TURF NEWS AND NOTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1940, Page 3

TURF NEWS AND NOTES

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE Aintree Most Difficult Course in the World BUT FATAL FALLS SELDOM OCCUR (BY "THE GRAFTER.”.) Although the cross-country course at Aintree over which the. Grand National Steeplechase is decided stands out as the most difficult in the world, fatal falls have very seldom cropped up ill its history. This year one horse had to be destroyed, but right through their history the Aintree fences have levied only a small tax on riders. This is both a very remarkable and pleasing feature of the English Grand National Steeplechase, and in marked contrast to the records of the original steeplechase course at Flemington. The fences at Aintree are magnified by photographers taking shots at horses flying the jumps with a camera placed close to the ground. There is no necessity to accentuate the size of the fences, the fact that so few in each field complete the course supplies sufficient evidence in that direction. This year 13 in a field of 30 failed to get round. What does invite attention is the fact that the falls so seldom show serious results. It no doubt represents the difference between solid fences and brush fences and hedges. Impact with solid fences catapults a horse and rider, whereas the brush fence or hedge has a yield which takes the jar out of a mistake by softening the blow. It was no doubt recognition of the difference between solid and brush fences that led to the Victoria Racing Club completely remodelling the Flemington steeplechase course by replacing solid fences with stout brush, which can supply just as spectacular a race without what seems to have been recognised as an unnecessary risk to the Wmbs and life of riders and horses. Anyone who has seen a field cross the stout brush fence known as Cutts's jump at Riccarton will readily admit it forms about as severe a test of jumping as'could be desired by anyone satisfied with something less than a gladiators’ battle.