Tactile’s Record In Derby Stakes

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29983, 19 November 1962, Page 4

Tactile’s Record In Derby Stakes

Tactile, a firm favourite, outstayed his rivals in record time in the New Zealand Derby Stakes at Addington on Saturday, establishing himself as one of the greatest juvenile pacers ever raced in New Zealand. Vanderford paced a sound race for second, ahead of Garcon d’Or and Wendy Dawn.

Tactile gained a good start from the second line, but he was about eighth when the field settled down. Field Chief took control at the end of the first quarter and he set a scorching pace to the straight.

Tactile, after appearing to be struggling to hold his position at the half mile, began to inch his way up to the leaders racing to the final quarter. However, Vanderford improved inside Tactile, forcing the favourite three wide. Once into the straight the result was never in doubt and Tactile won handily by more than two lengths after a thrilling display of speed and stamina.

Trained at Wyndham by D. P. Dynes, who races him in partnership with his cousin, Mr A. J. Dynes, of Invercargill, Tactile is a solid colt by Hal Tryax from the Light Brigade mare, Tactics, the dam also of Adroit and Guile. Tactile is the second winner of the race sired by Hal Tryax, the other being Student Prince, which was successful two years ago.

Tactile paced the mile and a half in 3min 10 2-ssec, well inside the previous record of 3min 11 4-ssec established by Stormont in 1959. The leaders paced the first quarter in 35sec. first half mile in Imin 5 3-ssec, first six furlongs in lmin 38 3-ssec, and reached the mile post in 2min 8 3-s®ec They took 30sec for the next quarter and 31 4-ssec for the final quarter.

Tactile has now had 11 starts for seven wins and four platings worth £4435 in stakes. He will probably race next at Ashburton on

Boxing Day in the New Zealand Champion Stakes, after which he might be taken to Australia.

Vanderford, the early leader, was close up throughout and held on well for his placing. Garcon d’Or and Wendy Dawn, the next two to finish, -did well for maiden pacers. All four place-getters broke the previous race record. Derby Running Vanderford led out from Flyn., Carina Star, Field Chief and Thunderboy. Flak broke at the end of a furlong.

The pace quickened sharply when Field Chief took control at the end of two furlongs. He was followed by Flyn at the mile post, with Vanderford, Wendy Dawn. Carina Star, Thunderboy. Siva and Tactile next, ahead of Vantage, Admiral and Garcon d’Or.

Thunderboy was beaten soon after the half mile and shortly after Tactile began to improve, being forced three wide near the two furlongs Field Chief and Carina Star led to the straight, with Tactile on the outside, ahead of Vanderford and Wendy Dawn, with three lengths to Garcon d’Or.

Tactile was soon clear and over the final 100 yards he had his rivals well covered to win by two lengths and a half. Vanderford was two lengths in front of Garcon d’Or, with half a neck to Wendy Dawn and a similar margin to Carina Star. Field Chief was four lengths further back, with a long gap to Flak, Flyn, Admiral and Siva.

Garcon d’Or, Admiral and Professional Globe lost ground at the start