2ND CUP RIDE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30593, 9 November 1964, Page 5

2ND CUP RIDE

Apprentice Wins Well The Mataura-born 18-year-old apprentice, John Messent. had his greatest day in racing when he won the New Zealand Cup on Alaska on Saturday. Having only his second ride in the race. Messent showed cool judgment and patience in bringing the northern lightweight forward with the last run to win narrowly but well. Few apprentices have ridden New Zealand Cup winners, but two employed by the Riccarton trainer. G. H. Murfltt jun., have done so in the last few years. B. W. McDonald was the first one, on Jimmv Flash in 1956. Murfitt was approached a i fortnight ago for Messent to take the ride on Alaska. Recommended N. Eastwood and B. F. Andrews had been approached earlier, but had taken other cup rides, and Alaska's trainer, M. B. Andrews, 'decided to seek Messent’s services largely on the recom'niendation of the Riccarton trainer. J. C. Torakinson. “Young Messent rode him to perfection,’’ Alaska’s trainer said after the Cup. Alaska, he said, had to be kept for one run and he had been ridden to instructions in the Cup. Messent said he was worried about getting clear on the home turn, but had been lucky to get the break and when Alaska found racing room he finished brilliantly. Brian Anderton, rider of the top-weight Kumai, felt he had made a “blue” coming to jthe top of the straight, where I the big grey had the inside (trailing position. He had to (decide whether to sit tight or ( go wider for a run. Playing it safe, he had pulled out wider, which unbalanced the topweight and also left a run through for Palisade.