RACING SEA SEASON ENDS AND PUNTERS Point to Home Possibilities

Highlander, Volume 1, Issue 12, 13 April 1945, Page 2

RACING SEA SEASON ENDS AND PUNTERS Point to Home Possibilities

(By our Racing Writer)

The racing season has ended, and the final meeting was the most successful of the series conducted by the Tongariro Tracing Club.

A GAIN, crowds flocked to ajL the course at an early hour (straight after manga time) and the wagering facilities were unable 'to cope with the support accorded the racing contestants, with the result that the totalisator was only able to operate on four of the five races, but despite this the record amount of £l 7l was handled. The double tote paid 30 to 1.

Although much of the work in connection with these shipboard race meetings was ably accomplished by a strong committee and aband of enthusiastic stewards, their success could be chiefly attributed to the. organising and administrating ability of Secretary Rex Jones.

The chief event on the final day was the “ Grand National Steeplechase,” which was won by Mr, Gain (by Canteen, out of Lemonade), who has been a very consistent winner. Despite this, though probably on account of the unknown quality of his dam, his success was at odds of 9 to 1, indica-

ting that he was strongly out of favour with the troops. Night Parade (by Sol data, out of Sorts) was. not in good ’chasing mood, but he came very fast to finish second. Jumping Jehosaphat failed to live up to his reputation. Prickly Heat perspired freely and Irritation annoyed his supporters. Springtime showed his freshness by winning the hack race. Gross Figure failed to show winning form, Gay Blonde was off colour, and Resolution (by Mourning, out of Purple Death) had not fully recovered from his last bout.

Rude Awakening was out early and led all the way to win the opening event. That’s All, who carried top weight, was a slow beginner, and a sustained run in the middle stages found him out of breath when challenged by the China-bred Happy Thought (by Ration Store,

out of Rice), who finished second under his lady rider, a well known Canterbury horsewoman. Happy Night raced as if he had had one. Italian Mission went the wrong way, and Inebriation got lost in a fog. ■

The 5 to 1 fancy, Coinin’ Aft. cleared the decks of all challenges in the “Westport Cup.” with Hard Shot second in a very close finish. Breakaway, as was expected, established an early lead, and was unlucky in that his jockey got off for a rest with only a furlong to go. Battledress, whose gentleman rider, Hon Thistlewaite, proved to be an artist, had a close tussle with Neck and Neck (by Locker, out of Moonlight) early but both faded out as a result of considerable overwork. Flat Feet failed to handle the going.

The Bottler showed himself a real corker in winning the open sprint. Lightning struck too late and could only deadheat with Are Sober (by Mac’s rail, out of Stairs), who was suffering from soreness. The judge could find no place for "armers Boy (by Two Pips, out of The Army), Slippery Sam was non-suited when the crowd called, and Imitation (by Chai, out of Galley) gave such a weak display that his retirement would never be missed.