GOOD PERFORMANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 22, 25 July 1935, Page 6

GOOD PERFORMANCE

FLOWER BAG'S SUCCESS

(Special from "Hurry On.")

NEW PLYMOUTH, July 24.

Though Flower Bag bore- a healthy •appearance last Saturday when he went ■ out to contest the Tally-Ho Steeplechase at the point-to-point at Waverley, he was very much on the big side. His owner, Mr. R. A. Watkins, mentioned that the big Gasbag gelding had had an easy time and hunting had been practically the only strenuous exercise that he had had.

Flower Bag's wonderful jumping soon took him to . the front, but Mr. Watkins's anxiety to steady him gave him a life at the first road double. Nine out of ten horses would have come to grief, but Flower Bag is as clever as a cat on his feet. This mishap had no effect on his confidence as he gained lengths at the next fence and over the hill was bowling along well out in front. Over the second road double in fautless style, he looked likely to score easily, but Ngareta then; moved up smartly and was with him at the third to last fence. Here Flower Bag jumped away from his rival and he held off Ngareta in the run to the post to score by a length. Considering that he carried 12.7 and led all the way, Flower Bag gave a solid performance for a horse in his condition. All going well he will be on hand for the hunt cups at the combined meeting at New Plymouth at the qnd of next month. He was slightly lame when he pulled up but the trouble has not .proved serious. Ngareta's showing must have been particularly pleasing to her owner, Miss E. Hicks, of Waitara. The chestnut tailed the field for well over a mile and did hot come into the picture until the second road double. She' then moved up to Flower Bag so easily that she looked likely to win, but her rival was too good a fencer. Nevertheless little fault could be found with Ngareta's jumping and she displayed plenty of courage at the finish. She was well handled by Mr. W. Hicks who, considering that he has had little experience of point-to-point racing, displayed good judgment and is a rider of promise, . "

It had not been intended to start Nimblefoot in.the point-to-point, but his owner sportingly. sent him to the post when Royal Lineage ..Was withdrawn. The little fellow displayed his usual jumping ability, and* stayed on much better than anticipated. He gave a great display of fencing when he carried off the women's hunting event, his win being very popular.