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INTERNATIONAL HISTORY

The ill-fated Scott expedition leaves Lyttleton on the "Terra Nova" bound for Antartica.

The neon light, used for street lighting advertising signs, is invented.

Credit: Ch-Ch City Libraries

RACING HISTORY THE BEGINNINGS

CUP DAY 1910

On a triumphant day at Addington in November 1910 when the Cup was the richest handicap harness race in the world, 150 trams were needed to transport the huge crowds to and from the city.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 28 Mar 2012

RACING HISTORY ADDINGTON TROTTING GROUNDS

ESTABLISHMENT COSTS

Over £30,000 ($30m today) was spent on improvements to Addington in its first 10 years, money which put harness racing in Canterbury at the top of the tree. But it wasn't spent on the track. Fred Holmes won the contract to construct that for just £800.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 28 Mar 2012

RACING HISTORY BUILDINGS & FACILITIES

NEW GRANDSTAND

This stand, with a seating capacity of 2500, was opened at the 1910 meeting. It burned down on Show Day, 10 November, 1961.

RACING HISTORY CANTERBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB

The Metropolitan Trotting Club was granted permission to hold its August meeting on the Plumpton Park Course.

Credit: CPTC: Extract from Board Minutes

RACING HISTORY MESCELLANY

BOOKMAKING IN NEW ZEALAND

The course bookmakers in New Zealand called "Two to one bar one!" for the last time legally at the Takapuna Jockey Club's meeting in 1910. After the last race they joined hands and sang the popular song of the day, "We Parted on the Shore" (as the Takapuna meeting was always known as the 'Shore').

From that date we saw the once outlawed tote (men had been imprisoned before this for operating a tote at Ellerslie) take the place of the bookmaker who by a turnabout process had become illegal and the tote legal. The bookmakers went underground, not too deeply, and the tote gained a monopoly of legal betting on all racecourses in the Dominion.

There were sporadic prosecutions of the bookmaker. At this period they were not organised into the body afterwards known as the Dominion Sportsmen's Association. They relied on private field agents to wire or phone results and dividends per code as it was also illegal to transmit telegrams connected with betting. The bookies' results were known before the newspapers as it was not until the next day that full details and results would appear in the papers (late results at times would be posted in the window of the newpaper office).

As racing became progressively better organised, side shows and thimble and pea operators were removed from the courses - as were the bookmakers who had an agreement in regard to starting-price bookmaking. They set up limits and modes of betting. For example, when a punter had an all-up wager he would be allowed only three times the original wager on his second choice with one all-up wager being permitted. Thus, if a punter backed a winner which paid £5 and instructed that his bet was to be all up on the second horse, he would have only £3 on his second choice.

In the early days of the illegal bookies, limits as low as even money were bet on entries from certain stables. Limits for country meetings were £3/10/- and for metropolitan meetings £7/10/-.

For a condiserable time a small minority had a virtual monopoly of the S.P. bookmaking business. Those were the days of single pool when there were only two dividends. It was not uncommon for a horse that had been heavily backed to run second and pay as little as seven or eight shillings for the pound invested, and the bookies would make a handsome profit notwithstanding the horse was narrowly beaten. There was a firm of bookmakers operating in Wellington who considered they were having a bad time if they did not keep at least half of the huge cash turnover which passed over the counter of the fruit shop they were conducting in the busy part of the city.

Things went along very smoothly for a long time - the punter was provided with a medium of betting off-course and the books with a cosy income. It was well known that the big time operators had an agent posted near the courses for the purpose of laying off any surplus commitments and that the clubs apparently were prepared to let the bookies proceed along the even tenor of their ways.

The reason given for the tight limits (according to the books) was that it counteracted any move by sharp-shooting trainers or jockeys to let the public with their hard-earned money create the tote favourite while the 'heads' backed the only trier off the course, as their money would not affect the tote price. It was a point, but the real reason would lay in their desire to protect their own pockets. It is true the man in the street, with only form to guide him, would not be in the know of the 'stew pots' - as a race with the favourite 'dead' and few if any triers - was known. He had, it was argued, recourse to the tote if he felt he could find a winner likely to pay over the bookies' limit.

As time went on the ranks of the bookies became swollen. To woo the trade from established operators, the newcomers offered better limits with the result that the oldtimers had to fall into line and do likewise. It was then that the Dominion Sportsmen's Association (commonly known as the Bookmakers' Association) was formed. It was like a huge octopus with its tentacles reaching into every nook and cranny of the country.

Everyone who was in business as an S.P. bookmaker was invited to be a member of the D.S.A. few acted independently as their unity was strength and their ramifications many and varied. They had agents at all meetings and phones installed (in some instances) in private homes near the race track. The householder would have free use of the phone between meetings on condition that on race days it was made available to the field agent, who would be equipped with telescope and glasses to enable him to pick up the result and dividend from the back of the course.

As the race started he would have open a trunk line which would be held by an assistant until the result and dividend were posted. These would then be phoned into headquarters. By these means the result would be relayed and known throughout the Dominion within a very short space of time. Indeed, at times, a punter in Wellington would know the dividend before the people on the course, say, at Auckland. Such was the thorough organisation of the D.S.A.

The membership fees for the D.S.A. varied in different areas, but in all there was a surplus charge (in the vicinity of £1/10/- per quarter) known as the propaganda fund. Whatever that was, one was only supposed to guess. It seemed to be a carefully guarded and well-kept secret. There was no conclusive evidence, but it did seem a coincidence that more non-members appeared to be prosecuted than members!

These conditions continued for some years, each area framing its own rules and limits. The idea of universal rules and limits did not hold as it was found that operators in areas where low limits prevailed could underwrite their business in an area where a higher limit prevailed. A book would often lay the winner that had paid the £20 limit in another area and pay the £10 limit prevailing in his own area. He would gain the reputation of a good loser and prompt payer. Why shouldn't he? He showed a clear profit of £10 on every £1 invested against the punter's nine and had not invested a penny of his own money!

As the profession became more crowded operators became more enterprising, offering as much as ten per cent commission to agents and others who were interested. This was the first nail in the coffin of the bookie, as from this practice grew the 'com' man - an individual who would undertake and successfully place large off-course wagers. He would have sub-agents in all centres throughout the Dominion who in turn placed it with local bookies' agents who were more interested in the commission than in the profits of their principals.

The fact that these large sums could be placed (due to the commission paid) left an opening for sinister activities. When a horse was 'commed' it usually won in spite of having (at times) no recent form. These large wages were so skilfully placed that the money would not get back on the tote and reduce the price.

Another evil connected with this type of off-course wagering was the 'plugging' of the tote - a method of placing a large sum on a 'no-hoper' on the tote and then placing larger sums on the favourite or some horse selected to win or (as it was at times suspected) arranged to win and receiving abnormal dividends which would be collected off the bookies. The Malacca case at Hastings was a case in point. Here, however, the public received a benefit as they received four times the price off the favourite than if the tote had not been 'plugged'.

The galaxy of double charts that appeared in the late forties seemed to indicate that the whole population of the Dominion had gone into the bookmaking business. There were pink ones, blue ones, white ones, green one and ones with all kinds of signs peculiar to the operator. There was no great difference in the prices offering on each - a master chart would more or less set the main. About this time an enterprising individual from the south invaded the Capital City and began printing double charts with astronomical odds. However, he was careful not to bet any fancy prices about horses with a chance of winning. Whereas the oldtimers were prepared to conduct their business quietly and keep prices on their charts sufficiently reasonable to draw business from their patrons.

