WAIKATO HURDLES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 15 May 1961, Page 4

WAIKATO HURDLES

Blue Rock Narrowly

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, May 14. Going the last furlong like a born stayer, Blue Rock, from Awapuni, won a narrow victory over Region and 11 others in the Waikato Hurdles at Te Rapa yesterday. Through the good management of his rider, C. I. Goss, he secured the best of the running and that enabled him to win by a head. Peter Knight, an outsider, was the best behind Region and a trifle more than two lengths behind the first pair. Then came Count d’Azure. The 1/2 favourite, McKenzie, was a disappointment, being only sixth in the finish and San Diego (3/1) was eighth.

A robust five-year-old gelding by Blue Coral from First Merit, Blue Rock is raced by his breeder, Mr J. Kirton, in partnership with Mr W. E. Kiirton, and prepared by J P. Carter. His win yesterday was his fifth over hurdles and has already brought him a following for the forthcoming big events at Ellerslie. Before turning his hand to training Carter won several notable riding successes over fences and not long after taking out a trainer’s licence he won the Waikato Hurdles in 1958 with Calm Ruler, which was also ridden by Goss. After being sixth on the in. side making the turn into the straight Blue Rock came close to the front at the last jump with 100 yards to go. He seemed likely to win very clearly, but Region then put in such a determined bid that Blue Rock was all out to keep command. Had Region not raced over much extra ground he might have won. Besides, he lost a good position just before starting the run home. His rider, J. A. Gibbs, explained that he was forced to go wide through his mount being unable to handle the very heavy going near the inside.

There is no doubt that Blue Rock handled the holding ground much the better and as the conditions were what can be expected at this time of the year, the honours were pretty well all his way. He was the fifth favourite each way, paying £7 13s for a win and £2 10s for a place. The place dividend on Region was £2 2s 6d, and Peter Knight, the tenth favourite each way, paid £5 Ils 6d. McKenzie, Prince Sylvan, and Peter Knight lost ground, and Colchis, Region, and Lord Pilate took the first jump almost on terms in front San Diego, Blue Rock, Arawana, and Count d’Azure headed the others. After half a mile Colchis just led . Count d’Azure, which was clear of Arawana. In the next three furlongs Colchis drew clear again, taking the jump in front of the stands with a length on Count d’Azure, Arawana. Region, San Diego, and Lord Pilate. Prince Sylvan was next then Blue Rock and McKenzie.

Colchis went further ahead in the next half-mile, but with half a mile to go he had only a length on Count d'Azure, which was followed closely by McKenzie, San Diego, Peter Knight (improving), and Region, which lost ground. San Diego and Peter Knight dashed up to join Colchis as they started the run home. Count Lin and Region became prominent and ao did Blue Rock on the inside. In another furlong San Diego and Colchis were beaten. Blue Rock came to the front past Peter Knight and Count d’Azure. Half a furlong from the finish. Blue Rock looked to have the race well won. Region then made another bid and he failed by a head to carry the day. Peter Knight was a game third, two lengths and a half behind Region. Count d’Azure was fourth and Count Lin fifth, clear of McKenzie, Colchis, San Diego, and Prince Sylvan, which were well back.