Gift Horse Wins Ellerslie Derby

Press, Volume C, Issue 29706, 27 December 1961, Page 5

Gift Horse Wins Ellerslie Derby

“The Press” Special Service

AUCKLAND, Dec. 26. It took Cracksman, a gift horse, just a trifle more than two and a half minutes to win the Dominion’s biggest three year old race, the Great Northern Derby, at Ellerslie today. In the process he dealt severely with Catania, Burgos, and Cabriere, from which so much was expected. Although quite evidently put out by the hard footing, Cracksman responded immediately to every call of his rider L. G. Coles, showing himself to be a colt of the highest courage. A neighbourly turn by Mr J. F. Fouhy, who was farming at the time near Te Awamutu. got him Cracksman as a foal. During a particularly dry spell, Mr Fouhy provided his neighbour, the Dirongia studmaster, Mr 3. L. Macky, with grazing for a few mares. In return, Mr Macky said he would give Mr Fouhy the first two foals of the brood mare Triennial. Cracksman was the second. Mr Fouhy had previously tried without luck to> get a mare in foal to Le Filou, which Mr Macky has at stud. Cracksman is a dark bay colt of commanding ohysique by Le Filou. His dam was got by another of Mr Macky’s horses. Triumvir, from Princess Hilda by Hunting Song from Hilmar by Marble Arch The other of Triennial's progeny is the filly. Filch, which has yet to show herself of any account. Troubled By Hard Going Hard ground so troubles Cracksman that he has not raced frequently since the spring. The last furlong of the Derby caused him considerable discomfort, yet he accounted for Cabriere (second) by three lengths. The £5OO for third came Catania’s way clearly enough. and Straight Time, which is still eligible for maiden races, ran fourth. The Derby course occupied Cracksman 2min 32 2-soec. That is well outside the race record, but just about average time under favourable conditions. The last mile of the race took Imin 39 Msec and the last half was done in 48m:n 2-seec.

Cracksman is prepared at Te Rapa by R T Cotter, who has managed his Derby preparation with great care. He was ridden with assurance by L. G. Coles, who evidently

knows exactly the capabilities of his mount The leading apprentice rider, L. K. Tinsley on the other hand had an unhappy race on Cabriere, which ran well out of has ground for the first mile and was then set an impossible sprint for the last two furlongs. Had he met a less determined opponent, Cabriere might have made the finish close Cracksman was the 1-2 favourite, paying £3 5s 6d for a win and £1 9s 6d for a place. In a betting pool of £43,137 on the race, he carried £9336 (win), and £5804 (place). Catania was the next best backed, and Burgos, a visitor from Riccarton, was third choice Seasonal began quickly in the Derby and reached the first bend running wide just about on terms with Burgos inside and Yara. Cabriere became last of the nine contestants and Don Filou was just a trifle better The run to the mile was at an easy speed, but the race then quickened. Seasonal was in front by two lengths from Yara, which just led Seasonal. A length and a half further away was Burgos, inside Cracksman. Persian Star and Catania were next, almost together. Near the six furlongs, Santry and Don Filou shaded Seasonal for a bit. but in half a furlong Seasonal was again running with the pacemaking. Making the bend into the straight. Don Filou and Persian Star were chasing Seasonal hard. Catania came into the picture three wide and Cracksman made a bid further out In a few strides Cracksman ran clear of the other four. With a furlong to go he was out on his own. even if going scratchily, and he won by three lengths Cabriere put in a game run past Catania for second Catania was clearly third from Straight Time and Burgos.