 | INTERNATIONAL HISTORY |
28 June - Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austrian throne and his wife are assassinated.
1 August - Germany declares war on Russia, the following day Russia responds by declaring war on Germany.
4 August - German forces invade Belguim.
In Cleveland, Ohio the first electric traffic light was installed.
 | LOCAL HISTORY |
5 August - War declared by NZ.
24 August - Large patriotic procession boosts war fever.
29 August - Samoa. Unopposed landing by 1413 troops.
23 September - First Canterbury contingent sails on "Tahiti" and "Athenic" from Lyttelton for the war in Europe.
16 October - Main Body sailed from Wellington. It consisted of 4 battalions infantry, 4 mounted rifles regiments and an ammunition column. 8,417 troops in total. The troops reached Egypt on Nov. 3.
2 November - Riccarton (Deans) Bush presented to the city by the Deans family.
The Sun newspaper appears, using up-to-the-minute design, including photographs.
'Hinemoa' the first NZ-made feature movie, premiers at Auckland's Lyric theatre.
 | RACING HISTORY STARTERS & STARTING |
That the start of a race very often, is the deciding factor is well known to all who participate 1n the costly amusement of horse racing, and the starter at times is subjected to much adverse comment and jeering from a disappointed crowd. But of all bad starts, and there have been many, yet brought off on any racecourse, the despatch effected by Starter J. H. Tompkins m the Free-For-All race at the Now Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting last week at Addington, fairly took the bakery.
The interest taken in the race was on a par with that of the Trotting Cup, as the field in the Free- For-All, one mile and a quarter, comprised seven of the Dominion's champion light harness horses. Of course, with all the horses on the same mark, and the drivers anxious to gain the slightest advantage, it was hardly reasonable to expect the horses to go off like a line of soldiers, and the spectators would have been satisfied with anything near the mark. But what happened?
After one false start, the horses came back and, at the second attempt, the horses were sent on their journey. They went in single file, and, for a time, no one seriously thought the race had started, and when Eccentric continued one length ahead of the field, each horse separated by daylight, it dawned upon the orowd present that the race was being decided. Thanks to the disgraceful start, Eccentric won from the game and public idol, Emmeline. No sooner had the horses passed the post than the crowd gave way to their feelings, and commenced hooting, with cries for "The starter, where, is the starter?" For fully ten minutes the hooting was continued, and the scene ranks second only to the occasion in Auckland when the crowd took charge of the course at Alexandra Park and refused to allow the programme to proceed.
On all sides the start for the Free-For-All was voted a genuine fiasco, and it is hard to understand why Starter Tompkins allowed the field to go.
Credit: NZ Truth 21 Nov 1914
| RACING HISTORY PEOPLE |
CHARLES KERR
For any top horseman it was a cruel fate. In May, 1914 leading driver, Charlie Kerr, posted a career highlight driving the unbeaten rising star Admiral Wood to win the first New Zealand Derby, then held at New Brighton. It was owned and trained by his brother, Willie, who would soon sell the colt for a staggering price in those days of £1,000. Within hours of the Derby triumph Charlie was on his deathbed aged just 54.
He had driven into the city in what was virtually a road sulky at 6:30pm to celebrate, leaving the city at 10:30pm. Witnesses saw the travelling very fast on Regent Street in Woolston an hour later and soon afterward they collided with a telegragh pole, Charlie was thrown on the road. He suffered a "laceration of the brain" which affected his behaviour in hospital. He refused food until his death a few days later. There were many tributes to the cheerful horseman from Wainoni.
The Kerr family, prominent in the New Brighton area (Kerrs Reach is named after them), had already suffered a tragedy involving horses, when Peter Kerr, who farmed the Sandhills Run (Christchurch only went to the end of Gloucester Street in those days) was also killed in an accident with a horse. Charles and William established a training and breeding property operating seperate training stables at Wainoni, which was eventually called Wildwood Farm. Willie was the senior partner but also a farmer. The brothers had first made their mark at New Brighton beach meetings in the 1880's and came up with horses like Nilreb (his sire Berlin backwards) which won at Springfield from 400m behind and three races in aday at Westport.
Two decisions by Willie Kerr then took them into the big time.He bought the American horse, Wildwood, in the North Island in 1894. Wildwood, an impressive black, was a wild success but also proved there are no certainties in racing. Winner of the first Sires Stakes run in this country and then lightly used as a stallion, he was constantly in training for nearly two years before he returned in 1897 and was regarded as an unbeatable certainty against the best in the land.
Wildwood had been handicapped four seconds however and in the field was a little known pacer from Ashburton called Prince Imperial, who upset the American trotter in sensational circumstances. That led to a famous £1000 match race at New Brighton, by far the biggest stake ever raced for by harness horses in this country. Driven by Willie because his brother was ill, Wildwood norrowly won the first heat (best of three) with something in reserve. He then slaughtered his classy rival in a new Australasian mile record time. He would become a landmark stallion here but died in 1905 when just 12 and at the peak of his powers. Prince Imperial was also an influential stallion.
Willie drove out to Lincoln one day to check out a gelding breeder John Tod had for sale. Instead he was very taken with a filly on the Tod property and bought he for £30. Named Thelma, she was the fifth and last filly from Pride Of Lincoln whose No 1 family has produced champions from Wildwood Junior to Christian Cullen and beyond. A black like his dad Wildwood Junior, a pacer, was the first colonial horse to win a sires premiership here, but was only one of Thelma's outstanding foals. He famously won two NZ Cups in his only starts in those seasons, one in world record time.
Thelma, a fine racehorse, had 16 foals in as many years. Two died, one was unraced and all the rest won at least once. Willowood, brother of Wildwood Junior was never beaten over three seasons (though only one start in each) and like Waverley (a half-brother based later in Southland) was an outstanding stallion. Marie Corelli was a track star and a breeding gem while Authoress, injured before racing and dead at eight, left the champion Author Dillon. Willie sold him as a youngster for £500 to a wealthy local, James Knight, a short time before he also won a Derby.
Willie owned several mares who still hold an influence in sales catalogues and would break in up to 15 yearlings of his own a year, big numbers then. Most were for sale - a sort of pioneer Ready to Run concept. No other New Zealand mare has matched the extraordinary lagacy of Thelma as the Akaroa Trotting Club has noted for many years now.
Like many trainers then the Kerr brothers, though popular figures, had their moments with authorities. One notorious case involved Wildwood at Plumpton Park. On the first day when hot favourite he was well beaten and stablemate Sing Sing (ancestress of the Moose family) won at nice odds. On the second day Wildwood, driven by Charlie, had a special light cart attached and won easily. The public and authorities were not amused especially as the brothers made no secret that they backed the champion heavily on the second day as he had only been in work for eight weeks. Administrators found changes justified but moaned about the "public image of the sport with these sort of incidents."
Charlie's death seemed to turn the tide against Wildwood Farm. Santa Rosa, the first fully Commercial standardbred stud and Coldstream became the industry leaders. Willie may also have lost some interest though he lived until 1951. In 1921 he sold up all his horses except Wildwood Junior who was passed in. He got over £2000 for the others. In 1924 he sold the farm to Harry Aker who had the champion mare Waitaki Girl and the ill fated fated Peter Chenault. Later the Bussell family trained there.
The Kerr name remained a force in harness racing for decades after Willie and Charlie but never like the dramatic years of Wildwood and Thelma.
Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 29May13
| RACING HISTORY MESCELLANY |
FIRST FREE-FOR-ALL IN NZ
Eccentric, sired by George M Patchen, won the first light-harness free-for-all on record in New Zealand. The race was run at Addington in 1914.
Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar - Nov 23, 1955
| RACING HISTORY HORSES |
BERTHABELL
When a member of the present generation of the Jacobson family writes a further volume of "Tales of Banks Peninsula," many of us will be disappointed if we do not find between the covers a whole chapter devoted to those inseperables, the late Etienne Le Lievre and Berthabell.
In a previous issue of the Calendar we were glad to concede that Akaroa is famous for its cheese, its cocksfoot, its serene loveliness; that it is also renowned as the original nursery of all the beautiful weeping-willow trees that adorn the banks of the Avon.
But when we reminded you that perhaps Akaroa has a greater claim to your particular interest because here Etienne Le Lievre, who inherited his love of horses from his French pioneering father, Francois, installed Berthabell as the grand dame of his already famous "Oinako" stud.
Berthabell's name as a producer will ever remain imperishable. This blood-like mare was foaled in 1909, and in 1913 she had a filly by Bingen, which accompanied her to New Zealand when she was imported from America by Etienne Le Lievre in 1914. She had been stinted to The Harvester, 2.01, and on arrival in New Zealand she foaled a colt, which unfortunately died.
An impression existed for many years that Berthabell did not race in New Zealand, and this idea was probably firmly implanted in the minds of some people by the fact that she was bred from before she came to this country, and is shown in the Stud Book as produced for the next three years after her arrival here; but she managed to edge in a racing career somehow, and in her only five starts she was three times in the money. A pacer, she finished third in the Amateur Handicap at the South Canterbury Trotting Club's meeting in July, 1915, and at New Brighton the same year she finished second to Sinoda over a mile and a half in the Innovation Handicap, the winners time being 3.40 1-5. She also finished second to Sweet Agnes in the Telegraph Handicap of one mile at the Canterbury Park New Year meeting of 1916. The winner's time was 2.22, and as Berthabell started from the same mark as Sweet Agnes, and finished within two lengths of her, it is obvious that Berthabell must has registered at least 2.23, this when she was probably in foal, because the Stud Book shows that in the same year she foaled twins to Nelson Bingen, both of which died.
Is it any wonder, in view of these facts, that such a mare bred a line of champions when she was eventually allowed to retire to the matron's paddock? She found a ready affinity with the sire Nelson Bingen, for to him she left Great Bingen, Worthy Bingen, Peter Bingen, Bessie Bingen, Bertha Bingen, Great Peter, Baron Bingen and Great Nelson, all winners. To other sires she left Great Parrish and Corona Bell (by Guy Parrish), and Ringtrue (by Travis Axworthy).
The progeny of the great mare earned £35,535 in stakes, as follows:-
Great Bingen £14,120 including Australian winnings, Peter Bingen £8,629, Great Parrish £3,317½, Great Peter £2,850, Ringtrue £2,029, Baron Bingen 1,475, Great Nelson £898½, Worthy Bingen £691, Bessie Bingen £215, Corona Bell £175, Bertha Bingen £135.
None of the sons of Berthabell has proved an outstanding success as a sire, but six of them have got winners, namely, Worthy Bingen, Great Bingen, Peter Bingen, Great Nelson, Great Parrish and Ringtrue. Great Nelson's siring merit hangs on a very slender thread, as he left only one very moderate winner, but all the others have sired several winners. Of them all, the siring palm goes to Worthy Bingen, who was a fine trotter, and got Worthy Queen, whose records of 2.03 3-5 for a mile against time, and 3.14 1-5 for a mile and a half in a race still stand. The best horse left by Peter Bingen is Peter Smith, a Free-For-All winner with records of 2.36 for a mile and a quarter, 3.11 2-5 for a mile and a half and 4.15 for two miles. He was a big stake-winner, just fractionally removed from being a champion.
Great Bingen has been represented by several Classic winners including Taxpayer, Refund, Double Great and Great News. To date Taxpayer is probably the best horse he has sired, though Dark Hazard was a bigger stake-earner and a winner of good races at both gaits, while Karangi and Pre-Eminence are two present-day pacers by Great Bingen who should extend their records. Great Parrish has sired winners of both gaits in Auckland, and one of his best to date is Bold Venture, who finished second in an Auckland Cup, and took a two-mile record of 4.19 3-5.
Ringtrue is the sire of a high-class pacer in Parshall, winner of the last Auckland Free-For-All, besides being placed in Cup company at Addington. Parshall has records of 3.13 2-5 for a mile and a half (winning) and 4.15 4-5 for two miles, and will be a competitor in the next NZ Trotting Cup. Other winners left by Ringtrue included the trotter Paiahua, one of the comparatively few to beat the pacers.
Great Peter and Baron Bingen were other sons of Berthabell who at one time gave promise of reaching the best class. Great Peter won the Great Northern Derby, Champion Handicap (Addington) and other races, but he died as a seven-year-old when shaping like a Cup horse. Baron Bingen, who probably had as much speed as any member of the family, was a very excitable horse, and eventually became so temperamental that he was gelded late in life and eventually had to be given up as a racing proposition.
Berthabell's daughters were not a patch on her sons as racehorses. Bell Bingen, of course, was injured on her way out from America, and did not race, but the later fillies, Bessie Bingen, Bertha Bingen, Bell Nelson and Corona Bell never threatened to break any records. The best racemares among them were probably Bessie Bingen and Corona Bell, both trotters. Bertha Bingen won races as a pacer.
Bell Bingen has already established a good family of her own. She left Huia Bird, Mavis Bingen, Belle Axworthy, Parrish Belle, Pearl Parrish and Young Travis, all winners, besides Bertha Dillon, Bingen Bell, Sonoma Bell, Lambeth Walk and Paua Bay. Mavis Bingen's branch of the family has been quite a successful one. Her progeny were Cyone, 4.27 2-5, a good winner; Policy, 3.18 1-5, who also won several races; Range Finder, one of out best trotters of today; and Sonora. Cyone has already produced five winners - Toceetie, 2.40 1-5; Cyone Girl, 3.20 3-5; Cyone Maid, 3.27 2-5; and Manonee, 3.30 4-5. Toceetie is now at Mr E Tatlow's stud in Tasmania. Sonara has not fared so well. Of her seven foals, two died, and none of the other five so much as got to the races. But one of her daughters is now being bred from, and may revive the line, as so often happens.
