BODY BLOW FOR BETTORS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 155, 29 December 1936, Page 12

BODY BLOW FOR BETTORS

Ben Braggie's defeat in the Awapuni Handicap was a body blow for course investors, but probably a relief for others. He was a big favourite and had the race apparently won half-way down the straigpt, but his rider could not get the last ounce out of him and Mata Hari got back in the last hundred yards to snatch, the verdict away from Him by the shortest of margins. . - Mata Hari took charge at the end of a furlong from Mother Superior. She was joined by Ben Braggie two furlongs from home, and shortly after entering the straight she was passed by the favourite; but her rider kept hard at her and was rewarded in getting back for victory. It was a popular success, despite the fact that the mare was at a good price. The victory was deserved in many ways, and in particular because Mata Hari was unlucky in being bumped by Paper Slipper at a critical stage in the first day's sprint. A six-year-old chestnut mare, she is a daughter of Psychology and the Prince Willonyx—Duckwing mare Duckwill, who descends from the Mermaid taproot. Neither her dam nor grandam ever raced, but her third dam, Anadega, won a number of races on the flat and over hurdles early in the century. She is being raced by her breeder, Mr. A. Pittar, of Gisborne, who now has her trained by H. S. Greene at Greenmeadows.

Ben Braggie appeared to have every chance, but possibly his rider was just a little too keen on him. it was his first start at the meeting, as he was scratched for the first day's sprint a few minutes after the race for the Manawatu Cup was over. Mother Superior, after sacrificing her early leadership, remained in third place the rest of the way, finishing about three lengths back. Alby and Fulojoy were running on next, but Invoice, Dollar Bill, and Porotiti all failed after trying to go the pace set by the leaders early. Acceptable was again last all the way, showing none of his old brilliance at any stage.