THE N.Z. DERBY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 283, 13 November 1936, Page 2

THE N.Z. DERBY

Stablemates Tussle

The Trench Fight-Wild Chase bracket, says the Christchurch “Press,” was at a very short price for the New Zealand Derby, and the Chokebore pair had a hard tussle over the last furlong. Trench Fight quickly went to the front from the start, and when the back stretch was reached he was some four lengths in front of Siegmund and Custos together, with Wild Chase clear of Studley Royal. Trench Fight was slowed down passing the mile, and Custos and Wild Chase closed on him, but the leader was still a length to the good passing tho half-mile from Wild Chase, with another length to Custos, and then Studley Royal and Siegmund. There was not a great deal between Trench Fight and Wild Chase entering the straight, where Custos was commencing to show the strain, and tho issue was left to the stable mates. They raced abreast for about a furlong, but Wild Chase, who was always going the better, then asserted his superiority on the day, and won a great victory by a neck. There was then a big gap to Custos, with Studley Royal two lengths away, and Siegmund a long way in the rear. Wild Chase was well handled by L, J. Ellis, who had the chance mount when it was decided to start Trench Fight, on whom the stable horseman G. Humphries took the mount by choice. Trench Fight pulled hard over the first two furlongs, and his rider wisely did not attempt to restrain him until the back stretch was reached. He was very freely turning for home, but Wild Chase always had his measure, and his rider did not find it necessary to do more than keep him up to his work. On the other hand, Trench Fight was put under the whip for a few strides, but although he put up a plucky fight, he could not do any better. Custos was in trouble as soon as the straight entrance was reached, and tho other pair were outclassed.