DUEL AT PUKEKOHE

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 March 1947, Page 3

DUEL AT PUKEKOHE

GOLDEN BEAU LOSES WIN ON PROTEST (Special) Auckland, March 5. One of those occasional two-horse duels in races was witnessed in the two-year-old event at the Franklin meeting, the participants being the warm favourite Golden Beau and Robin Leigh, who was at close to double figures on the win totalisator. Golden Beau came into the straight on the rails, whereas Robin Leigh was several horses out. Halfway up the running the favourite bored out on to Robin Leigh and bumped him. In spite of this incident Robin Leigh forged slightly ahead. Apparently beaten, Golden Beau revealed great courage and fought back all the way, gradually overhauling his opponent as the post drew near- With one last desperate effort, as if he knew where the post was, Golden Beau seemed to throw himself forward and the result was a dead heat —a memorable ending to a great duel. It was unfortunate that there was interference in the straight. It led to a protest lodged on behalf of Robin Leigh and the judical committee upheld the appeal, with the result that Robin Leigh was given the outright win and Golden Beau was placed second. The irony of the thing was that Golden Beau, judged dn his showing after the horses lightly collided, might have won outright. However, with interference not only proved but admitted, the decision made was the only one possible.