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CLOCKWORK

For several seasons around the World War Two era, Clockwork knocked about the best classes. He was second in an Auckland Cup and placed in other good races but never made the breakthrough to the headlines in spite of all the efforts of trainer Cecil Donald. The spring of 1945 looked like the same old, same old. Clockwork had been off the winning list for a year and while third in the Hannon Memorial in October he had been a long way from the winner.

So far in fact that the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club hardly raised a murmur when it eliminated Clockwork from the New Zealand Cup. That Cup was a spectacular race, won at last by eternal crowd hero Gold Bar.

However, a few days later in the New Zealand Pacing Free-For-All, Ron Donald hunted the despised Clockwork out of the barrier and drove him hard to ensure Gold Bar would not put his usual big break on the field. The plan worked. Gold Bar was never more than a length in front of Clockwork and the veteran ran him down. That was sensational enough because Clockwork was at 35/1. But more was to come.

Clockwork had pushed Gold Bar so hard they had run a new national record for the 2400m of a mile & a half which stood for some years before being equalled but never beaten by the champion Highland Fling. As for Clockwork? Well, he never pushed the watches anywhere near any record times ever again.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed Feb 2016

ABERHALL

1944/45 Season (3 Year Old)

Sat Dec 30 Winton – Novice Hcp (Second Division)
3rd behind Turi Queen

1945
Sat Jan 20 Forbury Park – Navy Hcp
Unplaced behind Radiant Scott

Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 31 January 1945
“Aberhall is a novice above the average. He failed to show up on the first day at Forbury after being slow away, but the Dillon Hall three-year-old finished a good third at Winton during the holidays. A good opinion is held of him and he may justify it this week.”

Sat Feb 3 Winton JC – Otapiri Trot Hcp (First Division)
2nd by ½ length to Grattan Wave. Trained & driven by L L Abernethy

Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 7 February 1945
“Aberhall confirmed the opinion that he is a three-year-old above the average when he fought on very gamely in endeavouring to overhall Grattan Wave at the finish of a division of the Otapiri Trot at Winton. The Dillon Hall gelding was in the firing line all the way, and he should not be long in graduating from the novice ranks.”

Sat Feb 24 Invercargill – Novice Handicap (Saddle)
Won by 5 lengths from Lauder Girl & Haste. Ridden by D M Kerr

Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 28 February 1945
“Aberhall was having his fourth start when he won the Novice Handicap on Saturday, having been placed in two of his three previous outings. The Dillon Hall three-year-old is a pacer of promise, as not only did he win in hollow style on Saturday but he is a level-headed customer and a good pacer to boot.
Aberhall is a member of a rather interesting family. His dam, Moradine, did not go far in the handicaps, but she took a mile and a half record of 3.29 1-5. She was got by Adioo Guy from Myola, an OYM mare who left others in Desert Star (2.13 3-5). Myola was out of Fitzella, by Fitzjimmy from Miss Sherwood. OYM the sire of Myola, was a son of Owyhee (grand-sire of Globe Derby). OYM is probably better known as the sire of Our Thorpe, Agathos ( a Trotting Cup winner), Desdemona, First Alarm, OIC, Gipsy King and others.”

Mon Apr 2 Beaumont R C – Freybery Hcp Trot (Saddle)
3rd off 36yds behind Saskatoon & Jolly Biddy (both off Scr)
Ridden by D M Kerr. Margins Neck, 6 lengths

Sat Apr 14 Southland RC – Otatara Harness Trot
Unplaced behind Fashion Clue, Lou Hall & Trevathan

Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 18 April 1945
“Aberhall has furnished into a fine type of three-year-old. He was confidently expected to show up at the Southland meeting, but was standing the wrong way round when the field was despatched.”




1945/46 Season


Sat Sept 29 Otago Hunt – Wingatui Trotting Hcp
3rd Trained & Driven by L L Abernethy

Sat Oct 13 Forbury Park – Hurricane Hcp
Won from Plunder Bar & Radiant Scott. Driven by D M Kerr
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 17 October 45
“For some time Aberhall has been regarded as one of the most likely improvers racing in Southland, and his winning performance in the Hurricane Handicap at Forbury Park on Saturday confirmed this contention. The Dillon Hall gelding displayed outstanding form as a three-year-old last season when he was a winner in an open novice race, but unfortunately he was not engaged in the Southland juvenile classics. He has furnished into a grand type of four-year-old, and no success at Forbury was as convincing as that achieved by the Gore pacer.
Being by Dillon Hall from an Adioo Guy mare, he is a representative of a cross which has been bred from rather extensively in Southland in recent seasons, and there is good reason to believe that Adioo Guy mares will breed with some success. Moradine, the dam of Aberhall, raced with moderate success and took a mile and ½ record of 3.29 1-5. She was out of Myola, an OYM mare.”

