WELLINGTON MEETING

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25090, 23 January 1947, Page 4

WELLINGTON MEETING

RACING

THRILLING FINISH TO MAIN RACE GOLDEN SOUVENIR WINS HANDICAP From Our Own Reporter WELLINGTON, January 22. Favoured by ideal conditions, the Wellington Racing Club held the third day of its summer meeting at Trentham today. The track was hard and fast, and there was a large attendance. The totalisator handled £250,117, as against £221,947 10s on Anniversary Day last year. The highlight of the day’s racing was a sterling* performance by Golden Souvenir to win the Wellington Racing Club Handicap under the great weight of 10 stone. In a thrilling finish over the last 100 yards. Golden Souvenir held off a strong challenge by Signal Officer to win by a head. It was one of Golden Souvenir’s greatest performances, and ’he set a weight-cairying record for the race, the previous record being held by Silver Ring, which won in 1936 with 9-13. The race at that time was run over a mile and three furlongs. The crowd gave Golden Souvenir a great reception when he returned to the scales, and left little doubt about the popularity of his victory. Signal Officer made a gallant effort when he challenged the winner. The race was run at a solid pace throughout, and although back in the running as usual in the early stages, Golden Souvenir was not forced to cover anything like as much ground as he was in the Wellington cup. His finishing run was one that will long be remembered. The third horse. Merry Robin, ran a sound race. At the start. Signal Officer was squeezed back a little. Down past the stands, Lowry Bay led from Flying Ace and Langue d’Or, with a gap to Barrage, Cattenck Bridge, and Merry Robin. Those horses were followed by Bridge Acre. Golden Souvenir, Kerry Lad, Signal Officer. and Montosorrie. At the top turn Flying Ace went to the front, and at the mile post led by three lengths from Lowry Bay, with two lengths to Langue d Or - Down the back, Kerry Lad drifted, and Merry Robin moved up to third p!ace - The order at the half-mile post was Flying Ace by two lengths from Gangue d Or, and Merry Robin, a length to Lowry Bay and Catterick Bridge, the same distance to Capronella. with Barra Se and Golden Souvenir, Bridge Acre S ‘ e J? a L°/? cer following. The first five c£^? eld ?^P° sitions round to the straight, and Golden Souvenir moved up ’"*? s l xt J? pI ? c ?- Flying Ace weakened. ? at tb ® distance Merry Robin and c Or were « out, with X°;r e “ .Souvenir pushing through, and ?l«n tCri M Br > d ee and Signal Officer there hoir’#, er ry Robin was in front at the c“5 lo, ?€x£ ost ’ , w,th Golden Souvenir r?M S,gn s Officer both finishing very fast. S, < 2? en . U Y? nir reached the front 60 u- a ‘ d 7 post -. and finished bril"pld off Signal Officer’s challenge by a head. Merry Robin was only half a length away for third. Lowry Bav at L angue d’Or for fourth Place, and then came Catterick Bridge. Ban-age. FJymg Ace, Kerry Lad, Capron - eila, and Montosorrie. The favourite, •Kerry Lad. raced poorly and Bridge Acre was not persevered with over the last furlong. his preliminary. Blanket bolted and covered more than a round of the course before he was pulled up. He was immediately scratched for the race, and the money invested on him on the totalisator was returned to investors. Field Outclassed

