Great Racing

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 960, 1 May 1930, Page 12

Great Racing

THRILLS AT AVONDALE

White Fang’s Fine Finish

THERE were only two races at Avondale yesterday in which the winning horse held an advantage of a length or more over his nearest opponent, and the verdicts in those two instances were only a length and a-half. That will convey some idea of the excellent racing witnessed at the suburban course.

The heavy rain which fell intermittently since last Monday afternoon, culminating* in the torrential downpours of Tuesday afternoon and evening*, /eft the course rather soft for the concluding* day’s racing of the autumn meeting of the Avondale Jockey Club, but the track withstood the rain very well indeed, the going not being anywhere so bad as generally expected. The attendance was good, and the totalisator returns kept up to a large extent, the decrease yesterday being almost negligible. The sum of £34.170 was put through the machine yesterday, against .£25,018 10s on the second day of the last autumn meeting, a decrease of £B4B 10s. . For the two days the sum handled amounted to £76,269, compared with £79,025 10s, a total decrease on the fixture of .£2.756. White Fang won the Autumn Handicap from Hager Rose and Huey Rose, the sprint going to Royal Parade (from the same stable as White Fang), who finished too strongly for Lady Quex and Awarere. Standfast again won the last event, and Kauri Park defeated the consistent if unlucky Mountain Guide in the Hurdles. Prince of Orange had a great set-to with Tenakoe in the open seven, while Grand Tea returned a phenomenal dividend when he won the hack mile. The meeting was an excellently con'acted one in every way, a fact upon inch the president, Mr. Donald Mceod, the secretary, Mr. A. J. Farqu::r. and the executive are to be con- •: wtulated. Notes on the racing, and details of . ults, follow: Hobsonville Hurdles Kawini was taken out of the hurdle race, and Roman Abbey, £572, was little better than an even money favourite, Mountain Guide, £486, being a good second choice, with a drop to Mangani, £322, and Kauri Park, £298. The pace was slow for the first circuit. Dark Prince and Roman Abbey led over the first fence clear of Wako King, Kauri Park, Mountain Guide, Mangani and Thursby. Roman Abbey and Dark Prince came to the third hurdle together, but the former slipped on taking off and blundered, losing his rider. Dark Prince led past the post the first time from Wako King. Kauri Park. Mountain Guide and Mangani, with Thursby well back. Dark Prince was still clear going down the back, but Mountain Guide was

