FACTOR OF LUCK IN RACING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 547, 27 December 1928, Page 11

FACTOR OF LUCK IN RACING

HOW KING’S JOCKEY ACHIEVED GREATNESS That indefinable factor -which is designated luck has an important influence in most mundane affairs, and not least in the sphere of racing. The history of the Turf in all its bearings is full of instances of the “luck” which has played a big part in its making. At least one famous jockey still with us would subscribe to this view, reference being made to Herbert Jones, who had the distinction of riding for two monarch s, records an English writer. It is more than probable that Jones would not have acquired fame but for what really amounted to luck. The “King’s jockey” obtained his great chance through the idiosyncracies of Diamond Jubilee. This colt apparently had his own notions concerning things in general and jockeys in particular. In Diamond Jubilee’s racing days, John Watts, father of Call Boy’s trainer, and Mornington Cannon, were the riders associated with Marsh’s stable. Liking for Herbert Jones But Diamond Jubilee took a dislik® to both these jockeys which he mad® no attempt to conceal. Tic, however, got on immensely with Jones, who was virtually unknown to the public, and in the end this lad was given his chance, and as the records show, Jones won the triple-crown on the younger brother of Persimmon. Fred Templeman, who won the Derby eight years ago on Grand Parade, may also be said to have been favoured by luck, though he was, of courtee, a rider with an established reputation long before that time. Where Templeman’s luck came in may be explained. Lord Glanely had two horses in the race, and Arthur Smith, who was first jockey for the stable, had choice of mounts. It so happened that he chose to ride Dominion instead of Grand Parade, and the result of the race proved Smith’s judgment to have been at fault. Still, that was Templeman’s luck. When the unconsidered Signorinetta staggered humanity by winning the Derby 19 years ago she was ridden by a jockey little better known than Herbert Jones, “at the outset of the latter’s career, this being W. Bullock. An 111 Wind In the ordinary way Saxby would have had the mount, but he incurred the displeasure of Chevalier Ginistrelli, the owner of the filly, and so it came about that Bullock was given his opportunity. Writing of fillies reminds one of the St. Leger winner. Throstle, who gave M. Cannon his first winning ride in that race. In her young days Throstle appeared likely to be useless for racing, and instructions were givert for her destruction. These were, however, withdrawn, and Throstle lived to deprive Ladas of the honour of adding the St. Leger to his other classic successes, a slice of bad luck for Lord Rosebery, the owner of the colt. It is, of course, impossible to say what the results of the classics of 1884 would have been if St. Simon had been able to take part in them, which he was not, owing to the death of his original owner. Apart from St. Gatien they were a moderate lot of classic three-year-olds that season, while St. Simon was admittedly one of the best horses of all time. Some good judges, indeed, have expressed the opinion that he was even superior to Ormonde. St. Simon’s Greatness This is a debatable point, and one which does not lead us anywhere in particular either; but it maybe suggests not unfairly that the fact that St. Simon could not compete in the classic events of his year may have been lucky for the owners of the eventual winners. On numerous occasions, too, owners of horses that have made their mark on the track have for various reasons failed to nominate them for the Derby or other events of note, Cyllene and Polar Star being cases in point. There is not the slightest doubt that Cyllene was the best of his age in the season in which Jeddah won the Derby, while Polar Star was probably a better animal than Orby, who won the principal classic in the year in which both were three-year-olds. Unluckily for Lord Waver tree, who was then Colonel Hall Walker, Polar Star showed such small promise in his young days that it was not thought worth while entering him for the Derby. He was nevertheless equal to winning the Jubilee a week or two before Epsom with 7.12 on his back. Students of breeding will to a man Plater and Hurdler agree that the Hampton blood has been of the greatest value to British thoroughbred stock. Yet it was at one time no certainty that this sire of three Derby winners—Merry Hampton, Ayrshire and Ladas—would have the opportunity of proving himself at the stud. He started his racing life as a selling plater, while he later became a hurdler, and it is the exception for horses of the kind to find their way to the stud. But luckily Hampton did, and with satisfactory results. Many are the examples of luck to be found in the sales records, but a couple will suffice. A few years ago 11,500 guineas was paid at the ring side for a horse subsequently named Westward Ho, who proved worthless as a racehorse. On the other hand, Comrade was purchased at the sale of Mr. L. Neumann’s horses for 25 guineas when a yearling. Comrade won the Grand Prix de Paris and other races. What about that for luck? PANGOLIN’S CUP RACING AT HOKITIKA Press Association HOKITIKA, Wednesday. The Westland Racing Club’s summer meeting took place to-day in perfect weather. There was a large attendance and the course was in splendid order, but the fields were small. The totalisator handled £7,272, against £8,179 on the first day last year. Results were: Phoenix Handicap, 6J furlongs.—s After Ten, 7.7, 1; 3 Bright Spear, 7.7, 2; 4 Wharfedale, S.S. 3. Also; Scrambler, 5.12; Bowser, 7.7. Won by a length. Time, Tasman Hurdles, li miles.—l Erin-go-Bragh, 9.12, 1; Piccaninny, 9.3, 2; 4 Gay Gauntlet, 9.6, 3. Also: Steel Bar, 9.5. Won by two lengths. Time, 2.49 2-5. Westland Cup, of £200; 1 mile. 1 Pangolin, 9.0, 1; 2 Smithereeens, 7.8, 2; 3 Gold Mint, 8.7, 3. Also: Bank Draft, 8.4; Atone, 7.13; Para, 7.4; Inoe, 7.2. Won by a length. Time, 1.45 4-5. Christmas Handicap, 5£ furlongs. —2 Single Spear, 8.2, 1; 3 Anthonie, 7.13, 2; 8 King Cheops, 8.9, 3. Also; Tip Tree, 8.12: Silver Tray, S. 10; Note, 5.5; Greyfincli, 5.6; Fair Go, 8.1. Won by threequarters of a length. Time, 1.10 3*-5. Provincial Handicap, 7 furlongs. —2 Some Lad, 8.10, 1; 1 Lancer, 9.0, 2; 4 John Dix, 8.4. 3. Also: Fairy Tidings, 9.2; Doleful Ditty, S.S. Won by three lengths. Time, 1.30 4-5. Electric Handicap, 6 furlongs. 1 Sagittarius. 8.6, 1; 3 Spode, 8.6, 2; 2 Rina Manga, 7.13, 3. Only starters. Won by four lengths. Time, 1.16 4-5. Goldfields Handicap, 6i furlongs. Para, 7.9. 1; 2 Caliburn, 8.0, 2; 1 Moorland, 9.0. 3. Also: Gaslight, 7.13. Won by half a length. Time, 1.24 4-5.