KING’S WINNERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 98, 16 July 1927, Page 6

KING’S WINNERS

ROYAL LUCK TURNS REPRESENTED BY MODERATE HORSES That the King is a splendid all-round sportsman is a matter in which there is unanimity of opinion, and this fact doubtless accounts in some degree for

his great poularity with his subjects, a popularity that is shared for a like reason by the Prince of Wales and the other members of the Royal family.

His Majesty is to be seen at Twickenham on most of the big days, while he also displayed his catholicity of taste by putting in an appearance at the Cup Final, which, by the way, he manifestly enjoyed. Then he is an almost constant attendant at Newmarket, while

of course, he never misses such functions as Ascot and Goodwood.

But unfortunately the King’s luck in racing is not commensurate with his interest in the sport, and he has yet to have his colours carried by a horse within “streets” of, say, Persimmon,

who brought the Royal livery into such prominence when the late King Edward was Prince of Wales. THE TYPE NEEDED He has won a Royal Hunt Cup with Weathervane (now at the stud in Hawke’s Bay), it is true, while London Cry and others have credited him with some acceptable stakes. But he has still to be represented by a really good horse up to the classic standard. Perhaps Friar Marcus is the best animal of the type he has possessed.

As a two-year-old, indeed, this horse promised to . attain the highest rank; but it was early demonstrated that he lacked the stamina necessary for the winning of classics, and his attention was turned to sprinting. The King has run Anmer—who was brought down by a suffragist—Brakespear. and others of the same type in classic events, but none of them proved worthy of the part allotted them. It is to be feared that the King’s present horses in training are for the most part moderate. It is, however, satisfactory to note some change in the Royal luck, as Scuttle last month followed up the previous day’s Doncaster success of her stable companion, Spear Dance.