CUSTODIAN’S SURPRISE WIN.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20233, 17 February 1934, Page 10

CUSTODIAN’S SURPRISE WIN.

Favourites Beaten in Middle Park Plate at Riccarton To-day.

MIDSUMMER WON BY KING MARCH.

THERE was an unexpected result in the Middle Park Plate at Riccarton to-day, when Custodian, the outsider of a field of four, had a comfortable victory over the favourite, Synagogue, and the second choice, Variant, who finished second and third respectively. The public were more successful in the second big event, the Midsummer Handicap, which was won in good style by the favourite, King March, from Shatter and Argentic. Scarlet Rambler, third choice, got up in a great finish in the Trial Stakes to beat the favourites, Grampian and Imperial Spear by a narrow margin.

The public proved good pickers in the first event, the three horses most fancied on the machine being the place-winners. Sam Smith, first favourite both ways, won easily from Rin Tin Tin. who had a comfortable margin on Courtyard. The weather was perfect for the Canterbury Jockey Club’s summer meeting. The track was in line order and there was a large attendance. Following the recent rains, Riccarton was at its best and the grounds had a freshness unusual at this time of the year. Results: HORNBY HANDICAP Of 125 sovs; second horse 20 sovs and third horse 3 0 sovs from the stake. Minimum weight, 9.0. Nine furlongs. 1- —SAM SMITH. Mr A. M’Aulay’s b g by Arrowsmith—Samisen, 4 yrs, 9.4 (D. O’Connor) 1 3- —RIN TIN TIN, Mr J. Richardson’s b g, by Some Boy ll.—Fairform, aged, 10.3 (R. Beale) .... 2 2- —COURTYARD, Mr D. Buchanan’s ch g by Grandcourt—First Blow, 4yrs, 10.3 (G. Barr) .... 3 7- —Admiral Drake. Mr P. T. Hogan’s b g, aged, 10.9 (W. Hogan) 0 10- —Rational 11., Mr P. F. Thorpy’s ch g. aged. 10.4 (J. Walker) 0 4- —Niggerhead, Mr A. Foster’s br g, syrs, 10.3 (H. Turner) .. 0 6- —High Rank, Sir Chas. Clifford’s br f, 3yrs, 9.4 (G. Salt) 0 9- —Gallivanter, Mr D. E. Lewis’s b g. aged. 9.0 (F. Pratt) 0 8- —Adult. Mr E. J. Ellis’s br g, syrs, 9.0 (W. Cooper) 0 5- —Sky Rover. Mr D. H. Robert’s be, 3yrs, 9.0 (W. J. Pascoe) .J 0 11- —Speakeasy, Mr J. A. Veitch’s ch g. ftyrs, 9.0 (A. S. Ellis) 0 Won by three lengths, four lengths between second and third. Time—lmin 5 3 sec. TRIAL STAKES. Of 125 sovs; second horse 20 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. For horses that up to the time of starting have never won a race to the value of 50 sovs to the winner. Three-year-olds, Bst; four-year-olds and upwards Bst 51b; mares allowed 31b. 3- —SCARLET RAMBLER, Sir Chas. Clifford’s ch f, by Day Comet—* Brambletye, 3yrs, 7.11 (L. J. Ellis) 1 2-2—GRAMPIAN, Mr W. A. Nicholls’s ch g, by Robespierre— Watermint, 4yrs, 8.5 (M. Kirwan ) 2 1-I—IMPERIAL SPEAR. Mr 11. A. Knight’s b g. by Grayspear— Imperial Molly, 4yrs. 8.5 (G. Humphries) 3 10- —Knowledge, Mr E. Hay's blk g, syrs, 8.5 (W. Cooper) 0 5- —Silk Arrow. Mr R. W. Franks’s b g, 4yrs, 8.5 (B. H. Brodie) . . 0 7- —Gay Robe, Mr J. S. Cassin’s br m, 4yrs, 8.2 (C. Eastwood) .... 0 12- —Gayspear. Mr G. Hall’s b g, 3yrs. 8.0 (G. Murfitt) 0 6- —Liege Lord, Mr G. Murray Aynsley’s b g, 3yrs, 8.0 (A. H. Eastwood) 0 11- —Maroha, Mr G. L. Rutherford’s ch g, 3vrs, 8.0 (R. Mackie) 0 8- —Red Dance. Mr J. M. Samson’s ch g. 3yrs. 8.0 (H. M’Kinnon) . . 0 9- —Bright Shade. Mr J. Porter’s b f. 3yrs, 7.11 (A. Messervey) .... 