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INTERNATIONAL HISTORY

The Titanic, on her maiden voyage, hits a iceberg in the Mid-Atlantic and sinks. The death toll was put at between 1,500 and 1635 passengers and crew.

Robert Falcon Scott dies in the race to become the first team to reach the South Pole, this was achieved by the Norwegian Roald Amundsen who arrived there a month earlier.

LOCAL HISTORY

January 1-3 - Davis Cup final (Austalasia v USA) held at Lancaster Park.

May 30 - First netball match in City.

Credit: Ch-Ch City Libraries

RACING HISTORY BUILDINGS & FACILITIES

GRANDSTAND FACILITIES

The 1912 NZ Cup field turns into the Showgrounds bend led by Ravenschild. Note the old stand in the middle.

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1912 CUP WEEK 1ST DAY TUESDAY 5 NOV 1912

The position of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club as the leading trotting club in the Dominion, is unquestioned, and its November Meeting combines with that of the Canterbury Jockey Club to make the Christchurch Carnival Week the greatest sporting fixture of the year.

The nominations received for this year's Meeting made it plain that as far as racing was concerned there need be no fear for the quality of the sport, and the only cause for anxiety was in regard to the weather. The steady rain experienced throughout Monday made the outlook for yesterday exceedingly doubtful, but fortunately yesterday broke fine, and though the track was very heavy when the day's programme opened, it improved repidly under the influence of the sun and wind, and the times registered showed what the going was like.

The attendance was exceptionally good for a day that was so unpromising in regard to the weather in its early stages, and among the visitors representative of all parts of the Dominion were Sir James Carroll, the Hons. J A Millar and J D Ormond, Mssrs W G and G L Stead, W H Turnbull(Wellington), H N Liardet (Auckland), T H Lowry (Hastings), J B Harcourt (Wellington), Forsyth Johnson (Dunedin) and CaptainsRainey and Moffatt.

Since the last August Meeting very extensive improvements and alterations have been carried out at Addington, and they were much appreciated by the large crowd that assembled yeaterday. For a considerable time past it had been made evident that some special provision would have to be made for the ever-increasing vehicular traffic, and in order to cope with this the Club purchased an additional piece of land and constructed a special roadway and entrance for all vehicular traffic. This was used for the first time yesterday, and its congested state showed how increasingly popular the sport has become. Inside the Club's grounds the improvements made are all for the convenience of the public, and with the ample space at their disposal the club's executive are able to offer the public a sports ground that is unrivalled anywhere in Australasia. Previously the space at the back of the stewards' stand was very much congested, owing to the proximity of the inside totalisator, but the latter building has now been moved to a site nearer the inside stand, and the saddling paddock has been more than doubled in extent.

An innovation that was much appreciated yesterday was the inclusion in the programmes of a numbered list of the horse-stalls, with an alphabetical list of the horsesengaged at the meeting, so that there was no difficulty in discovering the locationof any horse engaged at the meeting. Previously the method of displaying the names of riders and drivers had hardly been in keeping with the importance of a club of the standing of the Metropolitan Trotting Club, but there has now been erected a large nmber-board, showing the names of riders and drivers, which is visible from all parts of the course.

Naturally the New Zealand Cup, with its £1000 stake, attracted most interest. There had been so many reports of sensational trials of those engaged, that it was difficult to ascertain the real value of the performances credited to the final acceptors. St Swithinhad been made favourite immediately the nominations appeared, and he maintained his position right upto the time of starting yesterday. As far as actual looks went, there was nothing better in the field than Aberfeldy, who is, however, now very much past his prime. St Swithin was very solidly backed, and next in demand came Manderene, with Redchild and Glendalough next best backed.

As a race the contest for the New Zealand Cup of 1912 was not as good as might have been expected. During the last three or four years there has invariably been some mishap in connection with the event, and this was the case yesterday, for Manderene refused to strike a gait at the start, and Gold Bell broke almost immediately, and colliding with St Swithin, sent the driver of the favourite out of the sulky. Ravenschild and Glendalough made most of the early running, but Albert H was always in a good position, and, finishing well, beat Ravenschild by a couple of lengths, with Glendalough four lengths away third.

After the New Zealand Cup, the feature of the afternoon's racing was the Provincial Handicap, of a mile and a quarter, which brought out a field of eight horses of ezceptional brilliance over a short course. Silver Princess was made favourite for this event, but as the race was run it seemed plain that with a reasonably clear passage Gianella must have won. She was pocketed badly twice in the final circuit, and when she did get clear, it was too late. It must be admitted, however, that Terra Nova, the winner, put up an excellent performance, for with half the journey gone, he was a considerable distance back, and his finish was characterised by both pace and gameness.

Of the other races on the card, the Spring Handicap and the Middleton Handicap, the two trotters races, were easily won, and in the latter event Prince Gift had the result safe from the start. The Empire Handicap was won by Country Belle, a very warm favourite, and though she won comfortably at the finish, her supporters must have had an anxious time at one stage.

The speculation throughout the day was spirited, and the total for the day was £32,969, as compared with £27,418 on the first day last year. The amount invested on the Cup yesterday was £7053, which is easily a record for any trotting race in the Dominion.

Details of the racing are:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle), of 125 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. One mile and a half.

E E Cuneen's br m Rosalie, by Wildwood-Blackwood mare, aged, 13sec (E McDermott) 1
W Dorman's b m Golden Way, 6yrs, 15sec (G Ferguson) 2
T F Cuneen's blk m Wild Bee, aged, 15sec (F Holmes) 3

Erin's Tracey 2sec, Blythe Lad 10sec, Mystic 10sec, Dollywood 11sec, J C H 11sec, Stella Leigh 12sec, Starshot 13sec, Alice Woodburn 13sec, Lady Wallace 13sec, Mandel 13sec, Quick Eye 15sec, Ophelia 15sec, Mayflower 15sec, Frank Wilkes 15sec, Spanish Lace 15sec, Corinna 15sec, Miss Nightingale 15sec and The Quack 15sec also started.