with him approaching the straight, with Kauri Park, Mangani and Wako King fairly handy. Over the last two fences Dark Prince, Mountain Guide and Kauri Park had a great struggle, the last-named winning by a. neck from Mountain Guide, with Dark Prince another neck away. Then at intervals came Wako King, Mangani and Thursby. Dominion Handicap Sir Mond registered a sterling performance to win the Dominion Handicap under difficulties. He was a warm favourite, with £947, there also being good support for Hannibal, £ 628, Stonehenge. £560, and Operatic, £551, with a big drop then to Catoma, £252. When they had settled down Wild Country was in charge from Operatic, Hannibal. Land Measure, Sir Mond, Lady Day, New JBoy and Shine On. New Boy had run up into third place at the five furlongs, and he continued to improve his position crossing the top. Wild Country and New Boy turned for home just in front of Operatic, with Sir Mond, Hannibal and Caulis both handy and Mon Star running out very wide. Inside the distance Sir Mond had hit the front and he came on to win comfortably by a length from Operatic, with Stonehenge finishing fast a neck away. Hannibal was right up fourth, and was followed by Caulis, New Boy, Principal, Catoma (who got away badly). Land Measure and Wild Country. Nursery Handicap Karangapai, £835. was prime choice, with good support for Gold Day. £602. but the dividends were returned by long-priced ones, in Lady Court, £268. and Full Measure, £196. Set Fair went out smartest, followed by Karangapai, Lady Court, and Biddy’s Boy, but at the end of two furlongs the order was King Ford, Set Fair, Karangapai. Valley, Biddy’s Boy, Wainiuri, Full Measure, Sargon, and Lady Court. The field bunched approaching the turn, where Set Fair was in charge from King Ford, Valley, Biddy's Boy, Lady Court, Full Measure, Waimuri, and the favourite. At this stage Set and Valley fell. Full Measure took charge and looked a winner until Lady Court, with a fine finishing effort, headed him off, to win by a length and a-half. Three parts of a length back came Biddy’s Boy, followed by Karangapai, Sargon, Waimuri, Ross hi re, Green Timber, King Ford, and Gold Day. Waitakere Handicap Tenakoe £1,210 and Prince of i Orange £1,162 were warmly supported ; and they fought out a desperate finish, j the latter scoring by a narrow margin. ; British King £992 was best backed of the remainder. British King was first ■ to break the line fronf Cruachan, Value, j Good Boy and Treasury, but at the j five-furlong post the last named as- : sumed command and showed the way !to Value, Cruachan, British King. Prince of Orange. Good Boy, Tenakoe Big Bertha and Hipo. Treasury was still at the head of affairs when the final bend was negotiated, where British King and Prince of Orange, together, *were in hot pursuit, with the favourite handy. There was a stirring finish in which Prince of Orange, who took charge half way up the straight, hung on to win by' half a head from Tenakoe, with Hipo, who finished well, two and a-half lengths away, third* Then came British King. Big Bertha Treasury, Value and Good Boy. Autumn Handicap Eager Rose £ 7,027 was made favorite over Vali £822 and Paitonu 804, but after a stirring finish White Pang £372 defeated the favourite narrowly. Royal Doulton was left. Gemlight bouncing out in front of Eager Rose, A ali, True Blood, Kawainga and Lucy Rose. As the five furlongs was passed the order was True Blood Kawainga, Vali, Eager Rose, Flying Juliet, Awairaka, Gemlight. White Fang and Lucy Rose. Owairaka forged to the front nearing the home turn to lead into the straight with Prince Val and True Blood almost in line, closelyfollowed by Kawainga, Eager Rose, Vali, White Fang and Royal Doulton. In a good set-to the favourite headed the field 100 yards from the post but White Fang challenged strongly, with Lucy Rose also coming very fast. In a hard finish White Fang gained the verdict by a neck from the favourite. Lucy Rose a head awav third, with Vali a couple of lengths back in fourth position. Then came Royal Doulton. True Blood, Flying Juliet, Maori Boy, Prince Val and Owairaka. Paitonu fell shortly after the start. Mount Eden Handicap

There was good speculation for the sprint, Royal Parade £1,005 finishing up favourite over Lady Quex £941, Valuation £799 and Awarere £739. Gold Money' got the worst of the dispatch, losing quite a dozen lengths, Royal Parade showing out from Lady Quex, Awamutu, Awarere and Hoariri. Before two furlongs had been traversed Awamutu dashed to the front and piloted the field to the home turn, where he was closely' atended by Branson, Gold Money, Lady Quex, .Valuation and Royal Parade. Ladv Quex. Awarere and Valuation were 'fighting out a desperate finish when the favourite dashed through to win by three parts of a length from Ladv Quex. with Awarere a length back third, and Valuation fourth. Next to finish were Awamutu. Branson. Gold Money and Hoariri. Mount Roskill Handicap There was a big shock for backers when Grand Tea won the hack mile at extreme odds. I’m Alone was a warm favourite, being entrusted to the extent of £1,521, Motere, £1,017, also being there being a big drop to Spring Abbey, £489. The eventual dividend payers were prettywell neglected, carrying £47 10s and £172 respectively. It was a good start, and along the back Neil held command from Avoneourt, Carl Idem and Lucky Alice. As they commenced to file across the top. Lucky' Alice had taken up the role of pacemaker, but she had only a slight advantage at the home turn from Avoneourt and Carl Idem, with Currajong, I’m Alone, and Grand Tea following. Several horses ran \'ery wide, and at the distance Grand Tea challenged Lucky Alice, and passed the leader, to go on and win by a length and a-half from Avoneourt, who had little difficulty in beating the unlucky Carl Idem by three parts of a length. I’m Alone was right up fourth, and then came Lucky Alice, Motere, and Thurnus. The last pair* received an exceedingly bad run throughout. Morningside Handicap A nice field* of nine contested the final event, and there was a spirited duel for favouritism between Standfast, £1,093, and Cynthia N., £964, with a drop to King Emerald, £679.

