RIO THIRD

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30960, 17 January 1966, Page 4

RIO THIRD

Fine Moonee Valley Run (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) MELBOURNE. New Zealand's outstanding three-year-old last season, Rio came from last at the half mile to finish an impressive third In the Second Argyle Handicap over six furlongs at Moonee Valley on Saturday. Rio, which carried the topweight of 9-4 and was ridden by P. Hyland, looked better than at any of his previous Australian starts, and his trainer, B. Courtney said he thought the champion was returning to hts top form. The race went to the 20 1 shot, Diploma, by a head from Amperage (7/1) and Rio, which started at 11/2, was half a head away. One of the loudest and most prolonged demonstrations ever heard at the course took place after the race. It was aimed at the jockey, M. Mallyon and his mount, the hot even monev favourite, Maritana, which ran fourth.

Maritana lost ground whert badly checked by Aranulla, which broke down just after the first furlong. Aranulla broke his near foreleg and had to be destroyed. Maritana raced in second to last place until the home turn where he gained the rails run. The stewards Immediately opened an inquiry into Maritana’s running, and after taking evidence from Mallyon and trainer, T. Hughes, adjourned it until next Friday.