Sat Oct 27 Invercargill – Thomson Hcp
Won from Understudy & Lou Hall. Driven by D M Kerr
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 31 October 1945
“If there was an occasion to name the likely favourite for this year’s Gore Cup, to be run on Boxing Day, there would be no hesitation in selecting Aberhall. There has been some style about the manner in which he has won at his last two starts, and at Invercargill on Saturday the Dillon Hall gelding accounted for a field of improvers in convincing fashion.
As a three-year-old last season Aberhall was not the most reliable at the start of his races but in his latest appearances he has not made any mistakes, and his winning efforts have been achieved with something in hand.
On Saturday he was one of the leaders immediately the field had settled down, and he was a winner a long way from home. He has furnished into a grand type of four-year-old and there does not appear to be any doubt about his winning over further ground.”

Sat Nov 17 Southland Racing – New River Harness Trot
Unplaced behind Happy King
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 28 November 1945
“Aberhall’s failure over two miles at Invercargill was a nasty pill to swallow. He had won up to a mile and a half in great style, and if ever a horse appears fitted to run out two miles it is the Dillon Hall gelding. There was no room to make excuses for his Invercargill failure; he was simply not good enough on the day.”

Wed Dec26 Gore – Gore Trotting Club Hcp
Unplaced behind Monagh Leagh
same day F Walls Memorial Hcp
Won from Windermere & Scatterbrain. Driven by D M Kerr
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 3 February 1946
“Aberhall won well over a mile and a quarter at Gore after failing to begin correctly over two miles earlier in the day. Aberhall’s effort in one of the best class fields he has yet met indicates that he is not far short of some of the early opinions expressed of the Dillon Hall gelding, although he has yet to prove his staying qualities.”

1946
Wed Jan2 Southland Racing – Oreti Harness Trot
3rd to Lou Hall & Grelba. Driven by D M Kerr

Sat Jan 6 Southland Racing - Rosedale Harness Hcp
Unplaced behind Battle On

Sat Jan 19 Forbury Park – Flying Hcp
3rd behind Dillondale &Elvo’s Pride
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 230January 1946
“Aberhall was far from disgraced in the Flying Handicap, and his third placing was one to enthuse over. At the end of a furlong he was well back in the running, and even with half a mile to go he only had three runners behind him. Aberhall had not made up much ground by the time the home turn was reached, but in the straight he finished very strongly. There is good reason to respect Aberhall’s worth as a sprinter.”

Sat Jan 26 Forbury Park – Au Revoir Hcp
Won from Margaret Hall & Technique

Sat Feb 9 Canterbury Park – Wigram Hcp
4th behind Plunder Bar, Princess Maritza & Red Setter

Sat Feb 16 New Brighton – Eclipse Hcp
2nd behind Dillondale. Driven by J Walsh
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 27 February 1946
“Aberhall was asked the question of a super horse to win the Eclipse Handicap at the New Brighton meeting and he had to be at least above the average to hold off all but Dillondale, who had a much better passage.”

Sat Apr 6 NZ Metropolitan – Craven Hcp
Unplaced behind Scotch Music. (Light Brigade was 4th)

Sat Apr 13 NZ Metro – Wilkin Hcp
Won from Princess Maritza & Radical
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 17 April 1946
“Moradine, dam of Aberhall, was a winner, but she did not go very far. She is one of many Adioo Guy mares producing winners. Her dam was Myola, the dam of Desert Star, was probably the best stayer in Southland in his day. Myola was by OYM, sire of Our Thorpe, a champion stayer in his day, winning the Free-For-All, finishing second in the NZ Cup, and holding the mile record for a number of years.
Aberhall, like others by Dillon Hall, shapes like a stayer. In the Wilkin Handicap on Saturday Aberhall had only two horses behind him with half a mile to go, and even when he improved to fifth position at the home turn he did not appear to be travelling well enough to be a winning possibility. But from that stage he cut down the leaders in great style and won going away from Princess Maritza and Radical.
Aberhall, only a four-year-old, is trained at Gore by his owner, L L Abernethy. He was driven on Saturday by J Walsh. Aberhall has won five races this season. Altogether he has won six times and been in the minor money seven times for £2275 in stakes.”

Sat Apr 20 NZ Metro – Autumn Stks
4th behind Great Belwin, Navigate & County Clare

1946/47 Season

Sat Aug 24 NZ Metro – Speedway Hcp
2nd behind Catalpa (2 lengths). Driven by R Stevens
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 28 August 1946
“Aberhall was staying on better than Dunmore in the Speedway Hcp and is a young stayer of above average ability, no matter what the state of the track. Aberhall’s reputation with Addington patrons goes on improving.”