Bertha Dillon produced only one foal, a colt named Jack Parrish, who did not amount to anything; there is no record of Bingen Bell having produced at all, but Sonoma Bell is the dam of a useful winner in Surprise Potts.
Belle Axworthy, herself a good winner, looks like being a real success as a brood mare, for already she is the dam of Modest Maid, one of the best trottters in Auckland at the present time, and Young Pointer, who won races and ended up with a mile and a quarter record of 2.44 3-5. Belle Axworthy's later progeny include two by Indianapolis.
Pearl Parrish has produced Pearl Scott and Pearloro, 2.50 2-5, but there is no record of Parrish Belle, who at one time held a mile and a quarter trotting record of 2.46 3-5, having produced anything. She was a nice trotter.
Bessie Bingen's first foal was Bessie Parrish, 3.19, a good trotter who reached high-class company. Then followed Lady Bunker, a winner at the trotting gait, and Contender, who won the Great Northern Stakes and Great Northern Derby. Bessie Bingen was still breeding up to 1942, her last two foals being by Worthy Belwin(imp).
Bertha Bingen is the dam of Iolaire, Endurance, Self (winner of several races. Queen Bertha, 3.31 4-5, and Opportunity, 2.52 3-5. She had no foals after 1934.
Berthabell's later daughters, Bell Nelson and Corona Bell, may have produced, but the Stud Book authorities have received no advice of it if they have. Every now and then the name of Berthabell comes to the top. The latest promising member of the "Oinako" mare's household is Karangi, a son of Great Bingen.
Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 18 Oct 44
| RACING HISTORY HORSES |
BERTHABELL
BERTHABELL(1909 Peter The Great-Corona Mack). Dam Corona Mack was by Wilkes Boy(sire of Grattan, great Canadian family) with her third dam being the founding mare of USA family Kate by Highland Chief; placed as a pacer, $111; 16 foals, 11 winners. Breeder: C G Thompson, Kentucky, USA. Imported by and all her foals bred by E X (Etienne) Le Lievre, Akaroa(Oinako Stud).
The immortal trotting broodmare, Berthabell, was foaled in North America and was imported to NZ by Etienne Le Lievre in 1914 together with a filly foal by Bingen(Bell Bingen) and in foal to The Harvester whose colt foal died within days of birth. Imported at the same time was Nelson Bingen who went on to be a leading stallion. Le Lievre successfully imported from North America a number of sires including Harold Dillon, Wallace L, Great Audubon, Guy Parrish, Travis Axworthy and many mares apart from Berthabell(Miss Spear, Muriel Madison, Grattanette, Solon Gazella).
Berthabell raced as a pacer on five occasions producing three placings(two seconds and the third). Berthabell's female progeny included six daughters all of whom bred on leaving large families. It is only possible to provide a subjective snapshot of some of the better performers.
Bell Bingen was her first, foaled in North America and crippled when shipped to New Zealand with her dam. She did not race but produced many foals most of them were female, including Belita: grand dam of Au Fait(Trotting Stakes-three, Dominion Hcp) and sister Precocious(ID Trotting Final, Dominion Hcp, NZ Trotting FFA), 5th dam of Admiral Holliday(VIC Derby, Golden Nugget);Mavis Bingen: 4th dam of Spry(NZ/Kaikoura Cups) and Berkleigh(NZ Derby, Ashburton Cup), family of iron horse, Ldle Scott(219 starts-46 wins[36 at Alexandra Park}/75 placings $1/2m, Rowe Cup, National Trot twice, NZ Trotting FFA, Trotter of the Year, NZ Hall of Fame), Tip Your Hat(Qld Derby); Mavis De Oro: Kotare Knight, Deep Court, Henschke(SA Derby); Cyone: left a son of Logan Derby in Vodka(Dominion Hcp, NZ Trotting FFA, first Australasian winner in North America, NZ Hall of Fame), Mi Coconut(VIC Queen of Pacific), Die Wondering(NSW SS-2f); Parrish Belle(Rowe Cup); Young Travis(Westport Cup).
Bell Nelson, unraced, was the 4th dam of top performer Our Mana(Easter Cup, twice second in NZ Cup/second AK Cup) and a good mile performer(NZ Flying Mile, Down Under Miler/Waikato Flying Miles twice). He was the winner of the inaugural $10,000 West Coast bonus for winning three races on the Christmas circuit. Bertha Bingen, was the winner of two pacing races at Wanganui and grand dam of Indomitable(Rowe Cup). Bessie Bingen, twice a winner whose major credits were Contender(GN Stakes-2, GN Derby) and trotter Bessie Parrish. Corona Bell, winner of one trotting race when raced as a four- to eight-year-old, left Hopeful(Taranaki Cup). Bertha Parrish, Berthabell's final foal, was dam of Sea Gypsy who left NZ Cup winner Our Roger(Louisson Hcp, Ashburton Flying Stakes).
From Berthabell's female branch of the Kate family have come three winners of the Rowe Cup - 1937 Parrish Belle, 1950 Indomitable and 1990 Idle Scott.
Many of Berthabell's male progeny were successful in the breeding shed. Great Parrish(Guy Parrish) raced from a two-until a ten-year-old and was the winner of 14 races including two as a two-year-old (Hawkes Bay), GN Derby and an Auckland Cup at six, the latter two wins for J.T.(Jim) Paul. His 41 winners included Otahuhu Cup winner Parrish Lad, Bonniedene(GN Derby), Bold Venture(AK Cup trial, 2nd AK Cup) and damsire of Indian Parrish(Rowe Cup), champion Australian mare Angelique(VIC Oaks, SA Cup), Gold Horizon(NZ Trotting FFA and NZ Hambletonian twice), Pleasant Smile(Otahuhu Cup). Ringtrue(Travis Axworthy), was the winner of ten races(Five as a three-year-old), nine of which were at Alexandra Park and FPTC's, sire of 46 winners(Parshall) including 21 pacers in Australia having stood at Inverell(NSW) in early 1950's.
Berthabelle produced six brothers by Nelson Bingen who finished top of the sires list in 1928-29 and 1929-30, was five times placed and left 219 winners with stake earnings approaching £191,000. The one gelded son was trotter Great Nelson whose five wins were spread over 6 seasons including NZ Sires Produce - 3T at Forbury Park.
Her siring sons were led by Great Bingen, a high class pacer whose 26 wins(22 NZ, four AUS)including a NZFFA, Australian Championships(four wins, beaten by Taraire in final), Dunedin and Exhibition Cups at Forbury, Christchurch and New Brighton Hcps. He won the York Hcp(108 yards behind) at New Brighton before the Duke of York,(later to become King George VI). He was placed second twice in NZ Cups, fourth on one occasion as well as twice fourth in Auckland Cups, often from lengthy marks. During his career, Great Bingen won six Free-For-Alls. His 2:07.6 placed him among the first hundred NZ horses in 2:10 and in finishing third over two miles in 4:19.8(108 yards) at Alexandra Park, he was the first horse outside America to go under 4:20. Great Bingen was leading stake earner in 1925/6(£4,015) and his total stake winnings of £14,120 stood as a record for 17 years.
Great Bingen was the first stallion to stand stud duties for Sir John McKenzie leaving 46 winners including Taxpayer/Double Great(NZ Derby), Refund/Great News(Welligton Stakes - 3) and dual gaited Dark Hazard. His broodmare sire credits included Bintravis(WA Cup), Bonnidene(GN Derby), Powerful Lady(NZ Oaks), Tapuwae(Rowe Cup) and Crocus, grand dam of Sole Command(NZ/AK Cups, Horse of Year). Great Bingen died in May 1945 in his 26th year at Roydon Lodge.
Peter Bingen started his career as a trotter which included a second in the NZ Trotting Stakes - 3. He became a high class pacer, his 16 wins including consecutive NZ Cups and a NZFFA(three times second), National Cup and Canterbury Hcps. He was also placed second in an Auckland Cup and a division of NZ Cup. His 2:07.0 placed him among the first hundred NZ horses in 2:10.
Hid 45 winners included three time Otahuhu Cup winner Double Peter, Peter Smith (FFA/big stake winner), Peters Find (GN Derby) and damsire of NZ Derby winner Single Medoro. Worthy Bingen, recorded four wins in his three seasons of racing. The sire of 33 winners of whom 21 were trotters, he was rated the best sire of the brothers by journalist Karl Scott. He sired Worthy Queen whose T2:03.6TT(took 5.4 seconds off previous record) set in 1934 stood as a NZ Trotters mile record for 28 years and Tan John(Dominion Hcp). Great Peter had three wins as a three-year-old including GN Derby and the final running of the Champion Stakes at Addington in 1927 before its transfer to Ashburton. He won again at Auckland at both four and five before his final three victories(eight in total) came as a six-year-old during the Auckland Summer carnival. He retired after being unplaced at seventh but died shortly thereafter. Baron Bingen won seven races and was exported to the United Kingdom to stand at stud.
Berthabell died at Oinako Stud aged 23, her progeny won close to 100 races and over £35,000 in stakes, much of it during the depression years.
Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed 2014
| RACING HISTORY HORSES |
 |
Although when surveying sires of past years you seem to be saying it all the time, it has been a fact that most successful imported sires have failed to establish a male line of any great significance. Why this is, is difficult to say and a number of factors are involved. One of the major ones however is that the sons of successful sires are often not given a decent chance to prove themselves at stud. Had they had such a chance things might have been different and a good example of what might have been is the case of Nelson Bingen.
A number of his sons were stood at stud. More to the point the owners of his sons set about proving that their horses were good sires with the result that Nelson Bingen probably outshines any other imported sire when it comes to successful sons. True, his male line has not survived but it did exert considerable influence in its time and it was perhaps a pity that the third generation of his line did not produce a racehorse of good enough quality to ensure the success of the line.
Nelson Bingen arrived in this country as a 2 year old in 1914 imported by Etienne Le Lievre of Harold Dillon fame. At about the same time Mr Le Lievre imported the mare Berthabell who was to exercise considerable influence in our breeding. She was mated with Nelson Bingen on many occasions and in some ways Nelson Bingen's stud record relies on his matings with the imported mare. Stood at stud early in his career Nelson Bingen must have had mixed success for he did not appear on the sire lists at all until 1919 and as a seven year old he was given a race preparation and produced on a number of occasions. A trotter, he was a very good one and scored victories at Gore, New Brighton, Forbury and Addington. He was one of the tops of his day and twice beat Reta Peta the champion mare who won two NZ Cups.
In his public appearances Nelson Bingen attracted a good deal of attention with his impressive looks and fine action and when again retired to stud he received much more patronage. But still it was 1928 before he topped the sires list. He retained the title the following year and was second for the following three years, though he died in 1932. Altogether he sired 219 winners and they won nearly $400,000 in prize money.
His matings with Berthabell resulted in his two most successful sons Great Bingen and Peter Bingen. Great Bingen seems to have lost his rightful place as one of the handful of greatest pacers ever bred in this country, perhaps because he didn't win a Cup, though he was placed second from a long mark. The idol of his day and a great stayer who could sprint with the best of them Great Bingen won 26 races and over $25,000 in prizemoney. To get this in perspective it should be remembered that this prizemoney record stood until 1947 when lowered by Highland Fling and few money-winning records last over 20 years.
Great Bingen himself the sire of many winners was the first horse outside America to break 4:20 for two miles which he did in a placed performance in Auckland in 1926. He had a number of trainers when raced in the ownership of J R McKenzie including D Withers, J Kennerly and R Plaxico. He was twice placed in the Cup and but for the huge handicaps he had to concede at the time must have won one of them. Although not so well known as a sprinter he took a time of better than 2:07 for a mile. He full-brother Peter Bingen won two NZ Cups but did not blossom as a stayer until comparatively late in his career and indeed in his early days raced as a trotter. He won nearly $17,000 of 'Depression' stakemoney and he kept the family to the fore by being the first pacer ourside the USA to beat 2:40 for the 1¼ miles. He won 16 races altogether and was also a successful sire.
Though a number of Nelson Bingen's get favoured the trotting gait he threw some other top pacers including Jean McElwyn who reached Cup class from Roy Berry's stable, Nelson Derby winner of the Great Northern Derby and Auckland Cup and was a son of Norice, Nelson Fame, Nelso's Victory and Nelsonian. He left any number of top trotters including Olive Nelson, Norma Bingen and Native King who were all Dominion winners, Great Nelson (a brother to Great Bingen and Peter Bingen) winner of the old NZ Trotting Stakes, Baron Bingen, Bingen Wilkes, General Bingen (saddle mile in 2:11.6), Commander Bingen and Kempton. Worthy Bingen was a fair trotter and sire of Worthy Queen. Katute won the NZ Trotting Stakes and Sea Pearl, Admiral Bingen, Escapade (a top saddle trotter and grandam of Fallacy), Sister Beatrice and Stand By were all top class trotters.
