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INTERNATIONAL HISTORY

The German Nazi Party is established.

President Roosevelt launches his New Deal in the US.

July - Wiley Post made the first solo round-the-world flight.

LOCAL HISTORY

November 9 - Mrs E R McCombs (Lyttelton) becomes the first woman MP in NZ.

Beginning of daffodil plantings in Hagley Park. Nearly all the hundreds of thousands of bulbs were donated by the people of Christchurch.

The last full-blooded Moriori, Tame Horomona (Tommy Sullivan), dies in the Chatham Islands.

Credit: Ch-Ch CityLibraries

RACING HISTORY

Owner Margaret Harrall achieved every owners Cup dream by not only winning with Red Shadow, but also owning the second horse, Royal Silk. However, because they were trained by James Bryce and Leo Berkett respectively, it was not until 2002 Gracious Knight won and Facta Non Verba was second that the training quinella was achieved. The partnership of Mike Berger and Warren Rich trained both horses.

RACING HISTORY FAMILY INTERESTS

MANVERS EDWARDS (Dill)

Dill Edwards was a son of Manny, he was also a public trainer most of his life. There is a photo of Dill talking to the Governor General of NZ, Lord Galway at Addington after winning a prominent race.

Dill had several successes but his most prominent being the trainer driver of three NZ Sapling Stakes at Ashburton - 1933 War Bouy, 1935 Frisco Lady, 1937 Two's Loose. Another good horse Dill had was Gamble.

Dill Edwards applied for and was granted his fathers racing colours of White, Green sleeves and cap

Credit: Lesley Glassey writing in the Berry Family History

RACING HISTORY HORSES

RED SHADOW

The star performer at Addington yesterday was Red Shadow, who, in addition to carrying off the honours of the Dominion's premier light harness race, the New Zealand Trotting Cup, also won the concluding event of the day, the Hagley Handicap, of one mile and a quarter.

In the former race he gave a great exhibition of stamina, while in the mile and a quarter race he showed a flash of brilliance over the final furlong. It was the performance of a great horse to break 2min 40sec on a course which 24 hours previously had been a quagmire.

The double success of Red Shadow was a triumph for the well-known Hornby trainer, J Bryce, who has now prepared the winner of six New Zealand Cups. His candidate in this year's race looked the pick of the field on the score of condition and at the telling stages of the race there was evidence of his thorough preparation.

Red Shadow came into his present ownership, that of Mrs M Harrall, who also owns the runner-up, Royal Silk, in March last, when, at a special auction conducted by Messrs H Matson and Co., he was purchased for the sum of 625 guineas. As he is only a six-year-old and a stallion, it is to be expected that he will add considerably to his already good list of winnings.

Red Shadow is by imported Travis Axworthy, a horse brought to this country from America by Mr E X Lelievre in 1924, and his dam is Our Aggie, who was bred in Scotland and raced in that country by J Bryce.

Credit: THE PRESS 8 Nov 1933

RACING HISTORY HORSES

HUON VOYAGE

While the race for the Dominion Handicap was disappointing in that before half the distance had been covered there were really only four horses with pretensions of winning, this shortcoming was compensated for by the winner, Huon Voyage.

The Australian-bred gelding who has a record of 4min 22 3/5sec, gave a very solid display of trotting and his fine stamina stood him in good stead over the concluding stages. It is no easy task for a horse to make up the ground he did in such a short distance and then to maintain his effort over the remaining distance of the two miles, but Huon Voyage did his part well and his success was well received.

Brought to New Zealand during the 1931-32 season from Melbourne, Huon Voyage a few months after his arrival established a new record for trotters over two miles when he finished second in 4min 22 3/5sec to Mountain Ore at Addington. Nearly a year ago he, with several others of Mr F B McFarlane's horses, was sumitted for auction, before Mr McFarlane's departure for Australia, but he failed to change hands and was left with R J Humphreys to train. Mr McFarlane in the meantime has relinquished all his other trotting interests and has a small team of gallopers which he trains with a fair measure of success at Flemington.

The news that his New Zealand representative has won the highest class trotters race in the Dominion, which carries a stake of 600 sovs, will no doubt be received with satisfaction by the Victorian owner.