Sat Aug 31 NZ Metro – Advance Hcp
Won off 12 yards from Pre-Eminence. Driven by R Stevens.
Extract fro NZ Trotting Calendar 4 Sept 1946
“Aberhall decisively outstayed a strong field in the Advance Hcp, after being badly placed in a rear position for a mile and ¾, he was still pocketed, with 8 horses in front of him, as the field rounded the home turn, and his progress under difficulties from that stage stamped him as a very fine young stayer. Only a 5-year-old, his latest assessment is 4:26 for 2 miles.”

Sat Sep 7 New Brighton – Electric Hcp
Unplaced behind Sir Michael (1945 NZ Derby winner)

Sat Nov 2 NZ Metro (Cup Day) – Final Hcp
Won by a neck from Great Belwin & Dillondale. Trained & Driven by G S Smith.
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 13 November 1946
“Aberhall is an interesting experiment in breeding, as he is got by artificial insemination, a form of breeding widely used in America and England, especially in the breeding of cattle and sheep.”

Fri Nov 15 NZ Metro (3rd day Cup Mtgn, Postponed from 9/11) –
William Hayward Hcp – Won by a length from Plunder Bar, Acropolis and War Form.
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 18 December 1946
“Aberhall. a staunch favourite for the Auckland Cup, which this year carries a record stake of £3500, took the highest honours in his class at the New Zealand Cup Meeting by inflicting the only defeats registered against two of the best pacers at the carnival – Plunder Bar, winner of a treble over the four days, and Great Belwin, winner of two races.
Only now five years old, Aberhall is a genuine stayer and also a sprinter of very high calibre. He was successful in his only two appearances at the Metropolitan Cup meeting, and the manner in which he outsprinted Great Belwin and outstayed Plunder Bar after giving them both a start at the top of the straight sent him right to the top in Auckland Cup discussions. He is likely to remain there.
Aberhall, winner of nine races and £4880 in stakes since he made his first appearance in a race less than two years ago, is a fool-proof racehorse; he has a job to do and goes out and does it with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of efficiency. He has arrived at his present high estate in a much shorter period than most horses who eventually reach New Zealand Cup class, and his elevation to that circle appears to be only a matter of time.”

Fri Dec 27 Auckland – Auckland Trotting Cup
3rd behind Loyal Nurse & Great Belwin. Driven by G S Smith.
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 1 Jan 1947
“The firm win fancy Aberhall was never going comfortably and when he failed to jump away cleanly soon got into a difficult position. When he got into the clear along the back he moved forward, but lagged badly crossing the top and into the straight, which gave him no chance of getting near the two ahead of him.
G S Smith expressed the opinion afterwards that the right handed track was not to Aberhall’s liking. The Dillon Hall pacer is not the first Cup favourite by any means to be tricked by the reverse method, when running like champions in the south.”

Sat Dec 28 Auckland – Champion Hcp
Unplaced behind Loyal Nurse & Great Belwin.

Tue Dec 31 Auckland – President’s Hcp
4th behind Great Belwin, Knave Of Diamonds & Acropolis. Driven by G S Smith.

1947
Sat Mar 22 NZ Metro – Speedway Hcp
Unplaced behind Nyallo Scott

Sat Apr 5 NZ Metro – Au Revoir Hcp
4th behind Dundee Sandy, Great Belwin & Navigate. Driven by G S Smith.
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 23 April 1947
“Aberhall, conqueror at the Metropolitan November carnival of Plunder Bar over two miles, and Great Belwin over a mile and a quarter, failed later as a strongly-fancied candidate for the Auckland Cup, but he made a fine showing to finish a close fourth in a sprint race at Easter. That was a performance that should bring him into favour for the Ritchie Memorial.”

Sat Apr 26 Forbury Park – Ritchie Memorial Hcp
Unplaced behind Highland Fling, Gold Peg & Lucky Loyal

Sat May 3 Forbury Park – James Memorial Hcp
Unplaced behind Gold Peg, Jack’s Son & Highland Fling

1947/48 Season
Sat Aug 23 NZ Metro – Winter Hcp
Unplaced off Scr behind Highland Fling

Sat Aug 30 NZ Metro – National Hcp
2nd (2 lengths) behind Plunder Bar. Driven by L Frost

Sat Sep 6 New Brighton – Electric Hcp
3rd (Nose, 11/2 Lengths) behind Bellhall & Plunder Bar. Driven by L Frost.

Sat Oct 11 Forbury Park – Flying Hcp
Unplaced off 12 yards to Loyal Peter
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 15 October 1947
“There was no excuse for Aberhall against the sprinters on Saturday, as he had every chance in the running. The race would probably do him good.”