Wild Bee began best of the limit division, and going along the back was followed by Golden Way and Quick Eye. At the stand Wild Bee was still in front, while Rosalie had run into second place, with Golden Way and Mystic fourth. Half a mile from home Rosalie took charge, and won by twelve lengths from Golden Way, who beat Wild Bee by two lengths. Erin's tracey was close up fourth. Time, 3min 56sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle), of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs, and third 17 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W J Moreland's b f Country Belle, by Wildmoor-Bonnie Belle, 4yrs, 9sec (A Pringle) 1
J H Power's b m Solo, 6yrs, 2sec (H Kearns) 2
W T Lowe's b g Treasure Seeker, aged, 9sec (F Holmes) 3

Lodi scr, Cavalier scr, Link 1sec, Robert Emmett 2sec, Lady Sybil 4sec, The Next 5sec, Chieftiny 7sec, Wild Victor 12sec and War Cloud 12sec (coupled with Cavalier) also started.

Passing the stand the first time, Country Belle was showing the way to War Cloud, The Next and Treasure Seeker. There was little change in the order of the leading division in the second circuit, save that The Next had taken second place. Going along the back in the final round Solo ran into second place, but, though she finished well, could not reach Country Belle, who won by three lengths. Treasure Seeker was six lengths away third, with War Cloud fourth. Time, 4min 57sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness), of 1000 sovs; second 200 sovs, and third 100 sovs from stake. Two miles.

M Maher's b h Albert H, by Rothschild-Jessie M, aged, 8sec (A Hendricksen) 1
J McCutcheon's b h Ravenschild, 6yrs, 9sec (F Holmes) 2
J Farrell's b m Glendalough, 5yrs, 8sec (E McKewen) 3
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, 6yrs, scr (Owner)
H F Nicoll's b h St Swithin, 6yrs, 5sec (A Pringle)
J G McConochie's br g Aberfeldy, 5sec (J Tasker)
J Preece's b h Bright, aged, 6sec (T Frost)
C G Fryer's b m Princess Louise, aged, 7sec (T W Price)
T Roe's b h Gold Bell, aged, 8sec (H McNae)
G Clarkson's b g Redchild, aged, 8sec (C Kerr)
S W Scott's b h Quincey, 8sec (Owner)
P Delargey's b h Prince Alert, aged, 8sec (R McMillan)
D Spence's b g Little Tib, 6yrs 8sec (J Messervey)
J Brankin's b g Piecework, aged, 9sec (Owner)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, 6yrs, 9sec (W C Hird)
J Shaw's b h Medallion, aged, 9sec (J Rainey)

Manderene refused to strike a gait at the start, and Gold Bell broke immediately, and collided with St Swithin, with the result that Pringle was thrown out of his sulky. Ravenschild at once went to the front, and as they passed the stand the first time was followed in close order by Glendalough, Prince Alert and Albert H, while at an interval of several lengths came Piecework, Princess Louise, Little Tib, Quincey, Manderene and Emmeline, with Aberfeldy and Redchild at the head of the next division. Going along the back Glendalough had taken charge from Ravenschild, Albert H and Prince Alert, Piecework several lengths back heading the next bunch. As they passed the stand the second time, Ravenschild had again taken charge from Glendalough, Albert H and Prince Alert. Going out of the straight Prince Alert ran up alongside the leading division, and Emmeline took fifth place in front of Piecework. There was practically no change as they ran along the back the last time, and as they turned towards the straight Ravenschild still held command from Glendalough, Albert H and Prince Alert. Ravenschild was first into the straight, but Albert H came with a determined run, and cutting him down in the final stages, won by two lengths. Glendalough was four lengths away third. Then came Prince Alert, Redchild and Emmeline close together. Bright stumbled after going half a mile, and was pulled up, and Medallion broke and was pulled up at the end of a mile. Time 4min 48 4/5th sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

O E Newton's ch c General Elmo, by General Mac-Electioneer mare, 3yrs, 10sec (T Logan) 1
A Smith's b m Sunshine, 5yrs, 10sec (Owner) 2
F Amor's b m Yellow Ribbon, 4yrs 10sec (W Brown) 3

Radiant Morn scr, Bonification 1sec, Electrocute 3sec, Gold Wood 8sec, Red Mac 9sec, Clotah 10sec, Lady Lyons 10sec, Apple Pie 10sec, Miss Becky 10sec, Maid of the Forest 10sec, Jessie Hamlin 10sec, First Alarm 10sec, Hazelfield 10sec, Lady Rattoo 10sec and Gee Whizz 10sec also started.

General Elmo began well, but at the end of the first round Sunshine had taken charge, and was followed out of the straight by Yellow Ribbon, General Elmo, Red Mac and Maid of the Forest. Going along the back Yellow Ribbon ran to the front, but at the tanks General Elmo moved up, and in a good finish just got up in time to beat Sunshine by a head. Yellow Ribbon was eight lengths away third, with Apple Pie and Hazelfield next. Time, 3min 43sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness), of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

J W Roger's b g Prince Gift, by Wildwood-Tracey Belle, aged, 22sec (A Pringle) 1
J C Montefiore's b m Pukekura, aged, 17sec (H Barraclough) 2
W T Lowe's br g Bushranger, aged, 20sec (F Holmes) 3

Muricata scr, Clive 3sec, Adventuress 5sec, Welfare 12sec, Kelso 13sec, Lord Cardigan 15sec, Monsoon 17sec and Vigorous 17sec also started.

