TROTTING Cardigan Bay, Erin’s Castle Please

Press, Volume C, Issue 29502, 2 May 1961, Page 4

TROTTING Cardigan Bay, Erin’s Castle Please

The Mataura trainer, D. Todd, seldom ventures outside his home province without paying expenses on the ’rip. On Saturday he took only Cardigan Bay and Erin’s Castle to the opening night of the Forbury Park Trotting Club’s winter meeting.

Cardigan Bay ran out a convincing winner over a strong field in the Renown Handicap, the second leg of the double, and Erin’s Castle won narrowly but well in the Flying Handicap, the main sprint race on the programme.

Both Cardigan Bay and Erin’s Castle have now won their way well outside Southland classes and will have to be campaigned in Canterbury if they are to remain in the South Island.

It is probable that both horses will race at the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s winter meeting on May 27, which will give them their only chances for the season remaining after the second day at Dunedin. Cardigan Bay has always been highly rated. Most southern critics claimed he was little inferior to his former stablemate. Blue Prince, as a three-year-old. Cardigan Bay has been lightly raced. He had eight starts last term and so far this season has been started only four times for three wins and a second.

Raced by Mr A; Todd. Cardigan Bay has now had 12 starts for five wins and two placings worth £1425 ss, a total which should be greatly increased in the next 12 months.

He is a four-year-old gelding by Hal Trvax from Colwyn Bay, by Josedale Dictator from Pleasure Bay, by Quite Sure. Colwyn Bay was a capable pacer some years ago, but her career was restricted because of recurring soreness. She was a half-sister to the ill-fated Scotch Girl. Snow Jane, the dam of Slick Chick, and Toucher. On Saturday Cardigan Bay was handily placed one off the fence most of the Way. He took charge early in the run home and fought on gamely to win comfortably by a length from another Southland pacer in Johnny Dean. That effort stamped him as being well above average and he should just about win again when next produced.

Lightly Raced

Although he is now in his fifth season of racing, Erin’s Castle has had only 24 starts from which he has had seven wins and six placings worth £2565,

Erin’s Castle has always shown ability above average, but he has been troubled by soreness. However, it is reported that he is sounder now than at any other stage of his career.

on February 4 when he beat Young Dieman and King Anjou by seven lengths after pacing the 11 furlongs in 2min 56 2-ssec. On Saturday he recorded 2min 56 4-ssec. an outstanding effort considering the heavy, cold atmospheric conditions. Erin’s Castle was brought north to contest the Titnaru Cup on March 11. He lost ground at the start and was later badly checked.

Erin’s Castle was having only his third start for the season when he won on Saturday. His first was a winning one at Forbury Park

At Forbury Park on Saturday he began safely, but after a stride or two had to be eased sharply to avoid Lavengro, which galloped to the outside from No. 5 barrier position. Erin’s Castle had nine horses in front of him at the end of two furlongs. Half a mile later he was eighth and improving sharply. He continued his run to join Raven Dew with two furlongs and a half left and he was clear shortly after. He showed great courage when challenged and held on to win by a head. Erin’s Castle is raced by his breeders, Messrs T. and J. Hewitson, of Invercargill. He is a seven-year-old gelding by the Dillon Hall horse, Stirling Castle, from Lady Rose, by Erin’s King. Lady Rose is also the dam of Perfect Lady, a moderate winner in Southland. Provided he remains sound, Erin’s Castle should win his way to a tight assessment in the next 12 months.