TWO TRAGEDIES IN THE GRAND NATIONAL

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 76, 30 March 1931, Page 13

TWO TRAGEDIES IN THE GRAND NATIONAL

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, March 27. Grakle, on his fifth attempt, attained success in the Grand National Steeplechase. In previous races he was twice brought down, and was sixth in 1929. He fell last year. He belongs to Mr C. R. Taylor, a Liverpool cotton broker, and was trained in Lancashire by Coulthwaite, trainer of Kirkwood, Eremon and JenIcinstown, previous winners. T. Laidlaw is evidently one of the urtluckiest men in racing history, since tie was a former owner of Gralcle, which be sold before he achieved fame. The race was notable as being run On the finest and hottest day in its history, in perfect conditions generally, and in the presence of half a million people. Twenty-eight horses completed the first round, and twelve finished, which is quite unprecedented. The time of the race, 9min 32 4-6 sec, is a record. The race was marred by two tragedies. In addition to Swift Ronald, who was killed by another horse jumping on his head when he was down, Drin broke a leg and was destroyed. Gyilovan fell at Becher’s, and was remounted and went on for a mile, when he fell again. Another horse. Bib Black Boy, was also injured, and may have to be destroyed. No jockeys were hurt. Religious Controversy, A religious controversy has arisen in the Birmingham diocese owing to the Bishop’s condemnation of the verger of a church, who bought a ticket. The priest in charge of St Aidan's declares: “It is unfair and hypocritical for ecclesiastical dignitaries to condemn a verger for a rare occasional flutter, when rich men, whose wealth is the result of speculation, not only pass unrebuked, but are actively patronised by the church. The Bishop’s statement indicates biassed and muddled thinking.’’