.. Hcau Le Havre lived up to his reputatl?’l °E bein g a high-class three-year-old outclassed the field in the Gloaming Stakes. He was under a strong hold early m the race, and moved up to join the pacemaker, Portabul, three furlongs from home. Once they straightened up. Beau Le Havre strode away in an effortless style to win by two lengths from B oya ? JF an - With half a mile to run. Royal Tan was in last place. He did not make up much ground round the turn and was not prominent until the dist a “ ce ; £ e . put in a strong finishing B t° m beat Sakuntala by half a length. Royal Tan was handicapped by the lack , ln ‘s® race - Sakuntala gamed third place by staying on. and is an improved filly. Howe was at the f aar tbe field f° r the greater part of the journey. From a good start. Privilege was the quickest out from Sakuntala, Beau Le Havre, and Portabul. Passing the post the first time, Portabul ran up to Privilege, with Sakuntala next. Beau Le Havre was being steadied in fourth place. Howe, Perfect Peace, and Royal Tan followed. At the mile pest, Portabul had worked three lengths clear of Sakuntala and Privilege, with Beau Le Havre under a hard hold on the outside of Howe, Keening, Perfect Peace, and Roval Tan. Privilege was dropping back at the halfmile pest, and at the three-furlong post Beau le Havre moved up to join Portabul in front. The pair led the field intp the straight, followed by Keening, Sakuntala, Privilege, Royal Tan, and Howe. At the distance, Beau le Havre was going easily in front of Sakuntala, Perfect Peace, Howe, and Royal Tan. Beau le Havre | Was not troubled to win easily by two lengths. Royal Tan finishing very fast to beat Sakuntala for second by half a length. Howe -was fourth. There were only seven horses in the Metropolitan Handicap, in which Voltaic finished well to beat the favourite, Yasda. Leigh Barton jumped out well, but was unable to hit out on the firm going in the early stages. He finished on for third place without ever having a winning Chance. He was sore after the race, but no worse than usual. At the start, Whitley was first out from Leigh Barton, Voltaic, and Peter Theio, but at the end of a furlong Peter Theio had moved up to join Whitley, with a length and a half to Lady Nahleen and Yasda, with Leigh Barton and Voltaic next. Whitley and Peter Theio quickly opened up a gap on the field, and with half a mile to run they were six lengths clear of Lady Nahleen and Yasda, with two lengths to Leigh Barton and three to Voltaic. Whitley worked clear round to the straight entrance, where he led by a length and a half from Peter Theio, with another length to Yasda. Leigh Barton moved up at the distance, and quickly had the measure of Whitley, which was stopping. Yasda was being hard ridden to hold his lead, and 100 yards from the post Voltaic I ranged, up alongside him and carried on to win by a length. Leigh Barton was two lengths away third, and Lady Nahleen was fourth. Then came Peter Theio, Whitley, and Awaroa Stream, which was left eight lengths at the start. The strong pace set by Whitley and Peter Theio tied up the top-weights in the early stages, and Yasda had nothing in reserve at the finish. Decisive Win

Sage King showed himself to be a three-year-old well above the average when he won the Douro Handicap under 9st 61b He was in tenth position with half a mile to run, and he still had six horses in front of him with more than a furlong to run. He put in a great burst over the final furlong and headed Armont 40 yards from the post, going on to win decisively by half a length. Armont had every chance, having the run of the race. Hie Stormovik was only half a length behind Armant. He was a few places behind Sage King at the half-mile post, but had worked his way up to fifth place at the entrance to the straight. Carmelita, Iron Duke, Gayjoy, Prefa, Lady Delight, and Armont were the first to show out, but with four furlongs covered Citation had moved up to join Iron Duke in the lead, with Armont trailing them on the fence. Following them wgre Lady Delight, Selas, Carmelita, Persuade. Prefa, Kite High, Sage King, Gayjoy, Sergeant Jack, Mr Pym, and The Stormovik. The first four horses held their positions to the straight entrance, with The Stormovik moving up and Carmelita following. As soon as they straightened up Armont moved through to challenge the leader, and at the distance Citation just led him. with The Stormovik on the inside. Iron Duke, Carmelita, Robingay. and -Sage King were next. In the final furlong, Armont had Citation’s measure, and was being strongly challenged by The Stormovik. when Sage King came with a very good run to win by half a length. Armont held off The Stormovik by a similar margain. and Carmelita was three lengths away for fourth. Then came Clyde Bridge, Citation, and Iron Duke, practically in line, Gayjoy. Flying Gold, Prefa, and Selas.

Improvement on Form Showing a decided improvement on his first day’s form. Gay Stroller won the January Handicap by half a length from the faster-finishing Grill, with Opulent, which went to the front at the half-mile post, in third place. At the start, Kashmiri, Al Sirat, and Theiolyn were slow away, the first to show out being Opulent, Gay Stroller, Grill, and Dash o' Dink. Dash o’ Dink took over the running afte- two furlongs from Gay Stroller, Opulent, Lord Elgin. Tavern light, and Revetir. At the half-mile post Opulent and Tavern Light joined Dash o’ Dink, with Gay Stroller and Kashmiri next. There were two lengths to Lord Elgin and Grill. At the turn into the straight, Dash o’ Dink dropped out, and Opulent and Tavern Light led from Gay Stroller, Kashmiri. Lord Elgin, and Grill. Opulent was under pressure a furlong from home, with Gay Stroller challenging and Lord Elgin. Kashmiri, and Grill following. Gay Stroller finished too well for Opulent and looked to be in for a, comfortable win

