Racing HORSES COME SOUTH

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28823, 18 February 1959, Page 4

Racing HORSES COME SOUTH

Two-Year-Old To

Riccarton

“The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND. February 17. , BoM* Kauri and Awakeri left Takanini this evening for the South Island, beginning an exodus from Takanini which' is expected to continue with the departure tomorrow of eight horses for Sydney. Baron Bold, a three-year-old colt by Gabador from Colorosa, and Kauri, a two-year-old colt by Someo from Nora Gregor, were being prepared by F. J. Cobb, for Mr A. McKenzie, of Invercargill. They are on the way to Templeton, where they .will be rested on the property of the trotting trainer, C. R.' Berkett. Later theF will be placed in a South Island galloping establishment.

Baron Bold was operated on recently for suspected respiratory trouble, and he underwent a veterinary inspection after working at Takanini today. Mr McKenzie, who is on a holiday visit in the north, was also present. Afterward Baron Bold’s trainer said there did not seem to have been much improvement in the colt’s condition.

Last season Baron Bold looked full of promise, and Cobb was able to place him for two wins in four starts, but this season his form has fallen away. Because of that, and because he is now disinclined to travel much to see the colt race, Mr McKenzie has decided to shift Baron Bold south. There should be more opportunities for him there.

Awakeri. a four-year-old gelding, by Khorassan from Ayala, and one of the team being prepared by T. F. and R. C. Verner for Sir Ernest Davis, has been sent to Riccarton. where he will enter J. S. Shaw’s stable. Altogether, Awakeri has had 14 starts for a first, a second, three thirds, and two fourths. , Royal Jester, Sea Hornet, My Melodee and The Dasher, from ,T; W. Green's stable, Second Earl, Murvale, Black Raven and Copernicus are the horses which will make the trip to Sydney. Second Earl and Murvale, which were being trained by W. F. Clifton and L. V Parkes, will be accompanied by Clifton and the Matamata hurdles rider, F. E. Osborne. J Green will go with his team. Copernicus and Black Raven, which are stablemates from the Verner team, have been sold to Australian Interests.

THYESTES ’CHASE IN EIRE

Grand National Winner Third

Three Grand National winners— Mr What (England), Nejl (America), and Gold Legend (Ireland)—contested the Thyestes ’Chase at Gowran Park, Eire, a fortnight ago, but only Mr What managed to reach a place. Victory in the fastest time in the history of the race went to Slippery Serpent, which was weighted at 9-13, but carried 41b over-weight. Mr What, winner of the Alntree Grand National last year, carried 11-3. He finished third, 10 lengths from the winner. The American ’chaser Nejl, racing for the first time over unfamiliar terrain and obstacles, finished a creditable fifth. Slippery Serpent has been allotted 10-11 In this year’s Alntree Grand National. He is an eight-year-old gelding by the little-known sire Water Serpent from Cooldraheoi; P. Murphy, paid only £7B for him.