SURPRISES AT ELLERSLIE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 7

SURPRISES AT ELLERSLIE

GOOD WIN FOR SILVER QUEX CHEVAL DE VOLEE SCORES Wet weather marred the racing at Ellerslie yesterday, rain falling practically throughout the day, and making the conditions very unpleasant. As on Saturday, favourites fared badly, and the only ones to return dividends were Brazilian and Maori Song, both of whom finished second. Several outsiders were successful, and the greatest surprise was registered by the three-year-old Silver Quex, who led throughout to win the Hauraki Plate from Brazilian and the favourite, Balinavar. Silver Quex was eighth fancy in the field of nine and paid double figures. Other winners to make good returns were Fils de Vaals and British Banner. The chief event, the Ralph Handicap, was won by the fourth fancy, Cheval de Volee, who scored an end-to-end victory from Gay Rose and Sergia, with the favourite, Malagigi, unplaced. It was the third important race Cheval de Volee has won at Ellerslie, the previous ones being the Auckland Cup and the Cornwall Handicap. The Devonport Handicap, the open sprint, was won decisively by Royal Bachelor, who gave a fine performance in the heavy going, to defeat the favourite, Maori Song, and Rulette.