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INTERNATIONAL HISTORY

July - Tsar Nicholas and his family executed by the Bolsheviks.
November 11 - Armistice signed to take effect at 11am.
November 12 - Armistice officially announced. There was little public celebration in Ch-Ch which was now stricken by the full effects of the flu epidemic.

The first regular air passenger services begin in Russia and the USA.

Credit: Ch-Ch City Libraries

LOCAL HISTORY

November 6 - Beginning of the influenza epidemic which was eventually to kill 466 people in Ch-Ch. Worldwide the epidemic was responsible for approximately 20 million deaths and of these, in excess of 6,700 died in NZ.

Credit: Ch-Ch City Libraries

LOCAL HISTORY MESCELLANY

EMERGENCY LANDING

In the NZ REFEREE of 23rd January 1918 it was reported:

“At eleven o’clock last Thursday morning when the NZ Metropolitan track was practically deserted by trainers an unexpected visit was paid to the grounds by Mr C M Hill the well-known aviator of Sockburn who, owing to engine trouble at an altitude of 2000 feet, found it necessary to descend to the Grounds. As the trouble could not be repaired on the spot the machine was later taken to Sockburn by lorry to receive attention.”


Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

RACING HISTORY

Author Dillon winner of the 1918 Cup

Author Dillon was acknowledged as the gamest and greatest racehorse to this time in the Southern Hemisphere. He won 18 races and gained 14 minor placings from 58 starts, then became a successful sire with 55 winners. He was raced and trained by Ben Jarden whose son Ron became one of NZ's most famous rugby stars.

RACING HISTORY HORSES

DALNAHINE - Bargain Buy

Dalnahine 1918 Cost £100 - Won £7,500(approx.)
Before there were exports to America and when shifting older horses to Australia was in its infancy(the business was mostly the other way around), battlers with good horses often sold out to wealthier owners looking for a short cut to the presentation ceremonies. With few permits and a horrible handicapping system it was the best option for many.

Dalnahine was an example of that but with one remarkable aspect. He was a product of the famous Stevenson and McMath stud in Southland, and helped make the Harold's Rest family famous. But he was an old horse before he really made his mark.

Sold by his breeders to Hec Jarden, Dalnahine went through a virtual 'Who's Who' of New Zealand trainers after losing form in his middle life. Ben Jarden was the first followed by Manvers Edwards, another trainer of champions, and then James Bryce, the greatest trainer of the era. All of them gave Dalnahine the flick. Over the hill, been there done that, was their verdict.

In stepped leviathan Dunedin owner Jim Samson(he once nominated 16 horses for a Wingatui gallops meeting when most leading local trainers were lucky to have 10 in work), and he got Dalnahine for £100. He handed him over to a lesser-known trainer, Jock Henderson of Oamaru, and what followed was rather sensational.

Within six weeks of making his stable debut, Dalnahine had won over £2000 - huge money then when only a few races had a total stake of more than £1000. He went on performing at the highest level for several seasons. He ran in NZ Cups and was something of a sensation at Forbury Park at times. His brother Dalmeny, retained by the breeders, was also a high class performer.

Henderson's secret, if there was one, was never revealed but he was an expert trainer in his own right with a high strike rate before his comparatively early death. His greatest feat however was turning a 9yo 'has been' into one of the best pacers in the country


Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed 2016

RACING HISTORY HORSES

CUP KINGS - REY DE ORO 1918

INTRODUCTION
Bettor's Delight in just about ready to make the list as a "Cups King"- the most influential stallion in the two major all-aged races on out calendar, the Auckland and New Zealand Cups. He already has three winners and given his domination that might grow rapidly.

But topping some of the "old timers" won't be that easy, even if he has gone past many already. Who are the best? My top 10, based on the following statistical model.
- 10 points for each winner of the New Zealand or Auckland Cup.
- 5 point bonus for each individual winner greater than one.
- 5 points for each broodmare sire win.
- 1 point for each winner sired by a stallion son.

REY DE ORO 1918
(Copa De Oro-Surbito-Steinway)(Died added 21)
Four WINS, Four WINNERS, Two BROODMARE WINS, One SIRE SON WINNERS - 66 points

Rey De Oro ("The Golden King") is one of four American horses on this list who raced in New Zealand before going to stud. He broke down before showing his best. He was the first stallion imported here to consistently leave precocious early speed.
Hi first crop caused a sensation when they quinellaed the premier two-year-old race, the Sapling Stakes and they repeated in the Derby as three-year-olds. A lot went on to better things (Parisenne/Roi L'or) and his stock won more than £100,000, a record at the time.
His NZ Cup winner was Morello and his mares left the well-named Gold Bar (he was probavly the source of Gold Bar's extreme speed) and Chamfer. Rey De Oro's sire Copa De Oro, (TT 1.59) followed him out to NZ as an old horse, the first two minute stallion to come here. He survived the trip only to die after leaving five registered live foals. Of the three mares, one left the two-minute capable, Cup class pacer, Native Chief and another the sensational trotter Todd Lonzia, who held the two-year-old trotting record for 30 years. Opportunity lost.

TRIVIA FACT - Reliable witnesses suggest Rey De Oro is lucky to be on the list. His son, Trevor De Oro was the official sire of the 1946 NZ Cup winner, Integrity. Trevor De Oro was only a fair handicapper and those in Wellington trotting circles at the time (Don Nyhan for one) reckoned it was common knowledge that it was a Logan Pointer horse there who was the real father of the Cup star. Ironically Trevor De Oro's one point pushes Nyhan's Johnny Globe off this list.



Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed Nov 2016

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Author Dillon & Ben Jarden in the winner's circle

1918 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Author Dillon had only just escaped the fire at trainer Ben Jarden's stables a year before with a singed tail, but on this occasion was far too quick for 10 rivals on Cup day.

A son of leading imported sire Harold Dillon and Authoress, a sister of Wildwood Junior, Author Dillon was the champion of the time and was so superior on this day, despite giving away starts of up to seven seconds, that he had the race in safe keeping half a mile from home.

Handicapped on the benchmark of nine seconds and out of the next two Cups, Author Dillon won three consequtive NZ FFA's, comfortably having the better of Cathedral Chimes off level marks, and went on to a successful stud career despite limited opportunities.

His credits in that respect included the dam of 1940 Cup winner Marlene.

**NZ HRWeekly 1Oct 2003**

The 1918 New Zealand Cup was billed as a match race between the two outstanding horses, Author Dillon and Cathedral Chimes, the former handicapped at 4:27 and Cathedral Chimes at 4:24 in the 11 horse field. Cathedral Chimes, bracketed with Matchlight and Sherwood, Author Dillon, bracketed with John Dillon, and Randle McDonnell's Emilius carried three-quarters of the £11,158 10s invested on the race. Agathos and Admiral Wood, both of whom had lost all form, had little support. From the front, Sungod had a 10-second start from Cathedral Chimes and seven seconds from Author Dillon. But that huge advantage was not enough.

Sungod, driven by 19-year-old F G Holmes - having his first drive in the race - and Moneymaker (Andy Pringle) made the early pace, but failed to stay the distance, finishing third and fourth. Second favourite Author Dillon paced a splendid race, being patiently handled an well driven by Ben Jarden. Itwas obvious four furlongs from the winning post the Author Dillon had the race in safe keeping and he won by four lengths from Matchlight (Albert Hendricksen), who finished a game second and rescued the James Bryce trio.

Emilius broke at the start and lost a lot of ground. He made several attempts during the race to get closer by following Author Dillon, but faded and finished fifth. Adelaide Direct failed to show any dash, while Agathos, Admiral Wood, John Dillon and Sherwood were never prominent. The biggest disappointment, however, was Cathedral Chimes, who began slowly and toiled in th rear, finishing a long last.

