 | LOCAL HISTORY |
October - First car imported to the South Island by Nicholas Oates.
October 5 - First Boer War contingent leaves Lyttelton. A total of 6495 served, of which 228 were killed.
NZ is the first country to give the elderly the pension
Credit: Ch-Ch City Libraries
 | RACING HISTORY |
NZ TROTTING ASSOCIATION
The NZ Trotting Association was formed. Comprised of 9 members elected from affiliated Clubs from associations in the North & South Islands.
| RACING HISTORY THE BEGINNINGS |
1899 PLUMPTON SPRING MEETING
There was a very fair attendance on the first day of the Plumpton Park Trotting Club's Spring meeting to-day. Fine weather was experienced, though a strong breeze, which raised clouds of dust, somewhat marred the pleasure of witnessing a capital afternoon's sport. The course was in good order, considering the lengthened spell of dry weather recently experienced.
Monte Carlo added two meritorious victories to his already long list, the old favourite's performance being particularly well received.
The totalisator investments amounted to £2023, as against £3359 for the corresponding day last year.
Following are the results:-
MAIDEN HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 35 sovs; second horse 6 sovs from the stake. -
Mr F Salt's gr g George L by Victor, 5yrs, 7sec (M Edwards) 1.
Mr J W Walsh's ch g Deception, 6yrs, 10sec (Hamill)2.
Mr W Fleming's gr g Kakapo, aged, 14sec (G Murfitt) 3.
Pride of Kilkenny scr, Lady Tracy 6sec, Flowerwood 7sec, Millington 7sec and Furlong 14sec also started.
George L won easily, by about fifty yards, Kakapo twenty-five yards away third.
Time 3min 33 1/2sec. Dividend £1 18s.
PONY HANDICAP (in harness) of 30 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr J Farrar's gr m Ken-I-No, by Rothschild, 5yrs, 25sec, (Owner) 1.
Mr C Davidson's blk g Skipper, aged, 27sec, (Owner) 2.
Mr C W Hammond's cr m Gladys II, aged, 10sec, (Owner) 3.
Agnes 12sec, Kenny 18sec Botany 27sec Little Magpie 27sec, Florence 27sec and Hamlet 30sec also started.
Ken-I-No was in front for the last mile and a half, and won easily by forty yards. Skipper ten yards in front of Gladys II.
Time 6min 0 1/2sec. Dividend £8.
SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 80 sovs; second horse 10 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr Holmes's Vasco, 18sec, 1; Revoir, 24sec, 2; Shylock, 8sec, 3. Three others started. Time 5min 14sec. Dividend £2 16s.
PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP (in harness) of 50 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr J Farrar's ch m Irene, by Rothschild, 4yrs, 30sec (Owner) 1.
Mr T Dixon's b g The Workman, 5yrs, 27sec, (R Day) 2.
Mr R Gibbs's b m Rimu, 4yrs, 10sec (M Edwards) 3.
Dora 13sec, Nantes 17sec, Imogene 21sec, General Standish 24sec, Fleetwood 25sec, Wairuna 27sec, Miss Childe 27sec, Sue Dudley 30sec and Ayrshire Lad 36sec also started.
Irene was in command almost the entire distance and won comfortably by three lengths, eight lengths between second and third.
Time 5min 39sec. Dividend £61 6s.
SELLING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 35 sovs. Two miles.
Mr W Fleming's gr g Kakapo, aged, 18sec (G Murfitt) 1.
Mr W J Rae's ch g Beppo, 6yrs, scr (Lukey, jun) 2.
Mr J Farrar's gr m Ken-I-No, 5yrs, (1sec pen)7sec (Owner) 3.
The Fly 5sec, Furlong 18sec, Wairarapa 20sec and Aggie 20sec also started.
Kakapo got to the front at the end of the first half-mile, and never subsequently being threatened won pulling up by forty yards.
Time 5min 53sec. Dividend £1 12s.
The winner was purchased by Mr Falloon for £14.
PLUMPTON HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 80 sovs; second horse 10 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr T Yarr's br g Monte Carlo, by Lincoln Yet, aged, 3sec, (B Edwards) 1.
Mr W J Rae's b g Sam Slick, aged, 13sec (Owner) 2.
Messrs W & C Kerr's br h Wildwood, aged, scr (C Kerr) 3=.
Mr J Gaskin's b h Elflock, 5yrs, 23sec (M Edwards) 3=.
Hassan 17sec, Fleigher 17sec and Honest Jack also started.
Honest Jack was well in advance of Fleigher, Elflock and Sam Slick, who were running in the order named passing the half-mile post. Just before entering the straight the leader appeared to falter, and with a mile completed Fleigher had pulled to the front, with Honest Jack next, after whom came Sam Slick, with Monte Carlo gradually closing on the leaders, Elflock just in front of Wildwood. With half a mile to travel Sam Slick was alongside Fleigher, with Monte Carlo close up. The last-named was in the lead three furlongs from the post, and though the breaking Sam Slick momentarily headed him, Monte Carlo came away and won somewhat easily by eight lengths; Wildwood and Elflock running a dead heat for third place.
Time 4min 56sec. Dividend £20 18s.
ELECTRIC HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 45 sovs; second horse 7 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr T Yarr's br g Monte Carlo, by Lincoln Yet, aged, scr (B Edwards) 1.
Mr F C Jaggar's b g Boswell, 6yrs, 20sec (T Frost) 2.
Mr M Edwards's ns gr m Kalmea, 6yrs, 18sec (M Edwards) 3.
Shylock 8sec, Miss Annie 11sec and Budd Doble 19sec also started.
Boswell and Kalmea alternately led for the first half-mile, but at the entrance to the straight the former was in command, with Monte Carlo coming up very fast. Half-way up the straight the last-named had collared the leaders, and going on won easily by five lengths, Boswell just in front of Kalmea.
Time 2min 24sec. Dividend £6 4s.
DASH HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 45 sovs; second horse 7 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr V Harris's b h Young Burlington, by Burlington B, aged, 1sec (J Milne) 1.
Mr M Edwards's ns b g Val, aged, scr (M Edwards) 2.
Valhad caught Young Burlington at the first bend, the latter breaking and losing eight to ten lengths. Passing the half-mile post Val held a commanding lead, and entering the straight it looked as though he could scarcely lose, but his opponent caught him a hundred yards from home and won by five lengths.
Time 2min 31 1/2sec. Dividend £3 2s.
Credit: Star 2&3 Nov, Otago Daily Times 3 Nov 1899
| RACING HISTORY THE BEGINNINGS |
1899 CANTERBURY TROTTING CLUB SPRING MEETING.
The Spring meeting of the Canterbury Trotting Club commenced today (Wednesday, 16 August). Results:
INNOVATION HANDICAP (saddle) of 50 sovs. Two miles. - Lalla Rookh, 19sec, 1; Jean Valjean, 19sec, 2; Simon R, 17sec, 3. There were 13 other starters. Won by four lengths. Time 5min 51 2/5sec. Dividend £6 16s.
PONY HANDICAP TROT (harness) of 40 sovs. One mile and a half. - Agnes, 24sec, 1; Amelia, 3sec, 2; Farewell, 24sec, 3. Ten others started. Won very easily. Time 4min 41sec. Dividend £7 18s. A protest against Agnes on the ground of having been trained by an unlicensed person was dismissed, but the owner of Amelia gave notice to appeal to the Trotting Association.
HIGH-CLASS HANDICAP (harness) of 120 sovs. Two miles. - Vickery, 1sec, 1; Cling, 5sec, 2; The Baron, 10sec, 3. Three others started. A fine race; won by three lengths. Time 5min 16sec. Dividend £2 14s.
INTERMEDIATE HANDICAP (saddle) of 75 sovs. Two miles. - Lexington, 2sec, 1; Rarus, scr, 2; Miss Brownwood, 5sec, 3. Nine others started. Won easily. Time 5min 33sec. Dividend £3 8s.
PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP (harness) of 70 sovs. Two miles. - Toronto, 26sec, 1; Hazeldean, 5sec, 2; Johnnie II, scr and Wandering Willie 2sec, 3. Five others started. Thelma won the race, but the stewards awarded the stakes to Toronto, upholding a protest against Thelma of blocking Toronto on the back of the course. The owner of Thelma gave notice to appeal to the Trotting Association. The stakes and dividend were withheld pending a decision. Time 5min 39sec. Dividend £15 16s. Thelma's dividend would have been £2 4s.
SPRING HANDICAP (harness) of 100 sovs. Two miles. - Almont, 4sec, 1; Collector, 2sec, 2; Elfock, 10sec, 3. Five others started. Time 5min 24 1/5sec. Dividend £2 2s.
ELECTRIC HANDICAP (saddle) of 75 sovs. One mile. - The Member, 11sec, 1; Wilkin, 7sec, 2; Cling, 2sec, 3. Thirteen others started. Won very easily. Time 2min 40sec. Dividend £2 12s.
DASH HANDICAP (saddle) of 75 sovs. One mile. - Val, 4sec, 1; Moana, 6sec, 2; Carolina, 10 sec, 3. Four others started. Time 2min 47 1/5sec. Dividend £1 8s.
Credit: Otago Daily Times 17 Aug 1899
| RACING HISTORY ESTABLISHMENT OF NZMTC |
NZMTC ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDINGTON FACILITIES
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, the name by which the old Lancaster Park Amateur Club will in future be known, has now made definite arrangements for the laying out of the ground on the Lincoln Road, and has instructed Mr Fred J Barlow A R V I A, to go on with the work, in accordance with the plans submitted by him.
The club has now secured thirty-seven acres of ground. The ornamental entrance-gates will be approached by a chain road from Lincoln Road. Passing through the turnstiles, visitors will approach the grand stand and track by an elliptical carriage drive, planted on each side with ornamental trees.
It has been decided to lay down a five-furlong track, with banked-up corners and easy grades. The straight will be about fifteen chains, whilst the back stretch will be slightly shorter, and every care will be exercised in its construction and drainage. The grand stand will be so placed as to command a capital view of the whole track, and its occupants will be enabled to look almost down the straight, an advantage that will be appreciated by visitors. The structure is estimated to comfortably seat 1700 persons, and will be approached from the lawn by eight stairways, a railed-off stewards' stand occupying its centre. Underneath provision has been made for refreshment and luncheon rooms, communication being obtainable thereto from both inside and outside.
In addition to these, there will be a weighing room 22ft by 10ft, store-room 8ft by 9ft, jockeys' room (provided with numerous lockers) 22ft by 10ft, press-room 14ft by 10ft, secretary's room and stewards' room 22ft by 20ft, stewards' luncheon room, 40ft by 22ft, a kitchen 23ft by 10ft (fitted with large range), with serving slide to both luncheon rooms, a public luncheon room to accommodate 230 persons, lavatories, etc.