This race proved the best of good things for Prince Gift, who started very well, and trotting consistently all through, won very easily by four lengths. Bushranger was in second place going past the stand the first time, but down the back stretch he was passed by Pukekura, who finished one hundred yards ahead of Bushranger. Adventuress was fourth an Lord Cardigan fifth. Time 5min 4 3/5th sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 45 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. One mile and a quarter.

H Wells's b g Terra Nova, by Young Irvington-Stratagem, aged, 6sec (J Messervey) 1
H F Nicoll's ch m Gianella, 5yrs, 8sec (A Pringle) 2
E Bowes's b g Al Franz, aged, 9sec (C Kerr) 3

Adonis 8sec, Silver Princess 8sec, Glendalough 7sec, Bellis 9sec and Sparkling Kola 9sec also started.

Al Franz was quickest to begin, and showed the way for half a mile, but at the end of six furlongs Silver Princess had taken charge,and was leading Al Franz, Sparkling Kola and Gianella with Terra Nova four lengths back at the head of the next bunch. Going along the back Gianella was badly pocketed. Al Franz was in front as they turned into the straight, where Gianella got clear, but Terra Nova then came with a strong run and won a good race by two lengths. Al Franz was a similar distance away third, followed by Glendalough and Silver Princess. Time 2min 52 2/5th sec.

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness), of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs, and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile.

H F Nicoll's b m Lady Child, by Rothschild-Ptarmigan, 5yrs, 5sec (A Pringle) 1
M Friedlander's cr g Waterlog, 5sec (L Amor) 2
H B Hubbard's b g Idaho, aged, 5sec (L B Hubbard) 3

Silver Black scr, Kalgoorlie 3sec, La Belle 3sec, Our George 5sec, The Scout 4sec, Ard Cairn 4sec, Onward 4sec, Crown Prince 4sec, Troubadour 4sec, Rema Rose 5sec, Diving Bell 5sec and Grey Echo 5sec also started.

Lady Child was in the lead as the stand was passed for the first time, but going round the turn she was joined by Rema Rosa and the pair carried on the running until the tanks were reached. Here Lady Child shot out and was never seriously troubled, winning easily by four lengths from Waterlog, who beat Idaho by a bare length for second place. Time, 2min 23 3/5th sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs, and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile.

D Casey's br g Tuatara, by Allerton-Reptile, aged, 7sec (Hendricksen) 1
A J O'Malley's rn g Scottish Mac, aged, 4sec, (J Bridges) 2
J Smith's b m Francita, aged, 7sec (F Clements) 3

Barmaguie 3sec, Ned Corbett 3sec, Bell Car 3sec, Moa Dillon 3sec, Prince Rufus 5sec, Dayspring 5sec, T F C 5sec, Bermaline 6sec, Bequest 7sec, Early Dawn 6sec, Rosemary 7sec, Hamapuka 7sec and Waterlog 7sec also started.

Bequest was in front as they passed the stand, but going along the back Tuatara took charge and won by three lengths from Scottish Mac, who was two lengths in front of Francita, with Barmaguie fourth, and Waterlog fifth. Time, 2min 22sec.

Credit: The Press 6 Nov 1912

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1912 CUP MEETING: FINAL DAY: FRIDAY 8 NOV 1912

The November Meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, which was brought to a conclusion at Addington yesterday, may take rank as quite the most successful fixture yet held by the leading club of the Dominion. In a week of broken weather, the Club was fortunate in securing two comparatively good days, on Tuesday and Thursday, but yesterday turned out beautifully fine, and in consequence there was a huge crowd present, and extensive as is the standaccommodation, it proved quite inadequate for the crush of visitors.

If the totalisator investments may be taken as a guide, the attendance must have constituted a record, for the day's turnover amounted to £37,836, as compared with £29,156 10s on the corresponding day last year, the total for the Meeting being £99,177, as against £78,329 for the three days in November of 1911. The track was in first-class order, and as a result the times registered throughout the afternoon were much better than they had been on the two previous days.

Better racing has rarely been seen at Addington, and for his work in bringing this about the handicapper, Mr H Brinkman, deserves more than a passing word of praise. The starter, Mr H Reynolds, had some big fields to handle, but got his horses away well, while it is perhaps hardly necessary to state that under the capable management of the experienced secretary, Mr A I Rattray, the business of the meeting was conducted efficiently.

The opening event of the day, the Ladies' Bracelet, brought out the largest field of the three days, twenty-nine horses going to the post. This might have been regarded as likely to give backers some cause for perplexity, but although they did not place them quite correctly, the public gave the best support to the three horses that filled the places. The winner Huon Drift, is an exceptionally promising colt by the Wildwood horse Driftwood, from Elsa Huon. He was making his first appearance in a race, and lost a little ground at the start, but in the last half-mile displayed a good turn of speed, and finishing well beat Frank Tracey on the post. Bacchus who was first favourite, showed pace in the early stages, but found the distance just a little too far for him.

The easiest win of the afternoon was that scored by Bellwind in the Governor's Handicap, a saddle race for unhoppled trotters. The Bellman gelding was quickest into his stride, and though Bushranger at one stage looked like making a race of it, Bellwind drew away in the last two furlongs, and won easing up by eight lengths. The back-marker, Erin's Tracey, ran a good race, but, as on the previous day, did not go too steadily, though he lost little ground by his mistakes.

