A SENSATIONAL RACE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1551, 22 January 1920, Page 9

A SENSATIONAL RACE.

THE DERBY CUP IN ENGLAND

The Derby Cup, run in November last, created a bit of a sensation. Sir Abe Bailey’s Alasnam, a three-year-old. with 6.10, won by a head from Lord Zetland’s aged Kroo Boy 11. (7.6), a 20 to 1 chance, with Planet (8.3), full brother to Day Comet (whose foals are well spoken of in the Waikato), three-parts of a length away third. Alasnam was thought unbeatable, though he had been defeated in the Newmarket Handicap and Liverpool Cup previously, and excuses had been offered for him and seemingly legitimate ones, but it was thought that he was beaten on his merits after the fright his backers got in the Derby Cup. He started at six to five, and was regarded as the greatest handicap certainty of the season, even money being taken in some instances. “Robin Goodfellow,” well known to overseas “Daily Mail” readers,” thus refers to the event:

Talk about thrills! We had one in the Derby Cup that, if it could be reproduced with the same live atmosphere, would make the fortune of any film. Nervous punters after the race protested that such an apology for odds should be. accompanied by a guarantee against suspense. Of course, a horse may break his neck, or be “down the course,” or beaten without being disgraced. But if he wins it ought to be decisively, with nothing to bother him in the last furlong, so that his gratified backers may drop their glasses and watch him home in perfect serenity of mind. “I didn’t take six to five as an invitation to apoplexy,” said a man of this temperament. It certainly was a tense moment.

Alasnam went to the post deeply in Sir Abe Bailey’s debt. His victory got back some of the South African magnate’s losses, but a burden of indebtedness must still remain, for no great amount was to be won at the prices without reckless plunging, and of this we had no evidence. The Midshipmite made it a fast-run race. Alasnam came to the first turn hemmed in on the rails, which perhaps was fortunate for him, as it made a swing out impossible. He was always about fourth as they tore along the far side. Planet figured among the second lot. and was plainly being restrained for a dash later. His jockey had instructions to get first run on Alasnam in the pelt for home, and Robbins carried them out all right, though it struck me that he rushed Planet through his field a little impetuously coming round the second and last turn. But he secured that desired first run all right, and incidentally compelled Alasnam to come up on the outside. All this time The Midshipmite was hanging on well, but when tackled by Alasnam half-way down the straight he weakened, and it was the same with Planet, although Mr. Barclay’s natty horse stayed on to earn third prize and save the place money. Alasnam bowled along and appeared to be out of all danger, when the almost miraculous occurred. Kroo Boy 11. came from next to nowhere like a shot from a gun, flashed past Planet and The Midshipmite, and brought the hearts of the plungers on Alasnam into their mouths. It was a remarkable burst of speed, and quite out of keeping with Kroo Boy H.’s reputation as a plodder with only one 'pace, and that nothing to brag about. Where he got it from was a mystery. Anxious eyes were directed on the judge’s box. Alasnam’s friends believed it was all right, and most devoutly hoped so, but many of them suffered violent palpitation before his number went up. And, as remarked above, one stride more would have worked his downfall.