0 4- —Silver Brier, Mr A. Syme’s b f, 3yrs, 7.11 (A. Russell) 0 Won by a head, half a length between second and third. Time—lmin 12 3-5 XXBSX.E PARK PLATE. Of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs and third horse 20 sovs from the stake. For two-year-olds and three-year-olds. Two-year-olds, 7.9; three-year-olds. 9.0; fillies allowed 31b; maiden two-year-olds 71b and three-year-olds 101 b. Six furlongs. 4—CUSTODIAN. Mr C. N. Draper’s b c, by Lord Warden—Monoxide, 2yrs, 7.2 (A. Russell) 1 1- SYNAGOGUE. Mr W. S. Clark’s ch c, by Rabbi—Lady Ruth, 2yrs, 5.2 (G. Humphries) 2 2- VARIANT, Mr A. Louissons’ b f, by Limonrl—Motley, 2yrs, 7.13 (L. J. Ellis) 3 3- Marcus Cicero. Mr R. J. Murphy’s ch c, 2yrs, 7.2 (A. H. Eastwood) 0 Won by a length, a neck between second and third. Time—lmin 11 3-5 sec. MIDSUMMER HANDICAP, Of 250 sovs; second horse 50 sovs and third horse 25 sovs from the stake. One mile and a quarter. 1- —KING MARCH, Messrs O. Nicholson's and E. R. Davis’s blk h, by Rossendale—Queen March, 6yrs, 7.9 (L. J. Ellis) .. 1 4- —SHATTER, Mr H. A. Knight’s br g, by Shambles—Windshield, 6yrs, 8.0 (A. Russell) 2 3-4—ARGENTIC. Miss M. C. Wilson’s b g, by Silverado—Spotlight, 4yrs, 8.4 (C. M’Carthy) 3 5- —Cricket Bat, Sir Chas. Clifford’s ch h, 8.9 (M. Kirwan) 0 6- —Rocket, Mrs H. B. Douglas’s ch h, 4yrs, 7.8 (C. Eastwood) 0 7- —Ramo, Mr J. B. Pearson’s b g, aged. 7.2 0 2- —Revision. Mrs W. A. Fuller's b m, 6yrs, 7.2 (A. H. Eastwood) . . 0 S-7—Some Shamble, Mr .J. D. Bundy’s blk g. 4yrs, 7.0 (A. Messervy) .. 0 Won by two lengths, four lengths between second and third. Time—2min 4 4-ssec. HALS WELL HANDICAP. Of 125 sovs; second horse 20 sovs, and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. Hack conditions. Seven furlongs. 7- —GRAND REVIEW, Mr J. H. Prosser’s br ni, by Last Dart— Bonsign, syrs, 7.2 (W. H. Jones) 1 10- —WEATHERLY. Mr.a W. H. Ward's b g, by Weather vane— The Linnet, syrs, 7.11 (G. Humphries) 2 1- —DOLLAR PRINCE. Mr A. S. Elworthy’s b c, by Paper Money —Kilcalm, Cyrs, 5.13 (11. M’Kinnon) 3 2- —lan’s March, Mr D. Grant’s br m, syrs, 9.0 (L. J. Ellis) 0 8- —Drumfire, Mr T. Irving’s b g, 4 yrs, 7.13 (C. M’Carthy) 0 5- —The Bailiff, Mrs J. Armstrong s ch g. 7.12 (E. Ludlow) 0 9- —Doiran, Mr J. A. Mathewson s ch g, 4yrs, 7.12 (C. Eastwood) .... 0 3- —Hot Stuff. Mr G. Logan's br g, 3yrs, 7.5 (A. Messervey) 0 6- —Sibella, Mr H. A. Knight’s b f, 3yrs, 7.4 (A. Russell) 0 4- —Wild Sky, sir Chas. Clifford’s ch g. 3yrs, 7.0 (A. E. Eastwood) 0 Won by ri neck, a length between second and third. Time—lmin 25 3-sscc. CRAVEN PLATE, Of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs and third horse 20 sovs from the stake. Seven furlongs. 1- —CRANFORD. Mrs J. H. Miller’s ch g, by Solferino—Colinette, 6 yrs, 7.3 (A. Russell) 1 5- —KERBSIDE. Mr D. P. Wilson’s ch m, by Tea Tray—Kerb, syrs, 7.12 (R. Mackie) 2 4-3—GUARANTEE, Mr J. M. Samson’s b c, by Paper Money—Entre Nour, Syrs, 7.1 (H. M’Kinnon) .. 3 #-7—Meprisant, Mr G. Murray Aynsley’s ch g. aged, 5.9 (A. H. Eastwood) 0 2- —Copyist. Sir Chas. Clifford’s b g. 3yrs, 7.13 (L. J. Ellis) 0 3.4—Miladi, Mrs W. A. Fuller’s br in, oyrs, 7.12 (G. Humphries) 0

