CHELMSFORD STAKES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28999, 14 September 1959, Page 4

CHELMSFORD STAKES

Win For N.Z. Filly (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY, Sept. 13. The New Zealand filly Pique caused Sydney’s first major upset of the spring when she won the ninefurlong weight-for-age Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick yesterday. Pique (9 to 1) surprised by fighting on gamely to win by a long head from the Derby colt, Beechley (11 to 2), with the Metropolitan favourite. Valerius (5 to 1). a length away third. The favourite, Supertax, ran a very disappointing race, weakening from fifth at the turn to finish seventh. Pique's win made her the first filly to win the Chelmsford in more than 40 years. Her part-owner, Mr Frank Donohoe. said the filly will probably be set for the A.J.C. Derby on October 3. Pique is also in the Epsom Handicap, with 7-2, on the same day as the Derby, but is unlikely to contest that race. The win was a triumph for Pique’s veteran trainer, John Donohoe, who also won the Chelmsford Stakes with Garlin 44 years ago. "I will never forget that day. as 1 also won the Tramway Handicap with First Principle.” said Donohoe. Pique, which had shown outstanding form tn the Dominion before coming to Australia, was handy all the way in yesterday’s race. She took the lead at the half-mile only to surender it again at the turn to Beechley. Once they straightened up Pique worried Beechley out of the race, and then held off challenges by Valerius and Bardshah in the last 20 yards. In finishing second Beechley gave a pleasing performance, and he will definitely start in the A.J.C. Derby. His trainer, the former champion jockey. Darby Munro, said he felt the colt had a great chance in the classic. Supertax was on the rails behind the leaders when sixth in the early stages, and his jockey. W. D. Skelton, then brought him around a few horses to be fifth at the turn. Supertax could not improve in the straight and lost ground to finish seventh. His trainer, Ivan Tucker, said Supertax was not suited by the slow early pace. He again warned that Supertax could be regarded as a doubttul starter in the Epsom. Result:— CHELMSFORD STAKES, Of £2100; weight-for-age; nine furlongs. PIQUE (Summertime Sweet Nymph) 6-11 .. A. Taylor 1 BEECHLEY 7-5 .. W. Camer 2 VALERIUS 9-0 .. J. Thompson 3 Long head: length. Time. Imin 54sec. 10 started.