The lawn is one chain in width in its narrowest part, thus giving plenty of room for visitors to move about, and the necessary stalls will be erected in the saddling paddock, which will be fenced off from any other part of the ground. The totalisator house will be conveniently constructed to suit inside and outside patrons. The whole ground, which will be tastefully laid out wherever possible with flowers and shrubs, will be enclosed with a high corrogated iron fence, and, when completed, the members of the club hope to possess a track and appointments which will be second to none.
Credit: Star 10 July 1899
| RACING HISTORY ESTABLISHMENT OF NZMTC |
PROPOSED TROTTING AMALGAMATION (By Director in "Canterbury Times.")
The question of the amalgamation of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club and the Canterbury Trotting Club has been very fully discussed during the past few weeks, both at meetings of the respective bodies and at the street corners, wherever trotting men congregate. But the possibilities of a coalition seem as far off as ever. Why this should be so it is not easy to determine, as to the ordinary mind the position seems to point most conclusively to the great advantages to the trotting world such an amalgamation would be likely to produce, and I have not heard one really strong argument against the proposal. As I have previously written, there appears to be no reason why there should be two trottings clubs in Christchurch, any more than there is a necessity for the existence of another flat racing club competing with the Canterbury Jockey Club.
The programmes issued by both clubs bear a strong similarity, and seeing that many prominent men are members of both, there is not even the excuse that there is a healthy rivalry between the two, and I cannot see why they should not amalgamate entirely, and, by joining funds, establish a strong club.
At present, five permits are granted to the two, three to the Canterbury Club and two to Lancaster Park. There is, of course, a justifiable fear that if the clubs amalgamated the same number would not be issued; but, while I have no desire to advocate the curtailment of the total number of days' trotting in the year, I should say that this possibility might be avoided by making one or two of the gatherings extend over three days. There is nothing to prevent a club doing this, and owners and the public would be provided with quite as much sport as would be needed, and with the help of the smaller outside clubs, such as New Brighton and Plumpton, a capital years' trotting could be enjoyed, especially if the former club were granted another permit, as suggested by the Colonial Secretary at the Trotting Conference last year.
There is evidently a strong feeling against amalgamation, much of which, I am afraid, has been formented by the strange and somewhat unreasonable fear that appears to exist that a few persons may possibly be deprived of a little of the authority which they at present enjoy. I feel sure that sooner or later it will be necessary for the two clubs to amalgamate. The Colonial Secretary has expressed himself somewhat strongly on this point, and last year, when addressing the Trotting Conference in Wellington, he said:- "There was one element it was necessary to get rid of to ensure success, and that was the disastrous element generated through local jealousies and prejudices. They would find within a small radius two or three clubs which wished to enjoy totalisator privileges, and which paid no heed to suggestions for amalgamation in the interests of true sport."
No hint could be broader than this, and now that the two clubs have a capital opportunity, would it not be infinitely preferable to willingly follow the advice now, rather than have the position forced upon them by-and-bye. I am not aware that there exists much prejudice or jealousy between the two clubs, although it would seem that something of the kind is considerably adding to the many imaginary difficulties supposed to stand in the way of amalgamation.
But, even supposing it is considered inadvisable to amalgamate, no valid reason has been advanced why the Canterbury Trotting Club should not used the new ground. There is no arguement in the plea that other clubs will grumble if five permits are granted to two clubs using one ground, any more than there would be in saying the Christchurch Racing Club should not be allowed to use the New Brighton Track. It is understood that the authorities have intimated that there will be no difficulty in this direction, and it would appear that many members use the idea merely to frighten owners into the belief that trotting meetings may be curtailed.
The ground recently acquired by the Lancaster Park Club, on Lincoln Road, is eminently suitable for the purpose for which it was obtained. But while admitting this the opponents of amalgamation, searching for any excuse to prevent this most desirable change, have expressed the opinion that the lease has been badly drawn up, and that its clauses are entirely in favour of the lessors. Probably no private individual would be inclined to accept such a lease.
A trotting club, however, though it has every right to guard and protect the interests of the public and owners, is scarcely in the same position. The lease provides that at the end of twenty-one years the lessors shall have the sole right of deciding what compensation shall be paid to the Trotting Club, but whilst this is undoubtedly faulty, the owners could scarcely avoid paying a fair amount, and would not be likely to incur the odium of the sporting public by suggesting an unfair valuation.
At the end of twenty-one years the land will be subject to release, as the ground cannot be sold, and although the annual renting value will probably have considerably increased, the trotting club will be at liberty to again bid for the property, and from their position will, in all likelihood, be able to overshadow any private buyer. If the owners should insist in putting an excessive upset price on the property, the club can go elsewhere. Four pounds an acre for twenty-one years, no matter what may happen when the lease expires, is the main feature of the whole question, and the arguments for and against should be centred on this point.
Any way, it is a pure fallacy to argue as to what may happen twenty-one years hence. Very few of the present members will care much about trotting then, and posterity can fairly be allowed to look after itself. Why, trotting and racing of every description may be a thing of the past, so far as the totalisator is concerned, long before the expiration of the term, and a thousand and one things may occur in the meantime which would render futile the attempt at present-day legislation.
The money now in the possession of the Canterbury Trotting Club does not belong to posterity, and though it is impossible to advance in any direction without materially assisting posterity, there is no valid reason why future trotting enthusiasts should be legislated for now, or why the money contributed by the public should not be spent on the public now. Some two or three years ago people began to wonder what the trotting clubs intended to do with their large credit balances, and we were told that the money was to be expended in a new ground and in other ways to benefit the public and owners.
Several meetings of the two clubs were held, and the advisableness of purchasing or leasing a piece of land was discussed at great length, and several sites were spoken of and visited, but nothing was done. However, the Lancaster Park Trotting Club, recognising, I take it, that the opportunity so long looked for had arrived, determined to secure the requiste ground, and it is now in possession. It matters nothing to the point at issue that the Canterbury Trotting Club was not consulted in the matter. Even if it had been, judging by its present attitude, nothing would probably have been done, simply because every previous attempt had failed. Surely it would be better to join hands and by using the capital of both, establish a trotting ground second to none, rather than allow one club to bear the whole of the expense.
What does the Canterbury Trotting Club intend to do with the money in hand? Of course, it can be given away in stakes, but this would not be fair to the public. Owners are well catered for now, and there is no reason why stakes should be increased in value. At the present time both clubs are issuing programmes with richly-endowed stakes, and considering that many of the events are worth £100 or over, surely owners cannot desire more. They have received their full share of the public money, and will continue to do so, and it is high time something was done for the people who find the money.
Owners are apt to run away with the idea that they provide the bulk of the stakes; but in this they are mistaken; indeed the position is not open to argument. For the next meeting of the Canterbury Trotting Club, no less than £1200 will be given in stakes. Will it be argued that the owners provide this? The Lancaster Park programmes are equally liberal, and in no part of the world or in connection with any branch of sport, are owners so well looked after as they are here. Even some of the best of our racing clubs do not offer such valuable stakes. The public should also be considered.
The Colonial Secretary, speaking at the last Trotting Secretary, urged "improvement in the class of sport, and instanced the good effect the performances of horses like Fritz had upon the public. Stakes should be increased, and as much as possible spent in improving the tracks and parks of the clubs, as it was only by such attention that the public could be induced to support the sport. He did not consider it desirable that clubs should keep large balances in hand."
The Canterbury Trotting Club has succeeded in improving the class of sport, and also persuaded Mr Buckland to bring Fritz here, and no fault whatever can be found with the stakes offered. The club has not been in a position to improve its tracks and parks; but its members should take to heart the Minister's remarks, and they would also do well to remember that the Colonial Secretary does not consider it advisable to keep large balances in hand. The club has no power to beautify the show grounds, but if it were to join the Park club the surroundings of the new club might, in a few years, be fully equal to those at Riccarton. The proposed new stand will be quite as good as the old one, and while there is now scarcely any room in front of the show ground stand, the new plans provide that a fine lawn shall be laid down.
The whole of the proposed new offices are far and away superior, and the stall accommodation will be ample for all requirements. The totalisator arrangements are sure to be much better than the methods at present in vogue, and ladies will be able to get to the grand stand with out being obliged to push their way through a crowd, as they are forced to do now.
But an argument which should appeal more strongly to every member is the fact that it is intended to lay down an up-to-date course and training tracks, a boon long sought after by owners and trainers. The Agricultural and Pastoral Association have done little indeed to foster the sport here and although the Canterbury Club is now in a better position to contribute towards the upkeep of the track than it was in the past, the approval of the Association, it is feasible to assume, would not have been apparent did not the Association feel that it might lose the revenue derived from the Trotting Club. The Association is prepared to allow the club to make improvements and pay for them, and the annual rent demanded, is now much less than it used to be; but why?
Scarcely an effort has been made by the Association to promote the sport, while the Lancaster Park Club has done everything it possibly could with that end in view. Why, it is not so long ago that some difficulty was experienced by the club in obtaining a few loads of covering to put on the track, although the club has paid sufficient rent to place it outside the pale of obligation to the Association. There is no valid argument why the club should pay rent, whilst by the use of their capital the money can be put to better use by permanently improving the new ground.
There is no reason to assume that the Colonial Secretary has changed his ideas since he addressed the Trotting Conference, and it behoves the members of the Canterbury Club to remember what he said. The club has grown from a very small beginning to a powerful institution, and those men who came forward in the early days and guaranteed the stakes, deserve every credit for their sportsmanlike behaviour, and I trust that when the question next comes up for discussion the same spirit will again be apparent, and by joining Lancaster Park, show the Colonial Secretary, the public and owners that they intend to sink all petty jealousies and prejudices, and work hand in hand for one common end.
There can be no question of the wisdom of spending their funds on what will really be their own property, and the enterprise of the Lancaster Park Club is sure to be recognised and commended by the Colonial Secretary. The importance of the subject, and an earnest desire to see the sport progress must be my excuse for dealing with the subject at such length, and I trust that what I have said will be accepted in the spirit in which it is written.
Credit: Star 17 June 1899
| RACING HISTORY INAUGURAL MEETING |
1899 NZMTC SPRING MEETING
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring meeting commenced today on their new ground on Lincoln Road. The weather was rather cold, but there was a fair attendance. The downpour of the previous day had benefitted the track, which, all things considered, was in capital order. Some extraordinarily fast times were registered, Vickery doing two miles in 4min 50sec. The totalisator investments for the day were £3369. The following are the results :-
TRIAL HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 40 sovs; second horse 8 sovs and third horse 4 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr F McClafferty's gr h General Standish, by General Tracy 6yrs, 12sec, (T Cotton) 1.
Mr F Salt's blk m Jewel, 6yrs, 7sec (Fraser) 2.
Mr F Williams's b g Jefferson, 6yrs, 16sec (N Price) 3.
Annie Rooney scr, Lassie 10sec, Index 14sec and Prince II 14sec also started.
