STRATFORD RACES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 1, 3 January 1939, Page 17

STRATFORD RACES

MAJORITY'S POPULAR WIN

(By Telegraph.) (Special from "Hurry On.") NEW PLYMOUTH, January 2. With perfect weather and a record attendance, the Stratford Racing Club's Annual Meeting was most successfully opened today. The Stratford Cup was falsely run and this assisted Lickem to victory, the unlucky horse appearing to be High Sea. Majority scored a very popular victory under his big weight in the sprint. An inquiry was held into the fall of Bronze Step in the Trial Stakes, but after the evidence of several riders had been heard no action was deemed necessary. ALWAYS IN FRONT. Gold Petal and Slam were always in front in the Trial Stakes. They were clear of Bronze Step and Judgment racing into the straight, where Bronze Step set out in pursuit. The three horses became bunched at the distance, where Bronze Step fell, and Gold Petal stayed on to beat Slam by a length and a half, with Judgment a good third. Then came Verey Lights and Fiancee, who were both unlucky. Bronze Step might have won but for his mishap. LIKE A CHAMPION. Carrying his 9.9 just like a champion, Majority won the Douglas Handicap in great style. He was about sixth into the straight and came through on the rails at the distance to place the issue beyond doubt. He received an ovation on his return to scale. Orate, though he did not begin with his usual brilliance, was always handy and just lasted long enough to beat Race Call, who came from last at the half-mile. Sir Tommy and Life Guard made the pace but tired out of the money. ONE-HORSE RACE. Corato made a one-horse race of the Juvenile Handicap. He hopped straight to the front, followed by Noble Fox and Improvident, and this trio had the race to themselves. Corato turned for home four lengths in front of Noble Fox, and he went on to beat Noble Fox by five lengths, with Improvident two lengths away third. Veldette finished fast in fourth place. None of the others ever threatened danger. Improvident made a move at the distance but failed to go on with it. \ FALSELY RUN. The Stratford Cup was a false-run race. There was no pace early and the race developed into a sprint home. Nicely handled, Lickem hit the front at the distance, and, holding off a hot challenge from High Sea, won by a length. High Sea appeared unlucky, as his rider did not make his move early enough. Amatory attempted to lead all the way but could not quite see it out. Argentic was a good fourth but had no chance in the sprint home. Wofan's chance went with the slow early pace, and so did Ned Cuttle's. ESTEEM'S HURDLES. Book Law and Airam made the pace in the Ohura Hurdles, with Bryce Street and Esteem always handy. Racing to the straight Airam fan to the front, with Esteem challenging. Airam_ "appeared to have the:: race won at the distance, but, with a final effort, Esteem just headed him on the post. Book Law was two lengths away, a neck in front of Bryce Street. Airam looked a good thing beaten. AT THE RIGHT END. Te Morehu came with a strong run in the straight to win the Tariki Hack Handicap aftef being nicely placed all the way; Prime Quality also finished well. War Lap and Race Camp made the pace, but weakened out of the dividends. Royal Abb was coming through fast when he ran into trouble and was nearly down. RED SAND GAMELY. Finishing solidly Red Sand won the Eltham Highweight narrowly from Dainty Sue. Red Sand displayed gameness to come again after Dainty Sue had headed her about 50 yards from the post. Clessamor and Triune made the pace, but both tired badly. Rabble finished on for third, and Chief Lap also came home fast into fourth place, with Grand City fifth. BRAZILIAN DECISIVELY. Brazilian won the Railway Hack Handicap like a good three-year-old. He lay about fifth until the distance, but when called on for an effort he I drew out to win decisively. Gold Glare came from last at the half-mile to secure second place. Screen Star and Golden Pam were soon in charge, and led Ramleh into the straight, but failed to run on. Ramleh did not finish as well as expected, though he was a] good third.