FEAT OF VALPEEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23060, 10 June 1938, Page 9

FEAT OF VALPEEN

STEEPLECHASING RECORD NORTHERN AND NATIONAL HAS WON BOTH EVENTS TWICE At 10 years old few horses, even among the hardy steeplechasers, have anything to contribute to the history of racing, but Valpeen's victory yesterday in the Great Northern Steeplechase marked another jumping record for the Dominion. Valpeen is one of five to win the Great Northern twice since the inception of the race in 1885 and one of six since 1876 to capture the Grand National Steeplechase twice, but he is the only horse to have completed a double in both events.

Valpeen won his first Great Northern in 1934. He was ridden by R. E. Thomson, who was associated with him in most of his early exploits. Two months later, when he took his first Grand National, he was ridden by A. J. Peart, and in the same race the following year >V. J. Bowden was his pilot. Yesterday he had the services of F. R. Foster, who rode him in his previous six starts this season. Prior to his double success in 1934 Valpeen had been in commission as a racehorse for only about 18 months, but in two comparatively light seasons at six and seven years he started 38 times for nine wins, 20 minor places and ,£3435 in stakes. He had one win as an eight-year-old, this being his second success in the Grand National, but he was nbt successful again until yesterday. All Valpeen's appearances have been marked by superb jumping and staying power. He is a natural jumper and his owner-trainer, Mr. G. Campbell, does no schooling with him on his farm, relying on a round of the country on the eve of the race. In the race-books Valpeen is described as by Valkyrian from a mare of unknown breeding, but, as his name would indicate, the dam is believed to be by that great sire of jumpers, Spalpeen. This mare had two other progeny, but they both died of strangles before being raced. Valkyrian was a son of William the Third, the best staying horse by St. Simon. Many horses have little peculiarities and fancies in the matter of diet, but in few cases can they be indulged to any extent. Valpeen's weakness is milk, which is given to him as a daily part of his bran ration. That he thrives on this diet is evident by his wonderful vitality and bloom. He would pass for a horse half his age. His having come back in such spectacular fashion after having apparently passed his usefulness, points to the decision of his owner to contest the next Grand National with him as being a wise one and based on more than hope. The jumper will not be taken next month to Wellington, where he has never been seen at his best, but will appear next at, Riccarton. In six seasons of racing Valpeen has gone out 76 times for 11 wins, 11 seconds, six thirds and 48 times unplaced. His stake earnings total £bo<s. AWAPUNI STABLES HORSES RECOMMISSIONED AURORA'S LOVE SPRINTS WELL [by telegraph—own correspondent] PALMERSTON NORTH. Thursday The hurdle track was open for galloping at Awapuni this morning. Aurora's Love (Temperton) hit out particularly well over six furlongs in 1.21 1-5, the first half-mile taking 54 l-ss. She appeared to have something; in hand and should be in good shape for racinp; on the flat at the Dannevirke meeting. She will race over the hurdles at Trentham jnext month. Selkirk (Brener) bowled over three furlongs in 40 2-5s and looks, sharpened up by his race at Foxton, whore he shaped greenly. Gay Molly (N. Voitre), who may be tried at hurdling later, ran three furlongs with Segra (Pine) under a good hold in 435.

Baldric (Parkes) schooled several times over the pony hurdles. He ran off twice but jumped fairly well afterward.

Lapel, who was formerly trained at Feilding, joined C. Thomson's (earn this week. Rolling Home, and the two-year-old filly by Tidal from Cetus, to replace Cletrac, who dropped dead whilo working at Awapuni, have also joined the stable. Dainty Sue has been taken in hand by L. A. Pine, in whose team is a fine yearling by Defoe from Lucky Bag. This yearling and the Tnflatinn — Shuffler colt be purchased in .Tanuarv will carrv the colours of Mr. C. T. Keehle. 0. W New has recornmissioned the gelding by Peach Brandy from Elvaette. Rarotonga. who has been added to the list, is also in work again. He has grown appreciably. Florence Mills, who has made a good recovery from a badly-stripped leg, resumed work this morning. She has thickened out. having been spelling since Easter.

Sporting Sons and Red Sand, who have been at Awapuni, left yesterday for Hastings to fulfil engagements on Saturday. Sporting Snncc. who schooled well on several occasions, appears to be fairlv sound and forward. He will be ridden in the Hawke's T?nv Steeplechase hv C. Thomson. G. P. Dnwriok will rido Red Sand, G. R. Tattersall has been engaged to ride De Friend.