Author Dillon's time of 4:26.4 was a national race-winning record and, when retuned to the birdcage, he and Jarden received a great reception. Cheering broke out again when the club president, Charles Louisson, presented the silver cup to Jarden. Author Dillon was hailed a champion and his subsequent form confirmed his standing as th country's best-performed pacer to that time. Two days later he won the first of his three consecutive New Zealand Free-For-Alls, beating Adelaide Direct by two lengths, with six lengths to Cathedral Chimes, and the only other starter, Admiral Wood, beaten off. Author Dillon's New Zealand Cup - Free-For-All double at the same meeting has been repeated 25 times.

Willie Lincoln, by Lord Elmo, who was second behind Matchlight in the Courtenay Handicap, won the third-day Christchurch Handicap. However, Author Dillon provided th sensation. He started 12 seconds behind the winner and was beaten by only a half-length. He paced a world-record 4:24.6. The £2000 won by Author Dillon was the largest sum won at a harness racing meeting in New Zealand. Ben Jarden raced three horses at this meeting, John Dillon and Huon Patch being the other two. All were in the money, netting Jarden £2405. Author Dillon was the season's top earner with £2350.

Cup Day racing was marred by a fall in the fourth race, the Riccarton Handicap, in which James Bryce broke his leg. No other driver was hurtand no horses suffered injuries. While the fall sidelined Bryce for a considerable time, the family name was not absent from the tracks, because James Bryce junior made his appearance at the age of 16 and won the third-day Australasian Handicap with Joan of Arc.

Author Dillon started in two further New Zeand Cups, pacing a world race record of 4:21.6 in 1920 when finishing third. Over seven seasons he was the top earner only once, though in 1920-21 he was runner-up to Willie Lincoln. He eventually went into retirement aged nine, having raced 58 times, for 18 wins and 14 minor placings. His lifetime earnings reached £7760, won during a period when stakes were very low by today's standards. He paid for his brilliant performances with increasing handicaps and from early on was starting from near-impossible marks. At the time of his retirement, Author Dillon had lowered his mile time to 2:06.4. In addition, he held the two-mile(4:21.6) and one-mile-and-a-quarter(2:41.4)records, sharing the latter with Our Thorpe who, just before the 1918 Cup, set a mile record of 2:06.2 against time at Addington. Sungod, third in the 1918 Cup, eventually went to stud in Southland, where he was the leading sire for many years.

Ben Jarden raced a big team. He later moved from Islington to Yaldhurst, where he set up his Irvington Stud and in 1940 he moved to Lower Hutt and trained a small team at Hutt Park. The Jarden name was kept to the forefront in the 1950's through the deeds of Ben Jarden's son, Ron, who became one of New Zealand's greatest rugby stars. For a time Ben Jarden stood Author Dillon at his Irvington Stud, and later Sir John McKenzie stood him at Roydon Lodge. Author Dillon proved a successful sire. He produced two Cup-class offspring (Author Jinks and Lindbergh) and a Dominion Handicap winner in Writer. His daughters produced several good winners, among them Marlene(1940 New Zealand Cup winner), Knave Of Diamonds(placed in the 1947 Cup) and Indian Clipper.

Author Dillon's sire, Harold Dillon, was an outstanding producer who took over from Rothschild as the leading sire in New Zealand. He was at the head of the list for six seasons, from 1916-17 until 1921-22. He was foaled in California in 1903 and imported to New Zealand bt Etienne Le Lievre as a yearling. The American horseman Robert McMillan stood Harold Dillon at his Santa Rosa Stud, at Halswell, with outstanding success. Author Dillon was certainly his best offspring, but others who made Cup class were Paul Default, Dolly Dillon, Oinako, Lord Dillon, Sungod, Waitaki Girl and Adonis. Harold Dillon mares also produced nemerous winners, the best being the great race and broodmare Parisienne, dam of La Mignon and Mary Wootton, La Mignon ran third in the 1957 New Zealand Cup and later produced the brilliant Garcon Roux. Mary Wootton, to U Scott, produced Scottish Command, who also recorded a third in the New Zealand Cup, in 1961. Scottish Command left his mark at stud, producing Sole Command, who won the NZ Cup in 1977, and the Auckland Cup in February 1978, and Trusty Scot, winner of the 1978 NZ Cup. Scottish Command became the third New Zealand-bred sire, after Johnny Globe and Young Charles, to break the stranglehold that the imported sires held on the New Zealand breeding scene. He finished top sire in the 1977-78 season.

**Bernie Wood writing in The Cup**

Credit: NZ HRWeekly 1Oct03

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Once more Succory was made favorite, and once again he dropped his backers. He is not steady enough in a race to punt on. In the Spring Handicap he was in the air half a dozen times. Beeswing is a greatly improved, mare. She hit the front very early in the Spring Handicap, and never once put a foot wrong, being only caught in the last fifty yards by Treasure Seeker. Just when Chub looked like getting to Beeswing for second money in the Spring Handicap, he left his feet. He had trotted a fine race all through.

Schnapps never went better in his life than in the Empire Handicap. He never put a foot wrong at any stage, and had the race won a long way from home. Peter Mac went a great race in the Empire, and finished well in second place. Mahinga was up second at the end of a mile and a half in the Empire but she then began to tire and though second into the straight, she was beaten out of a place. Commander Bell put in a skip three furlongs from home in the Empire or he might have been second. Watch Scottish Queen for a two mile race.

There was no semblance of luck about Author Dillon's Cup win. Half a mile from home he had it won, and then went to the front. From that out it was just a matter of how much he would win by. Nothing finished better in the Cup than Matchlight. Sungod ran a surprisingly good race. He and Moneymaker were in front till Author Dillon touched them off just after passing the half-mile peg. Sungod still hung on and it was only in the last fifty yards that Matchlight cut him out of second money.

The big disappointments of the Cup were Cathedral Chimes and Sherwood. Neither ever looked to have a winning chance. Cathedral Chimes seemed slow to get away, and he was a long way behind Admiral Wood. When they went off he was only giving the Admiral two seconds from the outset and it could be seen, that Bryce's champion, had no chance. Emilius did not settle down into his stride quickly and lost a lot of ground, but he showed a lot of pace when he did get going and will be handy later on.

The Riccarton Handicap was a disaster. Piteroa went out in front two and a half furlongs from home, and looking all over a winner fell and then Tamarisk came over him. Then, in quick succession Vice Admiral, Cora Dillon, and Irvar crashed into the fallen mass. General Link, who was then running some distance behind the field, went right on the outside and avoiding the mass of horses and sulkies came on to win. M. Edwards extricated himself from the mass and getting back in his sulky, drove Vice Admiral into second place. No others finished. The Cup carnival at Addington will be brought to a close on Friday.

Credit: Waimangu writing in NZ Truth 9 Nov 1918

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

The Trotting Cup of 1918 is now purely a matter of history, but those present at Addington on Tuesday of last week were privileged to witness a race well worthy of the stake. The winner Author Dillon, has long since been recognised as a high-class horse, in fact a champion, and right well did he bear out his reputation, for not only did he win, but he did his work in such style and won so well as to cast aside from the victory any semblance of luck.

There were eleven starters, and handicapped on 3secs. B. Jarden's horse had eight horses in front of him, not one of whom he passed on the inside. He showed a fine burst of speed in the second half of the first mile which landed him in a good winning position and there he remained till the final lap was entered. Then Jarden called on his champion and the son of Harold Dillon, with a brilliant dash of speed, was with the leaders, Sungod and Moneymaker, at the half-mile. A little further on, Author Dillon drew out four lengths and swinging into the straight well clear, he finished up a brilliant winner by four lengths from Matchlight who was just three-quarters of a length in front of Sungod. Moneymaker was less than a length away fourth.

