CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 December 1940, Page 3

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Grand National Records (BY “THE GRAFTER.”) For a dozen years and more a South Canterbury newspaper has been insisting that the first New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase was run at Willowbridge, and not at Riccarton. Considerable space has been occupied in disproving mis-statements concerning the locality and control of the early Grand Nationals, and there can be few South Canterbury sportsmen who are not acquainted with the true origin of the race. It is pleasing, therefore, to be able to report that before long honour is likely to'be given to those to whom it is due.

A few months ago Mr E. C. Studholme brought the matter before the committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club, and confirmation has been obtained of the claims of Willowbridge. It is practically certain that in future tabulated records of the Grand National will be headed by the first and not by the second contest. Resurrection of the story of the Willowbridge race and of the history of the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase Club so far as the public were concerned, was due almost wholly to chance, the report of the gathering being happened upon during a search in files of the South Canterbury newspaper for information which had no relation to racing. Reproduction of the . facts naturally stimulated the interest ’of Mr Studholme (son of the club’s president, who is in possession of a fund of National data and has evei’ been keen to secure recognition of the foundation contest. The winner of the inaugural race was Medora, who ran in the nomination of and was ridden by R. Reay, whose name was spelt Ray in all the early sporting records.