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TOTALISATOR ESTABLISHMENT.

Interesting reference to the operation of the totalisator on NZ courses is made by the Royal Commission on Gaming and Racing as follows:-

At that time (1881) portable totalisators had already apparently been in use for a year or two at various race meetings. They were of a crude and elementary character and their efficiency must have been of a low order. However, the operation of the totalisator, inefficient and inadequate as it was, must have interfered to some substantial extent with the business of bookmakers operating on the same course, or the bookmakers must have foreseen in the totalisator a strong future competitor, for various attempts were made to have the totalisator ostracised.

The opponents of the totalisator were constituted of two, what might be thought, incompatable factions - bookmakers who were seeking a momopoly of gambling, and the churches and all those elements of the community which were opposed to gambling in any shape or form.
Despite this incongruity, a similar alliance in future is not beyond the limits of possibility, particularly if the lessons of experience are disregarded by those to whom gambling is abhorrent. The high watermark of the attack on the totalisator came in 1896 when the second reading of the Bill to abolish the totalisator was carried in the House of Representatives. The Bill was carried by a fair majority, but it never reached a third reading.

Over the next ten years the conflict was continued without either side gaining any recognisable advantage. Just how divided popular opinion was is shown by the fact that in 1907 the then Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, laid on the table of the House of Representatives a table showing the number of petitioners for and against the totalisator. The table showed that there were 36,311 signatures in favour of the totalisator and 36,471 against it.

Apparently prior to 1907 the interests of the bookmakers had been suffering some retrogression. Although their activities, except in a few particular rspects, were nowhere prohibited by Statute, they had been gradually expelled from racecourses by the action, probably co-ordinated, of individual racing clubs. Their activities were only limited in that betting houses were prohibited by the Act of 1881, whilst the laying of totalisator odds and dealing in totalisator tickets had been prohibited by the Gaming and Lotteries Amendment Act, 1894.

In this state of affairs, the Gaming and Lotteries Amendment Act, 1907, was introduced into the House of Representatives as a Government measure by Sir Joseph Ward. The whole measure seems to have been contentious to the uttermost degrees. The opposition to it disclosed another example, despite the divergent ultimate objects which they sought to achieve, of an alliance between bookmakers and those opposed to gambling.

From the reports of the debate on the Bill, it would seem that all members of the House were of the opinion that gambling had become unruly prevalent throughout the country. Even those who approved of betting on races were disposed to concur in some action having a general tendancy acceptable to those opposed to gambling in any form. From this limited concurrence of view and despite the essential conflict of opinion which existed between various factions, a conviction seems to have developed that it was in the public interest that all betting on races should be confined exclusively to racecourses. This conviction concurs with the views expressed by the House of Lords Committee in 1902, but seems to have been reached independently in NZ.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 12May48

NOTES ON HORSE AND SULKY (By THE POSSIBLE.) Jewels Heiress put up a fine performance in winning the' Shorts Handicap in 2min 19 sec. It was very bad luck for the connections of Prince Elmo to run up against such a speedy customer as the American mare. Electrician and Al F, two members of Albaugh's team, were among the mcst unlucky performers at the meeting, as they both reduced their records considerably without winning. Al F was three times third out of four starts.

The victory of Lady Inez in the last race of the meeting, the Au Revoir Handicap, was rather unpopular with a section of the crowd, who apparently found it hard to reconcile her winning performance with her defeat earlier in the meeting.

When still a lap from home in the Champion Handicap, won by Verity, Black Venus was pulled up the bank and slowed down. Her driver, Wright, was asked for an explanation, when he informed the stewards that he thought it was the last lap. The explanation was accepted.

The racing throughout the four days was uniformly good, Mr Brinkman having brought his fields well together. No records were broken, but the times recorded taken on the whole, were very fast, and more than one horse had the task of winning in future seriously affected by a big reduction on its previous record, without the compensation of annexing a stake.

Though he had to put up with second place in the Exhibition Cup, Dan Patch proved that he was quite- worthy of the reputation that preceded him to Christchurch from Melbourne. Immediately after the big race he was brought out for the Pioneer Handicap, in which he registered a mile and a quarter in 2min 53 2-5 sec, which works out at about 2min 19sec for the mile.

The big stakes offered by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club at its recent meeting proved an excellent corrective against non-triers. All the same, there were several palpable cases of waiting tactics, and, in one case at least, the totalisator figures on the next occasion when the horse started furnished plenty of proof that a much better display could be expected.

