Ayr, Scotland: Whalebone demonstrated his superior bottom once more in the two-mile finale at the Scottish Grand National Meeting. Wellesley Arabian and Waxy traded the lead early with Whalebone gently stalking at the rear of the pack. He began his move in the final furlong before the mile marker passing Eleanor, Sir Archy and Walton with ease. Whalebone's jockey coaxed him to the outside at a mile and a half finding open air and the lead but slowed his pace once more allowing Walton and Duroc to move ahead by a length. With a furlong to go, Whalebone dug in with plenty of energy remaining and breezed by Duroc catching Walton. The two thundered down the stretch matching strides with Whalebone claiming victory by a head at the finish.
The inaugural Explorers Cup series was a rousing success with all meetings drawing several thousand race fans and the Cup lead hanging in the balance until the final wire. Whalebone finished the season 750 points ahead of runner up Duroc and collected $34,600 in purse money.
Final 1807 Explorers Cup Standings
WHALEBONE TAKES CUP
Futility mark: Squire Fitzgerald, loser of eight straight matches dating back to 1804, secured the dubious distinction of notching his twenty-first loss; a record according to the Royal Explorers Club. Among the low lights for Mr Fitzgerald was handing the lowly Pug Donovan his only victory in the ring. At the advanced age of 37, what little skills the Irishman once commanded are now fading and we may thankfully be rid of the odious gentleman in short order.