N.Z. GELDING’S SURPRISE WIN

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29235, 20 June 1960, Page 4

N.Z. GELDING’S SURPRISE WIN

“Bought” By Owner While Asleep (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) MELBOURNE, June 19. Trio, a New Zealand-bred gelding which was knocked down to a Melbourne bloodstock agent, Mr M. Marshall, while he was asleep at the New Zealand yearling sales last year, scored a surprise win in the Minook Two-year-old Handicap (second division) at Caulfield yesterday. Trio showed promising form at his last start when second to Potranca at Werribee on May 25, but his connexions discounted his prospects today after he drew No. 20— the extreme outside.

Mr Marshall claims Trio was knocked down to him while he was drowsing during the sale. Apparently the auctioneer throught his nodding was bidding. When he realised he was the owner of the Khorasan—Merry Widow colt—the smallest yearling offered at the sale—he told his story to the Caulfield trained. Basil Conaghan, who offered to share it with him. Mr Marshall paid only 250gns for Trio. The partners decided to leave the colt tn Now Zealand for some months in the' care of the New Zealand trainer, J. McDonald. Because of the care he lavished on the youngster, they also declared him in the partnership.

Trio was never farther back than second once the field settled down. Trio gave the trainer, Basil Conaghan, his thirteenth win In Melbourne this season, and his apprentice rider, Durey, his ninth metropolitan win in the period. 4.