THE DONKEY DERBY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 154, 3 July 1939, Page 5

THE DONKEY DERBY.

JOCKEY GIVES CUP.

BOOTS AUCTIONED BY PRIEST.

CUSTOM STARTED BT DONOGHUE, (Special.—By Air Mail.) LOXDOX, June 10. Rapidly growing in popularity is the "Donkey Derby," to be run this year on July 1, at Pinner, Middieeex. It is run by Father John Caulfieid, known as the "jockey's priest." He has just received the cup for the winner, which is always given by the jockey of the Epsom Derby I winner. Ephraim Smith, who rode Bin* I Peter, has also *ent the riding boot* he wore for the race.

The Donkey Derby was started in 1025 by Steve Donoghue to celebrate his sixth Derby winner—that year in Manna. 'It hae continued every year since then," Father Caulfield said this week. "We hold it at our annual fete. Thi« year ail the jockeys are coming along after the race meeting at Alexandra Park." Mr. Caulfield has been the priest of the Roman Catholic Church at Pinner for -~> years. For years he has been known as "chaplain to the stage and turf" because he has as many friends unong actors ai among jockevs. 'Jockeys are all very good fellows," he said. "And actors and actresses are excellent, too. The popular idea about people on the stage being fast is all wrong." Father Caulfield collects the riding boots of the Derby winners, and auctions them after the Donkey Derbv each vear.