ALWAYS SECOND.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1246, 5 March 1914, Page 11

ALWAYS SECOND.

Many years ago in Victoria there was a solidly built chestnut gelding called Happy Jack. He was a son of Ladykirk, and, according to the Sydney “Stock and Station Journal,”

was a remarkable equine in so far that he seemed to be able to run second in almost any company, but would get no further forward even in a lowclass hack race. First of all he ran at little bush meetings. He usually put in a wonderful run at the finish, and this at once suggested to those who did not know him that if his rider had made an earlier run he would have won easily. It was on an occasion of the kind mentioned that Happy Jack attracted the attention of the late Mr. Robert Howie, an astute judge. This trainer of Derby, Cup and National winners purchased Happy Jack at a price that seemed little more than a quarter of his value; but the best of training and the assistance of a crack horseman failed to lure the son of Ladykirk out of his habit of running second. It seemed that the horse could gallop fast enough, but that when he had outpaced all but one horse he reckoned his mission was fulfilled. Happy Jack was the two ends of a mystery.

There have been lots of horses noted for running into second place. Tupaki, an Auckland horse, was always capable of leading his fields, but invariably found one too good for him at the finish. He could get six furlongs or a mile, but as the winning post was neared he would just manage to let something come and lead him past it. He was sold to go to Australia. A four-furlong race was sorted out for him. His new owner backed him, and he succeeded in making a dead-heat of the event.

His owner had backed him well, and was glad to divide, fearing that he might get back to his old habit of running second. Lots of horses would win races if the winning post could be shifted. Their hearts fail them when the crowd is reached. Others take heart and show their gameness.