WIN FOR N.Z. HORSE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 251, 23 October 1944, Page 7

WIN FOR N.Z. HORSE

A.J.G. METROPOLITAN

NIGHTBEAM'S TRIUMPH

SYDNEY, October 22. Heavily backed from long odds, the aged New Zealand-bred gelding Nightbeam, by Night Raid from Lady Burleigh, made an overpowering run at the finish to defeat the brilliant Flight in the Metropolitan Handicap on the concluding day of the Australian Jockey Club's spring meeting at Randwick yesterday. Last year's Epsom Handicap winner, Kiaree, was third. Nightbeam was well back until the last three furlongs, but put in a great finishing burst to win going , away by a length. Kiaree also finished strongly.

Flight was always with the leaders and conceded 221b to Nightbeam. She made a gallant effort to stave off the winner's challenge. The heavily-backed favourite Mayfowl was with the leaders into the straight, but weakened badly into tenth position. Nightbeam is one of the few aged horses to win the rich Metropolitan prize. He was purchased In New Zealand as a two-year-old by Mr. F. W. Hughes, an Australian wool and shipping millionaire. The price was reported to be 1200 guineas, plus a contingency of another 900 guineas out of any race or races he won. Mr. Hughes, who is a breeder as well as owner, thought he had a Derby prospect, but Nightbeam disappointed. Until Saturday, Nightbeam had not won above nine furlongs, and all his Australian victories were in moderate company. However, he was regarded as an unlucky horse and Mr. Hughes was confident he would develop staying ability. , Nightbeam's win gave Mr. Hughes his second Metropolitan success in three years, Mr. Hughes won with Dashing Cavalier in 1941. The time, 2.432, was two seconds outside the record of Dashing Cavalier and Main Topic. It was considered good, as the pace was slow for the first three furlongs. Nightbeam may run in the Melbourne Cup if transport facilities are available and no severe penalty is imposed. He is handicapped at 7.6, but his Metropolitan win renders him liable to a penalty of up to 101b.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP, sweepstake of £30 each with £4300 added, one mile and five furIongs.—NIGHTBEAM, 7.2 (N. McGrowdie), 1; PLIGHT, 8.10 (J. Thompson), 2; KIAREE, 8.0 (J. M. O'Sullivan), 3. Sixteen started. Length each way. Time, 2.43 1 ,-..