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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

AIR FLOW - Classic Winner Producing Mare

Air Flow (1932 Guy Day/ Willina Chenault) USA family of Sally Ann Shuter; T2:12.2; 13 foals, 10 winners. Breeder: JA McAllister, USA. Imported by JR McKenzie. All foals bred by JR (Sir John) McKenzie, Ch-ch.

Air Flow's sire Guy Day was a son of outstanding stallion Guy Axworthy (George Wilkes line). Among the first 100 3yo 2:05 trotters in North America, he sired Group One performers including Countess Zabetta (Dickerson Cup), Kuno (Kentucky Futurity-2T) and was damsire of Swedish Derby winner Belle Day, Big John (Dickerson Cup) in addition to his NZ credits.

Her dam Willina Chenault was by Peter Chenault (imported by JR McKenzie) from The Harvester mare Willina H. The USA family of Sally Ann Shuter includes descendants in Amigo Hall (Hambletonian), millionaires Adrian Chip, Time Well Spent (trotters), Immortality ($1.6m, Breeders Crown-2/3f, multiple fillies/mares Group races) and Keystone Harem (World Trotting Derby).

Imported in 1934 as a 2yo, Airflow commenced racing as a trotter at three winning four races including one against the pacers at Timaru (South Canterbury Hunt Club). At four, three of her four wins came at Addington including the High Class Trot. In her final season at five, she won one race at New Brighton (Stewards Hcp) again beating the pacers after rearing at the start and coming down on the track (1½m in 3:14). Air Flow was one of the best trotters during the depression years winning nine (31 starts, nine wins, 10 placings, £1,509).

Airflow's filly progeny included:

Air Minded who, after one unplaced start at four, Roydon Lodge bred two-time 3yo winner Thurboprop (Hutt Park Challenge Stakes, Methven TS Harrison Stakes) from her before she died. Scottish Air won four consecutive races at four (Invercargill Cup) breeding on through Rebel Air with several winners including Rebel Star, sire of Gallant Rebel (NSW/SA Trotters Derbies); Rest Assured & Resturgem - minor sires.

Airflow's male progeny included:

1. Aerial Scott, a superb trotter racking up 14 successes from age three to nine (58 starts: 14 wins, 14 placings, £13,565). His first victory came in the NZ Trotting Stakes at his first and only 3yo start.Two wins ar four were followed by five at five including Rowe Cup, Stewards & High Class trots at Addington. A further five wins at six all came at Addington: Trotting FFA, ID ht and final, Telegraph, High Class Trots. His final victory came in the Trotting FFA at seven, an event he finished fourth in as an 8yo. Aerial Scott was twice leading trotting stake winner (1947, 1948).
2. Highland Air, full brother of Aerial Scott, gained 15 victories racing over three seasons (4-6yo). Six wins came at four including his first two starts and NZ Pacing Stakes; three wins at five including first two starts again at Addington (Heathcote & Wildwood Hcps), unplaced in Auckland Cup, third in Dunedin Cup and winner of FPTC Winter Hcp. At six his final six wins were recorded including first seasonal start in Louisson Hcp (2nd National Hcp), unplaced NZ Cup, won Ollivier Hcp and at Auckland - AK Cup, Electric/ Telegraph Hcps. Sold to Australia, Highland Air sired 78 winners (67 AUS, 11 NZ; Broodmare sire of 114: 93 AUS, 21 NZ), damsire of Rosso Cute (24 wins, WA Champagne Classic-2).
3. Flight Commander almost made Cup class winning eight races. He spent most of his siring career in Australia with 86 winners (83 AUS, 2 NZ; Broodmare sire of 119: 115 AUS, 4 NZ) including September Flight (SA Derby) and damsire of top pacer Adios Court (ID hts-4, Hunter Cup, SA Breeders Plate-2, sire of 80 winners in SA (Uncle Remus/ Sartorious; SA Breeders Plate).
4. Red Emperor, full brother of Flight Commander, won seven races over three seasons (Wellington Metropolitan Stakes and AK Stakes at four). He sired 53 winners (50 AUS, 3 NZ; Broodmare sire of 103:75 AUS, 28 NZ) including Blue Emperor (Timaru Cup), Fair Emperor (SA Cup), Gala Girl (Golden Slipper, Broodmare of Year 1969/70; damsire of Arapaho (NZ/AK Cup, Dunedin (2)/Hororata/ Methven Cups, Gala Girl's foursome of Boyfriend, Fab, Selwyn Hanover, Mighty Chief (Dominion Hcp, NZ Trot FFA/ Championship).
5. Slipstream, a top class consistent trotter, raced from age four to thirteen recording 14 victories (placed on 43 occasions from 58 starts). Among trots won were Reta Peter/ CPTC Stewards/ Worthy Queen/ Dunedin/ Christchurch Hcps as well as Champion FFA at Hutt Park. Slipstream twice recorded seconds in Dominion Hcp/ Trotting FFA.
6. Air Command, a dual gaited performer, won six including Auckland Trotting Club's Association Trot.

Minor winners from Airflow: Carlow (one win) at Kumara RC; Risingholme (Three) and Wing Commander (three).

Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed Mar 2015

MARGARET HALL

Margaret Hall (1932 Dillon Hall/ Tondeleyo), USA family of Brown Lancet; 2:10.4; £8,730; 11 foals, 8 winners. Breeder: W Kerr, Christchurch. Foals bred by H W Drewery (Rowan Star, Light Brigade filly, Rosslyn Rowan, Rocky Rowan, Cappy Rowan, Sandra Hall (exported to Aust); all other foals bred by W L (Bill) Bagrie.

Margaret Hall's sire Dillon Hall was among the first 100 2-minute horses in North America (p4, 2:00.0US) before his importation to New Zealand, by George Youngson of Gore, in 1939. His sire The Laurel Hall was by Peter The Great who appears in his strong maternal pedigree as sire of his granddam. He dam Margaret Dillon (Dillon Axworthy by Axworthy) held the American Pacing Mile record of 1:58¼TT with Miss Harris M (set 1918) until 1938. Dillon Hall represented the then golden cross of Peter The Great and Axworthy.

Standing at stud in NZ for fifteen seasons, Dillon Hall was leading sire (top three for 13 consecutive seasons) and broodmare sire on five occasions and an inductee into NZ Trotting Hall of Famer. His 410 winners included Acropolis, Macall & Snowflake (GN Derby), Blue Mist (3 ID heats), Cabra (Dominion Hcp), Chamfer (G N Derby, NZ Cup), Maori Home & Parawa Derby (NZFFA), Our Roger (NZ Cup), Swanee River (2 ID Trot heats). His damsire credits exceed 550 including Annual Report (Dominion Hcp), Bass Strait, Doctor Barry, Student Prince & Tobacco Road (NZ Derby), Bay Foyle (NZFFA, Miracle Mile), Free Hall (ID Pacing Final), Garry Dillon (NZ Cup, ID Consolation), Global Hall (Rowe Cup), King Hal, Sun Chief & Tutta Tryax (GN Derby), Lunar Chance (NZ Cup, FFA), Poupette (ID Trot Final), Robin Dundee (NZ Oaks, NZFFA, ID Final, AK Cup, Miracle Mile). Dillon Hall was also sire of the second dam of Scotch Notch (Ada Hall).

Her dam Tondeleyo had only four winning offspring (plus classic producing broodmares) included in CF results information warrants an article in her own right. Briefly, she resulted from the matching of one of our most successful early imported sires, Wrack with Estella Amos (others include Imperial Jade, Indianapolis, Miraculous). Estella Amos (by Axworthy stallion Dale Axworthy) was imported by Free Holmes in 1923. After leaving Indianapolis, she was sold to Harry Nicoll's Durbar Lodge establishment together with the Wrack filly Tondeleyo. Despite being a full sister to Indianapolis and Miraculous, Tondeleyo was purchased by Lyttelton greengrocer Frank Woolley at a Christchurch Tattersall's sale in 1942 for 40 guineas. Tondeleyo had earlier left Margaret Hall before being purchased by Woolley for whom she founded a major winning family. Margaret Hall's siblings included sisters Loyal Guest (family of Hilarious Guest, Speedy Guest), Paramount (family of Seel N Print) and Gypsy Belle (family of Albas Reign).

Brown Lancet, the founding mare of this American family dates back to the 1870's . This family in particular through Estella Amos/ Tondeleyo dominates the two NZ Derbys with 10 winners to date (NZ-6: Imperial Jade, Bachelor Star, Main Adios, Game Adios, Hilarious Guest, Albas Reign; GN-4: Indianapolis, Speedy Guest, Main Star, Fiery Falcon). Other prominent family descendants include millionaires The Falcon Strike and Highview Tommy; Garry Rowan, Bionic Chance, Oaxaca Lass, Montana Vance, The Sentry, In Or Out. The family's fastest are My Temudjin (1:49.4US), Seel N Print (1:50.2AUS) and Le Sol (1:54.3 at Wyndham).

A fine racemare, Margaret Hall distinguished herself in winning seven races. Unplaced in her only start at two in the Welcome Stakes, she did not appear again until her 4yo season where her one win was at a Banks Peninsula RC meeting. Six wins at five were recorded at Greymouth, Westport/Reefton Cups and three races at Alexandra Park with two on the same day - 2m Hobson Hcp and 1¼m Freyberg Hcp as well as Farewell Hcp. Following this standout season with eight placings at six and a final season at age seven with four unplaced runs, she became an outstanding broodmare.

Margaret Hall's male progeny included:

1. Cappy Rowan, a gelded trotter, the winner of six races. Racing from age three, he recorded his first two victories at Morrinsville as a 6yo. Keen to repeat dual victories at the same track, he won twice at Cambridge at seven and Alexandra Park at eight (Whitford Hcp).
2. Late Frost, was the winner of six races beginning with the New Brighton and Hutt Park Challenge Stakes at three. A victory at Ashburton at four was followed at five with a win at Westport (seconds at Westport, Nelson and Rangiora Winter Cups). His final two successes came as a six-year-old at Hutt Park and in the Roxburgh Cup.
3. Rocky Rowan won a race at the Cromwell JC meeting as a six-year-old in his only season at the races.

