Royal Hunt Cup Result Causes Much Controversy: Chivalry Wins after Ascot Judge Studies Photo for Fifteen Minutes, Daily Racing Form, 1954-06-17

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Royal Hunt Cup Result Causes Much Controversy Chivalry Wins After Ascot Judge Studies Photo for Fifteen Minutes Special to Daily Racing Form ASCOT, Berkshire, Eng., June 16 Reuters. A considerable amount of controversy arose among the thousands of racegoers here today when the photo of the finish of the Royal Hunt Cup, seven furlongs and 155 yards feature event of the second day of the Royal meeting, was displayed after a lengthy delay. Judge Major Petch ruled that Paul Hatvanys five-year-old Chivalry, by Prince Chevalier Annofaustria, ridden by young Dominic Forte and a 33-to-l outsider, had won by a short head from the heavily played top-weight, King of the Tudors, who started at 100 to 8 in the wagering. Jack Reardons Desert Way, second choice at 9 to 1, was placed third two lengths further back in the field of 26 starters. The judges decision wasnt announced until some 15 .minutes after the race had been run. Major Petch said he spent a long time looking at the winners photograph through a magnifying glass before giving his decision. "The delay was caused by the fact that I had to look at two photographs, one to decide the third placing," added Major Petch. Big crowds gathered in the paddock and enclosures, some heatedly arguing about the photograph. The, white blaze on King of the Tudors nose was generally considered to have cost bis connections a deadheat. The blaze on the topweights nose did not show on the actual photograph which is against a white background. On a picture reflected onto a movie camera, King of the Tudors white blaze was quite apparent. The mirrors reflection against the dark background showed the favorites nostril on a line level with Chivalry. Owner Hatvany, who took ,806 as the winners share of the stake, called the result a "desperately near thing." Frank Dennis, owner of King of the Tudors, remarked he was glad he was not the judge. Bookies betting on the result of the photo offered 10 to 1 against Chivalry. These odds were soon snapped up, but 5 to 1 was being offered as the result was given over loud speakers. The Hunt Cup picture controversy overshadowed a unique riding double by twin brothers Dominic and John Forte. John won yesterdays feature race, the Ascot Stakes, on Corydalis while Dominic today was warmly congratulated for his handling of Chivalry. King of the Tudors, with Kenny Gethin astride, looked a certain winner until Forte stormed up on Chivalry to gain the spoils in the last stride. The time for the Cup was 1:42. Robert Sterling Clarks four-year-old Good Brandy, ridden by Doug Smith, made no showing in the Hunt Cup. Only other American-owned runner today was Mrs. Elizabeth Grahams three-year-old filly, Hypera, under topweight of 126 pounds, who finished fifth in the Ribblesdale Stakes of 12 furlongs. Queen Elizabeth, who again drove up the center of the course in a landau drawn by four Windsor grays before the racing began, saw her silks carried by the three-year-old iilly. Angel Bright, in the 12-furlong Coronation Stakes. The Royal colorbearer failed to place behind. John de Wars One Thousand Guineas classic winner Festoon, who at 11 to 8 was the only favorite of the day to succeed. Tomorrows coveted Gold Cup, over 20 furlongs, is Ascots richest prize and will be contested by a field of 11. France has six representatives, England four, and the filly Northern Gleam runs for Ireland. Another highly interesting clash tomorrow will be between Robert Clarks Derby winner, Never Say Die, and the Epsom runner-up, Arabian Night. Clarks Nasrullah colt with Lester Piggott up is conceding his rival eight pounds in the King Edward VIE: Stakes at 12 furlongs. Walter Jeffords Blue Prince will also be among the starters. Never Say Die is expected to start favorite despite his weight concession to Arabian Night.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1950s/drf1954061701/drf1954061701_7_6
Local Identifier: drf1954061701_7_6
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800