Racing: Adjustable, portable fence next on list

CHRISTCHURCH - Owner, trainer, rider, breeder administrator, bloodstock agent. There seems no end to the racing roles of Ken Browne.

Browne's latest innovation is a specially designed fence which can easily be adjusted for hurdle or steeplechase races.

He designed a prototype at the instigation of the New Zealand Jumping Association and will let the experts evaluate it before taking the next step. But the next step could be a big stride for winter racing, says Browne.

"I could envisage a set of fences like this being carted around different tracks so that horses are always jumping similar obstacles," Browne said.

"They could be operated just like starting gates are," said Browne, who trained Lost in The Flood to win Grand National Steeplechase Trial at Riccarton on Saturday.

"I don't think I'm the only expert on fences, but I have jumped thousands of them with thousands of horses."

Browne's baby is the traditional batten hurdle.

"Horses which can jump batten hurdles can be sold anywhere in the world. They can jump anything. It would be a tragedy if that were lost."

But at the same time his prototype has a high topping of man-made brush and its angle and height can be quickly adjusted for steeple and hurdle racing.

"In this design there is a lot of greenery on the top and easily seen sighter boards.

"The fences will look big but the horses will have the confidence to jump over them."

Browne believes jumps' fences have deteriorated in general in recent years but praised those at Riccarton after Lost In The Flood scored.

"They have made a top job of them. I would bring a stableful of horses here with confidence," he said.

"I've got any of seven which I could label as Grand National Steeplechase horses at the moment.

"I wouldn't overlook Fair Brother either. He looked as if he bungled it at Trentham on Friday but Michelle (Hopkins) lost her seat when he was held up in the air by another horse."

Lost In The Flood on Saturday dimmed several South Island hopes for the Grand National.

Highfield Prince put in a game effort to run second and Tight Edge at least looked as if he would last the Grand National distance when finishing fourth. But southern hopes look forlorn at this stage.

- NZPA