VICTORY IN STEEPLES

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31092, 22 June 1966, Page 4

VICTORY IN STEEPLES

Kumai At Short Odds Kumai, one of the South Island’s most noted winter performers on the flat, showed well above average capabilities as a jumper on firm ground when he outclassed a moderate field of chasers in the Burnside Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase at Oamaru yesterday. Next month Mr T. K. S. Sidey’s Kurdistan gelding will return to Trentham—the scene of some of his greatest triumphs. ‘Tve nominated him for everything—steeplechase, hurdle races and flat races as well," said Kumai’s Wingatui trainer, H. A. Anderton, after the grey's victory yesterday. Kumai. which was backed to prohibitive odds—he paid £1 7s and 16s for a wind-and-place. came up to expectations in the Burnside Steeplechase—his second race over country.

He drew level with the pacemaking Bandarshar with a round left. These two measured fences in stride until near the five furlongs where Kumai drew clear. From that point It was Kumai all the way. His fencing was first-class and he was clearlv superior in stamina. Tip Rip ran the two miles and a half out soundly without ever looking likely to test the favourite. He was third and at least seven lengths from Kumai running into the last halfmile, gathered Bandarshar in in the run from the last fence, but was still four lengths from the winner at the finish. Bandarshar plugged on for third, five lengths back. He beat Bador, which was left in fourth place after Anouk bumped his rider out of the saddle at the last fence, by •ix lengths.

The only other runner to complete the course was Fllsk, which was thoroughly beaten and only cantered home. Early in the race Red Harken “shaved” the marker peg near the half-mile. His rider, B. P. Kennedy, struck the post and was thrown heavily. Kennedy suffered head injuries and suspected concussion. Race Guide stood on the slghter board at the fence near the mile on the last round and crashed heavily. Great Guns, thoroughly beaten at the time, was pulled up after struggling over the same fence.