OVER THE STICKS

NZ Truth, Issue 1216, 21 March 1929, Page 13

OVER THE STICKS

Pendennis Knocks Off Seconds In The Maguire Steeplechase (From "N.Z, Truth's" Special Auckland Representative.) Racing enthusiasts at Ohmemuri on opening day certainly got their moneys worth from the Maguire Steeplechase.

IT. signalled the near approach of the jumping season, besides providing the best cross-country contest ever witnessed at Paeroa. . • Unfortunately the aged gelding, Mangaiti, met his end when he" crashed over the first fence of the double. There were thirteen starters and no loafing on the journey. The speed was thrilling from the outset, with Star of the East and Pendennis the main pacemakers. Half _ a dozen others were close enough to go onward if the leaders chanced to make a false step. Star of the, East's rider was out to crack up the remainder, but m "this he failed. Over the business end both Pendennis and Master Arch headed him off for the main placings. Roman Abbey, Glenotus, King Fame and Flying Archie were others to complete the course.

The pace was too fast for old Glenotus, while there was no give m the ground to aid the old battler. Roman Abbey was making a fair showing, but suffered a bang during the contest. : This may not be serious, enough to keep him off the scene for any length of time. : ." * Though there were really no stiff obstacles to negotiate at Paeroa, the fact that the majority of the starters finished the course throws put hopes that there is likely to' be some spirited competition m cross-country battles this wjnter.. . The.. speed at which last Saturday's contest was run is best indicated by the fact, that the time was over 8 seconds faster ithan that registered by^ King. Abbey when he won oyer the same course m 1926. V It took Royal Form more: than 9 seconds longer m 1927, and Gleriottis over 14 seconds longer m 1928 than -it did Pendennis last Saturday.