FINIGIN’S SUCCESS AT WINGATUI

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25429, 27 February 1948, Page 4

FINIGIN’S SUCCESS AT WINGATUI

ALL THE WAY WIN IN BERNICIA HANDICAP

The two-year-old Finigin scored the only success for Riccarton-trained horses at the Dunedin Centennial meeting yesterday, when he won the Bernicia Handicap in good style. The Hob was sent out a firm favourite for the Bernicia Handicap, but he was beaten comfortably by Finigin after the pair had been in front throughout. Finigin and The Hob were the first out, and at the half-mile they were clear of Running Brook, Card Money, and Baygundi, with the others out of it. The Hob and Finigin were two lengths clear into the straight, with Gaygundi. Running Brook, and Card Money next. Finigin had the upper hand at the furlong post, and he carried on to beat The Hob by two lengths, with Running Brook a neck away third. Baygundi was close up fourth, with Card Money and Kosher next. Finigin is a black colt •by Robin Godfellow from the Stewards’ Handicap winner, Knockfin, which was formerly trained at Riccarton. He is trained by C. B. Dawson by Mr C. C. Davis, of Christchurch, who purchased him at the yearling sales at Trentham for ' 1550 guineas.

Upset in Hurdles Incitatus scored a surprise victory in the Early Settlers’ Hurdles. After being well up in his field throughout he took charge racing to the last hurdle and won well. After six furlongs. First Out took over from Filibeg, Wee Mac. Incitatus, and Percy, with a break to Forage and Voltaire. Incitatus moved up to be third behind First Out and Filibeg, at the half, and at the straight entrance they were clear of Wee Mac, which was under pressure, and Filibeg, which broke down and was pulled up. First Out was beaten with a furlong to run, and Incitatus took charge and led Percy, First Out, and Wee Mac over the last hurdle. Incitatus carried on to beat Percy by four lengths, with First Out three lengths back third. Wee Mac was a length away fourth, followed by Gunther, which came home particularly well, Forage, Robert, and’ Court Dress. Filibeg fractured a sesamoid bone but it is hoped to save him. Kildare Lad Beats Helio

The imported horse. Super, which was making his first appearance in a race in New Zealand, was sent out favourite for the Haere Mai Handicap, and after being well back in the field throughout, was beaten into fifth place. Gay Music and Anas were slow to jump out, and racing down the back, Faustina and Grania were clear of Flibbertigibbet, Ara Chief, Helio, Billy Mac, Kildare Lad, and Eton Lad. There was little change racing across the top, and at the home turn Helio took charge, and led into the straight from Faustina, Kildare Lad,,Wild Spec, and Ara Chief. At the distance Helio was clear, but when Kildare Lad put in his claim he soon settled the issue, and he carried on to beat Helio by half a length. Wild Spec was three lengths back third, with Waiau King, which finished fast, a head away fourth. Super, Victory Star, Ara Chief, Billy Mac, and Eton Lad were next. Heroic Girl Impressive Heroic Girl gave an impressive performance to win the John Wickliffe Handicap, in which she finished too well for the favourite, Sea Venture. Racing down the back, Sea Venture, Gipsy Major, Heroic Girl, Flying Control, Jan, Robot, and Royal Lark headed a close-running field. At the straight entrance Flying Control had charge from Herpic Girl, which ran wide, Jan, Royal Lark, Sea Venture, and Bren Gun. Sea Venture took over immediately the field straightened up, but inside the last half furlong Heroic Girl and Jan put in their claims. Sea Venture began to weaken in the last 50 yards, and Heroic Girl got up to beat her by a neck. Jdlh was a neck away third, with Bren Gun close up fourth. Flyjng Control, Irish King, Royal Lark, Winning Cheer, and Show Boy were next. Air Ace Consistent *

The consistent performer, Air Ace, caused the surprise of the day when he won the Victory Handicap and returned a win dividend of more than £39. Loyal Lady was chopped back at the start. With three furlorigs to run Merry Lancethad raced to the front with Wild Cry, with Sanskrit, Magnaform, Air Ace, and Great Coon handy. Merry Lancer and Wild Cry were first into the strraight from Sanskrit, Magnaform,, Air Ace, Great Coon, and Sea Power. In the last 100 yards Air Ace shot to, the front, and he carried on to win well by a length from Sanskrit, which beat Merry Lancer by half a length. Lovemorn was close up fourth, with Great Coon, Magnaform, and Sea Power next. Grand Pal’s Good Finish

Grand Pal gave a phenomenal performance to win the Edinburgh Handicap, after being at the rear of the field at the three furlong post. Racing down the back, Dowlair took charge from Desert Victory, Encounter, Defenflant, Bobby Dazzler, and Vanity King, Grand Pal and Royal Sal last. Grand Pal made a forward move at the three, and at the straight entrance Dowlair was still in charge from Desert Victory, Vanity King, Lady Melrose, Bobby Dazzler, and Grand Pal on the outer. In • a hurricane finish Grand Pal finished strongly to beat Responsive, which got up to beat Bobby Dazzler by a head. Vanity King was a neck back fourth, with Beechwood, Dowlair, and Desert Victory next.