With the southerner it was a common occurrence to be told that the price had fallen in some double. He had a little over market odds. His thousands to one on this charts were a snare for the inexperienced punter. Anyone with the slightest knowledge of racing would know that the odds on these 'no-hope' combinations should be millions to one. However, it had the desired effect of parting the unwary from their money and creating the illusion that he was giving better prices than the other bookies. With an energy that was commendable this bookie established a business in the Capital on a scale never before seen. He would take all the 'smart' money offering and load it on to the other operators through their agents and per his own agents for that purpose.

It was becoming more apparent that the indiscriminate paying of commission was driving the nail further into the bookies' coffin as their own agents were more interested in the two shillings or one and six in the pound 'com' than their principals' interest. This 'smart' money rarely missed and there was a good deal of suspicion about the results of these confidently placed wagers. The instructions at the source of these (at times) huge 'coms' would be 'no limit' indicating that the result was a foregone conclusion. The 'trot' enjoyed by the responsible group pointed that way at this period.

The above is what is referred to as 'smart' money and the type of business that this southern bookmaker unloaded, plus a considerable portion of his own (to field the losers and back the winner), could only result in an outcome pleasant only for himself. He continued to go from strength to strength and it was an open secret that he was the actual owner of some well-known performers. At this time quite a few loud-mouthed individuals had joined the ranks of racecourse owners (at least they figured in the race book as the owners, their only qualification a lucky chance of no criminal convictions which would have debarred them).

Conference was forced to bring in new rules concerning the deregistering of horses whom it suspected were owned by other than the listed owner. This position more or less continued up to the time of the Royal Commission on Gaming. There was then an opposition association in the north which did not describe itself as an association. It was headed by an ex-executive of the D.S.A. who knew all the inner workings and top secrets of the older body and that perhaps is where its protection lay - otherwise it would soon have been out of business.

The function of the new body was to supply prices to an illegal profession and it did not claim any other distinction. It did not have the efrontery of the D.S.A. to make its case to the Royal Commission on Gambling and supply its arch-enemies, the racing authorities, with figures and facts relating to its ramifications. It was an excellent target for the best legal brains in the country who were engaged by the racing interests to plead their case.

There would be no doubt that the bookies were sanquine enough to believe they still would have control of off-course betting. But the Commission conducted a sort of gallup poll which clearly indicated the public's desire for other means of placing their bets on horse races and the Royal Commission's finding that off-course betting should be legalised (but as directed by the Racing and Trotting Conferences) left the bookies dangling in the air so to speak.

The Auckland headquarters of the D.S.A. were raided by the police shortly after this and it was apparent that this was a case of again 'parting on the shore.' The D.S.A. went out of existence but the operators still carried on getting their dividends wherever they could. By an irony of fate they often got them from the opposition organisation which they had previously looked upon with scorn. The opposition organisation was still in business as it did not have the temerity to appear before the Commission, rightly surmising that it was an illegal organisation and that it would be imprudent to supply the police or the racing bodies with information as had the D.S.A. - such as the fact that its operators were handling £27,000,000 of illegal business per annum. These figures were open to query, but it was good ammunition for the bookies' opponents. This vast sum was the main factor that weighed against them in the summing up of the evidence by the Royal Commission on Gaming. The fact that an illegal body of men had conducted an illegal business and handled such a sum could not favourably impress the Commission. The broadcasting of dividends was also instrumental in putting this organisation out of business.

The position now in New Zealand is that if one wants to make a bet off-course legally, it has to be done per a mechanical monster known as the TAB, a monster which must in time devour itself. The personal contact of the bookies is missing. It would be difficult to imagine someone ringing up the TAB and placing a bet on a horse and telling them that if the horse should lose they will have to wait a while for the money as the income tax was due or the grocer or butcher had to be paid.

This sometimes happened with the bookie who did not mind as the bet was not recoverable by law anyway. Besides, the customer usually paid and everyone was happy. The bookie is still offering this service and also the convenience of not having to make the bet until the last minute from the comfort of the armchair by the radio plus the convenience of not having to deposit the money first.

The bookie is now supplied with his 'divvys' by an obliging radio service, dispensing with association fees and toll bills. It also saves him the extra work of suppling his customers with the prices as they also receive these over the air. The public will alway patronise the bookie, no matter what steps an optimistic police or racing interests take. The continual stream of letters to the press clearly indicates the public's feelings and the bookie will stay in business.

Whatever the outcomeof the all-out drive against the bookie, the man in the street will still have a flutter with the bookmaker!

Credit: 'Reflector' writing in NZ Hoof Beats Oct 1953

RACING HISTORY HORSES

PETER SCOTT (1910)

Peter The Great - Jenny Scott - Bryson

SIRE LINE - (Thru Scotland) Speedy Scot, Sundon - Speedy Crown, Speedy Somoli - Valley Victory, Armbro Invasion, Muscles Yankee etc.

Peter Scott, quite a rough-actioned trotter was beaten first up in feature racing just after a record $US30,000 had been paid for him but he had the last laugh. Peter Scott was never beaten again and retired the record stake earner of all time among trotters.

He was not an immediate superstar as a sire. He never won a premiership and his son Scotland, his lifeline to posterity, won only one. But his line of trotters has blossomed amazingly in recent times. Scotland (sire of U Scott who was converted to pace in New Zealand) had an unusual career in that after being beaten in the Hambletonian at three, he was not raced again until he was five. He was prolific at stud and a smoother trotter than his sire which helped.

A feature of this line has been its ability to produce a super trotting sire succession tradition. It has a record number of successive champion trotting sires and it shows no sign of slowing.

The Scotland pacing line (U Scott and sons; Scottish Hanover etc) has died out in this country.

TRIVIA FACT - Peter Scott was the third leg in a remarkable father-sons domination of harness racing. His sire is generally regarded as the most dominant sire of the last century - at least until the Hal Dale line came along. He left 2100 foals and 189 siring sons - sensational stats then and maybe still. His best son, Peter Volo broke some of his records and both he and Peter Scott were bred on similar crosses on the maternal line. For over 25 years the three were the dominant stallion influences world-wide.

Credit: Dave McCarthy writing in Harnessed Mar 2017

RACING HISTORY HORSES

PETER VOLO (1910)

Peter The Great - Nervolo Belle - Nervolo

SIRE LINE - (Through Direct Scooter) In The Pocket (Christian Cullen, Courage Under Fire, Tinted Cloud etc), Mach Three (Auckland Reactor, Somebeachsomwhere, Changeover).
(Through Star's Pride) Game Pride, S J's Photo, Continental Man, C R Commando.
(Though Noble Victory) Angus Hall, (Majestic Son) Monkey Bones, The Pres, Monarchy.

Peter Volo had an extraordinary backstory, a classic example of how stallions with the right genes can overcome major setbacks to prove their greatness.

In his era, he was the fastest trotter in every year he performed as a yearling(time trial) two, three and four-year-old trotter before being retired with record stakes won. But he was sent to the same stud where his legendary sire, Peter The Great was standing. It was an establishment (Patchem Stud Farm) in serious decline and what top mares were available all went to Peter The Great even though the stud's owner rather bizarrely tended to hide away his prized possession from public view.

