PIASTRE TAKES CUP

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 32, 7 February 1941, Page 10

PIASTRE TAKES CUP

EGMONT FIRST DAY

VELDETTE WINS SPRINT

(Special to the "Evening Post")

HAWERA, February 6,

It would be impossible to witness a finer finish than that provided in the Egmont Cup, feature event of the opening day of the Egmont Racing 'Club's Summer Meeting. at Hawera. No fewer than five horses were practically level when the field crossed the line, and only the judge was in a position to declare a verdict. The decision went to the Trentham- representative Piastre, who beat the favourite, Friesland, only by the narrowest of margins. ; Prominent in the early stages were Cheval de Volee, Notium, Friesland, Ruatiti, and Mountain Fox, while at the back of the field were Piastre, Homily, and Clinch.. There was not much material change as the field rounded the home turn, but half-.way down Friesland was clear, with Piastre, Clinch, Homily, and Cheval de Volee all launching claims. In a terrific finish Piastre got ih the deciding stride from Friesland, with Homily half a head away third. Clinch was practically in line and Cheval de Volee right up fifth. Then came Dark Eagle and Mountain Fox. - Piastre has been showing steady improvement since going into the open ranks, and the success was well deserved. He displayed rare courage to tackle and take the verdict off Friesland, who ran a first-class race and just went under. Clinch finished with a rattle from the rear, and he should not be long in returning to the winning list. SMALL FIELD. -'■ Several withdrawals reduced the field for the Flying Handicap to four, and it was won in decisive fashion by the outsider Veldette. The hot favourite Gold Dale immediately ran to the front, and when he was clear rounding the bend it looked any odds on his winning, but Veldette finished with a rare burst, of speed and was a length and a half clear at the post. •Screen Star, who was making his first appearance for some time, was a useful third, but Valiant Lady was a long way back last. ■. ' FAVOURITE SCORES. Red Cat,, who was the second win--her of the day to carry the colours of Mr. W. Duncan, was never far away from the leaders in the Whareora Handicap, and taking charge soon after the straight was reached she ran on for a decisive win. Sporting Gift was putting in some good work over the final furlongs to secure second money, ahead of Colincamps, who had always been prominent. Stencil, Lord Cavendish, and Noble Fox were next. Stencil did not get too clear a run early and may have been a shade unlucky.