7-S—The Masquerader. Dr M. G. Louisson’s br g Syrs, 7.8 (C. Eastwood) 0 5- —Metal Bird. Mr A. J. Tutton’s b g, syrs, 7.0 (A. Messervy) .... 0 Won by a neck, a length and a half between second and third. Time—lmin 25sec. LYTTELTON PLATE, Of 125 sovs; second horse 20 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. For two-year-olds. Five furlongs. 2- —CUP BEARER, Mr J. M. Samson’s ch f, by Tea Tray—Dancing Doll, 7.8 (H. M’Kinnon) .... 1 4- —TRUMPET BLAST. Mr G. R. Macdonald’s b g. by Jericho— Capercailzie, 7.S (J. M’Girr) . . 2 1-I—ORRIS, Mr G. Murraj’ Aynsley’s ch f, by Paladin—Orange Blossom, 7.13 (coupled with Chidden) (C. Eastwood) 3 3- —Tunneller, Sir Charles Clifford’s b g, 8.2 (coupled with Back Thrust) (M. Kirwan) 0 3-4—Back Thrust, Sir Charles Clifford’s b f, 7.13 (coupled with Tunneller) (A. Russell) 0 6- —Liberate, Mr E. C. M’Dermott’s ch g. 8.2 (E. Ludlow) 0 5- —Brian Boru, Messrs G. R. Hunter’s and P. C. Webb’s ch c, 8.2 (L. J. Ellis) 0 1- —Chidden, Mr G. Murray Aynsley’s ch f, 7.13 (coupled with Orris) (A. H. Eastwood) 0 Won by half a length, half a length between second and third. Time—lmin 1 l-ssec. POST HANDICAP, Of 125 sovs; second horse 20 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. Hack conditions. One mile. 7- —IMPORTANCE, Mr B. F. Spiers’s ch m, by Agrion—Egotism. 4yrs, 7.11 (C. Eastwood) 1 3- —CLEANER. Mr ,T. M. Samson’s ch m, by Lord Quex—Charlady, 4yrs, 8.0 (A. Russell) 2 2- —SILVER SIGHT, Mr A. Behan’s b g, by Silverado—On Sight. 4yrs, 8.4 (M. Kirwan) .. 3 9- —Tout le Monde, Dr M. G. Louisson’s b g, 4yrs, 9.0 (G. Humphries) 0 1-3—Heather Glow, Sir Chas. Clifford's ch g. 4yrs, 7.10 (A. H. Eastwood) 0 12- —Doiran, Mr ,T. A. Mathewson’s ch g. 4yrs. 7.9 (E. Ludlow) . . 0 6- —Denise, Mr D, Grant’s br m, 4yrs, 7.9 (L. J. Eillis) 0 4- —Strong Light. Mr W. T. Hazlett’s b m, syrs, 7.6 (W. Cooper) 0 10- —Water Polo, Mr G. R. Hunter’s b g, syrs, 7.5 (R. Mackie) .... 0 5- —Lady Zephyr. Mr L. W. Storry’s br m, 4yrs, 7.5 (A. Messervy) . . 0 S-7—Star Raider, Mr O. E. Hooper’s • b g. 4yrs. 7.0 (W. H. Jones) . . 0 11- —Pleasant Memory, Lieut.-Col. J. Stafford’s b m, 4yrs. 7.0 (H. M’Kinnon) 0 13- —Silver Foil, Mr E. Hay’s b g, 4yrs, 7.0 (J. Murfitt) _0 Won by half a length, a length between second and third. Time —lmin 40 l-ssec. A POPULAR RESULT. Public Pick Placings in Hornby Handicap. The field for the Horrvy Handicap, the high-weight event, was distinguished by the presence of Admiral Drake, winner of the Auckland Cup and runner in the New Zealand and Sydney Cups. He is difficult to train nowadays and in this, in his first race for months, he finished last. Sam Smith, (£l3B and £125), and Courtyard, (£137 and £93), were the favourites. Rin Tin Tin, (£74 10s and £64 10s), was third choice straight out. It was good picking by the public as this trio provided the place winners. Rin Tin Tin attempted to lead all the way. Sam Smith and Sky Rover were cut out immediately after the start but soon made up the lost ground. Passing the five furlongs, Rin Tin Tin led from Sky Rover, Sam Smith, Gallivanter and Courtyard. Sam Smith took second place a little further on. Rin Tin Tin led into the straight with Sam Smith, who had the pace-maker beaten at the distance, and went on to win by three lengths. Courtyard was four lengths away third with Gallivanter, Sky Rover and Adult next. Sam Smith, who won on the West Coast during the holidays, is trained by Free Holmes for A. M’Aulay, another Riccarton trainer. Trial Stakes. Imperial Spear was a solid favourite for the Trial Stakes, carrying £272 and £163. Best supported of the others were Grampian £l3l and £lO3, and Scarlet Rambler, £6O 