General Standish went to the front before the second lap had been completed, and going on won by about 200 yards, Jewel about 30yds in front of Jefferson. Lassie was the only other one to finish.
Time 5min 23sec. Dividend £2 1s.
A protest against the winner for inconsistent running was dismissed.
PONY HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 30 sovs; second pony 6 sovs and third 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr W Hayward's br m Little Magpie, by Nimrod, aged, 17sec, (F Jones) 1;
Mr C Davidson's blk g Skipper, aged, 17sec, (Owner) 2.
Mr J Farrer's gr m Ken-I-No, 5yrs, 15sec, (Owner) 3.
Gladys II scr, Agnes 2sec, Eclipse 15sec, Cordelia 16sec also started.
Skipper led for two laps, but at the beginning of the last round he was displaced by Little Magpie, who went on and won by thirty yards, twenty yards seperating Skipper and Ken-I-No.
Time 5min 49sec. Dividend £22 5s.
SPRING HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second horse 20 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr F Holmes's br g Vasco, aged, 7sec, (Owner) 1.
Mr J Pettie's ch m Moana, aged, 11sec (B Edwards) 2.
Mr G Keat's ch h Bellman, aged, 10sec, (L Robertson) 3. Shylock 5sec, Miss Annie 13sec also started.
Moana, closely followed by Vasco, took command during the first two laps. In the last round Shylock overtook Vasco, but on closing with Moana, broke and lost his chance. Rounding the turn for home, Vasco overhauled Moana, and after an exciting struggle won by three-quarters of a length, Bellman 30yds away third, and Shylock fourth.
Time 5min 2sec. Dividend £5 16s.
ADVANCE HANDICAP (harness) of 50 sovs. Two miles. - Mr Gibbs's Rimu, 12sec 1; Hazeldean, 7sec, 2; Protest, 12sec 3. Four others started. Time 5min 29sec. Dividend £3 6s.
PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP (harness) of 100 sovs. Two miles. - Mr Smithers's Vickery, scr, 1; Young Burlington, 5sec, 2; Monte Carlo, scr, 3. Two others started. A great struggle to the post ended in a victory for Vickery by a bare length. Time 4min 50sec. Dividend £5 7s.
PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP (harness) of 75 sovs. Two miles. - Mr Smith's Wandering Willie, 9sec 1; Sam Slick, 2sec, 2; Sing Sing, 9sec, 3. Time 5min 6sec. Dividend £2 1s.
ELECTRIC HANDICAP (saddle) of 55 sovs. One mile. - Mr Holmes's Vasco (5sec penalty) 4sec, 1; Shylock, 9sec, 2. Time 2min 50sec. Dividend £1 19s. As only two started the stake was reduced to one-half.
DASH HANDICAP (saddle) of 55 sovs. One mile. - Mr Robertson's Violetta jun, 9sec, 1; Amelia, 14sec, 2; The Baron, 9sec, 3. A fine race; won by a length. Time 2min 30sec. Dividend £3 15s.
Credit: Star: 6 Nov & Otago Daily Times: 7 Nov 1899
| RACING HISTORY INAUGURAL MEETING |
NEW ZEALAND METROPOLITAN TROTTING CLUB SPRING MEETING SECOND DAY
Handicapper, Mr H Brinkman; Starter Mr C O'Connor.
The executive of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club has every reason to congratulate itself on the capital attendance on the second day of the club's spring meeting yesterday. The Premier was amongst the visitors.
Since the first day of the meeting the track has been considerably improved, the generally expressed opinion being that it is the best in the colony. The weather was fine, and better sport has seldom been witnessed anywhere, and the officials fully deserve the recognition given by the public.
The totalisator investments amounted to £7326 (a record for a trotting meeting), making a total of £10,695 for the two days, as against £12,955 for the corresponding meeting of the club on the old ground last year. The following are details of the racing:-
INNOVATION HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 50 sovs; second horse 10 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr F Williams's b m Diagram, by Specification, 5yrs, 20sec (N Price) 1.
Mr F Mulholland's b g Fleetwood, 3yrs, 18sec (Owner) 2.
Mr P Howard's br g Protest, 5yrs, scr (McMillan) 3.
Miss Chile 10sec, Wairuna 11sec, Royalwood 14sec, Lassie 15sec and Eladaret 19sec also started.
Diagram was in command throughout, and though several times threatened by the breaking Fleetwood, she won by about three lengths, half a length separating second and third.
Time 5min 44sec. Dividend - £3 1s
SPREYDON HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 75 sovs; second horse 15 sovs and third horse 7 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr J Vallance's b g Big Jim by Kentucky, 5yrs, 11sec (McMillan) 1.
Mr J Buggy's gr m Dora, 5yrs, 11sec (J Milne) 2.
Mr R Gibbs's b m Rimu, 4yrs, 2sec (M Edwards) 3.
Hollis H scr, and Rickety 10sec also started.
Dora, followed by Big Jim, drew out from the field, and when a mile had been covered this pair were well in advance of Hollis H and Rimu, Rickety tailing off last. Big Jim headed Dora early on the last round and running on won easily by forty yards, Rimu more than that distance away third. Hollis H and Rickety were pulled up.
Time 5min 30sec. Dividend - £3 1s.
PRINCE OF WALES'S HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 120 sovs; second horse 24 sovs and third horse 12 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr W Wotton's br g Fleigher, by Berlin, aged, 21sec (I Price) 1.
Mr J Wheelan's b g Hassan, aged, 20sec (Cotton) 2.
Mr C Kerr's ch m Florrie, 6yrs, 9sec (Owner) 3.
Monte Carlo scr, Vasco 6sec, Shylock 9sec, The Joker 9sec, Lady May 15sec and Bellman 16sec also started.
Fleigher was attended by Hassan passing the stand, the remainder of the field following in their handicap order, except that The Joker had passed Shylock. With a mile covered Fleigher was still in command from Hassan and then came The Joker, Vasco, and Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo, The Joker and Vasco were trotting together some lengths behind Hassan, who broke when turning out of the straight for the last time, leaving Fleigher with a substantial lead. Approaching the home turn Florrie came very fast, but despite the efforts of the back division Fleigher won by four lengths from Hassan, with Florrie two lengths away third. Then came The Joker, Monte Carlo and Vasco in the order named. Bellman, Shylock and Lady May were never prominent.
Time 5min 12sec. Dividend - £27 16s.
A protest against the winner for inconsistency as compared with his performances at the Plumpton Park meeting was dismissed and the deposit money forfeited.
LINCON HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 45 sovs; second horse 9 sovs and third horse 4 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr C W Hammond's ch g Wairuna, by General Tracy, aged 23sec (Owner) 1.
Mr T Dixon's b g The Workman, 5yrs, 19sec (R Day) 2.
Mr J Douglas's b m Imogene, aged, 25sec (Owner) 3.
General Standish scr, Uncle Tom 8sec, Burlton 13sec and Arahura 20sec also started.
Imogene and Wairuna got well away, Arahura and The Workman soon joining these two, but Burlton refused to settle down. Entering the second round Wairuna was well ahead of The Workman, and won comfortably by fifty yards, Imogene a poor third.
Time 5min 28 1/2sec Dividend - £24 15s.
A protest against the winner, on the ground of inconsistent running in the first race of the day, was not sustained.
NOVEMBER HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 120 sovs; second horse 24 sovs and third horse 12 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr J McFarlane's br g J H, aged, 20sec (R Day) 1.
Mr V Harris's b h The Baron, 5yrs, 17sec (J Milne) 2.
Mr L Robertson's b m Motuiti, aged, 9sec (Owner) 3.
Vickery scr, Burlington (coupled with The Baron) 6sec, Sam Slick 8sec, Cling 10sec and Collector 17sec also started.
J H was four lengths in front of Motuiti at the end of a mile, The Baron, who had passed Collector in the first three furlongs, being well in front of Sam Slick, who was closely pressed by Young Burlington and Vickery. With one lap to travel J H was striding along comfortably in front of the breaking Motuiti, The Baron coming next, with Vickery and Cling close up. J H had no difficulty in securing the stake, defeating The Baron by five lengths, the same between second and third. Vickery was fourth.
Time 5min 2 2/5sec Dividend - £6 16s.
HALSWELL HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 75 sovs; second horse 15 sovs and third horse 7 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr E Gallagher's b g Pilot, aged, 27sec (Owner) 1.
Mr M Edwards's ns gr m Kalmea, 6yrs, 17sec (M Edwards) 2.
Mr J Whelan's b g Hassan, aged, 11sec (Cotton) 3.
Shylock scr, Budd Doble 23sec and Bonnie McGregor also started.
Pilot held his lead for a mile, when he broke badly, and allowed Bonnie McGregor to close upon him, but the former at once drew away again, and won in hollow fashion by one hundred and fifty yards from Kalmea, with Hassan thirty yards further away third.
Time 5min 20sec Dividend - £9 9s
TELEGRAPH HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 55 sovs; second horse 11 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr J Cooper's blk g Utah, by Kentucky, aged, 8sec (M Edwards) 1.
Mr L Robertson's b m Violetta Junr, aged, 6sec (Owner) 2.
Mr W McFarlane's b g J H, aged (6sec pen) 5sec (R Day) 3.
Judah 3sec, The Baron 11sec, and Fleiger (3sec pen) 10sec also started.
Utah drew to the front in the first furlong, and easily shaking off Violetta Junr, who was the only competitor to get near the leader, won easily by three lengths, Violetta being a similar distance in front of J H.
Time 2min 29 2/5sec. Dividend - £1 17s.
FINAL HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 55 sovs; second horse 11 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr V Samuel's b g The Member, by Electioneer, 5yrs, 10sec (B Edwards) 1.
Mr C W Hammond's b g Simon R, aged, 17 sec (Owner) 2.
Mr J Pettie's ch m Moana, aged, 10sec (L Robertson) 3.
Young Burlington 3sec, Eulalie 4sec, The Joker 7sec, Lady May 11sec, Hassan 13sec and Heather Dew 16sec also started.
The Member quickly obtained command, and, without being approached, won easily by six lengths, Moana two lengths away third.
Time 2min 30 1/5sec. Dividend - £1 15s.
Credit: Star 11 Nov 1899
| RACING HISTORY ADDINGTON TROTTING GROUNDS |
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club conducted its inaugural meeting at the Addington Racecourse, now known as Addington Raceway, on Monday 6th November, 1899.
On Tuesday 22nd June of that year a resolution by the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club that the name of the newly formed Club be changed from the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club to the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club to mark the beginning of a new era in Trotting.
Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker
| RACING HISTORY CANTERBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB |
C S HOWELL
"Founder" of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club. If any one man deserves credit for the foundation of the Canterbury Park Club then it must be one Charles Selby Howell. It was Mr Howell who led the enthusiastic band of supporters who rescued the Plumpton Park Club from certain obscurity in 1889, the club having gone into recess after the scandal of the July meeting in 1888.
