RACING

Waikato Independent, Volume XLI, Issue 3891, 13 August 1941, Page 4

RACING

GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE

WIN FOR ASTRAL FLAME

The six-year-old gelding, Astral Flame, gained a convincing win in the Grand National Steeplechase at Christchurch yesterday. He was always handily placed, showing pace above the average on the flat. With half a mile to go lie ran into a good lead, and although he nearly crashed at the second to last fence, lie went on to win by four lengths from Dozie Boy, with the favourite Slayer two lengths away third. Bridegroom evidently suffered as a result of his enforced spell recently, and tired over the last round. Chat lost her rider at the first of the stands double. The promoted hack, .Treasurer, won the Winter Cup in the last stride from Boloyna, with St. Cloud a length and a half away third. The first and third horses were bracketed and started favourites. The Waikato candidate, Esquire, was slow away and never prominent. In the Jumpers’ Flat, King Rey, carrying 12 stone, went an excellent race over the 11- mile journey to beat all but Pekoe. King Rey will have friends for the National Hurdles tomorrow as a result of that effort.

The winners yesterday were:— Night Scout, Sir Gundi, Silver Ball, Pekoe, Boswell, Astral Flame, Night Dress, Treasurer, Jolly Time.