AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19011, 31 July 1933, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION

WINS FIRST RACE.

FRISKY MAIDEN INJURED.

HUEU SUBSTITUTED. 1 \ United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. SAN FRANCISCO, July 29. The Australian “wonder horse” Winoolta to-day won his first race in the United States. He defeated Mr Charles Hartwell’s three-year-old gelding Hueu (Hawaiian-bred from the leading sire in the islands) in a special match race over five furlongs for a, stake of £2OOO at Tanforan, California. ' Frisky Matron, a three-year-dTd filly, was originally named to race against Winooka, but she had a bad knee, so Hueu was substituted for her. Winooka carried Bst. 81b; and his American rival 7st. 71b. The Australian horse was ridden by Edgar Britt. Owen Webster rode Hueu. Winooka took the lead a few jumps from the start and after two furlongs was well in hand, with a short lead. At the v bend, however, he was headed by'Hueu. Britt then called on Winooka for extra speed and the Australian horse passed and beat off Hueu inside the furlong post, winning easily. Hueu faltered badly and Winooka won with speed in reserve by a length and ahalf. Time, lm, 2s, or two seconds slower the track record. Fractional times were:—First furlong, 12 4~'ss; quarter-mile, 23 2-ss; three furlongs, 35 1-5; half mile/ 48s. Another account of the race says it. was apparent that Winooka only ran fast enough to win. . . Gratified by the result ’Of the race as they were, Mr J. Matthews and Mr W- A. Donald, owners of Winooka, had little to say ii? the way of comment. Mr Matthews remarked: “He raoed well, .but under our expectations. It was his first race and that may have had something to do with it." • “

Mr Poison said: “Winooka will improve ahd whkn he does I expect him to show America better form —something approaching his winning „ effort in the Doncaster Handicap at Randwick.” ; \ • , • . '

The owners of Winooka and the stable personnel, confident of their charge’s success, wagered. £BOO through the pari-mutuel maohlne.

Wlnooka’s Future.

Messrs Matthews. and MoDonald were non-committal as to their future plans. They are expected to make a decision soon whether to ship their horse to Chicago or to say here for further conditioning of Winooka. Winooka is tentatively scheduled to mm at Seattle on August 23, with the possibility that the New Zealand horses-Pillow Fight and Tea Trader also will run there.

Hueu ran 13 races last year, winning five. On his racing form he has failed to impress enthusiasts and is considered as a selling-plater. ' The racing editor of the San Francisco News says: “Winooka was in Britt’s -* lap from the barrier to the wire. 'Hueu did nothing, more than provide the Australian horse with a work-out.

“Winooka could (have ( won by five lengths. However, final judgment must be held in abeyance until he meets aider horses which possess real class.” 1 ( ‘ , -

The racing editor of the New York Times says: “It is to be hoped that Winooka can go from this good beginning and beat better-olass horses later in the Middle West and East. He has demonstrated by bis victory to-day that he is fit, has become acclimatised and can run on American tracks. With that much known there is no telling how far toward (the top be may go.”.