Hurdle Horsemen Have Lean Time

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 119, 22 May 1942, Page 7

Hurdle Horsemen Have Lean Time

It is not often that an apprentice jockey is near the top «t' the list of winning horsemen over the obstacles, but «h;s season J. Williamson, the Matamata apprentice, can claim the distinction. He is only headed by T. Boyle, a South Island rider (8 wins), but has alongside him with six successes J. Mcßae, F. Cleaver and D. McKinnon. Williamson, a lightweight, has also 22 wins ob the flat since August 1.

An analysis of the list draws attention to the parlous nature of the calling of the heavier riders to-day. It shows that in 125 hurdle races and steeplechases, no fewer than 54 riders have shared in the winning rides. In addition, there are a number who have ridden without a single success.

How do many of them live under curtailment conditions? Well, they "go to work." A number of these horsemen today are in regular employment in other industries and can only treat racing as "on the side."

One mount a week is all many of them have had for months, so that it, is easily soon there is little or no inducement for the hurdle horseman to-day.

The list of winners of hurdle races and steeplechases from August 1 to May 9, excluding high-weight races, is:—

T. Boyle, 8: .T. Mcßae, D. McKinnon. J. Williamson and F. Cleaver, 6; A. Leach, A. Jenkins, 5: .T. Strathern, J. Nicholson, W. Sinton and E. Temperton. 4; P. Brady, AY. Stevens. j. Fereus. S. Anderson. A. Sager. F. Hain. R. Collett and W. Grindley. fi each: E. Jennings. W. Skiffington, J. Winder. W. Pnscoe, M. Wright. P. J. Bovle. A. Stove, J. McLaughlin, M. Coon and P. Burgess and R. Johnston, 2 each; A • Dve. D. Hamill. A. E. Ellis, M. McDonald. L. Lewis, .T. Toki, C. Zupnicich, G. L. OoHsbro. S. Pell, A. Lord, F. Boyle. L. Dul'eu. A. Fenton, A. McGregor. D. Rvan, ■T. Havoc. E. I.ewis. R. Mackie. H. Hibberd. F. Register. C. Tow. H. Callahan, L. Jarvis and G. Barr 1 each.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS RKSI'LT: Yes. he started in two races. A.R.R.—.I. H. Mcßae was not riding at Egmont.