JUMPERS IN ACTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21874, 9 August 1934, Page 9

JUMPERS IN ACTION

QUINOPAL'S HEAVY FALL SCHOOLING OF VALPEEN DON JOSE BREAKS DOWN [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] CHRIS rCHURCH, Wednesday A large number of track-watchers assembled at Riccarton to-day and a fair amount of schooling was witnessed. The main steeplechase course was made available and the first horses to use it were Rational 11. (G. Salt), Valpeen (W. Rennie). Punchcstown (V. Langford) and Quinopal (G. Dempster). The four went off together at the entrance to the back stretch and all jumped the first two obstacles, the sod wall and the post and rails, well, with Valpeen and Quinopal in front. These two safely negotiated the kennels double, but both Rational 11. and Punchestown stopped at the first. Rational 11. dislodging his rider. Valpeen led Quinopal to the top brush and jumped it well himself, but Quinopal hit it heavily in front "and turned a somersault, his rider luckily escaping with a shaking and a bruised shoulder. Valpeen completed the course in good style, making a spectacular effort, at Cutts brush, the Jasi fence. Punchcstown was got over the kennels double at his second attempt and also completed the round without further mishap. The whole display was disappointing to all concerned, and although Valpeen impressed by getting round safely, ho made two faulty jumps. Quinopal jumped early fences so well that he looked likely to give a great display, but his effort when he went out was very weak and it was evident afterwards that lio was feeling the effects of his heavy fall. Punchestown has not often refused a fence, but the first of the kennels double has been responsible for many such mistakes. On the other hand, Punchestown seemed to be struggling at each of the other fences. It was unfortunate that Rational 11. did not go further. He has jumped so wfcll over the schooling fences that the big obstacles should not have troubled him, but as at Washdyke, when he crashed at the first fence of is first steeplechase, a ditch in front was the cause of his mistake. He will be given another trial to-morrow. Hunter's Safe Jumping The only other to tackle the big country was Snowy Dawn, who is to contest the Hunt Cup Steeplechase next week. Ridden by V. Langford, who will have the mount on her in the race, she negotiated a full round at a sound hunting pace, in a safe manner. She is an aged mare by Buff Gauntlet, but is a comparative novice at 6teeplechasing. She had her first race at the Waimate Hunt fixture last month, when she ran off. and in her second ran second to Night Club at "Washdyke. She has since been under the charge of D. O'Connor. Don Jose (G. Barr) and Fleeting Glance (F. Thompson) set out to jump si* hurdles, but after clearing the first two in good style Don Jose failed to rise at the third and crashed heavily. Fleeting Glance jumped the next and was pulled up. Don Jose, in falling, foiled over his rider, who was carried into the trainers' room on a stretcher and after reoeiving medical attention was taken to his home suffering from severe bruises and an injured shoulder.

Don Jose was in a bad way when caught, and it was at first thought that he had suffered a broken fetlock, but a complete breakdown was the trouble, and it was only with difficulty that he was led back to his stable. He has been a doubtful case, as far as soundness goes, for eome time past, and it is probable that he broke down before reaching the fence and this prevented him from rising high enough to clear it. Don Jose can therefore be written out of next week's engagements. He had been doing 6uch good work that his connections had every confidence in him as a National possibility. in fact, there were many who expected him to ham; a comfortable win. Boyal Limond and Oargen

Royal Limond ''(D. O'Connor), Invictus (M. McCaul) and Cargen (R. E. Thomson) were companions in a round of the hurdles. Cargen went to the front after jumping two fences, but was passed by Royal Limond in the run home, with Invictus close up. Royal Limond showed further encouraging form, and _ although little notice need be taken of his victory over Cargen, as the latter was not called upon to hold his position in front, his effort would gain him further support for the Grand National Hurdle Race, the distance of which will favour him. There is no doubt that- a big improvement has been effected in Royal Limond, mainly by the vigorous tactics adopted, with him in his work. Invictus was inclined to run down his fences. He can be classed as a fair jumper, but on this task he does not look up to Grand National honours. Cargen gave an encouraging display. He is a fast, effortless jumper, and as far ae looks go will overshadow the opposition when paraded next week. Transact (S. Wright) was called upon to negotiate 10 hurdles. He gave a dashing display, except at the last two fences, at which he was probably feeling the effects of his big ordeal. • , Free Air, who accompanied Horowhenua and "Wee Musk to Riccartbn. has been on the easy list for a few days, owing to an injured foot. She is expected to be able to race next week, but will not contest the Grand National Hurdles It is intended to jump her over a few hurdles to-morrow. Chrysology was scratched for all engagements at the meeting at 12.40 p.m. to-day.