R J Humphreys, by training Huon Voyage to win the Dominion Handicap, and Harold Logan to win a New Zealand Cup, has joined a small band of trainers who have trained the winners of the two most imprtant races in their respective spheres in New Zealand. Other trainers who have done so are J Bryce and J Tasker.


Credit: THE PRESS 8 November 1933

RACING HISTORY HORSES

PARISIENNE - Classic Winner Producing Mare

Parisienne (1933 Rey de Oro-Yenot), NZ family of Bessie B; 2:07.8; £13,532; 16 wins; 10 foals, 6 winners. Breeder: George McMillan, Remuera. Foals bred by: Mrs D R Rewell, Auckland (Bohemian, Jacqueline); D R Rewell (Agricola, Spring Fashion); Sir John McKenzie, Christchurch (Mary Wootton, La Mode, Scotch Paree); Roydon Lodge Stud, Christchurch, (U Scott filly, La Mignon, Golden Hero).

Parisienne's sire Rey De Oro (Copa De Oro) was imported in 1922 (his dam Subito had left four winners of 2:10MR at time of Rey De Oro's export). He won in harness at New Brighton and under saddle at Addington. Rey De Oro was leading sire on three occasions as well as a leading broodmare sire. His siring credits (230 winners) included Daphne De Oro & Gold Chief (NZ Derby), Graham Direct & Uenuku (AK Cup), Morello (NZ Cup), Parisienne & Roi L'Or (NZFFA & AK Cup), Subsidy, Symphony & Daphne De Oro (GN Derby), Turco (NZFFA); damsire (308 winners) of Buller Pass (WA Cup), Chamfer(GN Derby & NZ Cup), Fallacy, Scottish Lady & Free Fight (NZ Derby), Gold Bar (NZ Cup & FFA), New Oro (Hunter Cup).

Her dam Yenot (Harold Dillon-Rothschild mare) was bred at Springburn by Rogatski's and originally owned and trained by T H McGirr. Yenot traces back through Bessie B to Minto, a Berlin mare. Yenot was sold to Geotge McMillan after winning the Drayton Hcp at the 1024 Methven Racing Club's spring meeting. Apart from Parisienne, she left Lillian Bond (ancestress of Beaudiene Butler, Beaudiene Bad Babe, Beaudiene Boaz, Beaudiene Christian, Guns N Roses, Role Model) and Princess Yenot (Western Ridge). Yenot died shortly after foaling Parisienne who was bucket raised.

Bessie B started one of NZ's leading maternal families. Her 1933 foal Parisienne is the major source of her success. Many of her daughters continued strong branches of the family. The list of major achievers is extensive including Terror To Love, Lombo Pocket Watch, Lombo La Fe Fe, Suave Stuey Lombo in recent years and Preux Chevalier, Scottish Command, Garcon Roux, Soangetaha, from earlier eras.

Commencing racing in the 1935/6 season as a 2yo, Parisienne's one success came in the Sapling Stakes at Ashburton. Raced by Mrs D R Rewell and trained by Roy Berry, she had a productive three-year-old season with victories in the blue Ribbon GN/NZ Derbies, also victory at New Brighton with a second in the Champion Stakes at Ashburton. Her Stellar season was at four with no less than eight wins, seven at Addington (Queen Mary, Heathcote, Lyttleton & Mason Hcps, ID heats[3]) and the Metropolitan Hcp at Forbury Park. Parisienne rounded out her Addington season by taking out the ID Pacing Championship on points (28½) for trainer/driver Roy Berry, being stake earner of the year in 1938 (£3,340).

At five, Parisienne's three victories were at Ashburton's Boxing Day Hcp, CPTC Selwyn Hcp and Forbury's Metropolitan Hcp in a world pacing mares record of 4:15.6 for two miles. Notable placings recording seconds in the Hannon Memorial, NZFFA (Logan Derby); third in Easter Hcp and fourth in NZMTC Presidents Hcp. At six, her only performance of note was fourth in NZFFA and her final season at seven being victorious in the Hannon Memorial. She finished with a career record of 16 wins, 14 placings, stakes of £13,532 and 2:07.8MR. Parisienne was acquired for breeding by John McKenzie with assistance from George Noble in 1945.