4. Margaret Hall's stand out foal was the brilliant pacer Orbiter, by U Scott, Dillon Hall was his broodmare sire with Indianapolis's sister Tondeleyo being his granddam. The winner of 17 races in NZ for stakes of £19,490 and setting a NZ/ Australasian mile race record of 1:58.8 at Cambridge Raceway on 5 January 1966 (1st 100 NZ 2:00 pacers). Orbiter was the third in NZ to record a two minute race record after Tactician and Robin Dundee and tenth overall (other seven were time trials).
Orbiter recorded his first victory at Nelson as a three-year-old. His eight wins (Fourth leading money winner) at four were at Ashburton, Forbury Park, Kaikoura Cup, two victories during 1963 NZ Cup meeting including the D F Glanville Hcp at the inaugural night meeting at Addington - Wed 20 November 1963 and Harold Logan Hcp, New Brighton Cup (first time run at Addington after closure of New Brighton grass track in 1963) and Raceway Hcp, rounding out his season with the Easter Cup.
Only managing two wins at five, he recorded many meritorious placings. Wins came in New Brighton's Johns Hcp and Hannon Memorial. Second placings included National Hcp, NZ Cup to Cairnbrae, NZFFA/Alan Matson FFA to Lordship and third in the MG Pezaro Memorial at Auckland.
Orbiter's final season in NZ aged six where six wins placed him second on the money winners list with £10,065 earnt. Wins were in the Alan Matson FFA, Ollivier Hcp, Pezaro Memorial, Champion FFA, Cambridge Flying Mile and Dunedin Festival Cup. Placings included thirds in the Ashburton Flying Stakes, Hannon Memorial, NZFFA and Auckland Cup to Robin Dundee.
Orbiter's departure to North America from owner/trainer Bill Bagrie's Ohoka, North Canterbury, barn to clients of Del Insko's for $120,000 was arranged through Noel Simpson. Racing in the 1966 Yonkers International Series he placed seventh, third and sixth when struck with a virus prior to these races. Cardigan Bay made a clean sweep of international, Good Time and National Championship Paces. Orbiter finished a close second to Adios Vic in the 1967 edition of the Good Time Pace clocking an identical time to the winner of 2:29.8 (1¼m), fifth of a second outside the then world record time. Orbiter went on to become an international pacing star following in the footsteps of other Dillon Hall female offspring, Smoke Cloud and Robin Dundee, amassing total earnings of $380,894.

Margaret Hall's fillies bred on including:

1. Kinsella, a seven win race mare commenced with single victories in her four (Cheviot/ Rangiora) and five (Wellington) year old seasons. At six, she won on five occasions including twice at Cambridge (Hannon Memorial, Cambridge), Forbury Park, Alexandra Park and at NZMTC's Easter meeting (Bryndwr Hcp). Kinsella was the dam of:
- Dalestar, Orari Challenge Stakes-3 and 2:01.2US
- Hallfield Mike, NSW Winter C/S
- Kindalla, dam of Margaret Fields (Robin Dundee Crown) and Montana Vance (Cardigan Bay Stakes-2, NZSS-2c, Thames/Spring Cups, Messenger, 2/4yo Pacer of the Year); granddam of Field Officer (Rangiora Classic, Gold Coast Cup), Valiant Soldier (Amberley Cup, WA Higgins Memorial) and 3rd dam of Pacific Fleet (Greymouth Cup), Valiant Sue and Ben Junior (NSW Schweppes Cup).
- Morpheus (first 100 NZ Bred pacers in 2:00, 1:59.4US, $209,509).
2. Orbette, won one race, the event immediately after owner/trainer/driver Bill Bagrie had won the 1969 Roxburgh Cup with her half brother Last Frost. Orbette was the dam of:
- Delalee, trotting winner; dam of good class trotter Aron Del (Challenge Stakes, Morrinsville Cup and Alexandra Park FFA's), dam of Classic Comment (VIC Lightfoot Laurels) and granddam of In Tina Turner (T1:57.7 at Menangle in 2011).

Gentle George, an entire half brother of Orbiter's, won eight races including the Hororata Challenge Stakes. He is one of only five pacers to win four races during a NZ Cup carnival (1978 for tr: Bill Bagrie, dr: Peter Bagrie, C4-C7 paces, Flying 2000m/ Cashmere3200m/ November 2600m/ Final Hcp 2600m, all standing starts). The other four race NZ Cup meeting winners were: four races over Cup carnival but not spread over four days were Cello Sydney Wilkes 1919, Red Shadow 1933, while Cardigan Bay 1963, Tutira 1969 and Gentle George won on all four days of Cup meeting. Gentle George was sire of eight winners, died August 1983. Bill Bagrie's son in law Henderson Hunter won the NZ Cup with Trusty Scot during the same (1978) Cup carnival.

Patronette, granddam of Margaux H (Robin Dundee Crown), 3rd dam of Arnoux (Caduceus Club of Southland Stake-4).

