Track record for Cute Lad

Press, 13 April 1978, Page 23

Track record for Cute Lad

Special correspondent Blenheim Cute Lad, which set a track record in the Barr Memorial Brush Hurdles at Waterlea yesterday, looks set for a most successful winter. A Stratford-trained eight-year-old, Cute Ead won the race by one and a half lengths from another Taranaki galloper, Master William. Sir Acorn was a length and a half back, third. The novice. Red Kelly, and Celsius, which jumped badly at the 800 m when racing prominently, headed the remainder. Cute Lad ran the 2600 m in 2min 50sec. taking I.9sec off the previous record, held by Flying Tor. Last winter Cute Lad was a jumping find, winning three consecutive B-grade events and later beating al] but Roval Mail in the Wellington Hurdles. He was run down by Sir Acorn after setting a fast pace on the first day at Blenheim. Obviously improved by that outing, he was ridden in behind bv S. Jenkins ves terday, and jumped to the lead at the 1200 m. Master William joined him from the 800 m but was worn down.

By Celtic Park from Cute Dawn, Cute Lad is raced by an Okato farmer, Mr R. J. Lane, and is trained at Stratford by R. G. MeSeveny. The combination also had the sprinter. Witchety, at the meeting.

Cute Lad’s next major objective is the Waikato Hurdles in May.

However. MeSeveny, like most trainers with A-grade jumpers, is finding a lack of comn'-titibn for hurdlers in that class a nia’or problem.

There is only one hurdle rare for A-grade Jumpers in the lower North Island before the Wellington and Waikato meet ine«. McSevenv said.

Cute Lad blew heavily after the race and MeSeveny wants to give him as much racing as

possible before the rich midwinter hurdling prizes come up for competition. During the summer months Cute Lad was very active in the show-jumping ring and took a top grading in Taranaki in that field. ANOTHER RECORD Black Tom, which produced the ludicrous 55c place dividend on Saturday, registered another course* record when he beat Bold Gift and Autoscore home in the Sevenoaks Handicap yesterday. He recorded a new best at 59.25ec for 1000 m on Saturday and reduced that to 59.1 yesterdav. The Abridge Member colt, ridden by G. Foley, soon led and was two lengths clear of Autoscore on the turn. Autoscore, and then Bold Gift, looked like pegging Black Tom at the 100 m but could not sustain their efforts. Black Tom is the first thoroughbred foal from Richella, a Rich Gift mare, whose first mating was to a pony stallion. Black Tom was bred by the Foxton partners, Messrs G. N. Thompson and the trainer, H. G. Webby, who also race the black.

Monday’s winner Kingswood scored again in tire J. A. Wilson Memorial for class 5 and maiden performers.

Gold Prince caused a stir when he slipped the field at the 750 m peg. Kingswood, well back at that stage, came through, with Rich Beau in hot pursuit, to collar Gold Prince on the finishing line. Kingswood, by Royal Bid. was the fourth winner for the meeting saddled up by B. T. Jones. A four-year-old. Kingswood is raced in partnership by Jones and the Marlborough identity. Mr J. A. Fowler.

The race completed a $28.10 on-course treble shared by 97 ticket holders. The horses involved were Cute Lad, Black Tom and Kingswood.