STRANGE COMPANIONSHIP

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 August 1938, Page 3

STRANGE COMPANIONSHIP

HORSES ALWAYS TOGETHER. “Hundreds of punters in South Africa have backed the favourite, Double Up 11, to win the Durban July Handicap, but few of them know how much his form depends on a sturdy little stallion named Mustang,” stated a South African paper recently. “Double Up will go nowhere without his companion, and it was only after a great deal of fuss and whinnying that the two were got on to their special Durban-bound trucks at Booysens station. “The curious companionship between the two horses began immediately Double Up arrived on the Rand for the Spring Handicap in 1936. It was only discovered when Mustang was removed from his box alongside Double Up for a few days. “Double Up immediately began to lose condition and even refused his feed. Just as vetineraries, the trainer and owner were despairing Mustang came back and Double Up picked up at once. “Eyer since then Mustang has had to accompany Double Up everywhere. Mustang is always at the saddling paddock before a big race to see his companion properly saddled, and is waiting eagerly for him after the race. “When D ou ble Up goes to Durban Mustang has to have a special truck alongside. When Double Up goes for a training walk, Mustang leads the way.”