EXCITING FINISHES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 67, 21 March 1933, Page 7

EXCITING FINISHES

OHINEMURI RACING. SOME GOOD DIVIDENDS. A full share of excitement was provided for patrons of the Paeroa race meeting on Friday, states the N.Z. Herald. First favourites on the win machine fared badly, only one being sue cessful, and dividends all round were very substantial. The two largest prices, both over a score, were paid by Woodful, winner of the Komata Handicap, and Flying Prince, winner of the Ohinemuri Cup Handicap. Woodful was ridden by R. G. Ferguson. an apprentice jockey attached to R, J. Matecr’s stable at Matamata, who was having his first ride in a race. It was an exciting finish, and when Woodful’s number was hoisted first there were cries of surprise. Many people though that Currajong, on the outside, had won and from the press stand there did not appear to be any doubt about it. However, the angle is a very deceptive one and the only place from which a definite opinion can be formed is the judge’s box. A. G. Parsons, rider of Currajong, was confident that he had won by half-a-length, and he was amazed when he was placed second. On the other hand, Ferguson was just as positive that Woodful had won. The judge, Mr. A. Tronson. said that when the horses were approaching him he thought Currajong was going to win and he was surprised when Woodful just got up to win by half-a-head. The timekeeper, Mr. P. . Corbett, who was also in the judge’s box. said he was looking over Mr. Tron- ; son’s shoulder and there was no doubt that Woodful, getting up in the last stride, just won. A Profitable Lease. Flying Prince’s Cup victory accords an illustration of racing luck. The ■ horse is owned by Mr. E. H. Cueksey, ’ of Mount Eden, and as he had had no : luck with his team he leased Flying Prince, Baroscope and Princess Bede. ! The lease of Flying Prince was taken by Mr. F. W. Stembridge, carrier, of ' Pukekohe, and a friend. The first race 1 in which the horse started under his 1 new colours was the Franklin Cup. a fortnight ago, and he won narrowly. He ran unplaced in a further start on the same day, and then came Friday’s successful effort, the best win of his career. The Franklin Cup was worth £165 to the winner and the Ohinemuri Cup £3OO. Mr. Stembridge was optimistic about ’ Flying Prince’s prospects and he said ! he had £lO on him for a win, and £lO ‘ for a place. This was a most profitable • investment returning nearly as much as : rhe amount of the prize-money. Mr. Cueksey also participated in the divi- ’ dend, and stated he was as delighted > over the success as if the horse had run 5 solely in his own interests. A canteen of cutlery, valued at £25. ' was presented to the winning trainer, - F. R. Foster, by Mr. A. M. Samuel, • M.P.. on behalf of the clnb. Foster, a successful horseman, both on the flat ' and over fences, started as a trainer ’ only a few months ago and the first horse ho saddled up was Flying Prince 1 in the Franklin Cup. L. Dnlieu. who rode a fine race on Flying Prince on Friday, later showed t his versatility by riding Royal Reign ‘o victory in the McGuire Steeplechase-. Foster rode Mangu King in this race

and gained third place. Royal Reign is owned bv the veteran trainer, D. Mora ghan. who 'trains her on the beach at Urenni and finishes off her preparation on the racecourse tracks at New Plymouth. W. Rennie, who won the Handicap Hurdles on Arch Eagle, now has the good record of four wins in five jumping events on the country circuit. In view of the large dividends returned the totalizator turnover was remarkably large, amounting to £20.49? ]os. an increase of £4992. or 32 per < ent. compared with the corresponding day last year. If an investor had put £1 on every horse in every race for a win he would have shown a profit of over £7. and a similar investment for a place would have returned a profit of 14s fid