The trotting public quickly recognised the merit m the performance of the winner and rounds of cheering greeted Ben Jarden and his fine little horse as they returned to the enclosure. Both Sungod and Moneymaker ran a solid race all through, and Matchlight finished perhaps just as well as the winner, but lacked the necessary burst of brilliance to go with Author Dillon along the back the last time. Emilius did not strike a gait at the start but showed plenty of pace when he did settle down. Sherwood and John Dillon never looked to have a winning chance, but John Dillon was in a good position when he met trouble and was pulled up. Admiral Wood had no chance, but the big disappointment was Cathedral Chimes. Certainly he lost a second or more at the start but even then he showed no brilliancy at all, and from start to finish he ran last. With a mile gone his backers did not bother to look at him again but turned their attention to the great race Author Dillon was going. The times of the placed horses were: Author Dillon, 4m. 26 2-5.; Matchlight, 4m. 31 4-5.; Sungod, 4m. 34 4-5. Author Dillon's time was a record for the race.

In the smash in which five of the six runners in the Riccarton Handicap fell, the well-known reinsman, J. Bryce, sustained a broken leg. This necessitated another horseman being engaged to drive Bryce's horses at the meeting, and A. Hendricksen was selected. Pitiroa who was paying a good price, looked all over a winner when he fell in the Riccarton Handicap. Cora Dillon had two starts the first day, but failed to land a winning prize.

Imperial Crown downed a good field in rare style in the Middleton Handicap, and the son of Rothschild is a credit to his trainer, N. Price. Imperial Crown will work his way into the first flight of free-legged trotters. Norval King was going great guns for a mile and three-quarters in the Middleton Handicap, but he was gone when the final quarter was entered upon. One of these days he will see the two miles out and pay a price. Lady Patricia did not go kindly until the field had well settled down in the Middleton Handicap; and it was then too late for her to get to the leaders. Olive L. went a poor race m the Middleton Handicap, and at no stage of the race did she look to have a chance. Auckland Girl showed pace on the first day, but did not go solid all through.

Colenut made a rare exhibition of a dozen opponents in the Victoria Handicap, and when the last half mile was entered upon J. Burke's chestnut cleared out from the field winning pulling up by a dozen lengths. Nancy Stair should be called naughty Nancy after her run in the Victoria Handicap. Nancy will be coming home soon. George Hard was easy the first day. Lord Minto carried heaps of "minto" the first day, but though he ran a great race and finished second, his lordship had no chance with Colenut. A mile and a half race is well within Ramitiairi's grasp. He would win it by the length of his name. Dillon Eddy carried good money the first day, but it must have been Eddy's half holiday. General Link was beaten by acres, not links, in the Victoria Handicap. Two miles is enough if not too much for him. Sympathy spoiled her chance m the Victoria Handicap by going to a break very early. When she did settle down she showed plenty of pace and was close up to the placed horses at the finish.

Huon Patch would not settle down great pace in the St. Albans Handicap, cap and paddled along behind the field all the way. Fernlelgh went off the limit at a great pace in the St. Alban's Handicap, and this won the bay mare the race. Silver Quick got to her a long way from home and the pair raced locked together to the judge. Fernlelgh just had a shade the best of it all through.

Evelyn will step out in the not far distant future and make a lot of sweethearts. She is a fast Miss is Evelyn. Trix Pointer showed a fine burst of speed over the last quarter of the Hagley mile and made a job of the field. General Wilkes should be court martialled for deserting his large army of backers the first day at Addington. The admirers of Cathedral Chimes must have done a parcel over the three failures of the little bay. The fact of Cathedral Chimes being beaten by both Adelaide Direct and Admiral Wood suggests Bryce's horse is not at his best. Lord Minto was backed for pounds, shillings and pence in the mile saddle the last day but he never ever looked like getting to the leaders and was beaten all along. Cora Dillon is not always reliable at the peg but she left the mark all right on the concluding day and cast a mile behind under 2m. 13s. Needless to say, as she began off the limit, the others had no chance.

Ramaitiari and Vice Admiral raced themselves to a standstill in the mile and a quarter on Friday and when Stanley's Child came along neither had a kick left. Pitiroa was backed the final day as though he had only to jog round the track and get the prize but he treated his backers badly by doing the Highland Fling at the start.

Both Lord Roanchild and Electrocute were in good positions in the freelegged race the last day, but both were called off for going before their time.

B. Jarden had a great innings at the Metropolitan meeting. He only started three horses, Author Dillon scoring two wins and a second, John Dillon one win and one second, and Huon Paten two seconds. Anything from J. Bryce's stable generally commands respect from backers, but Joan of Arc was almost neglected when she won on the concluding day, and she paid a big dividend. Harold Lander was a strong tip for the Governor's Handicap. It was his only appearance at the meeting and the Harold Dillon gelding made a job of his opponents. Chub ran very consistently on the three days, securing two thirds and a fourth. Erin's Queen won the Lyttelton Handicap in a jog, and, as usual, paid a good price. Some day we will all wake to to the fact that she is good with a capital G.

The treat of the meeting was Author Dillon's performance m the Christchurch Handicap on the concluding day. Conceding up to 12sec. start he paced in rare style and just failed by half a length to reach Willie Lincoln. Author Dillon had to go on the outside of the field all the way, and in covering the two miles in 4m. 24 3-5s. he put up the finest performance yet registered at Addington.

Another race or two and Agathos will have his turn. He was improving as the meeting went on and on the final day ran a real good race. Sherwood had every chance each time he started, but he did not pay a dividend. Sir Fulham is a good horse In saddle. Two furlongs from home he looked a certainty in the Australasian Handicap, but the last bit found him out, and both Joan of Arc and Granger headed him off in the run home. Bridgewood only wants a race or two and his turn will come. Good money went on Peter Mac the last day. He was putting in good work on the last lap when he went to a break and settled a good winning chance. Pax has heaps of pace but does not go far with it.

Galician settled whatever chance he had in the Dominion Trotting Handicap by doing a tango at the start. He then plodded along behind the field all the way. Lady Patricia cannot go a solid two miles. Whispering Willie showed a rare burst of speed in the last lap of the Dominion Handicap and beat the opposition pointless.

After the fine performance of Adelaide Direct in the Free-for-All, it looked like getting money from home backing her in the Recovery Handicap, but she ran badly, finishing last in a field of four. John Dillon stepped to the front and that was the end, the Harold Dillon horse never letting the others in. Admiral Wood got up and cut Cathedral Chimes out of second money. When looking to have a particularly good chance in the Dominion Handicap, Olive L. petered put. Truganini is liable to bob up any time and reward T. Fox for the care bestowed on the Del Pasco mare.

With Cora Dillon going a mile in a tick under 2.13 off the front end of a mile saddle race, it is needless to say the others had no chance with her. She didn't only win, she walked in. Handicapped to do 4m. 54s., Craibwood, whom everybody had deserted long ago, came out on the second day and gave nothing a chance in the Whiteleigh Handicap, going 4m. 50 l-5. Mushroom battled on well in second place on the middle day of the meeting, but had no chance of getting to Craibwood.

It will be hard for Hannah M. to win in future. Harold Child set out to win the November Handicap from end to end, and he nearly did it. At the home turn he looked to be going well in front, but when challenged by Granger he fell to pieces and was beaten easily. Scottish Queen is not brilliant but is liable to win a saddle race at any time. Granger, who brought off a small surprise when he landed the November Handicap, Is trained by F. E. Jones, who also rode the Harold Dillon gelding. Peter Mac was nicely placed all through the November Handicap, but when expected to finish on over the last quarter, he fell away. Mahinga was well up for a mile and a half in the November Handicap and then faded out of the picture.