Of the eleven starters in the principal event of the day, the Christchurch Handicap, eight had started in the New Zealand Cup on the first day. St Swithin was made a pronounced favourite, but he did not seem able to muster up any real pace, and ran last practically all the way. The scratch mare Emmeline seemed to lack her accustomed brilliancy, and was never within striking distance of the leaders. The Auckland representative, Manderene, on this occasion got off the mark well, and led for a mile, but when it came to the final pinch was without the condition nesessary to sustain a fast run. Glendalough, who took charge when Manderene retired, was in front when the straight was reached, but the Quincey, who had been going well in the second mile, put in his claim and won a splendid race by half a length. Little Tib, who had always been handy, was only a length further back, with Manderene fourth. Quincey was the only straight out trotter in the field, his victory was evidently a popular one. In running the two miles in 4min 38sec the Vancleve horse put up a very meritorious performance.

The Australasian Handicap brought out a good field of fifteen saddle horses, Electrocute being made favourite. Robert Emmett was prominent in the early stages, but failed to see the journey out, and Link, who has raced very consistently of late, won an interesting race by two lengths from Fuseo. Bermaline, who had won on the previous day, put in a bad break early in the race, and was not persevered with.

The Dominion Handicap, a two mile harness race for unhoppled trotters, furnished a fine contest. Master Raymond, on the limit, was in front for over a mile, when Muricata, the scratch mare caught him. A break a little further on seemed to settle Master Raymond's chances, but he was got going again, and when Muricata left her feet at the turn for home, he closed on her. The effort in making up her handicap had evidently been a little too much for Muricata, and Master Raymond out-stayed her, and won by a length. Kelso, who was thitd, did not trot at all steadily.

Maelstrom was made favourite for the Metropolitan Handicap, and won, but was being pushed along at the finish by Galvanita, who might have reversed positions with him had she begun a little better.

On the strength of his previous day's form, Eccentric reseived most support in the Enfield Handicap, but though he again showed a lot of speed, he could not get any closer than fourth, the position he had occupied in his previous race. Little Tib, who had run third in the Christchurch Handicap, took charge three furlongs from home, and won by two lengths from the fast finishing Adonis. In getting to the end of the mile in 2.15, the winner went faster than he had ever done before, and improved considerably on his handicap time.

The last race of the Meeting, the Recovery Handicap, was contested by a field of very smart performers. Ravenschild, on the limit, began well, and stayed in front to the finish, winning by a length an a half from Gianella, who again had anything but a good passage, but came with a great burst in the straight. Details of the racing are:-

LADIES' BRACELET (in harness), of 100 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Amateur Drivers. One mile and a half.

Mrs R J Munro's ch c Huon Drift, by Driftwood-Elsa Huon, 3yrs, 7sec, (Mr R J Munro) 1
Mrs F Amor's ch g Frank Tracey, 3yrs, 7sec, (Mr F Amor) 2
Mrs O R Wise's ch c Bacchus, 3yrs, 8sec (Mr A D Hudson) 3

St Omer scr, Royal Belle scr, Lady M 2sec, Merry Child 2sec, Provocation 3sec, Pearl d'Or 7sec, Ingomar 7sec, Baron Franz 7sec, Bonista 7sec, Belle Elmore 8sec, Elsie Franz 7sec, Silent Bell 7sec, Little Joe 7sec, Frandocia 7sec, Kuroopa 7sec, George Hard 7sec, Irvington V 7sec, Eunice 7sec, Dalwhinnie 7sec, Rudolph 8sec, Specification 8sec, Tomoana 8sec, Alphie K 10sec, Lady Rona 10sec, Jessie's Dream 10sec, and Winter Rose 10sec also started. (Bonista and Bacchus, Rudolph and Specification, Tomoana and Alphie K and Lady Rona and Jessie's Dream were bracketed on the totalisator)

Huon Drift started very slowly and lost a good deal of ground, while Bacchus went off in the lead, followed by Belle Elmore. This order was maintained for a circuit, and going down the back stretch Huon Drift had worked his way into fourth place. Trotting very consistently throughout, the Driftwood came with a great run in the straight and won by a neck with the third horse three lengths away. Time, 3min 45sec.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs, and third 15 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. One mile and a half.

Mrs M J Johnstone's ch g Bellwind, by Bellman-Zephyr, aged, 8sec (A Pringle) 1
W T Lowe's gr g Bushranger, aged, 10sec (F Holmes) 2
J C Montefiore's b g Erin's Tracey, aged, 2sec (H Barraclough) 3

Wild Tree 3sec, Repeater 5sec, Lord Cardigan 7sec, Monsoon 8sec, Vigorous 8sec, Armamenter 10 sec also started.

Bellwind quickly ran past Bushranger, and at the end of six furlongs was two lengths clear, with Monsoon third. Going out of the straight for the final lap Repeater ran into third place but was beaten along the back stretch. In the run home Bellwind drew away from Bushranger and won easily by eight lengths. Erin's Tracey was ten lengths away with Wild Tree fourth. Time, 3min 41 3/5th sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 75 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. Two miles.

