Above: Scouting gets to his feet after crashing through a rail at Pakenham on Saturday.
By Peter Sweeney
THREE horses failed to finish, two lost their riders and one fell in the one steeplechase and two hurdles at Pakenham races on Saturday – but, as far as most were concerned, the right answers were delivered.
And though it started well in the first when hot pop Answer continued the amazing jumps run of trainer Patrick Payne and jockey Steven Pateman, the best answer of the meeting was when Scouting sprang to his feet.
Such seemed unlikely when Scouting, a winner at the previous jumps meeting at Pakenham, was on the loose after falling in the second.
The small crowd was stunned for two minutes after Scouting veered into the fence 100m past the finish post.
Things didn’t look too good when the screen was called for – but as soon as he sighted it, Scouting was up and about.
Sure, he was bloodied and bruised, but he proved just how sturdy the jumpers are.
As did hoop Gerrad Gilmour in the next race.
After parting company from Monte Cassino in the first, Gilmour walked, or limped, around part of the track to see where the better going was for his ride aboard Our Chateau in the third.
It worked. Our Chateau, a five-year-old gelding owned and trained by Monica Croston, Gilmour’s wife, led from pillar to post.