Roshelle, 3rd dam of Elrama (NSW Christmas Gift), Louis Lad (NSWMuiracle Mile Night MO C/S).

Rosslyn Rowan, won at Nelson as a three-year-old before recording placings at four and five and with no successes at six or seven, was retired to the broodmare barn. She was the dam of:
- Andrele, Wauipa Challenge-3, granddam of Andross (SA Breeders Plate-2), Stylish Scooter (first 100 Aust bred 1:55 pacers; 1:53.0US).
- Ellen Guiry, third dam of Asian Paradise( WA Empress Stakes< 1:53.0US)
- Kenwood Rowan, dam of Lady Alba( 2f Pacer of Year, dam of Ladys Day granddam of millionaire Highview Tommy), Precious Fella (1:53.4US, $311,520), Smooth Rowan (granddam of Better To B Bad (Waimate Cup/ Southern Belle Speed Series) and granddam of The Falcom Strike (millionaire, 7 Group Ones).
- Rosslyn Frost, granddam of Colonel Grace (Rising Stars-3, Timaru Nursery, Kurow Cup), General Grace (Waikouaiti Cup twice), My Lord Grace (Timaru Nursery-2); 3rd dam of Ho Wong (Taylor Mile), Toretto (WA Christmas Gift).
- Rowan Valley, granddam of Hammer (NZSS-2c, first $100,000 earners in NZ); third dam of Hummer(all time NZ 1:50 Pacers list, 1:50.0US), Rowan Countess (Cambridge Gold Cup); 4th dam of Rowan Direct (VIC 4/5 C/S).

Rowan Star, the winner of eight races starting off with five wins at four following unplaced efforts at two and a solitary placing at three. These five wins came at Timaru (2), Greymouth (Westland Cup), Addington and Ashburton. Her solitary win at five came at Forbury Park before her final two successes at six - NZMTC (Express Hcp during Cup week) and Adams Memorial (3rd CF Mark Memorial) at Auckland. Her final season at seven, saw her place in the Louisson / Express Hcps and fourth in the Ashburton Flying Stakes. Rowan Star was the dam of:
- Cathpete, Waimate Cup.
- Dingle, among first 100 2:5 pacers in Australia (2:02.8, Fairfield, May 13, 1967
- Friendly Lass, winner and dam of Trusty Dream, minor sire in USA
- Garry Rowan (Granddam Margaret Hall), bred by Clem Scott, top pacer and sire in Australia. Winner of ID heat, SA/ Laidlaw/ HR Boyd/ Temora Cups, VIC Lyn White FFA twice). Sire of167 winners (Broodmare sire of 301 winners, 2 in NZ) including Classic Garry (WAGolden Nugget, leading sire/ Broodmare sire in Australia), Garrys Advice (Tatlow Memorial, VIC Derby), Special Garry (WA Derby); damsire of Ben's Image (AUS 2yo Pacers mile record 1:56.7TT),Rainbows Idol (VIC Trotters Oaks, NSW Trotters Derby, VICSS-4T; dam of Rainbow Billie- VIC Trotters Oaks, VICSS-3T; granddam of Rostevarren- VICSS-2T, Holmfield)
- Snell, winner of NSW Cowra Cup.




Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed Apr 2015

1932 SPRING MEETING

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was opened at Addington yesterday under ideal weather conditions and before a very big attendance.

The New Zealand Cup was the principal attraction, and the race itself caused the greatest excitement, Harold Logan winning after a stern tussle in 4min 16 2/5sec, time which stands as a world's winning race record. Harold Logan was set what seemed an impossible task, but, capably driven, he fairly buried the remainder for speed over the last three furlongs. It was one of the most popular wins in the history of the race, and horse and driver received a great reception on returning to scale.

The Dominion Handicap also provided a sterling performance by Wrackler, who had gained most of his success as a hoppled pacer, but now has proved himself amongst the best trotters the Dominion has known. Like Harold Logan he established a record for the race.

The track at Addington has seldom been in better order than it was yesterday, and as the weather was beautifully fine, it was only to be expected that fast times would be registered. Few however, were prepared for the great reductions in handicap times that were made during the day, and in the first race Todd Lonzia, handicapped to do a mile and a half in 3min 26sec, registered 3min 16 3/5sec, time that has seldom been beaten in New Zealand by an unhoppled trotter.

Later in the day Gold Country registered 4min 21sec from a 4min 30sec mark, a remarkably good performance, and Dilworth had to do 4min 19 4/5sec to gain third money. The times in other races were correspondingly fast, and never in the history of Addington have such performances been registered.

In winning the New Zealand Cup for the second year in succession, Harold Logan added his name to the elite few who have twice won this race, besides which he established a record for the race and a world's race-winning record. It was a remarkable performance, and the task he was set, to win off 4min 21sec, had been accomplished only once, and then by the mighty, Great Bingen.

With half the journey gone, Harold Logan was lying in behind the field, his young driver, Alan Holmes, saving all the ground possible. His chance looked a forlorn one, but half a mile from home he unwound a terrific burst of speed that carried him past one horse after another. Even when he was making this run it seemed that the strain must tell the tale, but the little champion stayed on better than anything else in the race and was one of the least distressed.

