SWERVED FROM DISTRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 125, 17 August 1927, Page 10

SWERVED FROM DISTRESS

PROBABLE CAUSE OF CORONACH’S FAILURE UNDER PRESSURE HARSHLY JUDGED HORSES ! The following interesting letter, | written by a very well-known English sportsman. Major Harding Cox, appeared in London “Sporting Life” a month ago, and as it will be of more than passing interest to all associated in any way with horse racing it is reproduced; May I be permitted to offer a suggestion as to the reason of the sudden collapse of Coronach’s dynamics upon occasions? writes Major Harding Cox. That which affected Colorado is well known to his connections, viz., a trick which he had of getting his tongue over the bit, and so forcing it back, as to cause partial strangulation. Apparently, means have been found by which this unfortunate habit has been countered. But with regard to Lord Woolavington’s magnificent chestnut, the cause is different, but the effect certainly similar. Nov/, my considerable experience of racehorses, as breeder, trainer, and rider, has taught me that they—like human athletes —are at times subject to certain spasms or “stitches” which temporarily—and sometimes only momentarily—paralyse their physical efforts. SWERVING FROM DISTRESS Very often a colt or filly is put down as a “rogue” or a “jade” because in the course of a race it has been the victim of some such attack, which has caused it to swerve. Such a demonstration is generally reported, as “swerving from distress,” and this description may be accurate from a literal and literary point of view; though the nature of the “distress” has not been correctly indicated. Many of my surviving contemporaries will recall that brilliant colt Black Arrow. After several striking performances, the “striking” took another form; for he absolutely refused to race at all, and was regarded as a rogue and shirker of the deepest dye! A day came when he was found dead in his box. LUNG STUCK TO RIBS A post-mortem autopsy revealed that the right lung had become adhered to the ribs; so that, when in action, the inflation must have caused acute pain and distress. Others will remember my remarkable filly, Dornroschen. After I had won a sensational race on her at the Bibury Club meeting she was served up favourite for “the Corinthian Welter” at Goodwood. At the distance

I had her on the rails, travelling smoothly and apparently full of running. She had shown no signs of weakening, but all of a sudden I felt her “c.ringe”—l think that describes it—and immediately she swerved right across the course. It was impossible to straighten her in time to make good on three other runners, whom her lapse had “let up,” but she overhauled them rapidly, and was in front two strides past the judge. SUDDEN CRAMP Now I am certain that she did not “cut it,” but was suffering from a sudden cramp or “stitch,” such as I am positive many horses, greyhounds and men are subject to on occasion. At the time, this demonstration was put down to inefficiency on the part of Dornroschen’s rider; but as the same thing occurred when Morny Cannon was “up,” and twice when Calder had the mount on her, I hold myself blameless fo.r the downfall of the favourite at Goodwood. If and when a runner swerves suddenly in this fashion, I will defy the strongest and most accomplished jockey to prevent it! ABNORMAL INFLICTION I believe that if our leading jockeys of the day were questioned on the subject they would endorse the theory which I have advanced, viz.: That horses, in running, are at times subject to some abnormal, but temporary, infliction, which causes them to shut up like a knife, as Coronach has done on two occasions when challenged by Colorado. I cannot, and will not, believe that a colt of his brilliance, breeding, and appearance is deficient in coqrage, or that a mile and a-quarter is the limit of his sustained speed.

MEETINGS TO COME August 20. Pahurangs Hunt Glut* August 27. —Taranaki Hunt. September 2. 3. —Marion J C. September 8. 10. Wanganui J.C. September 9. Egmoni -Wanganui Hunt tat Wanganui) September 10 —otaso Hunt Club September 14. Oannevlrke K.C. September 15. Dannevlrke Hunt September 24. Ashburton R.C. September 24 26. Avondale JC. tai Hjllerslie). September 24 26 —Napier Park K_C. September 20 30.—Geraldine R-C. October l —Hawke's Bay J C. October 6. Manawatu Hunt Club October 6. Kurow J C. October 1. 8 —otakt Maori H.C. October 8. lO.—Oamaru JC. October 8, 10. Auckland R.C. October 13. 15 —Whangarei R.C. October 13. 15. l>unedln J.C. October 15.—Carterton RC. October 19, 20—Cromwell J.C October 22 24—Wellington R.C. October 22. 24—Waikato R.C. October 24—Waverlev R.C October 24. 26—Gore R.C. October 24—Waipawa Cty R.C. October 29. 31—Thames J.C. October 24—N Canterbury R.C. October 27. 29—Poverty Bay Turf C!ut October 29—Masterton R C October R; , rikc f »»»tn«<iiia It <