Mr Howell was listed as the club's treasurer, secretary and chairman in the early days, serving a two-year period as president (1899-1901) and returning to that position for 11 years from 1909-1920.
Born in 1836 in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Mr Howell was educated at the Red Coat Parish School, of which his father was schoolmaster and parish clerk for more than 50 years. Mr Howell was brought up as a saddler, following his trade in Bristol, Bath, Penzance, Birmingham, Oxford, London and several towns in South Wales.
He left England for New Zealand in 1859 and arrived in the 'Roman Emperor' at Lyttelton a year later. Nine months later Mr Howell moved on to Sydney and worked there for three years before returning to Christchurch where he worked as foreman for Mr C Angus until 1864 when he began a partnership with Mr William White.
This partnership lasted for only 18 months when Mr Howell opened a shop in Tattersalls , which he carried on as a successful business until 1895 when he sold out to his two eldest sons. Mr Howell was a staunch supporter of racing and trotting from his early days, influenced to some extent, no doubt, by his business interests as a saddler.
He died on May 1921, aged 85.
Credit: Centennial History Canterbury Park TC
| RACING HISTORY CANTERBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB |
1899 PLUMPTON SPRING MEETING: Wed 8 November
The Plumpton Park Trotting Club's Spring meeting was concluded today. There was a very large attendance, but wind and dust made matters very unpleasant. The totalisator investments for the day amounted to £5167, and for the meeting to £7192. Following are the results:-
MAIDEN HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 45 sovs; second horse 7 sovs. One mile.
Mr H T Morrison's gr m Sue Dudley, by Boston, 6yrs, 7sec (Owner) 1.
Mr J Milne's blk h Principal, 4yrs, 4sec (Owner) 2.
Mr F Mulholland's b g Fleetwood, 3yrs, 5sec (Owner) 3.
The Workman scr, Wairuna 2sec, Jefferson 7sec and Kilroth 8sec also started.
Sue Dudley immediately took command, and though threatened at different points by Fleetwood and Principal, won comfortably by forty yards.
Time 3min. Dividend £3 18s.
HORNBY HANDICAP (saddle) of 90 sovs. Two miles. - Mr Pettie's Moana, by Era, 15sec, 1; Bellman, 13sec, 2; Vascoe, scr, 3. Three others started. Won easily. Time 5min 15sec. Dividend £1 16s.
PONY HANDICAP (saddle) of 30 sovs. Two miles. - Mr Wyatt's Florence, by Rothschild, 23sec, 1; Little Harold, 18sec, 2; Wendock, 10sec, 3. Eleven others started. Won by 15 yards. Time 5min 45sec. Dividend £4 18s.
HANDICAP SELLING TROT (harness) of 35 sovs. Two miles. - Mr Beatty's Lady Elector, by Electioneer, 23sec, 1; Milroy, 25sec, 2; Rotheram, scr, 3. Seven others started. Time 5min 46sec. Dividend £2 2s. The winner was bought in for £26.
MIDLAND HANDICAP TROT (saddle) of 50 sovs. Two miles. - Mr Ward's Little Hero, by Lexington, 17sec, 1; Dora, 10sec, 2; Carrick, 10sec, 3. Six others started. Time 5min 39sec. Dividend £23 8s.
RICCARTON HANDICAP (harness) of 90 sovs. Two miles. - Mr W J Rae's Sam Slick, 13sec, 1; Monte Carlo, scr, 2; Zepha, 27sec, 3. Five others started. Won by six lengths. Time 5min 1 2/5sec. Dividend £6 16s.
TELEGRAPH HANDICAP (saddle) of 45 sovs. One mile. - Mr F C Jaggar's Boswell, 20sec 1; Hassan, 14sec, 2; Miss Annie, 13sec, 3. Seven others started. Time 2min 48sec. Dividend £5 16s.
FINAL HANDICAP (harness) of 45 sovs. One mile. - Mr J Oatway's Judah, 9sec, 1; Carrick, 20sec, 2; Hazeldean, 20sec, 3. Seven others started . Time 2min 49sec. Divdend £4.
Credit: Otago Daily Times: 9 Nov 1899
| RACING HISTORY CANTERBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB |
NOVEMBER 1899
A two-day meeting was held on November 2 & 8 with stakes of £80 and £90 for the main races. The total stakes were £767/2/6. Nomination and acceptances amounted £314/12/6 and gate receipts were £216/5/6. The Club received £610/10/5 from the totalisator and paid £107/17/7 by way of totalisator tax.
Credit: Centennial History
| RACING HISTORY PEOPLE |
Sporting men as a whole, and trotting men in particular, will regret to hear of the death of Mr Joseph Perkins, which took place at his residence, Mathieson's Road, Linwood, on Saturday. The deceased was a well-known figure at trotting race-meetings in this district, and for two years held the responsible position of president of the Canterbury Trotting Club. Subsequently he was elected treasurer and made a life member thereof. He also acted as honorary judge for the Lancaster Park Trotting Club for some years. He leaves a widow and one child to mourn their loss. The funeral takes place to-morrow morning.
Credit: Star 5 June 1899
| RACING HISTORY MESCELLANY |
 |
| Fritz during his match race with Ribbonwood |
Sir,- Could you rectify a difference of opinion which resulted in a wager being made. The centre of interest is that well-known trotter Fritz, who went against time at Lancaster Park many moons ago. I am given to understand that the tote was open to the public on this occasion, to wager on either horse or time. The horse won, I believe, for my friend said a dividend of over £1 was returned on the horse.
He claims, that it is classed as a race, as the tote was open. I say no, for it is my contention that it should come under the heading of a trial, not race, against time. I should say it would take two competitors or more to take part in it before it could be declared a race.
Perhaps you can simplify matters and oblige a subscriber.- Yours, etc S Bourner
The event referred to took place at the Canterbury T C's summer meeting held at the Show Grounds on January 2, 1899.
It is shown as follows:- Purse of 100 sovs. for any horse trotting a mile in harness in 2.15, or under with a flying start.- 27½, Mrs J A Buckland's Fritz (J A Buckland) 1; 7½, "Time," 2. Time taken, 2.13. Dividend, £1 2s.- Ed.
Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 16Dec1942
| RACING HISTORY LANCASTER PARK TROTTING CLUB |
1899 LANCASTER PARK AMATEUR TROTTING CLUB AUTUMN MTGN FIRST DAY
Handicapper Mr H Brinkman; Starter Mr C O'Connor
There was only a moderate attendance on the opening day of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club. The weather was rather cloudy. The course was in good order. The picket fence has been carried right round from stand to stand, the club thus effecting a great and much-desired improvement. Results:-
TRIAL HANDICAP (in saddle) of 50 sovs; second horse to receive 10 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. For horses that have not won in 5min 40sec, or better. Two miles.
Mr A Mason's blk g Auctioneer, by President Garfield, 4yrs, 19sec ( F Angus) 1
Warrior 7sec, Pride of Kilkenny 8sec, Jewel 10sec, Struan 10sec, Royana 12sec, Director 14sec, Toss-up 16sec, Bonnie 20sec, Redial 21sec, First and Last 21sec and Princess Victoria 23sec also started.
Princess Victoria was in front for a mile but here Auctioneer passed her, and going on, won easily by one hundred and thirty yards.
Time 5min 48sec. Dividend - £2 5s.
PONY HANDICAP (in harness) of 35 sovs; second pony to receive 7 sovs, and third 3 sovs from the stake. For ponies that have not won in 5min 30sec or better, with a 30sec limit. Two miles.
Mr G Murfitt's b m Day Star, 5yrs, 27sec (Owner) 1.
Mr C W Hammond's c m Gladys, aged, 28sec (Owner) 2.
Ruby II scr, Narragansett 14sec, Little Harold 14sec, Topsy 27sec, Farewell 27sec, Cordelia 27sec, Skipper 29sec, The Scrubber 30sec, Hamlet 30sec and Little Magpie 30sec also started.
Little Maggie held command for two rounds, Farewell, The Skipper and Day Star following in that order. At the mile Day Star was in front, and though threatened by Gladys over the last two rounds, went on, and won by five lengths.
Time 5min 45sec. Dividends - £3 6s.
LIMIT HANDICAP of 110 sovs. Two miles.
Vickery 1; Sam Slick 2; Harold B 3. Dividend - £3 8s.
AUTUMN HANDICAP of 90 sovs. Two miles.
Ruahene 1. Dividend - £1 9s.
Credit: Star 1 Apr 1899
| RACING HISTORY LANCASTER PARK TROTTING CLUB |
1899 LANCASTER PARK AMATEUR TROTTING CLUB AUTUMN MTGN SECOND DAY
Handicapper Mr H Brinkman; Starter Mr C O'Connor.
There was only a moderate attendance on the second day of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club's Autumn Meeting. The meeting was held in beautiful weather. Results:-
INNOVATION HANDIDAP (in harness) of 50 sovs; second horse 10 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr A G Holmes's b h Bazaine, by Berlin-Coquette, 4yrs, 19sec (N Price) 1.
Mr F Holmes's b g Vascoe, 5yrs, scr (J Milme) 2.
Mr J Vallance's b g Big Jim, 4yrs, 28sec (McMillan) 3.
Vancliffe 14sec, Warrior 16sec, Vanderbilt 20sec, Lassie 20sec, Kenny 26sec, Sue Dudley 27sec, Rimu 32sec and Bellmore 33sec also started.
Bazaine got to the front a lap and a half from home, Big Jim and Vasco being his nearest attendants. Vasco passed Big Jim, but failed to reach Bazaine, who won by forty yards, Big Jim a further twenty yards away third, with Vancliffe fourth.
Time 5min 34sec. Dividend - £3 16s.
PONY HANDICAP (in harness) of 35 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr E Bowes's b g Young Boston, by Boston, aged, 13sec (F Angus) 1.
Jessamine 4sec, Amelia 4sec, Narragansett 5sec, Farewell 18sec, Skipper 19sec, Topsy 19sec, Merv 21sec, Sunset 23sec and The Scrubber 23sec also started.
Young Boston got to the front beginning the second lap, and going on won easily, Jessamine being just outside the distance.
Time 5min 41sec. Dividend - £1 15s.
HIGH-CLASS HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second horse 22 sovs and third horse 11 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr L Robertson's b m Motuiti, by Corbet, aged 11sec (Owner) 1.
Mr M Edwards's ns b m Vickery, 4yrs 2sec (B Edwards) 2.
Mr A G Holmes's b g Harold B, aged, 7sec (N Price) 3.
Prince Imperial 3sec, Utah 6sec, Sam Slick 7sec and The Baron 9sec also started.
