COMMENDATION’S PROGRAMME

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 106, 26 July 1927, Page 6

COMMENDATION’S PROGRAMME

MR. GAISFORD HAS IT ALL DRAWN HP IN DETAIL

There has been so much controversy over the forthcoming meeting of Limerick and "Commendation that Sydney racegoers are eagerly awaiting the great duel, which will take place between the two champions at Rand wick next spring. However, during the past few weeks doubts have existed in racing circles as to whether Commendation will make the trip.

Mr. W. H. Gaisford has been interviewed by a “Sun” representative, and it is pleasing to read what the ‘Dannevirke sportsman has to say. SYDNEY RACES

“Commendation is booked to leave Wellington by the Ulimaroa on July 29, and his Sydney programme is as follows: September 3, Chipping Norton Stakes; September 10, Chelmsford Stakes; September 17, Rawson Stakes; October 1, Spring Stakes; October 5, Craven Plate. “He has wintered particularly well, and although he has been on the tracks

only a fortnight since racing in the Awapuni Gold Cup, he is in great order. The three-year-old has done a lot of road work, and hill climbing on the Taradale Hills, and has developed amazingly, and is ready to do strong work. WILL CONTEST CAULFIELD CUP “After his Sydney campaign he will leave immediately for Melbourne, and on October 15 will contest the Caulfield Cup. His programme after that race has not been defined, but at present he is an unlikely starter in the Melbourne Cup. “L. G. Morris, who was to pilot Commendation in his Australian engagements, has advised me he is unable to make the trip, so I will have to look for the services of an Australian horseman.

“There have been foolish rumours current to the effect that Commendation is not going to Sydney, which is quite absurd. From the commencement of his three-year-old career it has always been my intention to allow him to earn distinction on the Australian turf. I may not be able to make the trip myself, as I am always a busy man at this time of the year, and I always place business before pleasure. But if it is possible I will be there.” ROY REED AND COMMENDATION Since Mr. Gaisford made the announcement that Morris would not be able to ride Commendation in his Australian engagements, it has been mooted in racing circles that Roy Reed, who rode the champion three-year-old in the Stead Memorial Cup, rr~.y get the mount. Reed, who is at present in Victoria, has no intention of settling in Australia, but he may remain there for the A.J.C. spring medting, and afterwards will attend the Melbourne Cup fixture. On the other hand, it is stated that Reed will be required to ride Mr. A. B. Williams’s horses at Marton. To date Reed has not been engaged to ride any horse at the A.J.C. spring meeting, but it is reasonable to suppose that he may steer Commendation at Randwick.