HECTOR GRAY AT ASCOT

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 28, 2 August 1921, Page 10

HECTOR GRAY AT ASCOT

ANOTHER WIN IN THI! ALEXANDRA STAKES.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

LONDON, 21st June.

Hector Gray, the- New Zealand horseman, rode another winner, at Ascot on the. last day of the meeting. This was in the Alexandra Stakes, of two miles, six furlongs, when he brought Spearwort. again home to -victory. The race, which is the longest in the whole racing year, had a finish which was as close and as thrilling as any one could wish to see. After this terrific journey at a hot pace Bracket (Mrs. G. Robinson's filly) and Spearworl fought out the last few strides in close company, and there was only a head between them on passing the judge's box. Both had been out previously, Spearwort having created a surprise- by winning the Ascot Stakes, whilo Bracket had run no more than respectably for the Gold Cup. Frank Bullock rode the filly in order to make the Uest use of her grand stamina, cutting out the pace in n lively manner. Those who recalled that Bracket had given 41b and a handsome beating to Spearwort in the CesarewitcE expected her to win again, especially as sho was now receiving weight. But the market told another story, and that proved the correct one. The mare came into the straight still witli the lead, but Spearwort, ridden with excellent judgment by her Australasian jockey, gradually wore her down. Gamely as the filly struggled, she could not resist Sir Hugo Cunliffe-Owen'a colt with- his wealth of Spearmint's blood, and Spearwort just won. Gold Guinea could hardly hobble home, and the French horse, Juveigneur, was decidedly leg weary. In the Windsor Castle Stakes, of five furlongs, for two-year-olds, Gray rode Sir H. Cuncliffe-Owen's Hunting Song, and succeeded in coming third in the race.

The New Zealand rider is now being inundated with offers of work. ..He left London yesterday for Newcastle,, where he Has several engagements during a three-days' meeting. At the end of the week he will be back in: London, and has been engaged to ride a two-year-old belonging to Mr. T. H. Lowry (Hawses Bay), in the British Dominion Stakes at Sandown.