After his second in the Cup it was not surprising to see Matchlight win the big race, the Courtenay Handicap on the second day, but he only got up in the last few strides to touch Willie Lincoln off. Some day the public will tumble how good Erin's Queen is. Romped home again last week and paid the limit. Colenut got a bad passage m the Metropolitan Handicap. Six furlongs from home he got shut in on the fence and did not get out till two furlongs from home when be travelled very fast, but could only get third. Lady Haldane left the mark all right the second day, but she did not get in the money after having every chance. Ramitiariri did a polka at the start of the Metropolitan Handicap and took no part in the raoe. Nancy Stair showed a heap more pace in the Metropolitan than she did the first day, and she looked a winner till A. Fleming strolled along with Erin's Queen.

A better start than the Free-for-All could not be made, the whole off the four runners leaving together. Cathedral Chimes on the inside went on in front and led for three furlongs, when Author Dillon drew level. For the next furlong and a half the pair raced locked together, but then Author Dillon went on in front, and pacing in rare style, he came on to win comfortably from Adelaide Direct, who got to Cathedral Chimes two furlongs from home and beat him easily for second place. Admiral Wood was never dangerous.

Galician was a strong tip for the Sockburn Handicap, and he duly landed, but Imperial Crown was getting to him at the finish. The Railway Handicap was only a work-out for Sir Fulham, who is some good in saddle. He beat Huon Patch pointless after the latter had got to him early. Beckom made short work of a highclass lot in the Royal Handicap. Sprinting to the front less than half a mile from home he won with a bit in reserve.


Credit: Waimangu writing in NZ Truth 16 Nov 1918

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1918 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER

Although a cold easterly wind yesterday morning did not look at all promising for the opening of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting, it did not prevent a very large crowd from making the journey to Addington. Luckily shortly after the first race was run the wind died down appreciably, and for the remainder of the day the sport was enjoyed under ideal conditions.

That the racing track was in excellent order was quite evident when the times registered in the different races are taken into consideration, both Author Dillon and Trix Pointer in their respective races putting up good performances. The pretty grounds in the inside enclosure were looking at their best, the bright flower gardens and green lawns being very pleasing to the eye.

That those present were in a speculative mood was evidenced by the fact that during the day the sum of £52,091 10s was passed through the totalisator, as against £47,335 on the opening day last year, an increase of £4756 10s. There was not the slightest delay in the compliation of the betting figures, and the last race, which was timed to start at 5.45pm, was commenced within a couple of minutes of that time.

Naturally the contest for the New Zealand Cup was the chief attraction, and in this race £11,158 10s was invested on the totalisator, which constitutes a record for the race. Of the field that contested the big two-mile event none looked so well as Author Dillon and Cathedral Chimes, and both appeared trained to the minute. The former's running certainly suggested that this was so, and he paced splendidly from start to finish. He was beautifully handled by his trainer, B Jarden, and the reception accorded horse and driver on returning to the birdcage was the most enthusiastic in the annals of New Zealand trotting. The cheering was renewed when the Hon C Louisson presented the very fine cup to B Jarden.

For some time past Cathedral Chimes had ruled as a strong favorite for the big two-mile race, but Author Dillon had also been solidly supported by his stable connections, while on the strength of having come through a very solid preparation the Ashburton-trained Emilius carried a lot of money. The trio carried three-quarters of the investments made, while Agathos and Admiral Wood were practically neglected. Although Matchlight and Sherwood were bracketed with Cathedral Chimes and John Dillon with Author Dillon, it was mainly on the abilities of the two champions that the public pinned their faith.

The time registered by the winner was the fastest that the New Zealand Cup has yet been run in, the previous being that put up by Adelaide Direct in last year's race when she went 4min 27 4/5th sec. Those who looked forward to seeing Cathedral Chimes win were badly disappointed, and at no stage of the race did the scratch horse appear likely to catch the leading division. Emilius was the unlucky horse in the race, and only for breaking in the early stages he would certainly have finished in a place and very close to the winner. Sungod also went surprisingly well, and it was only in the final stages that he failed to withstand the very determined challenges thrown at him. Matchlight was always prominent and was the only one of the favourite trio to make a brave showing, Sherwood's form being distinctly disappointing. Admiral Wood who was the outsider of the field never threatened danger, while Agathos broke soon after the start, and thereby settled whatever chance he possessed. Author Dillon's victory will add interest to the Free-For-All, which will be decided at Addington on Friday, and his meeting with Cathedral Chimes will be keenly awaited. There are many who anticipate that Emilius will fully extend the Cup winner.

Unfortunately the day's racing was marred by an accident in the Riccarton Handicap. Pitaroa(A Fleming) had been going very nicely, but collapsed five furlongs from home. Tamarisk, who was following, crashed into the fallen horse and sulky, and J Bryce was thrown into the air, falling heavily and breaking his leg below the knee. Cora Dillon(McDermott) and Irvar(W Warren) also came down, but luckily escaped with nothing more than a shaking. It was an unfortunate affair, and those most concerned were extremely lucky in getting out of it without more serious consequences. Bryce was attended to by members of the St John Ambulance, who were quickly to the scene of the accident, and he was removed to the hospital. Warren and Fleming were able to fulfil the balance of their engagements. The horss also escaped injury, and Tamarisk was well enough to put up a very creditable race later in the day.

The public found considerable difficulty in selecting the different winners, and during the day only one first favourite was successful. This fact did not deter them from backng their fancies, and even in the last race of the day, in which only five horses were engaged, over £6000 was invested.

The opening race of the day, won by Treasure Seeker, was responsible for a very substantial dividend, and the winner showed improved form in coming at the business end and beating Beeswing, who was by no means solidly supported. Schnapps proved himself a solid little pacer by easily winning the Empire Handicap, and in this race the public supported him very heavily. In the Victoria Handicap Cole Nut went beautifully from start to finish, and in the concluding stages had a good bit in hand. He also rewarded his supporters with a double-figure dividend. In the Middleton Handicap, a two mile race for unhoppled trotters, Reta Peter would have seriously troubled the winner but for going unsteadily. Lady Patricia, King Capitalist, and Auckland Girl showed pace in patches, but the winner went very steadily throughtout and won nicely. Trix Pointer won the Hagley Handicap, of one mile, in great style, and proved herself a brilliant pacer by the manner in which she gathered her field over the last half-mile. In the St Albans Handicap the West Coast-owned Fernleigh went very well, and at the finish nothing had a chance with him, the favourite, General Wilkes, never being dangerous. Silver Quick went well throughout, and was with the winner all the way, but just failed in the last bit. Following are details of the day's racing:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 4.45 to 4.56 class. Two miles.

C Shaw's b g Treasure Seeker by Rothschild, aged, 2sec, A Butterfield 1.
J Wright's b m Beeswing, 6yrs, 4sec, M Edwards 2.
A Fleming's b g Chub, aged, 5sec, E McDermott 3.

Gay Wilkes scr, Mushroom 4sec, Sol 5sec, Billy Parole 5sec, Ohapi 5sec Albertoria 7sec, Craibwood 7sec, Colonel Havelock 7sec and Succory 9sec also started.

Succory started unsteadily, and was soon passed by Craibwood, Albertoria and Colonel Havelock, with Sol travelling fast. Beeswing improved her position considerably before reaching the stand, where Albertoria was just leading Craibwood. Going out of the straight Beeswing went to the front and at the end of a mile she had as her nearest attendants Albertoria, Chub and Succory. Beeswing led past the stand and down the back the second time, but Treasure Seeker had run to within striking distance, while Sol broke badly. In the straight Treasure Seeker wore Beeswing down and won by a length and a half, with Chub a couple of lengths away third. Mushroom was fourth. Times - 4m 50 4/5s; 4m 53 3/5s; 4m 55s.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 4.48 class. Two miles.

J H Power's b g Schnapps by Tom Sayers, aged, 5sec E McDermott 1
A Ives's b h Peter Mac, 5yrs, scr. J Murfitt 2
W T Lowe's ch m Commander Bell, aged, 2sec H Barraclough 3

Bridgewood 1sec, Hannah M 1sec, scottish Queen 2sec, Mahinga 3sec, The Whip 3sec, Bidens 3sec, Energy 4sec, Rearguard 5sec, Auriferous 6sec, Ringleader 6sec and Wood Drift 6sec also started.

