Thorley tough opponent

Press, 9 August 1988, Page 35

Thorley tough opponent

By

DAVID McCARTHY

Aughabehy, the likely favourite for the Couplands Grand National Hurdles tomorrow, and Thorley, one of his toughest opponents, will share a friendly rivalry in the Riccarton feature. The two horses travelled south last week from the Central Districts and are stabled together at Kaiapoi.

Their association goes back further than that, however, for Thorley was bred by Ron Nolan, trainer and part-owner of Aughabehy, and purchased from him by Eddie and Dawn Symes as a youngster.

Mrs Symes trains Thorley which has made a late claim for National honours with three recent brush hurdle wins in the Central Districts. He is unbeaten over this type of fence, his only defeat over, hurdles being over battens at Hastings last month when held up for a run.

Aughabehy remained in rural quarters yesterday but Mrs Symes brought Thorley to Riccarton for a good workout and that is exactly what he had.

The Makor gelding popped over three hurdles, warmed up with a round on the plough, and then worked a solid 1400 m in 1:34.5 at an even clip, the closing 600 m in 425.

Thorley has done well on his first major stay away from home but cast a shoe on the trip south and consequently missed a gallop on Saturday. Because of this his connections wanted to give him a good blowout in his final hurdles trial. Graeme Lord, who rates Thorley’s jumping skills highly, was satisfied with his short schooling

Koi Ragi worked up from the 1400 m and ran home in 49.6 s while stablemate Biko was well within himself running 800 m in 52.35, home in 38s. Steeple was sent over 1200 m on his own running 1:19.4 for the trip and being pushed along to record 35.03 s for his last 600 m.

Pieces Of Silver (Jamieson) and Super Strike

Bush if the latter is unavailable. Sonic Sound and Spanish Star are*- presently based at Kaiapoi where they were to have beach exercise yesterday. Sonic Sound came through his Koral run especially well according to Gary Mudgway. Ken Browne reports Crown Star to be in good condition and he may gallop tomorrow to top off his preparation. Neil Ridley will ride Next Lot in the National Hurdles tomorrow but Maluta may still not run if the track remains firm.