STAR STRANGER SCORES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 923, 17 March 1930, Page 11

STAR STRANGER SCORES

Wins Trentham Gold Cup autumn meeting concludes Special to THE SUN T- „„ ... ( _ „ TRENTHAM, Today. HE Wellington Racing Clubs autumn meeting concluded today m dull, threatening weather. As on Saturday the track v, as again hard and fast and the attendance was large. By the scratching of CounH Cavour the Trentham Gold Cup became a three-horse race. Star Stranger won in a magnificent finish and the rider, Hector Gray, received a ~reat ovation from the crowd.

Results of the racing are as follows: NGAIO HIGH -WF.IGHT HANDICAP Of £260; 1 mile. 1— DON QUIXOTE, 9.7 i JO—TUNBRIDGE, 0.9 2 All started. Won by half a length, ■with a neck between second and third Time, 1.41. Don Quixote was a solid favourite for the High-Weight and after always being handy came away at the false rail to win comfortably by a length from Tunbridge, which boat Tourist by a head. Pedestal, which finished strongly a neck away fourth, was followed by Wenday, Mister Gamp, Borsalene. Audience, Aberfeldy and Goldlike. They had made the early pace, but were beaten horses half-way down the running. HUTT HANDICAP Of £400; 1 mile. 4 FULL FEATHER. 9.1 1 5 GRK.VT CHARTER. 9.7 L* 2 VALI, 8.10 3 Scr.: Rational 11. Won by half a length. Time, 1.39£. Full Feather put up a creditable performances in winning the Hutt Handicap. When the field had settled down, . and even at the far turn he did not look to have a chance. At that stage Malayan was leading Royal Saxon. Great Charter, Panther, and Arikiwai, but going to the half-mile Full Feather put in a great run on the outer. At the bend he added to his handicap by running off the course, but when he straightened up he put in a great effort. Ho collared Arikiwai about a furlong from home, and then went on to beat Great Charter by half a length. Vali was a neck away third, followed closely by Panther, for whom there was a lot of money. Then came Arikiwai, Malayan, and Dolomite. TRENTHAM GOLD CUP Of £1,000; 2 miles. 1— ST A R STRANGER, 9.4 1 2 CONCENTRATE, 9.0 2 o —RAPIER, 9.4 3 Scratched: Count Cavour. Won by a heck, with five lengths between second and third. Time, 3.32. A Great Race Hector Gray received a wonderful reception when he won the Trentham Gold Cup on Star Stranger, after a wonderful finish. He rode the winner like a super-horseman and there can be no doubt whatever that he is still the premier jockey of the Dominion. Gray sent Star tSranger to the front from the barrier rise, and he led Concentrate by a length passing the stand, while Rapier was three lengths farther back. Down the back Concentrate was running in behind Star Stranger; but live furlongs from homo both Concentrate and Rapier closed on the leader. Star Stranger was the first to turn for home; but Concentrate was right on his heels and, after passing the false rail, the Kilbroney gelding joined Star tSranger. Then commenced one of the greatest struggles witnessed in a weight-or-age race for some time. Stride for stride both horses ran, but inside the distance Concentrate actually headed Star Stranger. A cry then went up “Concentrate wins!” But Gray, undaunted by the advantage Concentrate had gained, sat down and fairly punched his horse right out. He soon drew level again, and amid tremendous enthusiasm. Gray got his mount home with a neck to spare. Rapier was six lengths away third. It was a great race, and the racegoers were not slow in recognising the great display of horsremanship displayed by Gray. IV! URIT A I HANDICAP Of £260; 1 mile 4—ST. MELBA. 3.9 1 3GREC I AX. 9.5 2 1-PAHU, 8.6 3 Scr.: Havaspot, Fine Acre. NVon by a neck, with a neck between peeond and third. Time, 1.40.