EXCITING MOMENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1927, Page 4

EXCITING MOMENTS

SMASHES AT ALEXANDRA PARK. AUCKLAND, Dec. 27. There were some exciting moments on the opening day of the Auckland Trotting Club’s Summer Meeting at Alexandra Park to-day. accidents, involving several horses, occurring in the Grandstand Handicap and St. Haliers Handicap.

One of the most extensive mishaps ever witnessed on the course took place i„ the St. Heifers Handicap of one mile and a quarter, the last race of the day. Ten horses started. Anselm and Lord Nepean broke when the field had gone a little more than three furlongs, and they were pulled up. This left. Amaris in the lead front Black Lila. The field was fairly closely hunched as it passed the main stand. As the horses were beginning to turn out of the straight almost directly in front of th 2 stewards’ look-out tower, Amaris suddenly fell and brought down Black Lila, Nelson Tasker, All Bell, Coneliff, and Lady Dmimore. Horses, (Inters, and sulkies were thrown in all directions, and six outfits were hopelessly tangled. Several of (he drivers were hurled over their horses’ heads, while their sulkies were in nearly every case badly damaged. G. Phipps, driver of Black Lila, was thrown heavily against tile rails and received bruises on one arm as well as bei-ug l.adly shaken. ,1 Shaw, driver of Amaris. was thrown heavily on the track and suffered a dislocation of the shoulder, 'file only. two horses le!t in the race after the accident were Hue Coronado and First Carbine. When the drivers of Lord Nepean and Anselm realised the position Diet started once more in competition for third money. First Carbine and line Coronado wore by this time almost half a round in the lead, and First Carbine went on to win. Lord Nepean eventually finished third.

There was also a serious smash in the Grandstand Handicap, when Great Actress fall about three- and a half furlongs from the winning post. 'I he horse was leading along the hack when it slowed up and foil. This resulted in King Pointer and Orphan also falling. F. Holmes, driver of King Pointer, was thrown right over the rails and was badly shaken. D. Withers, driver of Great Actress, was also badly shaken and was unable to fulfil his remaining engagements.