The Allendale Stock Farm's team, under the care of the Robertson Brothers, captured a fair share of the spoil at the recent meeting. Dan Patch was the best winner, capturing the Christchurch Handicap and Pioneer Handicap, besides finishing second in the Exhibition Cup. Alice Palm won the Halswell Handicap, Birchmark the Best and Best Handican and Jewel's Heiress the Shorts Handicap. C. Piper has received many fine performers from Mr J. A. Buckland, but I doubt if he has had many more promising than Vanish and Vivid. These two Vancleve mares have only been in New Zealand for a few weeks, yet one is already close down to the 4.50 mark, and another broke 5min when beaten in her first race last week. Both mares can probably be improved a lot yet, so that they should keep the cracks moving before the season closes.

Albertorious is a greatly improved horse since he first raced on Canterbury tracks last June. At that time his owner was anxious that his horse should reach the 5min mark, but despaired of its accomplishment. He has, however, gradually gone on doing better, and now, with 4min 46 2-seec opposite his name, I would not like to say that he has reached his limit, as his last win was gained in very decisive fashion.

G. Milsom's Sydney team, though successful in several races, was a trifle unlucky, several unprofitable placed performances being recorded. The disqualification of Little Ned for starting before his time in the Lincoln Handicap was most unfortunate, but I do not see how the stewards could have done otherwise than uphold their official after he had reported the matter. I learn, by the way, that it is Milsom's intention to remain in Christchurch with his horses for a few months.

The recent meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club may be described as the most successful trotting fixture ever held in New Zealand. The attendance was large on each day of the meeting, the crowd present on Friday being one of the biggest I have ever seen on the ground. The visitors were prepared to bet, too, and but for the rain which fell on Thursday afternoon the record totalisator turnover, £48,428, would have been considerably larger than it was. The grounds were in fine order, and the track provided first-class going. Although in a very bad state on Thursday night, the track was looking all right again on Friday morning, and Caretaker French must have put in a lot of work to have it in such order after the soaking it got on Thursday afternoon.

Sal Tasker, who won the Juvenile Stakes two seasons ago in the record time of 2min 20sec, made only one appearance at the meeting, this being on the last day when she came out to contest the Exhibition Cup, the most valuable prize ever given for a trotting race in New Zealand. Since she last raced in New Zealand, Sal Tasker has filled out a lot, and she now takes the eye as a beautiful specimen of the trotting horse. D. J. Price had her looking well, and the manner in which she saw out the fast two-mile journey furnished abundant evidence that her condition was all right. Drawing to the front at the start, she was never seriously challenged till a mile had been covered, when Dan Patch ran up to her. For half a mile Sal Tasker seemed to be at top, but she proved too great a sticker, and had Dan Patch beaten when the back stretch was entered. From that point she was never troubled, and won easily in 4min 44 8-ssec. That she has reached the limit of her speed yet I do not believe, and I quite expect to see her do something better before this season closes.

Mrs R. 0. Duncan, the owner of Sal Tasker, can certainly feel proud of owning such a fine performer. Quite recently, I learn, Mrs Duncan purchased Jessie and a yearling sister to Sal Tasker, and the mare has been sent to Melbourne to be mated with the Americanbred sire, Abbey Bells

Credit: The Possible writing in the Star 15 November 1906

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING FIRST DAY

Handicapper, Mr H Brinkman; Starter, Mr H Reynolds.

The weather was bitterly cold for the opening of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting at Riccarton to-day. There was a fair attendance. The following are the details of the racing:-

INTRODUCTORY HANDICAP (in harness), of 70 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr J A Buckland's b g Veracity, by Valiant - Whisper, 4yrs, 5sec (C Piper) 1.

Mr J Heinzmann's b m Queen Mab, 4yrs, 7sec (S Hamilton) 2.

Mr N Price's b c General Mac, 3yrs, scr (N Price) 3.

The Manager 6sec (coupled with Victor Hugo 14sec) Frances H 14sec, Good Luck 14sec, Wild Marie 15sec and Revenue also started.

Passing the stand, Queen Mab was six lengths in front of Veracity. This pair cleared right away from the field, and Veracity, taking the lead half a mile from home, won by six lengths. General Mac was over a hundred yards back. Time 5min 5 2/5sec. Dividends - Veracity £5 16s, Queen Mab 14s.

LINCOLN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 80 sovs; second horse 8 sovs and third horse 4 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr J Case's b g Victor Huon, by Huon Junr, 6yrs, 15sec (A Pringle) 1.

Mr B Edwards's b g Three Kings, aged, 10sec (M Edwards) 2.

Mr J Brankin's blk g Viewmont, 5yrs, 12sec (J Brankin) 3.

Zeppa 5sec, Murmur 10sec, Broadwood 10sec, Edward R 14sec and Up Guards 15sec also started.

