest the Awapuni Hurdles instead of the Ngata. The Ngata Hurdles candidate, Gavade, completed 1200 m easily in lmin 295, the last 600 m in 435, while New Born ran 1000 m in lmin Bs, the last 600ni in 41s.