BIG V.A.T.C. RACE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 35, 10 August 1936, Page 13

BIG V.A.T.C. RACE

WAKERIFE SCORES EASILY

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, August 9. Jumping badly throughout, the warm favourite, Santa Casa, could finish no better than sixth in the Australian Steeplechase on the concluding day of the V.A.T.C. Steeplechase Meeting at Caulfield yesterday, over thirty lengths from the winner, Wakerife, whose performance was remarkable. Wakerife made light of the jumps and distance, and cleared away from the field six furlongs from home, easing up at the .finish and beating Fulham's course record by 6Jsec. Following Santa Casa's dismal showing, a veterinary surgeon,, under instructions from the stewards, took a swab from the favourite. This was done at -the request of Santa Casa's owner, who is reported to have told the stewards that the horse's form was so bad that he thought it must have been "got at." The following was the result of the AUSTRALIAN STEEPLECHASE, £1500; about 3£ miles. Mrs. A.M. Henley's eh g Wakerife, by Sea Prince—Eveille, lOyrs \ 9.5 (Foley) 1 Actaeon, 9.9 (Dillon) ...i........ 2 Character, 10.2 (Douglas) ......... 3 All started. Twenty lengths; two lengths. El Damaroyal was fourth and Gold Spring fifth. Time, 7min 3isec, a course record. Actaeon led until six furlongs'from home., followed by El Damaroyal, Christmas Gift, Strobus, and Wakerife. When Wakerife shot to the front the race was all over. Gay Lot was unplaced in the Chatsworth Plate, Gay Circle was unplaced in the Balaclava Stakes, Membo ' was unplaced in the Knowsley Steeplechase, and Palatinate was third in the St. Aubin Welter Handicap. .