FIRST OF SEASON

NZ Truth, Issue 1184, 9 August 1928, Page 11

FIRST OF SEASON

POVERTY BAY, • fast Saturday, * started twenty, minutes before the Christchurch Hunt Club and they held, the first race of the sea--. '. son; f y : : ■'"^ ' , .• ' ■ • . V . Clarrie Stratton ' won the first race on Baliyfarnpn, trained by Harry- Green. '„..- v . ■'. In the south Bob Ellis trained the first winner—^Diana's Lad. \ Ernie Shaw was the winning - jockey, and, to show it was no * fluke, he rode; the winner of the succeeding race— Message Boy m the Lawford Steeplechase. His second success was made for him by the rider of Raniil coverjng a lot of extra ground.

He pulled up on three legs and ! it was thought that Lou Hazlett's ,/'., horse was gone for keeps. However, since then he has recover-' ed to all appearances and, barring accidents, he will contest the National. It is probable that he will not be schooled at Rlccarton prior to the big event. = If Andy Cassels gets him to the post sound, Lou Hazlett should: play a prominent part m the decision of the race as : Dubious will be coupled with Pamplona. . Should Pamplona be reserved for a shorter race later m the meeting, this would be all the more favorable to, his prospects, as his leg has to be taken on chance. -.. .' ■'.

Dunedin has not furnished the winner of the National since Phaetontis won for St. John Buckley In .1906.