Night Off – 1971 Metropolitan Stakes
Nineteen horses went into the stalls for the 1971 running of the Benson & Hedges Metropolitan Handicap. Chichester and Skyline, the latter looking superbly well, were at the top of the boards. Both ran in the first three but a long way in the wake of the twenty-to-one chance Night Off.
Centre Court (46 ½) brought them along clear of Gold Mohur (49 ½), Knockwatch (47), and Fountain Hall (47 ½), with Night Off nicely placed in fifth position. Centre Court dropped back in the straight and Gold Mohur took over with Night Off at his girths. Skyline and Chichester then began to improve, with Applause (51) and Goldwater (52 ½) beginning to move up on the outer while S’now Fun (53) appeared on the inside. One question from Jockey Thompson and Night Off shot away to pulverise the opposition by nearly five lengths, with Skyline a couple of lengths in front o Chichester. Gold Mohur was fourth, Fleet Owner (47) fifth and S’now Fun sixth.
Nobody begrudged this victory to a consistent supporter of Cape racing and to an owner-breeder, who breeds to race his own. Not only did Mr A Dreyer breed Night Off but he bred his dam, Golden Dice, as well. It was a great training triumph for Russell Laird for Night Off has been called the “horse who sees ghosts” for he recently stopped in his tracks approaching the point where he fell in the Derby.
A good run in the Metropolitan Trial Handicap when he only went down by a neck to Prosperous over a distance a long way shorter than he needs indicated his well-being. His sire, Clear Night II by Alycidon, has been a consistent getter of winners, though he has not had the quality of mare that he has proved he deserves. He is yet another successful stallion descended from that great found Sister Sarah.
