PUNTERS PICK PAYABLE PLUMS AT EASTER RACES

Highlander, Volume 1, Issue 7, 3 April 1945, Page 1

PUNTERS PICK PAYABLE PLUMS AT EASTER RACES

(By our Racing Writer)

An overnight shower in no way affected the track which was in excellent order for the Tongariro Racing Club’s Easter meeting. There was a real holiday spirit (the only spirit available) and punting patrons were present from Christchurch to Bluff.

Never before has local accommodation been so overtaxed, and rather than miss this year’s Great Easter and Riverton Cup contest, many enthusiasts camped around the course for several days. In fact, some of the more ardent racegoers slept on the track and had to be politely removed by the caretakers each morning when they arrived to water the course and adjoining lawns.

The Totalisator handled to be handed to charity. Only two tickets were taken out on the winning double and odds were at 160 to 1. One punter who took the double the 36 ways received £8 for his 36/outlay.

Niente’s breeding (by Boloney, out of Jane) told punters that there was something doing and he overcame every hurdle to get there at 6 to 1. Niente certainly proved there is nothing in a name. Musty (by Patriotic Issue, out of NAAFI) failed to go. while Snail’s Pace (by Bay Boat, out of Convoy) looked a doubtful finisher at one stage but stuck gamely to her task.

The Dunedin Guineas might have been a better race had On The Nose, Hangover and Bolonachi not been suffering from soreness. This gave Sleepless Nights an easy win and he practically yawned his way home at odds of 9 to 2.

A hardened campaigner in At Last (by Old Dig. out of Hope) outstayed the field to win the Great Easter at good odds of 13 to 2. Wild Dream bolted ‘before the start and was still uncontrollable when the barrier lifted. Fair Dink--urn’s performance was not true to form. The popular Long Beer won the Cup, with iffy Pot Luck second.

Sunburnt was sore. Get Crackin’ was too late when he did and Frozen Credit remained stationary. Luger had the draw on the field shooting to the front early to hold up challengers. Mr. Drink staggered under Spring Song’s burst and Arivederci’s owner was last heard calling his name before jumping overboard Don R was out of touch with the field.