Ringleader and Rearguard started very smartly, while Wood Drift broke up badly at the start and Auriferous also mixed his gait and lost a lot of ground. Passing the stand Ringleader and Rearguard were eight lengths in front of Schnapps, with Energy four lengths away, followed by Mahinga. With a mile to go Ringleader was still in front, but passing the stand the second time Schnapps went to the front and led down the back stretch, while Commander Bell, Mahinga and Peter Mac made a forward move. Schnapps, going very nicely, led into the straight, and won comfortably by two lengths. A great finish for second place saw Peter Mac beat Commander Bell by a length, with Scottish Queen fourth and Mahinga fifth. Times - 4m 46s;4m 43 2/5s; 4m 46 3/5s.

NEW ZEALAND CUP (in harness) of 2500 sovs (and silver cup presented by the president, Hon C Louisson); second 500 sovs, third 300 sovs and fourth 200 sovs from stake. 4.34 class. Two miles.

B Jarden's b h Author Dillon by Harold Dillon-Authoress, 6yrs, 3sec Owner 1
Bryce and Cross Bros' b h Matchlight by Four Chimes-King Harold mare, aged, 7sec A Hendricksen 2
J Parkinson's b h Sungod by Harold Dillon-My Mistake, aged, 10sec F Holmes jun 3
J G S Holmes's b g Moneymaker by Rothschild-Cocoanut, aged, 9sec A Pringle 4

J Bryce's b h Cathedral Chimes, aged, scr Owner
Mrs A M Seymour's br h Admiral Wood, aged 2sec F Holmes
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged, 5sec Owner
S G Lemon and J Bryce's blk g Sherwood, aged, 6sec R Dunn
Jarden and Edgar's b h John Dillon, aged, 7sec A Butterfield
C Channing's br g Agathos, aged 8sec E McDermott
R McDonell's b h Emilius, aged 9sec Owner
John Dillon & Author Dillon and Cathedral Chimes, Matchlight & Sherwood were coupled.

There was a short delay at the start, and when the field was despatched Emilius broke up badly and lost a lot of ground, while Sungod and Moneymaker carried on the running to the tanks, with Matchlight and John Dillon next in order. Coming into the straight, the order of the leaders was the same, Sungod on the rails and Moneymaker showing the way, while the next were Matchlight, John Dillon, Author Dillon and Adelaide Direct. Agathos, who broke early, and Cathedral Chimes were a good way back. Going out of the straight, there was no change, and down the back the order was prectically the same, except tat Author Dillon had considerably improved his position, while Emilius was putting in great work and showed a lot of speed. Passing the stand the second time, Author Dillon was in a nice position, but Sungod and Moneymaker were still in front of Matchlight and John Dillon, with Adelaide Direct following Author Dillon. At the tanks Author Dilln took the lead, and entered the straight with a slight advantage. Amidst the greatest enthusiasm the Harold Dillon horse held his field, and won in great style by four lengths. A great race for second place saw Matchlight beat Sungod by three-quarters of a length, while Moneymaker was half a length away fourth, followed by Emilius, Adelaide Direct, John Dillon and Admiral Wood with Cathedral Chimes last. Times - 4m 26 2/5s; 4m 31 4/5s; 4m 34 3/5s.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. 3.44 class. One mile and five furlongs.

J Brankin's b g General Link by General Link-Imperial Wood, aged, 5sec Owner 1
M Edwards & S Humphrey's blk g Vice Admiral, 5yrs M Edwards 2

Cora Dillon 5sec, Pitaroa 6sec, Tamarisk 6sec and Irvar 6sec also started.

Tamarisk and Irvar carried on the running in the early stages, with Vice Admiral, General Link and Pitaroa following. Going out of the straight the second time Pitaroa was with Tamarisk in the lead, and then drew out, being a couple of lengths ahead at the tanks. Here Pitaroa collapsed, and came down, while Tamarisk, who was following, crashed into the prostrate hores, driver and sulky, and turned a complete somersault. J Bryce receiving a very bad fall, and breaking a leg. In quick succession Irvar and Cora Dillon came down and General Link, steering clear of trouble, had no difficulty in winning very easily from Vice Admiral, who was the only other one to finish. Times - 3m 52 2/5s; 4m 6s.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 4.48 class. Two miles.

N L Price's b h Imperial Crown by Rothschild-Imperious mare, aged, 7sec Owner 1
F H Robson's b m Reta Peter, 5yrs, 8sec A Cox 2
J Pettie's b m Auckland Girl, aged, 8sec M Edwards 3

Electrocute scr, Olive L scr, Lady Patricia 6sec, King Capitalist 7sec and Norval King 8sec also started.

Norval King commenced very smartly, and at once led by several lengths from Imperial Crown, while Auckland Girl last ground by breaking. Passing the stand the first time the order was Norval King, Imperial Crown, Auckland Girl, Reta Peter and Lady Patricia. This order was maintained down the back, and passing the stand the second time, but going out of the straight Norval King lost his place, while Reta Peter improved her position considerably. Imperial Crown led into the straight, and won comfortably by three lengths from Reta Peter, who was a couple of lengths ahead of Auckland Girl. Electrocute was fourth and King Capitalist fifth. Times - 4m 43 3/5s; 4m 46s; 4m 46 3/5s

VICTORIA HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.42 class. Two miles.

J Burke's ch g Cole Nut by King Cole-Cocoanut, 4yrs, 6sec R Mills 1
P McNeill's blk g Lord Minto, 6yrs, scr A Butterfield 2
R J Munro's ch g Rorke's Drift, 6yrs, 6sec Owner 3

Hectorata 3sec and George Hart 4sec coupled; Nihilist 5sec, Nancy Stair 4sec, Ramitiari 5sec, Dillon Eddy 5sec, Sympathy 4sec, Miss Havoc 6sec and Pax 6sec also started.

Pax commenced smartly and at once led off from Rorke's Drift and Cole Nut, but the former soon lost his place, and Pax and Cole Nut carried on the running past the stand the first time, and running down the back the order was Pax, Cole Nut, Ramitiari, with Dillon Eddy and Sympathy most prominent of the others. Passing the stand the second time Cole Nut was leading, with Sympathy, Lord Minto and Ramitiari following in that order. In the back stretch Cole nut went right away from the field, and was never really seriously troubled, winning nicely by a couple of lengths. Rorke's Drift finished well a length behind Lord Minto. Sympathy was fourth and Nancy Stair fifth. Times - 4m 39 2/5s; 4m 37 2/5s; 4m 43 2/5s

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 2.15 class. One Mile.

V Alborn's b g Fernleigh by Pygmalion-Woodleigh, aged, 4sec Owner 1
E McDermott's gr m Silver Quick, 5yrs, 4sec Owner 2
R McDonnell's b m Evelyn, aged, 1sec A Pringle 3

General Wilkes scr and Huon Patch 1sec also started.

Huon Patch stopped on the mark and Fernleigh and Silver Quick had the race to themselves. In the finish Fernleigh held his own and won by a length with fifty yards separating the second and third horses. Times - 2m 15 1/5s; 2m 15 2/5s; 2m 16s.

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 2.15 to 2.18 class. One mile.

W H Norton's b m Trix Pointer by Demonio-Bally Pointer, 5yrs, scr F Holmes 1
Edgerton & Pollock's blk g Tamarisk, 6yrs, 2sec A Hendricksen 2
Edwards & Humphrey's blk g Vice Admiral 5yrs 2sec M Edwards 3

Beckom 1sec (coupled with Tamarisk), Cora Dillon 1sec and Bundura 3sec also started.

