REGAL PRAISE SURPRISED

Chronicle (Levin), 10 April 1947, Page 6

REGAL PRAISE SURPRISED

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G.N. ST. LEGER VICTORY WAS OUTSTANDING

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The surprise win of Regal Praise i-n the Great Northern St.* Leger Stakes at Ellerslie last Manday, m which she defeated Beau le Havre by one and a-half lengths, was the main item discussed hy most turf writers when reviewing the Easter racing at Ellerslie. Claimed by many racegoers as u'nbeaten" with seven wins to his credit, Beau .le Havre, although not- disgraced, was decisively beaten a'nd no excuses can be offered for his defeat. The determined finish of Regal Praise could not -be withstood by .the Beau Repaire horse. The winner's time of 3 mins. 2 2-5 secs. for the one and three- quarter mile journey does not compare admirably with the time record which is shared by Greek Shepherd, Battledress andMiss Medley. Nevertheless, . thejourney is a real test of stamina for chree-year-olds, and the task is often made easier by a dawdling pace - for a mile and a-half,' with a consequent sprint home over the remaining quarter-mile.

Many horsgs who have won this classic, which dates back to. 1916, have later become champions of their day. Winners like .Rapine, .who won in l923 and in later years won the Avondale Guineas,- Auckland Plate and " Auckland 'Cup, besides many other victories. Concentrate, Beau Vite, Kindergarten, Expanse and Lord Chancellor are also Auckland Cup winners. There is every likelihood that Regal Praise may develop into a star handicapper in later years. Her record, ' although not altogether consistent, includes several elassics. At the 1945 Te Aroha September meeting Regal Praise earried the colours of her owner for the first time. She failed to gain a place in the large field, but created a fine impression when she won the second division of the A.R.C. Welcome Stakes at her next start, returning a handsome dividend to her few supporters. Gay Foot and Karachi filled the minor placings. It is interesting to note that the winner of the first division was Beau le Havre, Failing to gain a place in the Avondale

Stakes, the Nightmarch filly -came home an easy winner in the A.R.C, Rakino Handicap. Her form lapsed when, in her followi'ng six starts, she recorded only one win, which was in the Liverpool Handicap at Ellerslie, and two seconds. Taken to the New Zealand Cup meeting, Regal Praise failed in the New Zealand Derby., but on the following day she gave a glimpse of her old form when she beat all' but Sakuntala in the N.Z. Oaks. Regal Praise came into the lime'ight again when she won the Herries Memorial Cup from Bramble Song. She was also successful In the Franklin Cup the following weekend. Then. came the Great Northern Oaks in which she gave an impressive display to win. Her success in this race benefitted her for her race in the St. Leger. A three,-year-old hy Nightmarch from Praise, Regal Praise is owned by E. Worth, and has the services of E. Davis as her trainer.