When that stud was broken up Peter Volo, with no stock of note, was sold to stand at Walnut Hall Farm after attracting few bids. Then about 1925 when in middle age he suddenly blossomed from better opportunities into the stallion, a title he won five years in succession, also going on to be leading broodmare sire.

His influence now is chiefly through his great son Volomite, a much better gaited horse than his sire and able to leave pacers and trotters equally as good. New Zealand owners generally couldn't afford Peter Volo stock though Quite Sure was a success for Julia Cuff in the 1940's. Volomite's son Light Brigade was a huge success here and as in the US his cross with sons and daughters of Peter Scott's son Scotland was notably successful. When the combination of gaits is considered, Volomite has become legend material.

TRIVIA FACT - Peter Volo's dam, Nervolo Belle should never have been foaled. Her dam was booked to Rob McGregor, a popular stallion then but through an error by stud staff she was bred to a moderate stallion, Nervolo whom her owner would not have even considered. The rest, as they say, is history.



Credit: Dave McCarthy writing in Harnessed March 2017

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1910 NZ TROTTING CUP

The race of 1910 will be long remembered for the series of mishaps associated with it. Just after the field had been sent on its two mile journey Walnut swerved across the track and collided with Manderene, both horses losing their drivers. Then King Cole ran into El Franz, whose driver was thrown out of the sulky. In the meantime, Manderene had practically taken charge of the track. Careering around at a mad gallop he forced the other competitors to get out of the way as best they could. One of the few to escape trouble was the previous year's winner, Wildwood Junior. Cleverly driven by his owner-trainer, William Kerr, the handsome son of Wildwood got an almost uninterrupted passage and had no difficulty in defeating Bright and Ribbons.

Of all those early winners, Wildwood Junior stood out in a class by himself. Either he or another of Wildwood's progeny in the sensational Ribbonwood, would have equalled the performances of some subsequent winners had the track conditions and training methods under which they raced been equal to what they are nowdays.

-o0o-

NZ Trotting Calendar 31 October 1945

In 1909 and the following year Wildwood Junior won the NZ Cup. Many experienced horsemen who sa Wildwood Junior's performances, and every Cup winner since, are still of the opinion that Wildwood Junior ranks with the greatest winners of the race. His dam was the Kentucky mare Thelma. Thelma is one of the gems of the Stud Book. Not a great deal is known about her ancestry, as the Stud Book states she was from the thoroughbred mare Pride Of Lincoln, by Touchstone, second dam Sally (imp), but if anything can be written regarding her progeny it must be acknowledged that, despite the fact of inability to prove many tabulated ancestors, her breeding could hardly have been anything but aristocratic. To further enlarge on the influence of Thelma's progeny, it need only be mentioned that her daughter Authoress was the dam of Author Dillon, who won the Cup in 1918, and he in turn was the sire of Auditress, who was the dam of Marlene, the 1940 Cup winner; further, Wildwood Junior was the sire of the dam of Lucky Jack, also a dual Cup winner.

-o0o-

Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

Wildwood Junior set an Australasian record for two miles when he easily won his second NZ Cup. His time of 4.33 beat the record set by Ribbonwood seven years earlier. The Cup was again the only race Wildwood Junior contested during season. If he had stayed sound he might have been the country's second champion pacer, after Ribbonwood. The free-going son of Wildwood received a great ovation from the large crowd when he and owner-trainer-driver Bill Kerr returned to the enclosure.

His record run was remarkable because he had had to race through a disorganised field of 15, with a strong easterly wind and dust frm the front-runners hampering his progress. The stake for the Cup reached four figures for the first time and the club offered 6000 sovereigns over the three days. The time limit for the Cup was tightened to 4:44, and a capacity field of 16 made that mark, most of them pacers, though a few trotters were still able to make the top field.

Wildwood Junior was handicapped eight seconds behind the front line. Trackwork before the race suggested that Wildwood Junior, Al Franz, Manderene, Walnut (an Otago representative who came north with a big reputation), Ribbons and Aberfeldy would dispute the finish. The three-horse bracket of Manderene, Dick Fly and Albertorious, from the stable of Manny Edwards, were the favourites, with Albertorious the least popular of the three. Wildwood Junior, Walnut and Al Franz were the next-best supported.

Unfortunately, the race was a poor spectacle, spoiled by a series of mishaps. At the start Walnut swerved across the track and collided with Manderene, both horses losing their drivers, Robert Logan and Manny Edwards respectively. King Cole played up and ran into Al Franz, who dumped Charles Kerr on the track. Several others suffered interference, while Durbar refused to leave the mark. It was the second year in succession that King Cole and Durbar had failed to start.

Verax went to the front for Claude Piper and led from Bright, Fusee and Ribbons. For much of the race the driverless Manderene hampered the leaders. At the halfway stage Wildwood Junior got near and, passing the stands for the last time, Bill Kerr worked him in behind the leader, Verax. Once into the back straight Wildwood Junior went to the front and won by four lengths from the pony Bright, who ran an exceptional race for Tom Frost. Bright paid £21 15s for secod, a place dividend that has not been exceeded in the Cup's history. Ribbons (Free Holmes) was third 10 lengths back, then at considerable intervals came Aberfeldy, Terra Nova and Lady Clare.

A total of 29 bookmakers operated on Cup Day and brought the club £560 in fees. Totalisator investments were £17,036, of which the Cup attracted £4205. The three-day turnover reached a record £50,889. A new grandstand, with a seting capacity of 2500 and reported to be the finest in New Zealand, was in use for the first time. The outside patrons were given the use of the old grandstand, so altogether 6000 could be seated at Addington. After the second race the New Zealand Trotting Conference president, Phineas Selig, officially opened the new stand.

The weather on the second day was again perfect. Of great significance was the appearance on the programme of the Dominion Handicap, later to become major race for trotters. However, in 1910 the race was open to maiden performers assessed at 5:10 or faster. Two Australian records were broken on the third day. Redchild recorded 4:40 for two miles, the fastest ever in saddle; and Dillon Bell, a three-year-old, ran 4:41.4, a time never previously recorded by one of his age, when he beat Terra Nova, Aberfeldy and the other top-class horses in the Christchurch Handicap.

Credit: 'Veteran' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 13Nov63

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1910 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 8 NOVEMBER

Commodious as are the grounds of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club as now constituted, they proved none too large to accommodate the record crowd that gathered from all parts of the Dominion yesterday to participate in the first day's racing.

Both enclosures were liberally patronised, as was the centre of the course, and it is estimated that fully twelve thousand spectators were present by the time the big event of the afternoon came on for decision. Every sporting centre of note, both in the North and South Islands, was strongly represented, and amongst the many prominent visitors were plenty to whom the sport was practically an unknown quantity. That one and all of these must have been favourably impressed with the enormous strides made by trotting in Canterbury is certain, for few racing clubs can offer the same accommodation or up-to-date conveniences as that now provided at Addington.

On all sides were to be heard encomiums regarding the completeness and beauty of the new stand, which was in use for the first time. This magnificent structure provides seating accommodation for 2500 people. The steps are of easy grade, and the seats broad, with ample room between each row. The building is 240ft in length, and the four pillars that support the roof are of specially imported mild steel shafting. This gives a practically uninterrupted view of the course, while the ends of the structure are enclosed with plate-glass. The ceiling is of Wunderlich metal, giving a handsome appearance to the upper portion of the building, which is particularly well lighted. On the ground floor of the stand is a well-appointed kitchen, with a large public luncheon room, replete with every convenience. On the next floor are the member's room, to which access is gained by a double flight of steps leading to a handsome portico.