Bundura dwelt at the start but made a good recovery and passing the stand Tamarisk was in charge, with Bundura close up, followed by Vice Admiral and Cora Dillon. Going up the back Trix Pointer improved her postion, and coming into the straight she put in a fine run, and eventually won a good race by a length from Tamarisk, who was a couple of lengths clear of Vice Admiral. Cora Dillon was fourth. Times - 2m 12 2/5s; 2m 14 4/5s; 2m 16 3/5s.

Credit: The Press 6 Nov 1918

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1918 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER

A strong nor'-west wind which raised clouds of dust made matters distinctly unpleasant for visitors to Addington yesterday, when the second day's racing of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was held. The wind prevailed throughout the greater part of the morning and afternoon, and, as a result, the attendance was considerably affected. The track was in excellent order, but the dust raised by the horses made matters uncomfortable for horsemen engaged in the different races. The club's water-carts were utilised throughout the day, and in a measure helped to lessen the nuisance, which was very pronounced. Towards the end of the day the wind moderated somewhat, and the last two races were run under ideal weather conditions.

The Free-For-All attracted a field of four, and betting on the totalisator was divided between Author Dillon, winner of the New Zealand Cup, and Cathedral Chimes. After the first half-mile had been covered, Cathedral Chimes never really threatened danger, but it was quite evident from his performance that he is not at his best, and he appears to have trained off. He seemed listless, and not anxious to race, and without detracting from the merit of Author Dillon's performance, which was a very fine one, it must be admitted that his task was somewhat lessened by the fact that Cathedral Chimes was not at the top of his form. The winner, nevertheless, gave an excellent exhibition, and the reception accorded him by the general public showed that the win was a popular one.

In the Courtenay Handicap, of two miles, Trix Pointer, on the strength of her first day's performance, was made favourite, but when it came to business she was not to be considered. Matchlight must be reckoned a high-class performer by reason of the fact that during the first mile he failed to pick up any of his handicap, and the pace and staying ability he showed over the last mile under adverse conditions proved him to be a performer above the ordinary. Willie Lincoln trotted solidly throughout, and it was only in the last stage, and as a result of a very brilliant run, that Matchlight ever succeeded in defeating him.

In the opening race of the day Craibwood, one of the outsiders of the field, was in front during the whole journey, and at the finish won somewhat easily from Mushroom. As an exhibition of straight-out troting the display by several of the competitors was by no means impressive, and continual breaking by one or two of the well-backed horses detracted from the display. Craibwood's win proved a very popular one, and rewarded his supporters with a very sudstantial dividend. He was nicely handled by his owner, Mr W C Angus.

Speculators were also astray in the November Handicap, in which F E Jones, better known in connection with his success in the galloping ranks, rode a very nice race on Granger, and won handsomely from Harold Child, who stopped almost to a walk in the concluding stages of the race. In this event Peter Mac appeared to have a very good chance, but was called off for anticipating his bell.

Erin's Queen and Nancy Stair fought out a great finish in the Metropolitan Handicap, and it was only in the last bit that Nancy Stair, who had made a brilliant run, succumbed to the consistent trotting of Erin's Queen. Nancy Stair, for some reason or other, was made a very pronounced favourite, but was well beaten on her merits.

Galician's win in the Sockburn Handicap was a popular one, and after losing a second or two in the early stages he finished well, and accounted for Imperial Crown in good style. Although favourite, Galician paid quite a good dividend, and won like a high-class performer.

F Gray, who scored at Riccarton on Monday in the hurdle race, rode Sir Fulham to victory in the Railway Handicap after a very patient race, and his handling of the gelding was in a large measure responsible for the win. His record in trotting events is now six mounts for five wins.

The Royal Handicap, of one mile, provided a great race, but at the finish Beckom carried too many guns for John Dillon, who came fast over the last quarter.

Although the attendance was not so large as on the opening day, speculation on the totalisator was decidedly brisk, and the sum of £37,947 10s was put through the totalisator, as against £38,473 on the corresponding day last year, a decrease of £795 10s. Following are details of the racing:-

WHITELEIGH HANDICAP (in saddle)of 225 sovs; second 45 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. 4.55 class. For unhoppled trotters. Two miles.

Mr C Angus's br g Craibwood by Wildwood-Bonnie, aged, 12sec. Owner 1
E Berry's b g Mushroom, aged, 9sec. Owner 2
A Fleming's b g Chub, aged, 10sec. E McDermott. 3

Gay Wilkes 5sec, Sol 10sec, Billy Parole 10sec, Ohapi 11sec, Albertoria 12sec, Colonel Havelock 12sec and Succory 12sec also started.

Craibwood started smartly and passing the stand the first time was leading by several lengths from Chub, Ohapi and Succory, while Sol and Gay Wilkes went very unsteadily, both geldings breaking repeatedly. Mushroom was in second place with half a mile to go, but had no chance with Craibwood, who won easily by half a dozen lengths, with Chub forty yards away in third place, followed by Gay Wilkes, Sol, and Colonel Havelock. Times - 4m 50 1/5s; 4m 49 2/5s; 4m 54 2/5s

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 4.46 class. Two miles.

H Wedmore's b g Granger by Harold Dillon-Ivy Dean, 6yrs, 8sec. F E Jones 1.
J Payne's ch g Harold Child, 6yrs, 4sec. E McDermott 2.
R J Munro's ch g Rorke's Drift, 6yrs. F Holmes junr 3.

Peter Mac scr, Hannah M 2sec, Acushla Machree 3sec, Scottish Queen 5sec, Commander Bell 4sec, Bidens 5sec, Mahinga 5sec and Seychelles 5sec also started.

Seychelles was quickest to begin, followed by Bidens, but the latter broke and dropped back, while Peter Mac was called off for starting before his time. Going past the stand the first time Harold Child had run to the head of the field while Mahinga, Commander Bell and Granger were the most prominent of the remainder. Commander Bell broke going out of the straight and Harold Child piloted the field to the stand the second time with Mahinga next. Running down the back into the straight Harold Child increased his lead, but at the tanks Granger made a strong run, and with Harold Child tiring badly at the finish, Granger got up to win by two lengths with Rorke's Drift a length away third. Commander Bell was fourth and Scottish Queen next. Times - 4m 42 1/5s; 4m 43 2/5s; 4m 42 3/5s.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. 4.37 class. Two miles.

Cross Bros and Bryce's b h Matchlight by Four Chimes-King Harold mare, aged scr. A Hendricksen 1.
A Allen's b g Willie Lincoln, 6yrs, 5sec. A Fleming 2
R G C Monro's b m Stanley's Child, aged, 6sec. R Logan 3

Jarden & Edgar's b h John Dillon, aged, 1sec. B Jarden
C Channing's br g Agathos 2sec. A Butterfield
C H Norton's b m Trix Pointer, 5yrs, 3sec. F Holmes
J Brankin's b g General Link, aged, 6sec. Owner
A R Farrell's b m Cora Dillon, 6yrs, 6sec. E McDermott

General Link struck a gait very quickly and at once led from Stanley's Child and Cora Dillon, while Matchlight was slow to begin. With six furlongs gone General Link was leading from Stanley's Child, Cora Dillon, Willie Lincoln and Trix Pointer in that order, while Matchlight had made no impression on his field. At the end of a mile the order of the leaders was the same but the field had closed up and passing the stand the second time Trix Pointer made a forward more, while Matchlight, though still well back, had improved his position. Going down the back the last time Willie Lincoln was in front followed by Trix Pointer, while Matchlight was putting in great work and running past his field. Half way down the straight Willie Lincoln was being proclaimed the winner, but Matchlight proved himself a brilliant stayer and won by half a length, while Stanley's Child was a couple of lengths away third, followed by Trix Pointer, General Link and Cora Dillon. Times- 4m 32 2/5s; 4m 37 4/5s; 4m 44s.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 3.47 class. One mile and five furlongs.

