UNUSUAL FEAT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 38, 13 August 1941, Page 10

UNUSUAL FEAT

J. STRATHEARN'S MOUNT

"My horse was always going well within himself," said J. L. Strathearn, after piloting Astral Flame to victory in the Grand National Steeplechase, "and when we entered upon the last half-mile I was confident that I would win. I must admit that I had a couple of lives at the last two fences, but that is all in the game, and anyway we won." Strathearn accomplished the unusual feat of winning tne Grand National Steeplechase at his first ride over the Riccarton country, and at only his fourth mount over a steeplechase course. However, he had previously been successful on Noko over hurdles and Astral Flame over country, both events having been decided at Timaru. He was offered the ride by W. E. Hazlett a couple of weeks ago, and seeing that he had been schooling the horse he decided to accept. P. Burgess made no excuses for Dozie Boy. except perhaps in the fact that he was blinded at Cutts's the last time and was forced to cover a good deal of extra ground. Otherwise the horse had jumped well throughout and really had every chance. T. J. Boyle, who was on Ballybrit, gave.-himself-arwexcellent chance when, he ranged up alongside Astral Flame at the* sod wall the 'last time, but after negotiating the .obstacle Ballybrit commenced to tire and was stopping quickly • over the final couple of furlongs. ... ■ - E.' A ;Leclde! was' ' corifidettt" that Slayer would win up till six furlongs from home, but after that his weight began to tell and he was simply plodding along over the final three furlongs. A. Jenkins gave himself a chance with Bridegroom till the field reached Cutts's, where the black gelding nearly came down, while later at the second of the Kennels double he was nearly dislodged.