SENSATIONAL COUP.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 200, 24 August 1928, Page 11

SENSATIONAL COUP.

NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHEARTED. Association with Limerick on a, trip from New Zealand a few weeks back must have meant much to a New Zealand maiden, Lighthearted (says the "Sydney Guardian"). That gelding, purchased for 600gs by pony-owner Dick Bruce, apparently remembered his illustrious travelling companion when saddled up for the first division of the Maiden at Victoria Park on August 15, for, the medium of eensational backing, he gave an exhibition of galloping unexpected from a maiden performer. Remarkable plunges on two ex-New Zealand horses marked the race. No sooner had a commission been taken for the three-year-old The Earth, than tho commissioners for Lighthearted stepped into the ring, took full advantage of the favourable market, and backed their horse from double figures down to a short price. Probably not for years has such a sensational market marked the betting on a maiden event on the pony tracks, and by the time the Lighthearted money had been placed, 'backers of The Earth were running round trying to save on the second "good thing." Betting suggested that the race would be between the two New Zealanders, yet the actual favourite, The Earth, was never in the picture. Three furlongs from home bettors in the running were willing to lay odds on Lighthearted. He proved himself a remarkable galloper and was never once off the bit. He was hard held in third place until a furlong from home, and when Atkins temporarily gave him his head, he put so much between himself and the field that flis rider was forced to again take command to prevent too easy a win.- ~