S W Scott's b h Quincey, by Vancleve-Gracie, aged, 7sec (Owner) 1
J Farrell's b m Glendalough, 5yrs, 7sec (E McKewen) 2
D Spence's b g Little Tib, 6yrs, 6sec (J Messervey) 3

R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, 6yrs, scr (Owner)
M Maher's b h Albert H aged, 5sec (A Hendricksen)
H F Nicoll's b h St Swithin, 6yrs, 5sec (A Pringle)
T Roe's b h Gold Bell, aged, 8sec (H McNae)
J Dennett's b h Adonis, 5yrs, 8sec (F Holmes)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, 6yrs, 9sec (W C Hird)
E Bowes's ch g Dr Chutney, aged, 9sec (C Kerr)
G O'Neill's ch m Sparkling Kola, aged, 9sec (A G Wilson)

Manderene began quickly, and at the end of half a mile was showing the way to Dr Chutney, Glendalough and Little Tib, after whom came Gold Bell, Quincey and Emmeline, with St Swithin last. Going along the back Glendalough ran past Manderene, this pair being followed at an interval of several lengths by Dr Chutney and Little Tib. With a lap to go Glendalough was still in front, followed by Manderene, Little Tib, Dr Chutney, Adonis and Quincey. There was little change in the order of the leaders going along the back, except that Quincey had moved up into fourth place. The Vancleve horse, trotting in great style, ran up to the leaders at the turn into the straight, and won a fine race by half a length. Little Tib was a length further back, and then eight lengths back came Manderene, who failed to see out the final stages; Dr Chutney fifth. Sparkling Kola took no part inn the race, and St Swithin was last practically all the way. Time,4min 38sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J S August's b g Link, by Lincoln Yet-St Ives mare, aged, 9sec (S M August) 1
A Howard's blk g Fuseo, aged, 10sec (J Tudhope) 2
J H Power's b m Solo, 6yrs, 9sec (H Kearns) 3

Bright scr, Miss Florrie C 2sec, Submarine 2sec, Lord Heathcote 5sec, Bermaline 6sec, Electrocute 9sec, Lodi 10sec, Elmwood 10sec, Cavalier 10sec, Our George 12sec, Diving Bell 13sec and Robert Emmett 13sec also started.

Bermaline broke twice early in the race, and was pulled up. Lodi, Fuseo and Diving Bell formed the leading division over the first mile, with Link and Robert Emmett in good positions. At the entrance to the straight Link, Solo and Fuseo were close together in the lead, and in the run home the first-named drew out and won by two lengths from Fuseo who was eight lengths ahead of Solo. Robert Emmett and Submarine finished some distance behind the place horses. Time, 4min 43sec.

DOMINION HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 52 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

J Clarke's ch g Master Raymond, by Rothschild-Lady Clare, aged, 10sec (R Allan) 1
W F Clinton's rn m Muricata, 6yrs, scr (N L Price) 2
W Patching's blk g Kelso, aged, 10sec (J Brankin) 3

Bell Car 1sec, Electrocute 3sec, Clive 3sec, Adventuress 5sec, Treasure Seeker 7sec and Coiner 8sec also started. (Muricata and Electrocute and Bell Car and Coiner were bracketed on the totalisator)

Master Raymond got to work quickly, and at the end of half a mile was well clear of Adventuress, after whom came Clive and Muricata. As they ran out of the straight with six furlongs to go the scratch mare had taken second place, and going along the back passed Master Raymond, who broke and lost several lengths. Muricata was in front rounding the turn into the straight, but then broke, and Master Raymond closed on her, and in a good finish won by a length. Kelso was ten lengths back, just in front of Clive and Adventuress. Time 4min 52 1/5th sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

M Friedlander's blk m Maelstrom, by Wildwood-Miss Pool, aged, 5sec (C Kerr) 1
Mrs R O Duncan's b m Galvanita, 5yrs, 7sec (N L Price) 2
E C Woodham's b h Blackchild Boy, 6yrs, 2sec (Owner) 3

Lady Child 4sec, Bonification 6sec, Ariel 6sec, Kalgoorlie 6sec, Prince Warbeck 7sec and Crown Prince 7sec also started.

Galvanita and Crown Prince started well, and going out of the straight and down the back stretch their nearest attendants were Ariel and Lady Child. Passing the tanks Maelstrom improved his position, while Ariel dropped back. Passing the stand the order was Crown Prince, Lady Child, Maelstrom and Galvanita. The two last-named drew away as the straight was entered, and after a good finish Maelstrom won by two lengths with Blackbird Boy six lengths away third. Time, 3min 35sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 220 sovs; second 33sovs, and third 22 sovs from stake. One mile.

D Spence's b g Little Tib, by Flower Of Tyrone, 6yrs, 5sec (J Messervey) 1
S J Dennett's b h Adonis, 5yrs, 3sec (R Reay) 2
Walter Kerr's b g Bellis, aged, 4sec (A Butterfield) 3

Aberfeldy scr, Eccentric 1sec, Miss Florrie C 3sec, Piecework 5sec, Bel Metal 5sec, Medallion 6sec,
Barmeguild 6sec, Ned Corbett 6sec, Rosebery 6sec, Silver Black 6sec and Scottish Mac 6sec also started.

Bell Metal and Ned Corbett made the early running, but going along the back Little Tib went to the front and led into the straight. Here Adonis came with a strong run, but was unable to reach Little Tib, who won by two lengths. Bellis was three lengths further back, with Eccentric fourth. Time, 2min 15sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 27 sovs and third 16 sovs from stake. One mile.

J McCutcheon's b h Ravenschild, 6yrs, 7sec (F Holmes) 1
H F Nicoll's ch m Gianella, 5yrs, 6sec (A Pringle) 2
M Maher's b h Albert H, aged, 5sec (A Hendricksen) 3

Emmeline scr, Prince Alert 5sec, Jingle 6sec, Princess Louise 7sec, Bright 7sec and Al Franz 7sec also started.

Ravenschild was quickest to begin of the limit division, and passing the stand had as his nearest attendants Al Franz, Princess Louise and Prine Alert. At the tanks Prince Alert had run into second place, while Gianella got into a bad position. Ravenschild held his advantage as they turned into the straight, and won by a length and a half from Gianella, who put in a brilliant run over the final stages. Albert H was half a length away third, with Prince Alert, who faded out at the finish, fourth, and Jingle fifth. Time, 2min 15sec.

