 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 1929
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
1929 NEW ZEALAND DERBY
Though recognised as the fastest of his age, few thought Purser capable of lowering all records, for three-year-olds over a mile and a-half in this country.
Early in the autumn as a two-year-old his speed was unfolded in a field of handicap horses at Ashburton, which he beat pointless in 3.31 2/5. After that performance he was hailed as invincible in the N.Z Sapling Stakes, but his good chance of success in that event was spoiled by an exhibition of bad manners. Since then, his trainer, L.O. Thomas, has been most patient in teaching him to go right. Like most colts by Man o' War he was big-hearted and tricky, but , when he gained confidence he would prove a bull-dog racehorse.
In winning the New Zealand Derby Stakes in much faster time than the existing record for twelve furlongs Purser did so with one arm tied to his back as it were. After pottering away from the mark and moving leisurely for half a mile, he joined the tail of the field. There he remained until his driver elected to push him along. In time, Purser will, develop into a Cup candidate.
The favorite, Great Parrish, hailed from Auckland. He is a half-brother to Great Bingen and Peter Bingen, and a nicely-shaped colt he is. He began fast, and trailed Royal Silk for six furlongs, where "Scotty" Bryce with Ngingongingo threatened to box him in, but it was only kid-stakes. As soon as "Scotty" made Great Parrish move up to Royal Silk, and thus cover more ground, Ngingongingo dropped in behind the pair. Ngingongingo then endeavored to overhaul them in the straight, but failed to get nearer than third. Great Parrish was hopelessly beaten a furlong from home after running the mile in 2.15 1/5. His people were very discouraged and maintain that Great Parrish is capable of better things.
In private Ngingongingo went twelve furlongs in 3.20, so in negotiating 3.22 3/5 in a race he showed that he was a consistent colt.Royal Silk, which finished second, promises to stay later on. The three place- fillers should have plenty up their sleeves in handicap races. That brings us to the fact that as no time is stipulated in Derby conditions regarding limit of Derby races, on what basis are the times registered to be computed from?
Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 21 Nov 1929