As a sire of broodmares Nelson Bingen was a fair success though perhaps his total of under 200 winners from this source can be counted as a shade disappointing. A number of his sons were successful broodmare sires. Among Nelson Bingen's most successful daughters were Lady Trafalgar who produced five winners; Lily Bingen who produced six including War Guard who won seven including a National Handicap; Stella Bingen 3rd dam of Stella Frost; Belle Lorrimer grandam of the winners of 78 races including Grouse, Lyndhurst, and the top trotters Faming Way, Flammula, Inflammable and Alight as well as Nantwitch herself the winner of seven races including the Sapling Stakes and dam of Gerafalcon who won 14 including the Trotting FFA; Courcard and Cyrano; Bertha Bingen and Bessie Bingen ancestress of more than 40 winners.
Etta Bingen was the dam of six winners and Peggoty a colourful mare of the 1940s for the Butterick family is from a Nelson Bingen mare. Another successful mare by the stallion was Berenice. Dam of the top trotter Flotsam who won nine. Berenice is the ancestress of a number of good winners including Idaho. Katute was the dam of Mah Jong who won eight, and three other winners. Sparkling Sunshine the dam of a near champion in Attack was from a Nelson Bingen mare and Jean McElwyn was successful at stud, among her progeny being the successful sire Prince Charming. Sister Maud produced Queen Maude the dam of five winners including Maori Queen, Maudeen and Sports Review, all top class trotters.
It was perhaps a shade unfortunate that Nelson Bingen was an old horse before his value was really appreciated. A number of his sons carried on with the good work however. Easily the best was Nelson Derby. Great Bingen sired 44 winners and was considered to be something of a disappointment at the stud but his mares bred on especially well. Great Bingen mares produced trotters such as Keen Blade (NZ record holder and winner of 8), Lady Inchcape (7 wins), King's Brigade and Sure Gift who were both NZ Trotting Stakes winners and Roderick Dhu, Vagus and Lady Baffelan who all won 7 races apiece. Among the best pacers from his daughters were Kublai Khan and Ghengis Khan who won 16 races between them, Bonny Azure who won 17 on her own, Powerful Lady (Oaks), Bobby Burns (8 wins), Golden Marino (6 wins including the Timaru and New Brighton Cups) and Sandusky who won 11 races.
Nelson Adonis served a handful of mares as a colt before being gelded. One he left was Sterling Lady who was the dam of 6 winners including Onward (9 wins), Stirling Castle (5), and Mineral (6 wins).
Native King was a successful sire considering his opportunities and he got Gracie Fields who won nine races, she being a daughter of Reta Peta. Native Queen was another good one of his stock as was Minnetonka who later left four winners. Native King mares were again successful leaving horses like Maori Home (17 wins and twice placed in the Cup). Native Scott (10 wins) left Statuette successful both on the track and at stud; Beverley Volo (7 wins); Willonyx and Gamble King who each won six; Inquistive Lady and NZ Trotting Stakes winner Temple Star. Worthy Bingen didn't do much after siring Worthy Queen, though one of his daughters produced Greek Brigade who won eight.
Peter Bingen sired Peter Smith a top class pacer and another one of the same ilk in Double Peter. Peter Bingen features in the pedigree of the top northern trotters of a few seasons ago in Paula and Paulette. Altogether Peter Bingen left 32 winners. As a rule the sons of Nelson Bingen did well as sires of classic winners one of the best being Taxpayer, by Great Bingen.
Nelson Derby looked to be the Bingen son to ensure the line carried on but one of his better bred sons Wayfarer didn't get much of an opportunity at the stud in spite of producing a classic winner in his first crop. The Bingen line has now died out here as it did in the U S. Before leaving Nelson Bingen however, we should mention that one of his sons Kemel left the dam of the top pacer Laureldale though nothing else of note, and that Nelson Bingen blood has continued to be influential in our trotting scene, two examples being the 'Cord' family of winners of Herbert Hewson and Protector whose grandam was a Nelson Bingen mare.
It is difficult to sum up Nelson Bingen's career. His critics, and there were a number of them, point out that but for Berthabell his stock may have been quite ordinary performers. There is some truth in this, particularly as beside Great Bingen and Peter Bingen his other top horses were the result of matings with such class mares as Norice. Still he was twice leading sire and five times runner up so his general ranking must be high. And his sons certainly bred on better than most imported sires before and since.
Credit: David McCarthy writing in NZ Trotguide 15Dec76
| RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT |
 |
| Win Soon & Andy Pringle |
The second favourite for the 1914 New Zealand Cup, Win Soon, despite an interrupted preparation after qualifying the previous August, began best from the front line and led all the way for an easy win. She was the third mare, after Marian and Lady Clare, to win the Cup and, significantly, all three led from start to finish.
Andy Pringle, Win Soon's trainer, had almost despaired of getting her to the post because she had been troubled with corns, but fortunately the problem cleared in time. The win signalled a change of luck for Pringle, who in his two previous New Zealand Cup drives had been tipped from his sulky.
The Cup stake was increased to 2500 sovereigns, and for the first time the race carried a valuable cup, in addition to the prizemoney. It was made in London for the club's president, Charles Louisson, who donated it. The trophy stood 26 inches without the pedestal and surmounting it was the representation of a trotting horse, complete with sulky and driver.
From the original acceptances, Dan Nyhan's Havoc, Red Mac and Lady Clare were withdrawn, leaving a field of 12, with the front four on six seconds. Denver Huon, on another New Zealand campaign, started from the back, with King Cole, who had not raced since the previous November because of sore feet, refused to leave the mark - in all four of his New Zealand Cup starts, he eliminated himself at the start.
Most pre-race interest centred on the favourite, Don Caesar, a Cup newcomer. Like Win Soon, Don Caesar was troubled some weeks before the race with soreness. But brilliant performances the previous season, plus good trackwork preceding the Cup, confirmed his readiness for a sound two-mile run.
However, he spoilt his chance at the start, as did third favourite Denver Huon. The latter headed a strong Australian contingent and had performed exceptionally well in New Zealand the previous season. After finishing second in the 1913 Cup, Denver Huon had won the New Brighton Cup Free-For-All and, in an exhibition against time, had clocked an Australasian record of 4:28.2 in Auckland.
Win Soon's time, 4:31, was a winning two-mile record. She covered the last half-mile in 1:08 and the first mile in 2:15. Over the last mile Win Soon was challenged by the other mare, Country Belle, who paced a fine race for second. They drew away from the rest, with Win Soon holding off Country Belle to win by four lengths. Eccentric was third, 12 lengths back, folowed by Emmeline, Ravenschild, Manderene, Don Caesar, Denver Huon and Adonis.
Win Soon, the first Southland-bred horse to win a New Zealand Cup, was by the Rothschild horse King Child, from Topsy, who was from a thoroughbred mare. Win Soon, King Child's only winner, had done little racing since winning the Lyttelton Handicap in November 1913. She did not appear after that win until August 3, when she ran third in the main event and qualified for her Cup start, registering 4:37.2.
With £1530, Win Soon was the season's leading money-winner, followed by Our Thorpe, Frandocia and Emmeline. Win Soon's owners, Stevenson and McMath, were the season's top owners, winning £1690, followed by Emmeline's owner, Randle McDonnell.
Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup
| RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT |
The New Zealand Metropolitan Club should be well satisfied with the result of the Cup meeting of 1914. The weather throughout was fine, and the attendance large. The racing was of the highest class and the management all that could be desired. For the three days, the large sum of £117,999 10/- went through the totalisator, as against £124,362 10/- last year. The decrease was probably due to the fact that a large number of races were won by "outsiders," the money from the machine thus going into fewer hands for reinvestment. Of the twenty-four races run, only four were won by first favorites. The Australian contingent were but fairly successful, only two races going, to them. The horses showed, plenty of pace but did not appear to be tuned up for hard racing.
Stipendiary Stewards opened for the first time in the history of trotting m the Dominion. Their duties were not arduous, but they attended to a number of minor matters which were not made public. No doubt their presence had the effect of lessening irregularities.
The second day's racing opened with the Whlteleigh Handicap (2 miles, saddle), for trotters only. Fancy Gantle was again made favorite, she trotted very well but was not quite good enough and had to be content with third place behind Armamenter and Fiction. Armamenter won easily and by doing 4.54, greatly improved upon any previous effort.
The November Handicap (2 miles, saddle), was remarkable on account of a great performance on the part of the Australian owned Spot. Starting slowly, he appeared to be right out of the race with Breeze winning easily. With a lap, to go he commenced a great run and gradually closed on Breeze. With fifty yards to go Breeze tired and Spot passed him and won by three lengths in the fast time of 4.34 2.-5. Spot now holds the record for the paced two mile saddle event.
Admiral Wood went out very hot for the Courtenay Handicap (2 miles, harness). At the finish he was the only one in it. Adelaide Direct was leading half a mile from home. Admiral Wood then passed her and went away and won with the greatest of ease in 4.34. Jingle cut out Adelaide Direct on the post for second money. Admiral Wood's performance was most impressive and he is probably the best horse m training.
The American-bred mare Bonista carried off the Metropolitan Handicap (1% mile, harness). Bonista and Kokomoer had the race to themselves. The former took the lead early and won nicely by two lengths in 3.33 4-5. Bonny Jenny, the dam of Bonista, occupied third place.
There was a great finish in the Sockburn Handicap (2. mile, harness), for trotters only. Mystic made nearly all the running but tired in the final stretch. Norval King and Olive L. then came along and the verdict went to the former by a head. Muricata was close up third. Time, 4.49 3-5. Muricata ran a great race. She trotted 4.38 and was most unlucky in being beaten in such greatly improved time.
The Free-for- All (1 ¼ mile, harness) was a fiasco as of the seven starters, only three got away to the bell. These were Dillon Bell, Eccentric and King Cole. Emmeline was nearly 3secs back and the others still further. The three that got away ran together for well over half the distance. Dillon Bell then broke. A little further on King Cole broke and Eccentric went on. In the meantime Emmeline had been putting in great work. She chased Eccentric up the straight and just failed to reach him and he won all out by half a length. Time, 2.48 4-5. The bad start was quite inexcusable, as the starter was not pressed for time. The start reminded one of tne good old days when the horse with the money on always got a good start. On the whole, the starting, was good and I cannot understand the starter's lapse in this instance. The bad start un- doubtedly robbed Emmeline of the race.
The double bettors wanted Nan to win the Railway Handicap (1 mile saddle). It looked any odds on her up the straight. Ripon Child, however, came with a great rattle and just cut her out on the post. Time, 2.17. Ripon Child's win was unexpected and he paid a large dividend.
Owing to her. good showing in the big event, Adelaide Direct was made a solid choice for the Royal Handicap (1 mile harness). Frank Tracey secured a big lead. He tired badly near the end and the favorite came along and won easily, with Andy Regan third. Time, 2.15 "2-5.
The Governor's Handicap,(2mile saddle) was the first event of the final day's racing. The race was for trotters only. Whispering Lad was favorite, the public going right off Fancy Gantle. A little backed one in Fiction led the whole way and won in 4.53. Miss Dexter trotted well, but found the handicap too great. She tired to nothing up the home stretch and Benmore beat her for second place. The favorite broke up badly.
Our Thorpe ran a sterling race in the Victoria Handicap (2% miles harness). Childsdale was favorite, but started badly. Wallace Wood and Antonio made nearly all the running. A quarter of a mile from home Antonio had had enough and Wallace Wood went on and had a lead entering the straight with Our Thorpe close up. In the final run Our Thorpe passed Wallace Wood and won an exciting race by two lengths. Time, 5.12. In running the race at a 2.19 gait the winner put up one of the best efforts of the meeting.
The Christchurch Handicap (2 miles harness) produced the best finish of the meeting. As usual St. Swithin was made favorite with Emmeline and Jewel Chimes well supported. Jewel Chimes went away well, St. Swithin losing several lengths. The former continued in the lead, the other positions changing. St. Swithin was always handy and Emmeline was making ground in good style. Jewel Chimes still led at the home turn, with Emmeline and St. Swithin close up. Here Adonis put in a streak and got second. He tried to pass Jewel Chimes on the Inside but got blocked. Jewel Chimes led to within a few yards of the post, but the honest little chap tired and Emmeline and St. Swithin both got up to him and the three passed the post together. Emmeline won by a bead, with St. Swithin another head in front of Jewel Chimes. Time, 4-34. The champion mare came in for a great reception and her win somewhat atoned for her misfortune in the Free-for-All.
Favoritism rested between Frandocia, Breeze, and Spot in the Australasian Handicap (2 miles saddle). Miss Florrie C and Lady Rattoo were in the van for a mile, with Breeze closing up. A little further on Breeze went to the front and got a solid lead from Frandocia, who began to tire. Breeze continued on with Persuader, and Disappear showing up. In the straight run home Breeze held his own and won all out by a length from Persuader, with Disappear another half length away. Time, 4.39.
A rank outsider won the Dominion Trotting Handicap (2 miles harness). Muricata was installed favorite. Olive L. was quickest to begin and led from Treasure Seeker and Norval King. At the end of a mile the latter two found the pace too warm and Electrocute ran into second place. All through the last round these two held command. In the home run Electrocute ran past Olive L. and won by three lengths. Master Raymond came up at a gallop and got his head in front of Olive L. on the post. Time, 4.44. Olive L. was the most unlucky horse at the meeting. She was placed in her three starts and failed to get a win. As she is but four years old she should have a great future, always providing she is not worked too hard.
By winning the Hornby Handicap (1% miles harness) that fine mare Bonista scored her second success. Lord Rlbbonwood was put about as being the best horse the Australians had brought over and the money went on accordingly. He ran a good race for a mile and then tired away. With half the diatance gone Bonista rushed to the front and stayed on to the end. She won comfortably from Wallace Wood and Brown Belle. Time, 3.29.
