COALITION HOLDS THE WEIGHTCARRYING RECORD IN WELLINGTON STEEPLES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27112, 21 June 1949, Page 8

COALITION HOLDS THE WEIGHTCARRYING RECORD IN WELLINGTON STEEPLES

The next big jumping event to be decided is the Wellington Steeplechase, which will be run on Saturday, July 9, over a distance of about three miles and a-quarter, and the field is likely to be a strong one. The running will no doubt throw some light on the prospects for the Grand National Steeplechase, which will be run about a month later. The list of winners of the Wellington Steeples is studded with the names of champion cross-country performers of the past, among them being Faugh-a-Ballagh, Kaitere, Gobo, Nadador, Captain Jingle, Crib, Master Strowan, Coalition, Oakleigh, Omahu, Beau Cavalier, Billy Boy, and Brookby Song. Gobo, who won the race in 1901 and 1902 also won the Grand National in the latter year, and others who won the Trentham and Riccarlon races in the same season were Captain Jingle, Coalition, Oakleigh, Billy Boy, Valpeen, Foxiana, Beau Cavalier, and Brookby Song.

The highest weight ever carried by a winner in the Wellington Steeples is 12.11, with which Coalition succeeded in 1921. Master Strowan won with 12.5, and Plain Bill and Brookby Song each with 12.0

Horsemen who have been associated with winners in consecutive seasons are P. Johnson, H. McSweeney, L. G. Morris, and D. W. Redstone.

Nominations for the Wellington Steeples are due to-morrow,