Sat Oct 18 Forbury Park – Farewell Hcp
Won off 12 yards by 3 lengths from Jack’s Son. Driven by L Frost
Trained by L L Abernethy
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 22 October 1947
“Aberhall, who made a poor showing against the sprinters on a fast track the first day, was a much different proposition when the going was at its worst in the Farewell Hcp on Saturday. Over the last half-mile he had the result in safe keeping, and it was an effort which showed the Dillon Hall gelding in his true colours.”

Sat Oct 24 Oamaru – Hannon Memorial
Dead-heated for 3rd with Battle Colours. Race won by Knave Of Diamonds from Integrity. Aberhall driven by L Frost.
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 29 October 1947
“Aberhall, continues to race consistently. He was responsible for a solid effort in the Hannon Memorial Hcp at Oamaru.”

Sat Nov 1 NZ Metro (Cup Day) – Empire Hcp
Won off 24 yards by a length from War Form. Driven by L Frost
Trained by L L Abernethy
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 5 November 1947
“Aberhall, under this year’s conditions has qualified for the NZ Cup. He reached the 4.22 mark by a convincing win in the Empire Hcp. He has won £7370 in stakes, and is a genuine all-rounder.”

Sat Nov 8 NZ Metro (Cup Meeting) – Ollivier Hcp
2nd by a nose to Navigate finishing ahead of Plunder Bar, Loyal Realm, Turco, Highland Fling, Shadow Maid, Loyal Nurse, Knave Of Diamonds.
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 12 Nov 1947
“Aberhall finished so fast down on the fence in the Ollivier Handicap that in another stride he must have won. He is a model of consistency, having won twice, finished second twice, and third once in his last six starts. His stakes winnings to date are £7870.”

Sat Nov 15 NZ Metro (4th Day Cup Mtgn) – NZ Pacing Free-For-All
Unplaced behind Integrity, In The Mood, Turco & Highland Fling.

1948
Sat Feb 7 Auckland (Inter Dominion Champs) – Qualifying Heat
Unplaced off 12 yards behind Loyal Peter, Globe Direct & Knave Of Diamonds

Sat Feb 14 Auckland (Inter Dominion Champs) – Qualifying Heat
Unplaced off 12 yards behind Knave Of Diamonds, Emulous & Globe Direct

Sat Feb 21 Auckland (Inter Dominion Champs) – Consolation
Unplaced off 12 yards behind Turco, Double Peter & Doctor Ted

Sat Mar 13 NZ Metro – A I Rattray Hcp
4th behind Highland Fling, Plunder Bar & Emulous

Sat Mar 27 NZ Metro – Easter Stakes
Unplaced behind Highland Fling & Emulous

Sat Apr 24 Forbury Park – Dunedin Centennial Cup Hcp
Unplaced behind Acropolis, Highland Fling, Dundee Sandy & Plunder Bar.

1948/49 Season

Sat Oct 9 Forbury Park – Flying Hcp
3rd off 24 yards behind Emulous(60 yds) . Driven by L Frost
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 13 October 1948
“...Aberhall, too, must be rated as a first-class prospect. He finished late from a pocket in the Flying Handicap last week.”
“Aberhall made a promising reappearance when he finished with a late run to get up for third behind Emulous and Henry Of Navarre. The Gore pacer has rarely stripped in better order and the race should tune him for immediate engagements.”

Sat Oct 16 Forbury Park – Farewell Hcp
Unplaced off 24 yards behind Minoru

Sat Oct 25 Oamaru – Hannon Memorial
2nd by ½ Length off Scr to Navigate. Highland Fling & Emulous unplaced
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 27 Oct 1948
“...Aberhall was not disgraced in being beaten into second place after being responsible for the pace. His was the effort of a game racehorse...”

Sat Oct 30 NZ Metro – NZ Cup
12th to Highland Fling. Driven by L C Frost

Sat Nov 6 NZ Metro – Ollivier Hcp
Unplaced of 12 yards to Single Direct
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 10 November 1948
“The unlucky horse in the Ollivier Hcp was Plunder Bar, who was completely eliminated when Aberhall swung across and stopped him at barrier rise. Aberhall also behaved badly in the New Zealand Cup and is fast earning a reputation as a problem at the start of his races.”

1949
Sat Jan 1 Canterbury Park – Canterbury Hcp
Unplaced behind Monagh Leagh, Plunder Bar, Highland Fling & Dundee Sandy.

Mon Jan 3 Canterbury Park – Mason Hcp
3rd (Length & ½ Length) off 24 yards to Plunder Bar(24 yds) and Highland Fling(96 yds). Driven by R Stevens

Sat Jan 22 Forbury Park – Flying Hcp
Unplaced off 24 yards behind Attack

Sat Jan 29 Forbury Park – Au Revoir Hcp
Unplaced off 24 yards behind Captain Sandy

1949/50 Season

Sat Oct 8 Forbury Park – Flying Hcp
Unplaced off 24 yards to Victoy Globe
Extract from NZ Trotting Calendar 19 Oct 1949
“Aberhall, a New Zealand Cup candidate, was the outsider of the sprint field and he was the last to finish.”