Victor Huon soon had a big lead, and he won, pulling up by a dozen lengths, Three Kings beating Viewmont by a long neck for second place. Time 5min 19sec. Dividends - Victor Huon £2 2s, Three Kings 16s.

SELWYN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 70 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr M Edwards's b g Vanclare, by Vancleve, 5yrs, scr (Owner) 1.

Mr J A Buckland's b m Veneda, 4yrs, 3sec (C Piper) 2.

Mr J August's b m Transvaal, aged, 1sec (Owner) 3.

Broncho Bill 6sec, Teller 10sec and Ellie 12sec also started.

Vanclare was in front before half a mile had been covered and he won easily by a dozen lengths from Veneda, Transvaal being over a hundred yards away third. Time 5min 16 3/5sec. Dividend - £2 10s.

AUGUST HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second horse 15 sovs and third horse 7 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr Wilkie's br g Euchre, by Vancleve, 6yrs, 16sec (V Samuels) 1.

Mr J Case's b g Durbar, aged, 10sec (A Pringle) 2.

Mr R McDonnell's br m Imperialism, 4yrs, 11sec (Owner) 3.

Black Child scr, Monte Carlo 5sec, Verax 6sec, Van Dieman 13sec, De Wet 14sec, Queen V 14sec and The Orphan 16sec also started.

Passing the stand Euchre was leading by a dozen lengths from The Orphan with Imperialism three lengths away followed by Queen V, Durbar and De Wet. Turning into the back stretch Imperialism ran into second place and six furlongs from home she was within eight lengths of Euchre, Durbar having passed all the others. Nearing the straight Durbar closed on Imperialism and beat her home by five lengths, but Euchre held his own, and won by a length. De Wet, Black Child and Verax were the next to finish. Time 4min 57 1/5sec. Dividends - Euchre £3 10s, Durbar £1 16s.

-o0o-

Evening Standard 18 Aug 1904

Additional results:-

ALEXANDRA HANDICAP (saddle) of 95 sovs; Two miles - Bushman, 13sec, 1; Blithe Child, 9sec, 2; Factory Boy, 5sec, 3. Also started - Gleniti scr, George L II 4sec, Dexter 7sec, Cinders 7sec, Beautiful Bell 10sec. Won by three lengths. Time 5min 15 3/5sec. Dividends - £3 2s and £1 14s.

STEWARDS' HANDICAP (harness) of 115 sovs; One mile & a half - Verity, 7sec, 1; Doppleganger, 13sec, 2; Fran Syr,3. Also started Bill 2sec, Nabocklish 10sec, Mount Palm 10sec, Wild Flower 13sec, Larry II 14sec, Venice 15sec. Verity got to the front at half distance and won by eight lengths. Time 3min 47sec. Dividends - £5 and £2.

SPEEDWAY HANDICAP (saddle) of 90 sovs; One mile - Marian, 8sec, 1; Cocoanut, scr, 2; Kiddy Gee, 6sec, 3. Also started Naughty Girl scr, Kerryall 2sec, Burlingham 7sec, Electioneer Belle 8sec, Wild Wave 8sec, Sweet Marie 8sec, Gertie 9sec. Won by half a length. Time 2min 29 2/5sec. Dividends - £4 and £2 18s.

ELECTRIC HANDICAP (harness) of 100 sovs; One mile - Brother, 10sec, 1; Ballot, 10sec, 2; Ruby Wilkes, 8sec, 3. Also started Elector scr, Hamlin scr, Austerlitz, 2sec, Viva 4sec, Euchre 4sec, Verity 6sec, Pygmalion 9sec, The Boatman 10sec, Proud Child 11sec. Won by a length. Time 2min 28 1/5sec. Dividends - £2 8s and £1 14s.

Credit: Star 17 Aug 1904

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING Second Day

The weather was beautiful for the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting, but the Riccarton Racecourse is still very heavy from the effects of Wednesday night's rain. Results:-

TRIAL HANDICAP (saddle) 70 sovs; Two miles - Viewmont, 8sec, 1; Victor Huon, scr, 2; Tiny Peri, 16sec, 3. Also started - Vanclare scr, Experiment 7sec, Murmur 8sec, Veneda 10sec, Transvaal 16sec, Broncho Bill 20sec. Won easily by twelve lengths. Time 5min 13sec. Dividends - £9 and 18s.

PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP (harness) 70 sovs; Two miles - Mambrino King 5sec, 1; Cissio Wood 16sec, 2; Edward L 13sec, 3. Also started - Zeppa 1sec, Wild Flower 7sec, General Mac 9sec, Larry II 12sec, Victor Hugo 18sec. Won by twelve lengths. Time 5min 16 3/5sec. Dividends - £11 18s and 12s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (harness) 60 sovs; One mile and a half - Specialist 6sec 1; Premier Dick 12sec 2; Roseneath 9sec 3. Also started - Little Harold scr, The Manager 4sec, Colonial 6sec, Club Member 6sec, Eltee More 8sec, Victor Hugo 9sec, British Pluck 9sec, Lazy Jack 9sec, Anstrey 10sec. Won by four lengths. Time 4min 19 1/5sec. Dividends - £2 and £5 16s.

KING EDWARD HANDICAP (saddle) 110 sovs; Two miles - George L II 11sec 1; Burlingham 15sec 2; De Wet 5sec 3. Also started - Kerryall 7sec, Big Jim 7sec, Verity 7sec, Moira 10sec, Velvet 10sec, Cinders 13sec, Blithe Child 14sec, Electioneer Belle 15sec. Won by twelve lengths. Time 5min 3 1/5sec. Dividends - £7 8s and £1 10s.

MIDWINTER HANDICAP (harness) 175 sovs; Two miles - Vickery 5sec 1; Imperialism 9sec 2; Black Child scr 3. Also started - Boldrewood scr, Norice 3sec, Monte Carlo 5sec, Lancewood II 9sec, General Lincoln 9sec. Won by a head. Time 4min 54sec. Dividends - £7 16s and £2 2s.

PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP (harness) 120 sovs; One mile and a half - Euchre 3sec 1; Bill 7sec 2; Queen Mab 10sec 3. Also started - Austerlitz scr, Frederick 3sec, Elsie T 5sec, Veracity 6sec, Rosalind 7sec, Ruby Walker 7sec. Won by fifty yards. Time 3min 46 4/5sec. Dividends - £4 and £1 18.

DASH HANDICAP (saddle) 100 sovs; One mile - Mistle 9sec 1; Ben Hur 7sec 2; Marian 7sec 3. Also started - Cocoanut 1sec, St Simon 2sec, Vascoe 4sec, Sierra 4sec, Perewitu 5sec, Naughty Girl 5sec, Durbar 5sec, Kiddy Gee 3sec, Leda 9sec. Won by four lengths. Time 2min 31 3/5sec. Dividends - £2 4s and £5 6s.

TELEGRAPH HANDICAP (harness) 110 sovs; One mile - Coral Hue 5sec 1; Elector scr 2; All Day 4sec 3. Also started - Hamlin scr, Austerlitz 2sec, Frederick 4sec, Elsie T 5sec, The Orphan 6sec. Won by a length and a half. Time 2min 28sec. Dividends - £1 12s and £2 10s.

Credit: Evening Post 20 Aug 1904

NZMTC SPRING MEETING THIRD DAY

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was favoured with fine weather for the third day of its meeting at Riccarton. The course was in good order, and there was a fair attendance. The following are results:-

ADDINGTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 80 sovs; second horse 8 sovs and third horse 4 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr J Westerman's b g Edward R, by Electioneer, aged, 13sec (C Davidson) 1.

Mr M Edwards's b m Cissie Wood, 3yrs, 12sec (Owner) 2.

Mr N Price's b c General Mac, 3yrs, 7sec (Owner) 3.

Mambrino King scr, Nabocklish 1sec, and Larry II 12sec also started.

Cissie Wood quickly established a lead from General Mac and Larry II, and at the mile post was three lengths in front of General Mac. Entering the straight the latter closed up, but both leaders tired very badly, and Edward R coming with a strong run from outside the distance, won easily by six lengths, General Mac eight lengths away. Time 5min 22 3/5sec. Dividend - £9 6s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 60 sovs; second horse 3 sovs and third horse 2 sovs from the stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs J Carleton's gr g Strathconan, by Nilreb, aged, 2sec (R Kirkwood) 1.

Mrs S Humphries's ch g Lazy Jack, 5yrs, 12sec (S Humphries) 2.

Mrs R Day's b m The Gift, 3yrs, 10sec (A Day) 3.

Tea Tree scr, Maid E 4sec, Little Duke 5sec, Broncho Bill 6sec, Eltee More 10sec, Rockleigh 10sec, Eglantine 10sec, Clarinda 10sec, Gather-no-Moss 10sec, Teller 11sec, Zeta II 11sec, General Tar 11sec, Allmount 11sec Laura 12sec and Alicia 12sec also started.

