RACING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 32, 30 April 1927, Page 6

RACING

(By

"EARLY BIRD.")

THAW’S VICTORY WHY GASCONY LOST PENALTY TOLD THE TALE It was taken for granted that Gascony would be a warm favourite for the Sires* Produce Stakes at Awapuni on Thursday, and equally was it considered that whatever danger—if any—would come from Damaris. In their summing up of the position the backers were entirely wrong, for Gascony, under the weight of his penalty, weakened in the last fifty yards and went under to the outsider of the field of four, Thaw. In the first place it was regrettable that there were only four runners, and with two brackets for the purpose of betting it was only a two-horse race. Arrow Lad went wrong on the eve of the race and had to be withdrawn. It was not a good response from owners, however, and if they expect clubs to keep classic and weight-for-age events on their programmes it is up to them to see that there is competition. GOT AWAY WELL Over the seven furlongs Gascony found his weight too much. He began best and made all the running from his stable-mate, Great Charter, with the other bracket ridden in behind. It was not until the two furlongs was reached that there was any drastic change, and then both Damaris and Thaw set out to overhaul the leader. As they came into the straight Gascony was a couple of lengths ahead, and the other three in line. Thaw was

the one who did best, and he began to draw out, so it was obvious that he was the only one with a chance. Well up the running Gascony had a break of three lengths, and gradually Thaw began to reduce this. It did not look as if he would get up, but he did, catching the favourite a few yards from the post and wearing him down after a short, sharp struggle. It was a surprising result, for it was to Damaris that everybody looked to push the favourite. THE LI MON DS The result bears out that the Limond stock are more partial to a middle journey at the back end of the season than to sprints. Thaw was known to possess the speed, but he has not often pulled it out this season. He is a big two-year-old, and his lack of form since he won at Trentham over three months ago was put down to the fact that he was growing. The fact that Gascony failed to concede Thaw a stone over seven furlongs was illuminating, although to fail by a margin of a head was not surprising under the circumstances. However, from what has so far been seen of the King John gelding it is more than likely that he will be more of a sprinter than a stayer next season.

RACING TAXATION AVONDALE CLUB The taxation payable to the Government in connection with the Avondale .Jockey’s Club’s autumn meeting totals £6,772 19s 4d, made up as follows: Totalisator £2,244 5 0 •Gates and Privileges .... 54 17 3 Dividend Tax 4,042 2 0 Stakes Tax 257 10 0 Amusement Tax 144 5 1 Total £6,772 19 4 COMING EVENTS FIXTURES FOR THE SEASON April 29 30—South Canterbury J.C. April 30, May 4 —Waikato R.C. May 6. 7,-Hnwke'e Ray .1 C.