Cameos was the order for the Enfleld Handicap (1 mile saddle). She failed to strike a proper gait and never showed up Sir Solo soon had the measure of the field and won With ridiculous ease in the fast time of 2.13 2-5. Nan and Clingschild filled the places.
Country Belle was favored for the Recovery Handicap (1 mile harness). Marble Arch rushed away in front, with Mandarene and Rlpon Child handy. Marble Arch led to within thirty yards from the finish. Mandarene then came strongly and won by half a length. Little Tib was third. Time, 2.15.
Credit: Brent Locanda writing in NZ Truth 21 Nov 1914
| RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT |
The New Zealand Trotting Cup meeting opened in beautiful weather. There was a very large holiday attendance. The course was fast and the racing of the highest class. Some fast times were registered and the public were rather astray in their selections. A very large sum went through the Totalisator and the Club must be well satisfied with the prospects for the concluding days.
Fancy Gantle was made an even money favorite in the Spring Handicap (2 miles, saddle) for trotters only. She refused to leave the mark. When she eventually got away she did not show exceptional pace. Lochiel got well away and trotted steadily the whole way, winning with something in hand from Frank Wilkes. Fiction was a poor third. Time, 6.3. Frank Wilkes showed some pace, but always broke when the pressure was on. Armamenter trotted well, but faded out in the last half mile.
A largo field saddled up for the Empire Handicap (2 miles). Wingatua hopped away smartly and led for well over a mile, and Sherwood took up the running. Disappear made a good run through tho field, attended by Stanley's Child. Disappear continued near the post. He then wavered. In an exciting finish Sherwood won by a head, Stanley's Child was third, two lengths away. Time, 4.48. Grandee was favorite but failed to run up to his form.
The New Zealand Trotting Cup brought out the best twelve horses that have ever raced together in the colonles. The scratchings were Havoc, Red Mac and Lady Clare. Don Caesar and King Cole lost time at the start. Win Soon took the lead from the start. Win Soon, Country Belle and Eccentric led in that order past the stand the first time round. They maintained their positions during the second round. Entering the last round Emmeline ran up into fourth place half a mile from home. Win Soon and Country Belle left the field and in a good finish Win Soon, won by four lengths. Eccentric was twelve lengths back third with Emmeline another six lengths distant in fourth place. The fast time of 4.31 was recorded. The race was rather uninteresting, as the leading horses kept their places throughout. Win Soon was all out to win, the only horse threatening danger being Country Belle. Emmeline ran right up to her best time. Denver Huon ran a good race and was timed to do 4.30. His task was an impossible one as he would have had to do 4.25 to get up to the winner. Don Caesar was favorite, Win Soon being next m demand.
Norval King took out the Middleton Handicap (2 miles, harness) for trotters only. He and Imperial Crown were in advance for a mile when the latter cried a go. Adventuress then ran up into second place, Olive L. following. They ran in this order to the finish, Norval King winning all out by a length, Olive L. two lengths behind Adventuress. Olive L. lost several seconds at the start, otherwise she would have won. Time, 4.35 2-5.
The Lyttelton Handicap (two miles, harness) was an exciting race. Antonio and Erlna wont away with a good lead. A mile saw the end of Erina. Our Thorpe and White House closed on Antonio six furlongs from home. At the distance, Our Thorpe passed Antonio and, in a stirring finish, won by a length. White House beat Antonio on the post for second money. The time was very fast — 4min. 38 4-5sec.
Kinetic was very warm for the St Albans Handicap (1 mile, saddle). He got away smartly, but was soon displaced by Qulnaldine. The latter went on with a good lead. Four furlongs from home, Frandocia worked his way through into third place, Caledon being second. Fifty yards from the post Frandocia caught Quinaldlno, and went on and won by a length. Rawene was placed third. Time, 2.17.
A largo field started In the Rlccarton Handicap (1 ½ miles, harness). Tommy C. was favorite. He hung on the mark and Al Franz went away in front and stayed there for half the distance. With a milo to go, Jingle put in a great run and secured a good position. Entering the straight he had everything settled and went on and won comfortably from Mountain Rose and Muricata. Time, 3min. 27 4-5 sec. Marble Arch showed great pace during the early stages of the race, but failed to stay on.
The money was on Frank Tracy in the Hagley Handicap (1 mile, harness). He failed to got anywhere near the front. Bequest took the lead and bade good-bye to the others. Corbell and Child Beldon chased her the whole way. The order at the finish being Bequest, Child Beldon, Corbell. Time, 2.24
Credit: Brent Locanda writing in NZ Truth 14 Nov 1914
| RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT |
1914 SPRING MEETING: Tuesday 10 November
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting opened at Addington yesterday, under most favourable conditions. The weather was beautifully fine: the heat indeed being somewhat oppressive during part of the afternoon, while towards the close of the day the nor'-west wind raised a considerable amount of dust. The very large attendance showed how popular the light harness sport has become in Christchurch, and all parts of the Dominion were represented in the assemblage. Among those present were Sir J G Ward, the Hon. J D Ormond, Messrs T H Lowry, W G Stead, W F M Buckley, J B Reid, J F Reid, H W Kitchingham, F W Edwards, C F Mark, J G Lecky and W T Hazlett.
The track was in capital order, as the times registered in most of the races showed, though some of the later events were not responsible for very fast perfomances. The racing, taken generally, was of a very interesting character, and the management of the Meeting, under Mr A I Rattray's experienced supervision, was, as usual, complete in every detail. The Club's recently-appointed stipendiary stewards, Messrs C H Gorton and J S Berry, were acting for the first time, the former being given the position of senior steward. They found a few mattters to occupy their attention during the afternoon, but nothing of any serious importance.
The speculation on the totalisator was spirited right through the afternoon, and last years total of £42,558 was exceeded by just over £300, yesterdays figures being £42,869 10s. The investments on the New Zealand Cup amounted to £9321, a slight increase on last year's amount of £9257 10s. Several of the Australian horses that have been brought across for the meeting, were competing during the afternoon, but they made rather disappointing showing.
Fancy Gantle, one of the Australian contingent, was made a very hot favourite for the opening event, the Spring Handicap, a two mile race in saddle for unhoppled trotters. The favourite refused to strike a gait until her chance was hopeless. Lochiel, who was one of the least fancied of the field, began smartly, and leading all the way, won without any difficulty from Frank Wilkes. The latter was always close to the leader, but broke twice when under pressure in the last half mile. Fiction was a very poor third, the others being strung out.
Grandee's form at Oamaru, less than a fortnight ago, brought him very solid support for the Empire Handicap, and he carried almost twice as much money as Sherwood, who was second favourite. The favourite was going well a mile from home, but a little further on had had enough. Wingatui made the early running but in the last half mile Sherwood and Disappear drew away from the others, and they fought out a very exciting finish, Sherwood staying on well, and winning a good race by a head.
There were three scratchings for the big race of the day, the New Zealand Cup, which, with its stake of 2500 sovs, in addition to the handsome silver cup presented by the president of the Club (the Hon. C Louisson), exceeded in value any race yet competed for in the Dominion. Lady Clare, Red Mac and Havoc were those withdrawn, and Don Caesar was made a slightly better favourite than Win Soon, while Denver Huon, Adonis, Manderene, and Country Belle were very evenly supported. There was little delay at the start, but though the competitors moved off at their proper times, with the exception of King Cole, who refused to leave the mark, several of them were slow in getting into their gait, and their chances were very early extinguished. Albert H, Don Caesar, Bright, and Denver Huon all began badly, and Bright fell before they had gone a couple of furlongs, but his driver escaped unhurt. Win Soon was quickest to begin, and she never lost her place in front. Over the last half mile she was challenged by Country Belle, and this pair had the race to themselves, drawing right away from the rest of the field. Country Belle made a game effort as they came into the straight, but Win Soon had most left in reserve, and at the end she was holding Country Belle quite safely. Eccentric was a dozen lengths away third, and then in order came Ravenschild, Manderene, Don Caesar, Denver Huon, and Adonis. Albert H, who split a hoof, was last to finish.
The time registered by Win Soon was the fastest yet recorded in the race, and the performance stamps her as a mare of exceptional brilliance. The best time put up by a previous winner of the race was 4min 33sec, by Wildwood junr, when he won the race for the second time in 1910. Win Soon was timed to run the first half in 1min 8sec, one mile in 2min 15sec and going on at an almost even pace, covered the second mile in 2min 16sec, and the full journey in 4min 31sec. Country Belle improved considerably on any of her previous efforts in running second, while Eccentric showed a return to form and Emmeline, who secured fourth place was running on well at the finish. After the race the cup was presented to Messrs Stevenson and McMath by Mrs C Louisson, the wife of the president, who congratulated them on their success.
Norval King was made favourite for the Middleton Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, and he justified the public confidence by winning in good style from Adventuress, with Olive L, one of M Edwards's Australian team, in third place. Olive L showed a good turn of pace, but lost some ground by breaking, and was running out wide for most of the journey. Imperial Crown, who might have given Norval King some trouble, broke badly at the end of a mile, and would not settle into his stride again until his chance was gone.
The Lyttelton Handicap found White House, Antonio and Bonista very evenly supported. The last-named quickly settled her chance by breaking at the start. Antonio made the pace until half a mile from home where Our Thorpe and White House closed on him. Our Thorpe finished in very determined fashion, and put up a splendid performance for a four-year-old by pacing the two miles in 4min 38 4/5th sec, less than a second outside the time required for qualification in the New Zealand Cup. Antonio seemed sure of second place, but his driver eased him on the post, and White House just got up in time to beat him.
The St Albans Handicap brought about the defeat of another hot favourite in Kinetic, who was backed just about twice as strongly as the second favourite, Frandocia. Kinetic ran a good race, but over the last two furlongs Frandocia put in a very strong run, and finishing better than any of the others, drew away in the straight, and won by four lengths from Quinaldine, who had led from the start. Caledon broke badly in the straight or he might have been placed.
The Riccarton Handicap was a very interesting contest. Marble Arch, one of the Australian team, showed great dash in the early part of the race, but was unable to continue his effort. Over the last half-mile Muricata was going very well, but a couple of breaks spoilt the chance of this fine trotter, and Jingle, who came from a long way back, won comfortably from Mountain Rose, the latter putting in a run in the straight which gave her second place after she had apparently dropped right out.
The last race of the day, the Hagley Handicap, was not a very exciting affair. Frank Tracey, who was a hot favourite, failed to get going properly, and Bequest leading all the way, won comfortably from Child Beldon, with Corbell and Oceanic next. The following are details of the racing:-
SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. Two miles.
D Bohan's br g Lochiel, by Kentucky, aged, 14sec (J McLennan) 1
J L Lopp's b g Frank Wilkes, 6yrs, 14sec (N L Price) 2
A J Harper's b g Fiction, aged, 10sec (A Butterfield) 3
Maoriwood scr, Benmore 2sec, Mayflower 8sec, Armamenter 8sec, Savanna 11sec, Blythe Lad 11sec, Fancy Gentle 12sec and Hiroki 14sec also started.
Fancy Gantle refused to leave the mark until her chance was hopeless. Lochiel at once went to the front, and with Frank Wilkes and Hiroki next, showed the waypast the stand. Going along the back, Blythe Lad ran into third place, but broke almost at once, and dropped back. With a lap to go, Lochiel was just clear of Frank Wilkes, with Armamenter and Fiction next. Lochiel was in front along the back, and at the tanks Frank Wilkes closed on him, but broke. The latter broke again in the straight and Lochiel won easily by six lengths. Fiction was fifty yards away third, and then came Mayflower anf Hiroki. Time, 5min.
EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.
W D Lemon's blk g Sherwood, by Kerrwood-Jessie B, 4yrs, 14sec (A Bright) 1
W J Doyle's b h Disappear, 5yrs, 10sec (J McLennan) 2
R G C Munro's b m Stanley's Child, 6yrs, 11sec (R Logan) 3
Gertie L 11sec, Grandee 11sec, Bold Maid 12sec, Gee Whizz 12sec, General Wylie 12sec, Law Chimes 13sec, Bonification 13sec, Minoru 14sec, Scotch Mist 14sec and Wingatui 14sec also started.
Wingatui was quickest to begin, and passing the stand was followed by Sherwood, Grandee and Law Chimes. There was not much change in the next circuit, except that Stanley's Child closed on the leading division, and Disappear also improved his position. Six furlongs from home Wingatui, Sherwood, Stanley's Child and Disappear were almost on terms, but along the back Wingatui lost his place. Disappear closed on Sherwood two furlongs from home, but in a good race Sherwood held his advantage, and won by a head. Stanley's Child was six lengths away third, and then came Wingatui, General Wylie, Grandee and Bold Maid. Time, 4min 48sec.
NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 2500 sovs, and cup presented by Hon C Louisson; second 500 sovs, third 300 sovs and 200 sovs from stake. Two miles.
Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, by King Child-Topsy, aged, 6sec (A Pringle) 1
W J Morland's br m Country Belle, 6yrs, 5sec (Owner) 2
R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged, 6sec (J Brankin) 3
R Geddes & M Edwards's ch h Denver Huon, aged, scr (M Edwards)
Mrs R O Duncan's ch h King Cole, aged, 2sec (J Conway)
Hopkins & Bennett's b h Albert H, aged, 3sec (J Bryce)
J McCutcheon's b h Ravenschild, aged, 4sec (N L Price)
A G Wilson's b h Bright, aged, 5sec (Owner)
F C Hanbury's br g Don Caesar, 4yrs, 5sec (R Allan)
J C Whitman's b h Adonis, aged, 6sec (F H ?)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, aged
Don Caesar, Albert H, Bright and Denver Huon began badly, and King Cole stood on the mark. Win Soon, going off smartly, took the lead from Eccentric, Manderene, Country Belle, Adonis and Ravenschild. Bright fell before they had gone a couple of furlongs. Passing the stand the order was Win Soon, Eccentric, Country Belle, Manderene, Adonis and Ravenschild, while Albert H and Denver Huon were a long way back. Going out of the straight and along the back, Win Soon kept her place in front but at the tanks Country Belle closed on Eccentric, and a little further on took second place, the order of the others being Eccentric, Manderene, Adonis, Ravenschild and Don Caesar. With a lap to go, Win Soon still showed the way to Country Belle, after whom, at an interval of two lengths, came Eccentric, and then Manderene, Adonis, Ravenschild, Emmeline, and Don Caesar. At this stage Adonis broke, and lost his place. Going along the back Win Soon and Country Belle were followed by Eccentric and Emmeline, while Don Caesar was also closing up. At the tanks Win Soon and Country Belle drew right away from the rest of the field, and in the straight Win Soon held Country Belle safe, and at the finish drew away to win by four lengths. Eccentric was twelve lengths away third, and then close uo came Emmeline fourth, followed in order by Ravenschild, Manderene and Don Caesar. Denver Huon and Adonis were some distance away next, and Albert H was last to finish. Time, 4min 31sec.
MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.
A Quigley's b h Norval King, by Norval-Golden Mary, 5yrs, 16sec (F Holmes) 1
T G Fox's b m Adventuress, aged, 11sec (Owner) 2
Mrs J Lawrence's b m Olive L, 4yrs, 11sec (M Edwards) 3
Winn Alto scr, Electrocute 6sec, Craibwood 9sec, Miss Dexter 10sec, Mystic 13sec, Truganini 14sec, Te Kuiti 15sec, Parole Bells 16sec and Imperial Crown 11sec also started.
Norval King and Imperial Crown made the pace over the early stages, with Te Kuiti, Adventuress and Olive L next. Norval King and Imperial Crown were together as they entered the second circuit, but in the back stretch the latter broke badly, and refused to settle down again. Adventuress then took second place and Olive L third, this pair being Norval King's nearest attendants six furlongs from home. There was no change in the order over the final circuit, Norval King holding his advantage, and winning by three lengths from Adventuress, who was a similar distance in front of Olive L. Then came Truganni, Te Kuiti and Electrocute. Time, 4min 55 2/5th sec.
LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. Two miles.
J Fleming's b c Our Thorpe, by OYM-Lady Thorpe, 4yrs, 7sec (A Fleming) 1
G McBean's b m White House, 6yrs, 7sec (E McDermott) 2
R Reay's b h Antonio, aged, 10sec (Owner) 3
Redchild scr, Spot(Australia) 2sec, Piecework 5sec, Childsdale 6sec, Regina Belle 6sec, Jack Ashore 8sec, Arisdne 8sec, Succeed 8sec, Our Aggie 8sec, Franzalena 8sec, Proud Girl 9sec, Lady Rattoo 10sec, Erina 10sec and Bonista 10sec also started.
Lady Rattoo and Bonista broke at the Start. Antonio and Erina began smartly and with Jack Ashore, Our Aggie and Franzalena next, made the running past the stand and out of the straight. Antonio was in front over the next lap, and with six furlongs to go, was followed by Our Aggie, Franzalena, Our Thoupe and White House. Along the back Our Aggie lost her place, and Our Thorpe and White House closed on Antonio. Our Thorpe and Antonio were on terms as they came into the straight, but in the run home Our Thorpe stayed the better and won by a couple of lengths. White House just got up in time to beat Antonio by a head for second place. Childsdale was fourth and Franzalena next, the rest a long way back. Time. 4min 38 4/5th sec.
ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile.
Ha? & Simpson's b g Frandocia, by Franz-Cappadocia, aged, 3sec (A Butterfield) 1
J C Smith's br m Quinaldine, 6yrs, 4sec (G Stoddard) 2
B Shadbolt's b m Rawene, aged, 4sec (B Shadbolt, jun) 3
Nan 2sec, Clingschild 2sec, Andy Regan 3sec, Baron Franz 4sec, Persuader 4sec, Mattie 4sec, Uniform 4sec, Kinetic 4sec, Wallace Junior 4sec, Lincoln Junior 4sec, Caledon 5sec and Millwood 5sec also started.
Quinaldine, Caledon and Kinetic were in front as they passed the stand and in the back stretch Millwood and Frandocia closed up. Frandocia was on terms with Qiunaldine when the straight was reached, and finishing well, won by four lengths. Rawene and Kinetic were together about three lengths away, and the former was placed third. Baron Franz was at the head of the next bunch. Time, 2min 17sec.
RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.
H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, by Capitalist-Merry Bell, aged, 5sec (H Gaskill) 1
M Dickens's b m Mountain Rose, aged, 9sec (A Butterfield) 2
W F Clinton's rn m Muricata, aged, 8sec (N L Price) 3
Lovelock 3sec, Marble Arch 4sec, Edith A 6sec, Lord Elmo 6sec, Goldwood 7sec, St Swithin 7sec, Fashionwood 7sec, Little Tib 8sec, Crown Prince 8sec, Al Franz 9sec and Tommy C 9sec also started.
Al Franz and Mountain Rose were in front in the early stages of the race, in which Marble Arch showed a great burst of speed. With half the journey gone, the order was Al Franz, Tommy C, Muricata, Mountain Rose, Marble Arch and Little Tib. Along the back Tommy C had taken charge from Al Franz, with Muricata and Mountain Rose next, and Jingle moving up fast. Rounding the turn to the straight Muricata broke, and Jingle finishing well, won by three lengths from Mountain Rose, who came with a late run and beat Muricata by six lengths for second place, with Fashionwood and Tommy C next. Time, 3min 27 4/5th sec.
HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. One mile.
Mrs R C H Page's b m Bequest, by Galindo-The Gift, 5yrs, 2sec (T C Fox) 1
N Clogg's b m Child Beldon, aged, scr (Owner) 2
H Williams's gr g Corbell, 6yrs, 1sec (J Milne) 3
Frank Tracey scr, Erina scr, Oceanic 1sec, Bonny Jenny 1sec and Penelope 1sec also started.
Bequest got away well and led past the stand from Corbell, Child Beldon and Oceanic while Frank Tracey was slow to begin. Bequest was never headed, and won comfortably by six lengths from Child Beldon who just beat Corbell for second place. Oceanic was fourth and Frank Tracey fifth. Time, 2min 24sec.
Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1914
| RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT |
1914 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER
After Wednesday's storm, the weather cleared beautifully yesterday morning, and the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was continued at Addington, under delightful conditions.
The attendance, however, was not quite up to last year's second day's standard, and the totalisator investments showed a decrease, the total for the day being £32,353 10s, as against £36,308 10s on the second day last year. His Excellency the Governor and his suite arrived before the first race, and were received by the president of the Club (Hon C Louisson).
The track was in capital order, as was shown by the times registered in most of the races, which were exceptionally fast. There was some very interesting racing, but the Free for All, which would have been the most attractive event on the card, was spoilt by a very bad start. After one unsuccessful attempt, the field was sent away when Eccentric, King Cole and Dillon Bell were in line, but the other four starters were a long way back, and had no chance of getting away on even terms with the front division. Emmeline was left with a very big handicap to make up, and she made a brilliant effort. Dillon Bell and King Cole each in turn lost their chances by breaking and in the straight Emmeline was sent in pursuit of Eccentric. The latter however, lasted long enough to win by a length, while King Cole was a dozen lengths away third, with Dillon Bell next. The race provoked one of the greatest demonstrations ever seen at Addington. Emmeline has always been a great favourite with the public, and on her return to the enclosure she was greeted with tremendous cheers. There were groans for the starter and cries of "Run it again!" and for a few minutes the situation looked rather ugly, but eventually the crowd cooled down. It was certainly a very unfortunate incident, and judging from by her finishing run, Emmeline was decidedly unlucky in losing. Brilliant as she has shown herself, Emmeline has been anything but lucky for some time past, and as she will very soon be retiring from the race-track, a win in such a race as the Free for All would have given her racing career a very distinguished conclusion.
The Whiteleigh Handicap, with which the day's racing commenced, was contested by a field of thirteen, the Australian mare, Fancy Gantle being somewhat better fancied than Armamenter, while Fiction was third in demand. The race was confined to the three horses mentioned. Fancy Gantle began very well, but six furlongs from home Armamenter had taken charge, and being very well ridden by A Pringle, he went without a mistake over the last lap, and won in good style. Fancy Gantle tired badly over the final stages, and Fiction, with a final dash, got up in time to beat her by a head for second place, The time was fast, the winner going considerably better than his handicap time.
Breeze, Spot and Sherwood were the best backed in the November Handicap, which was another fast-run race. Breeze was out in front when the last lap was entered, and in the straight seemed to have the race safe. However, his rider was looking round, and he faltered near the post, and Spot came with a late run and won by three lengths. These two were right out by themselves, Sherwood, who was third, being over a hundred yards away. This was the first win registered by one of the Australian contingent, and Spot and his rider, P Riddle, were loudly cheered on returning to scale.
The principal race of the day, the Courtenay Handicap, brought out nine starters. The unbeaten colt Admiral Wood was quickly made an odds-on favourite, and his performance showed that the public confidence was quite justified. He was always in a good position, and though Adelaide Direct headed him in the last lap, he went to the front two furlongs from home, and won very decisively. Jingle, who had a lot of ground to make up over the last half-mile, put in a good run in the straight, and just beat Adelaide Direct for second place. Admiral Wood is by Wildwood Junior, who won the New Zealand Trotting Cup two years in succession, and in registering his fourth successive victory he showed himself to be a very high-class colt. The race was for horses that could do 4.42 or better, and Admiral Wood covered the two miles in 4.34 without any difficulty.
The Metropolitan Handicap was responsible for the victory of another first favourite in Bonista, who took charge before a furlong had been covered, and never afterwards losing her place, won by nearly three lengths from Kokemoer, who was second favourite. Bonny Jenny secured third place just in front of Rawene, who lost a good deal of ground through beginning slowly. It is not oftern that mother and daughter figure in the same race, and it is interesting to note that Bonista, who won, is a daughter of Bonny Jenny, who finished third.
The Sockburn Handicap, a two-mile harness race for unhoppled trotters, was a very interesting event. Mystic made the pace from the start, but she failed in the final pinch, and Norval King just beat Olive L, who showed a good turn of speed over the last half-mile. Muricata, who was third, put up a capital performance, for five furlongs from home she was a long way back, but finished very strongly.
The Free for All has been referred to above, and it need only be mentioned that Adonis, Bell Metal and Denver Huon took practically no part in the race.
Nan, another of P Riddle's Australian team, was very strongly supported for the Railway Handicap. She seemed to have the race safe when the straight was reached, though Clingschild, who had lost considerable ground through a break after they had gone a couple of furlongs, was then threatening danger. Nan and Clingschild were both tired, and Ripon Child, who was very well ridden by F E Jones, came through on the rails and beat the pair, returning a very good dividend.
The last race of the day, the Royal Handicap, gave M Edwards his first win at the Meeting. Adelaide Direct, who had run third in the Courtenay Handicap, was much better backed than the second favourite, Frank Tracey, and they finished in the order in which they were backed. The time of 2min 15 2/5th sec was the fastest yet registered for a mile race at the Meeting. The following are details of the racing:-
WHITELEIGH HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. Two miles.
W Holmes's b g Armamenter, by Rothschild-Eos, aged, 13sec (A Pringle) 1
A J Harper's b g Fiction, aged, 14sec (A Butterfield) 2
P Riddle's b m Fancy Gantle, 5yrs, 14sec (Owner) 3
Craibwood scr, Maoriwood 5sec, Te Kuiti 7sec and Mayflower 13sec(coupled), Benmore 7sec, Chief Archer 7sec, Imperial Crown 8sec, Able Boy 10sec, Blythe Lad 14sec and Mushroom 14sec also started.
Fancy Gantle, Fiction, Armamenter and Mayflower was the order as they went past the stand, but along the back stretch Armamenter took second place. With a lap to go Armamenter had taken charge from Fancy Gantle, and he won very comfortably by eight lengths. Fancy Gantle tired in the straight and Fiction got up in time to beat her by a neck for second place. Then came Mayflower, Te Kuiti and Imperial Crown some distance back. Time 4min 54sec.
NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. Two miles.
J Trewin's b g Spot (Australia) by Judge Huon, aged, 2sec (P Riddle) 1
A Fleming's b h Breeze, 5yrs, 4sec (J Cockerill) 2
W D Lemon's blk g Sherwood, 4yrs, 6sec (A Bright) 3
Frandocia 1sec, Antonio 4sec, Persuader 4sec, Uniform 5sec, Mattie 5sec, Kinetic 6sec, Miss Florrie C 6sec, Succeed 6sec, Stanley's Child 6sec, Jack Ashore and Lady Rattoo 8sec also started.