Carlaris got away very badly. Honiton, on the rails, shooting out in the van from Page Boy, Sea. Cob. Standfast. King Emerald. Cynthia N., Respirator. and King Will-onyx. Before the field had gone a quarter of a mile, Page Boy had taken charge, and he led past the five from Honiton. Sea Cob, King Emerald. Respirator, Standfast, Carlaris, King Willonyx, and Cynthia N. Crossing the top. Standfast, too, dropped back, and he had only Cynthia N. behind him at the turn for home, where the order was Page Boy, Sea Cob, Honiton, Respirator, King Emerald, Carlaris, and King Willonyx (wide out). At the distance Honiton was leading King Emerald, with Standfast and Cynthia N. threading a way through to assist in staging a great finish. Standfast eventually defeated Cynthia N. by a short head, and Honiton was three-quarters of a length back third. King Emerald was a length farther off, next being Page Boy, King Willonyx, Sea Cob, and Respirator, Carlaris being last. Additional results are:— DOMINION HANDICAP. Of £175; 7 furlongs. 1— SIR MOND (Hon. E. W. Alison), b g, by Seremond—Lutestring! 4yrs, 9.0. H. Gray i 4 OPERATIC (K. Heaton), b g, by Hyllus—The Gleaner, 4yrs, 7.6, K. Voltre *> 3 STONEHENGE (R. Porter), b g, by Feramorz—Marble Star. 6yrs, 7.0 (car. 7.4), H. Wiggins Z Also -started: 6 Principal, 8.6 (car. S. L), (Ft. Mcßae): 7 Land Measure. 8.1 <R. McTavish); 12 New Boy, 7.6 (J. Cammick>: 10 Caulis, 7.4 (car. 7.0). (R. Horne): 2 Hannibal, 7.3 (A. Parsons). 12 Wild Country. 7.2 (car. 7.31), <J Conquest). 5 Catoma. 7.1 <S. Fergus); 14 Glittering Gold. 7.1 (Buchanan): 9 Mon Star, 7.1 (Thompson): 8 Ladv Day, 7 0 (car. 7.7), (J. Day); 11 Shine On. 7.0 (car. 7.3). (J. Metcalfe). Winner trained by W r . J. Wilson. Takapuna. Won by a length, neck between second and third. Time, 1.29 2-5. NURSERY HANDICAP Of £225; 6 fur. 6 LADY COURT (J. Manuel), blk f. by Romeo—Lady Kerman. 2yrs, 7.4 (car. 7.5), J. Cammick .. .. 1 7 EL'LL MEASURE (John Paterson). ch g, by Surveyor—Thurence. -yrs. 7.5. .T. Conquest 2 5 BIDDY’S BOY (TV. Monteith and W. Willis), b g, by Illumination— Lady Biddy, 2yrs. 8.2. R. McTavish 3 Also started: 4 King Ford. 5.2 (car. 8 3) C. Go*jlsbro’; 9 Set Fair. 7.9. T. Metcalfe: l Karangapai, 7.8, A. Burgess; 2 Gold Day. 7.6 (car. 7.10£). E. Keesing; 12 Rosshire, 7.4. C. Walters; 10 Valley. 7.4, G. Jones: 11 Green Timber. 7.0 (car. T.li). A. Parsons; S Sargon. 7.0, K. Voitre: 3 Waimuri, 7.0 (car. 7.4£), H. Wiggins; Set Fair and Valley fell. Winner trained by owner. Ellerslie. Won by one and a-half lengths, third horse three-quarters of a length away. Time, 1.16 2-5. WAITAKERE HANDICAP, Of £225; 7 furlongs. 2 PRINCE OF ORANGE (J. H Cheshire), b g, • by Valkyrian— Lassie Doon, 4yrs, 5.9. R. S. Bagby 1 I—TENAKOE (J. N. Heslop), b g, by Marble Arch—<jueen Elizabeth, Syrs, 7.12 (car. 7.13), H. Gray 2 5 HfPO (E. George), blk g, by Potoa —High Jinks, aged. 7.12, E. Keesing .. 3 Also started: 3 British King, S.ll (K. Girl); 4 Value. 8.5 (car. 8.7), (A. Tinker); 9 Good Boy, 7.7 (H. Wiggins): 6 Treasury, 7,5 (K. Voitre): S Big Bertha, 7.0 (car. 7.12). (R. McTavish); 7 Cruachan, 7.0 (R. Horne). Winner trained by P. E. Pope. Takanini. Won by half a head, two and a-half lengths between second and third. Time. 1.2 S 4-5. AUTUMN HANDICAP Of £450; 1 mile 6 WHITE FANG (Mrs. M. G. Me- . In tosh). b g by Polydamon— Natalie, aged. 7.10 (car. 7.11 i), R. McTavish i I—EAGER ROSE (W. Alexander and A. Kemp), ch m, by Day Comet —Wee Rose. syrs. 7.13. H. Gray 2 4 LUCY ROSE (A. E. Lennard). blk m. by Lucullu^ —Autumn Rose. 4yrs, 7.0, A. Parsons 3 Also started.—3 Paitonu, 8.12. A. McCormac; 5 Mervette, 8.7, A. Tinker- 7 Maori Boy. 8.1: L. Dulieu; 8 Royal Doulton. 8.0 (car. 8.2). C. Goulsboro; 2 Vali, i. 12; K. Voitre; 10 Nassock, 7.6. R. McRae; 11 Prince Val, 7.6 (car. 7.75). E. Keesing; 9 Gemlight. 7.2 (car. 7.4), H W r iggins; 12 Flying Juliet, 7.0, A. Bentley; 14 Kawainga, 7.0 (car. 7.4), T. Metcalf; 13 Owairaka, 7.0, W. Jordan; 15 True Blood, 7.0, R. Horne. Paitonu fell Winner trained by W. C. Griffith, Hastings. Won by a neck, third horse a head away. Time, 1.40 2-5.

MOUNT EDEN HANDICAP Of £275; 6 furlongs I —ROYAL PARADE (L. McKenzie) ch by Chief Ruler—Paoanui, 2 yrs, i.ll. K. V oiti-»; j - LADY QUEX (W. G. Emeny), br I 1 b F Q uex —White Clover, 4 yrs, 9.10, H. Grav .... 4—AWARERE (Geo. Paul), ch g. by “ Swift Flight—Sibford. aged, 8.13, R. S. Bagby « _ -^_ lso started.—6 Hoariri, 8.1, Xgakai--7 Branson, 7.5 Fergus; 5 Gold Money,’ L2.’ ‘I- Cammick; •> Valuation, 7 3 H Wiggins; 8 Awamutu, 7.0. R. Horne' by W c - Griffith, Hastiv. • , on three-quarters of a length horse a length away. Time,’ MOUNT ROSKILL HANDICAP Of £225; 1 mile. 14 GRAND TEA (Mrs. E. A. Scott) !? -«• Tea Tray—Luculia, Syrs,’ <•<. \\. H. Jones ■* • AT OXCOURT (F. Gilchrist), b Lucullus— Avon Park, 4vrs - ‘*^ C. Simpson 2 ‘Yrt n (R ' , Hall) ' b »■ b -'- ~ 9 v a .started; 3 Spring Abbey. S 5 (P McTavish); 8 Thurnus, 8.4 (E " A Kees*’ mg); 13 Neil, 7.0 (R. Mcßae)t 1 I’ni Alone. 1 .12 (car. 7.13 J), (H Grav)* 9 land ra 7°? g (’K 7 'V- -P T \ firms’); 4 Haviland, (K. Toitre); 12 Kairuri. 7 5 (j Conquest); 10 Lucky Alice, 7.4 (F. Fergus); 6 Mauriaena, 7.4 (car 76) (T Day); 15 St. Ames, 7.0 (ear, 7 11) (S Tremain); ll Takurunga. 7.0 (C. Thompi Winner trained by owner, Turua Won by a length and a-half, with three-rfuarters of a length between second and third. Time 142 4-5

MORNINGSIDE HANDICAP Of £225; 1 mile. I— s J A * D F T A s T <Dr. A. McGregor Grant) b g, by Valkyrian—Unity n 8-11' R. McTavish .... * i “ CYNTHIA N. (X. Cunningham)*, 810 n,, H y * T , u SJ ernaut —Bayete, 6yrs, S—fIONITONWP." H.' Swriey*)! b *f.‘ 2 by Marble Arch—Lacemaker, Syrs, 8.6 (car. 8.1 J), J. Day .. . . 3 3 r-. K , ing: « Emerald, 8.12 (L. Manson) 6 Sea Cob. S.B (R. S. Bagbv)4 Page Boy, 5.5 (E. A. Keesing); 9 Carlaris, S.O (car. 5.4), (R. Hall); 7 K?ne mata nner traincd hy p - J - Mateer. MataWon by half a head, with threequarters of a length between second and tmrci. Time, 1.43.