Parisienne is a member of NZ Trotting Hall of Fame.

Standout performer La Mignon's thirteen victories came in a race career spanning from two to seven years. Raced by Sir John McKenzie and trained by George Noble, her three two-year-old wins from four starts came in the Methven 2yo Stakes, CPTC Juvenile and Sapling Stakes (11th filly winner) beating Light Nurse. La Mignon was unraced at three due to a training injury and from four 4yo starts saluted the judge on two occasions at Addington (Shirley & Islington Hcps). At five her three wins were at Ashburton and Addington (CPTC Presidents Hcp/ Winter Cup) and a fourth in the New Brighton Cup. Her most productive winning season came at six when her four wins were FPTC President's Hcp, CPTC Otley Hcp and at Alexandra Park, CF Mark Memorial & Farwell Hcp. La Mignon's final victory came in the Louisson Hcp as a seven year old (3rd NZ Cup) before proceeding to the broodmare paddock. She was the dam of:
- Filet Mignon, granddam of Ohoka Ace (WA C/S-4/5, Fremantle Sprint twice); 3rd dam of Four Starzzz Flash (Elsu Classic-3, Akaroa, CPTC Winter, Ashburton & Central Otago Cups & Maurice Holmes Vase).
- Garcon Roux, brilliant pacer, winnerof 16 NZ races the most important ones being Timaru Nursery Stakes, Welcome Stks, GN & NSW Derbies, NZ Sires Produce-3, AK Cup, National Hcp together with numerous juvenile (two to three-year-old) events. Among first 100 2 minute pacers in NZ (14th) and first 100 NZ bred pacers in two minutes, recording 1:59.6TT at Hutt Park in February 1969, this being the first time a three-year-old in Australasia had broken two minutes. He was the second three-year-old to qualify for the NZ Cup after Tactile. Garcon Roux also won three races at Harold Park(NSW Derby, R C Simpson Sprint, 4YO Invitation Stakes). Garcon Roux became the inaugural Pacer and Harness Horse of the Year in 1969. Sold to America he won several good races, the last being a Hollywood Park invitational as an eight-year-old. Last raced in July 1973 prior to his being put down owing to back trouble.
- Ma Cherie, 5th dam of Andys Favourite (Redwood-2T)
- Rouxla, granddam of Captain Sensible (Wairarapa Cup).
- Roydon Roux, classic juvenile filly whose 11 wins (seven wins as a two-year-old included Golden Slipper Stakes, GN Derby, NSW Raith Memorial and heat VIC Oaks. After winning VIC Oaks heat, she shattered a pastern bone on the Melbourne Showgrounds course and had to be destroyed.

La Mode, unraced mare, granddam of star juvenile pacer Rocket Glenfern (NSW Sapling, QLD Derby); 3rd dam of Pardon Me Boys (WA Golden Slipper-2); 4th dam of Aapennon Lad (VICSS-2c).

