A REMARKABLE STEEPLECHASE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10546, 24 March 1920, Page 8

A REMARKABLE STEEPLECHASE

ALL THE COMPETITORS FALL. The OTawai Steeplechase Handicap provided the most sensational crosscountry contest ever seen on the Clifden racecourse, or the tracks of tho home province for that matter, says a writer in the "Southland Times." Tho bare, upright fences troubled the entrants from the outset, and Fair Play dodged round the first obstacle and subsequently stuck her rider up, an example that was followed in quick succession at tho next fence by Peerless and Wilden Loch, while Sultana came to Brief and gave his amateur rider (Mr W. F. North) an uglr fall. Tho courageous horseman va« quickly in the saddle again, but tumbled off racins to the double, havinp evidentlv been injured when his mount' crashed. The professional iockey, J. Callahan,

who was standing by,, caught Sultana and sent him after Frog, who was three furlongs away in front by himself by this time. Tho three baulking howea had meanwhile been pulled up to watch the race. Frog crossed the water jump safely and boldly, but tumbled over the next' fence, but fell again at the final obstacle, some time being lost hero while his rider (T. O'Connor) replaced a lost bridle. Despite these delays the leader cot into his stride again and came homo freely on the Hat, human and equine alike beinsr uninjured after a rough experience. Sultana followed wifely a little later. The riders of the winner and runner-up were treated to rounds of applause.