WAS TORPEDO HUON THE LUCKY HORSE?

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 603, 4 March 1929, Page 7

WAS TORPEDO HUON THE LUCKY HORSE?

WRACKLER MISFIRING ROBBED WAIKATO CUP OF AN EXTRA THRILL Without detracting in any way from the merit of Torpedo Huon’s fine victory in the Waikato Cup on Saturday, the fact remains that the contest, particularly at the business end, was deprived of a greater measure of interest and excitement when the three-year-old Wrackler failed to strike a correct gait when the signal was given. The Torpedo-Huon-Wrackler duel at Alexandra Park the previous Saturday, when the former gained a points decision in an even bout, was the deciding factor with the majority of speculators on Saturday when it came to selecting favourites for the big race at Claudelands. The Australian pacer, who was conceding the three-year-old 24yds, had his promising stable-mate Warplane to help in swelling the total of investments on the Shawites, and when the bells stopped ringing the bracket carried £954, while Don Warren’s charge was entrusted with £931. Many who had gone to the course to back the blue riband champion on the rumour that Morry Holmes would be in the sulky, stood off, considering that Warren’s weight would be against the juvenile at the finish. It was not this, however, that backers had to contend with, and had WYackler kicked off in his customary fashion, the clocks would have been wound up faster if anything behind Mr. H. F. Nicoll’s pacer wished to head him off. This was most forcibly demonstrated in the running of the race, as after losing about 100 yards in the early stages, Wrackler displayed rare ability and grit to finish in the picture right behind the fourth horse, registering, unofficially, a shade better than 4.32 for the journey. Just what the son of Wrack —Trix Pointer would have clicked the watch at had he gone away correctly, must be left to the imagination, but it was the opinion of many hard-headed experienced judges that, with an even break, the Ashburton youngster would have been in one of the places that return investors something for their outlay. Torpedo Huon gave a splendid rendering of his part and he received every assistance from his driver, J. Shaw, whose judgment was superb, and the son of Black Huon deserved his success. He proved himself a real horse and in tramping 4.27 4-5 off 4.34 quickly placed himself on a high New Zealand plane. Gold Dial also went a true race, and G. A. Williams was unfortunate in bumping up against such a classy customer as the winner and being forced to register 4.28. To get third money Lady Dunmore also went very fast, traversing the distance in 4.2 8 from 4.33. Bert Adams has the good old mare in wonderful form and deserves to have better luck. Jean McElwyn again ran a solid race to finish fourth, recording a go that should settle any argument about her staying qualifications. The game little mare was always well placed and made a brave effort in the final pinch, but the task proved impossible and she went under fighting stubbornly. Nelson Tasker went a good race, going to the front and leading till two furlongs from home, when he began to throw out distress signals. The last bit found him wanting. Florent went soundly all the way, but met his Waterloo at the hands of superior pacers. Trophies Presented At the request of the management, Mr. H. F. Nicoll, president of the New Zealand Trotting Conference. presented the handsome gold cup to Mrs. I. E. Sweetapple, owner of Torpedo Huon, and in doing so warmly congratulated the recipient on the fine performance of her pacer. Mr. Nicoll complimented the club on its progress, up-to-date appointments and high-class sport. Mrs. Sweetapple replied and Mr. H. W. Burch, president of the club, handed to Mr. Shaw, driver of the winner, a gold-mounted whip, at the same time paying tribute to the manner in which the reinsman handled his charge. Cheers for owner, driver and pacer were given, and a similar compliment was paid to Mr. Nicoll.

TROTTING FIXTURES Timaru T.C.—March 9. Wyndham T.C.—March 13. Manawatu T.C. —March 13. New Brighton T.C.—March 16. Thames T.C.—March 23. Cheviot T.C.—March 25. Takaka T.C.—March 30. Hawera T.C. —March 30, April 1. N.Z. Metropolitan T.C.—March 30. April 3. Taranaki T.C.—April 6. Wanganui T.C.—April 11, 13 Ashburton T.C. —April 20. Forburv Park T.C.—May 2, 4. Te Aroha T.C.—April 20. Forburv Park T.C.—May 2-4. Cambridge T.C.—May 4. Oamaru T.C.—May 18. Hawke’s Bay T.C.—June 1-3. Canterbury Park T.C.—June 1-3. Ashburton T.C.—June S. Auckland T.C.—June 22-24.