Motuiti got well away, and at the completion of the first lap was leading The Baron by four lengths, which the latter reduced slightly at the half-mile. Sam Slick was running third, just in front of Harold B and Utah, after whom came Prince Imperial and Vickery. At the end of a mile Motuiti was still going well in front of The Baron, Sam Slick gradually drawing on the pair, whilst Utah was pulled up, as also was Prince Imperial at the conclusion of the fourth round. Motuiti maintained her advantage to the end, winning by six lengths from Vickery, who passed the breaking Sam Slick, Harold B and The Baron in the straight. Harold B was a length away third, Sam Slick fourth, and The Baron fifth.
Time 5min 10sec. Dividend - £4 16s.
A protest against the winner for inconsistent running was dismissed.
ADVANCE HANDICAP (in harness) of 60 sovs; second horse 12 sovs and third horse 6 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Big Jim 1; Bonnie Spec 2; Johnny III 3.
Time 5min 38 2/5sec Dividend - £4 15s.
Credit: Star 5 Apr 1899
| RACING HISTORY LANCASTER PARK TROTTING CLUB |
1899 LANCASTER PARK TROTTING CLUB: NAME CHANGE
At a meeting of the committee of the Lancaster Park Trotting Club last evening it was decided to have plans prepared for the necessary grand stands, buildings and fencing on the grounds at Addington. It was also decided to instruct a surveyor to lay out a five furlong track, and to call for tenders at once for the work. The committee decided to change the name of the club to the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club.
Credit: Star 23 June 1899
| RACING HISTORY NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB |
1899 NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB FIRST DAY SPRING MEETING
Handicapper Mr H Brinkman: Starter Mr C O'Connor
The spring meeting of the New Brighton Trotting Club was begun today in beautiful weather, and there was a fair attendance. The course was in capital condition, and the racing on the whole fairly interesting.
The following are details of the racing:-
MAIDEN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 30 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr M Edwards's ns gr m Kalmea, by Victor, aged, 9sec (M Edwards) 1.
Mr F C Dagger's b g Boswell, 6yrs, 8sec (T Frost) 2.
Mr W Fleming's gr g Kakapo, aged, 6sec (Morland) 3.
Lady Tracy scr, Jefferson 6sec, Eddie 6sec, Goodgift 8sec and The Workman 8sec also started.
Kalmea led the whole distance, and won easily by sixty yards, Kakapo one hundred and fifty yards away third.
Time 5min 31sec. Dividend - £2 12s.
PONY HANDICAP (in harness) of 30 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile and a half.
Mr R W Gibbs's b m Rimu, by Young Irvington, 5yrs, 14sec (M Edwards) 1.
Mr J Farrar's gr m Ken-I-No, 5yrs, 29sec (Owner) 2.
Mr C W Hammond's cr m Gladys II, aged, 13sec (Owner) 3.
Daystar scr, Agnes 13sec, Little Harold 22sec and Hamlet 30sec also started.
Rimu got to the front four furlongs from home, and, going on, won by two lengths, Gladys II ten lengths away third.
Time 4min 14 1/2sec Dividend - £1 14s.
BURWOOD HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 70 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr M Edwards ns b m Effie, by Electioneer, 5yrs, 18sec (Owner) 1.
Mr V Harris's b g Shylock, aged, scr (Milne) 2.
Mr E E Lelievre's blk g Jean Valjean, 6yrs, 15sec (F Angus) 3.
Toronto 11sec, Bonnie 15sec, Oakwood Abdallah 18sec, Bob M 18sec and Jewel 18sec also started.
When half a mile had been completed, Jewel was leading Jean Valjean, Oakwood Abdallah and Effie, but before the stand was reached the last-named had got to the front, and, without being seriously threatened, ran home an easy winner by six lengths from Shylock, who made up a lot of ground over the last mile. Jean Valjean was third, a head in front of Oakwood Abdallah.
Time 5min 32sec. Dividend - £2 14s.
SELLING HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 25 sovs. One mile.
Mr R Grantham's b m Debra, by Young Irvington, 5yrs, 10sec (R Day) 1.
Mr S Halligan's b m Mistake, aged, 8sec (Owner) 2.
Mr W Hart's b g Jupiter, 5yrs, 9sec (Needham) 3.
Agnes 6sec, Starlight 7sec, Gay Lad 7sec, Wairarapa 9sec, Bess 9sec, Little Mick 9sec, Milroy 10sec and Chummy 10sec also started.
Debra led from start to finish, and defeated Mistake, who broke fifty yards from home, by a length, Jupiter six lengths away third.
Time 3min 1sec. Dividend - £6 2s.
The winner was bought by Mr Lyall, Pigeon Bay, at £16 10s.
PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 45 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr F C Jagger's b g Boswell, by Boston, 6yrs, 21sec (T Frost) 1.
Messrs J and F Lukey's br g Bonnie McGregor, aged, 9sec (Lukey junr) 2.
Mr J W Walsh's ch g Deception, aged, 21sec (Hamill) 3.
Annie Rooney scr, Boston Girl 6sec, Warrior 8sec and Tenui 18 sec also started.
Boswell established a commanding lead at the end of a mile, where Bonnie McGregor was about one hundred yards away. The latter gradually overhauled the leader, but failed to quite catch him, Boswell winning by four lengths, with Deception one hundred yards away third.
Time 5min 4 1/2sec. Dividend - £1 8s.
BRIGHTON HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 70 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr W Kett's br m Thelma, by Kentucky, 5yrs, 20sec (Owner) 1.
Mr W Wotton's b g Fleiger, aged, 18sec (D Price) 2.
Mr H Mace's ch m Jessie Palm, 5yrs, scr (T Price) 3.
Elflock 18sec and Toronto also started.
Thelma and Fleiger passed Toronto in the first half-mile, the favourite going badly, whilst Jessie Palm was trotting in great style. When a mile had been covered, Thelma was a length in front of Fleiger, after whom came Jessie Palm. Going down the back stretch, Thelma drew away from Fleiger, and, maintaining her advantage to the finish, won by eighty yards from Fleiger, and Jessie Palm pulling up.
Time 5min 10sec. Dividend - £4 2s.
ELECTRIC HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 40 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr C Hammond's b g Simon R, by Blackwood Abdallah, aged, 24sec (Owner) 1.
Mr M Edwards's ns b g St Julian, 5yrs, 22sec (M Edwards) 2.
Mr A Binnie's b m Miss Annie, aged, 13sec (Owner) 3.
Jessie scr, Shylock 14sec, Honest Jack 19sec, Budd Noble 19sec, Burwood Bess 21sec, Director 23sec and Honesty 25sec also started.
St Julian was in front at the half-mile, followed closely by Simon R. This pair were together at the entrance of the straight, where the former broke. Simon R, went on, and won by three lengths, with Miss Annie, eighty yards away, third.
Time 2min 41sec. Dividend - £12 2s.
DASH HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 40 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr J Cass's b g Clifton, aged, 20sec (M Edwards) 1.
Mr G White's br m Amelia, 6yrs, 20sec (T Price) 2.
Mr G R Murfitt's br m Daystar, 6yrs, 20sec (Owner) 3.
Monte Carlo scr, Young Burlington 9sec, Fleiger 15sec, Caroline 19sec, Big Jim 23sec and Vancliffe 24sec also started.
Amelia had pulled to the front at the quarter-mile post, but Clifton had ranged alongside her at the half, and when the pair entered the straight the latter had assumed command, and, going on, won by eight lengths, with Daystar, eight lengths away, third.
Time 2min 37sec. Dividend - £2 14s.
Credit: Star Sat 14 Oct 1899
| RACING HISTORY NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB |
1899 NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB SECOND DAY SPRING MEETING
Handicapper Mr H Brinkman: Starter Mr D O'Connor
There was a fair attendance on the second day of the New Brighton Trotting Club's Spring Meeting today, and the weather was all that could be desired. The sport on the whole was fairly interesting, the contest between Florrie and Shylock being the closest witnessed at the meeting. The sum of £2050 was invested through the medium of the totalisator, making a total of two days of £4371, as against £4638 for the corresponding meeting last year. The following are details of the racing:-
MAIDEN HANDICAP (in harness) of 30 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr W H Martyn's br g Rickety, by Childe Harold, aged, 9sec (Owner) 1.
Mr F Mulholland's b g Fleetwood, 3yrs, 10sec (Owner) 2.
Mr J Farrar's ch m Irene, 5yrs, 11sec (Owner) 3.
Protest 6sec, Diagram 7sec, Sue Dudley 8sec and Ayrshire Lad 13sec also started.
Fleetwood quickly passed Irene, and at the half distance was just in front of the breaking Rickety. The latter was in front shortly after entering the straight, and though he broke once, as also did Fleetwood, he went on and won by fully eight lengths. Irene was a poor third.
Time 3min 49sec. Dividend - £7 10s.
PONY HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 30 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr W Kerr's b m Frisk, aged, 24sec (Owner) 1.
Mr S Humphrey's br m Vaity Fair, 5yrs, 24sec (Angus) 2.
Mr T Hood's br g Wenlock, aged, 21sec (Stewart) 3.
Master Irvington scr, Agnes 10sec, Nita 10sec, Mihi 24sec, Ken-I-No 24sec, Botany 25sec, Bonnie Bell 25sec, Wakahe 27sec and Florence 30sec also started.
Frisk got to the front in the first four furlongs, and never being headed won by eight lengths from Vainty Fair, Wenlock three lengths away third.
Time 5min 42sec. Dividend - £1 18s.
SPRING HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 70 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr H H Smith's ch g Wandering Willie, by Kentucky, aged, 22sec (M Edwards) 1.
Mr H Mace's ch m Jessie Palm, 5yrs, scr (T Price) 2.
Mr J Vallance's ch h Kingston, aged, 25sec (McMillan) 3.
Thelma also started.
Kingston was passed by Wandering Willie inside the half-mile, and when half the journey had been completed he was well in front of Kingston, after whom came Jessie Palm and Thelma together. Wandering Willie was never sobsequently threatened, and won by forty yards from Jessie Palm, who defeated Kingston by two lengths for second position.
Time 5min 18sec. Dividend - £3 2s.
SELLING HANDICAP TROT
Bess II 1, Wairarapa 2.
Time 2mn 56sec. Dividend - £8 6s.
ADVANCE HANDICAP (in harness) of 45 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr J Howard's br g Protest, by Kentucky-Shamrock, 5yrs, 18sec (McMillan) 1.
Mr J Douglas's b m Imogene, aged, 15sec (Owner) 2.
Mr H Cranfield's b m Mistake II, aged, 20sec (M Edwards) 3.
Bonnie McGregor scr, Annie Rooney 2sec, Lassie 10sec, Mambrino King 20sec and Sue Dudley 22sec also started.
Protest led almost the whole distance, and won comfortably by four lengths from Imogene, with the favourite, a similar distance away third.
Time 5min 45sec Dividend - £4 8s
A protest for incinsistency and informal registration was dismissed.
AVON HANDICAP (in saddle) of 70 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr C Kerr's ch m Florrie, by Johnny Faulkner, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 1.
Mr V Harris's b g Shylock, aged, 8sec (Milne) 2.
Mr M Edwards's ns b m Effie, 5yrs, 20sec (M Edwards) 3.
Torpedo 9sec, Miss Brownwood 18sec, and Jean Valjean 25sec also started.
Shortly after passing the mile-post, Miss Brownwood headed Jean Valjean, Effie, Shylock and Florrie, following in the order named. Four furlongs from home, the leader broke, letting up Jean Valjean, but the latter only momentarily held command, Shylock and Florrie ranging alonfside him, and, when the straight was entered, the four named were together. Florrie and Shylock fought out a capital struggle, which ended in favour of the former by a bare head; Effie, four lengths away, third.
Time 5min 3 1/2sec Dividend - £9 8s.
TELEGRAPH HANDICAP (in harness) of 40 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr H Mace's br m Weary, by Brookholm, 3yrs, 23sec (T Price) 1.
Mr G B Murfitt's b m Daystar, 6yrs, 21sec (Owner) 2.
Mr R Sutherland's ch m Carolina, aged, 19sec (Needham) 3.
Monte Carlo scr, Clifton 11sec, Hollis H 12sec, and Kingston 19sec also started.
Weary lead the whole way, and won easily by six lengths. Carolina was three lengths away third.
Time 2min 39 1/4sec. Dividend - £1 14s.
FINAL HANDICAP (in saddle) of 40 sovs; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr V Harris's b h Young Burlington, by Burlington B, aged, 9sec (Milne) 1.
Mr H Mace's br g Director, 4yrs, 23sec (T Price) 2.
Mr A Binnie's b m Miss Annie, 6yrs, 13sec (Owner) 3.
The Joker 9sec, and Flirt 18sec also started.
After going three furlongs, Director had established a commanding lead, but, shortly after passing the half-mile post, Young Burlington had caught him. The latter then broke, and when he had settled down again The Joker was on terms with him, with Director and Miss Annie close up. Entering the straight, The Joker broke badly, and lost his position, Young Burlington pacing home a comfortable winner by five lengths, with Miss Annie, a similar distance away third.
Time 2min 27sec. Dividend - £5 18s.
Credit: Star 19 Oct 1899
| RACING HISTORY CANTERBURY TROTTING CLUB |
1899 CANTERBURY TROTTING CLUB - ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of the Canterbury Trotting Club was held at the rooms, Cashel Street, last evening. The President (Mr T Marr) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of members.
The Chairman stated that the first question to be consideredwas as to the advisableness of amalgamating with the Lancaster Park Club in the occupation of the ground acquired by that club on the Lincoln Road. The matter had previously been discussed by the members, but they had decided to leave its decision to the annual meeting.
After some discussion, a motion, moved by Mr E Clarkson and seconded by Mr D Ritchie - "That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that the Canterbury Club should amalgamate with the Lancaster Park Club," was defeated by sixteen votes to twelve.
The Chairman read the annual report, which was as follows:- Gentlemen,- My committee is again in the pleasant position to be able to congratulate members on the successful operations of the club for the past year. You will find from the accounts now in your hands that in every department of revenue a very considerable increase has taken place as compared with last year.
The sum of £3900 has been distributed in stakes this year, as against £3600 last year, being an increase of £300. The profit for the year was £397, and the cash assets of the club now stand at £2050, a financial position which no doubt members duly appreciate, the disbursements for the year amonting to £5462.
The programmes framed by your committee have always been issued with due regard to the encouragement of class and limit races, and the response from owners has been beyond our most sanquine expectations. The racing has been extremely good, and the animals competing at our meetings have been of an exceptionally high standard; amongst them may be mentioned Mrs Buckland's horse Fritz, who trotted an exhibition mile against time for a purse of 100 sovereigns in 2min 13sec, a performance which now stands as the record for the colonies. The fact of having induced Mr Buckland to visit New Zealand with such a horse as Fritz is not onlt highly flattering to the club, but to the colony as a whole. That the public have responded to our efforts in providing high-class sport is clearly shown by the substantial increase in our revenue.
Since we last met, I regret to say that one of our members has been removed by death; I refer to the late Mr Joseph Perkins (the Club's treasurer). That gentleman had been connected with the club from its infancy, and always took a deep interest in all matters relating to the club's welfare. He acted in many capacities, and filled the position of President for two years, the duties of which office he carried out with great credit to the club.
I have again to congratulate members on the fact that the past year has been the most successful and important since the club's formation. The balance-sheet showed that the total receipts from all sources, including a credit balance from last year of £604 9s 9d, amounted to £6497 9s, whilst the expenditure totalled £5462 10s 9d, thus showing a credit balance of £1034 18s 3d. The total estimated value of assets was £2221 1s 5d, whilst there were no liabilities. The Chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, which was carried.
Mr Duke, who had recently resigned as a member of the club, was elected a life member.
The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows:- President, Mr T Marr (re-elected); treasurer, Mr J S Slade; committee, Messrs J Rallinshaw, H Mace, E Clarkson, H Berry, L Wilson, H Reynolds, R Morrison, J H Tompkins, H Hillyer, G Payling and J Hayward; stewards, the committee, and Messrs F Mulholland, H Thompson and H Derrett.
It was resolved that a letter of condolance should be sent to the widow and family of the late Mr J Perkins.
It was resolved, on the motion of Mr F Mullholland, seconded by Mr H Mace, to recommend to the incoming committee that financial assistance should be given to the Lancaster Park Club to erect the necessary buildings, etc. on the new ground.
Votes of thanks were passed to the out-going officers and chairman, and the meeting terminated.
Credit: Star 21 June 1899
| RACING HISTORY CANTERBURY TROTTING CLUB |
1899 CANTERBURY TROTTING CLUB - Amalgamation Debate
In response to a requisition signed by seven members, a special meeting of the Canterbury Trotting Club was held last evening to re-consider the advisableness of joining the Lancaster Park Trotting Club in acquiring their new ground. There was a good attendance of members, and the President (Mr T Marr) occupied the chair.
At the opening of the meeting, the Chairman said he would refuse to put any motion that was proposed, as he ruled that, according to Rule 16, the matter, having once been decided, could not be re-opened during the financial year. This ruling caused a heated discussion, several members contending that it applied only to committee meetings. Finally, the Chairman, under protest, agreed to allow the meeting to proceed.
Mr W Tonks moved and Mr G Payling seconded - "That it is desirable for this club to join with the Lancaster Park Club in acquiring the land known as the Twigger Estate, situate at Addington, on lease for the purpose of erecting stands, fencing, etc, and forming a track for holding future meetings."
In the discussion, the supporters of the motion said they were not in favour of the clubs amalgamating to form one club, but wished to see the Canterbury Club join forces with the Lancaster Park Club in securing an up-to-date track.
Mr H Reynolds moved and Mr J H Thompkins seconded an amendment, expressing the desirableness of sending a deputation to interview the Colonial Secretary to ascertain whether, in the event of the clubs joining to secure a track, the permits would be granted as at present.
After a long discussion, the amendment was lost by thirteen to twelve; and on the motion being put it was lost by fourteen to thirteen, the Chairman exercising both his deliberative and casting vote against it.
Credit: Star 12 Aug 1899
| RACING HISTORY CANTERBURY TROTTING CLUB |
1899 CANTERBURY TROTTING CLUB: SUMMER MEETING FIRST DAY
Handicapper, Mr H Brinkman; Starter, Mr C O'Connor.
There was only a moderate attendance when the Canterbury Trotting Club's Summer Meeting commenced at the Show Grounds, but it improved greatly as the afternoon wore on. The weather was delightfully fine. Some delay was caused in starting the first race through the vagaries of the starting clock, the subsequent events being got off without its aid.
Though some capital trotting was witnessed, most of the events were secured very comfortably. The two principal races - the Champion Boxing Day Handicap and Mid-summer Handicap - were won respectively by Cling and Collector, both showing inproved form, though many others, notably Vickery, registered sterling performances.
The sum of £4632 10s was passed through the totalisators, as against £4903 for the corresponding day last year.
The following are details of the racing:-
TRIAL HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 70 sovs; second horse 14 sovs, and third 7 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr A O Buckley's blk g Dormin, by Nimrod, aged, 17sec (M Edwards) 1.
Dr G M Slate's br h Huon Prince, 5yrs, scr (Owner) 2.
Mr J Milne's br h Principal, 4yrs, 17sec (Owner) 3.
Annie Rooney 5sec, Becky 6sec, Flowerwood 16sec, Jack II 16sec, St Lawrence 16sec, Roebex 19sec and Kilruth 20sec also started.
Dormin quickly took command, and, never being approached, he won pulling up by a hundred yards from Huon Prince, Principal being a poor third.
Time - 5min 29sec. Dividend - £1 14s.
PONY HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 50 sovs; second horse 10 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile and a half.
Mr T W Price's jun, ch m Mihi, aged, 18sec (T Price) 1.
Mr J Gaskin's blk g Botany, 4yrs, 22sec (Hamill) 2.
Mr R Hill's b m Jessamine, 6yrs, 3sec (Owner) 3.
Vanity Fair 8sec, Nita 9sec, Agnes 10sec, Farewell 16sec, Pansy B 18sec, Twiggezvous 22sec and Neglected 22sec also started.
Botany showed the way to Mihi over the first round. The latter, however, took command before reaching the half-distance, and, going on, won by ten lengths from Botany, Jessamine a poor third.
Time - 4min 16sec. Dividend - £5 16s.
CHAMPION BOXING DAY HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr R Rutherford's br m Cling, by Vancleve-Ivy, aged, scr (G Grant) 1.
Mr J Whelan's br g Hassan, by Victor, aged, 9sec (R Day) 2.
Mr J M Thompson's b g General Grigg, by General Tracy, 4yrs, 9sec (C Harold) 3.
Florrie 1sec, Shylock 2sec, Vesta Nash 4sec, Thelma 7sec and Lady May 9sec also started.
Hassan, Thelma and Vesta Nash began well whilst General Grigg and Florrie were somewhat slow. Passing the stand the first time Hassan was leading Thelma by half a dozen lengths, after whom came Lady May, just in front of Vesta Nash, with Cling, trotting in great style, gradually overhauling her opponents. With half the distance completed, the breaking Thelma was alongside Hassan, this pair being about six lengths in advance of Vesta Nash, after whom came Cling. Half a mile from home Cling went to the front and won easily by eighty yards from Hassan who was about five lengths in front of General Grigg who trotted well over the last half mile. Vesta Nash was fourth and Florrie fifth.
Time - 4min 57sec. Dividend - £3.
PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 80 sovs; second horse 16 sovs and third horse 8 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr W Mead's b m Berlin Maid, by Berlin, aged, 13sec (R Day) 1.
Mr W W Forbes's gr g Occidental, 5yrs, 6sec (Owner) 2.
Mr J Vallance's ch h Kingston, 5yrs, 2sec (Binnie) 3.
Dora 11sec, Autonomy 15sec and Little Harold 15sec also started.
