WINOOKA FAILS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 903, 26 October 1933, Page 1

WINOOKA FAILS.

Finishes Last in Challenge Race. (Received October 26. 11 a.m.) BALTIMORE, October 25. Winooka failed decisively in the 2500dollar Challenge Purse race here today. He finished last of the five starters. The race was won by Mr A. C. Bostwick’s Mate, who carried 8.8. Mr Sheldon H. Fairbanks’s Goldstep 8.8 was second and Mr Lee Rosenberg’s Kerry Patch 8.4 third. Character 8.4 was fourth and Winooka 8.8 last. The start was good, with no delay at the barrier. All five starters broke away together, with Character the first to show on top by a short margin. Kerry Patch was second, Winooka third and Mate last at this point. For the first quarter of a mile alk raced closely bunched, with Character now leading by half a length. Gol&step moved into second position. Mate was third, Winooka fourth and Kerry Patch last. The challenger was in tight quarters nearing the three furlong post and fell back to last place. He recovered quickly and replaced Kerry Patch only momentarily in fourth position. Midway in the turn it was plain that Winooka was a beaten horse. He would not come on despite hard urging by Britt. He fell back steadily and appeared very tired at the end. though he seemingly pulled up in good shape after the finish. Winooka was beaten by a total of eight lengths and three-quarters by the winner. Winooka was led through the paddock early by Poison and acclaimed by his well-wishers, including prominent society and turf figures. Winooka made a beautiful appearance and Poison was confident. Before the race Naylor said: “ Winooka’s a cinch.” The Racing Editor of the “ New York Times” says: “Winooka should not be too quickly condemned, as his Australian record entitles him to further consideration. He has had three races in six months in this country and has met with very little competition, particularly as his first two races were of little account. His present race may, in many respect, be regarded as Winooka’s first competitive effort. Winooka was made the favourite chiefly on talk and not on performance in America. The public view was distorted by the prolonged negotiations and lack of action. Many professional selectors picked Winooka to win and he ruled a consistent favourite. The time, lmin 52 4-ssec, over the fast track, was not an especially good time for the Laurel course.”