THE GISBORNE CUP WINNER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1451, 14 February 1918, Page 9

THE GISBORNE CUP WINNER.

The success of Mr. F. J. Lysnar’s representative, Cleft, in the Gisborne Cup on Thursday last was of a most deserving and popular character. The Multifid gelding, who was bracketed with Mr. Lysnar’s other Cup candidate, Pursefiller, was a strong favourite with the public, and he duly landed the stake by a couple of lengths from Ladogeur after being capably handled throughout the race by H. Watson. Despite the club having, as a result of the war-time restriction of racing, only one day for their summer meeting in lieu of the two days previously associated with the fixture, the Gisborne Cup run last week was valued at 400sovs (375sovs in specie and a

cup (valued at 25sovs), presented by Mr. A. J. Barry). After the race the presentation of the cup was made by the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald. In making the presentation, the Minister referred to racing as the sport of kings, and said that the soldiers in Egypt, France and England went to races whenever possible. Racing, when conducted in the proper manner, was a source of great enjoyment to the people—women as well as men. There were many well-known sports who had strongly supported racing in this district, but none more so than the donor of the cup, Mr. D. J. Barry, and the winner, Mr. F. J. Lysnar. His horse (Cleft) had won the race against strong opposition, and it was safe to say that it was one of the most popular wins that had been made on the course. In replying, Mr. F. J. Lysnar said the moment was one of the proudest in his life. It had been his ambition to win the Gisborne Cup and he had fulfilled it. The credit for so doing rested with his trainer, Mr. H. Hickey, and the jockey, Mr. H. Watson, who had ridden a good race. Cheers were then given for those associated with Cleft’s win.