10s and £99. Again the public were right on the mark. Several horses gave trouble at the post and Silk Arrow was left, taking no part in the race. Red Dance Imperial Spear, Grampian and Maroha were prominent in the early stages. Red Dance led on to the course proper from Imperial Spear, Grampian, Scarlet Rambler, Liege Lord and Maroha. Red Dance then retired. Imperial Spear and Grampian took charge at the distance. Grampian got the better of their duel, but Scarlet Rambler finished very strongly in the middle of the course and won by a head. Imperial Spear was a length away third. Bright Shade and Maroha were next. Scarlet Rambler is trained by H. and A. Cutts for Sir Charles Clifford. Her only previous start was an unplaced run at this meeting last year. She is a half-sister to Brambletorn. When racing started to-day, K. Voitre, 43, and L. J. Ellis, 34, were at the head of the winning jockeys’ list. Scarlet Rambler gave Ellis his thirt)'-fifth win of the season. Middle Park Plate. There was a big surprise in the Middle Park Plate. Custodian, the outsider of the field of four, finished brilliantly to win by a length from Synagogue, with Variant a neck away third. Marcus Cicero was half a length further back. Synagogue who, with £463, was favourite, and Variant made the running to the course proper from Marcus Cicero, with Custodian last. Custodian came fast at the distance and won in fine style. He is trained by F. D. Jones at Riccarton for Mr C. N. Draper, a member of the Dunedin Jockey Club committee. He was ridden by the Australian boy, A. Russell, who won the New Zealand Derby in November on Nightly. Custodian is by the Hurry On horse Lord Warden, who

was represented by his first winner in | New Zealand last week when Lady Kyra won at New Plymouth. Lord Warden is owned by Mr G. A. Kain, of Orari. Midsummer Handicap. King March was favourite for the Midsummer Handicap with £269 and £289, Revision being second choice with £165 and £165. Ramo stumbled at the start and lost ground. When they had settled down, Rocket had charge from King March, Revision, Shatter and Argentic. Rocket showed the way past the seven furlongs to King March, Shatter, Revision, Ramo and Cricket Bat. Shatter took the lead a furlong further on, and at the half-mile, his nearest attendants were King March, Rocket, Ramo and Cricket Bat. Cricket Bat moved into third place at the home turn. Shatter was first into the straight from King March, Cricket Bat and Ramo. King March then made his effort and drew ahead to win by two lengths from Shatter. Afgentic was four lengths third with Cricket Bat and Revision next. L. J. Ellis was on the winner, who is trained at Takanini by A. Rhodes for Messrs O. Nicholson and E. R. Davis, of Auckland. Halswell Handicap. Backers selected Dollar Prince, £325 and £251, and lan’s March, £215 and £179, as most likely to win the Halswell Handicap. Dollar Prince was first to break the line. After going a little way he was joined by Weatherley. The pair crossed the top clear of The Bailiff, Grand Review, Drum Fire and Wild Sky. Weatherley and Dollar Prince continued to make play and they were first into the straight from Grand Review, Drum Fire and Wild Sky. Weatherley had charge at the distance, but he tired and a challenge from Grand Review proved successful, the mare winning by a neck, with Dollar Prince a length away third. Wild Sky and Drum Fire were