FRENCH MARE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23183, 1 November 1938, Page 7

FRENCH MARE

CAMBRIDGESHIRE WIN SPECULATORS LOSE HEAVILY FIVE HORSES IN CLOSE FINISH [from oto own correspondent] LONDON, Octobor 13 As the result of the success of an unconsidered French mare in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket yesterday, practically all tho ante-post transactions on tho Cambridgoshire-Cesaro-wich double became void and bookmakers estimated tho public had lost £1,000,000. There was a French flavour in tho Inst stages of tho betting on the Cambridgeshire, but the winner was at odds of about half a century in tho ring and 011 tho totalisator slio returned a dividend nearlj r equivalent to a contury and a third.

When, three days ago, tho favourite, Mr. J. Y. Rank's French - bred Michoumy, had to bo scratched on account of tendon troublo tho prospects assumed a more open character, and attention became rivotted 011 othor French candidates—notably upon Mr. A. K. Macomber's Khasnadar, who had a good reputation in Franco and who had come to Newmarket in good time to finish his preparation. Tho horse had won his last threo races in France, 0110 of them over 10 furlongs, and his owner had won tho Cambridgeshire twice. Khasnadar, indeed, became the best-supported Cambridgeshire candidato. trench, sportsmen stood- to win not 011I3' on him, but on tho lightly-weighted Quartier Maitro. Heads Between Three The French candidate, of whom very little was known here, tho five-year-old mare Hellouiqua, owned by M. Jacques Meller, secured tho prize of £ISOO. Helleniqua, whom B. Guimard rodo at 31b. overweight, accounted by heads from Khasnadar and tho Mid-dleham-trained Domaha, owned by Mr. Swan and ridden by G. Richards, who declared 21b. overweight. It is 10 years sinco a Cambridgeshire has gone to Franco.

Fifty yards from the winning post Domaha, who had drawn the extreme outside, No. 29, Convert, Helleniqua nnd Khasnadar wero practically in line. The littlo French jockey on Helleniqua seemed to be using his whip very freely, but the mare ran on gamely and in a thrilling race homo, gained the verdict by a head over Khasnadar, who just beat Domaha. Couvert was another half a length away fourth, just ill front of Edgehill. Golden Sovereign was sixth, Quartior Maitro seventh. Agincourt eighth, and The Tweed last. Helleniqua, by Agathos—Hallatte, has won four times and has been placed in six races this season in France. Jockey's Happy Omen W. Webb, Helleniqua's trainer, said: "What a delightful return to my delightful Newmarket. I was bred and born here and this is the first raco I have won in England for 52 years. I have raced in France. I fancied Helleniqua, as she had very good form across the Channel, having won 14 races. Standing only 15 hands, I maintain Helleniqua has two hearts, so game is she. Her owner, M. Meller, bred her."

Guimard, who speaks only French, said: "I had every confidence of winning a long way from home. My horse is one of tho gamest I have ridden. This was my 22nd winner. Thirty-two my ago, and 32 on the card. It was my happy omen."

DERBY COLT TO RUN DECISION AGAINST ADVICE RAIN FAVOURS ROYAL CHIEF (Received October 31, 5.30 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Oct. 31 His owner, Mr. C. B. Kellow, has decided to run Nuffield in the Melbourne Cap, in spito of a veterinary warning that there is a grave risk in running the colt. Nuffield showed no soreness after galloping to-day. Royal Chief was showing a slight soreness, hut later he moved all right.

A. Reed's mounts to-morrow include The Trump and Lynch Law. M. MeCarten will ride Aurie's Star and Spoar Chief.

The 11 acceptors for the Victoria Oaks include Acheron, Talkalot, French Gem and Lady Montague. Heavy overnight rain lias had little effect on the .Flemington trades and, if anything, it will improve Royal Chief's, prospects. Amigo returns to New Zealand on Wednesday. A leg weakness prevented the colt showing his true form here.

AJAX AND NUFFIELD THEIR LATEST VICTORIES SYDNEY, Oct. 30 The Sydney Morning Herald, in commenting on the Victorian Derby, says: "Nuffield was taken to his top speed gradually, and, although Tempest raced almost level with him for about half a furlong in the straight, there was never any doubt about the result and Nuffield won in good style." In referring to the L. K. S. MacKinnon Stakes, the writer says: "If Roval Chief had any prospects of beating Ajax in the MacKinnon Stakes, the object could not have been achieved after Badger, on Ajax, had been allowed to loaf along in front for about half tho journey. There unquestionably is not a horse racing who could beat Ajax in those circumstances, and it would seem that there is not one who can beat him in any circumstances." RACING FIXTURES * November 4, s—Whangarei facing Club. November 5, 7, 0, 12—Canterbury Jockey Club. „ . November (3 —Napier Park: Racing Club. November 12 —Napier Park Racing Club. November 12, 14 —Avondalo Jockey Club. November 10—Levin Racing Club. Novembor 10—-Southland Racing Club. November 10, 21 —AVaikato Racing. Club.