KINDERGARTEN'S GREAT PERFORMANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 295, 18 April 1941, Page 8

KINDERGARTEN'S GREAT PERFORMANCE

A PHENOMENAL VICTORY

Acclaimed a New Zealand champion, by reason of ten succcssive victories this season the three-year-old Kindergarten fully upheld the title by scoring decisively in the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie. Loaded with 9.11 or 15lbs over weight for age, it was generally admitted that he had a task of great magnitude before him in the endeavour to concede a number of fast milers as much as 391b, and to carry his weight, including 23ibs of lead, in a big field. Produced in the pink of form by R. S. Bagby, he certainly looked the prospective winner, and as the machine investments were being recorded it was soon unmistakably evident that he would start one of the hottest favourites of the season. His barrier draw was No. 14, but this did not perturb his connections as it was thought he would be unable to keep clear of the crowding at the send-off. A good start was effected and with Brazen Bold and Bronwen in the lead, a very solid pace set. * When the field got into balance it was discernable that the favourite was badly placed in the running, and when he began to drift his backers had some cause to doubt as to his abilitj' - to win. Four furlongs from home Kindergarten was 40 3'ards from the leaders, and his prospect of victory appeared to be practically hopeless. Going along the back stretch he made up several lengths, but entering the straight he was well blocked in by, the rear division. However, half way down, the leaders spread across the course; Wiggins sent his mount through an opening and in a few of the champion's long; strides defeat Avas changed to victory amid the cheers of thousands of racing enthusiasts. The cheering continued until after the horse returned to the bird-cage, and was a clearcut appreciation of the gallant deed of a great racehorse, and also to the fine race run by Brazen Bold and Monte Cristo, avlio proved to be milers of the front rank.

STEVE DONOGHUE COME-BACK PLANNED Military call-ups are continuing to reduce the number of English flat-race jockej r s to such an extent that SteA r e Donoghue, at 56, is considering returning to the saddle. Donoghue is at present framing 42 horses oAvned by the Duke of West- j minster, Sir Walter Sasson. Marco! Boussuc, and others, and has had numerous successes.. Donoghue' says he is not feeling old. "I ride daily, and love it. T do not think I would have any trouble in riding to-day, or Avinning, either," he said. A special dispensation trom the Jockey Club would, be needed in Donoghue's case, because it »s against the rules to ride and train, too. • WINNING OWNERS The list of Avinning OAvners at the A.R-G. Easter meeting Avas headed by Mr E. Fitzgerald, with £1375, the result of Kindergarten's wins in the Easter, Handicap and the Great Northern St. Leger Stakes. Mr T. F. Hodges Avas next with £600, gained by Monte Cristo, for, third in the Easter Handicap and first in the Huia Handicap.- Mr R. W. J. Cuthbert followed Avith £525, AA r on by Sir Cameron in the H. O. Nolan Handicap. Other good winners Avere: Mr C. R. PoAvell £475; Mrs W. D. Graham £450: Messrs S. G. Lindsay, R. Douglas and M. D. Bonthorne and G. A. Lang, £350. R. S. Bagby headed the list qff winning' trainers, Avith three wins, Kindergarten (2) and Night Pilot, and H, N. Wiggins, Avho rode them, was the most successful jc-ckej\ W. H. DAvyer, Belle Cane and Globe Trotter: F. Smith, Mysito and Cambria, Avere the only other trainers to Avin more ,than one race. B. H. Morris, Belle Cane and Globe Trotter; H. Long", River Plat'.' and Sir Cameron, W. Hooton, Mysito and Cambria; C. R. Goulsbro, Volifox and Monte Cristo, each had two winning mounts, RACING FIXTURES 19,, 21—Wanganui Jockey Club 19, 21—Greymcuth Jockey Club 19, 21—Avondale Jockey C!ub '26—Reef ton Jockey Club 20—Waverley Racing Club