A RATIONAL MARK?

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 12, 14 July 1938, Page 13

A RATIONAL MARK?

JOLLY BEGGAR'S WEIGHT

As the records disclose, the feat of winning the Grand National Steeplechase under weight is not by any means unique. It is a recognised fact that the steeplechasers will carry high imposts better than any class of horse. The simple reason why more horses have not won from the maximum /is that it is only occasionally that any horse is set on that peak mark, ; In contrast, the winning of the Grand National Hurdles under weight is most rare.. Thtere was that famous occasion when "Record Reign won with 12.12 in 1900, but Only one horse in the nearly forty yeafs since has succeeded up among the 12 stories, and that was Paisano, with 12.1 (including a 141b penalty) in 1910. In the last decade only two winners have carried weights in the eleven stones to success, these horses having .been Nukumai under 11.11 in 1928 and Jblly Beggar under 11;4 two years ago. No less than seven of the last ten winners have been weighted on the minimum or just above. .

Jolly Beggar's task in the Hurdles with 12.1 this year, is therefore an even mightier one than the impost might make it appear at first glance. As Jolly Beggar failed, without any possible excuse, under 11.12 last August, and he is how rising ten years old, it is difficult to see how he can now do more than what so completely baffled him. twelve months ago. That he was as fit as one could wish he demonstrated by winning the Jumpers' Flat on the first day, which he had been unable to do in previous years. Such a line from the records would be a rational reason for most why Jolly Beggar should not have started this year's list off with more than he failed under last year. Indeed, the rational thing; seemed to be for him to have a pound or two less weight. Instead he has been given 31b more, and so one would be seeing only with the eyes of blind hope to hold out more than the most forlorn prospects If or his winning his third Grand National Hurdles.this year;