V.R.C. GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVII, Issue III, 20 July 1901, Page 110

V.R.C. GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE.

MELBOURNE, July 13. The V..R.C. were favoured with fine weather to-day for the concluding day’s racing in connection with the Grand National meeting. There was a large attendance. The going was rather heavy, owing to recent rains. The following was the result of the principal event: — THE GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE, a handicap sweepstakes of 20 sovs each, with 1500sovs added. About three miles and a furlong. Mr S. Lazarus’ ch g Freedom, 9.11 (Mahony) 1 Bethnal, 12.10 (Ryan) 2 The African, 11.7 (Mooney) 3 Crusado was scratched. The other starters were: Floater, 12.0; Nilus, 12.0; Volcanic, 11.5; Irish Stew, 11.0; Rosebud, 10.12; Euro, 10.12; Duke, 10.10; Pirate. 10.7; Clipstone, 10.7; Tonbridge, J 0.0; Oroua, 10.0; Laceby, 9.12; Bay Eagle, 9.12; Korowai, 9.10; Game, 9.10; Spieler, 9.0. Betting: 5 to 1 against Laceby, 9 to 1 Pirate, 10 t<s 1 Volcanic, 12 to 1 Bethnal, 14 to 1 Freedom. A guod start, The African getting away slightly in advance of Spieler, Oroua, Laceby, and Clipstone. The favourite (Laceby) fell at the first fence. Spieler and Oroua made the running along the back and over the first fence in the straight. Freedom led over the treble, at which Korowai and Game refused. Irish Stew was prominent for a time till he fell. Fredom showed the way over the last fence, followed by Bethnal, Bay Eagle, and Tgnbridge. A great race home resulted in a win for Freedom by three-quarters of a length, Bethnal being six* lengths in front of The African. Time, 6m 325. Laceby broke one of his legs, and was shot. Clipstone, Volcanic, Oroua, and Euro also fell.