OWNER’S BAD LUCK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 October 1939, Page 11

OWNER’S BAD LUCK

AMBITION NOT REALISED. As Reading battled his way courageously to victory in the Australian Derby at Randwick one of his -part owners sat, blind, in a darkened room at his home. An ambition of Mr G. S. Luscombe, widely-known sportsman and business man, was to see Reading, whom he owns in partnership with Mr F. P. Manusu, win the Derby, but an affliction of the eyes caused him to lose his sight, at least temporarily, the clay before the Derby, and he was unable to attend at the 'course. As Reading was engaged in a spirited struggle with High Caste, Mr Luscombe at his home listened to the boardcast description of the race. He was elated at the result, but he missed the thrill of seeing his colours carried to success and of hearing the cheers of the crowd. Few persons on the course knew of the shadow hanging over Reading’s success or noted Mr Luscombe’s absence. A week previously, in spite of the,fact that Reading had been beaten by the Derby favourite Beau Vite, Mr Luscombe expressed confidence in the ability of his colt to reverse the decision in the Derby. Mr Luscombe bought Reading as a yearling principality with the idea of winning the Derby, the selection being left to his trainer, J. T. Cush, and from the time the colt went into training he never wavered in his belief that his search had been successful. He was also absent when Reading won the Sires’ Produce Stakes in April. On that occasion business interests pressed heavily on Mr Luscombe, and, as the trainer was not optimistic about Reading's chances, he advised Mr Luscombe accordingly, and the part owner decided to put business first.