Other improvements, too numerous to particularise, have also been effected, and as it now stands the club's appointments are complete in every particular. The convenience of outside patrons has also been added to by placing the old grandstand at their disposal, and altogether there is stand accommodation provided for close to 6000 people. As a result of the building operations the grounds have suffered to some extent, while the long spell of dry weather has retarded the newly-sown grass on the lawns. Consequently the strong easterly wind that blew yesterday added to its other discomfits by raising clouds of dust, both on the lawns and along the racing track. To minimise the latter difficulty a lot of water had to be put on the course between the races, and this made the going rather holding, militating somewhat against fast times.

After the second race the stewards entertained a number of prominent visitors in the official's luncheon room. Mr P Selig, president of the New Zealand Trotting Association, proposed the health of the stewards, and on behalf of the visitors wished those connected with the club's welfare every success in their endeavours to further the interest of light harness racing. The toast was responded to by Mr G B Ritchie, acting president. The health of the president, the Hon C Louisson, who is returning from a visit to England, was also drunk, being responded to by Mr Cecil Louisson, jun.

That those present were in a speculative mood was evinced by the brisk business done at the totalisator, no less than £17,036 being handled, as against £16,291 on the corresponding day last year. On several of the races a lot of money was shut out, only for which the day's total would have been much larger. Twenty-eight bookmakers were doing business in the two enclosures, their fees swelling the club's revenue to the extent of £560.

Great interest was evinced in the decision of the New Zealand Trotting Cup, not only from the fact that it had the richest stake attached to it ever offered by any club in Australasia, but also because the field of sixteen competitors included many of the best horses ever attracted to the Addington track. No less than three of the starters, in Dick Fly, Albertorious and Manderene, came from M Edwards's stable, which necessitated their being coupled on the machine. This trio received the most attention at the hands of backers, but there was also plenty of support for the scratch horse, Wildwood Junior, who won the same race twelve months ago. A Dunedin visitor, in Walnut, had a strong following, as did Al Franz, and altogether it was the most spirited betting race ever held on the course. In all respects the field was thoroughly representative of the best light harness horses the Dominion can produce.

They were a well-conditioned lot, those showing to most advantage in this respect being Wildwood Junior, Manderene, Terra Nova, Albertorious, and Al Franz. Unfortunately, from a spectacular point of view, the race was spoilt by a series of mishaps. No sooner had the signal been given than Walnut, one of the limit horses, swerved across the track, colliding with Manderene, the impact throwing the drivers of both horses out of their sulkies. Nor did trouble end here, for King Cole repeated Walnut's performance when he got the signal, and running into Al Franz he unshipped that horse's reinsman. These mishaps completely spoilt the prospects of the four competitors named, besides interfering with several of those that started behind them. Verax, Fusee, and Bright formed the vanguard for over a mile and a half, but they were all hampered by the presence of the uncontrolled Manderene in their midst. Even before the concluding round was started on it was quite evident that Wildwood Junr held the opposition safe, and getting to the front in the back straight, he was not afterwards troubled, though little Bright, by a game effort, caused the winner to do his best right to the finish.

Wildwood Junr's achievement of establishing a new Australasian race record was, under the circumstances, a remarkable one. He had a disorganised field of fifteen horses to pass, besides which the strong wind and its attendant dust must have hampered even such a free goer as the handsome son of Wildwood and Thelma. That the public recognised the merits of his win was evidenced by the applause that greeted him on returning to the enclosure. Bright, who is only of pony stature, also put up a fine performance, while Verax and Fusee had their efforts discounted by the interference they suffered from Manderene.

M Edwards's bad luck in this event received some compensation by the victories he achieved in the Spring Handicap and Au Revoir Handicap. His representative, Armamenter, showed greatly improved form in the first-named race, for though strongly challenged by Onawa and Bold Maid in the early stages, he outstayed the opposition all through the last circuit. Ripon Child was served up a strong order for the Au Revoir Handicap and though under pressure all through the last half Edwards landed him home a comfortable winner from Little Tib and Ariel, both of whom at various stages seemed to have his measure.

Saddle races seldom attract large fields at Addington, and the Empire Handicap was no exception to the rule in this respect. Of the ten competitors Combine and Ivy Dean, both hailing from M Edwards's stable, were most in demand, but though the former put up a good fight, he had not sufficient pace to stall of the final efforts of Laudervale, whose great staying powers stood him in good stead at the finish.

An Ashburton representative in Silver Princess was supported for the Riccarton Handicap as if the issue was beyond doubt. Unfortunately for her many backers, she did not start any too well, and after making up most of her lost ground, spoilt her chance by a couple of bad breaks. Victory rested with a little fancied candidate in Wallace M, who showed a rare turn of foot, and was most capably driven.

The Middleton Handicap also saw the downfall of a strong favourite in the Ashburton trained White Rock. When half the distance had been covered, it seemed any odds on the Rothschild gelding prevailing; but a couple of mistakes took so much out of him in retrieving his position that at the finish he was unable to catch Lord Cardigan, who put up by far his best performance to date.

Most of the eighteen starters in the St Albans Handicap came in for solid support, those in most demand being Lucky Mount, Jackaroo and Bellis. The calculations of backers were completely astray, for a rank outsider in Ianto quickly got to the front, and stopped there to the finish, while two other little-fancied ones in Eulogy and Viewmont filled the places. The following are the results:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 soves and third 15 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.20 or better. Two miles.

H A Jarden's b g Armamenter, by Rothschild-Eos, 4yrs, 14sec (M Edwards) 1
J M Thompson's Bold Maid, 12sec (W Thomas) 2
E F Gerken's Volcano, 10sec (J Messervey) 3

Te Porangi scr, Francita 4sec, Lucky Child 8sec, Glenfoot 10sec, Glendalough 10sec, Voter 11sec, Miss Becky 12sec, Lady Devon 12sec, Uniform 12sec, Trixey V 12sec, Malabar 14sec, Onawa 14sec and Vanguard 14sec also started.

Onawa showed the way from Armamenter and Bold Maid for half the journey with Volcano heading the others. A little further on Onawa lost his place and Armamenter went on just in front of Bold Maid, who was followed at a consideable interval by Volcano. So they raced to the finish, Armamenter winning by six lengths from Bold Maid, who was eight lengths in front of Volcano. Glenfoot finished fourth and Voter fifth. Time 5min 9sec.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness), of 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. For horses that have not done 4min or better. One mile and a half.

Miss Cass's ch g Lyonnaise, by General Lyons-Jessie B, 4yrs, 10sec (Mr J Cass) 1
Miss Charlton's Rexcordium, 10sec (Mr J L Charlton) 2
Mrs J Wilson's Prince Reynard, 9sec (Mr D Forsyth) 3

Olive Child scr, Neil Gow scr, Glounreigh scr, Metallic scr, Alpine K scr, Sylvie scr, The Lark scr, Black Betty 7sec, Posie G 8sec, Miss Lyons 7sec, Grace Darlington 7sec, Professor 7sec, Albert Wilkes 8sec, Grisette 8sec, Miss Moore 8sec, Reka 8sec, Magnetic 9sec, Welcome Jack 10sec, Black Monarch 10sec, Tom Sayers 10sec and Irvy Woodburn 10sec also started.
The Lark and Posie D, Grisette and Miss Moore, Reka and Prince Reynard, Magnetic and Welcome Jack, Black Monarch and Lyonnaise, and Tom Sayers and Irvy Woodburn were coupled.