Mary Wootton, named after the first Miss New Zealand (also an engagement present from JR McKenzie to son Roy and future daughter in law Shirley), had four unplaced starts as a two-year-old before commencing an extremely fruitful breeding career. She was the dam of:
- Flying Mary, dam of classy trotter Highland Flight (23 wins) for the Lockyers of Raetihi in late 1960's (ID heat, Cambridge trotter Flying Mile, Bridgens & Rhodes Memorials).
- Heather Mary, winner of eight, five in succession including Thames & Waikato Cups, St Heliers & Champion Hcps (Alexandra Park); dam of Golden Sands, GN Oaks, Stratford Cup among 8 NZ wins for Brian Meale and Charlie Hunter, 8 USA wins and then bred from by Delvin Miller and Roy McKenzie; good producer and granddam of Preux Chevalier ($¾m, 1:54.3, WA, Winfield, Harold Park & Hunter(2) Cups, NZFFA, !D Pacing Final, Qld Pacing C/S, Miracle Mile, Grand Circuit Pacing Champion, Australian Harness Horse of Year, sire of Ryans Day-SA Cup, damsire of millionaire Fleur de Lil-1:51.3US, WA Oaks, Breeders Crown-3f).
- Highland Melody, dam of Chaka (Waimate Cup); Granddam of Mels Boy ((Welcome & Kindergarten Stakes, GN Derby, Wellington Cup); 4th dam of Distant Memory (Bathurst Gold Tiara, VICSS-2f), Dazed and Confused (APG-3f).
- Roydon Mary, dam of Roydon Dream, dam of:
1. Dream Star, granddam of Slick Vance (WA Golden Nugget); 3rd dam of multiple(3) NZ Cup winner Terror To Love ($2m, 1:51.0, Taylor Mile, Jewels-4/5, Easter, Auckland & Cranbourne Cups, Canterbury Classic(2), ID heats(2)); 5th dam of Ambro The Thug (NZSS-2c).
2. Roydon Glen, winner GN Derby, Messenger, Auckland Cup, Pan Am Mile, Harness Horse of the Year, sire of 47 NZ winners- champion trotter Lyell Creek (15 Australasian Gp1's, T1:52.2US, approximately $3m), damsire of 53 NZ bred winners - Richard Henry (WA Derby), Solberge (Nevele R Fillies).
3. Roydon Scott, top class pacer winner of Hannon & Barton Memorials, Wellington Cup.
4. Roydon Vision, granddam of Tuherbs (Welcome Stakes, Easter Cup), and third dam of Canny Lombo (VICSS-2c), Misty Maiden (AUS Derby, AUS Broodmare of the Year); 4th dam of Lombo Pocket Watch ($1.5m, Bathurst Gold Crown-2c, APG-2&3c, VICSS-2&3c, AUS, TAS & VIC Derbies, WA Golden Nugget, Harness Horse of Year); 5th dam of Lombo Skyrider ($¾m, 1:50.0US. AUS 2YO Pacer of Year).
5. Scottish Command, 16 NZ wins including Auckland Cup off 60 yards, ID Pacing Consolation winner with whom Roy McKenzie won his first race as a reinsman. Placed third in 1961 NZ from Charlie Hunter, second to Cardigan Bay in NZFFA and fourth in Cardigan Bay's 1961 AK Cup. Sent to North America, he won several races but suffered bad quarter cracks. He won races at Prestatyn Wales, on his return journey to NZ. Sire of 123 winners taking out sires premiership in 1977/78 season. His winners included Black Watch (NZ C/S-2, Broodmare of Year, NZ Trotting Hall of Fame), Paula Scott (GN Oaks), Scottish Charm (ID Pacing Consolation (4th dam of Keystone Del T1:53.9, Glenferrie Farms Challenge(2), Great Southern Star), Scottish Laddie (GN Derby), Scottish Warrior (Messenger), Sole Command (NZ & AK Cups), Trevira (Easter Cup), Trusty Scot (NZ Cup & FFA). Broodmare sire of 281 winners including good trotter Game Paul, Jack Morris ($¾m, ID Pacing Final, Truer Memorial, Aust & TAS Pacing C/S), Markovina (ID Pacing Final, Aust Pacing C/S), Scotch Tar (Dominion Hcp twice).

Scotch Paree, good class trotter (8 wins) who didn't commence racing until a six-year-old winning on six occasions (Nelson twice, Wellington, Timaru, Forbury Park, Addington). Major success came at seven in winning the NZ Hambletonian (Addington) and also at New Brighton. Following a placing at eight and being unplaced at nine, she became the dam of:
1. Garcon D'Or, 10 NZ wins (Ashburton Flying Stakes) and multiple winner in North America (1:57.4US)
2. Irish Paree, 3rd dam of Letterkenny Lad (Firestone FFA, AxP Winter Cup (1:51.4US)
3. Light Paree, 3rd dam of Argyle Gem (WA Sires Produce-2c)
4. Light Scotch, 3rd dam of Lombo Adreamin (Breeders Crown-2f, QLD Oaks), Hurricane Jett (NSWSS-2c); 4th dam of Lombo La Fe Fe ($½m, VICSS-2f, NSW Breeders Plate-2, GN Oaks)
5. Mon Amie, Otaki Cup.
6. Scotch Cherie, 3rd dam of My Cherie (VICSS-2f, Tatlow Memorial-2f, VIC Oaks; 5th dam of Ultimate Girl (TAS Oaks).

