HEATS OF DERBY

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31003, 8 March 1966, Page 4

HEATS OF DERBY

N.Z. Horses Win New Zealand-bred horses filled the first five placings in the first heat of the New South Wales Pacers’ Derby at Harold Park last Friday. Johnny Chappelet (Johnny Globe—Chappelet) overcame a slow start to win easily from John Craig (Brahman—First Belle), with Belle Byrd (My Chief—Young Princess), Pipe of Peace (Morris Eden—Grattan Dillon) and Diminutive (Ike Frost—Daisy Gold) next. The first three to finish were all passed in at the 1964 yearling sales, Johnny Chappelet at 150 guineas, John Craig at 400 guineas, and Belle Byrd at 250 guineas. All were subsequently soild at four-figure prices to Australia. After the race it was reported that John Craig had been sold to an American syndicate for 40,000 dollars. Ringo (Flying Song—Bonny Colene), which cost 350gns at the yearling sales, won the second heat, while the third heat went to High Power (Gay Reveler—Burda). Leslie Kim, the top-ranked Sydney three-year-old, finished fourth in his heat and did not qualify for the final to be run on Friday.

Light To Signal Start

A revolving amber-coloured light has been attached to the top of the cab of the starting gate, which will be used at the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s autumn meeting at Addington Raceway tonight. The light, which will signal a start, will be switched on as the starter pulls the switch which releases the arms of the gate. A second revolving light, coloured red, will be controlled by the starter. This light will be switched on in the event of a false start. Similar lights are used on starting gates in the United States and are claimed to be of great value to drivers.

Five Withdraw From Sales

Five of the 131 lots in the catalogue for the national sales of pacing and trotting yearlings to be held tomorrow have been withdrawn so far. They include a colt by Garrison Hanover from Rustic Gold, which was expected to be among the top-priced lots. The others withdrawn are a colt by Forward from Rosewood, a filly by Flying Song from Paye, a filly by Brahman from Nebula, and a filly by Hi Lo’s Forbes from Bobbin.