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BETTY WRACK

BETTY WRACK (1928 Wrack-Nonnie), NZ family of Pride of Lincoln; 2:15.4; £1,367, 4 wins;10 foals, 6 winners. Breeder: W Warren, New Brighton. Foals bred by W Warren (Jill, Bessie Calumet, Betty Grattan, Super Globe); all other foals bred by F J August.

Betty Wrack's sire was Peter The Great's free legged pacing son Wrack (2:02¾). Imported by Harry Nicoll and standing at Durbar Lodge, Ashburton, he was one of the most successful of our earliest imported stallions. Wrack was NZ's leading sire on three occasions leaving 193 winners of both gaits (128 pacers, 65 trotters). Wrack's dam The American Belle, won the Kentucky-3T before producing several classic winners. Wracks progeny left eight Derby winners (NZ:5, GN:3, Aldershot, Arethusa, Ciro, Imperial Jade, Indianapolis, Tempest, Wrackler(2)), five NZ Cup winners (Indianapolis (3), Wrackler, Bronze Eagle) and three Dominion Hcp winners (Wrackler, Sea Gift, Peggotty). His standouts were Indianapolis (Three NZ Cups, NZFFA, AK Cup, GN Derby) and dual gaited Wrackler (GN/NZ Derbies, NZ Cup and Dominion Handicap).

Dam Nonnie, was by Galindo out of Ardzigular with Pride of Lincoln being her third dam, Galindo was exported to NZ from North America in 1905 and subsequently to Australia in 1922 (died in 1923). He proved a productive sire leaving 57 winners (46 pacers, 11 trotters), including Kola Girl (WA Cup, WA Easter Cup, Australian C/S heat1/final2, Aust mile record 2:07.8TT), Michael Galindo (Dominion Handicap twice) and was dam sire of Kolect (WA Cup), Logan Lou (National Cup Hcp twice), Onyx (National/ Ashburton Cups), Trampfast (Dominion Handicap). As well as Betty Wrack, Nonnie left Dilnon (male) and Nonnie Wrack who bred on.

The Pride of Lincoln family stands out in the top echelon of Australasian maternal families. It is the leading NZ family as proven by its six NZ Cup winners (Wildwoods Junior twice, Author Dillon, Invicta, Bee Bee Cee and Christian Cullen). Regina, Millie C, Dairy Maid, Kate and Fanny Fern are next best with four winners. Exported to NZ, Pride of Lincoln generated a majority of her descendants through her daughter Thelma (Kentucky from imported sire Berlin).

The family contains a massive number of classic performers. Apart from the NZ Cup winners above, leading performers have included Author Dillon (3 NZFFA's, NZ Derby, sire), Kates First (NZ/ QLD Oaks, Nevele R Fillies, AK Cup), Welcome Advice (VIC Derby, ID Final, sire), Rip Van Winkle (NSW/ QLD Derby, Aus Pacing C/S, Sir Clive Uhr C/S, sire), Christian Cullen (millionaire, leading colonial bred stallion, NZSS-3, Treuer Memorial, Miracle Mile, AK Cup, NZ Cup, FFA). On the 1:50 list are Franco Catapult (1:49.2 US) and the mare Ulrica Bromac (1:49.3 US) and the family's Australasian fastest is Teo Enteo's 1:51.7 (NZ - Christian Cullen 1:54.1). Leading trotters tracing back to Pride of Lincoln include ID Champions Tussle (Rowe Cup, Dominion Handicap), True Roman (Dullard Cup twice, Aust Trotting C/S) and millionaire Take A Moment (ID Trot final twice, three Dominion Handicaps, Rowe Cup, NZ Trotting FFA/ National Trot/ Bill Collins Mile twice, Aust Grand Prix). The family's fastest trotter is Stig (T1:55.2).

