THE DAIRY STEEPLES

Opotiki News, Volume X, Issue 1041, 28 October 1947, Page 2

THE DAIRY STEEPLES

DIGGER TED SHOWS STAMINA PORANGI THE RUNNER-UP (By Arrissimo) Right on time starter Woolfield scon had the field in hand for the ' start of the Dairy Steeplechase. Coining slowly down to the barrier at the Waimana junction Poraugi appeared a little fractious, Digger Ted was bandaged in front with Big Bill still carrying plenty of condition although lie had fined down a trifle in the past week. They left to a good start, and after settling down Poraugi went to a clear lead from Digger Ted with Big Bill a few lengths further back. Over the Nukuhou Brush there was no material change till the Wainui rise, where Poraugi further improved his position. Coming to the water jump he had a lead of twelve lengths from Digger Ted. Big Bill made a faulty jump to be over 20 lengths back. Coming to the Kutarere sod wall, the field was well strung out, Porangi bowling along in front. All safely over that, the Waiotahi ditch loomed in sight. Digger Ted improved his position slightly with Big Bill still in the rear. Up the Paerata Ridge, Digger Ted started to move up and was only a length behind Porangi as they came to the double brush. Both jumped it beautifully, and Big Bill also made up ground. Along the Woodlands stretch the leaders were racing neck and neck over the post and rail which they took in their stride. Entering the long back stretch towards the Coast, Digger Ted drew level with Porangi to out jump hint at the iicker, and coining to the Waiawa brush took command by half a length, Big Bill still plodding along at the rear, round the Tirohanga Bluff there was little change, the leaders going well over the Waituki water jump. Over the Tablelands Hill Big Bill, hard ridden at this stage closed oe the leaders, and over the Otara flat all appeared to have a chance. Crossing the Burnside cutting, Digger Ted made play from Porangi with Big Bill three lengths in the rear. Once in the Waioeka straight the leaders till held command and Porangi started to make a forward move. Digger Ted’s rider gave his mount a reminder half way down the running and lie drew away again to go on and win with a couple of lengths to spare from Porangi with Big Bill tiring badly to be at least 7 or 8 lengths further back.

Judge Porter had no need to call for a photo finish. Secretary Lawrence reported tote figures to be up considerably over iast year, the payout being at good odds both for a win and a place. The winner did exceptionally well and will enhance his prospects for the County Hospital Welter next month. Porangi went well and his connections out Waimana will show a profit. Big Bill lacked condition at the finish to carry his weight. It was his first time out over (lie big fences, but on the flat next month in the Waioeka stakes, there might be a different talc to tell. The staff and officials are to be complimented on the efficient manner of the running of the event and everything finished up on time.