His victory was accomplished in convincing manner, and it was a much easier win than when he scored 12 months ago. On this performance Harold Logan must be regarded as the greatest horse New Zealand has known, and his trainer, R J Humphreys, and driver A Holmes, are entitled to high praise for the part they played in the victory.

Royal Silk and Red Shadow, who were the bracketed favourites for the race, had every chance, and both were in the running until the final stages were reached. It was a good clean race, and from start to finish there was a minimum of interference.

The winner, Harold Logan, has had a chequered career, for after winning his first race he broke down so badly that it was almost impossible to train him. He was always of a perfect racing temperament and was known to possess exceptional speed. Perseverence on the part of his trainer, aided by veterinary treatment, has overcome the unsoundness, and Harold Logan has done a good deal more racing - and certainly more winning - than the great majority.

Until the last half-mile was commenced the Dominion Handicap was not a good race, for the field was strung-out a long way, and the back-markers appeared to have no chance. The pace-makers however, began to feel the strain, and the real stayers took a hand, Wrackler, Huon Voyage, and Olive Nelson all trotted splendidly, and Wrackler, won in convincing style from Huon Voyage, while Olive Nelson, to gain third money, registered 4min 24 3/5sec, time that has been beaten only once by an unhoppled trotter.

Wrackler established a singular record in winning the highest-class trotters race in the New Zealand calendar, for he had previously won the New Zealand and Great Northern Derbies and the New Zealand Cup as a hoppled Pacer. He seems equally good at either gait. By Wrack, an unhoppled pacer, his dam is Trix Pointer, who also won the New Zealand Cup and other good races.

Biddy Parrish, a warm favourite for the race, refused to leave the mark, and her chance was hopeless from the start. Olive Nelson proved herself to be one of the greatest trotters ever produced in New Zealand by conceeding starts of up to 96 yards and finished a good third, while Huon Voyage, who has been under veterinary treatment for some time, surprised even his most ardent admirers by the manner of his trotting. The race may do him good, and success may yet come the way of his Australian owner.

The day's proceedings were got off without any unpleasantness, and the racing generally was clean and full of interest. The totaliator investments, which ammounted to £41,801 10s represented an increase of £10,281 10s over last year's figures for the corresponding day, but the comparison is hardly fair for this year the Cup was run in one race, while last year the divisions were decided on the opening day and the final on the second day of the Meeting.


Credit: THE PRESS 9Nov 1932

RUSTIC MAID - Classic Winner Producing Mare

Rustic Maid (1931 Rey De Oro-Country Belle) NZ family of Bonnie Belle; unraced; 17 foals, 15 winners. Breeder: WJ (Bill) Morland, Riccarton. Foals bred by WJ Morland (Highland Scott, Gallant Maid, Arawa Lady, Scottish Lady, Scottish Lord, Slavonic, Rustic Gold); all other foals bred by G (George) Youngson, Gore (purchased Rustic Maid for 250 guineas at auction).

The sire of Rustic Maid was the imported Copa De Oro stallion Rey De Oro, sire of 230 winners including Daphne De Oro (NZ/GN Derby), Gold Chief (NZ Derby, sire of Rupee), Morello (NZ Cup), Parisienne (NZ/GN Derby, ID Champion, points), Roi L'Or (AK Cup, NZFFA), Subsidy/ Symphony (GN Derby), Turco (NZFFA), Graham Direct/ Uenuku (AK Cup) and damsire of Chamfer (see below), Fallacy (NZ Derby, sire), Free Fight/ Scottish Lady (NZ Derby), Gold Bar (NZ Cup/ FFA, sire), New Oro (Hunter Cup) Reprimand (Trotting FFA). He was leading sire in NZ on three occasions and leading broodmare sire three times (winners/twice(stakes).

Her dam Country Belle (1915 NZ Cup, second 1914) was by Wildmoor (Wildwood) from Bonnie Belle, by Lincoln Yet (half brother to Thelma) out of an Arab mare. She left top trotter Escapade, good pacer Gold Country and was granddam of Fallacy, sire of triple NZ Cup winner False Step. Country Belle's three-quarter sister Curfew Belle was dam of Belle Logan, dam of Logan Derby, the sire of Johnny Globe. Bonnie Belle was the founding mare of a classic winner producing family.

Rustic Maid was dam of a NZ record 15 winners from 17 foals produced over 21 years (Australia record lovely Lawn/ Barrington Lass 15 winners) and a NZ Trotting Hall of Fame inductee.