Spring Fashion, five race winner including Canterbury 3YO Stakes (New Brighton), Marlborough Cup. She was the dam of:
1. Andrea Kaye, 3rd dam of The Kindly One (Bathurst Gold Tiara-2f).
2. Spring Fever, dam of Blue Venture, damsire of Armada Miss (NSW Oaks)

Ultra Girl, unraced mare dam of:
1. Meadow Leigh, 4th dam of Alta Orlando (Welcome Stakes).
2. Prince Kid, ID Trotters heat.
3. Tawarri, granddam of Le Ruisseau (VIC Oaks); 3rd dam of Riverlea Bay (VICSS-2f), Riverlea Jack (VICSS-3c, VIC Bicentennial Challenge, Qld Winter, Geelong, Kilmore, Cranbourne & Melbourne Pacing Cups, sire of Ataturk (ID ht).
4. Trios Choice, winner and sire in Australia of 70 winners (40 as broodmare sire).

Parisienne's male progeny included:
- Bohemian, the Roy Berry representative won two races including GN Stakes-2, third in Cross Stakes and fourth in Wellington stakes at three before his second win at Greymouth JC meeting. He raced unsuccessfully for a further three seasons.
- Golden Hero proved a successful juvenile winning the Sapling & Oamaru Juveniles at two and being placed thirdin the Timaru Nursery and second in the Methven two-year-old. At three his sole success came at Ashburton and his placings included a second in Canterbury 3YO Stakes (Addington), third in T S Harrison 3YO Stakes(Methven) and fourth in NZ Derby. He went on to record one further win in his final season at four - Auckland TC Devonport Hcp.
- Agricola, race from three to ten and apart from two placings as a six-year-old and another at seven, was a nine-year-old before recording his three victories at Ashburton, Geraldine RC and Greymouth.


Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed May 2015

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1933 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Scotty Bryce's sixth Cup win with Red Shadow was also significant in the fact that his owner, Mrs M Harrall, also raced the runner-up Royal Silk.

Bryce had bred Red Shadow, but following an ownership dispute was forced to offer him at public auction the previous March.

He was in quite brilliant form at the meeting and after also winning the sprint event later on Cup Day, won the feature race double on the last day, emulating the feat of Cello Sydney Wilkes in 1919 in winning four races at the meeting.

Credit: New Zealand HRWeekly 8Oct03

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1933 NEW ZEALAND CUP

A more beautiful afternoon could hardly have been imagined than that on which Red Shadow won the thirtieth New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington yesterday. After the rain of the previous day and the gloomy forecast of the morning the sun shone out warmly and the air washed clean by the rain had a sparkling clearness that matched the mood of the thousands of spectators who saw the race.

The attendance on the course was larger than last year - indeed, it is said to have been larger than any Cup day for many years - and the crowd was well rewarded for it's courage in risking the uncertainty of the weather.

The course looked its best. There was warmth in the shelter of the stands and coolness in the light airs of the southerly breeze. The track, though a little slow in the earlier part of the day, recovered rapidly after the sun came out, and by the time the fourth race was run it's surface was almost normal. No records were broken but the time of 4min 24 1/5sec for the Cup was excellent considering the heavy rain that had preceded the meeting.

As the afternoon wore on many more spectators, reassured by the clearing skies, came out from town to swell the crowd, and their numbers and good spirits made the meeting one of the most successful for years. Even the unofficial spectators who lined the fences and squatted on the tops of railway trucks on the far side of the course were more numerous than normal. Dust the curse of all race meetings and of all racegoers, was almost completely absent and the freshness of the lawns, the foliage of the gardens and the trees beyond made a delightful picture.

There have been better contests for the New Zealand Trotting Cup that that which was witnessed yesterday, when several of the runners showed unmistakeable signs of distress with little less than half a mile to go. Lindbergh and Glenrossie were slow to move. Satin King was badly away and broke again at the end of six furlongs, afterwards being in the rear of the field. Sir Guy, Mountain Dell, Kingcraft, Royal Silk, and Free Advice were first to show up, and at the end of half a mile Mountain Dell led Royal Silk, Sir Guy, Kingcraft, Free Advice, Red Shadow, Wrackler, Glenrossie, Lindberg, Roi l'Or, and Harold Logan. At the mile Royal Silk still had charge but Sir Guy was beginning to drift. Passing the stands with a round to go Red Shadow made a fast forward move up the inside taking up second position to Royal Silk, and he was followed by Mountain Dell, Kingcraft, Free Advice, Glenrossie, Sir Guy, Wrackler, Roi l'Or, Lindberg, Harold Logan, and Satin King.

