A TURF ROMANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1920, Page 5

A TURF ROMANCE.

A TRIAL AND A BIG WIN. There is quite a romantic charm about the story of Olympic's win at Rosehill on Saturday last, says "Iroquois." Robert B. Hogue, the owner, is a retired coal merchant, who retains active interest in the turf both here and at Newcastle, despite the fact that he has passed the allotted span. He is a member of the committee of the Newcastle Jockey Club, and there is not a Keener officer on the committee.

Something over a year aga.a friend going abroad was asked by Mr. Hogue to keep a sharp watch for a horse likely to win races in Australia, and to buy if anything appealed to his fancy. Choice fell upon Olympic, an entire, who had raced a couple of seasons without winning, but had run fairly well, and had good looks to recommend him. Kignt months ago Olympic landed in Australia with Chrysolaus, Gallant Colours, ant! several others brought out for various owners, and having completed his quarantine he joined S. Gore's team at Canterbury. It was not until a few weeks ago, however, that he struck the form necessary to encourage his entry for races, and the first engagement made for him was a maiden event at, a recent Gosford meeting. This lie forfeited, however, and Saturday's start at RosehiU was his first in Australia. As a matter of fact, he had not .p'vcri faced the barrier since he left Ensland which quickly carried him to the. front. In the straight he ran right away from the opposition in just the same way that Gloaming did in his first, race in Australia. His young apprentice jockey knew not whether he was being pursued, nor did he dare to turn his head to see. He made post haste for the judge's box, and not until that was reached did he let up. There was too much at stake to take risks.

The consequence was that Olympic's form was clumsily disclosed, and although the field behind him was anything but strong he is not likely to go out in any future event without the strong support of the publicIn every way Olympic's form' was good, and justifies the belief that he will succeed in much better company. He* was given a trial out of the machine with Bezant, and it was his good effort in this attempt that led to his being backed for a small fortune in Saturday's race. The secret of his hollow victory over Bezant in that private trial was naturally kept dark by the trainers of the two animals, who were the only persons present, but, of course, it leaked out after the race when it was not likely to be of use to those who heard it. Though Bezant is not a Carbine, and to beat him would not be a high recommendation, the time made by Olympic in defeating him justified his being backed in a much better field than that he met on Saturday. Indeed, one who witnessed it said the horse was good enough to win the next Doncaster Handicap. In the circumstances, it was not surprising that those" in the know went into the ring to bet with confidence. As much as 20 to 1 was secured in the paddock, and one of the backers who had the presence of mind to send a commission to the leger, secured 33 to 1 for his money. In all, the owner and trainer of Olympic, the trainer of Bezant, and a few friends of each, secured a good-sized parcel, the winnings of at least two running into four figures. Olympic's form justified their support. Although well back in the field early, he put in a paralysing run at the turn.