Berlin Maid won very easily by fully one hundred yards from Occidental, Kingston, a further eight lengths away third.
Time - 5min 33sec. Dividend - £2 12s.
THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 100 sovs; second horse 20 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr C Kerr's b g All Day, by Ha-Ha, 18sec (Owner) 1.
Mr F Mulholland's b g Fleetwood, by Wildwood, 14sec (Owner) 2.
Mr H Mace's b f Weary, by Brookholm, scr (T Price jun) 3.
Rothschild Boy 9sec (coupled with Weary) and Little Archie 18sec also started.
Passing the stand All Day was just leading Little Archie, but running round the top turn the latter, in trying to get up on the inside, broke, as also did All Day. Little Archie was the quickest to settle down again, and pulling to the outside, was in front at the bottom turn, and going on, won by three lengths from All Day, with Fleetwood a similar distance away third and Weary fourth.
Time - 2min 40sec.
A protest against the winner on the ground of interference with All Day was upheld. Notice of Appeal to the New Zealand Trotting Association was at once given, and the stake and totalisator investments were impounded. The dividend on Little Archie would have been £2 14s, on All Day £2.
MIDSUMMER HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs and third horse 7 sovs from the stake. Two miles.
Mr J L Carl's b g Collector, by Lincoln Yet, aged, 18sec (B Edwards) 1.
Mr W Kerr's b m Thelma, by Kentucky, 6yrs, 20sec (Owner) 2.
Mr V Harris's b h The Baron, by Rothschild, 5yrs, 16sec (Albaugh) 3.
Vickery scr, Cling 7sec (pen 5sec), Jessie Palm 12sec, Sam Slick 12sec, Venus 16sec and J H 16sec also started.
With one lap completed Thelma was leading The Baron and Collector in the order named. Passing the stand Collector had drawn nearer to the leaders, and when Thelma broke at the starting post Collector went to the front, and without being troubled, ran home a comfortable winner by five lengths from Thelma, with The Baron third, Sam Slick fourth, Vickery fifth and Cling sixth.
Time 5min 3 1/5sec. Dividend - £1 18s.
ELECTRIC HANDICAP TROT (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second horse 20 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr G Russell's blk g Ophir, by Calaban, aged, 7sec (Pringle) 1.
Mr C W Hammond's b g Simon R, aged, 7sec (Owner) 2.
Mr J Pettie's b m Polly Huon, aged, 5sec (B Edwards) 3.
Hassan 3sec, General Luck 5sec, Ascot 7sec and Foudroyant 8sec also started.
Ophir trotted to the front very early in the race, and at the half-distance he held a substantial lead, Simon R being his nearest attendant. Though Ophir broke several times he won comfortably by four lengths in front of Polly Huon.
Time 2min 35sec. Dividend - £2 14s.
DASH HANDICAP TROT (in harness) of 100 sovs; second horse 20 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. One mile.
Mr M Friedlander's blk g Lancewood II, by Wildwood-Rosewood, 3yrs, 24sec (W Kerr) 1.
Mr W Hepworth's b g Honest Jack, 22sec (R Day) 2.
Mr P Howard's br g Protest, 5yrs, 22sec (McMillan) 3.
Clifton 14sec, Manton 14sec, Silvie Hue 18sec, Carolina 21sec and Wairuna 22sec also started.
Lancewood II was in front the whole way, and won comfortably by six lengths from Honest Jack, a similar distance separating second and third horses.
Time 2min 39 2/5sec. Dividend - £1 14s
Credit: Star 26 & 27 Dec 1899
| RACING HISTORY HISTORICAL OVERVIEW |
NEW ZEALAND METROPOLITAN TROTTING CLUB
At a meeting of the Committee of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club held on 9th May, 1899 consideration was given to the purchase of 35 acres of the Twigger’s estate adjoining the Canterbury A & P Association Showgrounds at Addington for the purpose of preparing a Trotting track with facilities. The Trustees of the property, however, declined to sell for Trotting purposes but subsequently put it up to auction and a 21 year lease was knocked down to the President of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club at a price below the amount that the Clubs were prepared to go. At a meeting of the Club held on 19th May, 1899 the President’s action in purchasing the lease. At the winding up of the Twiggers Estate the ownership of the land was transferred to the Charitable Aid Board and the Hospital Board.
At a meeting of the committee of the Lancaster Park Trotting Club it was decided to have plans prepared for the necessary grand stands, buildings and fencing on the grounds at Addington. It was also decided to instruct a surveyor to lay out a five furlong track, and to call for tenders at once for the work. The committee decided to change the name of the club to the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club.
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club conducted its inaugural meeting at the Addington Racecourse, now known as Addington Raceway, on Monday 6th November, 1899.
This followed the amalgamation of the Lancaster Park Trotting Club (previously raced at Lancaster Park) and the Canterbury Trotting Club (previously raced at the A&P Grounds next door).
RICCARTON PROPERTY
In 1918 the Club approached the owners with a proposal to purchase the Addington property as the then current lease had only seven years to run however this proposal was unsuccessful.
In 1919 Metropolitan Trotting Club had effected the purchase of a large area of land in the Riccarton district covering some eighty seven acres at a cost of £21,000. The new site comprised seventy acres previously owned by Mr T W J Shand, seven acres by Mr W Robinson and two smaller blocks of six acres. The property fronted Riccarton, Blenheim and Wharenui Roads.
In 1935 the land was disposed of to the Government to be used for State Housing
CANTERBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB
The Canterbury Park Trotting Club traces its origins to the Plumpton Park Club, which raced on a 74 acre course at Sockburn centred on the present Air Force Museum. The early history of the club was fairly chequered and, for three seasons, it went into recess.
On Feb 2, 1884 the CANTERBURY TIMES advertised the "inaugural" meeting of the Plumpton Park Racing Club would be held on March 11, 1884. The Club ran five meetings in the 1884-5 season.
An article appearing in the NEW ZEALAND REFEREE of 7th September 1922 reported that it had been announced that as a result of negotiations between the NZ Metropolitan and Canterbury Park Trotting Clubs the latter body would transfer its operations from Sockburn to Addington and take over the course when the Club moved to its Riccarton property. The article stated that on sentimental grounds some people would regret the departure of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club from the Course with which it was for so long associated both under its present name and under its former title of the Plumpton Park Trotting Club, the name chosen when the Club was established. The article further said that the property had had a long connection with sport of various kinds and had been used for coursing and galloping as well as trotting. When the Club was renamed the Canterbury Park Trotting Club a new era began at Sockburn and it quickly established itself as one of the most flourishing institutions in the Dominion. Its solid financial position had been a striking testimony to the efficiency of its management.
Following the passing of Notices of Motion by the Members of Canterbury Park and Metropolitan Trotting Clubs in April 1952, the body originally known as Addington Trotting Course Ltd was established to control the Course. Back in March 1953 the capital of Addington Trotting Course Ltd was increased from £36,111 to £225,357 NZMTC holding 156,016 £1 shares or nine thirteenths of the share capital, while Canterbury Park held 69,341 shares. The 9/13 and 4/13 basis related to the number of Racedays each Club conducted.
NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB
By the 1880s arrangements had been made for the running of horse races at New Brighton. But the venue was not the Queen Elizabeth II Park site - it was the beach. The beach racing club ran under very primitive conditions, an exceptionally high tide would delay the start of proceedings, and it was sometimes quite dark before the last event was concluded.
Eventually the beach was abandoned, Tom Free, licensee of the Bower Hotel, having laid out a 3/4 mile course at the Queen Elizabeth II Park property. There was then a mixed trotting and racing programme, and the first race on the site was held in 1886. At first conditions were only marginally better than on the foreshore. The judge had to carry out his duties from atop a beer barrel. And the grass having not yet consolidated the sandy soil, the latter could "wander at its own sweet will, and the majority of the visitors retuned to town half hidden in a canopy of dust." But worst of all was the mountainous sand-hill which stood in the centre of the paddock.
The New Brighton Club did not exist in those early days and was not formed until about 1890. For some time before that the New Brighton Racing Club held trotting meetings and mixed galloping and trotting meetings on the course. The New Brighton Trotting Club did not hold its first meeting until 1895, when £190 was paid in stakes and totalisator turnover amounted to £1648. The property was at that time owned by Mr Henry Mace, who with the club's first president (Mr H McIlwraith) and secretary (Mr A I Rattray) first gained Government recognition of trotting through the old NZ Trotting Association, which had been formed in Christchurch in 1888.
The New Brighton body weathered the depression years of the 1930's very well indeed, and although it was forced to give up its popular course during World War II and for some years afterwards.
In October 1962 the members of the New Brighton Trotting Club endorsed their Committee’s recommendation that shares in Addington Trotting Course Ltd be purchased, that the Club race at Addington and that Day and/or Night Meetings be held. The Club purchased sufficient shares to hold 4/17ths of the Capital, and they paid 4/17ths of the cost of the lighting installation.
The New Brighton track was sold to the Christchurch City Council in 1963 and the last meeting was held in September 1963.
FIRES
Over the years there have several major fires at Addington. In 1916 on Cup Day, the almost new Stewards and Members Stand burned to the ground. In September 1926 the Public Stand burned down. After the last race on Show Day 1953 the old Public Stand (replaced by the Twiggers Stand) was destroyed. Perhaps the most famous fire was on Show Day 1961 immediately prior to the running of the last race – the NZ Free-For-All. This race continued while the stand was ablaze, the crowd watched the race and cheered Cardigan Bay home, before turning their attention to the fire.
GOLD CUP
The present gold cup presented to the winner of the NZ Cup was first presented in 1956. At the time of purchase it was insured for £850.
TWIGGERS STAND
Opened on Cup Day 1960
NIGHT TROTTING
Introduced on the first night of the 1963 Cup Meeting
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
The administration office was transferred the central city to Addington in 1966. The building on the corner of Oxford Terrace and Armagh Street for over 40 years was sold at auction for £38,500
CATERING
In September 1985 a lease was signed to relocate P Burke & Co to Addington. Burke’s had been catering at Addington since 1900.
LAND PURCHASE
1987
METROPLITAN STAND
Opened in April 1990 as a cost of $7.6m
AMALGAMATION
In 1998 the NZ Metropolitan TC, Canterbury Park TC and the New Brighton TC amalgamated under the name of the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club.
NEW STABLING BLOCK
Opened on 15 May 2009 at a cost of $7m
EARTHQUAKES
2010 & 2011
 | CLUB HISTORY |
CPTC
A two-day Meeting was held on November 2 & 8 with stakes of £80 & £90 for the main races. The total stakes were £767/2/6. Nomination and acceptances amounted to £314/12/6 and gate receipts were £216/5/6. The Club received £610/10/5 from the totalisator and paid £107/17/7 by way of totalisator tax.