Just after entering the back straight Harold Logan began to improve his position, but a little further on Kingcraft dropped back, and he with Roi l'Or, Wrackler, Sir Guy, and Satin King were not considered. Royal Silk, Red Shadow, Mountain Dell, and Free Advice raced in Indian file into the straight, with Lindbergh, Harold Logan and Glenrossie almost on terms next.

Royal Silk held the lead just inside the furlong pole where Red Shadow challenged, and after a short tussle gained the lead which he held to the post, finishing a length and a half ahead of Royal Silk, who beat Mountain Dell by two lengths, with Lindbergh three lengths further back. Harold Logan could not sustain his run and finished fifth, with Glenrossie and Free Advice at the head of the remainder.

The race did not provide much excitement as there was not the usual changing of position and bunching of the field which is usually seen. Red Shadow really looked the winner a long way from home. His victory was well deserved as he had to be kept solidly at his work all the way. Royal Silk ran an excellent race, and right up to the form suggested by his Wellington success. He had to make the pace for more than a mile and then battled out the finish gamely. Mountain Dell was always in the leading division, her performance being a good one. Lindbergh was closer over the finishing stages than he was at any stage, and is likely to improve on that effort. Free Advice, Glenrossie, and Harold Logan raced soundly, but the performances of the remainder were poor, especially that of Sir Guy, in view of his excellent training performances.

Credit: THE PRESS 8 Nov 1933

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1933 DOMINION HANDICAP

Huon Voyage began well in the Dominion Handicap, and so fast did he trot over the first circuit that he was in third place to Louis Bingen and Biddy Parrish at the end of six furlongs, at this stage Todd Lonzia was the only other horse considered.

Huon Voyage joined Louis Bingen with six furlongs to go, and headed him shortly after the half mile had been passed. The only later occasion on which Huon Voyage was troubled was 100 yards from the post, where Todd Lonzia challenged strongly only to go into a break when practically on terms. Huon Voyage then went on to win by two lengths. Biddy Parrish, finishing very fast, beat Todd Lonzia into third place by three lengths, with Louis Bingen fourth. Stanley T was a very poor fifth.

This was a most disappointing contest, as early in the running it could be seen that half the field would not have any chance. Louis Bingen had every opportunity, but he was not equal to the occasion. Huon Voyage showed a high-class performance as he made up his handicap very quickly, and then had enough in reserve to stall off his sole challenger, Todd Lonzia. The last-named made an early mistake, and broke again when it looked as if he might head Huon Voyage in the straight, but the pressure told. Biddy Parrish performed well considering that she made her fist appearance yesterday after a spell of several months. Kempton did not complete the course.

The winner was ably driver by L O Thomas who thus recorded his first success as a reinsman in this event, while R J Humphreys, trainer of Huon Voyage, has not trained a winner of the event previously.

Credit: THE PRESS 8 November 1933

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1933 HAGLEY HANDICAP

Not having earned a penalty for his Cup success, it was only to be expected that Red Shadow would be favourite for the Hagley Handicap. Brent Zolock was not long in going to the front and he was followed by Mountain Dell, Logan's Pride, First Flight and Red Shadow at the end of four furlongs.

The favourite moved into third place in the back straight and he remained there following Brent Zolock and Mountain Dell into line for the post. Brent Zolock weakened in the straight, and Mountain Dell was momentarily in charge, but she was hanging out badly. Red Shadow put in his claim in the last 200 yards, and outspeeding the others he reached the post a length and a half ahead of Mountain Dell. Brent Zollock held his position and was third two lengths back, and Sunny Morn was fourth, just ahead of Free Advice. Following were Logan's Pride, First Flight and Wrackler. Great Logan did not leave the mark.

The unlucky horse of the race was Sunny Morn, who owing to a bad beginning was soon last. The great-brilliance that he showed in the middle stage suggested that he was unlucky not to have been in the money. He did well to finish fourth. While Red Shadow had too much speed for Mountain Dell over the last hundred yards, Mountain Dell would have made the task of Red Shadow much more difficult had she kept a straight course.