Credit: The Press 9 Nov 1912

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1912 CUP WEEK: SECOND DAY THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER

Although on Wednesday night the prospects were anything but bright for the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's November Meeting, fortunately the weather cleared yesterday morning, and the afternoon's programme was carried through under fairly favourable conditions. The ground had dried up wonderfully well, and though one or two showers fell during the afternoon, they were not sufficient to cause the large number of spectators any serious inconvenience.

The attendance was very good for what may be considered an off-day, and the totalisator speculation was very brisk, the amount handled on the eight races being £28,372, as compared with £21,454 10s on the second day last year.

Although the Addington track is admittedly bad in wet weather, yet it recovers very rapidly, and this was shown yesterday, when it was improving right through the afternoon, though at one stage, as it was drying it became very heavy. Naturally, it was not at any time conducive to fast performances, and the times registered were generally slow.

In the first race of the day, the Hornby Handicap, Don Caesar, a very promising three-year-old gelding by Prince Imperial, was made favourite, but was too sore to do himself justice, and was early out of court. Bequest was prominent in the early stages, but was unable to see the journey out, and Ard Cairn, a four-year-old son of Rothschild and Princess Eline, went to the front with six furlongs to go, and won comfortably by three lengths. Solo, as usual, was going well in the last half-mile, and with a great run in the straight, beat Crown Prince by a head for second place.

Lord Dillon was selected to win the Lyttelton Handicap, but he refused to settle down, and was never dangerous at any stage. Country Belle, who had won the Empire Handicap, a two-mile saddle race on Tuesday, was in front before they had gone two furlongs, and never looked like being beaten. Galvanita, who went more steadily than usual, put in a good run over the last half-mile, but the winner was by no means driven out.

The principal event of the day, the Courtenay Handicap, brought out a very useful field of fourteen, five of which had been competitors in the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday. The Auckland horse, Manderene, was again unlucky, for as they left the mark, Schoolgirl swerved across the track, and collided with Manderene, whose driver was thrown from his sulky, but was unhurt. Manderene, as he had done in the New Zealand Cup of two years ago went over two miles by himself, but luckily did not interfere with any of the other competitors. Delia was made a good favourite with Frances next best backed, but though the latter ran well for over a mile Delia did not flatter her supporters. Hue Elect was responsible for the pace in the early stages, but entering the final curcuit Sparkling Kola took charge. With half a mile to go she was well clear of Adonis, but the latter outstayed her and won a good race by a couple of lengths. Quincey, who was not prominent until the final stages, was four lengths away third. The winner is a half-brother by the imported American horse Harold Dillon to Wildwood Junior, who won the New Zealand Cup two years in succession. That the track was at this time exceedingly heavy may be judged from the fact that the winner was handicapped to do 4.43, and he ran the two miles in 4.55.

The Whiteleigh Handicap, the first of the unhoppled trotters' races on the day's card, produced an interesting contest. Stella Leigh and Mystic were in front in the early stages, but Erin's Tracey, in spite of several mistakes, showed much more pace than anything in the race and eventually won by half a dozen lengths.

Bermaline had an easy win in the November Handicap, in which she took charge with a lap to go, and was never afterwards troubled. Rothella was much better backed than anything else in the Sockburn Handicap, the harness race for unhoppled trotters only, but though she finished fourth, she did not act up to expectations. Treasure Seeker was always in front, and driven a well-judged race by F Holmes, won by three lengths from Kelso, who went rather unsteadily. This made Holmes's third victory during the afternoon, as he had previously been successful with Adonis and Bermaline.

Mains put up a really good performance in the Railway Handicap, which he won in 2.17, but the honours of the race were with Eccentric, the scratch horse, who finished fourth with a great burst of speed after having lost a lot of ground at the start.

The final event, the Royal Handicap, was responsible for the best finish of the afternoon. Blackchild Boy was in front as the straight was reached, but there the West Coast representative Jingle came with a brilliant run and just got up in time to win by half a head.

Details of the racing are :-

HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness), of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

R D Petrie's b c Ard Cairn, by Rothschild-Princess Eline, 4yrs, 4sec (A Pringle) 1
J H Power's b m Solo, 6yrs, 4sec (Owner) 2
J Grande's b g Crown Prince, 4yrs, 5sec (T Logan) 3

Maelstrom 2sec (coupled with Ard Cairn), Robert Emmett 3sec, Don Caesar 5sec, Andy Regan 5sec, Our George 5sec, Harold Minto 5sec, Bequest 6sec, and Sunshine 6sec also started.

Bequest was quickest to begin, but at the end of the first round Crown Prince was showing the way to Ard Cairn, with Bequest in third place. Ard Cairn then went to the front, and won easily by three lengths from Solo, who just got up in time to beat Crown Prince by a head. Maelstrom was several lengths back, fourth. Time, 3min 48sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W J Morland's b f Country Belle, by Wildmoor-Bonnie Belle, 4yrs, 2sec (A Pringle) 1
Mrs R O Duncan's b m Galvanita, 5yrs, 3sec (N L Price) 2
Herrick Bros' b g Persuader, aged, 6sec (H Herrick) 3

Elmwood scr, Lord Dillon scr, Bonification scr, Link 1sec, Onward 1sec, Diving Bell 2sec, General Elmo 2sec, and Lyonnaise 4sec also started.

