Cross Country Steeplechasing

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6105, 22 September 1947, Page 4

Cross Country Steeplechasing

POINT-TO-POINT RACES

GOOD SPORT AT MATANGI A spectacular contest was provided in the main event, the open steeplechase, at the annual point-to-point races of the Waikato Hunt at Matangi on Saturday. Eleven hunters took part, and after Valconia (a half brother to Sleepy Fox, fell four fences from home when well clear,/there were half a dozen runners in/ bunch to fight out the issue. / Yank, who had not been/lurried in the early stages of the 2jr mile'race, took charge turning into/he straight and held on to win by/four lengths | from Maori Dance, wh/ finished on [strongly, with Glftn Gonnell only a | neck away third. \ Brown Ronald, | Desert Wings and ffjGeover were close behind the placed borses. There was a large attendance from all parts of the Waikato, and the mile course on Mr W. F. Bourke's farm gave everyone a clear view of the racing. There were several sharp turns, which some of the horses experienced difficulty in negotiating. At the conclusion of the day, the valuable trophies "were presented by the Master, Mr Wynn Brown. Well ridden by the owner, G. Whale, Valconia, won. the Ladies' Open Steeplechase, after taking the lead around the back the last time. Glen Connell finished.on to be two lengths away second, with Yank, who had led early close up third, and Interview fourth. Radiant Vaals and Tightline fell. Even though Devon won the Members' Heavy-Weight by over a furlong, Mr Ned Brown neVer had him fully extended. Chequers was the nearest attendant when he fell leaving Devon well clear. Flying Dance battled on into second place ahead of Peter, with Dick the only other one to finish.

Two Pakuranga entries, Destiny and Orange Pip, finished first and second in the Ladies' Steeplechase for Maiden hunters. Miss Shirley Millen rode a well-judged race on the winner, but the contest was robbed of some interest wlien Titian fell going out of the straight. Little Goldie also came down, leaving the visitors with the race themselves.

There was an unusual incident in Members' Light-Weight. Shian, who had fallen at the jump in the straight the second time round was still lying close to the fence as the field came round again for the run home. Several spectators endeavoured to stop the race but Titian, who was in the lead went on and won easily, whereas Ramus and Red Jacket were pulled up. Ramus' was going well at the time and may have overhauled Titian in the straight. Prince Lloyd also finished the course for second. Orange Pip fell early in the race. Added interest this, year was provided by* the Cambridge Pony Club which staged three events for juvSnile riders. The judge was Mr J. Gaddes, of Morrinsville.

The day's results were:— , Ladies' Open Steeplechase, about lh miles: Valconia, Miss G.Whale's owner) 1; Glen Connell, Mrs E. Storey's (Miss N. Kanstead) 2; Yank, Mr E. Anderton's (Mrs B. Thompson) 3. Two lengths each way. Time 3.55 4/5 sees.

Members' Heavy-Weight, about 21 miles: Devon, Mr J. S. Bailey's (Mr E. W. Brown) 1; Plying Duce, Mr J. Hendrup's (P. Hendry) 2; Peter, Mr A. A. Edward's (owner) 3." Time 4.57 and two fifths.

Ladies' Steeplechase (maiden' hunters), about II miles: Destiny, Miss S. Millen's (owner) 1; Orange Pip, Mr R. J. Townsend's (Miss f(. Ran-stead)-2.. Time 4.11. Open Steeplechase, about 21 miles: Yank, Mr E. Anderton's (owner) 1; Maori Dance, Mr D. R. Orr's (Mr L. Stewart) 2; Glen Connell, Mrs E. Storey's (Mr E. B. Weal) 3. Four lengths, neck. Time 4.54-2/5 sees. Members' Light-Weight, about 2h miles: Titian, Miss K. O'Sullivan's (Mr G. Borrell) 1; Prince Lloyd, Miss E. Boot's (Mr I. Temm) 2. Time 5.14. Ponies 13.2 and under: Betty Arnold's De Witt 1; Cyril Yearbury's Bonnie 2; Jill Hargrave's Narkie 3. Ponies 14.2 and under: Rex Otto : s Starlight 1; John Entwislte's Major 2; Kevin Hurley's Kaharangi 3. Pony Club's event, open: Kevin Hurley 1; Rex Otto 2; G. Goodwin's Charm 3.