WAIPARI RUNS WELL IN EASTER MILE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29474, 28 March 1961, Page 4

WAIPARI RUNS WELL IN EASTER MILE

“The Press" Special Service

AUCKLAND, March 27. Horses in favour for the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie made a memorable first running of the £lOOO Easter Mile at Tauranga on Saturday. The first two in the finish were Waipari and Rochdale. Both raced well enough to win crowds of admirers for the big event at Ellerslie this week. Waipari went to the post in capital order, being very composed, whereas Rochdale was inclined to be restless. A delay at the start while the horses were in the gates awaiting the all-clear and another while efforts were made to get Wakatere into line seemed to upse't Rochdale further so his effort was meritorious.

A neck separated Waipari and Rochdale at the post. Waipari responded to the vigorous handling of his rider, N. B, Holland, to gain the upper hand in the last 50 yards. At weight-for-age there was a pound between them and as they are to meet on just about the same terms in the Easter both will very likely be in favour.

The Taranaki mare Messalina made solid showing for third, with a good bit the better of the next two. Lord Sasanof and Commodore Roberts. The start of the Easter Mile was delayed when Wakatere refused to enter the gates. Eventually he began from the outside. Messalina bounded to the front by a couple of lengths from Rochdale. Lord Sasanof moved up on the inside and

Royal Filou, Woodlore, Jim’s Count and Wakatere, improving fast, were next.

Passing the half-mile Messalina had Wakatere just about on her quarters. Lord Sasanof was very close and three-quarters of a length clear of Rochdale (outside). Atelia and Royal Filou. Commodore Roberts was last, except for Pirate Prince and Jim’s Count.

Wakatere fell behind as they approached the straight. Rochdale and Messalina went on clear of Lord Sasanof, Wakatere and Waipari. Rochdale had the better of Messaiiha with a little less than a furlong to go. He looked the winner until Waipari came with a determined run which won for him by a neck.

Messalina finished a length behind the first two and Lord Sasanof was a length further back fourth and fading slightly. There was a gap to Commodore Roberts, then Fair Filou, Jim's Count and Atelia.