A GOOD COLT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 225, 23 September 1938, Page 14

A GOOD COLT.

ROYAL CHIEF'S WIN.

THE CHELMSFORD STAKES.

BEATS AVENGER EASILY. Although his trainer. Fred Jones, says it is difficult to compare him with Limerick,' Royal Chief won tlie Chelmsford Stakes so brilliantly at Rand wick on September 10. that lie may be more tlian a matcli for tlie weight-for-age stayers in Australia this spring.

Hacked for a fortune in Sydney, both straight out for the Metropolitan and in doubles with the prominent Epsom candidates, Koyal thief has now enhanced his A..1.C. Handicap chance one hundred per cent (says a Sydney writer).

Only for Cooranga's remarkable Spring Handicap success on the same day, the Xew Xealander would be a hot favourite for the Metropolitan.

Avenger, who was a warm favourite for the Caul field Cup, appeared to head Royal Chief inside the last furlong, but when Darby Munro called for a final effort, condition told and Avenger was beaten comfortablv.

Avenger's trainer. .Tack Holt, however, was not despondent after his horse's failure. "Avenger was having only his second run since last February and I think he will l»e improved greatlv bv the run. He beat the others comfortably and, in any case. Royal Chief, who beat him. may be a real champion," said Holt.

Some Avenger backers thought that Darby Munro made an error of judgment by going around the outside while Hurtle, on Royal stuck to the rails and secured a perfect run from the three furlongs. Avenger was certainly forced to cover a fair amount of extra ground, but Munro told Holt that Avenger actually hit the frout at the Leger and was going so well then that he thought he would win easily. Could Not Respond. Once Munro hit Avenger with the whip, however, the favourite could not raise a finishing effort. He showed plenty of gameness. but he could not overcome the difficulties of condition, and before the post, wlwn Munro saw that success was impossible, he did not puuish liis mount. Royal Chief carried 81b more than his Metropolitan weight and as he is certain to be improved by racing, backers believe that he will add to Xew Zealand's great record in big Australian races. Fred .Tones, however, is faced with the difficulty of getting a rider for his horse. Maurice Mct'arten lias first call on the Royal Chief mount, but he will prolmblv be required for Gold Hod.

Then, if McCarten is not available. Battle may ride Royal Chief, hut as Bartle lias an agreement to ride for the .latnieson stable, he will liave to accept the mount 011 Ktretto if that mare should start in the Metropolitan. "I will not decide for a few days when I will run Royal Chief again," said Jones after the race. "He has shown no recurrence of the foot trouble which affected him in Xew Zealand, but I will not- risk him, and unless the going is really I may not start him again until the Colin Stephen Stakes, two days before the Metropolitan."

Bartle rode Royal Chief a perfect race.

HIS FIRST WIN.

N.Z. BRED COLT.

COST THOUSAND GUINEAS. SUCCESS OF ROTORUA. , Rotoriribv Bean Pere by Summertime, who cost lOOOgns as a yearling at Treuthain last year, was given up for dead 10 months a«n. and won liis first race at Victoria Park, Sydney, on September 13.

He came with a panic finish, to beat Lord Valentine by a head, in the Three-Year-Old Handicap at Victoria Park.

Rotorua reared up in his stable last November, struck his head on a rafter, and received what was thought would prove fatal injuries. His head was so badly battered, it was feared that even if he recovered, it was doubtful if he would be any use as a racehorse. It was because Hotorua developed into such a tall horse that the injury was possible. A horse of average nize could not have hit the roof of his stable. Since the accident he wears a big yellow baize pad over his head, when he has to occupy low stall* at race meetings.

Rotorua received veterinary attention from Mr. Roy Stewart after 'his accident and then was given a long spell. He resumed racing in .Tune, but did not reveal promise until he came from last to fourth in a division of the Tliree-\ear-Old Handicap at Rosebery recently.

_On that form bookmakers installed him equal favourite at Victoria Park. It was his fourth race, and improvement was expected. He pleased connections with hw performance, as he is a green horse.

"I suppose lie is one of the most hand some and well formed hordes vou could get for a three-year-old of 'his size," said his trainer, Bailey l'avten.