MINOR EVENTS AT WINGATUI

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27985, 4 June 1956, Page 4

MINOR EVENTS AT WINGATUI

CAPET WINS HACK STEEPLES

(From Our Own Reporter) DUNEDIN, June 3. Capet, a strong favourite, easily won the Tahuna Hack and Hunters' Steeplechase at Wingatui on Saturday. It was his second successive win for his Invercargill owner-trainer, W. E. Hazlett, and he appeared to have it within his reach a long way from home. Most of his jumping was clean and competent, but he jumped the double awKwaidlv the last time. His speed on the flat soon recovered ground lost, ana he could have run past the pacemaking Composition further from home than he did. These two lumped the last fence on terms, but Capet then started to draw out. He finished seven lengths clear of Composition, which beat Gypsy Boy by feu: lengths. Black Tartan finished fourth under difficulties. His bit broke during the race, and R O. Cairns showed skill to keep the Finis gelding going. At least three times Black Tartan jumped badly. He carried on for several furlongs after pasing the post, and Cairns was applauded whtm he brought him back to the bird-

Brer Broney was a fair fifth after tailing off early. Kilmacrenan, one of the leadeis for a good way, weakened to sixth. Colonel Argosy also weakened badly in the last half-mile into seventh. Haughty Step and Waiau Bill both jumped clumsily at times and were well back Chief Stuart lost his rider at the sod wall nearly a round from home. Decisive Win

Columban, Riccarton's lone representative, had a well-earned win the Trial Stakes. He challenged on the inner trom a trailing position and won decisively from Master David, which shaded the favourite. Peril, for finishing speed. Master David did well to reach a place. He was not one of the quick beginners and t 0 P ut i n a long run from the half-mile. So did Edgewood, which finished fourth. He improved several places from the home turn, and had he been better placed in the rush for positions, would have surely beaten Peril, which had his chance.

Fine Line was fifth, and closer at the finish than at any other stage. King Cassock, Waltz, and Tour de Force were the best of the others

Columban is trained by J. E. Shaw for Mr J. M. Connolly. Successful Debut

Tisred achieved the unusual by making a successful debut as a hurdler in the Greenfield Hurdles. He worked into the lead early, was headed by Abbot’s Choice after jumping the second last hurdle, but took command again going to the furlong and won decisively. Tisred is a stablemate of Capet, winner of the Hack Steeples earlier in the day. and obviously has been well schooled. Royal Mail was alongside him for a good way, but went back through the field quickly half a mile out. Where Abbot’s Choice moved forward.

Abbot's Choice was clear momentarily near the home turn after Tisred had given ground slightly at the second last flight, but the Southland horse had superior finishing speed and had the race in hand a furlong out.

Milling Bay did well to finish third. He was towards the rear early, and covered a lot of ground leaving the straight. A long run carried him into third position at the half-mile, but he could make no further improvement. The Fluke was fourth, heading a wellbeaten lot. D?layed crashed at the first hurdle when leading. Overdue Win R i? y l l 9 isplay finished brilliantly from well back for a decisive win in the Brighton Handicap. He had had a lean patch for Mr J. B. Douglas-Clifford in his autumn racing, and had been s; hoolea over hurdles, but this was his first test under real winter conditions. Like several of the stock of Royal Commission he adapated himself well to the heavy track. Royal Display made his run very wide out, swooped past The B’uiser and Nairn Bridge close to home, and won by a length and a half, going away The Bruiser had the run of’ the race, trailing on the turn and reaching the ■ead when the pacemaking Gay King came to the end of his run outside the furlong. The Bruiser was all out to hold second p ace from the top-weight, Nairn Bridge There was only a nose between them Masai would have put a good deal more interest into the finish in a few strides. As it was he was only a neck away, and was finishing fast -iter being badly plated on the home turn. Brooksdale. one of the slowest away, did well to finish filth. Next were Stiuggle, Cassius, Nicastro, the favourite, N °w listen, Royal Vision, Iroquoi. Ultra, and Gay King. Fleur in Form

Fleui, the tail-ender a mile from home, but a good deal closer to the lead on the turn, ran the last furlone brilliantly to win the St. Clair Handicap. She had a stiff chase after Loyal Chief but beat the Oamaru hack going away by half a length. Solstice was a length ci hal £ back third - and was clear of The Sloucher.

Fleur has been a consistent minor place-getter for her Riccarton ownert ainer, C. L. Austin, but this was only her second win. She was ridden witn g°°d judgment by N. Eastwood, who moved her up going along the back She was about eight places back in a big field at the half-mile, and responded readily in the straight.

Loyal Chief reached the lead near the half-mile, but did not surrender it without putting up a struggle. Solstice had onlv Fleur behind him early but moved strongly on the outer and was two places

m f-ont of Fleur on the home turn. He reached third position going to the furlong. but could make no further progress The Sloucher, fourth, had his chance The others, led home by Coinalot, were beaten off. ..