Country Belle went to the front immediately the field settled down, and as they passed the stand the first time was followed by Lyonnaise, Persuader, Galvanita and Onward. There was practically no change in the second curcuit, but at the tanks in the final round Galvanita ran into second place, but Pringle was driving a very confident race behind Country Belle, who, stalling off Galvanita's challenge in the straight, won with something to spare by a length and a half. Persuader was eight lengths behind Galvanita, with Elmwood fourth. Time, 5min 7sec.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 400 sovs; second 60 sovs, and third 40 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Dennett's b h Adonis, by Harold Dillon-Thelma, 5yrs, 7sec. (F Holmes) 1
G O'Neill's ch m Sparkling Kola, aged, 7sec (A G Wilson) 2
S W Scott's b h Quincey, aged, 3sec (Owner) 3

J G McConochie's br g Aberfeldy, aged, scr (J Tasker)
T Roe's b h Gold Bell, aged, 2sec, (H McNae)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, 6yrs, 4sec (W C Hird)
E Bowes's ch g Dr Chutney, aged, 4sec (C Kerr)
J Shaw's b h Medallion, aged, 6sec (J Rainey)
J Lorgelly's ch h Lord Heathcote, 7sec (Owner)
A Smith's b m Schoolgirl, aged, 7sec (Owner)
O F Sutton's gr m Delia, 5yrs, 8sec (A Butterfield)
T W Price, jnr's, b f Frances, 4yrs, 8sec (Owner)
H W Kitchingham's ch h Croesus, aged, 9sec (H Gaskill)
W Hoy's b g Hue Elect, aged, 9sec (J Messervey)

At the start Schoolgirl swerved and collided with Manderene, who lost his driver. Medallion broke before going a furlong, and took practically no part in the race. When they came past the stand Hue Direct was showing the way to Frances and Sparkling Kola, after whom at an interval of several lengths came Adonis and Delia. At the end of a mile Hue Direct was still in front, wih Frances, Sparkling Kola and Adonis seperated by intervals of a length, Dr Chutney ten lengths back, being just in front of Delia, Quincey and Aberfeldy. With a round to go Sparkling Kola ran to the front, with Adonis in hot pursuit and Hue Elect third. Four furlongs from home Sparkling Kola was eight lengths clear of Adonis, with Hue Elect, Dr Chutney and Quincey, coming fast. Adonis closed on Sparkling Kola, and won a good race by two lengths. Quincey was four lengths away third, with Dr Chutney fourth and Aberfeldy next. Time, 4min 55sec.

WHITELEIGH HANDICAP (in saddle) of 135 sovs; second 19 sovs and 13 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. One mile and a half.

J C Montefiore's b g Erin's Tracey, by General Tracey-Erin, aged, 2sec (H Barraclough) 1
C J Ruffell's b m Stella Leigh, aged, 12sec (J Brankin) 2
M Clarice's b m Mystic, 6yrs, 12sec (D Warren) 3

Repeater scr, Bushranger 5sec, Armamenter 6sec, Rosalie 8sec, Salt Air 12sec, Dollywood 12sec and Wild Bee 12sec also started.

Salt Air refused to strike a gait and Mystic went off in the lead, but broke going out of the straight, and gave way to Stella Leigh, who led for a circuit closely attended by Mystic, while Erin's Tracey moved up into third place. Erin's Tracey assumed the lead coming into the straight the last time, and was never really troubled afterwards, winning comfortably by six lengths from Stella Leigh, who defeated Mystic by a length. Dollywood was fourth, Armamenter fifth, and Bushranger sixth. Time, 3min 42sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

A D Hudson's b m Bermatine, by Berlintine-Birthday, aged, 12sec (F Holmes) 1
J S August's b g Link, aged, 10sec, (J August) 2
J Leslie's b g Electrocute, aged, 8sec (N L Price) 3

Submarine 1sec, Medallion 3sec, Lord Heathcote 4sec, Lodi 9sec, Kalgoorlie 10sec, The Next 13sec and Rosemary 13sec also started.

Rosemary and The Next went off together in the lead, with Bermaline and Kalgoorlie following. This order was maintained all through the second circuit, but going past the stand Bermaline went to the front, while Lodi also improved her position. Bermaline easily retained her lead and won very easily by four lengths, with fully twelve lengths serarating the second and third horses. Lodi was fourth. Time, 4min 57sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 285 sovs; second 85 sovs and third 23 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

W T Lowe's b g Treasure Seeker, by Rothschild-Flora, aged, 18sec. (H Gaskill) 1
W Patching's blk g Kelso, aged, 18sec (J Brankin) 2
J Clark's b g Master Raymond, aged, 17sec (R Allan) 3

Redchild scr, Muricata 5sec, Clive 8sec, Adventuress 10sec, Welfare 17sec, Rothella 17sec, and Lord Cardigan 20sec also started.

Treasure Seeker began well, and as they passed the stand the first time had as his nearest attendants Kelso, Welfare and Rothella, while Master Raymond was ten lengths off. The order was little changed at the end of a mile, but Rothella had then taken third place, though with half a mile to go she was in trouble. Treasure Seeker kept his place in front, and won by three lengths fron Kelso, who was two lengths in front of Master Raymond, after whom came Rothella and Muricata. Time, 4min 58sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 180 sovs; second 27 sovs and third 18 sovs from stake. One mile.

T Davidson's br g Mains, by Castaway, aged, 4sec (E McDermott) 1
W Kerr's b g Bellis, aged, 4sec, (J Tuphope) 2
M Dicken's b g Barmaguie, aged, 5sec (Jas. Pine) 3.

Eccentric scr, Miss Florrie C 2sec, Silver Black 4sec, Tuatara 5sec, Moa Dillon 5sec, The Scout 7sec, Prince Rufus 7sec, Dayspring 7sec, Troubadour 7sec, and Alliance 7sec also started.

