Coolgong in Fast Run Race at Clarence

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 114, 4 August 1927, Page 6

Coolgong in Fast Run Race at Clarence

Doping Story Extant Swabs of the saliva of Toniolite, a Rivers horse who was successful on the opening day of the Clarence River Jockey Club’s meeting, were taken prior to the start of the Bawden Welter. It is alleged that a man was seen with a bottle near the horse just prior to the field going to the post. The officials ordered the veterinary surgeon to take the swab and an analysis will be made. Toniolite was well back in the early stages of the race, but finished fast to fill second place. In the main event of the day, the Grafton Cup, four horses looked to have excellent prospects right up to a furlong from home. In a thrilling finish, in which Garrula, Feathernest, Coolgong and Don Panther participated, Coolgong beat off Feathernest, who a few strides earlier had accounted for Garrula, and beat the fast-finishing Don Panther into second place. RIDDEN BY McCARTEN The winner, who was a close second to Horton Gag in the last Newcastle Cup, was ridden by Alaurice AlcCarten. The time for the race, 2.10 2-5, which is 1 l-ssec. faster than the previous record made by Cyllene Laddie last year, is probably one of the fastest miles and 100 yards run in Australia. Coolgong was a solid favourite and in some cases the books could not offer a price about him owing to the consistently heavy support. Stan Davidson, who had experienced a bad run of luck throughout the meeting, rode the winner of the last race, steering the odds-on chance Absurdum first past the post in the Final Handicap.