DESERT GOLD’S DEFEAT.

Taihape Daily Times, 8 October 1918, Page 4

DESERT GOLD’S DEFEAT.

A TITANIC STRUGGLE. CHAMPION JUST FAILS, AFTER GREAT EFFORT. SYDNEY, this day. Sporting writers lengthily discuss Desert Gold’s sensational defeat in the A.J.C. Spring Stakes by Poitrei, which, although known to be a good horse, was never in the most exr.ravagant imaginings thought capable of downing the greatest of modern champions under such phenomenal c^ractions. Poitrel’s victory was achieved in most thrilling circumstances. At the top of the straight Desert Gold settled the pretensions' of Cagou and Kennaquhair, but just when it was thought she would come away and win easily, Poitrei, wide on the outside of the course, emerged from the ruck, and, galloping at a great rate, gradually gained on the mare. A furlong from home Desert Gold was still clear, and even at this stage few dreamed of Poitrei beating the champion. But at the half furlong he reached her girths. From thence to the finish a stupendous struggle ensued, wihch kept the multitude of over 50,000 people in tense silence. Inch by inch the chestnut gained on Desert Gold over the last hundred yards, and when with a final dash over the last three strides horso and rider threw their last effort into the struggle and Poitrei gained the supremacy, a great shout went up that Desert Gold was beaten.

Excuses were found, but none were needed, for her performance was full of merit, for there was small if any discrepancy on her side in the division of the honours of the race. It was hexfirst outing for months, whereas Poitrel had had several runs lately. There were extenuating circumtsances found in the pace she set, for it takes a good horse to lead Cagou in a weight for-age race, but Desert Gold cleared right away at one stage, and doubtless drew on her reserves of strength. Nevertheless there was no faltering finish, for she answered every call like the wonderful, racehorse she is. GLOAMING’S VICTORY. Although Desert Gold was beaten, Gloaming’s fine performance gave New Zealanders something to boast about, while the fact .that horses from the Dominion were the first four to pass the post also gave them cause to rejoice. Many argued before the race that it would be fatal to the son of The Welkin if he had to make his own pace, but Gloaming accomplished the task like a champion. The speed he showed in his last effort was great, and it will surprise many good judges ■if he doesn’t turn out a better horse •than Biplane. DENMARK'S BAD RUN. Finmark had a bad passage, while he twisted the plates on his forefeet. He was also galloped on' during’’the race. Gloaming Is the first of The Welkin’s stock to win a classic event, and his success was a feather in'Mason ’s cap. He was not entered for the Victorian Derby but is in the-Fleming-ton, w;eight-for-age races. OTHER COMMENTS. The ‘Sydney Morning Herald,” commenting on the A.J.C‘. Derby, says that Gloaming made all his own running, and scored easily. The “Daily Telegraph’ ’says the defeat of Desert Gold was sensational, as a win for the daughter of All Black was regarded as a foregone conclusion Desert Gold was brilliantly though fairly beaten, but her performance was so good that she shared the plaudits of the crowd equally with the victor.

Referring to the Derby, the same paper says that Gloaming never left the issue in doubt, hut gave the impression as he passed the post that another furlong would have found him out.