Check On Houlahan Jumpers
The Age
Monday July 11, 1994
Trainer Jim Houlahan yesterday turned to veterinary science to help him plan the futures of two of Victoria's finest cross-country horses, Canramo and Fun Verdict.
Houlahan yesterday floated the two horses to the Werribee veterinary clinic, for an examination by Dr Alistair Maclean.
Houlahan said Fun Verdict, winner of last year's Grand National Hurdle, had missed some of the feature hurdles this year because of suspensory ligament damage.
Fun Verdict looked primed to be Victoria's most accomplished hurdler after his stunning form last season, until the problem arose a month ago.
``I need to know what the professionals think. They will guide me on what I can do next. Fun Verdict had a problem with his suspensory and they will tell how bad it is," Houlahan said.
``I have left both of them at Werribee and the results should be through in a few days."
Canramo, who battled a problem tendon throughout his latest campaign, will be thoroughly tested over the next few days. It was testimony to his courage that he was able to run so well when second in last Saturday's Grand National Steeple.
Houlahan said after the Grand National that he was just pleased to see Canramo walk back to the mounting yard in ``one piece" after the horse almost crashed at the fifth-last fence.
Canramo won the Crisp Steeple the week before the Grand National.
While Houlahan awaits test results for Fun Verdict and Canramo, the stable will still be represented, by Gold Fever, in one of the last major jumping races for the season, the Hiskens Steeple at Moonee Valley later this month.
Gold Fever schooled ``nicely" at the Valley yesterday morning, said Houlahan.
Gold Fever could start in Saturday's Victorian Steeple at Moonee Valley. The dearth of 'chasers and the drawing power of the Grand National Hurdle in South Australia on the same day has forced the Moonee Valley Racing Club to reopen entries for the Victorian Steeple and the Ted Best Hurdle.
MELBOURNE sprinter Hareeba will start in the $100,000 Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton tomorrow providing the track is fast.
Trainer Ken Newman said he was thrilled with Hareeba's hit-out at Southport on Saturday morning, when the three-year-old ran 46seconds for 800metres. He confirmed that jockey Michael Clarke would be reunited with Hareeba at Grafton.
CONFUSION reigned at Berrigan races yesterday when the judge altered the placings for a race after correct weight had been declared.
It is understood that the judge called for a photo before correct weight was announced on race seven, and bets were paid. After the next race, the judge reportedly announced a new third placegetter.
The placings for the maiden were changed from Primp (10/1), Star Of Indies (9/2) and Gold Ties (25/1) to Primp, Star Of Indies and Urana (7/2). Margins were a long neck and a head.
Stewards, club officials and connections were unavailable for comment.
© 1994 The Age
