THE NATIONAL COURSE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 172, 7 August 1937, Page 19

THE NATIONAL COURSE

"Riccarton Raspors" : The Jumps Described At one time tfie fenees forming the cross-countiy course were known as the Riccarton raspers. and aithough some of them have dwindled since the early history of the Grand National Steeplechase they will supply a stout tost to horse and rider, writes ' 'Sen.tinel" in the Otago Times. It is iutereating to note that there is a margin of 18in. between the highest and lowest jump. The lowest is the post atid rails standing 3ft. 6in. and just the sort to trip a horse. In fact, in the writer's opinjon it forms such a marked contrast to the rest of the jumps that it should be deleted and supplanted by a stout brueh standing 3ffc. ) ICin. The higjhest jump is Outts'B fenoe

L.i i, . i.ii ... 1 - j * • 1 ' ....HU!5ft. hfgh and about 3ft. through on the top. It takes jumping, hut if e horse hits, there is "life" in the stiff bru&h to ease the impact, The :most dangerous jump is the brush at the top of the straight, It stands 4ft. 10ih. and is a bft top rich and, not too well placed for a second last jtimp nearing the end of a three roiles and a-half journey. The first fence, at the carriage paddock, is jumped three times, making 21 in all, Tfie following are the measuremenis of the fences comprising the course:-— Height

ft, jn. 1-— Carriage paddock (brush) 4 5 2 — 3— Stand double (brush) each ... ... ..V .„ 4 6 4—-Outts's (brush) ... ... 5 o 5— Sod wall (ditch 3ft. 3in) ... 3 7 6— Post and rails (ditch 3ft 8 . in) ... ... — 3 6 7 — 8 — Kennels double (brush) First fence (ditch 3ft 9in) 4 10 Second fence 4 6 9— Sod wall (ditch Sff. Sin) ... 3 8 R>— Top of straight (brush) .., 4 39