Purdie wins at Hastings

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33033, 28 September 1972, Page 8

Purdie wins at Hastings

••The Press" Special Service HASTINGS. Purdie won the Lowry Memorial at Hastings yesterday after doing everything possible to beat himself over the closing stages. He won by three-quarters of a length from Regal Ration, with Triple Shot next, but in the process he gave his rider, G. Willetts, a torrid time. Willetts elected to follow Regal Ration, which he had sorted out as the main threat, but when he tried to send Purdie up alongside Regal Ration the gelding ducked back in behind. For a while it looked as though this might cost Purdie his winning chance but then Willetts switched the whip to his left hand, dragged Purdie out and gave him a couple of hits. Purdie responded and gathered in Regal Ration in a stride to win going away. He ran the mile and a quarter in 2min 4sec, two-fifths of a second away from Game's track record of 2min 3 3-ssec.

Purdie, which is trained by E. Temperton for Messrs J. H. T. and P. N. Duncan, is by Oncidium, which also sired Black Rod, which 45 minutes earlier had won the Hawke’s Bay Guineas.

Temperton has always held Purdie in high regard and the stayer will be seen next at Trentham, although Temperton will be in Melbourne. If Purdie continues with his form he will be prepared for the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton four days before Magnifique. from the same stable, runs in the Melbourne Cup. The Riccarton runner, Regal Ration, was second again. N. Harris gave him every chance and he fought hard all the way to the line.

The first-day winner, Triple Shot, shared all the pace. H? fought on gamely enough for third. Then came Straight, close enough all the way, Hi Vita, which made ground strongly in the straight. Monaline and Mr Spy. Quondo won the Eric Wishart Handicap in convincing style from Young Ida. Although he won with something in hand Quondo may not be seen on the tracks again until next autumn.

Quondo’s win gave W. Ivil and the Levin rider, W. Skelton, a sprint double for the meeting. Bompa won the sprint on the first day for them.

Skelton picked up the ride on Quondo because of H. Rauhihi’s loyalties to the fine mare, Young Ida, and the former’s riding played a large part in Quondo’s success.

Skelton kicked Quondo out best and they led to the turn with very little pace on. Halfway through the final bend Skelton gave the Pakistan gelding more rein and from there the result was never in doubt.

Young Ida chased hard inside the final furlong for her second and the local sprinter, Richman, made ground for third.