THE GRAND NATIONAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 109, 8 April 1926, Page 9

THE GRAND NATIONAL

AN "ARMCHAIR RIDE." LONDON, March 26. "It was an armchair ride," declared AVatkinson (the Australian jockey who rode the winner. Jack Horner), after tlio Grand National Steeplechase, adding: "Jack Horner could have gone round again. .»ilvo, reputed to bo the best jumper in tlio raco, fell at the first fence. An enormous crowd gathered at Beeeher's Brook. and thousands swarmed the stationary goods train alongside the track, but the onlookers could not see a. quarter of a mile, owing to poor visibility. ■ Old Tay Bridge repeated his performance of 1925 led over the last fence, but was dead tired and was beaten by Jack Horner's unexpected pace. . ~, Fourteen finished compared witli the usual average of eight. Mr Schwartz, an American, purchased Jack Horner in February,for 4000 guineas, from Mr Kennetli Mackay. Blight's Boy is also owned by an "American. The Daily News says that AVatkinson is ono"of the strongest and most level-headed cross - country riders. Ho finished second to Music Hall on Drifter, in 1922. His parents who aro Irish, emigrated to Australia, Where ho was born. He became attached to MoGuignn's stable at Ayr, for which ho has ridden many winners. He has an excellent reputation at northern meetings. Jack Horner was one of the nine horses which completed the course- in tho Grand National Steeplechase last year. Ho finished seventh, while Ulcl Tay Bridge, who was second on this occasion, filled a similar position last year. The lato Mr Septimus Miller, onetime chairman of the V.R.C., and long one of its committee-men, always had the reputation of being a very wealthy man. That it was no idle report is revealed by the affidavits submitted to the Victorian Practice Court, when a legal point connected with his will came before Mr Justice Weigall. it was shown (says a Sydney paper) that Mr Miller left real estate in Victoria assessed for duty at £144,700, and personal property at £293,23, He also left personal estate in New South Wales, Western Australia and New Zealand, valued in all at £>ob\/H. These three assets represent a total or £494,760. It was stated in court that the upkeep and maintenance ot Mr Miller's home, "Cantala averaged over £4OOO per annum. The Cantala Stakes run on Derby day, at Flemington, was named after his home.