Lyonnaise commenced smartly and with a round completed was showing well clear of Rexcordium, Welcome Jack and Prince Reynard. There was little change in the order till within half a mile from home where Welcome Jack lost his place to Rexcordium. From this out Lyonnaise had matters all his own way and won comfortably by three lengths from Rexcordium, who was ten lengths in front of Prince Reynard. Then followed Grace Darling and Grisette. Time, 3min 52 4/5th sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 1000 sovs; second to receive 200 sovs and third 100 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.44 or better. Two miles.

W Kerr's blk h Wildwood Junr, by Wildwood-Thelma, 6yrs, scr (W Kerr) 1
J Preece's Bright, 8sec (T Frost) 2
F Amor's ch f Ribbons, 7sec (F Holmes) 3

Dick Fly 1sec, Durbar 1sec, Terra Nova 3sec, Al Franz 4sec, Lady Clare 4sec, Albertorious 5sec, Aberfeldy 6sec, King Cole 6sec, Imperial Polly 6sec, Manderene 7sec Fusee 7sec, Verax 8sec, Walnut 8sec also started. Dick Fly, Albertorious and Manderene and Lady Clare and Aberfeldy were coupled.

No sooner had the signal been given than Walnut swerved across the track, and collided with Manderene, with the result that both horses lost their drivers. King Cole also played up, and ran into Al Franz, with a similar result, while several of the others suffered interference, and Durbar refused to leave the mark. Verax went on in front of Bright all through the first circuit, Fusee and Ribbons being most prominent of the others. With half the distance gone, Verax was still in charge from the driverless Manderene, Fusee and Bright, while Wildwood Junr was already in a handy position. Passing the stand for the last time Wildwood Junr had worked his way into second position to Verax, and once into the back straight he ran to the head of affairs. From this out Wildwood Junr had matters all his own way, and won by four lengths from Bright, with Ribbons ten lengths away in third place. Then at a considerable interval came Aberfeldy, Terra Nova, and Lady Clare. Time 4min 33sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5min 8sec or better. Two miles.

M Clarice's ch g Laudervale, by Lauderdale-Letty, aged, 4sec (F Holmes) 1
W Murray's Combine, 18sec (M Edwards) 2
T Davidson's King's Lynn, 4sec (R Reay) 3

Marietta Huon 4sec, Prince Wilkin 8sec, Luluette 11sec, Link 12sec, Ferira 12sec, Ivy Dean 14sec and Blackchild Boy 17sec also started. Combine and Ivy Dean were coupled.

Combine led for two furlongs, when he broke, giving way to Blackchild Boy, who at the stand had established a commanding lead. With half the distance gone Combine was in second place, Ferira heading the others. Running along the back straight for the last time Ferira and Combine passed Blackchild Boy, only to give way in turn to Laudervale. The latter then drew right away and won by four lengths from Combine, who was eight lengths in front of King's Lynn. Ivy Dean finished fourth and Prince Wilkin fifth. Time, 4min 52sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3min 52sec or better. One mile and a half.

F Vale's b g Wallace M, by Wallace L-Eladarat, 4yrs, 6sec (A Wilson) 1
Mrs M Cotton's Millie C, 8sec (T Cotton) 2
W J Doyle's Starchild, 5sec (Owner) 3

Bonification scr, Kalgoorlie 3sec, Brown Bell 4sec, Lord Ashton 5sec, Iola 5sec, Idaho 6sec, Stormlet 6sec, Silver Princess 7sec, Cleopatra 8sec, and Lou Doble 9sec also started.

Lou Boble commenced nicely and in the back straight he had Millie C, Starchild and Silver Princess as his nearest attendants. With half the distance gone Millie C closed on the leader and Starchild, Silver Princess and Lord Ashton improved their positions. When well into the concluding round Lou Doble lost his place to Millie C, who was at once challenged by Wallace M. The latter drew to the front three furlongs from home and won by three lengths from Millie C and Starchild, who were separated by a head. Lou Doble finished fourth and Iola fifth. Time, 3min 45 4/5th sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.20 or better. Two miles.

M Clarice's b g Lord Cardigan by Rothschild, 5yrs, 22sec (F Holmes) 1
A Pringle's White Rock, 19sec (Owner) 2
H B Hubbard's Lula Child, 19sec (Owner) 3

Te Kuiti 5sec, Dick G 7sec, Electric Jack 10sec, Rotbolia 11sec, Bellona 16sec, Perzaline 16sec, Sir Joe 17sec, Salt Air 17sec, Vigourous 18sec, Rosalie 20sec, Lone Hand 20sec, Valmore 20sec, J C H 20sec, Crash 20sec, and Vanguard 22sec also started.

Lord Cardigan was soon out in front, but at the stand White Rock passed him, this pair drew right away from their field and, White Rock breaking as the last circuit was being entered, enabled Lord Cardigan again to take charge. Stalling of a strong challenge from the favourite, Lord Cardigan won by five lengths. Lula Child finished third fifty yards back, followed by Sir Joe and Valmore. Time, 5min 11 2/5th sec.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.30 or better. One mile.

W B Masham's blk c Ripon Child by Proud Child-Verice, 3yrs, 8sec (M Edwards) 1
D Spence's Little Tib, 8sec (A Binnie) 2
P D Petrie's Ariel, 6sec (R McDonnell) 3

Elector scr, Truth scr, Royal Ribbon 2sec, Embrace 4sec, Dayspring 5sec, Miramar 5sec, Princess Minto 7sec, Nell Gwynne 7sec and Mavourneen 7sec also started.

Ripon Child was well clear of Little Tib and Ariel as the stand was reached. A little further on Ariel ran into second place, and in the back closed on the leader. When well into the back straight Ariel was in trouble and Little Tib took second place. He could not get to Ripon Child, however, who won by three lengths, with Ariel eight lengths back. Royal Ribbon finished fourth, just at the head of a bunched division. Time, 2min 26sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.30 or better. One mile.

R H Wright's b g Ianto, by Mambrino Abdallah-Ptarmigan, aged, 10sec (J McLelland) 1
T Harold's Eulogy, 11sec (J Rainey) 2
D Kelleher's Viewmont, 7sec (F Holmes) 3

Almont 5sec, First Pet 6sec, Lucky Mount 7sec, Ben Hur 7sec, Repeater 7sec, Ned Corbett 9sec, Imperial 10sec, Troubadour 10sec, Jackaroo 11sec, Bellis 11sec, Ticket 11sec Phingari 11sec, Cora Lynn 12sec, Gold Lace 12sec and Erina (coupled) also started.

Before reaching the stand Erina had got to the front, her nearest attendants being Eulogy, Ianto, and Ticket. Going along the back Ianto took charge, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning pulling up by five lengths from Eulogy. Wiewmont was third ten lengths away, followed by Repeater and Erina. Time 3min 23 3/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 9 Nov 1910

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1910 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER

The weather was perfect when operations started at Addington yesterday, the sun shining out brightly, while the easterly wind was not strong enough to cause much inconvenience. In this respect the weather conditions afforded a most pleasing contrast to those existing on the first day, and enhanced the enjoyment of those present.

