Tony Victor Pays Wonderful Price

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 935, 31 March 1930, Page 15

Tony Victor Pays Wonderful Price

SURPRISE IN THAMES CUP FAVOURITE REFUSES DUTY Never kept far away from the leading division and handily placed with 12 furlongs covered. Tony Victor showed a great burst of speed over the last half-mile to secure for owner W. Hoskings the fine cup accompanying the stake in the big event 2t Thames. Although one o? the outsiders, the win was popular and Garth Robertson, who trained and drove the successful candidate, was warmly complimented on all sides for supplying the “surprise packet of the day. The race for the Thames Cup was a most spectacular one throughout, although the failure of Peter Pirate, a warm fancy, and Limosa, third choice, to leave tho mark, robbed the event of its chief interest to their army of backers. While he was hopelessly loft, the favourite made a good showing when he went after the field, finishing close up in sixth place, and had the Peter Aloko gelding gone away correctly it is quite on the cards he would have won. Nevertheless, he would have been severely tested by Tony Victor, as the latter’s display demonstrated. Tho best-backed candidates in the race were Peter Pirate £7lB, Te Wahia £SOO, Limosa £482, and Richore £412. The winner, Tony Victor, carried the

i modest sum of £74, but lie was worthy ol 5 much stronger support in such a held. Hal Chimes, who headed the remainder at the box, was entrusted with £136. Old Uncle Bert, with £23 on his chances, was the outsider, and he was soon out of the contest, being pulled iii> before a mile had been traversed. Glandore broke up at tlie start, and was never afterward sighted. Richore was the early leader from Concertina, Warplane, Lord Nepean, Tony Victor and Te Wahia, and passing through the straight the first three named were attended by Master I-luia, Lord Nepean and Tony Victor. There was not much change over the next bit and as they went to make the home turn the last time Richore held charge from Warplane, Tony Victor, Hal Chimes and Te Wahia. Half way up the running Warplane headed the leader, but Tony Victor came with a fine run to pass them all and win by a couple of lengths. Hal Chimes and To Wahia had a good go for second, the former getting his head in front. Warplane was fourth, and next were Richore. Pirate and Kxplosion. After t;ie race Mr. J. Twohill, president of the. club, presented the handsome cup, kindly donated by the Auckland sportsman, Mr. Geo. McMillan, to owner W. Hoskings, cory gratulating him on the success of his representative. In handing the goldmounted whip to driver Garth Robertson, the president paid a tribute to the trainer for the splendid condition the horse was turned out in, and also for the efficient manner in which lie drove Tony Victor to victory. Cheers were heartily given for owner, driver and tiio horse.