TROTTING PHOTO FINISH TO NATIONAL HANDICAP

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30219, 26 August 1963, Page 4

TROTTING PHOTO FINISH TO NATIONAL HANDICAP

Junior Royal Catches

Cardigan Bay At Post

The Auckland champion, Cardigan Bay, and Junior Royal dead*heated for first place in a thrilling finish to the National Handicap at Addington on Saturday.

Cardigan Bay began brilliantly from 42 yards and he was in the middle of the field until the half-mile. He improved three wide from then on and was four wide on the outside of the leaders at the straight entrance.

Junior Royal wax closer to the lead most of the way, but he was at least two lengths behind Cardigan Bay racing to the straight and he was much wider out on the track. He finished most resolutely under the urgings of his trainer-driver, J. D. Litten.

Before Saturday’s race, Junior Royal required one distance win to graduate to New Zealand Cup class. He was not penalised for his deadheat.

Most people thought that Cardigan Bay had won, but they were not so confident when the judge (Mr H. V. Spicer) said: “Only the photo will decide first place.” Cardigan Bay returned to the birdcage ahead of Junior Royal before the official placings were announced and he received a warm ovation.

Cardigan Bay's performance was again outstanding He started from 42 yards and raced three wide from the half-mile to the two furlongs and then four wide to die straight entrance. He paced

his last half-mile in 58 l-scec, his last quarter in 29 4-ssee. He will now race in the Roydon Lodge Free-for-all at Hutt Park next Saturday, a race which eould be hfs last in New Zealand for the current season. Arrangements are being made for him to be flown to Australia late in September or early in October.

Junior Royal, which is raced by Messrs C. T. and R. R. Wilson, of West Melton, is a five-year-old stallion by Fallacy from Royal Triumph. After some outstanding racing last spring, he fell from favour following some disappointing racing. He looks to be in for a profitable season Less than two hours later Junior Royal started again in the second leg of the double, the Wildwood Handicap, but after a slow start, he was never near the lead. This race was won by the 14,14 favourite, Morano Boy, which led for all but the first three furlongs and a half and held off a strong challenge from Van Rebeck by a head. The Cardigan Bay—Morano Boy double paid £75 Os 6d for £l, and the Junior Royal Royal—Morano Boy double £326 16s 6d for £l. National Handicap Lordship, Dandy Briar, Gay Reel and Urrall tangled at the start of the National Handicap. Robin Dundee led out from Admit, Junior Royal, Doctor Dan and Gildirect.

Gay Reel recovered her lost ground and worked to the front at the end of two furlongs and a half. She led past the mile from Frown and Robin Dundee, with Samantha and Admit next, ahead of Master Alan and Junior Royal. Lordship was next on the outside of Doctor Dan, with Cardigan Bay on the outside of Gildirect.

Cardigan Bay began to improve just inside the halfmile when the pace was at its strongest. Lordship got out behind Cardigan Bay near the three furlongs, but he was making little impression. Gay Reel continued in front to the straight where she was on the inside of Frown, Samantha and Cardigan Bay. Right behind them was Lordship on the outside of Robin Dundee, Master Alan and Admit, with Junior Royal wider out a length back.

Cardigan Bay was on terms with the leading bunch at the furlong and shortly afterwards he took a slender lead. He was being kept up to his work when Junior Royal inched up to him approaching the line, and in a stirring finish they dead-heated for first

Samantha paced a splendid race for third a length away, with a neck to Master Alan, half a head to Robin Dundee, which was late securing a run along the inner. Then there was a length to Lordship, two lengths to Doctor Dan. a nose to Frown, and two lengths to Admit. Big Upset Morano Boy caused a major surprise when he won the Wildwood Handicap, the second leg of the double. He took the lead at the end of

three furlongs and a „ half after Van Rebeck and Fox Able had had turns in front. Morano Boy was allowed to make his own rules, and he led to the straight ahead of Fox Able, Avante, Van Rebeck, Jack Super, Pretoria Bob, Meadow Scott, Flying Note and Flying Blue. Morano Boy was not troubled to keep Avante out. but soon after Van Rebeck challenged. How’ever, Morano Boy lasted to win by a head. Van Rebeck finished gamely and was a length in front ofAvante. with half a neck to a solid finisher in Flying Blue, a length to Fox Able and a length to Jack Super, which was followed by Pretoria Bob. Meadow Scott, Highland Custom and Junior Royal. Meadow Scott, Stormlight, Florita and Junior Royal lost ground at the start.