CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28822, 17 February 1959, Page 5

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Free Hall Not Certain Starter

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright (Rec. 9 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Feb. 16. The South Australian horse, Free Hall, the winner of the Inter-Do-minion Championship last year, may miss this year’s series. His trainer, w. Shinn, said in Adelaide today that Free Hall was off his food, and a decision about a Melbourne trip would be delayed until later in the week. The first heats of the Inter-Do-minion will be run over 11 furlongs at the Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday night. The veteran pacer, Grand Monarch, which will be retired after contesting the championship, escaped injury in a fall on Saturday night. Gordon Rothacker, who escaped with a bruised hip in the fall with Grand Monarch, will drive the horse in the championship. Rothacker will also drive the New Zealand pacer Derive, Rich Dale, which is owned and trained in the same interests as Grand Monarch, and Columbus.

Frank Kersley, who had a remarkable escape from injury when dragged and trampled on in the straight in the Newton Stakes on Saturday night, is stiff and sore today, but will be fit for Saturday night’s heats. Kersley was thrown sideway from the sulky of Claude’s Advice when that horse was about to challenge the winner, Ascot Raid. He clung to the reins and was dragged for about 50 yards before being forced to let go. Horses coming from behind trampled on him, but he was quickly on his feet and walked unaided to the ambulance.