Betharry Succeeds After Slow Start

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29827, 21 May 1962, Page 5

Betharry Succeeds After Slow Start

Betharry, which was placed in two of his other five starts this season, gained an overdue win in the Farewell Handicap at Washdyke on Saturday. Betharry was slow away front No. 1 at the harrier and he was tentfi when the field settled down.

Betharry gradually improved and he put in a determined run in the straight to get up in the last few strides to shade Commonwealth.

Commonwealth was the early leader, but at the end of two furlongs and a half Forest Grattan was sent clear. Forest Grattan was still in control racing to the straight, where True Fight, Commonwealth. Countess Hanover, Next Time, Betharry, Regal Duchess and Raft were handy. Commonwealth joined Forest Grattan just inside the furlong. Commonwealth looked the likely winner until Betharry put in his claim. He fought on strongly for J. M. Williamson to win by a head. Commonwealth took second place a length in front of the tiring Forest Grattan. Countess Hanover had her chance, but was well beaten in fourth place three lengths away, with half a length to True Fight, which was followed by Next Time, Hustler, Sand Drift and Whipaway. Astralight Easily Astralight gave the ownertrainer partnership of Mr W. F. Woolley, of Lyttelton, and J W. Smolensk!, of Avlesbury their second success for the day when he led throughout the Stewards’ Handicap. Astralight was clear by about two lengths with more than half a mile left. He increased his advantage to five lengths racing to the straight, were Lucky Song, Rebel, Gay Jillian, which broke? Gift Brigade. Full Measure and Harbour Light were his nearest rivals. Astralight was not seriously tested in the straight and he won handily by three lengths. Lucky Song "trotted a sound race for second and sbe should soon make amends. She was five lengths in front of Rebel, with two lengths to Harbour Light which did well to finish

so close up after losing ground early. Straight Line finished boldly for fifth, ahead of Full Measure. Yon Bairn, Dame Margot and Witch Doctor. The favourite, Dubbo, was among the early breakers. On-Course Double The favourite combination of Junior Royal and Inglemead won the on-course double, which was run on tile First and Second Caroline Handicaps. The return for £1 was £l4 16s 6d. Junior Royal did well to win the first leg. He was hand.? most of the way but became badly placed Inside the last half-mile. He gave the leader, Mannequin Parade, a long start from the straight entrance and when pulled wide out he was inclined to run about and race greenly. In the finish he won by half a length from Seriatim. with two lengths to Cornish Lad. which was followed by Fundamental and Pacework, with Quantrill and Winabob next. Inglemead. the leader over the last six furlongs and a half, held off the fast-finishing Moose by a head in the second leg. Moose, the early leader, had trouble obtaining a clear run in the straight. Legendary. an outsider, came fast for third four lengths away, followed by Congo Boy. Wee Sheba. Radiant Storm and Worthy Flicka. Grosvenor Maid, which had been disqualified for pacing after winning at Oamaru a week earlier, made amends with • win in the Welcome Handicap She fought on gamely to win by a length from the fastfinishing and unlucky Kyran, which received a poor run. All Bey made up ground for third, ahead of No Trumps, with Quito. Safe Haven and Courtella next. Paravane and Trudy Helen gained decisive wins in the divisions of the Members’ Handicap. Paravane was well clear throughout her division and she won by six lengths from Carver Doon, which shaded Officious Piper and Garrison Royal, with a gap to the others. Trudy Helen trailed Whist to the straight in the second division and then outfinished that runner to beat him by two length*, with five lengths back to Royal Melody, which was clear of Sara Black, with Rough Sea, Super Anne and Rumpus next.