Western King Back at Epsom

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 246, 7 January 1928, Page 9

Western King Back at Epsom

AN ENFORCED SPELL Western King, the Aunstralian-bred son of Rock Huon and Hopefield Maid, has returned to the tracks after an enforced absence of several months. Western King, it will be remembered, was purchased last May in Sydney by Jack Shaw on behalf of Mr. M. Moodabe, owner of Jewel Pointer. When the horse duly arrived at his destination he was adjudged “the goods” on appearances by several expert light-harness enthusiasts. ONLY START IN NEW ZEALAND While training for the Auckland winter fixture. Western King showed a tendency to bore when under pressure and this discounted him from a racing

point of view with the track-watchers. He was given a run in the Prince of Wales Handicap in June, but after ing proimnent for three-parts of the journey was not persevered with, it being apparent the Aussie representative was not ready to see out a solid two miles. His display however under the circumstances encouraged his connections, and it was intended to get him ready for spring and summer racing, when the unfortunate accident occurred which put him right out of action. Western King while on the road one day took control of proceedings, and after dislodging his driver careered madly along the hard roads suffering severe injuries. Although at first it was thought the injuries were not of a serious nature, time proved otherwise, and the son, of Rock Huon was in a bad way. EFFORTS REWARDED Jack Shaw has been unsparing in his attentiveness to the pacer, and while

progress toward recovery was slow he has the satisfaction of knowing that patience and perseverance have borne good fruit, and it must be gratifying to the connections of the ex-Australian to find him sufficiently advanced to be able to resume light duties. Although time has healed most of the scars. Western King still bears signs of the accident, and it will be some considerable period before he will be ready to sport silk. However, after his strenuous escapade, his owner must be considered fortunate to have the horse returned to a state of good health again. TROTTING FIXTURES Forbury Park T.C.—Jan. 27, 28. Hawke’s Bay T.C.—Jan. 28. Nelson T.C.—Jan. 31, Feb. 1. Takaka T.C.—Feb. 2. Cheviot T.C.—Feb. 4. N.Z. Metropolitan T.C.—Feb. 11 Otahuhu T.C.—Feb. 8, 22. Kalkoura T.C.—Feb. 25. Marlborough T.C.—March 2. Invercargill T.C.—March 2, 3. Waikato T.C.—March 3.