Prince Rufus and Troubadour were showing the way as the field passed the stand the first time, while Barmaguie and Dayspring were most prominent of the others, and The Scout, who broke shortly after the start, and Eccentric who lost several seconds at the start, were well back. Barmaguie took the lead going down the back stretch, but turning into the straight he was passed by Bellis, who led to within a few lengths of the post, when he was passed by Mains, who won by two lengths, with Barmaguie a length away third, followed by Eccentric. Time, 2min 17sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 230 sovs; second 34 sovs, and third 23 sovs from stake. One mile.

H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, by Capitalist-Merry Bell, 5yrs, 3sec. 1
E C Woodham's b h Blackbird Boy, 6yrs, 4 sec (L Hubbard) 2
W Hay's b g Hue Elect, aged, 3sec (J Messervey) 3

Ravenschild 1sec, Marie Narello 2sec, Ladychild 3sec, Franzie 4sec, Rosebery 4sec and Ariel 4sec also started.

At the end of two furlongs Rosebery was followed by Ariel, Blackbird Boy and Franzie, but going along the back Hue Elect ran into second place, and at the tanks was in front from Blackchild Boy, with Jingle coming fast in third place. A splendid finish between Jingle and Blackchild Boy resulted in favour of the former by half a head; Hue Elect two lengths away third; Franzie fourth and Ladychild fifth. Time, 2min 18 2/5 sec.

Credit: The Press 8 November 1912

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1912 CUP WEEK: THIRD DAY: FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER

The November Meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, which was brought to a conclusion at Addington yesterday, may take rank as quite the most successful

Credit: The Press: 9 November 1912

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Albert H & A Hendriksen

1912 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

The influence of Rothschild in the early part of the century was never more evident than in the outcome of the 1912 New Zealand Cup, an in the composition of the field that went to the post.

The first three placed horses - Albert H, Ravenschild and Glendolough - were all by Rothschild. this outstanding achievement was later equalled by Light Brigade in 1957, when his progeny - Lookaway, Thunder and La Mignon - were the first three past the post. With the exception of Quincey, who was by Vancleve, all the other 15 acceptors in 1912 were descendants of either Rothschild or Prince Imperial. The latter had four representatives, while Rothschild had seven of his own, three by his sons and one by a grandson.

Albert H, a seven-year-old bay horse, was Rothschild's second New Zealand Cup winner, the first being Belmont M, in 1906. Driven a patient race by his trainer Albert Hendriksen, having his first Cup experience, Albert H came with a determined run in the final stages to win going away by two lengths. Ravenschild (Free Holmes)took second, with four lengths to Glendalough. Albert H paced the two miles in 4:48.8. Emmeline stood alone at the back on handicap, with her nearest rivals, St Swithin and Aberfeldy, five seconds away. The front-runners Medallion, Manderene, Ravenschild and Piecework started from nine seconds. Albert H was one of seven who started from eight seconds.

Albert H was the season's leading money-winner with £881. He was started only twice in the 1911-12 season - at the Canterbury Park meeting the previous June - and had won on both occasions in heavy ground. In August of the current season he was second in the King George Handicap, and the same afternoon won the International Handicap, over a mile-and-a-quarter. Despite this form he started seventh favourite in the Cup.

His dam, Jessie M, was by a thoroughbred horse, Son Of A Gun, who had placed second in the 1888 New Zealand Galloping Cup. Originally 18 horses had been accepted for the 1912 Cup, but Silver Princess and Lady Clare were withdrawn. Altogether 128 runners were accepted for the first day's racing, providing eight capacity fields.

St Swithin was made Cup favourite, Auckland pacer Manderene was second Choice, and Redchild, a trotter, was the next-best supported. However, all three failed to pay a dividend. The start was a shambles. Harry McNae's Gold Bell broke and collided with St Swithin, who dislodged his driver, Andy Pringle. Manderene also broke badly at the start. Bright stumbled after half-a-mile and was pulled up, and Medallion became another casualtywhen he broke and was pulled up near the mile post. So, again, the race was not a good one, with many horses not performing up to their handicaps, and the field was well spread over most of journey.

Showers on the second day made the track heavy. in the main race Adonis (Free Holmes), by Harold Dillon from Thelma, thereby a half-brother to Wildwood Junior, beat Sparkling Kola and Quincey. One of the two trotters who had contested the Cup, Quincey improved on his run when he beat the pacers on the third day, in the Courtenay Handicap. The Vancleve stallion ran an excellent 4:38, 10 seconds faster than the Cup time of Albert H. Master Raymond won the Dominion from Muricata and Kelso, taking 4:52.2 to trot the two miles.

The early indications were that the 1912 meeting would be a successful one, and so it proved. Totalisator returns on Cup Day smashed all records. Betting reached £32,969, with £7053 invested on the Cup. The turnover for the three days was £99,177, well within reach of the club's next milestone, £100,000.

Two alterations greeted patrons when they arrived at Addington for this meeting. The club had put up a large board, visible from all parts of the ground, on which were the names of the riders or drivers. Because of the growing importance of vehicular traffic, the club had bought more land and built a special roadway and entrance for all vehicles.

Harry Nicoll was the top owner for the third consecutive season with £987, well down on the £1547 and £1222 he had won in the previous two seasons.

Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

CLUB HISTORY CANTERBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB

CPTC: Board Minutes

July: Members Subs were set at 10/6.

November: Mr Horace Shirley was appointed caretaker of Plumpton Park at £2 per week.

Credit: Extract from 1912 Board Minutes

CLUB HISTORY FIRES & THEIR PREVENTION

The first fire reported on in the NZ REFEREE was an outbreak one afternoon in October 1912 when eight or ten horse boxes in the outside enclosure, adjoining the Canterbury A & P Assn’s property, were destroyed together with a number of boxes in the Showgrounds. If the fire had not been discovered early considerably more damage would have resulted. The boxes which were destroyed were replaced in time for the Cup Meeting.


Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker