GOOD CHANCE IN DERBY FOR 5 AUSTRALIANS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29220, 2 June 1960, Page 4

GOOD CHANCE IN DERBY FOR 5 AUSTRALIANS

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON, June 1. Five Australian jockeys today have a good chance of riding to victory in one of Britain’s great racing classics—-the Derby. The race is run over one and a half miles at Epsom. The Queen, the Queen Mother, and the Duke of Edinburgh will be at Epsom this afternoon to watch the race. The Queen has no runner in the Derby this year.

In the final Victoria Club callover last night R. Hutchinson’s mount, Kythnos, 15-2, became third favourite, replacing Die Hard. Die Hard. 8-1, will be ridden by G. Bougoure. Both horses are Irish, as are the other three Australian mounts. W. Williamson will be making -his bid for the blue riband of the British turf on Tulyartos. “Scobie” Breasley will ride the 10-1 chance, Alcaeus, and George Moore will ride Lustrous Hope, 25-1.

The last Australian to win the race was Rae Johnstone in 1956. He also won in 1948 and 1950. The undoubted class of the Australians’ mounts—which have remained in the first nine in the betting for the last week—could result in an all-Australian finish. The entry of five Australian riders is a Derby record. Strong Opposition

They will meet strong opposition from the first and second favourites, France's Angers and

England’s St. Paddy. St. Paddy is being ridden by Lester Piggott, who has won the Derby twice before.

In last night’s callover Angers hardened half a point from the previous price and finished at 7-2.

St. Paddy, although supported to win £5900, eased from 5-1 to 7-1.

Sir Winston Churchill’s Vienna has proved popular with “sentimental” punters and is now quoted at 20-1. The going for the race is said to be “firm.” The weather forecast is for sunny weather after morning mist.

Eighteen probable runners remain in the race, the smallest field since Pearl Diver won from 14 opponents in 1947. Mozart has not yet been withdrawn, but is not regarded as a likely contestant. Probable runners are: Oak Ridge (E. Hide), Lustrous Hope (G. Moore), Alcaeus (A. Breasley), Picture Goer (W. Elliott), Vienna (T. Gosling), Ides of March (F. Eldin), Port St. Anne (S. Millbanks), Proud Chieftain (S. Clayton), Marengo (R. Fawdon). Auroy (G. Lewis), Tulyartos (W. Williamson), Die Hard (G’. Bougoure), Tudor Period (W. Rickaby), Kythnos (R. Hutchinson), St. Paddy (L. Piggott), Angers (G. Thiboeuf), Chrysler m (J. Mercer), Mr Higgins (D. Smith). I