SOUTH ISLAND SURPRISE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 112, 13 May 1937, Page 13

SOUTH ISLAND SURPRISE

Grampian, a South Island visitor to the meeting, was a surprise winner of the Otaki Hack Handicap at a doublefigure dividend. 'When War Lap went out and attempted to steal the _race, Grampian and Laggard .settled down at the head of his pursuers, and as the pacemaker began to tire nearmg the straight Grampian came along out on the track and beat him home by S Grampian, an aged chestnut gelding by Robespierre from the Greyspear— Waterspray mare Watermint, a halfsister to those good horses Wbemntae and Arikiwai, was bred by Mr W. A. Nicholls, and he was at. first, raced by his breeder, -then by his trainer- J. King, but'he now carries _ the colours of Mr E. G. Power, of Southbrook. who trains him himself. He has. won a number of races, and was recently twice a winner at Kumara and V^eymouth at.Eastefl-and was also placed at Blenheim and Amberley. His success yesterday justified the long trip away from home. War Lap failed in his gamble to steal the race, but only Grampian could frustrate his bid. At one stage he was six lengths out clear. Even Money came from near the rear for a moderate third, with Gasmask and the favourite.Lady Siegfried next neither of the last pair being able to better their position at any point. Puioto made up some ground at the close but Laggard faded in the straight, as also did Impersonated.