next. Grand Review was seventh favourite each way, carrying £34 and £sl. Craven Plate. Copyist caused a stir in the Craven Plate by running off the course as the field approached the entrance to the straight. He was third and going well when it happened. On his return to the enclosure, it was found that the bit had pulled through his mouth. Kerbside led off but was soon headed by Cranford, who was followed across the top by Kerbside, Metal Bird, The Masquerader and Copyist. Cranford led round the home turn from The Masquerader, Kerbside and Copyist. When the straight was entered, Kerbside drew up to Cranford and they had a keen struggle all the way down the straight. Kerbside looked like winning at the distance but Cranford put in another effort and scored by a neck, with Guarantee a length and a half away third. Then came Metal Bird and Miladi. Cranford was favourite, carrying £250 10s and £lB4. Copyist was second choice with £243 10s and £l9l 10s. A. Russell completed a winning double bn Cranford. The Lyttelton Plate. Backers selected the Murray Aynsley bracket, Chidden, a sister to Chide, and Orris, a half-sister to Silver Ring, to make favourite for the Lyttelton Plate. Neither had raced previously. They carried £239 and £172 10s. Cup Bearer was second choice with £226 10s and £l7l. Brian Boru got away bally. Cup Bearer began very smartly and led to the course proper. Trumpet Blast, Orris, Back Thrust and Tunneller followed her. . Cup Bearer was clear at the distance, and she managed to hold ofl challenges from Trumpet Blast and Orris, winning by half a length from Trumpet Blast, with Orris a similar margin away. The winner is trained at Riccarton by P. M’Grath for Mr J. M. Samson, of Dunedin. She has gained minor places previousl) 1 ', but this was her first win. Post Handicap. Lady Zephyr made the" early running in the Post Handicap from Denise, Star Raider, Water Polo and Heather Glow. Half-way, Lady Zephyr led from Denise, Cleaner, Water Polo, Doiran, Heather Glow and Importance. Cleaner and Lady Zephyr were first round the home turn, with • Doiran, Water Polo, Importance and Heather Glow next. Importance joined the leaders at the distance, while Silver Sight came fast on the rails. In a good finish Importance won by half a length from Cleaner, with Silver Sight a length away third. The winner was seventh favourite and paid a big dividend. Totalisator Investments. The totalisator at Riccarton to-day handled £12,225, compared with £13,195 for the corresponding day last year—a decrease of £970. SYDNEY TRIP OFF. Nightly Not Running at Randwick. F. D. Jones, trainer of Nightly, stated at Riccarton this afternoon that it was practically certain that the colt would not go to Sydney to fulfil his engagements at the Randwick autumn meeting. Complaint Dismissed. The judicial stewards heard a complaint by C. Eastwood, rider of Rocket in the Midsummer Handicap, against A. Russell, rider of Shatter, of having crossed and interfered with him. After hearing the evidence, it was decided that no action be taken. Programme for Easter. The committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club met this morning and decided to make an alteration in the programme for the autumn meeting at Easter. The Kildare ITigh-weight Handicap has been deleted and a brush steeplechase over two miles substituted. There will thus be one of these jumping events each day.