Regal Cheval much too good at Rangiora

Press, 21 December 1981, Page 24

Regal Cheval much too good at Rangiora

By

G. K. YULE

Regal Cheval took advantage of a dream run to come out on top in the Transport North Canterbury Cup at Rangiora Raceway on Saturday. After leading out, Regal Cheval tracked The Sting over the last 2000 m. Peter Jones pulled her out soon after starting the run home and she gathered in the favourite, Viewfield Skipper, close to the post, beating him comfortably by half a length. Viewfield Skipper appeared to have his chance. He was a short length in front of The Sting, with Lord Brigade battling on gamely for fourth, a length back. Then came Chantilly Belle and Big Idea, two of the many horses to make mistakes or meet trouble in the opening 300 m. The third favourite, Sioux, went down on his nose after 100 m, while the second favourite locked wheels twice in the early part of the race. Regal Cheval had not raced since New Zealand Cup day, when she met trouble. She will have her next start at the Canterbury Park meeting on January 1. Regal Cheval is trained on the Rangiora course by Maurice Vermeulen, who races the five-year-old daughter of

El Patron and Royal Cheval in partnership with his wife. Regal Cheval is in her last season of racing. She is thought to be in foal to the popular sire, Out to Win. Her owners intend to race her for another, few months.

Peter Jones completed a T.A.B. double worth $140.10 when he drove Tipperary to a stylish victory in the Customwood Handicap. Tipperary raced in mid-field until the straight and, when switched wide out on the track, he unwound a determined run which carried him clear by two lengths at the line.

Hindu Abbe, handily placed all the way, held on for second, just ahead of the fast-finishing favourite, Mel’s Boy, which was well back until late.

Harvey’s Sister paced an improved race for a close fourth, clear of The Great Pretender and Stormy Attack.

George Twinkle made no race of the Amberley Handicap, leading from end to end and winning quite handily from the long-shot, Bora Direct. He paced the 2600 m in 3min 28.35, the fastest on the day. The Robert Cameronowned four-year-old had

failed dismally at Invercargill earlier in the week. He was one of two winners on the day sired by the former champion juvenile, Noodlum, the other being Tipperary. One of the most eye-catch-ing wins of the day was that of Trinity in the Stewards’ Handicap. He surged past the leaders near the 1000 m and from then on was complete master of the situation, winning by three lengths from Bonnie Skipper, which made an impressive race debut, and Winning Streak, which did well after striving for the lead.

Trinity, a gelding by Garrison Hanover, is out of Kinsella, a winner on the Rangiora course more than 20 years ago. He is trained and raced by Bill Bagrie, whose last win on the course had been with Kinsella. Trinity, which had not raced since last March, will have his next start at the Canterbury Park meeting.

Borana, owned in Mosgiel by Mr and Mrs John Murray, showed courage to win the Rangiora Raceway Stakes, a race noteworthy for the failure of the favourite, Glamour Chief, to do better than eighth after appearing to have every chance.

George Shand had Borana, a colt by Boyden Hanover from the family of Manaroa and other outstanding winners, to the fore throughout. He withstood a strong challenge from Nardin Prince by a nose, with only half a length to Ashwood King, which attempted, to lead for the last 1200 m. Then came Ashley Knight, which pulled hard when in the trail. Stewardess and Watbro Mist credited their sire, Out to Win, with two successes on the day. Stewardess, in particular, won in style and should do well during the holidays.