Credit: THE PRESS 8 Nov 1933

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1933 SPRING MEETING COMMENT

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club opened it's spring meeting at Addington yesterday in fine weather, with an excellent attendance. The track was in much better order than was anticipated. In fact, although it was heavy for the first race, a little dust was rising from it when the fourth race was in progress.

The principal race of the meeting, the New Zealand Trotting Cup, which is the biggest light harness event in the southern hemisphere, resulted in victory for Mrs M Harrall's six-year-old stallion, Red Shadow, which she purchased at a high figure some months ago. The same owner also races the runner-up in the Cup, Royal Silk, with which she has won many valuable races. Mr G J Barton's Mountain Dell was third after having been prominent all the way.

Although Red Shadow and Royal Silk are raced in the same ownership, they are trained by different trainers, J Bryce having prepared Red Shadow, while Royal Silk is in the establishment of L F Berkett. It is a honour not previously enjoyed by any owner to have both the winner and the runner-up in New Zealand's premier event. By Red Shadow's victory, J Bryce scored his sixth training success in the race, and no doubt it was due to his skilled preparation that Red Shadow was produced in winning form.

His Excellency, the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe and Lady Bledisloe were interested spectators for most of the afternoon, and his Excellency presented the Gold Cup to Mrs Harrall after the running of the New Zealand Cup.

Huon Voyage won the principal trotting event for his Australian owner, Mr F B McFarlane, who was not present to see his horse perform.

Altogether the racing was very good. Speculation on all events was very brisk, and the sum of £43,783 10s (win £17,233 10s, place £25,550) was recorded as against last year's total for the corresponding day of £41,891 10s an increase of £1892.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 11 Nov 1933

The spring meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was concluded at Addington yesterday in fine but windy weather, this condition mitigating against fast times, although the track was again fast. There was a record attendance, and investors fared well generally, four of the eight winners being favourites.

The racing was again interesting, and some excellent finishes were witnessed, notably that in the Christchurch Handicap, the principal race of the day. The race was won by Mrs M Harrall's Red Shadow by a length, but there was a great battle for second money, the second, third, and fourth horses being separated by necks only.

A feature of the whole fixture was the consistent form shown by the majority of horses, notably that of Red Shadow, who came through the fixture with an undefeated record in four starts, two on the first day and two on the concluding day. This is a performance never before equalled by a winner of the New Zealand Cup, although it is not the first time one horse has won four races at an Addington fixture, Cello Sydney Wilkes also claiming that honour.

The Free-For-All was robbed of a great deal of interest by the failure of Roi l'Or to leave the mark. He did not take any part in the race. There was another disappointment at the finish of the race, for just when it was expected that Harold Logan and Red Shadow would fight out a great duel Harold Logan broke, repeating his mistake a moment later, and was beaten into third place.

In view of the excellent form displayed by Red Shadow earlier in the meeting it was strange that Harold Logan was better backed than the Cup winner in the Free-For-All, but it takes a lot to shake the public's confidence in the erstwhile champion.

The first race of the day resulted in victory for Merce Bingen, who scored a surprise win and returned a rich dividend. Merce Bingen is owned by the local sportsman, Mr F W Johnston, who has not met with very much success with his horses in recent months.

The racing throughout the three days was of the highest class and visitors to Addington were provided with the very best entertainment. The crowds present every day were so large that there was a certain amount of inconvenience to investors by the delay in coping with so many people, but although the delay on the first day was considerable, there was a marked improvement on the two later days.

During the fixture there was only one enquiry held and the programme was completed without untoward incident. The arrangements for the meeting carried out under the organisation of the secretary, Mr A I Rattray, and his efficient staff, did not leave anything to be desired. The 1933 meeting has to be considered one of the most successful held for several years.

Yesterday's investments totalled £42,761 10s (win £16,610 10s, place £26,151), as against the sum of £39,069 recorded on the corresponding day last year, an increase of £3892 10s. The increase over last year's returns for the meeting is £4223 10s.