The male progeny of Rustic Maid included:

1. Chamfer, winner of 14 races, was leased from George Youngson by Duncan MacFarlane, Christchurch with Maurice Holmes trainer/
driver of Chamfer and NZ Derby winners Scottish Lady/ Free Fight (dam Rustic Maid) and Imperial Jade (brother of Indianapolis). Chamfer won his first start at two in the Timaru Nursery; at three , GN Derby (4th NZ Derby), Metropolitan Challenge Stakes; five wins at four (three Alexandra Park, two Addington and second in Easter Hcp); four wins at five (National Cup Hcp, NZ Cup, NZ Pacing C/s and Auckland's Campbell Hcp) together with a third in ID heat at Auckland/ unplaced in final. Chamfer's final win came at six in the Challenge FFA at Hutt Park. He was unplaced on all four days of NZ Cup carnival, and in his final season at seven a fourth in NZFFA was his best result. Leading sire in Australia for seven seasons (1963-1969), he left 301 winners/191 Australia (Broodmare sire of 351), majority in Tasmania; sire of Chamfers Star (unbeaten three ID heats/ Final, TAS Pacing C/S, Easter Cup), Granny Smith/ Prancing Ruby (TAS Pacing C/S), Norfolk Jay (TAS Derby); damsire of Stanley Rio (NZ Cup, Messenger, ID Final), Family Boy (TAS Derby), Jane Byrd/ Rangler Jane (TAS Oaks), Macs Gift (Ladyship Mile), Prancing Percy (TAS Pacing C/s).

2. Free Fight won NZ Derby, Canterbury 3yo (3rd Champion Stakes-3), Oamaru Presidents Hcp, NZMTC Autumn Stakes 4/5yo among his seven victories. He sired 174 winners (133 AUS, 41 NZ; Broodmare sire 150: 134 AUS,16 NZ), including East Dome (New Brighton Cup), Panthers Flight (Dullard Cup), Polo Breeze (ID Consolation) and damsire of Girl Friend (Kindergarten Stakes), Governor Frost (NZ Derby, Messenger, Thames Cup, ID ht), Tanya Hanover (NSW Oaks).

3. Highland Scott won eight NZ races including two from three starts at two (GN Stakes, Timaru Nursery) and on all three days of Auckland Christmas carnival as a 9yo (Victory/ Electric/ Cambell Hcps). He later won WA Easter cup as a 14yo.

4. Congruent won four (Oamaru Presidents Hcp), sired 44 winners in Australia, damsire of Wilbur Post (NSW Derby).

5. Rustic Lane won a Southland non tote event, sired 70 Australian winners (one NZ) mainly SA, damsire of Fearless Quick (SA Derby), Sleepy Van (SA Breeders Plate), Gamby Pride (WA Botra Cup).

6. Slavonic won three including Sapling Stakes in one of his two 2yo starts and Canterbury/ Wellington Stakes at three.

7. Yare, winner of four(Wairio Cup), sired 36 winners at stud in Australia.

Rustic Maid's fillies included:

1. Gallant Maid, winner of five including a New Brighton Hcp, bred on being dam of Don Carlos (Westport Cup), Whaka (Cambridge Gold Cup) granddam of Garrison Pride; 3rd dam of Blistering Belle, dam of Daniela Hantuchova (1:53.6), Five Card Draw (Cardigan Bay Stakes-2, NZSS-2c, Jewels Emerald-2), Ideal Belle (NZ Oaks) and descendants including Tuapeka Knight, Maureens Dream.

2. La Boheme was an unraced mare who bred on with many Australian progeny and 3rd dam of Autumn Gold (Thames Debutante-2f, VIC Youthful-2f). Rustic Gold won one race at Banks Peninsula RC meeting, granddam of Sonny Jim (Westland Cup).

3. Rusticate, unraced, bred on mainly in Australia with descendants Romantic Chris (Geelong Cup), Bills Belle (SA Oaks)

4. Little Toff, winner at Birchwood Hunt meeting, bred on as dam of:
. Little Jeldi, sired 79 Australian winners (Broodmare sire of 128), damsire of Cooper Class (VICSS-4m), Deep Rena (NSWSS-3f), Quantum Lobell (SA Cup, TAS Pacing C/S, Newcastle Mile, 4 ID hts).
. Storm King (Wyndham Cup)
. Student Prince (NZ Derby), at stud in Australia sired 136 winners (Broodmare sire of 148, one in NZ), sire of Homage (ID Trotting Consolation); damsire of Bills Student (Numerous NSW FFA's, Cordina Sprint), Kyalla Fling (Bohemia Crystal FFA).
. Flair, dam of Captain Armbro (WA Golden Slipper-2).

5. Scottish Lady won four including Riccarton Stakes/NZ Derby at three and later November/ Heathcote Hcps at Addington. Bresding on after being purchased by George Youngson, Scottish Lady wa the dam of:
. Gentry, cup class pacer FJ Smith/ CF Mark/ Adams Memorials, sired 153 (87 NZ, 66 Aus; Broodmare sire of 234: 134 NZ, 100 Aus)winners; sire of Dawn Mist (leading juvenile, winner first running Nevele R Fillies), Margaret Shannon (VIC Mares/ Marathon, granddam of Gretamaro, NZSS-2f), Miles Gentry (Matson FFA, Louisson Hcp), Paul Gentry (Thames Cup), leading juvenile Shannons Squire; damsire of Dillon Dale (NZ C/S-2, NZFFA, Thames Cup twice, Franklin Cup), Dillon Dean (NZSS-3, NZ Derby, NZ C/s-3, Messenger, NZFFA), Flushing Meadow (Tatlow Memorial-2), Our Man (Easter Cup, twice second in NZ Cup/ second AK Cup, NZ Flying Mile, Down Under/ Waikato Flying Miles twice, winner inaugural West Coast bonus), Try A Fluke (Hunter Cup, ID ht).
. Scottish Brigade (Welcome stakes, GN Derby), sire in Australia of 228 winners (1NZ, 227 AUS; Broodmare sire of 314), sire of Clare Brigade (VIC Oaks), Nicks Lad (QLD Derby), Scottish Fusillier (Kilmore Cup); damsire of Lehigh Lad (2 ID hts, TAS Pacing C/S), Master Clan (WA Derby).
. Scottish Bank, dam of Scottish Talent, granddam of Karloo Frost (NSWSS-3c); dam of Kudos who was sire of Fur Elsie (NSW Oaks) and damsire of Friendly Footman (NSW Breeders Plate-2, NSWSS-3c, Miracle Mile), Honey John (Dullard Cup).

