Change Of Luck Was Applauded

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31114, 18 July 1966, Page 4

Change Of Luck Was Applauded

Main Defence was one of the outsiders in the Kia Ora Handicap at Trentham on Saturday, but K. E. Reggett, form-

erly of Riccarton, was applauded when he landed the Taranaki four-year-old a clear-cut winner. It was a show of sympathy for rider and the Fabish stable from Inglewood, which, less than an hour eanlier, had lost first place with Master Defence in the Onslow Handicap after an inquiry into interference. Main Defence led ail the way for his win against the hack stayers. He shook off a challenge from the favourite, Recharge, early in the run home, and responded generously under hard riding to win by four and a half lengths from Kaikohe.

Happy Billy, the 9/8 fancy, completed the rout of the fancied runners by getting up to beat Recharge for third.

Rahunul showed his finishing Rowers to come from the tailend bunch for an Impressive win tn the Crofton Handicap. A three-year-old owned by Mr s. G. Donaldson, a Malayan businessman, and trained and ridden by B. S. Dodds, also formerly of Riccarton, Rahunul waa third in the race won by the Was'hdyke-trained Glamis Lad on the second day of the meeting. Rahunul made fast progress from the three furlongs to chain Sir Guy Into the last furlong. He had it won at the half furlong. Mighty Fair was second, his ninth such placing in 17 starts for his Auckland owner. Mr E. L. Haydon. Sir Guy wa« a length and a quarter back third after having Ms chance, but Lenoman did wall to get up for fourth after a slow start. Otherwise, a dominating favourite. was fifth, falling to make any progresa from the home turn. Diamond Rod disputed the lead to the straight, than tired Into sixth place under bls weight of 9-10. Rahunui’r win completed an on-course double worth £6l 6s 6d. Beyond won the first leg of this double.