Totalisator figures for the corresponding day for the last five years are as follows:- 1929 - £69,112, 1930 - £59,273, 1931 - £41,243, 1932 - £39,069 and 1933 - £42,761 10s.

The totals for the three days for the last five years are:- 1929 - £201,302, 1930 - £159,791, 1931 - 110,717, 1932 - £109,728 10s and 1933 - £113,951.

Credit: THE PRESS 8 Nov 1933

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1933 NEW ZEALAND DERBY

Another record broken was that for three-year-olds, War Buoy now being credited with 3min 16 1/5sec, which gives him the honour of being the fastest three-year-old pacer ever raced in the Dominion. In winning the New Zealand Derby Stakes he reduced the record for the race by 4sec.

War Buoy is owned by Mrs E K Mauger, who has had the satisfaction of seeing her horse win every race he has contested, his score now being five. The Derby winner is a gelding by Man o' War from Little Kewpie, and he was bred by Mr J Mauger, who also had his dam, by Diadem from Little Alma. He is the most outstanding young pacer the Dominion has ever known.

All three horses in the New Zealand Derby Stakes made a tangle at the start and War Buoy swung right across Morello but then straightened up and went away in the lead, with Guy Junior bringing up the rear. Guy Junior then occupied second place until the mile post was passed by the leader in 2min 12 4/5sec, but shortly after was done with.

From there War Buoy had all his own way and he went on to win as he liked by six lengths in the race record time of 3min 16 1/5sec from Morello, who beat Guy Junior by 12 lengths.

It was only to be expected that the previously unbeaten War Buoy would retain his record, but the performance of Guy Junior was most disappointing in view of his excellent recent track work. On the other hand Morello, who was on this occasion driven by his trainer, showed to better advantage than was anticipated.

Credit: THE PRESS 10 Nov 1933

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1933 NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL

Red Shadow came through the Spring Meeting with an undefeated record in his four races by winning the Free-For-All from Kingcraft, who came with a fast run on the fence a hundred yeads from home. Harold Logan was in third place.

The early leaders were Free Advice, Glenrossie, Red Shadow, Royal Silk, Harold Logan and Sir Guy. With half a mile to go Harold Logan was last, but he then made a fast forward move, and leaving the back straight he drew level with Red Shadow. Red Shadow and Harold Logan then drew clear, and into the straight Red Shadow had a very slight advantage of Harold Logan, with Free Advice and Glenrossie following.

Then just as it was expected there would be an exciting tussle Harold Logan broke, but quickly recovered his gait, only to break badly again, and Red Shadow then had the lead which he held to the post to stave off the final thrust of Kingcraft by half a length. Harold Logan was three lengths further back in third place; then came Royal Silk, Sir Guy, Free Advice, and Glenrossie. Roi l'Or and Great Logan did not leave the mark.

Credit: THE PRESS 11 Nov 1933

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1933 CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP

The Christchurch Handicap was another excellent contest in which the field raced in bunched order over the final circuit and the race produced an excellent finish. Red Shadow gaining the verdict by a length.

When the field had settled down, Royal Silk was in charge fron Sunny Morn, Muriel de Oro, and Sir Guy. The leading division was the same over the opening mile and a quarter, and starting on the final circuit Royal Silk held command from Sunny Morn, Muriel de Oro, Sir Guy, Regal Voyage, Kingcraft, Glenrossie, Roi l'Or, Wrackler, Mountain Dell, Red Shadow, Lindbergh and Harold Logan.

Red Shadow and Harold Logan improved their positions racing along the back and Roi l'Or made a forward move into third place approaching the home turn. With a furlong and a half to go, Royal Silk was still in front from Sunny Morn, Roi l'Or, Regal Voyage, Glenrossie, Sir Guy, and Red Shadow, but half a dozen lengths would have covered all these horses.

Red Shadow, coming round the outside, soon put the issue beyond doubt with a brilliant run, and was in charge 100 yards from the post. He maintained his position to reach the post a winner by a length. There was a great battle for second money, in which Sir Guy, Harold Logan and Royal Silk figured and they flashed past the post with only necks between them. Roi l'Or was fifth, and he was followed by Lingbergh, Glenrossie, Kingcraft and Sunny Morn.

Credit: THE PRESS 11 Nov 1933