Sat Oct 15 Forbury Park – Farewell Hcp
Unplaced off 24 yards to Baby Grand

Tue Dec 31 Canterbury Park – Canterbury Hcp
Unplaced off 12 yards to Attack

1950
Thu Jan 2 Canterbury Park – Mason Hcp
Unplaced off 12 yards to Checkmate

Sat Jan 21 Forbury Park – Dunedin Cup
Unplaced off 24 yards to Gantree

Sat Jan 28 Forbury Park – Champion Free-For-All
Unplaced to Integrity

SANDYDALE

Sandydale, 2.01¾, is one of the fastest-performed three-year-old pacers to come from America to the Dominion. He campaigned against some of the best ever produced, such as Edna Brewer 2.00, and the "Greyhound" of the pacing world, Little Pat, 1.58, who closed the 1941 season's racing with ten world's championships to his credit, and leading pacing gelding in the two-minute list. On over 100 separate occasions he has been a mile in 2.05 or better, a feat which has never previously been approached in light-harness history.

Sandydale's exportation was regretted by American breeders. His actual speed was never tested and he went his record 2.01¾ in winning the Championship Stallion Stake at three years. He was afterwards purchased for stud purposes for New Zealand.

By the world-renowned sire Abbedale, 2.01¼, from Ioleen McKinney, his pedigree, on both sides, is a combination of the most prominent pacing families in the world today. The best evidence of this is the record prices realised for Abbedale male line yearlings offered at the annual yearling sales, which is distinct proof that they are the most popular pacing family now before the public.

The success of Abbedale's sons as progenitors of sensational speed is really phenomenal. Since being first represented on the sires' list their two and three-year-olds have been most successful. Sandydale is the sire of several winners, including Navigate, Heliopolis, Sandiways, Blackdale and Sandstone.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 13 September 1944

Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 18 October 1944

JEWEL POINTER

Mr W T Lowe reports the death of Jewel Pointer, one of the greatest pacers of his day. Mr J S Shaw, who trained and drove Jewel Pointer in most of his successes, still regards the little brown stallion as the best all-rounder he ever had anything to do with.

Jewel Pointer was good in saddle or harness. He won £9075 in stakes, and one of his notable feats was to win three £1000 events in succession and all within the space of eight days. Mr Shaw put a small fortune the way of Mr M J Moodabe when he took Jewel Pointer on a fortnight's trial and decided to buy the horse for the Auckland owner.

Jewel Pointer raced from three years to 13 years without a season off. He contested 151 races for 16 wins, 23 seconds, 14 thirds and five fourths that carried prize money.

He was fairly successful at stud. The best horse he sired was Great Jewel, who was the leading stake-winner in the 1939-40 season with £3000. Incidentally, Jewel Pointer was the leading stake-winner in the 1927-28 season with £3545.

Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in the the NZ Trotting Calendar 18 Oct 1944

CAPTAIN SANDY - Bargain Buy

Captain Sandy(1944) Cost £550 - Won £43,000(Australasian record when set)

The most remarkable thing about this bargain buy was that it was not made as a yearling or as an untried horse. It was paid after Captain Sandy had won two Auckland Cups and the 1949 Inter Dominion Grand Final!

He had also once ran the mighty Highland Fling at his best to a nose after giving him two lengths start at the top of the Addington straight and had beaten all the other champions in pacing's golden age. He was the leading stake earner of 1949.

However, his trainer Jock Bain had raced Captain Sandy on a lease without options and, when it was up, owner Bob Ludemann tried him with Wes Butt and George Benny without success. The Captain really looked well over the hill, not having won for two years, so Ludemann(and Benny) accepted an offer of £1100 from Aussie trainer Dinny Nolan.

Nolan famously carted Captain Sandy all over the continent on a single horse float including to Perth where he won the 1953 Inter Dominion Final, the first to win two of them.

He set a Standardbred Australasian record in stakes and ran a world record 1:59 in Perth, though it was subsequently disallowed. It remains possibly the most amazing comeback in our harness history.



Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed 2016

HIGHLAND FLING - Enigma

The horse who in a time trial at Addington went within a tick over two seconds to the fastest mile ever paced in America was an out and out Champion. But it was more fun watching him than backing him.

Highland Fling, rather than making a lot of outrageous breaks was just slow to get going. Terribly slow to get going. Sometimes he never really got going at all. He was so good that often it didn't matter. But it was an anxious few moments for the punters early in the race to see how much ground he would have to make up this time. It was usually a lot.

