AN APPRECIATION

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 130, 18 June 1937, Page 12

AN APPRECIATION

"The Barb.")

Allan McDonald's Fine Horsemaiiship

(By

A tribute to the fane horsemanship displayed by the veteran cross-coun-try horsemaii, Allan McDonald, during the running of the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase, which he won on Mr Frank Arinstrong's Acre gelding Manhwatu, was expressed in no halfhearted manner by Hawke's Bay Racing folk at the conclusion of the race. Manawatu, although having won over the formidable Riccarton country, is not what may be termed a proficient steepleGhaser as yet, but experience at the hands of McDonald will soon have hira that way. McDonald, in the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase, . knew that his mount required all the help and assistance to Win, and he got it. it was necessary tliat this geldilig. flhould have a "mate," ab his fences, so that he would g^ve of his bosb, so his rider earJy iii tiie l'ace, when the coxltestahltj tuuk Up their rUiining pusitiuns, sorfeed out Paclnos ub that CDinpailiou, and stride 1'or stl-ide aiid taking each i'eiice as oue horse, this pahwero together for a mile, wlien Pudnos turned turtle at the fence one and a-quafter iliiles from honic. This ldft ManaWtttu without the required assistance so McDonald immediately had to get another schoohng eompanlon, and lio Wisely seleeted Riotous. Then the pttir earrifed on as one until the last fence was negotiated. At each fence it cofild be seen that McDonald slightly eased the bridle rein to give his mount pienty of reach to do his job j also, just prior to landing he would slightly advance in the saddio so as.to give ease to his mount when landing on his foreleg®. Nevor by the slightest movement in the saddio did McDonald iuibalanco his mount or pub hira out of gear j never once during the iace did Manawatu receive the slightest rein-pull that uiight liuV-o been a hindrance. Yes, Allan McDonald, you iuay have ridden well in the past and majr do so

in the future. bivt never will yoti ride a Jxetter race than you did in the H.B. Steeplechase on Jutie 17. 1937. The racing folk present futly appreciated your mnsterfui exliihition of hoi'seman. ship, and. Will, With the Writel1, join in than king you for five minutes and 13 secouds of a racirtg treat scldoui cxperiencetl these day*. ,