PHOENICIAN SOLD

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29872, 12 July 1962, Page 4

PHOENICIAN SOLD

Mr J. F. Tutton New Owner Phoenician will race in the interests of the Riccarton owner-trainer, Mr J. F. Tutton, in the Onslow Handicap at Trentham on Saturday. The brilliant Matamata sprinter was bought by Mr Tutton yesterday for what i$ believed to be a moderate four-figure sum. Phoenician had his last race in the colours of Mr O. W. Edwards, a Matamata jeweller, in the Members' Handicap yesterday. The game and speedy Able Seaman gelding was narrowly beaten into third place after trying for an all-the-way win under top-weight of 10-6. Mr Edwards, who has raced Phoenician throughout his career, said last evening that he reluctantly sold Phoenician because of his position in the weights and because his opportunities in New Zealand were very much restricted. It is understood that an overseas trip is planned for Phoenician. It is possible he may go to America. Mr and Mrs Tutton recently returned from an overseas holiday which included a visit to the United States. Mr Tutton would not comment on his plans for Phoenician last evening. He confirmed that the sale was completed after he had made two offers for the horse—one before the Members’ Handicap yesterday and another after the race was run. He said that in the Onslow Handicap on Saturday. Phoenician would be ridden by C. McDonald. Phoencian, an outstanding winter sprinter, has the distinction of being the only horse ever to win the three big sprints at a Great Northern meeting. He achieved that feat at Ellerslie last season.

Phoenician's record as a seven-year-old this season includes three wins and seven placing® from 14 starts.