Colin Berkett who drove him to win the 1947 Cup once told me the Fling was not a brilliant, high speed horse. "You'd run the reins over his back and he would accelerate away smoothly like a luxury car but not like a racing car. But he could sustain that run further than any other horse I ever drove."

And from all accounts it was certainly dramatic enough for other drivers and the public. To them he was a horse apart. There are still people around who can tell you all about it. Oh! For mobiles in 1947!

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed July 2016

CERTISSIMUS

He raced across the harness racing sky like a blazing comet, hailed on all sides as the greatest young trotter the country had ever seen. It wasn't just hype. He won 13 of his first 20 starts, unheard of for a youngster running against all aged horses in an era when trotting stars hit their peak at about eight or nine. Even the weary scribes who had seen it all lobbed superlatives in his direction.

Then, in freak and bizarre circumstances, Certissimus was gone, before he had had his fifth birthday. His chance to be up there with all-time greats expired on the side of a country road near Pleasant Point but his memory among those fortunate enough to have seen him never faded. Beside his ability he had charisma like no other of his time. There are still horsemen around who rate him the most spectacular trotter they ever saw.

Certissimus was a product of South Canterbury courtesy of the Teahen family of Pleasant Point. Dinny Teahen had purchased the star's American-bred dam for a paltry sum and bred her to American stallion Quite Sure - Though Certissimus raced in the name of Jack Teahen. The clever name meant "most certain". Certissimus started as a pacer.

His granddam Belle Keller had been imported from the US by J R McKenzie in foal to Arion Guy. Roydon's Pride, the resulting foal, showed trainer George Mouritz extreme trotting speed but was too highly strung to do it on raceday. At a Roydon Lodge dispersal sale in 1936 she could only fetch 14 quineas. Her first foal for the Teahens, a Maxegin filly died as a young horse, perhaps an ill omen.

Quite Sure was notable stud announcement of 1939 to stand at the Kennington Stud in Southland by Julia Cuff. Miss Cuff, a one-time publican and Southland's first professional woman trainer in either code, earlier stood ex-Canterbury sires Rey De Oro, Wrack and Grattan Loyal for the locals. With Quite Sure's success sho later moved to Hinds, dying in Christchurch in the 1970s.

Quite Sure was a free legged pacer and the real deal in the States having been runner-up in the Pacers Classic at two to the top juvenile, Calumet Cheater, in world record 2:02.5 and 2:03.5 heats. As an older horse he beat stars like Mc I Win, the dual gaited world champion Raider(who emigrated to Australia) and Cold Cash (1:58.2). He had been recommended to Cuff by prominent US journalist and breeding expert Walter Moore and the stallion's first star, owned by Cuff, was a colt by that name, the best 2-year-old of 1940.

Special Force was another star by him for Peter Gallagher and then Certissimus appeared on the scene. He was a sign of things to come because, against expectations, Quite Sure became a noted sire of trotters. Experts like Bill Doyle later had reason to recall fondly how reliable an in-form Quite Sure trotter was when the money was on. Breeders of pacers, however, soon lost some of their enthusiasm.

Certissimus made his debut at Methven in the spring of 1940, pacing early before living up to his already big reputation by winning easily. His composure, which must have come from his sire, was an important key to his success. Certissimus was so good that in January, 1941 in a historic special Match Race at Timaru he took on the best 3-year-old pacers including Special Force, Gold Chief(later to sire Rupee), Ronald Logan, Walter Moore and Shadow Maid. He broke twice in that event, wanting to pace, but "showed wonderful speed in between proving he was a great colt" one media report said.

Certissimus beat all aged fields at Addington from long marks when it was unheard of for one of his age. In November 1940 he beat a NZ 2400m record by six seconds after losing 40m at the start. In January 1941 from 72 yards he ran six seconds faster than the second horse, the aged Hamel Bay, clocking 3:18, a national 3-year-old record for over 20 years. A year later he received a reception at Timaru after beating the accomplished Dark Hazard rated the "heartiest in living memory". A month later he was dead.

He had gone to another training track (that of Jack Brophy) for a workout on February 24. Jogging home Certissimus was stung on the nose by a bee. He reared, his untied overcheck hooked around the shaft of the cart and he fell heavily on his head on to the asphalt, stunned and severely injured. Certissimus could not be moved, so right there on the road a tent was erected around him and he was attended night and day by a veterinarian and a doctor. A specialist from Dunedin made a special journey to oversee the crisis.

"There is every prospect of the horse making a complete recovery" was the optimistic claim in the media after Certissimus managed to get back on his feet two days later. But recovery was always a long shot and he died soon afterward. There were various claims, rumours ans recriminations about the real cause of the incident over the years. Nothing could bring the horse back.

