THE ENGLISH DERBY AND OAKS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 957, 9 July 1908, Page 5

THE ENGLISH DERBY AND OAKS.

Further particulars of the English Derby and Oaks show that Perrier did not start favourite for the former ace, that position being filled by the Ameri-can-bred colt. Norman 111., next in order coming' Vamose, Sea Sick 11., and Mountain Apple, while Perrier was at fairly long odds. Of the eighteen runners the only one standing at a longer price than Signorinetta was the French representative Azote, who was at forlorn odds. Mountain Apple and Sir Archibald in turn flattered their supporters, but at the end Signorinetta fairly ran over everything, winning easily by two lengths from Primer, who beat Llangwm a neck, with Mountain Apple fourth, Eaton Lad fifth, Sea Sick 11. sixth, and Royal Realm seventh. The time, 2min 40 sec., was 4sec. faster than when Orby won the previous year, but 3 l-ssec. worse than that recorded by Spearmint in 1906.

After her Derby win one would have looked to Signorinetta to start favourite for the Oaks; but such was not the case, Mr. R. Croker’s Rhodora being sent out at a very short price, while Chevalier Ginistrelli’s filly was at twice the odds. Signorinetta had everything settled a quarter of a mile from home, and could have won by several lengths. However, W. Bullock, who rode her in both races, contented himself by beating Courtesy by three-quarters of a length. Unfortunately the race did not prove a test of the respective merits of Signorinetta and Rhodora, the latter falling as a result of getting on the heels of French Partridge, who also came to grief. Bullock, who rode Signorinetta, went from India to Ireland to ride for Mr. Croker, but after being on Orby in most of his work for last year’s Derby, L. Reiff was substituted when it came to the race. Recently Bullock and his ex-employer were engaged in a lawsuit, the outcome of which was that Mr. Croker had to pay him £l5O.