AT PUKEKOHE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 279, 28 November 1935, Page 4

AT PUKEKOHE

TROUBLE IN HURDLES. NEARLY A NASTY SMASH. (Special to 1 Chronicle. AUCKLAND, Nov. 25. There was nearly a nasty smash at the first fence in the hurdle race at Pukekohe on Saturday, and as it was two horses were put out of the race and another had his good chances severely hampered. British Columbia, having his, first race over obstacles following on bis being placed on the schooling list, was first to take the lead, but al the initial hurdle he almost stopped to make the jump. Tire result was that the bunched field was at once in trouble, for the Top Gallant gelding swerved out and stopped several horses. Lap Up stumbled and went down on to his haunches, and Orenda, who was follow ing him, landed just short of the skidding Lap Up and came down. The impetus of the falling Orenda, who cannoned into Lap Up, forced the latter up again and he went on in the race. Folly’s Choice, who was gjeen at the barrier and was left a few lengths, saw the debacle at the first hurdle, witji almost the whole field stopped, and he apparently thought better of it and pulled up, -takrtig no part in the race subsequently. Lap Up went an excellent race after this mishap, and as he finished fourth a little over four lengths from the winner he could be accounted unlucky. British Columbia showed plenty of pace between the hurdles and was up m a handy position at the home turn, only to fence too slowly and lose ground. ‘Had he been ridden i z > his fences he might have had a winning chance. He may have his next race in the hurdles at Ellerslie next Saturday, although they are formidable for a novice. The incident in connection with Lap Up recalls a similar occurrence in the Melbourne Cup of two years ago, when Hall Mark won, this peculiar affair being caught with remarkable clarity by the movie cameraman. Hall Mark got on the heels of a horse in front of him and went down on to his haunches, but his stablemate, following immediately behind, bumped into him and brought him on to his feet again, tt is now history how Hall Mark overcame this handicap and ran on to a narrow but glorious victory. Had Lap Up been a Hall Mark or anything near that standard he would probably have won too.