Roydon's Pride's descendants gave the Teahan family - and others - compensation when Global Hall won them a Rowe Cup, and Deotatus a Trotting Stakes while Don Hall, owned and trained by Ray Teahen and trained also for a time by Cecil Devine, was a top class pacer though now largely famous in trivia quizzes as a principal in the famous whip incident involving the latter. Roy Grattan, a half-brother, was another outstanding pacer from this family and Heber Hewson's "Cord" family, among others, also came from it.

Certissimus was used lightly as a stallion in his racing days with remarkable success. He sired the high class trotter Acclamation and his daughters left the high class Alight as well as Highland Flame a sensational youngster who won the Trotting Stakes, officially, by 100 yards.

We can't be sure where Certissimus's star would have finnally landed in the galaxy of champion trotters because fate robbed him of his chance. That it would have been right up there was never doubted by his many admirers.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 28Nov2012

ADMIRATION - Classic Winner Producing Mare

ADMIRATION (1941 Grattan Loyal-Bonny Logan), USA family of Black Betty; 2:11.0, £3,020; 2 wins; 14 foals, 12 winners. Breeder: Miss P Norton. Foals bred by F G Holmes and G Aitchison (Esteem, Shy, Modest); F G Holmes, West Eyreton (Adoration, Achates); all other NZ foals bred by G Aitchison, Oamaru. A number of foals were bred in Australia.

Sire Grattan Loyal was imported from Canada by Free Holmes in 1930. Leading broodmare sire (stakes-twice, winners-four times), he often finished second or third on the sires list to U Scott, Light Brigade, Jack Potts and Dillon Hall. Grattan Loyal left many stayers among his 322 winners including Bonny Bridge (NZ Derby), Gold Bar (NZ Cup/FFA, first NZ bred under 2 minutes, sire), Loyal Friend (AK Cup), Loyal Nurse (NZ/AK Cup), Sir Vivian (GN Derby). As a broodmare sire, he left Adorian & Integrity (NZ Cup), Ar Miss, dam of Armalight & Zany (NZ Oaks), Blue (NZ & NSW Derbies), Cabra & Great Venture (Dominion Hcp), Damian, Dandy Briar & Unite (AK Cup), Danniels Pride, Rauka Lad & Torrent (Easter Cup), Guiseppe (GN Derby), Leyoro & Lord Mina (WA Cup), Single Direct (AK Cup, NZFFA, WA Cup, ID Pacing Grand Final), Stella Frost (AK Cup, NZFFZ, ID Pacing Grand Final).

The family of Black Betty faded out in North America but prospered in New Zealand through Bonilene (3rd dam Black Betty) and her daughters, led by Bonny Logan, Bon Rey, Bonny Drusus, Bonny Norval and St Helena. Tracing back to Bonilene are double millionaire , three time Australian Harness Horse of Year & Grand Circuit Pacing champion Westburn Grant, NZ Cup Winners Adorian & Lookaway and top race mares Hyperstat & Gina Rosa.

Admiration commenced racing at two winning the Timaru Nursery Stakes and twice placed from three starts including third in the Sapling Stakes. Unplaced at three, two placings at four, two further wins came as a five-year-old at Cheviot and Hutt Park. Twice placed at six, she retired to the broodmare paddock the winner of three races.

ADMIRATION'S MALE PROGENY INCLUDED:
1. Achates, which won 5 races in NZ before his export to Australia. As a three-year-old, he won at Marlborough and twice at Nelson. Two wins as a four-year-old came in the Louisson Memorial at Nelson and the Geraldine Cup, and was placed second in the Nelson and Marlborough Cups. Placed at five and six he went to Australia during the 1959/60 season and was a winner at Wyong in July 1961.
2. Admiral Way won the York Cup at Cunderdin, WA and became a sire of 30 winners including Haddock (ID heat) and damsire (48 winners) of Earth Station (Aust Pacing C/S.
3. Admire won eight races in NZ (2:06.4) before his export to USA in late 1967 (2:04.0US). Wins at Geraldine and Oamaru as a three-year-old, unraced as a four-year-old, 3 wins as a five-year-old - Central Otago Hcp, Kurow Cup (April 1966) and Timaru President Hcp. A second win in the Kurow Cup (August 1966) and Addington together with second placings in the Rangiora Cup, Easter Cup qualifier and third in the Southland Invitation Stakes saw Admire compete at the top level as a six-year-old. His final NZ win came in the Hannon Memorial before his move ton the USA.
4. Chief Wonder, born in Australia didn't race until he was a five-year-old. He won 15 races over the next six seasons including a heat of the Tasmanian Pacing C/S at Hobart (second in another heat, unplaced in final) and Terang Winter Cup.