Zeta II led for three furlongs, but broke and gave way to Lazy Jack. The latter led into the straight, with The Gift in close attendance and Gather-no-Moss well up. Strathconan came with a great run from the distance, and Lazy Jack breaking five yards from the post, Strathconan got up in time to win by a length. The Gift three lengths away third. Time 4min 6sec. Dividends - £16 14s and £2 6s

NATIONAL CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 210 sovs; second horse 21 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr E Thomas's b h Boldrewood, by General Tracy-Mermaid, aged, 1sec (A Pringle) 1.

Mr J A Buckland's b g Verax, 6yrs, 6sec (C Piper) 2.

Mr J S August's b h Black Child, aged, scr (N Price) 3.

Vickery 2sec, Norice 3sec, Monte Carlo 5sec and Vascoe 5sec also started.

Passing the stand, Verax held a three lengths lead, with Norice and Monte Carlo next and Vickery three lengths further away. At the post Monte Carlo and Norice closed up to within two lengths of Verax, and Boldrewood began to make up his ground. Three furlongs further on Vickery got on terms with Verax, and Boldrewood put in a strong run, which brought him to the front at the top turn. Once in line for home, Boldrewood held a lead of four lengths from Verax and Black Child, and, never being troubled, Boldrewood won comfortably by three lengths from Verax. Black Child a length and a half in front of Verax and Norice two lengths away fourth. Time 4min 45sec. Dividends - £2 12s and £1 16s.

CANTERBURY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 120 sovs; second horse 12 sovs and third horse 6 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr J Case's b g Durbar, by Vancleve, aged, scr (A Pringle) 1.

Mr J A Buckland's ch m Velvet, aged, 12sec (C Piper) 2.

Mr R Day's b m Moira, aged, 11sec (Owner) 3.

De Wet 7sec, Sierra 7sec, Kerryall 10sec and Big Jim 10sec also started.

Moira soon established a long lead from Velvet, with Sierra and De Wet at the head of the rear division. Durbar passed Sierra at the seven furlong post, and before the straight was reached had supplanted Moira, who was tiring badly. Durbar won comfortably by eight lengths. Valvet beating Moira in the run home by a length. Time 4min 55sec. Dividends - £2 18s and £1 14s.

Credit: Star 22 Aug 1904

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING FIRST DAY

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club Meeting commenced at Addington today. The investments on the totalisator amounted to £10,460 10s. Results:-

NOVICE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 100 sovs; Two Miles - Ciss, 12sec 1; Sondonio, 10sec 2; Austrez, scr 3. Veneda was scratched. Won by four lengths. Time 5min 25sec. Dividends - £7 12s and £1 6s.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; One mile and a half - Nabocklish, 11sec 1; My Mistake, 15sec 2; Sunol, 15sec 3. Scratched - Myrtle Dean and Wildflower. Won on the post. Time 3min 51 3/5sec. Dividends - £9 2s and £4 16s.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 115 sovs; Two miles - Cinders, 11sec 1; Viewmont, 15sec 2; Bushman, 14sec 3. Scratched - Karryall. Time 4min 54 1/5sec. Dividends - £2 6s and £2.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 220 sovs; Two miles - Factory Boy, 14sec 1; Lottie Derby, 14sec 2; Viva, 8sec 3. All started. Won by two lengths. Time 4min 47 4/5sec. Dividends - £2 6s and £1 8s.

SPRING HANDICAP of 100 sovs; Two miles - Vangeline, 14sec 1; Miss Vera Capel, 11sec 2; Havelock, 24sec 3. Also started Revenue, 9sec; Lone Hands 16sec. Won by a length. Time 5min 3sec. Dividend £7 14s.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP of 100 sovs; One mile - Discoverer, 5sec 1; Robert Emmett, 3sec 2; Velvet, 3sec 3. Also started Cinders 2sec behind scratch; Sweet Marie 1sec; Kozie 4sec; Beautiful Bells 1sec; Electioneer Belle 6sec; Gertie 6sec. Won by two lengths. Time 2min 27 2/5sec. Dividends - £17 2s and 14s.

IRWELL HANDICAP of 100 sovs; One mile - Lord Elmo, 12sec 1; Hettie H, 2sec 2; Galatea, 8sec 3. Aslo started Sunol 2sec; Jewels Heiress 4sec; Ivy B 3sec; Dearest 6sec; Sondonio 7sec; Darling 11sec. Time 2min 30 2/5sec. Dividends - £3 6s and £1 4s.

RICCARTON HANDICAP of 100 sovs; One mile - Elsie T, 7sec 1; Wild Wave, 7sec 2; Pygmalion, 5sec 3. Also started Lottie Derby 3sec; Lady Elmo 6sec. Won easily. Time 2min 27sec. Dividend - £2 14s.

