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1959 DOMINION HANDICAP

A good winner last season in Annual Report returned to the winning list in the Dominion Handicap at Addington on Friday with a solid performance.

The race was a fine one from any angle and the winner's time of 4:19 2-5 from 12 yards shows that there was little loitering on the journey. Annual Report is big, long-striding trotter, and he did not appear a possibility till the latter stages, but once trainer-driver A Purdon asked him to do his best he got over the ground in fine style to gradually reduce the gap to Moon Boy, who broke under pressure. Moon Boy was actually second to pass the post but he was later disqualified, Hazel Grattan being promoted to second, Supervise to third and Cabra to fourth.

Dan's Choice, Lenvin and Rodger lost ground at the start and Ordeal broke at the end of two furlongs. Silver Son was then sent clear and he lead at the end of half a mile from Serenelli, Highland Glen, Mighty Brigade, With You, Moon Boy, Hazel Grattan, Supervise, Annual Report and Cabra, with three lengths to Ordeal, Dan's Choice and Recruit. With nine furlongs left to run, Serenelli had worked to the lead, but Moon Boy had taken over at the seven furlongs.

Trotting in his best style, Moon Boy led Supervise by three lengths approaching the straight, and it was obvious at the stage that he was going to be difficult to beat. However, Annual Report loomed up and he was not to be denied. It was unfortunate for Moon Boy that he left his feet as he had trotted a fine race to that stage. The winner deserves full marks and his performance was that of a true stayer. Full credit must also be given to A Purdon for the manner in which he has brought Annual Report back to his best.

Supervise was handy all the way but she was feeling the strain at the home turn. Hazel Grattan raced right up to her earlier efforts this season, and Cabra battled on for fourth. At one stage it looked as though Recruit would take part at the finish, but he had had enough shortly after turning for home. The rest were a tired lot.


Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar