SPRIG'S SUCCESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 40, 10 May 1927, Page 6

SPRIG'S SUCCESS

THE GRAND NATIONAL FAMOUS AINTREE RACE PROVIDED PLENTY OF THRILLS March 25 saw the greatest and most attractive race in the world —the Grand National Steeplechase—relegated to the limbo of the past. In spite of a miserably wet morning, what was probably a record crowd attended Aintree to witness one of the most exciting and closely-contested finishes the race has produced. Sprig, the favourite in a record field, defeating by a length the three-figure chance. Bovril 111., with Bright’s Boy a similar distance away third —a position Mr. Sanford’s horse occupied last year. As usual, grief was plentiful, and only seven of the 37 competitors completed the course. Fortunately, not a single jockey received serious injury. The cases treated were merely abrasions and bruises. SUCCESS FOR LADY OWNER For the third time since its institution, the honours went to a lady owner —Mrs. Partridge. Lady Nelson, whose Ally Sloper was successful in 1915, was the first lady to carry off the spoils, and four years later Mrs. Hugh Peel’s Poethlyn triumphed over 21 rivals. The value of this year’s race amounted to 9,46550v5, Mrs. Partridge, as the owner of the winner, receiving 7,940 sovs and a cup valued at 200sovs. Unfortunately the weather broke down during the night, there being a heavy fall of rain, but this did not in any way deter a huge crowd from putting in an appearance for the Grand National. Toward mid-day the rain ceased, and when racing started the light had improved considerably, but just before the chief event raincoats and umbrellas were again brought into use. In spite of the downpour, however, nearly all the incidents of the race were visible, although there was a slight mist in the country. ROYAL SPECTATORS The going had, of course, been greatly affected by the rain, and was considerably cut up before the big race came on. The King and the Prince of Wales arrived about one o’clock, and His Majesty witnessed the race from Lord Derby’s box. There were 37 runners for the most sporting contest in the world, the parade presenting a most spectacular scene. Sprig, who had for some time been one of the favourites for the race, was at the call-over overnight displaced by the five-year-old Grakle, but on the course Tom Leader’s gelding was always favourite, although Coulthwaite’s horse ran him close at the finish. THREE ABSENTEES All the candidates had completed a satisfactory preparation, and only three numbered on the card were not saddled, these being Ruddyman, who gave way to Mr. Jolly, L’Aiglon 11. and Golden Peace. A. Waudby, who was to have ridden Trump Card, was injured while riding Phibisher the day before, and his place was taken by Mr. S. Dennis, who was engaged just before racing. The excitement was intense when the competitors lined up at the tapes, and there was little or no delay. Silver Somme dwelt at the start, and Blaenor was first away from Grakle, Misconduct, Shaun Or, Thrown In, Keep Cool, Sprig, Knight of the Wilderness, Cash Box, Eagle’s Tail and Trump Card. OUT AT FIRST FENCE Thrown In was the only one to fall at the first fence, at the next Cash Box ran out and Pop Ahead and Lissett 111. came down. Pop Ahead was remounted, and -at the canal turn Grakle was followed by Trump Card and Blaneor, these being well clear of Misconduct, Grecian Wave, Sprig, Bovril 111. and Drinmond, Silver Somme refusing at the fifth fence. Grakle and Shaun Or came down at Valentine's, when Grecian Wave was in front of Keep Cool, Misconduct Sprig, Bright’s Boy and Hawker, these being a long way clear of Drinmond. Marsin and Ballystockart. KEEP COOL BLUNDERS On coming on to the racecourse Bovril 111. had moved up into third place, and Red Bee and Master Billie also improved, but White Park was a long way behind, as were Amberwave, Miss Balscadden and Mr. Jolly. Keep Cool blundered at the water but recovered, and with Grecian Wave falling, Keep Cool was pursued by Bovril 111. and Misconduct. Red Bee and Test match were others to fall at the water, and Misconduct refused at the fourth fence in the country, being baulked wheh jumping at Becher’s the second time round. THE FINAL STAGES Keep Cool was followed by Master Billie, Bovril 111., Bright’s Boy and Sprig, who moved up into second place at the Canal turn behind Bright’s Boy. Master Billie passed him, however, and he and Bright’s Boy jumped Valentine’s together, closely followed by Sprig, who was just in front of Bovril Sprig, however, was always going well, and jumping the Anal obstacle

with Bright’s Boy and Bovril 111, Mrs. Partridge’s gallant horse put in some fine speed on the flat, and won amidst tremendous cheering by a length from Bovril 111., with Bright's Boy occupying third place the same distance away. The victory was one of the most popular in the history of the race.