Antonio and Jack Ashore lost their chances at the start. Lady Rattoo began well and at the end of half a mile was showing the way to Breeze, Kinetic, Sherwood and Frandocia. In the next lap Breeze took charge, and six furlongs from home was followed by Spot, Sherwood, Lady Rattoo and Frandocia. Along the back Breeze had a good lead, but at the tanks Spot closed on him. Breeze was still in front when the straight was reached but broke under pressure in the last fifty yards, and Spot won by three lengths. Sherwood was over a hundred yards away, and then in order came Frandocia, Lady Rattoo and Succeed. Time, 4min 34 2/5th sec.
COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. Two miles.
W Kerr's b c Admiral Wood, by Wildwood Junior-DIC, 4yrs, 10sec (Owner) 1
H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, aged, 8sec (H Gaskell) 2
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged, 8sec (Owner) 3
W I Ashby's b m Edith A, 4yrs, 8sec (A Hendricksen)
E Carlyon & L Alleyne's b m Princess Louise, aged, 10sec (E Carlyon)
T Roe's gr m Steel Bell, 5yrs, 10sec (J Lynch)
R McMillan's ch g Lord Dillon, 6yrs, 10sec (Owner)
J Brankin's b g Piecework, aged, 11sec (Owner)
I M Thompson's br m Brown Bell, aged, 11sec (W R Thomas)
Steel Bell stood on the mark. Brown Bell did not begin kindly, and Piecework momentarily showed in front, but Admiral Wood at once ran past him and was in front as they turned into the straight. Passing the stewards' stand, Lord Dillon had taken charge from Admiral Wood, after whom came Brown Bell, Piecework, Princess Louise, Adelaide Direct and Edith A with Jingle some distance back. Going out of the straight, Adelaide Direct improved her position, and in the back stretch she went to the front, but six furlongs from home Lord Dillon was again at the head of the field with Adelaide Direct and Admiral Wood next. Lord Dillon compounded going out of the straight and Adelaide Direct went on in front, with Admiral Wood in pursuit, and Jingle beginning to move up. Adelaide Direct was leading along the back stretch, but at the tank Admiral Wood was on terms with her and quickly drew clear. In the run home Admiral Wood was never troubled, and won by six lengths from Jingle, who came with a late run and beat Adelaide Direct by a head in second place. Edith A was about five lengths away fourth, with Brown bell next. Time, 4min 34sec.
METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.
F Holmes's b m Bonista, by Star Pointer-Bonny Jenny, 5yrs, 6sec (Owner) 1
A J Tutton's b m Kokemoer, 6yrs, 6sec (A Butterfield) 2
W Black's br m Bonny Jenny, aged, 5sec (C James) 3
Rawene 3sec, Child Beldon 4sec, Lady Superior 4sec, Erina 4sec, Penelope 5sec, Proud Girl 5sec, OIC 6sec, Texas 6sec, Ard Cairn 6sec, Bonification 6sec and Ottawa 6sec also started
Ottawa, Texas and OIC got away badly, and Ard Cairn, Bonista and Kokemoer went to the front. After a furlong had been covered Bonista took up the running, followed by Kokemoer and Bonny Jenny. Child Beldon improved her position running along the back, and passing the stand the first time the order was Bonista, Kokemoer, Child Beldon, Bonny Jenny and Rawene. The last-named covered a lot of ground going round the bend, and Bonista and Kokemoer increased their lead. At the last bend Rawene ran into third position. Bonny Jenny again passed her in the straight, but was unable to overtake Kokemoer and Bonista, the latter winning comfortably by over two lengths, with Bonny Jenny nine lengths further back, followed by Rawene and Lady Superior. Time 3min 33 4/5th sec.
SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.
A Quigley's b h Norval King, by Norval-Golden Mary, 5yrs, 12sec (J Brankin) 1
Mrs J Lawrence's b m Olive L, 4yrs, 10sec (M Edwards) 2
W F Clinton's rn m Muricata, aged, scr (N L Price) 3
Winn Alto 3sec, Michael Galindo 4sec, Master Raymond 5sec, Miss Vivian 6sec, Wild Tree 7sec, Electrocute 7sec, Albertorious 11sec, Treasure Seeker 10sec, Adventuress 11sec, and Mystic 12sec also started. Norval King and Treasure Seeker were coupled on the totalisator.
Mystic went away well and passing the stand was followed by Norval King, Adventuress and Olive L, while Michael Galindo broke and lost a lot of ground. Over the next lap Mystic kept her place in front, and with six furlongs to go she was showing the way. Norval King and Adventuress, who were close together, Olive L and Treasure Seeker being next. There was not much change in the order of the leading division as they ran along the back stretch, but Muricata began to move up from the back. Mystic was still in front when the straight was reached, but in the run home she tired and Norval King won an exciting race by half a length from Olive L who was three lengths in front of Muricata with Mystic, Adventuress and Master Raymond next. Time, 4min 49 3/5th sec.
RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. One mile.
W B Masham's blk h Ripon Child, by Proudchild-Verice, aged, 1sec (F E Jones) 1
P Riddle's b m Nan, 5yrs, 4sec (Owner) 2
R Allan's b g Clingschild, aged, 3sec (Owner) 3
Lord Elmo 2sec, Mains 2sec, Bribery 2sec, Scottish Mac 2sec, Regina Belle 3sec, Uniform 4sec, Lincoln Junior 4sec and Al Franz 4sec also started.
Several of the field moved off badly, and passing the stand Lincoln Junior was in the van with Nan, Uniform, and Clingschild as his nearest attendants. The last-named broke going out of the straight, and lost his place to Ripon Child. Along the back stretch Clingschild again improved his position and at the tanks had run into third place behind Lincoln Junior who was a couple of lengths away from Nan. Clingschild continued his run and passed Lincoln Junior as they entered the straight, while Ripon Child, on the rails, was making up ground very fast. Nan looked to have the race in safe keeping, but tired, and Ripon Child got up in time to win by about a length. Clingschild was three lengths futher back with Regina Belle and Uniform next. Time, 2min 17sec.
ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. One mile.
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, by Directaway, aged, 1sec (Owner) 1
F Amor's ch g Frank Tracey, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner) 2
J Shaw's gr g Andy Regan, aged, 2sec (C Isaacson) 3
Lady Clare scr, Quinaldine 1sec, Prince Poole 1sec, False Alarm 2sec, Franzalena 2sec, Baron Franz 3sec and Kinetic 3sec also started.
Frank Tracey left the mark well, and at the end of two furlongs was showing the way to Baron Franz, Franzalena, Andy Regan and False Alarm. Adelaide Direct moved up as the field went out of the straight but in the back stretch Frank Tracey had a big lead. He was stopping badly rounding the turn into the straight, and Adelaide Direct, finishing strongly, beat him by three lengths. Andy Regan was six lengths away third, with Quinaldine and Franzalena next. Time, 2min15 2/5th sec.
Credit: The Press 13 Nov 1914
| RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT |
1914 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER
The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was brought to a conclusion yesterday at Addington in beautiful weather, though the east wind that was blowing in the early part of the day was rather keen. The track was in good order, but evidently not quite so fast as on the previous day.
The attendance was huge, being estimated at over 18,000 and the crowd was particularly dense in the outside enclosure, where it was impossible to move about with any degree of comfort. It is evident that some alterations will be necessary to provide room for the outside public, for under present conditions the space at their disposal is quite inadequate.
The meeting must be written down as in every way a success. The racing generally was interesting yesterday, as it has been all through, and Mr H Brinkman, the handicapper, has reason to feel satisfied with the results. It is interesting to note that not a single first favourite was successful yesterday, and there were some substantial dividends recorded.
The details of the management, under the supervision of the club's experienced secretary, Mr A I Rattray, left nothing wanting, and the work of Mr W H Macdougall's totalisator staff was carried out in an entirely satisfactory manner. Although yesterday's attendance was so large, the totalisator investments did not reach last year's figures. The amount handled yesterday was £42,776 10s, as compared with £45,496 last year, the total for the meeting being £117,999 10s, as against £124,362 10s twelve months ago.
Several of the horses brought across from Australia by M Edwards and P Riddle were competing during the afternoon, but though they ran prominently they were not successful in registering a win, their record for the day being four seconds and one third. The stipendiary stewards, Messrs C H Gorton and J S Berry again found nothing of serious importance to occupy their attention. They enquired into one or two matters, and fined J Lynch, the driver of Steel Bell in the Victoria Handicap, £2 for not driving the mare out at the finish.
There were thirteen starters for the opening event, the Governor's Handicap, a two-mile saddle race for unhoppled trotters. Whispering Lad, the West Coast representative, was made favourite, with Miss Dexter and Fancy Gantle next in demand. The last-named, who is one of P Riddle's Australian team, spoilt her chance by breaking early in the race, and the favourite was never dangerous. The race was not a very exciting event, for Fiction got to the front early and stayed there to the finish, winning comfortably from Benmore, who, with a late run, beat Miss Dexter for second place.
The Victoria Handicap attracted a good deal of interest because of the fact that it was run over two miles and a quarter, a distance which had not previously figured on an Addington programme. Childsdale was made favourite, but he would not settle down until his chance was hopeless. Proud Girl and Antonio were responsible for the early running, but over the last mile Wallacewood looked to have a good chance. Four furlongs from home Our Thorpe began to close on the leaders, and getting Wallacewood in the straight, he won in capital style by a couple of lengths. Antonio was twelve lengths away third, just in front of Steel Bell, who was eased near the post. Our Thorpe, who showed very promising form when he won the Lyttelton Handicap on the first day in 4min 38 4/5th sec reproduced that form in his race yesterday, for his time of 5min 12sec is equal to a 4.38 gait. His performance stamps him as a genuine stayer, and as he is only a young horse, he should take higher honours before long.
The principal event of the day, the Christchurch Handicap brought out a field of ten. Eccentric and Bright were scratched, the latter being somewhat sore as the result of his fall in the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday. Of the ten starters, six - Win Soon, Emmeline, Albert H, Don Caesar, Adonis and Manderene - had competed in the New Zealand Cup. It was an exceedingly interesting race, and brought about a splendid finish. St Swithin was a trifle slow in getting into his gait, and Albert H began badly, and never got near the rest of the field. Jewel Chimes, who is a very attractive little pacer, settled to his work smartly, and led practically from the start till the turn into the straight for the final turn. Four furlongs from home he had St Swithin and Emmeline as his nearest attendants, but at that stage Adonis, showing a great turn of speed, quickly ran up to the leaders. His driver took a risk in attempting to get through on the rails. He was successful up to a certain point, but was unable to get past Jewel Chimes, and a moment later was in a hopeless position so far as winning was concerned. Jewel Chimes, St Swithin and Manderene were together when the straight was reached, and in a great finish, Emmeline won by a head from St Swithin, who was only a head in front of Jewel Chimes. Whitehouse, Manderene, Adonis and Win Soon were next to finish. The last-named was showing a great burst of speed in the straight, but she was unable to get through the field, or she would almost certainly have been placed. Emmeline's win was very popular with the crowd and she was cheered in enthusiastic fashion whe she came back to the enclosure.
Of the eleven starters in the Australasian Handicap, Frandocia, Breeze and Spot were best backed. Breeze was in front with a lap to go, and though he was stopping at the finish, he lasted long enough to win by a length from Persuader, who was very closely followed by Disappear and Frandocia fourth. The last-named did not appear to stay as well as usual. The winner comes from the same stable as Our Thorpe, who had won the Victoria Handicap earlier in the day.
The Dominion Trotting Handicap, with its stake of 600 sovs and a silver shield presented by Mr J F Atkins, provided the most valuable race yet offered for unhoppled trotters in New Zealand. Muricata and Flamingo were the two favourites, but the latter never really threatened danger, while Muricata, after being in a good position in the last lap, faded out at the finish. Electrocute and Olive L were together over the last six furlongs, and the former stayed on well at the finish. Master Raymond put in a strong run over the last furlong, and though he broke on the post he beat Olive L for second place. Had he gone steadily he would have been closer up, and a similar remark applies to Michael Galindo who showed a lot of pace, but broke badly.
The Hornby Handicap, a mile and a half harness race introduced Lord Ribbonwood, a very nice-looking four-year-old colt by Ribbonwood, who was making his first appearance at the meeting. He was made favourite, but got anything but a good passage, and though half a mile from home he was going well he dropped back into sixth place at the finash. Bonista secured a good position with half the journey gone and won by three lenght from Wallacewood, who was running his second race of the afternoon and did very well to finish second, for he lost ground at the start.
The Enfield Handicap, a mile saddle race, was a rather disappointing affair. Although there was a limit of only five seconds, the field was quickly strung out and Solo won very easily from Nan, these two being amongst the few that got away well.
The Recovery Handicap, which brought the day's racing to a close, brought out a good field of fourteen harness horses. Marble Arch made most of the running but in a good finish he was beaten by half a length by Manderene, while Little Tib was close up third, just in front of Ripon Child. It was a capital conclusion to a good day's sport. The following are details of the racing:-
GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.