when Grill put in a strong late run to get within half a length of him. Opulent held on for third place, with Al Sirat getting up for fourth place. Kashmiri, Lord Elgin, and Tavern Light followed in line, with a gap to Revetir, Theiolyn, and Dash o’ Dink. Finished Too Well Rink finished too well for Ruling Moment in the Mungaroa Hurdles, catching him in the last half-furlong and winning by a neck. Ruling Moment was unlucky. He had the measure of the early pacemaker, Skyhawk, approaching the halfmile post, but worked clear just a little too soon.

The third horse. Skyhawk, was the first to show out, and led the field past the stands for the first time from Ruling Moment, Tidapa, Battle Chief, Rink, Red Glare, Beau Jewel, and Amorlad. Ruling Moment joined Skyhawk at the seven furlongs post, with three lengths to Rink and four to Battle Chief and Tidapa. Amorlad at this stage being well back. Ruling Moment outjumped Skyhawk a little further on, and at the half-mile post was two lengths clear of Skyhawk, with three lengths to Rink and eight to Battle Chief and Red Glare. At the entrance to the straight, Ruling Moment still led Skyhawk, with five lengths to Rink and a big gap to Red Glare and Battle Chief. At the distance. Ruling Moment looked as if he might hold on to his lead, but Rink finished strongly and beat him by a neck. Skyhawk battled on for third two lengths away, and Red Glare was a poor fourth, and was followed by Beau Jewel, Amorlad, which raced poorly. Battle Chief a very tired horse, and Tidapa. Surprise Win The Washdyke-trained Bay Fort created a big surprise when he beat the consistent Night School by half a head in the Nursery Handicap. The judge called for a photo-finish. Another outsider, Prince Coronach, was third, with Kartikeya close up for fourth. Kartikeya could not get clear until the last 60 yards. Zorro, Distinction, Darius, Dep Sea, and Prince Coronach were the first to show out, Zorro and Distinction leading down to the course proper from Darius and General Victory, with Bay Fort and Prince Coronach next. At the distance, Darius was just shading Distinction, Zorro, and Prince Coronach when Night School put in his claim. Prince Coronach and Night School looked like fighting out the finish, but Bay Fort soon challenged, and he and Night School crossed the line locked together. Prince Coronach was three-quar-ters of a length away for third, with Kartikeya galloping over everything close up for fourth. Darius was fifth.

Poor Class Field A rather poor-class field of hacks contested the Camp Handicap, the winner, Casilda; having to be very hard ridden to get ahead of Blue Moon. Casilda gained the advantage in the last few strides. Pandemonium was finishing on as usual for third. Precedency, Griffin, Tomahawk, and The Saddler were the best away, but with a round to go Fort Silver was rushed up to take the lead from Precedency, with Griffin and Tomahawk next. At the seven furlongs post Superium took over and led from Tomahawk, The Saddler, Fort Silver, Griffin, and Blue Moon. Superium and The Saddler were still in front at the half-mile post with Griffin, Blue Moon, Sari. Pandemonium, and Casilda following. Superium and Griffin were weakening at the entrance to the straight, and a furlong from home The Saddler just led Blue Moon, with Casilda and Pandemonium close behind. Blue Moon worked her way to the front with half a furlong to run, but Casilda was very vigorously ridden over the last 50 yards and got up to beat Blue Moon by a neck. Pandemonium was right up with them another neck away, and The Saddler was half a length behind her. There was a gap of three lengths to Sailor Boy, and then followed Superium. Precedency, and Griffin. The last to finish was Tomahawk. Results:—

