H. GRAY'S STORY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14883, 24 January 1914, Page 12

H. GRAY'S STORY.

THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING ON A CERTAINTY. H. Gray, who rode Kflrain to victory in the Wellington Cup on "Wednesday, was not having his first winning mount in the race. He was on Miss Mischief when the Treadmill mare won in 1911, but on that occasion he did not have anything like as easy a ride as he had on this latest occasion (says a writer in the '"Dominion"). '"I was never on a greater certainty," said Gray after the finish. "You know I ! selected him from four mounts I had offered to mc, and even before I reached Wellington, I thought he would win, but when Mr Riddiford laid mo.£loo about a ivin, it made mc rather more determined and confident. Well, from the moment I got on his back today defeat never entered my head, as he seemed in such great heart. It was such a good thing that when we lined up at the barrier and I saw all the other chaps anxious and on the alert I nearly laughed outright." The crack jockey was inclined to chuckle even at the recollection of it. Gray said his mount hopped off to a beautiful start, and had a clear run throughout the race. He did not have to be forced through any opening, but bolted for every gap lie saw, and spemed to know exactly what was wanted of him. His trainer had sent him to the post so thoroughly fit that he finished almost without an effort. On the performance, Gray votes him a great horse. The winning of big handicaps is no new experience for Gray, but this is his most important rido since ho returned to the saddle after his long period of compulsory retirement and, combined with his brilliant efforts on Rene and Bon Ton later in the day furnishes proof that ho has lost neither his ability nor his nerve. J; \V. Lowe, trainer of the winner, was complimented on all sides for the manner in which he" landed his charge at the post. It is. interesting to note that, when Gray won on Miss Mischief in 1911, Iranuij from Lowe's stable, was second, and carried the - same colours ,as were carried by Bleriotj the runner-up in. this week's race. NOTES. Acceptances for the Forbury Park Trotting Club's Autumn Meeting cloee this evening. ■ • Nominations for. the Poverty Bay Turf Club's Summer Meeting close this I evening. Nominations for'the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's February Meeting aro due on Wednesday evening next. •■ . - For his faihrro to weigh-in after the Trial Plate at Trentham on: Wednesday, R. Berry, the rider of Chudic, I who. finished third was fined £10. H. Gray was .riding in good form at Foxton yesterday. He did the "hattrick" by riding the winners of the Newmarket Handicap (Our. King). January Hack Handicap (Ratana), and Moutoa Welter (Master Lupin) in succession.

F. l>. Jones, the ex-Yaldlmrst horseman who went'to Hawke's Bay to ride for the Hon. J. D. Ormond, and rocently. started as private trainer for Mr Bidwill, has made a' good start. Not many trainers have the good fortune to lead in a classic-winner at the first attempt. ' ■■ • ■ '

Moonglow, by TreadmillT-Sunglow, until recently, a member of , B»l" J; Mason's team at Riccartbn, won a race each day at Gore- this, week. ,This gelding always showed a lot of speed when Hero, but not Being deemed class enough, was sold at a very Reasonable figure to a Southland sportsman, who must now be well satisfied with his. purchase. , ■ ~ ■•■'■ '■■ • : ..■■■-.-■;..'

Marsa, -the two-year-old Martian filly in G. Murray-Aynsley'a team,- has been troubled with some slight internal ailment lately, and it»does not look as if she can:be at her. best for .l the forthcoming Midsummer Meetipg.. _, This filly showed exceptional, pace -in the spring, and ,was looked on as ono of -the fastest two-year-olds in-training at Hiccarton. . '.■••; : -'.v ■■ ■ : -\. ■.. ,•- ,■ - : .-'- ':-'.

The stewards' stand at ;the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club's destroyed by fire on. Wednesday morning* The building was a two-storied one, which included the. jockeys' room and the secretary's office, and Vas to hare been cold by tender on TJrursday for removal to make room for a new etand. It was. insured for £350 in the Odmmercial Union office. The cause of the fire is unknown. ,■ ' :

Our Wellington correspondent- telegraphed ' last evening -.—The Wellington Eaciiiig Club's Summer Meeting promises, to be concluded under' favourable conditions to-morrow, as- satisfactory - acceptances, have been received, and. all that is required is fine weather, of which there would appear to be every -prospect..- The going will be hard. Of the seventeen engaged in the Wallaceville Welter, the chances are that Vocation will' be' well; supported, as the stable seems in form. Of the sixteen in the Melrose Welter, Birkful may make some * amendb . for •previous disappointments at the meet-, ing, and Red Book and Monologue should gallop well There are sixteen in the Hopeful Stakes, which is very open. Suhbird was unlucky on Thursday, but may do better and give.Kilmin and the best of the others a race for" the Summer Handicap. Bmaldo ttiay redeem his character in the Consolation Handicap, and Emperadormay be the better for his race.