Credit: Evening Post 8 & 9 Nov 1904

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING SECOND DAY

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was continued at Addington. Results:-

LADIES' BRACELET - Roseneath 1; My Lady 2; Satanella 3. All started. Won by 100 yards. Time 4min 1 3/5sec. Dividends - £5 14s and £2 14s.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP - Miss Banks 1; Mont Palm 2; Cissie Wood 3. All started. Won by a length and a half. Time 3min 45 2/5sec. Dividends - £8 2s and £2 18s.

CHAMPION HANDICAP; Two miles - Euchre, 5sec 1; Flora G, 5sec 2; Royalwood, 9sec 3. Also started - Verax 5sec, Fichu 6sec, Cocoanut 7sec, Elector 8sce, Austerlitz 9sec, Lancewood II 9sec. Dividends - £5 14s and £3 14s.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP; Two miles - Thurlow 1; St Simon 2; George L II 3. Dividends - £3 18s and £2 6s.

HORNBY HANDICAP; Two miles - Myrtle Dean 1; Queen Mab 2; Blithe Child 3. Dividends - £1 18s and 18s

HALSWELL HANDICAP; Two miles - General Mac 1; Cissie Wood 2; Miss Vera Capel 3. Dividends - £10 2s and £1 6s.

LINCOLN HANDICAP; One mile - Vascoe 1; Discovery 2; Robert Emmett 3. Dividends - £5 6s and £3 2s.

ROYAL HANDICAP of £100; One mile - Mr R Lyne's Hamlin 1; All Day 2; Viva 3. Dividends - £22 14s and £2 10s.

Credit: Evening Post 11Nov 1904

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING THIRD DAY

The weather was splendid for the third day. The totalisator turnover for the meeting amounted to £34,930. Results:-

BREEDERS' HANDICAP - Young McKinney 1; Cissie Wood 2; Nabocklish 3. Time - 4.28 2/5. Dividends - £2 8s and £1 10s.

LADIES' BRACELET - Lily C 1; Transvaal 2; Strathcona 3. Time - 3.57 4/5. Dividends - £3 10s and £1 10s.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP - Fredrick 1; Myrtle Dean 2; Verity 3. Time - 3.39. Dividends - £12 12s and 16s.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP - McKinley 1; Sydney 2; Thurlow 3. Time - 4.53. Dividends - £9 12s and £3 8s.

NEW ZEALAND CUP - Monte Carlo 1; Norice 2; Durbar 3. Time 4.44 3/5. Dividends - £4 8s and £1 4s.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP - Vanclare 1; Hero 2; Viscount 3. Dividends - £1 12s and £4 12s.

RECOVERY HANDICAP - Blain G 1; Elector 2; Directo 3. Time 2.23 1/5. Dividends - £5 4s and £3 2s.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP - St Simon 1; Lancewood II 2; Cocoanut 3. Time 2.21 2/5. Dividends - £6 12s and £1 2s.

Credit: Ashburton Guardian 12 Nov 1904

1904 TURNOVER COMPARISON

The following figures show the amont of money passed through the totalisator during the four days racing and three days trotting, and the amount handled during "Carnival Week" last year:-

1903 Racing: £77,102: Trotting: £29,879: Total: £106,981

1904 Racing: £69,677: Trotting: £34,930 10s: Total: £104,607

Credit: Ashburton Guardian 14 Nov 1904

NZMTC FIRST SPRING MEETING FIRST DAY

Handicapper, Mr H Brinkman; Starter Mr H Reynolds.

Though savouring more of summer than winter, the weather experienced for the opening day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's First Spring Meeting was fine. A strong nor'-wester made matters rather uncomfortable during the earlier part of the afternoon, but this did not affect the attendance, which was well up to the average of previous Spring Meetings.

The course was in excellent order, and the surrondings presented a very pleasing appearance. His Excellency the Governor arrived just before the decision of the High Class Handicap. He was accompanied by Lady Constance Knox, Lord Northland, Hon H F Wigram, MLC. Mayor of Greater Christchurch Mr & Mrs A E G Rhodes and Major Alexander and was welcomed by Mr G H McHaffie, the President of the Club.

Taken all round the racing was not as interesting as that normally associated with meeting of the club, most of the events being won with comparative ease. After the Electric Handicap had been run the stewards met and decided to disqualify Kerryall, who had come in first in that event, for galloping, the stake being awarded to Auchmithy. On the conclusion of proceedings the stewards assembled in the committee room, and drank the health of the new president, Mr G H McHaffie, who thanked those present for their good wishes.

The sum of £3741 10. was passed through the totalisator, as against £1610 10s on the corresponding day last year.

