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Evening Post, Issue 37, 12 August 1936, Page 13

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EMISSARY'S OPEN SPRINT

Emissary, though having his first race since he won at Washdyke in May, was capable of leading all the way in the Paparua Handicap and then stalling off challenges to win by a length. It was an attractive effort under top weight of 9.9, and it classes the five-year-old as one of the foremost sprinters in the Dominion at present. The win was the second reverse for the public in the first two events of the day, as Emissary was' at double figures straight out. Emissary does not do a great deal of racing, but his brilliance has now been well proved and he has always been a good horse when fresh. Yesterday s success was his fourth in his last five starts. He is an Australian-bred gelding by Legionnaire from the Domin-ion-bred Kilbroney—Vanna mare Lahnich, the dam previously of the Tasmanian Derby winner High Broney. He was acquired by the late W. J. Tomkinson on behalf of Mr. W. A. White, of Christchurch, for 140 guineas at the Sydney yearling sales, and he has been a profitable purchase at the price; As a two-year-old he was operated on for respiratory trouble, but this does not affect his ability to run out six furlongs or .even, a mile. ■ Pukeko, who was "cjiiite well backed, came -home fast'albhg the' outside of the field in challenge, and he finally crossed to the rail when Emissary hung out, but he was unable to get closer than alength.:from the winner. As he drew the outside marble his performance was one worth noting for the later days. -' Knockfin was always among the first three horses, following the winner xta to the course proper, but she then could do no better and her third was a couple of lengths further away. Gaysome finished well into fourth place, just cutting out the favourite Bay Duke, who had every chance but weakened at the close. Arena was another running on, but Dollar Bill failed to turn a good early' position to any advantage. Arrow Rose was third to the straight and finished eighth, ahead of Greek Gold, who did not appear on the scene till late. Travenna was the last to complete.