Vertigern Wins Wellington Cup

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 569, 23 January 1929, Page 12

Vertigern Wins Wellington Cup

PAPATU’S FINE SHOWING {Special to THE SL'X) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. ANYTHING might have happened in the early stages of yesterday's race for the Wellington Cup, for there was much jostling at the start, at the end of the first furlong, and again going out of the straight, and it is remarkable that no horses were brought down.

Set Sail's rider appeared to cross over too soon, and several horses behind were stopped by others coming back on them. Fortunately the result was a triumph for form* for Vertigern, the winner, had every right to the position of favourite, but the Hoylake-Blimp bracket scored that honour, while Pink Note was second choice. Apparently backers were unaware that Hoylake was under a cloud, for it was not till the last minute that his owner decided to let him take his chance, the trouble having been located in the knees. He was never sighted in the running. On the Journey There was a long delay at the start, several horses failing to got in line, and when they were let go Historic was left a chain, and Amor and Tallisker suffered to less extent. Joy Bird and Royal Saxon piloted the field along and out of the straight, being followed by Yoma, Beau Geste, Blimp. Vertigern, Concentrate. Set Sail and the others in a bunch, with Historic running in the rear all the way. Royal Saxon began to draw clear entering the back stretch, the field then being very strung out, but further along they began to bunch, Royal Saxon being out two lengths, with Joy Bird, Blimp, Vertigern, Yoma, Beau Geste, Papatu and Catkin at the head of the remainder. Still two lengths separated the leader from the others at the home turn, where The Hawk, Catkin, Papatu, Vertigern and Tallisker were close up. At the false rail The Hawk shot through and Vertigern made an appearance on the outer with Papatu coming through in the middle of the field, but it was not till the half distance that Vertigern collared The Hawk and in a fine finish Vertigern secured the decision by three parts of a length, with Papatu only a head away

third, and finishing strongly. Talisker ran a surprisingly good race into fourth place, two lengths behind the winner, and then in order were Royal Saxon, Set Sail, Catkin, Yoma, Pink Note, Blimp and Rapine. It was a good keen contest, rather marred by trouble in the early stages, including a bad start, for which the starter could not altogether be blamed.

for tlie field was a bad one to set How They Ran Vertigern w on on his merits and was never further back than fifth. He t now at the top of his form. The Hawk might h-.ve been harder to dis" pose of if his rider had not pushed him to the front so soon, but he huns on surprisingly well, so there is now hope for him over a distance, although lfi s advancing years cannot keep him on the scene much longer. Papatu was ridden a fine race by Wiggins, but he was just a hit unlucky. He was a long way back in the early part and along the hack he was hunted along

into the tiling line, and crossing the top was still Improving bis position He was still going at the finish, having been called upon to sprint practically over the last half mile, and in addition he had to cover additional ground. Talisker, after getting away badly, was actually fourth, and this was a vast improvement on his Ellerslie form. Royal Saxon ran a good race and he had a bit of a kick in him at the finish, too, so that a mile and a-quarter race may come his way soon. Set Sail was closer at the finish than at any stage of the contest. Catkin looked a possibilty at the turn for home, but failed to go on. Yoma was always in the picture and with a soft track should do better. Pink Note got into trouble early and that was the end of him. Blimp had every show, but failed to see it out. Rapine went a fair race and another outing will see him at his best. Hoylake was a sufferer from early interference, although his failure was not surprising. Inquiries into the trouble were without result.

Q-TOL AND SUN-BATHING

A clear, healthy olive complexion is assured by rubbing Q-Tol well into the skin before sun-bathing. Penetrates and soothes the inner skin, preventing sunburn; also soothes insect bites. —5.