MYSTERY HORSE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 354, 15 May 1928, Page 10

MYSTERY HORSE

NOBODY KNEW IT WON AT A GOOD PRICE Gritall, who surprised by winning the Novice Handicap at Menangle Park, Sydney, recently, was put in work at Kensington a few weeks ago. Nobody took any notice of the gelding until the Saturday morning before the race (records a Sydney writer), when he ran a sensational three furlongs on the tan track. Those who timed Gritall could scarcely believe their eyes when their watches disclosed 36i or 36f for the trip—time which has seldom been eaualled at Kensington. As the gelding came off the track a pressman asked the apprentice, C. Clarton, who was in the saddle, the name of his mount. “I don’t know,” came the reply, nor did he know the name of the trainer. Another trainer, who was at the winning post at the time, followed the brown gelding to the stalls, but immediately Clarton dismounted, a man, unknown to the regulars, jumped into the saddle and trotted out the gate. He vanished before any questions could be asked. Nobody recognised the horse or its trainer that morning, and Clarton could give no information. “He came to the track and asked me to gallop it three furlongs,” he said. “It went like the wind, but that’s all I know about it or the trainer.”

A trainer who timed the gallop recognised “the brown gelding’’ as Gritall at Menangle Park, and had a nice win, but otherwise the connections had the market to themselves. Gritall is trained by J. Sloan, who has not prepared a horse since the days of Lilliebridge, when he was fairly successful. He has never been to Menangle before, and had to be guided by Clarton. who was again in the saddle, as to how to conduct his business at the course. Gritall was having his second run, and the manner in which he scored speaks well for his future prospects. RACING FIXTURES May 17, 19.—Wanganui Jockey Club. May 26.—Amberley Racing Club. June 2, 4.—Otakl-Maorl Racing Club. June 2,4, 6.—Dunedin Jockey Club. June 2,4, 6.—Auckland Racing Club. June 16.—Napier Park Racing Club. June 20.—Hawke’s Bay Hunt Club. June 22, 23.—Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club. July 7. —Ashburton County Racing Club. July 10, 12, 14. —Wellington Racing Club. July 19.—Waimate District Hunt Club. July 21.—South Canterbury Hunt Club. July 28.—Christchurch Hunt Club. July 26, 28.—Gisborne Racing Club. August 14, 10, 18.—C.J.C. Grand National.