 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 1967
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
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| French Pass Wins from Scotleigh(rails) and Mountain Pride |
French Pass gave North Island stables another major success when he won the Dominion Handicap in clear cut style. French Pass was always well placed in the race, which was run on a slushy track. Conditions were so bad that many of the reinsmen were driving "blind" for a good part of the race. French Pass was making his first appearance in a race since he took part in the Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup several weeks ago.
French Pass took over the running after two furlongs but later gave way to Mighty Chief. French Pass raced past Mighty Chief at the straight entrance and was not seriously tested in the run home. The outsider of the field, Scotleigh trotted a grand race for second from 42 yards. He was still at the rear of the field nearing the half mile. Mountain Pride did well to finish third. He had a buckled sulky wheel for the last two furlongs. Mountain Pride finished just ahead of Stylish Major, who was followed by bracketed mate, Le Chant, who met trouble near the three furlongs. She finished fast for fifth. Mighty Chief, who had every chance, was next, followed by Russell, Logan Count and Highland Flight. Break Through, Tronso and Russell broke at the start and Scotleigh drifted.
French Pass gave C S Hunter his second driving success in the race, he having driven Min Scott to win in 1963. Min Scott was trained by C S Hunter's father, J S Hunter, but C S Hunter trains French Pass. A six-year-old bay gelding by Stormyway, French Pass is out of the Gallant Knight mare, Officious, who also produced Highland Host, Captain Bob and Officious Piper. French Pass was bred by the well known stud-master and breeder, Mr J M Connolly, Geraldine.
Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar