N.Z. DERBY WINNER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 10 November 1939, Page 3

N.Z. DERBY WINNER

SLEEPY BEAULIVRE DISTURBANCE RESENTED “A PERFECT HORSE” A southern exchange publishes an interesting story concerning the champion three-year-okl Beaulivre: — Awakened from a sound sleep half an hour before the Derby was run at Riccarton, the champion colt, Beaulivre, displayed his resentment by attempting to bite the stable hand who had disturbed him. It was the first time in his life that Beaulivre had shown the slightest viciousness. His bad mood soon passed and he nodded his head sleepily as he was being saddled up to win the Derby. ‘'Mick,” as Beaulivre is called in the stable, is in temperament and physique as near perfection as possible, according to his trainer, S. J. Reid, Hastings, “Ho is almost human,” is the trainer’s description of the champion. He can be 'ridden by the lightest boy, and at any speed when training, in company or alone, and he has given no concern whatever since going into Reid’s stable in July.

Remarkably docile as a rule, “Mick” was not pleased when he was awakened in his box shortly before the Derby field was paraded, for sleep [s one of his main enjoyments. To the three-year-old’s wonderful resting capacities the trainer attributes .his evenness of temper and placid -responsiveness to his rider when., in action on training track or course. He is as reliable as a clock when in his Hastings stable. He goes to sleep every day after his midday meal and

wakes up just in time to go out for a laic walk. Staying Ability While the slow-run Derby gave Beaulivre no real test as a stayer, his trainer believes that- he will stay. “If he loses, it will be through trying to win too early,” said Reid, .who formerly trained those outstanding gallopers, Historic and Grand Knight. “He wants to win the race early and then the job is over with him, and and his jockey has to keep him going. That is what happened in the Hareourt Cup at Wellington. ‘Mick’ won’t do more than is- necessary, and he won’t go at any speed unless another ho'rse forces him.”

A.record of nine consecutive classic wins has now been set by Beaulivre, who, has been unbeaten in eight starts since he was bought by Mr. E. C. Harnett for 2900 guineas, all of which, and a profit, has been returned. No definite arrangements have been made for his future racing, but Mr'. Harnett prefers to see the colt race in New Zealand. Provided all goes well, Beaulivre will be a definite starter at the Auckland meeting at Christmas.

“We have never seen Beaulivre fully tested, so we do not know how far and fast' he would go if shaken up,” said Mr. G. Murray-Aynsley, who has seen many Derbies since Oudeis won in 1883 and is an authority on breeding and racing. “Although the race was too slow for a good Derby colt, and was run in. his favour, Beaulivre was not tiring at the finish. He looks as if he would run a fine mile and a half if there was something in the field to make him travel.”