Minor winners from Rustic Maid: Arawa Lad (one win), Scottish Lord (two), Helali (four) and Eden Bridge (two).




Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed Mar 2015

Rustic Maid with her Dillon Hall colt Eden Bridge & James Bryce

RUSTIC MAID

Was bred by Bill Morland at Riccarton, who bred her first seven foals including the open class pacer Highland Scott, Slavonic (Sapling) and the fillies Gallant Maid and Scottish Lady (NZ Derby), Rustic Maid was then sold to Gore's George Youngson. He bred GN Derby and NZ Cup winner Chamfer, who was the leading sire in Australia for seven consecutive seasons in the 60s, taking over from Noble Scott, and NZ Derby winner Free Fight from her.

Rustic Maid was unraced but she certainly had a padigree, even if some of it hadn't quite come to light when she was foaled in 1931. She was by Rey de Oro from the 1915 NZ Cup winner Country Belle, who was by Wildmoor (Wildwood) from Bonnie Belle, by Lincoln Yet (half-brother to Thelma) from an 'Arab' mare.
Country belle was also the dam of a top trotter in Escapade, the grandam of Fallacy, while a three-quarter sister to Country Belle in Curfew Bell was the grandam of the great Logan Derby.

Rustic Maid produced no less than 17 named foals over a 21 year period, with 15 being winners and half a dozen were Group or feature race winners. Even with the introduction of A.I. and generally improved technology since, that is a record which has never been bettered. Even the likes of Coo Doo, Desilu and Sakuntala (13) pulled up short of Rustic Maid's tally.

Rustic Maid's daughters could not catty on in that sort of vein of course, but Scottish Lady produced open class pacer and underrated sire Gentry, and Gallant Maid led to the family of Tuapeka Knight, Maureens Dream and this season's smart juvenile filly Pacific Rapture.

Credit: Frank Marrion writing in HRWeekly 18Apr2012

STRAIGHT - Mystery Mare

Colin McLaughlin was a man who did things his way. So there is mystery how a mare he bought as a young man in Ladbrooks(where his father Andy bred trotters) and did not produce her first winner until she was 17, led McLaughlin on a magic racing journey. The stream of unfashionably bred top class horses from one owner/trainer in a relatively short time is un-equalled and in these days of mass production will probably remain that way.

The first mare was Straight and her trip toward the limelight really began when McLaughlin, by then battling to make a go of farming in Mt Hutt, sent her to Young Bob, a Methven based stallion. The result, Sedate, won four for him and when she went to stud, her first three foals, Morsel, Flying Mile and Allakasam began a stunning run of form. Allakasam won an incredible seven Cup races including the Auckland, Easter and New Brighton editions. Flying Mile left the famous 'ugly duckling' Manaroa, one of the real characters of harness racing whose NZ Cup run was so phenomenal and then Manawaru with her first two foals. Morsel left the Auckland Cup winner, Royal Ascot.

McLaughlin had made the outwardly strange decision to breed his own stallion to his mares and bought Prince Charming for the purpose. Like Young Bob he was a Globe Derby line horse and the unusual double cross results were simply amazing.

Then, like a tap turning off, the Straight tribe wilted then virtually disappeared. There were winners of course and one or two good ones because Colin bred a lot of horses. Allakasam left Jaunty Hanover and Allspice and Morsel left Nimble Yankee and Remorse. Because he had so many mares Colin tended to mix visits to top studs with cheaper 'Hail Mary' stallions who didn't make the grade. The new generation of American blood did not seem to click and the blood thinned.

Then, in the mid 1980s, an unfashionably bred horse called Borana became the longest odds winner in the history of the NZ Cup for Peter Jones. Straight was his fourth dam. The family had finally won the Cup. These things happen in breeding but not often however does a back country farmer who went to Ellesmere instead of the U.S. to buy a stallionachiev so much with the results.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed June 2016

OLIVE NELSON

It is a long time since patrons of Addington have been treated to such a fine exhibition of trotting as was given by Olive Nelson, winner of the Dominion Handicap yesterday.

Unlike the majority of horses competing in her class, she sees little of the training track, her work being done on the beach at Karamea, the final touches to her preparation being given at the track on which she is to compete.