Though the off-day of the meeting there was a highly satisfactory attendance, which included a large number of prominent visiting sportsmen from all parts of the Dominion. His Excellency the Governor, attended by Captain Maitland, arrived at 2 o'clock, and was received by Mr G B Ritchie (vice-president) and Mr A I Rattray (secretary of the club), and Mr P Selig (president of the New Zealand Trotting Association). During the afternoon Lord Islington, Sir George Clifford (president of the New Zealand Racing Conference) and Lady Clifford, Mr A E G Rhodes, Mr G P Donnelly, Mr J B Harcourt (president of the Wellington Racing Club), and a number of other prominent visitors, were entertained by the stewards at afternoon tea. Lord Islington's other engagements permitted him to witness only three races, and as he left, he was heartily cheered by the crowd.

The racing track was in excellent order, much firmer than on Tuesday, consequently the times were fast in all the events. Most of the races were well fought out, and altogether the afternoon's racing must have left a favourable impression on all who witnessed it. Speculation was again brisk, Mr McDougall's staff handling £14,085 as against £12,442 on the corresponding day last year. Thirty-one bookmakers were doing business, their fees amounting to £620.

Proceedings commenced with the Hornby Handicap, which attracted a more than useful field of nineteen saddle horses. Most of the competitors came in for solid support, but after going three parts of the journey nothing had a chance with Bellis, who left the mile and a-half behind in 3.42. The winner went right up to his best form of three seasons ago, while Repeater, the second-place filler, showed to even more advantage.

Consequent on her poor showing in the Riccarton Handicap on Tuesday, backers left Silver Princess severely alone for the Lyttelton Handicap, preferring the prospects of Wallace Junior, Maelstrom and Driftwood. After racing off her first mile at a terrific rate the Ashburton representative had her field quite disorganised, and came home a comfortable winner in the splendid time for a green performer of 4.56 1/5. Lord Ashton and Bonification both gave improved showings, but Wallace Junior stopped after putting in a very fast mile, and Driftwood refused to strike a gait.

Though it included only one top-notcher, the field that contested the Courtney Handicap was decidedly a serviceable one. Two Ashburton trained four-year-olds - St Swithin and Emmeline - were in strong demand with backers, and they justified expectations by finishing first and second. It was a most interesting finish, as between the pair, and it was mainly due to Pringle's vigorous driving that St Swithin got his head in front as the post was reached. Papanui, another well-fancied candidate, gave a poor showing, but Wilkie looked to have a winning chance all through the last half mile.

That fortunate owner, "M Clarice" annexed the November Handicap through the agency of Laudervale, who can easily be classed as one of the most consistent and best-gaited trotters now in commission. It was only after an exciting race with Decoration, however, that the free-striding son of Lauderdale gained the verdict, and the finish would have been decidedly close had the former not left his feet under pressure.

A little-fancied candidate in Sir Joe made a runaway race of the Dominion Handicap, leading from start to finish. It was anything but a finished display of trotting on the winner's part, for he mixed his gait repeatedly, an example followed to a lesser extent by GTF and White Rock, the place-fillers.

Marie Corelli, a full sister to the New Zealand Trotting Cup winner, showed the family gift of gait by putting down a strong field of saddle horses in the Railway Handicap, her achievement of passing twelve other competitors and getting to the end of the mile in 2min 17 3/5th sec being a remarkably fine one.

Though there were a dozen starters in the Royal Handicap, Manderene was entrusted with nearly a third of the investments, his partisans refusing to hear of his defeat. The favourite did not get any too good a passage all through, but even so, he could hardly have won under any circumstances. After Rosebery had looked to have a winning chance for most of the journey, the consistent Verax cut him down in the straight, and put up his best performance to date by going the mile in 2min 16sec. Wilkie and King Cole were both putting in great work at the finish, but, as usual in races of this description, their tasks were made hard through meeting with interference.

Details of the racing are:-

HORNBY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs, and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3min 48sec or better. One mile and a half.

W Kerr's b g Bellis, by Prince Imperial, 5yrs, 9sec (E McKewen) 1
A R Egerton's Repeater, 5sec (R Allan) 2
R Peel's Troubadour, 9sec (J Tudhope) 3

Ruby S scr and Wallace M 9sec (coupled), Diadem 8sec, Imperil 9sec, Luluette 9sec, Phingari 10sec, Victor Huon 10sec, Link 10sec, Cora Lynn 11sec, Solo 11sec, Blackchild Boy 11sec, Starchild 11sec, Glenora 13sec, Prince Foote 13sec, Volcano 13sec and Millie C 13sec also started.

Millie C and Volcano made play for over half a mile, when the latter retired beaten. Entering the concluding round Bellis was on terms with Millie C who ran with him till two furlongs from home and then stopped. This allowed Bellis to go on and win comfortably by three lengths from Repeater, who was twice that distance in front of Troubadour. Then came Luluette and Phingari. Time, 3min 42sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5min 5sec or better. Two miles.

J McDonnell's gr f Silver Princess, by Prince Imperial- Barbara, 3yrs, 9sec (R McDonnell) 1
W Begg's Lord Ashton, 11sec, (F Batt) 2
F Jones's Bonification, 5sec (Owner) 3

Prince Wilkin 3sec, Betel Nut 5sec, Maelstrom 5sec, Wallace Jnr 7sec, Kalgoorlie 7sec, Driftwood 9sec, Te Porangi 9sec, and Electric Bell 11sec also started.

Lord Ashton led for a couple of furlongs when he was passed by Silver Princess. The latter then drew right away, and giving nothing else a chance, won comfortably by a dozen lengths. A good race between Lord Ashton, Bonification, Kalgoorlie and Maelstrom for second place ended in their finishing in that order at short intervals. Time, 4min 56 1/5th sec.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 75 sovs; second 7sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. For horses that have not done better than 4min. One mile and a half.

Mrs A C Bishop's b m Ngarata, by Rothschild-Berlin mare, 5yrs, 3sec (Mr A Gallagher) 1
Mrs Craig's Miss Nightingale, 6sec, Mr H McKay) 2
Mrs J Brake's Lucknow, 3sec (Mr J J Brake) 3

March Hare scr, Alita 1sec (coupled with Ngarata), Eldorato 3sec, Case Mebez 3sec, Princess D 3sec, Rothelli 4sec, Adieu 4sec, Spanish Lacer 4sec, Terrific 4sec, Special Child 5sec, Bay Gown 6sec, Silver King 6sec, Precious 6sec, Backward 6sec and Francis Y 6sec (coupled), Prima Donna 6sec and Imperious 6sec (coupled) also started.

Prima Donna held charge for two furlongs but then gave place to Miss Nightingale, Lucknow and Ngarata heading the others. Once into the concluding round Ngarata ran to the front and from this out had matters all her own way, winning easily by fifty yards from Mrs Nightingale, with Lucknow ten lengths back, followed by Alita and March Hare. Time, 3min 54sec.

COURTNEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 400 sovs; second 60 sovs, and third 40 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4min 52sec or better. Two miles.

