HAD ENOUGHT OF ASHBURTON STEEPLECHASE FENCES

Chronicle (Levin), 15 May 1947, Page 6

HAD ENOUGHT OF ASHBURTON STEEPLECHASE FENCES

The following comment .is from the Christchurch Star-Sun: — ' ' Steeplechase fences at Ashburton apparantly assume giant-like proportions to eontestants. Five horses linea up for the Alford Haek Steeplechase on Saturday, and all fell by the waysicte. The Riccarton stablemates, Lunana and Commemorate, both trained by G. S. Barr, eventually compfeted their task, with the favourite, Lunaria, an easy winner. "Last year six horses lined up tor the Dromore Hack .Steeplechase anu they "all crashed, the winner eventually turning up in Bravura, also preparea by Barr. Among those in the field were Spanish Main, whieh was remounted for second and later disqualified, and Appeasement. Later in the season Spanish Main was runner-up in the Grand National Steeplechase, while Appeasement was also placed over Riccarton country. "Riders were emphatic after Saturday 's race that they would not riae over the Ashburton course again. The stewards later inspected the fences, and could find nothing wrong. Yiews that the framework holding the brusn' was too high; that the brush was too light; that hollows at the take-off m front of some of the fences added to the liazard of the chase; and that tne board fence was too weather-worn and not clearly enough defined were advanced. "Whatever the reason, it seems strange that horses capable of gettmg round Riccarton should be troubled by this course. ' '