The following are the details of the racing:-

MAIDEN HANDICAP (in saddle), of 50 sovs; second horse 5 sovs and third horse 2 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Dr Thacker's blk g Wildberry, by Wildwood, 6yrs, scr (M Edwards) 1.
Mr M Brosnan's blk g Glenroy, 5yrs, 16sec (J Farrar jun) 2.
Mrs Mumford's b m Miss Viking, 6yrs, 14sec (R Mumford) 3.

Miss Victor II 6sec, Lord Rue 15sec, Mirth 15sec, Blacklock 15sec, Diamond 15sec and Little Irvington 15sec also started.

Glenroy led past the stand, followed by Miss Viking and Mirth. At the back of the course Miss Victor took third place, but passing the stand the next time round she broke, and Wildberry ran into the lead. From this point out the race was beyond doubt, Wildberry winning, pulling up, by eight lengths. A good finish for second place resulted in Glenroy beating Miss Viking by two lengths. Blacklock was a good fourth. Time - 5min 27sec. Dividends - Wildberry £1 10s, Glenroy 18s.

LINCOLN HANDICAP (in harness) of 60 sovs; second horse 6 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr R Hart's ch m Rowena, by Viking, 6yrs, 44sec (M Edwards) 1.
Mr J A Buckland's ch m Velvet, 6yrs, 22sec (C Piper) 2.
Mr H Day's blk m Wildflower, 5yrs, 36sec (J Farrar) 3.

Vaunt scr, Nonsense 18sec, Satanella 24sec, Ballot 25sec, Necklace 25sec, Dollar 28sec, Euchre 34sec, Thunderbolt 40sec, Alberta 43sec, Mount Palm 43sec and Burwood Bess 44sec also started.

Rowena left the mark smartly, and led all the way winning easily by a dozen lengths. Burwood Bess, Thunderbolt, Mount Palm, Euchre and Wildflower were her nearest attendants in the early part of the race, but half a mile from home Velvet and Wildflower singled themselves out, Velvet gaining second place by a length. Time 5min 28sec. Dividends - Rowena £2 14s, Velvet £7 18s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 60 sovs; second horse 3 sovs and third horse 2 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mrs Roberts's b m Alberta, by Albert Victor, aged 26sec (Mr H Harley) 1.
Mrs Gorton's b g Ben Hur, 5yrs, 19sec (Mr F McDonald) 2.
Mrs Mumford's b m Miss Viking, 6yrs, 25sec (Mr R Mumford) 3.

Auchmithy scr, Nonsense 2sec, Vanity Fair 4sec, Edward R 6sec, Strathconan 11sec, Eltee More 13sec, Mattie J 13sec, Paradise 14sec, Zeppa 14sec, The Manager 25sec, Struan 25sec, Lady Rothschild 26sec (coupled with Miss Viking), Vesta 26sec (coupled with Alberta), Mirth 26sec and Blacklock 26sec, General Tar 26sec, Little Irvington 26sec and Calais 26sec also started.

Alberta was in front at the end of three furlongs, and although Ben Hur caught her, Alberta held the lead and won by a dozen lengths, Miss Viking being fifty yards away, the others well strung out. Time 5min 27sec. Dividends - Alberta £2 8s, Ben Hur £1 10s.

HIGH-CLASS HANDICAP (in harness) of 115 sovs; second horse 11 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Dr Thacker's ch h Sir Hector, by Electioneer-Tracey Belle, 4yrs, 9sec (M Edwards) 1.
Mr J A Buckland's b g Verax, 5yrs, 8sec (C Piper) 2.
Mr J August's b h Black Child, 6yrs, 7sec (N Price) 3.

Monte Carlo scr, Boldrewood 1sec, General Lincoln 7sec, Lopp 10sec, All Day 13sec and Fredrick 15sec also started.

Passing the stand the first time Fredrick was showing clear of All Day, after whom came Lopp and Sir Hector. At the end of another round All Day had taken the lead from Fredrick, Sir Hector being third three lengths away, followed by Lopp. At the mile post All Day, Fredrick, Sir Hector, Lopp, and Verax were running in close order. Passing the stand, with a lap to go, Sir Hector took the lead, with Fredrick and All Day a length away, followed by Lopp, Verax and Black Child. Verax broke at the back of the course, but on settling down, he set off in pursuit of Sir Hector. The latter, however, held his own to the finish, and won by three lengths, Black Child being a dozen lengths away, then came Monte Carlo and All Day. Time 4min 53sec. Dividends - Sir Hector £2 16s, Verax £4 12s.

