RACING Didham brothers win double

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32562, 23 March 1971, Page 8

RACING Didham brothers win double

The Didhams, of Wingatui, brought their skills to bear yesterday on the Oamaru Jockey Club’s T.A.B. double, won by Atomic Flight and Nigent.

E. J. Didham rode Atomic Flight to a decisive win in the first leg, the Teachers Handicap, and his younger brother, Leslie, won the second leg, the Great Easter Trial, on Nigent, a sprinter trained by another brother, Arthur, jun. The Atomic Flight-Nigent double was worth $14.15 for! $l, and the concession double! with Default was worth $13.75. E. J. Didham settled' Atomic Flight behind the pacemaker, Dave’s Gift Tran- ( quil Flight General Boy and' Prince Magundi were also, handy. However, half a mile!

,out Atomic Flight had only ! Flower Girl and Gay Harmony behind him and at the straight entrance the leading group comprised Dave’s Gift, General Boy, Tranquil Flight, and Prince Magundi. Atomic Flight was late getting clear but once in the .open he ran on strongly to win going away by threequarters of a length from Tranquil Flight, which had taken the lead at the furlong. There was a length to Dave’s Gift and half a length to Flower Girl, which cut Prince Magundi out of fourth. The Dunedin owner‘breeder, Mr J. M. Palmer, was represented by his second winner for the day when Nigent came fast to win the Great Easter trial. Earlier Mr

Palmer’s colours were successfully carried by Melaka, a half-brother to Nigent, in the Novice Stakes. Maida Vale, also owned by Mr Palmer, beat all but Carnet in the Pukeuri Highweight. Nigent was never far from the pace and came fast three wide to win by half a length from Default, which got up to head the favourite, Funny Way, out of second. Default ran on well from the outer of the second line. Funny Way tried to lead over the last two furlongs. Screened held fourth, ahead of the well-supported Strad, which was back early, ranged up four wide at the half mile, and held on gamely after being forced over a lot of ground.