H F Nicoll's b c St Swithin, by Rothschild-Queen V, 4yrs, 11sec (A Pringle) 1
R McDonnell's Emmeline, 10sec (Owner) 2
J Jeff's Wilkie, 9sec (R Logan) 3

Albertorious 3sec, Prince Warbeck 7sec, Piecework 8sec, Factory Boy 9sec, First Pet 7sec, Vibon 9sec, Hue Elect 9sec, Marie Narelle 9sec, Scottish Mac 10sec, Derringcotto 10sec, Captain Tracey 10sec, Princess Louise 10sec, Papanui 11sec, Florin 11sec and King Lynn 13sec also started.

Florin soon got to the head of affairs, and at the stand had King Lynn, Emmeline, Scottish Mac and St Swithin as his nearest attendants. With half the distance gone, Emmeline took charge from Florin, Scottish Mac and St Swithin the rest being headed by Wilkie. Half way through the concluding round Wilkie ran into second and St Swithin improved his place. Two furlongs from home the latter closed on Emmeline, and in a great finish beat her in the run to the post by a head. Wilkie was third four lengths away, followed at an interval of fifty yards by Derringcotto and First Pet. Time, 4min 43sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.2 or better, Two miles.

M Clarke's ch g Laudervale, by Lauderdale-Letty, aged, 6sec (F Holmes) 1
B Edwards's Decoration, 3sec (A Pringle) 2
M J Groat's Ferira, 14sec (E McKewen) 3

Marie Corelli 7sec, Marietta Huon 8sec, Vanclare 8sec, Wild Tree 9sec, Lord Althorp 9sec, Gladsome 9sec, Prince Wilkin 12sec, Harold C 12sec, Luluette 14sec and Variation 16sec also started. Lord Althorp was bracketed with Vanclare and Luluette with Gladsome.

Prince Wilkin soon ran to the front, and at the stand was attended by Ferira, Variation and Harold C. The leader held his own till well into the second mile, where he retired, and a little further on Decoration took charge attended by Laudervale. The latter closed on Decoration in the home straight, and won comfortably by six lengths. Ferira was third fifty yards back, followed by Vanclare and Gladsome. Time, 4min 43 4/5th sec.

DOMINION HANDICAP (in harness) of 235 sovs; second 35 sovs and third 23 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.10 or better. Two miles.

C E Cross's b g Sir Joem by Vancleve-Sunbeam, aged, 16sec (T W Price, junr) 1
E J Glemster's G T F, 11sec (M Edwards) 2
A Pringle's White Rock, 15sec (Owner) 3

Electrocute scr, Adventuress 4sec, Rubican 6sec, Te Kuiti 9sec, Dick G 11sec, Clevewood 13sec, Lord Cardigan 14sec, Electric Jack 14sec, Rotholia 14sec and Master Raymond 16sec also started.

By the time the stand was reached Sir Joe had established a lead of quite fifty yards from Clevewood, G T F and White Rock. With half the distance gone G T F took second place, Master Raymond heading the others. From this out Sir Joe, despite several breaks, held his own, and won by four lengths from G T F with White Rock third two lengths away, followed by Master Raymond and Adventuress. Time, 5min 2 4/5th sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 180 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.27 or better. One mile.

W Kerr's b m Marie Corelli, by Wildwood-Thelma, 5yrs, 4sec (R Reay) 1
H Dawson's First Pet, 6sec (E McKeown) 2
W Hay's Hue Elect, 5sec (J Messervey) 3

Bell Car 1sec, Truth (A) 4sec, Prince Randle 4sec, Belroy 4sec, St Simon 4sec, Ianto 4sec, Millwood 5sec and Almond 5sec (coupled), Viewmont 6sec, Bribery 6sec, Withington 6sec, T F C 6sec, Romany Lad 6sec, Eulogy 7sec, Lucky Mount 7sec and Success 7sec (coupled), Repeater 7sec and Embrace 8sec (coupled) also started.

With a furlong gone Lucky Mount was showing the way to Embrace, the pair being followed by Eulogy and First Pet. Running along the back stretch Lucky Mount lost her place, and at the home turn First Pet, Embrace, Eulogy and Millwood were almost on terms. A great struggle took place to the post, Marie Corelli getting to the front inside the distance, and winning by a length from First Pet. Hue Elect was third three lengths back, followed at short intervals by Millwood, Eulogy and Bribery. Time, 2min 17 3/5th sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 210 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.22 or better. One mile.

J A Buckland's b g Verax, by Vancleve-Darera, aged, 4sec (C Piper) 1
J Jeff's Wilkie, 2sec (R Logan) 2
R O Duncan's King Cole, 3sec (N Price) 3

Durbar scr, Bell Metal 1sec, Lady Clare 2sec, Manderene 3sec, Blue Boy 3sec, Gold Leaf 4sec, My Mistake 4sec, Rosebery 5sec and Captain Tracey 5sec also started.

Rosebery held command as the stand was reached, his nearest attendants being My Mistake, Verax and Manderene. So they went along the back stretch, where Verax closed on My Mistake, while Manderene and King Cole improved their places. A furlong from home Verax amd Wilkie closed on Rosebery, and in a good finish Verax won by a length and a half from Wilkie, who was a length in front of King Cole, with Rosebery close up fourth, and My Mistake fifth. Time, 2min 16sec.

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1910

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1910 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER

The weather was delightfully fine for the concluding day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting, and the attendance reached record proportions.



Credit: The Press 12 November 1910

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1910 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER

The weather was delightfully fine for the concluding day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting yesterday, and the attendance reached record proportions. Included in the visitors were mant North Island sportsmen, and they, as well as the club's local supporters were treated to an excellent afternoon's sport.

The racing track was in splendid order, though the frequent use of the watering-cart, consequent on the easterly driven dust, made it somewhat slower than on the second day. Better racing has seldom been witnessed on the Addington track, the finishes in the Australasian Handicap and Metropolitan Handicap being brim full of interest.

In the big saddle event of the day, Redchild put up an Australasian record by reeling off the two miles in 4min 40sec, and his victory was made the occasion of a great ovation. One of the finest performances ever recorded on the Addington track was that put up by Dillon Bell in winning the chief harness race of the day in the great time for a three-year-old of 4min 41 2/5th sec, which stands as a record for a three-year-old in a harness race. The son of Harold Dillon made nearly all his own running, and even when challenged by such a consistent performer as Terra Nova at the finish, had a lot in hand.

The only serious mishap of the Meeting took place in the Enfield Handicap, in which Curfew Bell fell just after passing the stand, and brought down Croesus, Miss Florrie C and Ribbons. Fortunately none of the horses or their riders were much the worse for their fall, the only sufferer being A Piper, who had to be sent to the hospital for treatment.

Speculation was again brisk, the sum of £19,767 being handled by the totalisator staff, making a grand total of £50,889 for the Meeting, as against £45,018 at the corresponding meeting last year. Bookmakers fees amounted to £620, and the receipts from other sources were proportionately large.

Details of the racing are:-

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3.45 or better. One mile and a half.

Wal. Kerr's b g Bellis, by Rothschild-Bell Moore, aged, 6sec (E McKewen) 1
R D Petrie's Ariel, 8sec (R McDoddell) 2
M Friedlander's Maelstrrom, 9sec (C Kerr) 3

Dayspring 8sec, Bonification 8sec, Little Tib 8sec, Wallace Junr 8sec, Troubadour 9sec, Blackchild Boy 9sec,and General Black 11sec also started.

