MANY THRILLS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19139, 7 October 1936, Page 16

MANY THRILLS

MISHAPS AT PAEROA EXCITINO STEEPLECUASE SPECTATORS-RItJE HORSES Thrills galore were experienced during the running of the Second Steeplechase Handicap at the Taumarunui Racing Club's meeting at Paeroa on Monday, when only two of the eight runners completed the course without mishap, the race was won all the way by lmerully Bov and he was six lengths in trout- at the post, although Kinkle made a valiant attempt to overhaul him in the final stages. The contest between the first and second horses created a good deal ol excitement, although, not nearly as much as the. doings of the others, three ol whom were remounted by bystanders after falling. Two ol these, Holden Kngland and Valpecn, were finally involved in a. neek-and-neck struggle For third money, which went to the ioriner even though the judge did not at first place him, being under the impression that he had not completed the lull course. VALPEEN FALLS TWICE The series of miJtiaps in one of the most exciting steeplechases ever witnessed in the district commenced early when Kingspear baulked at the fourth fence, i he field then ran along smoothly until reaching the post and rails fence below the stands at the completion of the first round. Here Morcc and Valpecn fell. Valpecn, who was being ridden by Ins owner, .Mr. CL Campbell, was quickly remounted and sot after the held. went well until the post and rails were reached again. Then The Hiker fell when attempting to go with the leader, Friendly Boy. Golden England, Green Park and Valpecn followed suit, leaving only Friendly Boy and Kinkle standing with a round to go. A bystander, Mr. A. E. McDonald, remounted Golden England, who was sent on the journey again, then Mr. T. Chandler mounted Valpecn and a little later the jockey, d. Sharkey, who was also a spectator, caught Hie Hiker and sent him in pursuit of the others. Friendly Boy and Kinkle were a long way ahead and they had pulled up when the remounted horses were some distance from home. Golden England was some iongths ahead of Valpeen approaching the last fence, and once'over Ins pilot allowed him to slow down. CLOSE RACE FOR THIRD

Further excitement was then caused when Valpeen charged up and headed Golden England. Once he was in front >f the latter Valpeen was also allowed (o ease slightly. The rider on Golden Kngland immediately realised the position and was suddenly spurred to action. As a result Golden England and Valpeen provided another thrill in the race for third money and the former just got there, although he was passed over by the judge until it was shown Unit he had completed the course, the omission being quickly rectified. Realising that pursuit . was hopeless, J. Sharkey pulled Hie Hiker up after jumping a few fences and walked him back to the enclosure. Mr. McDonald and Mr. Chandler were loudly applauded for their efforts on Golden England and Valpeen, the finishing incident adding nil amusing touch to a. disastrous race. Unfortunately the horses and riders who fell did not escape injury. Green Park broke his neck, while Mr. G. Campbell, rider of Valpeen, dislocated his shoulder, and B. H. .Sullivan, rider of Moree, broke a bone in liis left shoulder.