RACING IN AUSTRALIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26274, 4 October 1946, Page 7

RACING IN AUSTRALIA

ROYAL TAN’S PERFORMANCES (Special) MELBOURNE, Sept. 28. Having his final race in Melbourne before being shipped to New Zealand, the three-year-old Royal Tan was narrowly defeated in the Pascoe Handicap, a 10furlong race for three-year-olds, at Moonee Valley to-day. As usual in his races here, the Royal Chief colt led practically throughout, and he looked all over a winner until Cotham, a promising Dhoti colt trained by T. Lewis, pushed through on the rails in the last few strides. Royal Tan has had an unlucky trip. In five, starts he has been twice second and twice third. Last Thursday at. a Show Day meeting at Mentone he was second favourite in a seven-furlong race, finishing third after being in front 100 yards from the post. The gelding’s condition has been a credit to his trainer, C. G. Humphries. On arrival in New Zealand, Royal Tan is to have a short let-up and will be prepared for the New Zealand Derby. Although he failed to win a race here, he paid expenses on the trip, earning nearly £4OO place money. Followers of Lou Robertson's stable have had a disastrous week, as On Target, ruling Melbourne Cup favourite, was heavily supported in the Ascot Thousand at Mentone on Thursday, but, with the stable’s jockey, A. Breasley, in the saddle. On Target only finished fifth. In spite of his failure, On Target is still favourite for the Cup. Making his first appearance since August 17, Neenah, with top weight of 9.12, was always a long way back in the Nulla Nulla High-weight of six furlongs. His strapper, H. Cook, of Stratford, recently rejoined Jack Fryer’s stable after service with the A.I.F. Before the war Cook looked after the Melbourne Cup winner Wotan and prepared that horse for the Auckland Cup. It is well known in racing circles that Australian handicappers always hold New Zealand horses in high respect. Neenah and Royal Tan are good examples. First In, ridden by Melbourne’s leading apprentice jockey, R. Hutchinson, reappeared in the Quality Handicap over 10 furlongs—the principal race at Moonee Valley to-day. The mare was well backed at good odds. She was disappointed when making her run at the home turn, and prior to the check appeared certain to take part in the finish. The Auckland stayer Mr Rosa was sold in Sydney this week for a four-figure sum, and will do his future racing in Brisbane. Mr Rosa was purchased by Mr V. P. Bernard, a former New Zealander, on behalf of a Queensland sportsman. The Mr Standfast gelding shaped well at his first start in Sydney last Saturday. Peter Riddle, owner-trainer of Shannon, hot Epsom favourite, is still in hospital His brother, Bert, is supervising Shannon’s final preparation. High Grade, a three-year-old son of the good New Zealand galloper High Caste, won in Brisbane on September 14. T. B. (“ Toby") Charters, former Auckland trainer, won the opening event i/i Brisbane last Saturday.