ADMIRATION'S FILLIES WHICH BRED ON INCLUDE:
1. Adoration, winner of five including four on end with 2 wins on both days od Nelson's 1956 Winter meeting. Her fifth win came at New Brighton as a five-year-old. She was the dam of:
- Louie Lopez, NSW SW and Riverina Derby.
- Taiko News, dam of Milson Edition (WA 4/5 Championship, ht Aust Pacing Championship)
- Tama Trees, granddam of Adrenalin (Southland Oaks), 3rd dam of Thomas Sharp (Northern Southland Autumn Cup).
- Tasman, NZ Railway Hcp Trot (Forbury Park)
2. Esteem, an eight-win mare commenced with a win as a four-year-old at Westland RC followed closely by success in the Epsom Stakes - four at Alexandra Park. As a five-year-old, her three wins were at Timaru, New Brighton and Addington. As a six-year-old a second place in the Methven Cup was followed by victory on Show Day in the Hayward Hcp. Unplaced as a seven-year-old, her final two victories were as an eight-year-old in the Spring Hcp on NZ Cup Day and Smithson Hcp at Addington. Esteem was not bred from.
3. Mirastorm, a winner in Australia was the dam of:
- Acutron, dam om several mainly Tasmanian winners,
- Cover Up, TAS 3yo C/S
4. Shy, won one of four starts as a 5yo at Cambridge and was the dam of:
- Carmen Jones, VIC Her Ladyship-4m.
- Charm, dam of Armbro Free (Cup Day Canterbury Hcp, Hutchinson FFA).
- Devotion, dam of Captain Devotion (NSW Breeders Plate-2)
- Shy Castle, dam of Frosty Castle (NSW Star Trek series), Lincoln Castle (Gloucester Park FFA)
- Timid, dam of Big Chase (Cambridge Gold Cup-3/4), Armadene (NSW Golden Easter Egg-3f); granddam of Bronski Beat (WA Easter Cup, VIC Laidlaw, Hamilton, Yarra Valley Pacers & Maryborough Cups); 4th dam of Sharp Bret (VIC The O' Keefe), Jake Pastime (NSW Breeders Plate-2, Bathurst Gold Chalice-3c).
5. Zany, top class mare won ten races. Unplaced in two 2yo starts, as a 3yo she completed two wins at Greymouth and in the NZ Oaks, also placing third in the Champion Stakes (Ashburton). Three wins at Forbury and another at Alexandra Park resulted during her 4yo career. Zany's one win as a 5yo came in the Ashburton Cup with a second in the Dunedin Cup. At six she won the CPTC's HH Wardrop Hcp and third in the Wellington Cup. Her final season of racing resulted in victory in the National Hcp at Addington and New Brighton's Esplanade Hcp. Zany was the dam of:
- Reporter, Marlborough Cup.
- Stylish Eden, 3rd dam of The Statesman (1:53.0US) at Mohawk, among first 100 Aus bred 1:55.0 pacers).
- Zany Hanover, granddam of Tally Van Gold (QLD Qbred Breeders Classic-4); 3rd dam of Partywiththedevil (WA Higgins Memorial).

Minor winners from Admiration included: Modest, two wins on the same day at Nelson while from other foals born in Australia: Craigs Admire, four race winner; Newport Boy, five-race winner; Craig Junior, a winner at Wayville, Adelaide.

Credit: Peter Craig Writing in Harnessed June2015

NYALLO SCOTT - Enigma

For much of his career Nyallo Scott was regarded around Roydon Lodge as a rogue. In the Roydon Lodge history penned by Sir Roy McKenzie he doesn't even earn a mention. But in the mid 1940's he was, for a time, the best known horse in the country.

The secret was Sir John McKenzie handing him to Leo Berkett to train on a lease arrangement at his Hope farm near Nelson. Leo regularly worked his horses between the shafts of a plough. Nyallo Scott was six and a lost cause to anyone but Leo when he went to a Nelson meeting in June and won three races with him in four starts. Two of those races were in succession. He won the first and was second in the other, a rare feat indeed though it wasn't the only time Berkett had tried it. With another rising star among his team called Highland Fling , Berkett transferred permanently to Templeton with Nyallo Scott.

Once he had the horse in shape Berkett didn't give a "thinker" the chance to reflect. As a 7yo he had 38 starts, yes 38, but the good news was that he won 11 of them. No horse had ever done that before. He went from a low class race at New Brighton in September to running against the Cup horses at Ashburton in June, winning the rich Dunedin Cup along the way. Two months later he beat stars like subsequent InterDominion winner Emulous in the August Free-For-All.

Then, as if to prove that you can't keep a bad horse up, it was over. Berkett drove him instead of the superior Highland Fling in the 1947 Cup because nobody else could but he broke early and lost any real chance. After some more erratic disappointments Berkett returned him to Roydon Lodge. He started in the Cup in 1948 but was pulled up after another wayward performance and he never won another race. But 38 for 11 in one season now there's a stat!

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed July 2016