A J Harper's b g Fiction, by Dictator, aged, 9sec (A Butterfield) 1
A J Clyde's b g Benmore, aged, 9sec (R Logan) 2
E J Morrison's b m Miss Dexter, aged, 3sec (A Pringle) 3
Tea Tree 5sec, Mokau 7sec, Truganini 7sec, Chief Archer 9sec, Whispering Lad 9sec, Te Kuiti 9sec, Mayflower 10sec, Fancy Gantle 10sec, Imperial Crown 10sec and Lochiel 10sec also started. (Te Kuiti and Mayflower were coupled)
Fancy Gantle broke in the first furlong and Imperial Crown showed in front, but Fiction quickly ran past him, and as they passed the stand was showing the way to Imperial Crown, Te Kuiti and Truganini. Over the next six furlongs Fiction was well clear of the others, and with a lap to go he was followed by Te Kuiti, Miss Dexter, Truganini and Mokau. Going along the back Miss Dexter took second place, but could make no impression on Fiction, who won easily by ten lengths. In the final stages Miss Dexter tired and Benmore caught her and beat her for second place by a couple of lengths. Mayflower was fourth and Mokau fifth, with Truganini, Te Kuiti and Imperial Crown bunched together next. Time, 4min 53sec.
VICTORIA HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. Two miles and a quarter.
J Fleming's b c Our Thorpe, by OYM-Lady Thorpe, 4yrs, 3sec (A Fleming) 1
R Geddes and M Edwards's b h Wallacewood, 6yrs, 6sec (M Edwards) 2
R Reay's b h Antonio, aged, 8sec (Owner) 3
Steel Bell 6sec, Piecework 7sec, Rawene 8sec, Childsdale 9sec and Proud Girl 12sec also started.
The favourite got away badly and going out of the straight Proud Girl took charge from Antonio. In the back stretch Wallacewood ran into third position with Piecework at the head of the others, and at the tanks Childsdale, Rawene and Our Thorpe commenced to improve their positions. Passing the stands the first time the field was well bunched, with Proud Girl and Wallacewood in command, followed by Antonio, Piecework, Childsdale and Our Thorpe. Going out of the straight Wallacewood went to the front, but Proud Girl again joined him before the tanks were passed, and Steel Bell put in a great run on the outside. Coming to the straight, Steel Bell ran into second position just behind Wallacewood and passing the stands the second time there was very little between Steel Bell and Wallacewood, with Antonio, Our Thorpe and Proud Girl handy. In the back stretch Wallacewood again shot out, with Our Thorpe going very well in third place, and entering the final stage the latter had overtaken Wallacewood. Excitement for a brief moment ran high, but Our Thorpe went on to win by two lengths, Antonio being twelve lengths further away third, followed closely by Steel Bell, Proud Girl and Childsdale. Time 5min 12sec.
CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 750 sovs; second 150 sovs and third 75 sovs from stake. Two miles.
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, by Rothschild-Imperialism, aged, 2sec (Owner) 1
H F Nicholl's b h St Swithin, aged, 8sec (D Warren) 2
J D Piper's b h Jewel Chimes, 6yrs, 7sec (D Nyhan) 3
Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, aged, scr (A Pringle)
Hopkins & Bennett's b h Albert H, aged, 4sec (J Bryce)
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged, 4sec (Owner)
F C Hanbury's br g Don Caesar, 5yrs, 5sec (R Allan)
J C Whiteman's b h Adonis, aged, 6sec (F Holmes)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, aged, 6sec (A Hendriksen)
G McBean's b m White House, 6yrs, 8sec (E McDermott)
St Swithin did not strike his gait quickly and lost several lengths, and Albert H also began badly. Jewel Chimes went off smartly and at the end of half a mile he was just in front of a bunched division that included White House, St Swithin and Manderene. Going along the back, St Swithin closed on the leader and Emmeline also began to move up. When the last lap was entered Jewel Chimes was still leading, but he was closely followed by Emmeline, St Swithin, Manderene, Adonis and Adelaide Direct. Half a mile from home Jewel Chimes still held command, but the field was closing in fast. Adonis put in a great run, and tried to get through on the rails, but was blocked just as they passed the tanks. Jewel Chimes, Emmeline and St Swithin were together when they came into the straight, and in a great finish Emmeline won by a head from St Swithin, who beat Jewel Chimes by a similar margin. White House was three lengths back fourth, with Manderene fifth and Adonis sixth. Win Soon, who finished seventh, was running on strongly, but was unable to get through in the straight. Time, 4min 34sec.
AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. Two miles.
A Fleming's b h Breeze, by Willowood-Gertie, 5yrs, 3sec (J Cockerill) 1
Herrick Bros' b g Persuader, aged, 8sec (W Smith) 2
W J Doyle's b h Disappear, 5yrs, 9sec (J McLennan) 3
Spot scr, Frandocia 5sec, Regina Belle 8sec, Fuseo 9sec, Lady Rattoo 10sec, Mattie 10sec, Miss Florrie C 10sec, and Wallace Junior 10sec also started.
Wallace Junior and Mattie stood on the mark. Miss Florrie C, Lady Rattoo and Disappear were quickest to begin and they made the running for a mile when Frandocia and Breeze closed on the leaders. Six furlongs from home Breeze had taken charge from Frandocia, and led out of the straight and along the back stretch, where Persuader put in a good run. Breeze was in front turning into the straight, and though he was tiring in the run home he lasted long enough to win by a length from Persuader who beat Disappear by half a length. Frandocia was fourth and Spot fifth. Time, 4min 39sec.
DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs and silver shield presented by Mr J F Atkins; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. Two miles.
J Leslie's b g Electrocute, by Electioneer-Son of a Gun mare, aged, 7sec (J Wright) 1
H Bink's ch g Master Raymond, aged, 5sec (A Butterfield) 2
Mrs J Lawrence's b f Olive L, 4yrs, 9sec (M Edwards) 3
Quincey scr, Redchild scr, Muricata scr, Michael Galindo 4sec, Miss Vivian 6sec, Flamingo 7sec, Norval King 8sec, and Treasure Seeker 9sec(coupled) and Adventuress 9sec also started.
Olive L immediately assumed command from Treasure Seeker and Norval King, but at the stands the first time round Flamingo had run into third position, with Electrocute at the head of the others. Michael Galindo who had been making up a lot of leeway broke going out of the straight, as also did Norval King. At the tanks the order was Olive L, Electrocute and Flamingo. Master Raymond and Muricata were going well and at the stands the latter was in second place, closely followed by Master Raymond who broke going out of the straight. Along the back Olive L and Electrocute were still in front, with Master Raymond making up his ground in good style. The last-named passed Olive L and Muricata at the bend, but broke and failed to get to Electrocute, who won by three lengths. Olive L was a head behind Master Raymond with Quincey and Muricata next. Time, 4min 44sec.
HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and 30 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.
F Holmes's b m Bonista, by Star Pointer-Bonny Jenny, 5yrs, 6sec (Owner) 1
R Geddes & M Edwards's b h Wallacewood, 6yrs, 5sec (M Edwards) 2
I M Thompson's br m Brown Bell, aged, 6sec (W R Thomas) 3
Pearlchild 3sec, Franzalena 6sec, Lord Ribbonwood 6sec, Quinaldine 7sec, The Whip 7sec, Baron Franz 8sec, Child Beldon 8sec and St Kevin 8sec also started.
Wallacewood lost some ground at the start and St Kevin also began rather unsteadily. Child Beldon led for practically a round, but just as they passed the stewards stand Bonista went to the front and then came Franzalena, Lord Ribbonwood, Brown Bell and St Kevin. Bonista was in charge as they went along the back stretch, when Lord Ribbonwood took second place, but was almost at once passed by Franzalena. The latter pair failed to sustain their runs and Wallacewood was in second place when the straight was reached. Wallacewood finished well, but he was unable to reach Bonista who won by three lengths. Brown Bell was five lengths away third, followed by Franzalena and The Whip. Time, 3min 29sec.
ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. One mile.
J H Power's b m Solo, by Albert Victor, aged, 4sec (H Kearns) 1
P Riddle's b m Nan, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 2
R Allan's b g Clingschild, aged, 5sec (Owner) 3
Bellis 1sec, Adonis 2sec, Aberfeldy 3sec, Cameos 4sec, Frandocia 4sec, Mountain Rose 4sec and Barmaquie 5sec(coupled), Maplewood 5sec, Scottish Lad 5sec, White House 5sec and Andy Regan 5sec also started.
Clingschild broke when a short distance had been traveresed and passing the stands Nan was in the van, followed by Scottich Lad, Maplewood and Solo. The last-named took charge up the back and Clindschild and Bellis moved up. Solo increased her advantage at the bend and won easily by forty yards. Nan was four lengths in front of Clingschild, who got up in time to beat Maplewood for third place. Aberfeldy was fifth and Bellis next. Time, 2min 12 3/5th sec.
RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. One mile.
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, by Norval-Eland, aged, 3sec (A Hendricksen) 1
J H Ellis's b h Marble Arch, 5yrs, 3sec (P Riddle) 2
D Spence's b g Little Tib, aged, 4sec (J Messervey) 3
Country Belle scr, Eccentric scr, King Cole scr, Lovelock 1sec, Bell Metal 1sec, Dillon Bell 1sec, Ravenschild 2sec, Don Caesar 2sec, Calm 3sec, Ripon Child 3sec and Mountain Rose 4sec also started. (King Cole and Lovelock were coupled).
Marble Arch, Manderene, Little Tib, Ripon Child and Calm formed the leading division at the end of two furlongs, and there was little change over the next half mile. At the tanks Marble Arch was still in front, with Manderene, Ripon Child and Little Tib next. Marble Arch was first into the straight, but Manderene finished very strongly, and got up in time to win by half a length. Little Tib was three lengths away, third, just in front of Ripon Child, with Country Belle and King Cole next. Time, 2min 15sec.
Credit: The Press 14 Nov 1914
 | CLUB HISTORY CANTERBURY PARK TROTTING CLUB |
CPTC: Centennial History
December - The daily fees for officals at the CPTC Meetings were set at £4/4/- for the clerk of scales and £3/3/- for each of the timekeeper and the starter.
P Burke and Co Ltd had it's tender of £315 per annum for the rights to the booth at Plumpton Park accepted for a term of three years.
Credit: Extract from 1914 Board Minutes
| CLUB HISTORY MESCELLANY |
In March 1914 in the Supreme Court, Christchurch, a claim by Clifford Tasker against the NZMTC for £750 damages in respect of injuries sustained by the trotting horse Michael Gillander was heard before Mr Justice Dennison and a special jury. Tasker also claimed £40 damages being the sum paid the Veterinary Surgeon in connection with the horse’s injuries. Tasker stated that while training his horse around the track he saw a draught mare coming towards him at a gallop and the mare hit Michael Gillander on the left side near the shoulder knocking him over. His horse fell on top of the witness who had been flung from the sulky and then scrambled to its feet and galloped around the track. In the opinion of the jury the gates were insecurely fastened thus allowing the draught mare to get onto the track and it found the Club liable on various counts and granted damages of £200.
Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker
 | RESULTS OF PRESTIGE RACES FOR THIS SEASON |
| HENRY MACE MEMORIAL | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 2 miles 1902-31: 1 1/4 miles 1932: 2 miles 1933-38: 9 1/2 furlongs 1939: Not Run 1940-47: 2 miles 1948-57: 1 1/2 miles 1958: 2 miles 1959-60: 1 1/2 miles 1961-62 | |||||
| Handicap Pace: Run between 1902 & 1962 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | EVELYN | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | R McDonnell | TIME | 4 47 3/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 15 secs | STAKE | 250 sovs | DATE | 16/12/1914 |
| BREEDING | 4m Rothschild-Imperialism | ||||
| OWNER | I M Thompson | ||||
| DOMINION TROTTING FFA | |||||
Current Sponsor: ( RENWICK FARMS ) | |||||
| 1911-1973 Distance Two Miles: 1934&1935 Distance One & Half Miles: From 1973 3200 Metres Stand. 2007- Free-For-All | |||||
| GROUP 1: For Trotting Horses only 3200 metres | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | ELECTROCUTE | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | J Wright | TIME | 4 44 | |
| HANDICAP | 7 Sec | STAKE | 600 sovereigns | DATE | 13/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 10g Electioneer-Son of a Gun Mare | ||||
| OWNER | J Leslie | ||||
| CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1 1/2 miles 1904: Not Run 1905: 2 miles 1906: 1 3/4 miles 1907: 2 miles 1908-34 | |||||
| Handicap Pace run 1904-1934 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | EMMELINE | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | R McDonnell | TIME | 4 34.0 | |
| HANDICAP | 2 secs | STAKE | 750 sovs | DATE | 13/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 8m Rothschild-Imperialism | ||||
| OWNER | R McDonnell | ||||
| RECOVERY HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| Standing Start. 1904-17 1 mile: 1918-19 1 1/4 miles: 1920-21 1 mile. | |||||
| Run from 1904 to 1921 inclusive when changed to Sprinters Hcp | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | MANDARENE | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | A Hendriksen | TIME | 2 15 | |
| HANDICAP | 3 sec | STAKE | 300 sovs | DATE | 13/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 8h Norval-Eland | ||||
| OWNER | G Lecky | ||||
| SOCKBURN HANDICAP TROT | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| Standing Start. 1903 2miles; 1904-5 1 1/2 miles; 1906 2miles; 1907 1 1/2 miles; 1908-33 2miles; 1934-40 1 1/2 miles; 1941-46 1mile 5furlongs; 1947-50 1 1/4 miles stand FFA. | |||||
| 1903-1946: 1947-1950 Run as Sockburn FFA Trot | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | NORVAL KING | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | J Brankin | TIME | 4 49 3/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 12 sec | STAKE | 350 sovs | DATE | 12/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 5g Norval-Golden Mary | ||||
| OWNER | A Quigley | ||||
| NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL | |||||
Current Sponsor: ( MEDIAWORKS ) | |||||
| (Renamed New Zealand Pacing Sprint Championship, 1942-48) 1914-1919 One Mile & Quarter: 1920-1927 One Mile: 1928-1961 One Mile & Quarter: 1962 Nine & Half Furlongs Mobile: 1963-1972 One Mile & Quarter Stand: 1973-1974 2000 Metres Stand: 1975-2011 2000 Metres Mobile: 2012-2013 1 Mile Mobile: 2014-2017 1950 Metres Mobile From 2018 1980 Metres Mobile | |||||
| 1982 on GROUP 1: 1980Metres: Mobile Start. | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | ECCENTRIC | ||||
| TRAINER | J Brankin | DRIVER | J Brankin | TIME | 2 48.8 |
| HANDICAP | Scr | STAKE | 500 sovereigns | DATE | 12/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 7g Geo M Patshen-King Harold mare | ||||
| OWNER | R T Reid | ||||
| COURTENAY HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 2 mile: 1907-1934: 1935 Race Discontinued | |||||
| 2 mile Stand | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | ADMIRAL WOOD | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | W Kerr | TIME | 4 34.0 | |
| HANDICAP | 10 secs | STAKE | 600 sovs | DATE | 12/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 4h Wildwood Junior-DIC | ||||
| OWNER | W Kerr | ||||
| METROPOLITAN CHALLENGE STAKES | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 2 miles 1901-4: 1 1/2 miles 1905-23: Not Run 1906: 2 miles 1924-36: 1 1/4 miles 1937-39: 1m 5f 1940: 2 miles 1941-42: 1 1/4 miles 1943: 1m 5f 1944-45: 1 1/4 miles 1946-63: 1m 5f 1964. From 1943 to 1963 restricted to 3&4yos: 1964 4yos only: Last run 1964 | |||||
| Handicap Pace: Run from 1901 to 1964: Open to 1942: For 3 & 4 yos 1943-63: 4 yos only 1964 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | BONISTA | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | F Holmes | TIME | 3 33 4/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 6 secs | STAKE | 250 sovs | DATE | 12/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 5m Star Pointer-Bonny Jenny | ||||
| OWNER | F Holmes | ||||
| NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP | |||||
Current Sponsor: ( IRT ) | |||||
| 1904-1972 Two Miles: From 1929 to 1931 run as two Heats and a Final: From 1973 3200m stand. 2008 Free-For-All | |||||
| GROUP 1: 3200 Metres: Standing Start | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | WIN SOON | ||||
| TRAINER | A Pringle | DRIVER | A Pringle | TIME | 4 31.0 |
| HANDICAP | 6 Sec | STAKE | 2500 sovereigns | DATE | 10/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 7 m King Child - Topsy | ||||
| OWNER | Stevenson and McMath | ||||
| Last 800 | Last 400 | MileRate | 2 15 1/2 | ||
| MIDDLETON HANDICAP TROT | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| Standing Start: 1903-1911 race open to pacers & trotters: 1911 in saddle. 2m 1902-3: 1 1/2m 1904: 2m 1905: 1 1/2m 1906-7: 2m 1908-30: 1 1/2m 1931-3: 2m 1934-38: 1 1/2m 1939: 2m 1940. Final running 1940 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | NORVAL KING | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | F Holmes | TIME | 4 55 2/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 16 sec | STAKE | 250 sovs | DATE | 10/11/1914 |
| BREEDING | 5g Norval-Golden Mary | ||||
| OWNER | A Quigley | ||||
| LIGHTNING HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| Standing Start: 1mile 1904-18; 1 1/2miles 1919; 1mile 1920-31; 1 1/2miles 1932-36; 1 1/4miles 1937; 1 1/2miles 1938-40; 2miles 1941; Not run 1942; 1 1/4miles 1943-61; 9 1/2furlongs 1962; 1 1/4miles 1963-72; Not run 1973&4; 2000metres 1975-82. In saddle 1904, 1909-11, 1920-31. Run as FFA 1947, 52, 59, 62, 63 & 1965 | |||||
| From 1904 to 1982 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | JINGLE | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | H Gaskill | TIME | 2 27 | |
| HANDICAP | 3 sec | STAKE | 200 sovs | DATE | 14/08/1914 |
| BREEDING | 6h Capitalist-Merry Bell | ||||
| OWNER | H W Kitchingham | ||||
| NATIONAL HCP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1904-40 2 mile Std: 1941 1½m Std: 1942-50 2m Std: 1951-56 1m 5furlong Std: 1957 2m Std: 1958-59 1m5f Std: 1960-61 2m Std: 1962-72 1m5f Std: 1973-81 2600mtrs Std: 1982 Race Discontinued | |||||
| Handicap Pace. Last run 1981 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | PEARL CHILD | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | D Warren | TIME | 5 02.0 | |
| HANDICAP | Front | STAKE | 500 sovs | DATE | 14/08/1914 |
| BREEDING | 6m Rothschild-Verity | ||||
| OWNER | H F Nicoll | ||||
| KING GEORGE (AUGUST) HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 2 Mile Handicap Pace. 1917-18 & 1936 Not Run: Race discontinued 1938 | |||||
| 2 Mile: Handicap Pace | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | BRIGHT | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | A G Wilson | TIME | 4 38.0 | |
| HANDICAP | 3 secs | STAKE | 400 sovs | DATE | 12/08/1914 |
| BREEDING | 8h Rothschild-Ptarmigan | ||||
| OWNER | A G Wilson | ||||
| INTERNATIONAL (SPRING) HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1906-1919 1¼ miles: 1920-1935 1mile: 1936-1940 1¼ miles: Race discontinued 1941 | |||||
| Handicap Pace | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | BELL METAL | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | A G Wilson | TIME | 2 49 3/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 5 secs | STAKE | 250 sovs | DATE | 12/08/1914 |
| BREEDING | 11g Bellman-Lincoln Yet mare | ||||
| OWNER | J Archibald | ||||
| AVON HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1904-06 1 Mile: 1907-33 2 Miles: 1917-18 Not Run: 1934-36 1 1/2 Miles: 1937 2 Miles: 1938 1 1/4 Miles: 1939-40 1 1/2 Miles: 1941-44 2 Miles: 1942 & 1943 Not Run: 1945-49 1 1/4 Miles. | |||||
| Run from 1904 to 1949 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | FLAMINGO | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | H Gaskill | TIME | 4 48.0 | |
| HANDICAP | 18 secs | STAKE | 200 sovs | DATE | 12/08/1914 |
| BREEDING | 8g Rothschild-Tui | ||||
| OWNER | H W Kitchingham | ||||
| KING GEORGE HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 2 Mile Handicap | |||||
| 2 Mile Handicap Pace run from 1912 to 1935 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | EDITH A | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | T Logan | TIME | 4 53 2/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 5 secs | STAKE | 325 sovs | DATE | 6/06/1914 |
| BREEDING | 4m Black Ribbon-Mambrino King mare | ||||
| OWNER | W I Ashby | ||||
| NEW ZEALAND DERBY | |||||
Current Sponsor: ( SUNSHINE STARS ) | |||||
| (Formerly New Brighton Derby Stakes) From 1914 to 1925 the race was conducted by the New Brighton Trotting Cub and decided in the Autumn (1925 Winner: Kohara). In 1925 it was taken over by the Metropolitan Trotting Club and decided in the Spring (Winner: Native Chief). 1982 decided in Summer. = Dead Heat. 1968-9 1 mile & half: 1970-2 1m 5f: 1973-83 2600 Metres Stand: From 1984 2600 Metres Mobile. | |||||
| GROUP 1:Three-year-old Pace: 2600 Metres: Mobile Start. | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | ADMIRAL WOOD | ||||
| TRAINER | W Kerr | DRIVER | C Kerr | TIME | 3 27.4 |
| HANDICAP | Scr | STAKE | 250 sovereigns | DATE | 16/05/1914 |
| BREEDING | c Wildwood Jnr-DIC | ||||
| OWNER | W Kerr | ||||
| NEW BRIGHTON HANDICAP (NBTC) | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1904-09 2 Miles: 1910-11 1 1/2 Miles Re-named Brooklyn Hcp: 1912-28 2 Miles: 1929-35 Not Run: 1936-38 1 1/2 Miles: 1939-44 Not Run: 1945 2 Miles: 1946 1 5/8 Miles: 1947-49 2 Miles: Race Discontinued 1950 | |||||
| Raced between 1904 and 1949 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | SOLO | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | J H Child | TIME | 4 50 2/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 5 secs | STAKE | 200 sovs | DATE | 16/05/1914 |
| BREEDING | 9m Albert Victor-Eyrechild | ||||
| OWNER | J H Power | ||||
| HIGH CLASS HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1901-05 2 miles: 1906-11 1 1/2 miles: 1912-18 1 mile: 1919-33 1 1/4 miles. | |||||
| Handicap Pace. Run from 1901 to 1933 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | HUIA DILLON | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | R McMillan | TIME | 2 17 2/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 4 secs | STAKE | 200 sovs | DATE | 18/04/1914 |
| BREEDING | 6h Harold Dillon-Grattanette | ||||
| OWNER | E E Le Lievre | ||||
| PRESIDENTS HANDICAP (NZMTC) | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1904 2 miles: 1905 1 1/2 miles: 1906-10 2 miles: 1911 1 1/2 miles: 1912-40 2 miles: 1938 & 1942-45 & 1948-49 & 1951 Not Run: 1941-47 1 5/8 miles: 1950-54 2 miles: 1955-63 1 5/8 miles: 1964-65 1 1/4 miles: 1966-68 1 5/8 miles. | |||||
| Handicap Pace. Run from 1904 to 1968 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | REGINA BELLE | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | R Logan | TIME | 4 49 1/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 8 secs | STAKE | 200 sovs | DATE | 18/04/1914 |
| BREEDING | 8m Bellman-Regina | ||||
| OWNER | J Duffy | ||||
| CHAMPION/ METROPOLITAN HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 2 Miles: 1904-11 CHAMPION HCP: 1912-20 Renamed METROPOLITAN HCP | |||||
| 2 Miles Handicap Run from 1904 to 1920 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | DON CAESAR | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | R Allan | TIME | 4 36 1/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 5 secs | STAKE | 400 sovs | DATE | 18/04/1914 |
| BREEDING | 4h Prince Imperial-Maritana | ||||
| OWNER | F C Hansbury | ||||
| Last 800 | Last 400 | MileRate | 2 18 1/5 | ||
| INTERNATIONAL HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1 1/4 Miles Handicap: 1905 Called GRAND FREE-FOR-ALL STAKES | |||||
| 1 1/4 Miles Handicap Run from 1905 to 1916 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | DON CAESAR | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | R Allan | TIME | 2 51 4/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 6 secs | STAKE | 250 sovs | DATE | 15/04/1914 |
| BREEDING | 4h Prince Imperial-Maritana | ||||
| OWNER | F C Hansbury | ||||
| EASTER CUP | |||||
Current Sponsor: ( BRECKON FARMS ) | |||||
| Prior to 1939 Easter Hcp Two Miles: 1918 & 1938 Not Run: 1940 1 1/2 miles: 1942-1946 Two Miles: 1947 & 48 Easter Stakes FFA One Mile & Half: 1949-50 Easter Hcp: 1951 Not Run: 1952-1970 One Mile & Five Furlongs: 1972-1973 Two Miles: From 1974 3200 Metres Stand. 1983 GROUP 2; Group 1 1985; Last run 2021. | |||||
| GROUP 1: Pace: 3200 Metres: Standing Start | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | IVY DILLON | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | N L Price | TIME | 4 41 1/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 6 secs | STAKE | 350 sovs | DATE | 15/04/1914 |
| BREEDING | 5m Harold Dillon-Ivywood | ||||
| OWNER | W H Robins | ||||
| NZ PARLIAMENTARY HANDICAP | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| Two Miles: Standing Start: First run 1905: Finally run 1917 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | ADONIS | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | F Holmes | TIME | 4 38 3/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 1 sec | STAKE | 350 sovs | DATE | 14/02/1914 |
| BREEDING | 7h Harold Dillon-Thelma | ||||
| OWNER | J Dennett | ||||
| CANTERBURY HANDICAP (CPTC) | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1911-1945 2 Miles: 1947-58 1 5/8 Miles | |||||
| Raced between 1911 and 1958 | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | QUINCEY | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | S W Scott | TIME | 4 44 1/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 5 secs | STAKE | 350 sovs | DATE | 2/01/1914 |
| BREEDING | 14h Vancleve-Gracie | ||||
| OWNER | S W Scott | ||||
| STEWARDS HANDICAP/ MILE (CPTC) | |||||
Current Sponsor: | |||||
| 1910 1 1/2 Miles: 1911-41 2 Miles: 1942-48 1 5/8 Miles: 1949-52 2 Miles: 1951 Not Run: 1953-63 1 5/8 Miles: 1964 1 1/4 Miles: 1965 1 5/8 Miles: 1966 1 1/4 Miles: 1967-81 1 Mile Mobile | |||||
| Trotting Handicap/Mile: Run from 1910 to 1981 by Canterbury Park | |||||
| Year: 1914 | |||||
| Race History | |||||
| WINNER | ARMAMENTER | ||||
| TRAINER | DRIVER | E Carlyon | TIME | 5 04 3/5 | |
| HANDICAP | 15 secs | STAKE | 105 sovs | DATE | 1/01/1914 |
| BREEDING | 9g Rothschild-Eos | ||||
| OWNER | W Holmes | ||||