A VETERAN'S VICTORY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 125, 12 June 1937, Page 15

A VETERAN'S VICTORY

Great Northern Steeplechase ("Archer" iu N.Z. Herald.) One of the greatest surprises associated with the Great. Northern Steeplechase was recorded when the 1.3-vear-old Irish Comet scored decisively. Although lie had run second to Tudor and Forest Glow in the Autumn Steeplechase at Ellerslie, Irish Comet's prospects wero so Jittle thought of that lie was the least supported but oue of the field and carried only £G more than the extreme outsider Pahu. Irish Comet was near the rear early and it was not until the field approached tlie double with a round to go that he be-

came prominent. Going along the back the last time he ran to the leaders quiekly and when he drew away from Valpeen eoming down tho hill there was never any reai doubt as to the result, although there was a possibility of trouble when the riderless Pahu had to be passed after stopping in front of the last fence. However, the way remained clear and Irish Comet won weii. Irish Comet's victory was a case of a true stayer with a light weigjht triumphing under difficult conditions, the holding sta-te of the going causing many of he runners to tire a long way from- home. Valpeen, who was favourite. ran his best race for two years, and gave a delightful display of jumping. However, he is not the Valpeen of old, although it is evideub that he is reg^ining form. Sheer courage enabled Allegretto to battle on to get third, as he was tiring a long way from home. It'is a pity that he i3 unsound, as there is no doubt about his class as a steeplechaser. Don Erma, who was prominent in the early running, and Forest Glow, whose saddle slipped back slightly, did best of the others, but they were well beaten. Black Marlin, Roxy and Saint Musk were hopelessly out of it when they were pulled up in the final round. Tahu was the only horse to fall, toppling over at the fourth to last fence.