STEEPLES TO PRINCE ROBIN

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31108, 11 July 1966, Page 4

STEEPLES TO PRINCE ROBIN

(Trent Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON. Prince Robin, once regarded as a doubtful racehorse because of leg trouble, won Wellington Steeplechase honours easily at Trentham on Saturday.

He won by nine lengths, but his task was eased when Wheroma got his tongue over the bit when leading six furlongs out. Wheroma lasted it out gamely for second, three lengths in front of Brevity. Ringlock was fourth, but a well-beaten favourite. His jumping was uneven and deteriorated late in the race. He "blotched” the last fence end that put paid to his chance. Prince Robin has been entered for the Grand National Steeples and has earned favouritism after a highly successful winter campaign. He has won six races this season for Mr J. R. Haworth, of Marton, who races him on lease. Earlier important vic

tories were in the Wanganui and Manawatu Steeplechases. Prince Robin was sired by Robin’S Reward, winner of three Manawatu Cups and one of the best sons of the imported Robin Goodfellow to race in New Zealand. He had the pace and strength to run close behind the pacemaking Wheroma tad his response was generous when 36-year-old M. B. Peters tode him clear after passing the half-mile. Prinee Robin hooked the last fence on the inside panol disturbed a round earlier, but he landed surely, and pulled away quickly to establish an unassailable lead. Brevity ran a one-paced race for her third three lengths behind Wheroma and well in front of Ringlock, which was attempting to improve on two seconds in the race, but his jumping fell

short of requirements. The brush fence near the seven furlongs troubled him on each circuit.

Copper Fair and Kingston dropped far behind bn the last round. Very Sure was pulled up after jumping the second to last fence and King Ora was pulled up lame in the back straight the last time around. Prince Robin is now established as early favourite for the Grand National Steeplechase but the situation could change again on Wednesday when Cinnaman, runner-up in the Riccarton race last year, runs in the Matai Steeplechase.