CARBINE PLATE RIVALRY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 132, 7 June 1939, Page 15

CARBINE PLATE RIVALRY

For many years keen gentlemen riders have combined to make the Carbine Plate one of the most interesting races of the Great Northern Steeplechase Meeting, says a northern writer, and some of the best amateur horsemen in the North Island have been competitors over a lengthy period. Two of the most successful riders have been Mr. K. McK. Duncan, of Taihape, and Mr. H. H. Dods, of Gisborne, and several keen clashes have resulted between them.

Their rivalry in the Carbine Plate dates from 1929, when, mounted on his own horse Otairi, Mr. Duncan beat Mr. Dods on Glena Bay. Mr. Duncan rode Sir Mond, unplaced, in the following year. " In 1931 it was Mr. Dods's turn and he won on Catoma, while Mr. Duncan ran unplaced on the favourite Vandyke. Seneschel, piloted by Mr. Duncan, gained the honours in 1932, Mr. Dods being in the field with Icimint. Beacon Fire, with Mr. Duncan again in the saddle, was the winner of 1933, Mr. Dods not having a ride on that occasion.

In the 1934 contest Hunting Jay, wilh Mr. Dods up, was first past the post, but it was later ascertained that he was ineligible and the race was awarded to Allegretto. On that occasion Mr. Duncan rode Pango. When Adelene won in 1935, Mr. -M. O'Connor being the rider, Mr. Duncan finished third on Lap Up, and next year, when Shy (Mr. K. James) was successful, the miner places were filled respectively by Hunting Mars (Mr. Dods) and Tail Light (Mr. Duncan).

Up to this stage Mr. Duncan was slightly ahead on points, but the contest of* two years ;.go saw a most thrilling race, with Small Boy (Mr. Dods) and Tail Light i.Mr. Duncan) dividing the honours. Jewelled Girdle was a head away third. Neither was present last year, but on Monday Mr. Duncan retained his advantage with his victory on Jewelled Girdle, beating Mr. Dods, on Raana.