Credit: CPTC: Centennial History
| CLUB HISTORY THE BEGINNINGS |
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club conducted its inaugural meeting at the Addington Racecourse, now known as Addington Raceway, on Monday 6th November, 1899.
On Tuesday 22nd June of that year a resolution by the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club that the name of the newly formed Club be changed from the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club to the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club to mark the beginning of a new era in Trotting.
A newspaper report of 16th April, 1886 stated that several leading sportsmen, Mr H P Lance prominent amongst them, agreed to band together to conduct Trotting Meetings at Lancaster Park in an endeavour to finance their new ground, that is Lancaster Park, for cricket. The locality was handy to town and supplied an attraction for sporting men who were at a loss on Saturday afternoons. The first Meeting was advertised to be held on Saturday 15th May, 1886 and the programme contained five races, three in saddle and two in harness, with added stakes totaling 125 sovereigns. A journalist, who inspected the grounds and facilities stated “a good course has been staked off round the grass, and with a little alteration in the fencing to the west of the grandstand a tolerably commodious saddling paddock will be adequate for the comfort of officials, jockeys, etc and altogether the facilities for the comfort of visitors will be up to the average.”
The track was a third of a mile in length or under three furlongs (600 Metres).
The inaugural meeting was not held on the day set down as there were two postponements. The first postponement was due to heavy floods in Christchurch, the Avon River having risen four feet and Ferry Road, near Lancaster Park, being one sheet of water. The second postponement was due to the death of Mr H P Lance who was a devotee of racing, one of the founders and a Steward of Lancaster Park Trotting Club. The Meeting was finally held on Saturday 29th May, 1886 when there was an attendance of over 1,100 and reports state that the arrangements made for the Meeting were excellent. £38 was taken at the gate. £1,512 was invested on the Totalisator run by Hobbs & Goodwin. The advertised Officers of the Club for the first Meeting were: Judge, Mr H P Lance, but he was replaced following his death by Mr Justice Johnson; Starter, C A Calvert; Clerk of the Course, A M Ollivier; Handicapper, B J Hale; Secretary, C J Penfold; and the Stewards, Dr H H Prins, F Cotton, J B Gresson, F Jones, H P Lance, A E G Rhodes, A Cracroft-Wilson and C H Williams.
The principal event was the Lancaster Park Time Trot of three miles in saddle. The first prize was 40 sovereigns and the result was:
1st: B Edwards “Fidget” 50 seconds Rider: Owner
2nd: D O’Brien’s “Erin” 45 second Rider: Owner
3rd: P Howard’s “Malvena” 50 seconds Rider: A J Keith
Time was 9 minutes and the dividend paid on the Totalisator was £12/3/-. The Addington Workshops Band provided a musical programme.
The Lancaster Park Trotting Club conducted seven Meetings in its first season between 29th May 1886 and 27th June 1887.
In January 1888 the Canterbury Trotting Club was formed and conducted its Meetings at the new A & P Showground at Addington. This Club later amalgamated with the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. The original Metropolitan Secretary, Mr A I Rattray, was also Secretary of the Canterbury Trotting Club.
Most Clubs racing at this time were proprietary Clubs with the operating profits going to the promoters.
In 1888 there was a move by the Lancaster Park Cricket Company for the Trotting Club to assume a separate identity from the Cricket Company, to pay a rental for the use of the grounds and become a Club whose sole aim was the promotion of Trotting. The shareholders of the Cricket Company ceased to have any say in the management and in 1890 the Club was controlled entirely by Trotting enthusiasts. In that year (1890) the principal Officials of the Club were: Stewards, D Barnes, C Louisson, V Harris, G McHaffie, J Perkins and L Wilson; the Starter was C O’Connor and the Secretary, A I Rattray.
The new regime operated as a proprietary Club until March 1892 when the Cricket Company decided not to allow a proprietary Club the use of Lancaster Park for Trotting after the expiry of the existing arrangements. If Trotting was to continue at the Park the Company ruled it must be conducted by an amateur Club that would direct the profit towards stakes rather than towards the income of a few shareholders.
In October 1892 it was reported that the following proprietary Clubs were operating:
Lancaster Park Trotting Club racing at Lancaster Park
Plumpton Park Trotting Club racing at Sockburn
Lower Heathcote Racing and Trotting Club racing at Heathcote
New Brighton Racing Club racing at New Brighton
Matters came to a head in July 1893 when a strong new Club was formed and an application made to the Lancaster Park Ground Company for the use of the Park for four days per year at a rental of £40 per day. The Committee of the old Lancaster Park Trotting Club was very upset at being ousted and obtained a lease of Sydenham Park. To add to the confusion both Clubs applied to race on Friday, 10th November 1893. After much lobbying, approaches to the Colonial Secretary and the presentation of a petition to him the new Club was granted a Totalisator Permit by the Government just prior to the inaugural meeting on Friday, 10th November, 1893. The Club adopted the title of “Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club”. A newspaper report dated 28th December, 1893 stated that the old Lancaster Park Trotting Club had ceased to race. This was the beginning of the end of the proprietary Clubs. In August 1894 there was a protest meeting held to block the old Club racing four days a year at Sydenham Park. This protest was upheld and the old Club then approached the Lancaster Park Sports Committee and, it appeared, without success as the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club was credited with racing at the Park.
In February 1898 it was reported that the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club and the Canterbury Trotting Club had each appointed sub-committees to meet and discuss the purchase of suitable land adjacent to Christchurch for the establishment of a Trotting track with facilities but the joint committee did not meet with any success. In July1898 the Lancaster Park Ground Company acquired more land and signified it was agreeable to the track being extended to a half mile if the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club would take up a five year tenancy. At the Annual General Meeting of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club held on 15th August, 1898, a Committeeman stated that more effort should be made by the joint sub-committee to find a new ground and that if they continued to be unsuccessful then the Club should enter into an agreement with the Lancaster Park Ground Committee. The Deans property at Riccarton had been explored as a possibility. It was advocated at the time that Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club and Canterbury Trotting Club should join forces provided there was no reduction in total permits now held by the two Clubs (Lancaster Park 4, Canterbury 6).
At a meeting of the Committee of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club held on 9th May, 1899 consideration was given to the purchase of 35 acres of the Twigger’s estate adjoining the Canterbury A & P Association Showgrounds at Addington for the purpose of preparing a Trotting track with facilities. The Trustees of the property, however, declined to sell for Trotting purposes but subsequently put it up to auction and a 21 year lease was knocked down to the President of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club at a price below the amount that the Clubs were prepared to go. At a meeting of the Club held on 19th May, 1899 the President’s action in purchasing the lease was confirmed. This resolution inaugurated the major step which established Trotting at Addington on a sound basis.
Credit: NZMTC Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker
| CLUB HISTORY ADDINGTON TROTTING GROUNDS |
Having decided, at a meeting of the Committee held on 22nd June, 1899, to proceed with the development of its own venue, the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club completed a 21 year lease as from 1st June 1899 of 36 acres, one rood and 30 perches from the Charitable Aid Board, the beneficiary under the Twigger Estate. The Club changed its name and arranged for plans to be prepared for the provision of Stands and other necessary amenities.
Mr F J Barlow was appointed Architect on 22nd June 1899 and was instructed to submit plans for a track and buildings. Following the approval of the plans, a contract for fences and stables was let to Mr James Rowe at £580. A contract was also let for the building of a totalisator house, judge’s box and entrance gates. The laying of the track and improving Jacksons Creek for drainage purposes was left to the Architect to make the best arrangements possible.
A sub-committee was appointed to arrange with the Architect for the erection of seven bays of a Grandstand at a cost not to exceed £900. Money however, was a problem. But an anonymous offer was received to loan the Club £300 interest free for twelve months on condition that a Grandstand was erected immediately. It was subsequently learned that the anonymous offer, which was accepted, was made by the Club’s Secretary Mr A I Rattray. It was decided that half the stand be erected if it could be done for £1,150 and also that the necessary stabling and toilet facilities be completed at a cost of £65. At the same time a horse and dray were purchased together with the equipment required to maintain the track.
It was reported in the NEW ZEALAND REFEREE of 20th September that the Club’s new grounds wore a busy appearance as the contractor for the formation of the track had half a dozen horse teams at work excavating and filling and a considerable amount of soil was removed to make the track level. The totalisator house was a rather substantial building and was of an up-to-date character. As the foundations for a section of the Grandstand were laid and building materials were on the site, it was anticipated that the work would be completed in time for the proposed inaugural Meeting on 6th November 1899. It was realized that at least a season would be required to get the whole property in order and when this was done it would be hard to beat as a Trotting property.
A report by the correspondent “Spectator” in the NEW ZEALAND REFEREE of 25th October 1899 stated:
“I visited the new grounds and my first thought was of the new track. The entire width had been rolled no less than seven times with a three ton roller and was fairly solid considering the amount of filling necessary to bring it up to its required level. The turns had been banked and there would be a drop of nearly four feet from the top end of the track to the winning post. The new track is a full chain wide and five furlongs in length and the turns could be easily negotiated although the straight may seem rather short to some. I took the liberty of jogging my horse once round the track in something slower than a two minute gait and then had a look at the buildings and enclosures. The Totalisator house is built on such a scale that few Totalisator buildings in New Zealand are equal to it. Though it is situated well back from the Grandstand it should prove very convenient as it will be approachable by those inside and outside the paddock enclosure. A section of the Grandstand is completed to a stage where it will seat a large assemblage although it is far from finished. Boxes and stalls will be ready for use and picket and dividing fences finished. The grounds will have a bare appearance but the Club will keep on working and improving it and it will not be long before they can turn their property into one of the beauty spots of Canterbury”.
Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker
| CLUB HISTORY LANCASTER PARK TROTTING CLUB |
At a meeting of the Committee of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club held on 9th May, 1899 consideration was given to the purchase of 35 acres of the Twigger’s estate adjoining the Canterbury A & P Association Showgrounds at Addington for the purpose of preparing a Trotting track with facilities. The Trustees of the property, however, declined to sell for Trotting purposes but subsequently put it up to auction and a 21 year lease was knocked down to the President of the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club at a price below the amount that the Clubs were prepared to go. At a meeting of the Club held on 19th May, 1899 the President’s action in purchasing the lease was confirmed. This resolution inaugurated the major step which established Trotting at Addington on a sound basis.
Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker
 | RESULTS OF PRESTIGE RACES FOR THIS SEASON |
| NZ JUVENILE STAKES | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 2yo Trot(1986 - 1899; 2yo Pace (1901 - 1905): 1 mile standing start: Run between 1896 & 1905 | |||||
| 2yo Mile Trot 1896-1899 (Pace 1901 - 1905) | |||||
| Year: 1899 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | VALIANT | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | C Piper | TIME | 2 50 2/5 | |
| HANDICAP | Front | STAKE | 200 sovs | DATE | 24/05/1899 |
| BREEDING | c Vancleve 2438-Swallow | ||||
| OWNER | J A Buckland | ||||