NATIONAL SENSATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1930, Page 4

NATIONAL SENSATIONS

OMEO AND MATU UNDER "CUOUD.

(By

"Moturoa.”)

Early speculators learned witli some trepidation the news that all is not well with Omeo and Matu, the two favourites for the Grand National Steeplechase to be decided to-day, and with the memory of the “Lord Ranald sensation” just twelve months ago still fresh iii the minds of the majority this information has given cause for an impression that, in the ease of Omeo, at least, some outside forces have been taking a hand in matters. It is to be hoped that such news has been broad-

cast pessimistically and sportsmen and bettors throughout the Dominion will join in wishing a complete recovery for these jumpers. : According to. a contemporary Matu bruised a heel as a result of slipping into the ditch in front of the first of the Kennels Double on Saturday, and he was unable to put the foot to the ground on Sunday morning. He improved under treatment as the day progressed and was given the run of a paddock in the afternoon, when the soreness had worn off to a large extent. His trainer io naturally much concerned, but hones that the trouble will be overcome and that the gelding will be well enough for his engagement, Omeo's case is, unfortunately, more serious. He showed no signs of any ailment after schooling on Saturday nor after he was taken to hie stable, and nothing amiss Was noticeable in the evening. On Sunday morning, however, he displayed a cut on the outside of the near hind leg, between the hock and the fetlock, and the limb was badly inflamed. He was in such a bad way that he had to be left in his box, and it was not until the afternoon, after receiving veterinary attention, .that he was able to be given a little walking exercise.

The cause of the mishap remains a mystery, as. it was not possible for the cut -to have been suffered during the day without being detected. i Omeo was still sore when brought back to his stable after his walk out, and it will not be known until the ■ last minute whether he will be fit enough to be produced for the Steeplechase.

The/oc'dii'rfcnee is extremely bad luck for Omcpy owner, Mr. A. Lile, of New Plymouth;- Only five days before the Great Northern meeting Omeo received a bad cut on the off stifle while schooling, and, in spite of this, ran a gallant second to’Aurora, Borealis in the Great (Northern Steeplechase. A period of careful nursing followed and then Omeo was produced at the recent Manawatu meeting, failing in the steeplechase on the first day and running second in a hurdle race on the second day. His training work since coming to Riccarton has been excellent and hie party had high hopes of -winning the Grand Na--1 ional Steeplechase.-