RANDWICK SALES

Slow Pace Spoilt Chance of Favourite

Roman Abbey’s Slip

MOUNTAIN GUIDE AGAIN UNLUCKY Roman Abbey was made a big favourite for the Hobsonville Hurdles at Avondale yesterday, but his backers lost their financial interest in the event when the big chestnut went out at the third fence. It was a two-mile race, and although Roman Abbey should have seen it out in such company, it is more than probable that there-' was a slight element upon this score, for apparently his rider, J. Smith, made certain that there was not much pace on over the first part. The race was started at the sevenfurlongs post, and when Dark Prince went to the lead, and threatened to make the pace a hot one, Smith took Roman Abbey up to him, and then succeeded in slowing the field up. The first half-mile took no less than 58 2-5, which shows that they "were only going three-quarter pace. Then came tragedy for backers of the favourite. Approaching the third fence—it was that fatal obstacle at the foot of the straight again—Roman Abbey slipped just as he was preparing to take off. He finally rose at the hurdle, but his rider became unbalanced, and fell. Roman Abbey cleared the obstacle and did not fall, but for all practical purposes he was out of the contest. The horse then careered up the straight, and then made directly for the six-foot gate leading back into the birdcage. Unfortunately, this was shut, and the chestnut tried to jump over it. He only reached halfway to the top, and although the gate was badly bent, the horse came off second best. A cut knee was his portion, but whether it is serious enough to prevent him fulfilling engagements at the Great Northern meeting next month remains to be seen. Probably the lack of pace caused Roman Abbey to blunder. After taking 58 2-5 for the first half-mile, the full first mile took 1.55 2-5, and the mile and a-half 2.53 2-5. Jumping Won It was his good jumping that won the race for Kauri Park. But all the same, it looked as if Mountain Guide -should have won. and he can be accounted unlucky in once again being

beaten into second place for the fourth time in as many starts. It did not appear to be the best policy to ride him hard at the last two fences, and also on the flat for that part of the journey. Dark Prince is ar, impressive novice, and should do well over the small timber. W ako King gave a moderate showing, and a nasty cut on the pastern may serve to keep him off the scene for a time. Jlangani went all right for a time, and then made a move forward half mil© from home. He could not go on with it, however, and finally finished a long way back.

SUSPENDED

APPRENTICE TO STAND DOWN FOR MONTH ALLEGED INCOMPETENT RIDING Paitonu was a firm second favourite for the Autumn Handicap, the principal event on yesterday's Avondale card, but ho did not get far. In fact, he fell before he had covered a furlong and a half. There was some shuffling at this stage of the journey; in fact, the race appeared to be marked by rough riding throughout. One of the primary causes of this can be put down to the tact that there is always an almost blind rush for positions on the part of those badly drawn at this awkwardly placed mile barrier. At any rate, Paitonu was the greathi* riVi fter -l r ., oC .. thn scrimmaging, and he fell, \vhile 2sassock and Kawainga spoilt had their chances completely At the "inquest” that followed there ciid not appear to be any doubt whate\ er among those most concerned as to what caused and also as to who was responsible. Inquiries made by the stipendiaries resulted in F. Bentlev, the rider of Flying Juliet, being placed on the carpet. i tlle Judicia -1 Committee had heard the evidence of all concerned Bentley was adjudged to have been the cause of the trouble. Bentley was suspended for one month for alleged incompetent riding, to quote the official verdict as issued to the Press. ,-„ < r on ? equ ? ntl l’ tllis apprentice will l.ave to stand down for a time, but there are no meetings in this province until the Great Northern fixture opening on June 3, by which time, his suspension will have expired. Bentley is employed by the well-known trainer, A. Tinker, who was riding Mervette in the race in which the trouble occurred. INQUIRY ADJOURNED In the Nursery Handicap Set Fair fell and brought down Valiev. The former filly broke her neck, but Jockey 1 ■ -Metcalf escaped unscathed. Appi entice rider J. G. Jones, who was on valley, received concussidn and was sent to hospital. An inquiry was held into the fall, but was Adjourned until the evidence of J. G. Jones could be taken.

ELLERSLIE TRAINER BUYS SYDNEY, Wednesday. - A * the b,ooclst °ck sales, on account estate 6 the ilc Combs estate, the Christchurch brood mare Equality was bought by Mr. S. M. Smith, of Sydney, for 100 guineas. An untried Bernard—Fairy Gold gelding was bought by Mr. J. Williamson, of Aew Zealand, for 80 guineas. The same purchaser secured Moonfleet for I°o guineas.