The mare made her appearance at Addington slightly more than a week ago, and although she was not speeded up to any great extent she moved in such attractive style on the tracks that she gained a host of admirers during the week for yesterdays event.

Credit: THE PRESS 11 Nov 1931

1930 NEW ZEALAND DERBY

Race Was Marred by Accident

In spite of the fact that Rawhitiroa had worked a mile and a-half at better than 3.23 just prior to the Derby, it did not shake the confidence of the admirers of Arethusa, and although the filly had to come out wide to get a run as she came into the straight, she smothered all opposition with her brilliancy and had the race won nearly a furlong from home. Arethusa was indeed head and shoulders above all the other Derby candidates and had the race in safe keeping at any stage, although Rawhitiroa put up a game fight.

Chenaway was flrst out, but Bingen Junior soon ran to the lead, to be closely attended to the home bend by Chenaway, Rawhitiroa, and Arethusa. Here Bingen Junior got the stitch. Chenaway was soon settled by Rawhitiroa as that gelding, went to the front at the bottom of the straight, then Arethusa came with a run that left even Rawhitiroa standing. About five furlongs from home there was a bit of jostling that resulted in a smash. Royal Chenault fell, Flying Cloud went over the top of him, Checkers lost her driver, Colorado was badly interfered with, Location was pulled up, and Gold Chips just missed being m it by going out wide.

Free Holmes on Flying Cloud was the only driver to be severely shaken, and an inquiry into the smash resulted in the blame being credited to his son, Maurice, who drove the winner, and his license was suspended for six weeks.

-o0o-

JUDICIAL COMMITTEE BLUNDERS

GOT SIX WEEKS FOR WRECKING DERBY

MAURICE HOLMES SHOULD HAVE GONE OUT FOR SIX MONTHS

AFTER THE RACE WAS TIME TO ACT

(From "N.Z. Truth's" South Island Trotting Eepresentativei) When the judicial committee of the Metropolitan Trotting Club saw fit to give Maurice Holmes six weeks for wrecking the Derby field the verdict could not have been more ridiculous had it decreed that Holmes was in future to be allowed a sawn-off shotgun to assist him in bringing down what he desired.

DRIVING the favorite, Arethusa, in the three-year-old classic, Holmes was responsible for the bringing down of three horses, and, though it was not intentional, the fact remains that the smash occurred. Holmes, as the culprit, should have been made to pay, but something saved him. Any other driver would have been outed before he was an hour older, but Holmes was not disturbed till that evening. It took the judioial committee six hours to finalise an inquiry that should not have lasted a sixth of that time. However, it was evening before the bright boys of the committee decided that Holmes was guilty, but apparently there was tacked on to the verdict a rider recommending mercy, for that is the only explanation to offer for the ridiculous sentence imposed.

Holmes was driving Arethusa, which filly is owned by H. F. Nlcoll, president of the Trotting Conference. He also had the drive on Wrackler, in the same ownership. The sentence made Holmes miss the concluding day, but he will be free to climb in the cart for the Christmas meetings, and will probably be at Alexandra Park to drive Wrackler and Arethusa in their Auckland engagements. If Holmes was guilty of the offence, and the committee found him guilty, he deserved a stiff punishment. Such ridiculously lenient sentences as this will not put down careless driving, but on the contrary are a direct incentive to carelessness and even deliberately foul driving. The judicial committee of the Metropolitan Club, in saying six weeks instead of making the penalty fit the crime, has made itself the laughing stock of the trotting world.


Credit: NZ Truth 20 Nov 1930

SEA GIFT - Bargain Buy

SEA GIFT(1929) $9, 16 wins including Dominion Hcp, approx. $12,000

Here is a remarkable story because Sea Gift changed hands at a bargain price no less than three times in her career, including once from the stable of the best trainer in New Zealand. She became the best trotter of her time in New Zealand, capable of beating high class pacers at her own gait.

Sea Gift's antecedents are hidden in the 'unnamed' and 'unregistered' files but someone thought her dam, a mare by a good trotter but obscure sire, Paul Huon, good enough to send to headline new stallion, Wrack. That faith didn't last long. She was sold for $9 as a 2yo and then James Bryce picked her up for $50 at four. He realised that she had potential but it seems he was under financial pressure during the Depression. He put her up for auction with a reserve of $600, a big price for an unproven horse then.

She was passed in but later sold to Duncan McFarlane and his partner 'Bill' Archer for $500 and handed to Ernie Smith to train at Prebbleton. Sea Gift was so good she paralysed the handicapping system, meaning she had to race against the pacers to avoid starting off 100m in top class trotter's races.

She was one of few of her gait to beat pacing fields of genuine class including open grade events at Forbury Park. At one Addington Cup meeting she trotted the fastest 'two miles'(3200m) of the entire meeting, pacer or trotter, and there were a lot of races over that distance then. No trotter has done that in November since.

When Sea Gift became famous her dam, originally unnamed but now Whispering Grass, was rescued from between the shafts of a milk cart in Wellington, she was very successful for the Craddock family in Westport. She headlined a second time when one of her daughters produced the most famous Westport trotter of all - the mighty Durban Chief.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed May2016