BLACK BANNER’S PROMISE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23221, 19 June 1937, Page 4

BLACK BANNER’S PROMISE

Black Banner, easy winner of the Otautau Steeplechase at Invercargill recently is said to be one of the most promising cross-country performers turned out in the far south in recent seasons, and there are some who are already prepared to predict important non ours later on for him. It was not till two seasons ago, when he was a five-year-old, that Black Banner first stepped out in public, and he has done all his racing over the country. His debut was made in the Forde Memorial Steeples at Wairio, when he fell, but at his next start, at Clifden, he was beaten only a head by Graball. His first win came a month later in the Otaitai Steeples at Riverton, when he was winner by 20 lengths, and he ran second to Parocha in open class on the final day. Last season he had only four early outings, running two thirds; and he did not then reappear till February last, since when he lias had half a dozen outings for three wins (including twice at Riverton) and three seconds. Black Banner, now seven years old, is a black gelding by the Varco horse Balboa (sire of Snowfall, etc.) from a mare by Black and Red, a Maxim (son of Musket) horse who won numerous handicap events in the Southland Province in the closing years of last century. He is owned by Mr A. C. Mills, who raced Tauramai, etc., and he is trained by P. J. Boyle at Winton. He now jointly heads the handicap for the Otago Steeples with Trisox, whom lie beat at Invercargill.