J D Parker's ch m Erin's Queen by Hal Zolock-BJN, 6yrs, 2sec. A Fleming 1
W Rankin's b m Nancy Stair, 5yrs, 2sec. W Warren 2.
J Burke's ch c Colenut, 4yrs, scr. R E Mills 3.

Bundura 1sec, Silver Quick 1sec, Proud Spring 2sec, Makomako 2sec, Miss Havoc 3sec, Ramitiairi 3sec, Lady Haldane 3sec, Rorke's Drift 3sec, Joan of Arc 3sec and Pax 3sec also started.

Going out of the straight Miss Havoc led Joan of Arc with Pax in third place, but at the back of the course Miss Havoc increased her lead to ten lengths, while Pax, who had momentarily lost his position, and Nancy Stair improved their places considerably. Miss Havoc led past the stand the second time with Joan of Arc, Pax and Silver Quick following in that order. Erin's Queen put in a good run down the back stretch and was in second place two furlongs from the post, with Nancy Stair and Colenut coming fast. A great race in the straight between Nancy Stair and Erin's Queen saw the latter win by a length, with Colenut several lengths away third, followed by Makomako and Joan of Arc. Times - 3m 46 3/5s; 3m 47s; 3m 47 2/5s.

FREE-FOR-ALL (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 100 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. One mile and a quarter.

B Jarden's b h Author Dillon by Harold Dillon-Authoress, 6yrs, Owner 1.
M Edward's b m Adelaide Direct by Directaway-Honest Harry mare, aged, Owner 2.
J Bryce b h Cathedral Chimes by Four Chimes-Jean Armour, aged, Jean Armour, aged, A Hendricksen 3

Mrs A M Seymour's b h Admiral Wood, aged, F Holmes.

At the second attempt the field went away to a good start, and Admiral Wood at once drew half a length ahead with Cathedral Chimes on the rails and Author Dillon on the outside, racing on terms, while Adelaide Direct dropped a couple of lengths in the rear. Coming into the straight Cathedral Chimes and Author Dillon were on terms, and going round the bend into the back stretch Author Dillon gradually forged ahead, and at the tanks was clear of Cathedral Chimes where Adelaide Direct commenced a great run. The latter was a couple of lengths behind, coming into the straight and excitement grew as she appeared to be catching Author Dillon. The latter, however, pacing in great style, won very nicely by two lengths, while Cathedral Chimes was six lengths away in third place, with Admiral Wood beaten off. Times - 2m 45 4/5s; 2m 46 3/5s; 2m 48s.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. 4.46 class. For un-hoppled trotters only. Two miles.

Houston & Williams's br g Galician by Galindo-Monica, aged, 10sec, M Edwards 1.
N L Price's b h Imperial Crown, aged, 7sec, Owner 2.
A Smith's b g King Capitalist, aged, 11sec, A Barraclough 3.

Electrocute 5sec, Olive L 5sec, Red Heather 5sec, Paul Huon 7sec, Norval King 11sec, Lady Patricia 11sec and Truganini 11sec also started.

Norval King at once established a lead of several lengths with Lady Patricia, King Capitalist, Imperial Crown and Galician following in that order. With six furlongs gone Lady Patricia had assumed command, while King Capitalist and Galician were next in order. In the back stretch Lady Patricia retired, and Galician putting in a fast run got to the front with Imperial Crown most prominent of the others. Galican increased his lead coming into the straight, and won by a length an a half with the third horse a length away. Truganini was fourth and Paul Huon next. Times - 4m 48 2/5s; 4m 45 3/5s; 4m 50sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 2.17 class. One mile.

J R Blackie's b h Sir Fulham by Marvin Wilkes-Fulham Flower, aged, 8sec, F Gray 1.
E H Cuchsey's b g Huon Patch, aged, 1sec B Jarden 2.
R McDonell's b m Evelyn, aged, 1sec, A Pringle 3.

General Wilkes scr, Ariadno 1sec, and Fernleigh 1sec also started.

Sir Fulham started very quickly and soon had a six lengths lead from Fernleigh with Ariadno following. The order was the same going past the stand and down the back stretch Huon Patch travelled fast and got on terms with the leader. Both Huon Patch and Sir Fulham were under the whip a furlong from the winning post, and Sir Fulham, staying the better, won by three lengths with Evelyn ten lengths away third. Ariadno was fourth. Times - 2m 15 4/5s;2m 14 4/5s; 2m 16s.

ROYAL HANDICAP of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 2.16 class. One mile and a quarter.

F Johnston's blk g Beckom by Pert Huon-Pearl, 3sec, A Hendricksen 1.
Jarden & Edgar's b h John Dillon, aged, B Jarden 2.
R G C Munro's b m Stanley's Child, aged, 3sec, R Logan 3.

Lord Minto scr, St Kevin 1sec, Frank Tracey 4s also started.

Frank Tracey was the first out and led past the stand with Beckom next. In the back stretch Beckom assumed command and won by two lengths, with half a length between second and third. Lord Minto was fourth. Times - 2m 49 4/5s;2m 47 1/5s;2m 50 2/5s.

Credit: The Press 8 November 1918

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1918 SPRING MEETING: Friday 8 NOVEMBER

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was concluded yesterday, and although the rain held off until after the last race, the cold wind made matters very uncomfortable for spectators. As on the second day, clouds of dust were prevalent, and many of the spectators kept to the grandstand throughout the afternoon, and did not speculate at all. The weather in no small measure accounted for the paucity of the totalisator investments. The course was on excellent order, but once again the clouds of dust raised were all against horses in the vicinity of the scratch mark.

In the Christchurch Handicap Author Dillon, from scratch, found the handicap conceded to Willie Lincoln too much for him, and after pacing brilliantly for a mile and a half, he just failed to get up in the concluding stages. At one part of the journey Trix Pointer looked like being well up at the finish, while Sherwood put in a good run down the back. The good performance put up by B Jarden's representative was appreciated by the large crowd, and he was warmly applauded on returning to the birdcage.

The Governor's Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, opened the day's programme, and Haroldlander was made a very solid favourite. The Harold Dillon gelding quite justified the confidence placed in him, and won very easily from King Capitalist. Bundura was scratched for the Lyttelton Handicap, leaving a field of four to contest the event. Erin's Queen was in front at the commencement, and having a slight advantage throughout won very nicely. Joan of Arc paid a very good dividend in the Australasian Handicap, and, nicely handled by J Bryce, jun, she won in good style from Granger and Sir Fulham, who were piloted by F E Jones and F Gray, two horsemen prominent in flat racing circles. An excellent dividend awaited supporters of the winner.

In the Dominion Trotting Handicap J Wright, driver of Electrocute, and A Hendricksen, driver of Lord Roanchild, were each fined £5 for anticipating their bells, and at the finish Whispering Willie won a very good race from Red Heather, with Lady Patricia, who went solidly for a mile and a half, in third place.

Stanley's Child went very well from start to finish in the Hornby Handicap, and won comfortably. Though it was generally anticipated that Lord Minto would win the Enfield Handicap, nothing had a chance at the finish with Cora Dillon, who beat Huon Patch quite comfortably. The concluding event of the day, the Recovery Handicap, proved a good race, and after a good performance, John Dillon won comfortably from Admiral Wood, with the favourite, Adelaide Direct, last.

The totalisator dividends for the day amounted to £46,604 10s, as against £50,531 on the corresponding day last year, making a total for the meeting of £136,643 10s, as against £136,339 for the meeting last year. Following are details of the racing:-

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 225 sovs; second 45 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. 4.54 class. Two miles.

M Friedlander's b g Haroldlander by Harold Dillon-Woodlander, 6yrs, 11sec, A Pringle 1.
A Smith's b g King Capitalist, aged, 6sec, H Barraclough 2.
E Berry's b g Mushroom, aged, 7sec, Owner 3.

Gay Wilkes 5sec, Treasure Seeker 5sec, Craibwood 7sec, chub 9sec, Sol 10sec, Billy Parole 10sec, Colonel Havelock 12sec and Albertoria 12sec also started.