With a circuit gone Dayspring had worked her way to the front, and she kept the lead till within two furlongs from home. There Ariel and Maelstrom closed on her, and Bellis also joined issue. A good race to the post ended in favour of Bellis by a length and a half from Ariel, who was a length in front of Maelstrom. Then close up came Dayspring. Time 3min 35 4/5th sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 355 sovs; second 52 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.0 or better. Two miles.

T G Fox's b m Adventuress, by Rothschild, 6yrs, 18sec (Owner) 1
J Leslie's Electrocute, 14sec (N Price) 2
A Curragh's Havelock, 18sec (J Milne) 3

Revenue scr, Verax 6sec, Bell Car 8sec, Viewmont 12sec, Marietta Huon 14sec, Wild Tree 14sec, Rothella 14sec, Lady Cherry 17sec, Rubican 19sec, Te Kuiti 21sec and Lord Vivian 21sec also started.

Lord Vivian made play for three furlongs, and then gave way to Havelock, while Adventuress, Lady Cherry and Ribican were at the head of the others. With half the distance gone Havelock was still in front, his immediate attendants being Adventuress and Lady Cherry. Halfway through the last circuit Adventuress drew to the front, and stalling off a challenge by Electrocute, won a good race by a length. Havelock was third half a length away, followed by Bell Car. Time, 4min 52sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 75 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.48 or better. Two miles.

M Edwards's b c Dillon Bell, by Harold Dillon-Wild Bell, 3yrs, 14sec (Owner) 1
H Wells's Terra Nova, 7sec (J Messervey) 2
J C McConachie's Aberfeldy, 10sec (J Tasker) 3

Durbar 5sec, Vaunt 8sec, Al Franz 8sec, King Cole 8sec, Emmeline 10sec, Manderene 11sec(coupled with Dillon Bell), Bell Metal 12sec, Walnut 12sec, Prince Warbeck 13sec, Blue Bay 13sec, Curfew Bell 13sec, First Pet 13sec, John M 14sec, Piecework 14sec, Elmwood 14sec, and Vibon 15sec also started.

Vibon showed the way all through the first round, his nearest attendants being Dillon Bell, Piecework and Blue Boy. With half the distance gone Dillon Bell had the leader's measure, and drawing right away from his field won pulling up by eight lengths. Terra Nova took second place half as mile from home, and finished two lengths in front of Aberfeldy, after whom came King Cole. Then well up came First Pet, Emmeline and Curfew Bell at the head of a bunched division. Time, 4min 41 2/5th sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 225 sovs; second 33 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.55 or better. Two miles.

G Clarkson's Redchild, by Rothschild-Redmire, aged, 2se (M Edwards) 1
L Dorie's Bribery, 6sec (R McDonnell) 2
H Tasker's Derringcotte, 7sec (M Allan) 3

Laudervale scr, Walnut 4sec, Marie Corelli 5sec, Ruby S 6sec, Hue Elect 6sec, Dr Chutney 8sev, Captain Tracey 8sec, Electrocute 10sec, Lord Chancellor 10sec, King Lynn 11sec and Link 12sec also started.

Lord Chancellor soon ran past King Lynn, but at the stand Captian Tracey was in front. With half the distance gone Bribery went up second, and in the concluding round he was showing the way to Dr Chutney, King Lynn and Redchild. Two furlongs from the post Redchild got to the leader, and had his measure in the home straight, winning by two lengths. Derringcote was third twelve lengths away, followed by King Lynn and Ruby S. Time, 4min 40sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from the stake. For horses that can do 3.42 or better. One mile and a half.

A J Tutton's b f Miramar, by Wildwood-Wild Wave, 4yrs, 7sec (R Allan) 1
C G Fryer's b m Princess Louise, 3sec (T W Price) 2
J McDonnell's Silver Princess, 2sec (R McDonnell) 3

Royal Ribbon 3sec, Phosphorus 4sec, Galvanita 4sec and Noreen 5sec also started.

Miramar had established a substantial lead at the stand, where her nearest attendants were Galvanita, Silver Princess and Princess Louise. Entering the concluding round Silver Princes was in second place closely followed by Princess Louise and Galvanita. In the back straight Princess Louise took second place, but she could not get to Miramar, who won by three lengths. Eight lengths away came Silver Princess, followed by Galvanita and Noreen. Time, 3min 38sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 210 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.22. One mile.

J A Buckland's br g St Simon, by St Louis-Verbena, aged, 6sec (J McLennan) 1
R D Petrie's Factory Boy, 6sec (E McKewen) 2
Miss I Button's Robert Emmet 6sec (J Messervey) 3

Revenue scr and Miss Florrie C 3sec (coupled), Durbar 2sec, Imperial Polly 2sec, Ribbons 3sec and Blue Boy 5sec (coupled), Bell Metal 3sec and Bell Car 4sec (coupled), Barmaguie 4sec and Aberfeldy 6sec (coupled), Fusee 5sec, Curfew Bell 5sec, Gold Leaf 6sec, Bright 6sec, Scottish Mac 6sec (coupled with Factory Boy), Croesus 6sec (coupled with St Simon), Millwood 6sec and Walnut 7sec (coupled), Captain Tracey 7sec and Ianto 7sec (coupled) also started.

Before reaching the stand St Simon had taken charge from Robert Emmet, Factory Boy and Captain Tracey. Gradually drawing away St Simon was six lengths to the good as the back straight was entered. In the home straight Factor Boy put in a good final run, but he could not get to St Simon, who won by two lengths from Robert Emmet, who was three lehgths in front of Captain Tracey and Bright. Time, 2min 19sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 52 sovs, and third 35 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.55 or better. One mile and a quarter.

R McMillan's b g Prince Alert, by Prince Imperial-Patchwork, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 1
J Jeff's Wilkie, 4sec (R Logan) 2
K H Smith's Discoverer, 5se, (Owner) 3

Terra Nova 2sec, King Cole 4sec, Imperial Polly 4sec, Lady Clare 5sec, Florin 5sec, Mains 5sec and Rosebery 7sec also started.

Rosebery and Mains took up the running but at the stand Prince Alert ran to the front, and with half the distance gone he was well clear of Florin and Discoverer. Easily holding his advantage to the finish Prince Alert ran home a comfortable winner by eight lengths from Wilkie, who was three lengths in front of Discoverer. Then close up came Lady Clare and Florin. Time, 2min 49sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.27 or better. One mile.

J A Buckland's ch f Dayspring, by Califoria-Daybreak, 4yrs, 9sec (C Piper) 1
Mrs R O Duncan's Marie Narelle, 5sec. 2
W J Doyle's T F C, 7sec (A Butterfield) 3

Gold Leaf 3sec, Elector 4sec, Truth 4sec, Belroy 4sec, Royal Ribbon 6sec, Coranz 7sec, Bellis 7sec, Onward 8sec and Little Tib 8sec also started.

Dayspring got off well, and at the stand was well clear of T F C and Onward. There was little change in the order as they ran along the back stretch, except that Marie Narelle improved her place, and T F C ran up second. From this out Dayspring easily held her own, and won by six lengths from Marie Narelle, who was three lengths in front of T F C. Time 2min 26sec.


Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1910