DRIVER'S BAD LUCK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 35, 11 February 1930, Page 12

DRIVER'S BAD LUCK.

One of 'the biggest commissions launched 011 a Sydney track for some time past was over Maffra's Way in the third division of the Approved Handicap, at Harold Park a fortnight ago, says the* "Trotting Record." Since winning her maiden race some months ago, Maffra's Way has never shown any form worthy of heavy backing, but evidently she had struck form, a? in a big betting race her connections backed her down to favourite, standing to win a cool thousand

pounds. How many unlooked-for incidents backers are up against was shown in the race. Strephon Cole had led throughout, and came round the bend for home, with Maifra's Way going well in close attendance. G. Kelly, who was behind the favourite, so soon as heads were turned for home, pulled his whip for the final run. With the whip raised for the necessary reminder to Maifra's Way of what was expected of her, the flail dropped to the ground, leaving the knob at the end of the butt in Kelly's hand. One cut of the whip would have done tlie trick, but without it Strephon

Cole beat the favourite home by a short .head. Maybe such an • occurrence never occurred before, or will occur again, but that onco was sufficient to cost Maffra's Way's owner a thousand pounds.