Wasting had its rewards

Press, 2 December 1985, Page 37

Wasting had its rewards

PA Auckland The Cambridge jockey, Earl Harrison, wasted away 2.5 kg on Saturday morning to pilot the Woodville galloper, Runneth, in Saturday’s $50,000 D.B. Counties Cup. That sacrifice paid off when Runneth powered to a neck win in the Franklin Club’s feature event at Pukekohe.

“I hope he’s got 51kg in the Avondale Cup, I can’t loose any more,” said an exhausted Harrison after the race.

However, Runneth will line up in the Avondale feature with only 50.5 kg. “I’ll be on him, I’ll try to ride a half over if I have to,” he said. It was a great training feat by Bruce Marsh to have Runneth ready for action on Saturday. The horse’s preparation has been interrupted by wet tracks and earlier at Wanganui, Marsh had to scratch him because he could not find a rider. “I started panicking when I got to Cambridge on Fri-

day night because the forecast was for rain,” Marsh said. “I said to Bert (Runneth’s owner, Mr Bert Sherborne) I bet it starts raining about race five.” However, the only moment of worry Marsh had was 200 m out when the strong five-year-old was lost for galloping room. “He’s always looked like being a real top horse,” Marsh said. “He’s a lot stronger this year. The big cups have always been his main task.” The only question mark in

Marsh’s mind is the 3200 metres of the Auckland Cup. “If he wins the Avondale Cup he deserves a crack at it.” A win in the Avondale Cup is not just a dream. Marsh was sure Runneth would improve with Saturday’s win, something his opposition will not want to hear. The pacemaking Te ■ Awamutu mare, Shardalure, fought on solidly for second. “It’s a shame she had to do all the donkey work,” her jockey, Chris Otto, said. “I

thought we would still win with 100 m to go.” However, once Runneth cleared his pocket the powerful black forged past Shardalure going away. One of the best Avondale Cup trials came from the third placed Mr Duthie. “We were trying to get through gaps that weren’t there all the way down the straight,” said his rider, Peter Johnson. “They really want the Auckland Cup this year. He’ll be in it too; he’s settling extra well.”