AUGUST HANDICAP (in saddle) of 85 sovs; Second horse 8 sovs and third horse 4 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

C Sheppard's b g Fleetwood by Wildwood-Trissie, aged, 22sec (C Kerr) 1.
J August's Perewiti, 11sec (Owner) 2.
C W Hammond's Bushman, 22sec 3.

Fichu scr, Michael Malone 3sec, Sydney 8sec, Lillian D 8sec, Vanity 15sec, Sierra 15sec, Big Jim 21sec, Blythechild 21sec and Valmond 22sec also started.

Bushman piloted the field past the stand, his nearest attendants being Fleetwood, Blythechild and Sierra, while of the backmarkers Perewiti was most prominent. In the back straight Sierra took third place, and Fleetwood drew up to Bushman. Coming to the stand Fleetwood had Bushman's measure, and Perewiti was only five lengths behind the pair. A little further on Fleetwood drew clear of Bushman, and entering the last round Perewiti was within a length of him. Before turning into the back straight Fleetwood broke, and Perewiti went on in front. Coming again, Fleetwood ran up to Perewiti, and the latter, tiring badly, enabled the favourite to win by twelve lengths. Bushman finished third, fifteen lengths back and then came Blythechild and Sierra. Time, 5min 2sec. Dividends - On Fleetwood £2 16s; on Perewiti £2 8s.

ADVANCE HANDICAP (in harness) of 70 sovs; second horse 7 sovs and third horse 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

R Sunderland's blk m Wild Flower by Wildwood, 5yrs, 13sec (J Farrar) 1=.
R Emerson's b g Bill by Vancleve, aged, scr (Owner) 1=.
A J Lawrence's Pygmalion, 9sec (A Fraser) 3.

Little Albert 5sec, Satanella 7sec, Bailos 8sec, Cashier 11sec, Royal Money 15sec, Exchequer 26sec, Lady Rothschild II 26sec and Autocrat 17sec also started.

After Lady Rothschild had made play for nearly a round, Exchequer took charge and piloted the field at a good pace, with Wild Flower in second place. Then came Pygmalion, Autocrat and Bill Close up. By the time a mile had been left behind Wild Flower had got to Exchequer, the pair being attended by Pygmalion and Bill. When well into the last round, Wild Flower was in front and in the back straight Bill was nearly on terms with Exchequer and Pygmalion. Passing that pair, he gradually closed on Wild Flower, and just got to her on the post, the judge giving it a dead-heat. Pygmalion was third, a dozen lengths back, followed by Exchequer. Times, Wild Flower 5min 19sec; Bill 5min 6sec. Dividends - On Wild Flower £3 14s;on Bill £8 10s.

ELECTRIC HANDICAP (in saddle) of 70 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 3 sovs. One mile.

K H Smith's blk g Auchmithy by HaHa, 10sec (Owner) 1.
C Kerr's Fleetwood, 6sec(6sec Pen) (Owner) 2.
A J Keith's Kerryall, 4sec (disq)

Honest Jack 5sec, Sierra 5sec, Sweet Marie 7sec, Vanity 7sec, Nafferton 12sec, Archangel 12sec, Rickety 13sec and Eltee More also started.

Rickety was the first to show out, but with a furlong gone Auchmithy had got to the front, and a little further on Sweet Marie had taken second place. Coming to the stand, Auchmithy was two lengths clear of Sweet Marie, after whom came Rickety, with Kerryall in fourth place. Once into the back straight, Kerryall closed on the leaders, and at the home turn was on terms with Auchmithy. Going on, he beat the latter home by a length with Fleetwood in third place, a dozen lengths back. The stewards met after the race and decided to disqualify Kerryall for galloping, the race being awarded to Auchmithy. Time, 2min 30sec. Dividends - On Auchmithy £8 6s; on Fleetwood £6.
DASH HANDICAP (in harness) od 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 3 sovs from stake. One mile.

W B Clarkson;s br m Al F by Charleston-Kitty Dexrel, 5yrs, 8sec (R Day) 1.
J A Buckland's Velvet, 13sec (C Piper) 2.
A Howard's Bessie B, 9sec (Owner) 3.

Velox scr, Naughty Girl 3sec, Onward 3sec, Verice 9sec and Wild Poole 10sec also started.

Velvet showed the way to the stand where she was closely followed by Al F the pair being well clear of their field. Before entering the back stretch Al F had drawn to the front and not afterward being troubled went on and won easily by half a dozen lengths. Velvet beat Bessie B for second place by a similar distance. Velox was left at the post and took no part in the race. Time, 2min 27 2/5sec. Dividends - On Al F £1 6s; on Velvet £1 6s.


Credit: The Press 10 Aug 1903