Albertoria at once led from Colonel Havelock, Chub and Mushroom. At the stand the second time Haroldlander assumed command, while Mushroom was in close attendance. In the straight Haroldlander comfortably held his own, and won by two lengths, with a neck separating the second and third horses. Chub was fourth, Colonel Havelock fifth and Sol sixth. Times - 4m 49s; 4m 44 2/5s; 4m 45 3/5s

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.36 to 4.40 class. Two miles.

J D Parker's ch m Erin's Queen by Hal Zolock-BJN, 6yrs, 2sec, A Fleming 1.
R G C Munro's b m Stanley's Child, aged, 2sec, R Logan 2.
L Hazlett's ch g Hectorata, aged, 3sec, A Hendricksen 3.

Nancy Stair 3sec also started.

Erin's Queen went to the front shortly after the start, and led Hectorata by a couple of lengths. This order was maintained during the whole of the second round. In the straight Hectorata and Stanley's Child challenged strongly, but Erin's Queen stayed well and won by three lengths, with the third horse a similiar distance away. Times - 4m 42 4/5s; 4m 43 2/5s; 4m 44 4/5s.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 750 sovs; second 150 sovs and third 75 sovs from stake. 4.36 class. Two miles.

A Allen's b g Willie Lincoln by Lord Elmo-Mary Lincoln, 6yrs 12sec, A Fleming 1.
B Jarden's b h Author Dillon, 6yrs, scr, Owner 2.
S G Lemon & J Bryce's blk g Sherwood, aged, 8sec, A Hendricksen 3.

Jarden & Edgar's b h John Dillon, aged, 9sec, A Butterfield.
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged 7sec, Owner.
C Channing's br g Agathos, 10sec, E McDermott.
J G S Holmes's b g Moneymaker, aged, 11sec, A Pringle.
W H Norton's b m Trix Pointer, 5yrs, 11sec, F Holmes.
R E Hall's b g Frandocia, aged, 12sec, W Smith.
Author Dillon and John Dillon were bracketed.

Willie Lincoln began smartly, and at the end of half a mile was showing the way to Frandocia, Trix Pointer and Moneymaker, with John Dillon at the head of the next bunch. There was no change in the order of the leaders over the next circuit, but with six furlongs to go Moneymaker was on terms with Willie Lincoln, while Author Dillon had made up most of his handicap. Racing to the back stretch, Sherwood moved up, and going along the back Author Dillon put in a brilliant run, and quickly cut down most of those in front of him. Willie Lincoln led into the straight, and lasting long enough to stall off a strong challenge from Author Dillon, won by half a length. Sherwood was a length away third, and then came Moneymaker, Agathos, and Trix Pointer. Times - 4m 36 2/5s; 4m 24 3/5s; 4m 33s.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.44 class. Two miles.

J R Corrigan's b m Joan of Arc by Albert Chevalier, aged, 6sec, J Bryce jun 1.
H Wedmore's b g Granger, 6yrs, 5sec, F E Jones 2.
J R Blackie's b h Sir Fulham, aged, 3sec F Gray 3.

Irvar 4sec, Peter Mac 4sec, Bridgewood 6sec, Dillon Eddy 6sec, Rorke's Drift 6sec, Acushla Machree 7sec, Scottish Queen 7sec, Pax 7sec and Commander Bell 8sec also started.

Pax, Rorke's Drift and Commander Bell was the order of the leaders at the end of half a mile. Going along the back Rorke's Drift took charge, and with six furlongs to go was followed by Sir Fulham, Granger and Bridgewood. Rorke's Drift was beaten two furlongs from home, and Sir Fulham went on in front, but in the straight Joan of Arc put in a strong run and won by a length from Granger, who was half a length in front of Sir Fulham. Peter Mac, who lost a good deal of ground at the start, was six lengths aay fourth, with the rest strung out. Times - 4m 42s; 4m 41 2/5s; 4m 39 3/5s.

DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 4.45 class. Two miles.

C Allington's b g Whispering Willie by Woodland Whispers-Gossip, aged, 5sec, G B Murfitt 1.
W R McNairn's b g Red Heather, aged, 5sec, A Cox 2.
W J Moir's br m Lady Patricia, aged, 7sec, A Fleming 3.

Leslie's b g Electrocute, aged, 5sec, J Wright.
Mrs J Lawrence's b m Olive L, aged, 5sec, E Berry.
A R Edgerton's ch g Lord Roanchild, aged, 5sec, A Hendricksen.
C James's b h Paul Huon, aged, 7sec, Owner.
Houston & Wilson's br g Galician, aged, 7sec, M Edwards.
T G Fox's b m Truganini, aged, 9sec, Owner.

Lady Patricia, Truganini and Lord Roanchild were the most prominent from the start, and going past the stand the first time Lady Patricia was leading from Lord Roanchild and Truganini, in that order, with Paul Huon and Red Heather following. At the end of a lap Lord Roanchild was called off for starting before his time. Running down the back and past the stand Lady Patricia still retained her lead, but then Truganini went on in front from Lady Patricia, while Whispering Willie made a forward move. Coming into the straight Whispering Willie had assumed command, and eventually won nicely by six lengths, while Lady Patricia was four lengths away in third place. Truganini was fourth, and Olive L fifth. Times - 4m 43s; 4m 45s; 4m 50s.

HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 2.52 class. One mile and a quarter.

R G C Munro's b m Stanley's Child by Stanley-Lily, aged, 1sec, R Logan 1.
M Edwards & S Humphrey's blk g Vice-Admiral, 6yrs, 3sec, M Edwards 2.
A E Fletcher's ch g Ramitiari, aged, 4sec E J Smith 3.

Pitaroa 3sec and Bundura 3sec also started.

Pitaroa refused to begin properly, and Vice-Admiral and Ramitiari quickly established a good lead from Stanley's Child and Bundura. Although she had lost ground by a break, Stanley's Child closed on the leaders by the time the straight was reached, and won by two lengths from Vice-Admiral, who was a length in front of Ramitiari. Pitaroa was eight lengths away fourth, and Bundura last. Times - 2m 58 3/5s; 2m 56s; 2m 57 1/5s.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 2.16 class. One mile.

A R Farrell's b m Cora Dillon by Harol Dillon-Gloria, 6yrs, 4sec, E McDermott 1.
E H Cucksey's b g Huon Patch, aged, 2sec, B Jarden 2.
A H Forbes's b g Ariadne, aged, 3sec, F Holmes jun 3.

Lord Minto scr, Beckom 1sec, St Kevin 1sec and Frank Tracey also started.

Frank Tracey was in front in the early stages of the race, but was soon displaced by Cora Dillon, and going past the stand Cora Dillon led from Ariadne, Frank Tracey and Huon Patch. Cora Dillon increased her advantage going down the back stretch, and led into the straight, eventually winning by five lengths, with Ariadne four lengths away. Beckom was fourth and Lord Minto fifth. Times - 2m 12 4/5s; 2m 12 3/5s; 2m 14 3/5s.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sov and third 35 sovs from stake. 2.48 class. One mile and a quarter.

Jarden & Edgar's b h John Dillon by Harold Dillon-Vivid Carlo, 3sec, B Jarden 1.
Mrs A M Seymour's br h Admiral Wood, aged, 3sec, F Holmes 2.
J Bryce's b h Cathedral Chimes, aged 2sec, A Hendricksen 3.

Adelaide Direct 2sec also started.

John Dillon commenced smartly, and going out of the straight was leading Adelaide Direct and Admiral Wood, with Cathedral Chimes last. John Dillon led into the straight and won nicely by three lengths, with Cathedral Chimes two lengths away third. Times - 2m 48 2/5s; 2m 49s; 2m 48 4/5s

Credit: The Press 9 Nov 1918