MUNGAROA HURDLES, Of £7OO. One mile and three-quarters. 6 6—RINK 9-6 .. Chaplin 1 3. I—Ruling Moment 9-11 Hawes 2 1. 3—Skyhawk 10-10 R. Collett 3 7, 7 Red Glare; 5, 5 Battle Chief; 4, 4 Tidapa; 2,2 Amorlad; 8, 8 Beau Jewel also started. Neck; two lengths. Red Glare was fourth. Time, 3min-Bsec. GLOAMING STAKES, Of £2OOO. One mile and a half. 1. 2—BEAU LE HAVRE 8-10 Connor 1 3. 3—Royal Tan 8-10 L. J. Ellis 2 4. 4—Sakuntala 8-7 McFarlane 3 2, 1 Howe; 6, 7 Keening; 8, 8 Portabul; 7, 6 Perfect Peace; 5, 5 Privilege also started. Two lengths; half a length. Howe was fourth? Time, 2min 331 sec. JANUARY HANDICAP, Of £lOOO. One mile. 2. 2—GAY STROLLER 8-5 Bowry 1 3. 3—Grill 8-10 .. B. Wilson 2 I. I—Opulent 8-4 .. Broughton 3 5, 5 Lord Elgin; 4, 4 Al Sirat; 8, 8 Tavern Light; 10, 9 Dash o’ Dink; 6, 7 Kashmiri; 9, 10 Revetir; 7, 6 Theiolyn also started. Half length; neck. Al Sirat Was fourth. Time, Imin 39sec. CAMP HANDICAP, Of £7OO. One mile and three furlongs. 7. B—CASILDA 8-4 Holland 1 6. 6—Bluet Moon 7-11 McFarlane 2 3 3—Pandemonium 8-0 Stove 3 2, 4 Rosswood; 10, 10 Griffin; 1, 1 Matawene; 15, 14 Newel Post; 9, 9 Tomahawk; 5. 5 Sailor Boy; 13, 13 Fort Silver; 8, 7 The Saddler; 4. 2 Beau Raide; 14, 15 Culloden Moor; 11, 12 Precedency; 12, 11 Sari; 16,y 16 Superium also started. Neck; half a length. The Saddler was fourth. Time, 2min 18Jsec. RACING CLUB HANDICAP, Of £3OOO. One mile and a half. 2 2—GOLDEN SOUVENIR 10-0 L. J. Ellis 1 4. s—Signal Officer 8-12 R. Mackie 2 3. 3—Merry Robin 8-4 Bowry 3 6, 6 Bridge Acre; 1, 1 Kerry Lad; 5, 4 Langue d’Or; 10, 11 Catterick Bridge; 7, 7 Capronella; 11, 10 Barrage; 9, 8 Lowry Bay; 8, 9 Flying Ace; 12, 12 Montosorrie also started. Head; three-quarters of a length. Lowry Bay was fourth. Time, 2min 30sec. NURSERY HANDICAP, Of £7OO. Six furlongs. 9. 10—BAY FORT 7-5 Stove 1 6. s—Night School 8-4 H. N. Wiggins 2 12. 12—Prince Coronach 7-0 A. Johnson 3 7, 8 Zorro; 8. 7 Distinction; 10, 9 Sir Royal; 3,2 Deep Sea; 4, 4 Kartikeya; 2, 1 Darius; 1, 3 Bronstar; 5, 6 Helio; 11, 11 General Victory; 13, 13 Atomic Energy also started. • Half head; three-quarters of a length. Kartikeya was fourth. Time, Imin 12sec. METROPOLITAN HANDICAP, Of £l5OO. Seven furlongs. 3. 3—VOLTAIC 7-1 H. N. Wiggins 1 1. I—Yasda 8-8 .. Broughton 2 2. 2—Leigh Barton 8-11 L. J. Ellis 3 4, 4 Lady Nahleen; 6, 6 Whitley; 5, 5 Awaroa Stream; 7, 7 Peter Theio also started. Neck; two lengths. Lady Nahleen was fourth. Time, Imin 25jsec. DOURO HANDICAP, Of £lOOO. One mile. 2. 2—SAGE KING 9-6 Connor 1 1. I—Armont 8-12 .. A. Stokes 2 3. 3—The Stormovik 8-8 Bowry 3 12, 12 Citation; 7, 8 Flying Gold; 11, 9 Lady Delight; 9, 11 Persuade; 14, 16 Prefa; 5, 5 Mallow; 10, 7 Carmelita; 4, 6 Selas; 6, 4 Kite High; 13, 13 Robingay bracketed Peculate; 18, 18 Iron Duke; 8, 10 Mr Pym; 19. 19 Hart Royal; 20, 10 Sergeant Jack; 17, 17 Kelmont bracketed Clyde Bridge: 16. 14 Gay Joy bracketed Gyration; 15, 15 Balcherrie bracketed Rothnic also started. Half length each way. Carmelita was fourth. Time, Imin 391 sec.