NEW ZEALAND CUP.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1045, 12 November 1903, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND CUP.

DISQUALIFICATION OF RIDER OP

CANTEEN.

The Dunedin horse paying tho limit the only defections were Melwood and Leonora. The parade was eagorly watched, and the condition of the candidates critically discussed. Wairiki, who sweated very badly in the paddock, was the only one who was noticeably fretful or lacking. At the post, Canteen was fractious, and Wairiki also displayed a nervous disposition. There was some little delay, the race being a quarter of an hour late in starting, but ultimately the field got well away, the running being almost immediately taken up by Roseal and Achilles, the latter of these fighting for bis head. Early in the race the pace was deadly solid, the first four furlongs being run in 50s, six furlongs in 1.15, and the first mile in 1.42 J. Throughout this, Achilles and Roseal were alternately changing places in the lead. Prominent in the next division were Shrapnel, Contests, Hinetaura, Wairiki, and Strathavon. The mile and a quarter was left behind in 2.8 f, and the mile and a half in 2 36 3 5. Turning into the straight Achilles was in command, and directly after Roseal began to falter, whilst Wairiki made a forward move, and Canteen started to come through, At the distance Wairiki and Achilles were together, Roseal running third, and Canteen coming up on the outBide. A couple of hundred yards from the post McCombe came with a rattling rush on Canteen, and passing the leaders, almost immediately crossed them, both horses beiDg thrown out of their strife, Mr Moss’ horse finishing very strongly, running home comfortably from Wairiki, who beat Achilles by three parts of a length for second place, with Roseal next. No horse save these four was ever prominont in the race or aver looked like being dangerous.

The stewards at their own initiative at once mot to consider the cross. The proceedings were not open to the press, but after the meeting it was officially announced that the stewards were of the opinion that the cross had not affected the result of the race, and the judge’s placing would therefore not bo disturbed, but that McCombe, Canteen’s rider, would be ordered to stand down for two years.