NOTES ON RUNNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23068, 20 June 1938, Page 9

NOTES ON RUNNING

JUMPERS OF CLASS PROCLAMATION'S VICTORY SOFT TRACK FAVOURS GIRONDE [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] PALMERSTON NORTH, Saturday Heavy going upset some of the anticipated form at Hastings to-day, but the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club had another fine* day and it was assisted also by the first Saturday half-holiday observed in the town. The meeting was one of the best patronised and most successful in recent years. Proclamation, who was relied upon by the stable in preference to his bracketed mate, Morning Flight, was in front practically all the way to win the Trial Handicap. Royal Ace went up to him on the turn and as far as the last furlong, where Hastings West put in a claim. Momentarily, it looked as if Hastings West held a winning chance, but Proclamation more than held his own. The result was a confirmation of recent form, but this did not measure up to the standard of Karl's Court on the previous Saturday. Keen Betting on Hurdles The open appearance of the race for the Hawke's Day Hurdles was emphasised in the betting, no fewer than six of the eight starters being well supported. Lone Raider was the favourite from Small Boy and Iddo, but he was never dangerous, being well back throughout. Although he made a forward move in the middle stages, a bail jump at the second to last hurdle settled his chance and ho was the last to finish. Spender had an easy and convincing win. Soho and Curie made the running from Small Boy, Spender, Begorrah and Pladie, with Iddo and Lone Raider bringing up the rear. Curie stuck to Soho until five furlongs from home. After being clear for a brief spell, Soho was joined by Small Boy, then by Spender, the others being beaten. These three horses took the last bend together, but Soho and Small Boy were under pressure and Spender gained an additional advantage by getting through on the rails. Soho hung on to beat Small Boy, with Iddo finishing on into fourth place. Then came Begorrah, handy, Curie and Booklaw, Pladie and Lone Raider. Winner's Great Improvement Spender's performance was a great improvement on his display at Otaki, where he gave a bad exhibition of jumping. Soho's race was full of merit for, with his substantial weight, he was taken on by Curie for a mile and then by Small Boy. The lastnamed also ran a good race and both he and Iddo will improve. Curie went much better than on the previous Saturday, but hewas well beaten. Mendelssohn, favourite for. the Havelock Handicap, with Royal Spades, was last to leave the barrier and although both moved up on the turn and Royal Spades especially finished well into fifth place, their chances were early extinguished. Quake led out, but Colleen Gain soon took charge and was attended by Quake and Wilful Lady from Paul Robeson, Red Witch, Sunny Lass and Royal Record. Paul Robeson had gone up to tho lead entering tho straight, where Royal Record moved forward on the rails, Red Witch having lost a good deal of ground. Paul Robeson and Royal Record drew ahead and Paul Robeson narrowly won an exciting duel. Red Witch finished 011 again to be a very fair third, with Gai Wind, Royal Spades, Haile Selassie, Quake and Colleen Gain next.

Unlucky Runners Ked Witch looked to be very unlucky and so was Royal Spades, as, in addition to his slow start, ho was off the course on tlie turn into the straight. Royal Record also did not experience a good passage in the early stages. John Charles, the favourite for the Juno Steeplechase, won easily, but ho was lucky to survive a couple of bad jumps—at the half-mile brush the first time round and at the last fence. Ho allowed Royal Toast, Skerryvore and Master Hpctor to lead him for a round hut entering on the last circuit ho and Skerryvore drew away. Skerryvore fell at the fence at the five furlongs, leaving John Charles well clear. Joljn Charle3 dipped badly at the last fonco but survived and went on to win easily from Kahunoko, who outstayed Don Enna, with Master Hector and Royal Toast next. Acron also fell, but completed the course. John Charles did not have a hard task and, apart from his two bad jumps, he gave a promising display. Unfor tunately, he camo in lame. Kahunoke was a long way back early and finished well. Skerryvore gave a fine exhibition until ho went out. Tractile, with B. H. Morris in the Raddle, was favourite for the Rotopai Handicap, but she ran Sbo was one of the last to settle down and, although she made a move on the home turn, she never flattered. Gironde led all tin? way and had a verv easy win. He was attended by Tliala, Red Cockade anjl Shirred Ribbon, hut over the last two furlongs lie drew away. There was a great finish for the minor places, heads only separating Thala, Flying Comedy and Hunting Mint, with Trailer and Red Cockade next. Mesurina Runs Own Race In the Corinthian Plate, Mesurina was allowed to canter along in front and when it came to a sprint home lie easily held the others. The favourite, Skyful, was always handy and, although ho looked like losing second money when the pace was clipped on, lie outstayed Tres Sec and Umpire. Huntettc, favourite for the Final Handicap, endeavoured to win all tho way, but First Chapter, who was fairly handy, wore her down in the iinal stages, after they had drawn clear of tho others. NO RAIN FOR ASCOT NEW TOTALISATOR RECORD British Wireless RUGBY, .Tune i 7 The Royal Ascot meeting ended in fine weather. For the first time for many years the whole meeting passed without rain. The totalisator sot up new records, the grand total for tho meeting being £548,320. RACING FIXTURES Juno 25—Waipa Racing Club (at Te Rapa). June 25—Aahburton County flaring Club. Juno 25—Dannevirko Hunt Club. July 2 —Oamaru Jockey Club, July 2—Marlon Jockey Club. July 5, 7, o—Wellington Raring Club. July O —Westport Jockey Club (at Riccarton). July Ki—llawke's Bay Hunt Club. July 10—Waimato District Hunt Club. July 23 —Rangitikei Hunt Club. July 23 —South Canterbury Hunt Club. July 23 —Matamata Racing Club. July 23, 3D—Poverty Bay Turf Club. July 30—Taranaki Jockey Club. July 30—ChrietchurcU Hunt Club.