SERIES OF RACE MISHAPS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24909, 24 June 1946, Page 4

SERIES OF RACE MISHAPS

STEEPLECHASE EVENT AT ASHBURTON EXCITEMENT AND AMUSEMENT FOR SPECTATORS The contest for the Dromore Hack Steeplechase at- Ashburton on Saturday produced a remarkable series of mishaps. For the first six furlongs the only untoward incident, apart from some very risky jumping, was Bannockburn’s fall at the board fence near the four furlong post. However, in the next half mile the other five runners were all. for the time being, eliminated one by one. Gold Nugget hit the wing of the brush hurdle near the distance and knocked down half of the hurdle; Spanish Main crashed at the first of the stand double; and Bravura ran off at the second, leaving only Appeasement and Prince Dolomite to carry on. Appeasement baulked at the next, a board fence near the nine furlongs; and Prince Dolomite baulked at the next fence, the brush near the mile post. The riders of Prince Dolomite and Appeasement tried to get their mounts to clear the fences, and they persistently refused, to the great amusement of the spectators. In the meantime, R. Hawes, on Bravura, turned back, cleared the second of the stand double, and continued on his way. At the board fence Appeasement was sent along with Bravura, but refused again; and at the brush fence Bravura did likewise. He was the only horse making progress at this stage, and there was a roar from the crowd when he nearly came to grief at the brush fence at the five furlongs and dropped his rider; but Hawes held on to the reins awl soon remounted. He completed the fourse amid enthusiastic applause from the crowd, having only to run over the fallen section of the last fence.

When Bravura was well on his way, Spanish Main was also remounted and completed the course without incident to take second place, finishing a minute behind Bravura.

Appeasement and Prince Dolomite both refused to go with Spanish Main; and in desperation K. Thomson took Prince Dolomite back to the board fence which Appeasement had steadfastly refused to jump for his rider W. Barr, and the pair set off in the hope that the horses would jump in company. Amid cheers from the crowd the pair cleared the fence; but there were roars of laughter when both refused at the next fence. Prince Dolomite broke away, and was caught and mounted by A. Williams, the rider of Gold Nugget, and he had several attempts at getting him over the board fence again. Even the persuasive efforts of his trainer, who chased Him from behind, vigorously waving his overcoat, would not induce Prince Dolomite to jump that board fence. A fresh interest was added to the proceedings when a spectator mounted Bannockburn and set out to complete the course. After a fall at the five furlongs, and being remounted, Bannockburn eventually did complete the course; but he was long after the time limit of 20min, and all the rider got for his efforts was his suit ruined. Appeasement’s refusals must almost have exceeded a score when his rider gave up hope and the course was cleared for tne next race.