ROYAL BID FIT

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30145, 31 May 1963, Page 4

ROYAL BID FIT

“The Press" Special Service INVERCARGILL, May 30. Southland's star three-year-old, Royal Bid, showed that he will be at his peak for his engagement in the St. Clair Intermediate Handicap at the Dunedin Jockey Club’s winter meeting when he galloped at Invercargill today. The good looking Howe' colt was responsible for an exceptional gallop over five furlongs with Silver Spire in 1:4 4-5. the last half in 52.0.

Ridden by S. D. Hawthorne, who will ride him at Wingatui Royal Bid gave Silver Spire a length or two when tnev jumped away, but over the final furlongs he had Silver Spire well covered.

A last-start winner at Invercargill. Silver Spire has also trained on well, and there was a lot of merit In his trial He will contest the Brighton Improvers’ Handicap. In his only six starts Royal Bid has cleared hack class, having won three and been . twice second, a record he looks certain to improve at Wingatui The course prooer was open with the poles 18ft out. After heavy frosts during the week the going was slow, but tn particularly good order for this time of the year Melotone. a Birthday Handicap candidates, has done well since he won at the Southland meeting at his last start He was not troubled to run ’half a mile in 57.0 at the end of a round He may be raced tn Canterbury during the winter Waikiwi Star and Captain Howe were paired over five furlongs. finishing up the last half in 57 0.

Waikiwi Star has had no recent racing, but there is nothing wrong with his condition He is to contest the Otago Steeplechase. He has won al his last two starts—the Otagc Hunt Club Steeples last August and the Eastern Southland Steeplechase a fortnight later Royal Crest has had to be out aside because of an eve injury received when eontestthe the President's Handicap at the Southland meeting. DEATH OF MR P. V. MASON Mr Percy V. Mason, who was a trainer at Riccarton for several years, died yesterday. He was a son of R. J. Mason, who is still regarded by many experienced racing men as the most gifted trainer in New Zealand racing history.

R J. Mason trained many 'hompjons, including Gloaming. Mr Percy Mason started training in partnership with his father, and the combination handled some high-class winners. Including Honour and Agrion.