Betty Wrack commenced her race career as a three-year-old in the 1931/2 season when she had two pacing wins (Addington - Christchurch Hunt meeting). Placed at four, her final two wins came as a five-year-old (Blenheim Hcp - Marlborough TC/ Dash Hcp - Greymouth). She continued racing at six (placings only) before he final three unplaced starts as a seven-year-old in the 1935/6 season.

In the broodmare barn, Betty Wrack's fillies included:

1. Fair Isle (Light Brigade), won the Rowe Cup (dr Vic Alborn, owner Vic Alborn and E J August) and Bridgens Memorial at Alexandra Park as a six-year-old; the Dominion Hcp as a nine-year-old (dr Maurice Holmes) as well as Christchurch Hcp Trot, CPTC Stewards Hcp Trot among her twelve Victories (five at Addington). She left no foals.
2. Betty Grattan, had one unplaced start as a six-year-old but bred on being grand dam of Hilton Highway (Southland Futurity-3).
3. Fairfield, had a few unplaced starts at three and four. She bred on being fifth dam of Whitecliff Whistler (Junior FFA, QLD FFA's) and Atom Sam (Rangiora Cup), with descendants in Shake It Mama (Bathurst Gold Tiara-2f, AUS Oaks), Lady Octavia (TAS Oaks).
4. Fortuna, was a winner of eleven races overall. These included Metropolitan Stakes-4(Addington), Electric/Ranfurly Handicap(2) at Alexandra Park, Flying Mile on Show Day in 2:05.6 and Farewell FFA at Addington National meeting. She bred on being dam of Forbid (Geraldine Cup) and Lady Fortuna who was 3rd dam of Mai Mai (AP Flying Mile, Flying Stakes-3, Cambridge Classic-4, Waikato Flying Mile twice, ID heat) and Return With Care (Tiwai/Invercargill 4/5yo C/S).
5. Jill, won the final Westport Cup run at Craddock Park in 1944 (clay track 1903-1944, originally known as Mill St Racecourse) before moving to the current track at Patterson Park (grass 1945). She won four races in total, two each at Greymouth and Westport. Jill was grand dam of Smooth Hanover, minor sire in NZ (Karalea Roxburgh Cup, Patinor Wyndham Cup); 3rd dam of good trotter Jillinda (Ordeal Cup, BPTC Trotting Cup); 4th dam of Joshua Tree (NSWSS-2c, Newcastle Mile) and 5th dam of Placid Arc (good winner in SA/WA).
6. Tui Scott, the winner of seven races over six seasons, four of them at Alexandra Park, was dam of:
. Don't Retreat (QLD Derby, Sir Clive Uhr C/S, WA Cup, Winfield Gold Cup, 4 ID hts, Australian Horse Of The Year, sire of 40 AUS winners.
. Alecane (ID ht)
. Eva Storm: dam of -
..Eva Thor - Raith Memorial, granddam of Astrazaani (Leonard Memorial).
..Stormy Pat, dam of Seaswift Franco (Caduceus Club Classic-2f).
..Three Little Pigs (Methven Cup).
..Silver Halo, dam of Cup class pacer Kotare Legend (14 wins, Ash Flying Stakes, National Hcp, second NZ Cup, sire of 22 winners
and Eva Storm is granddam of Jimmy Johnstone (Methven Cup), Royal Counsel (Southland Oaks); 4th dam of About To Rock ($½, Hunter Cup, TAS Pacing C/s).

Betty Wrack's male progeny included:

1.Fillmore, a gelding who recorded four wins over eight seasons of racing including a Thames Pacing Cup at Parawai Racecourse (grass).
2.Super Globe's 3 wins all came at four including NZ Pacing Stakes 3/4yo at Addington. He sired several winners prior to his death in 1959, including Congo Boy (Nelson Winter Cup), Empire Globe (Westport/ Reefton Cups) and dam sire of Belmartial (NZ Trotting Stakes-2).
Congo Boy was very closely inbred (1/2 to Super Globe).
3.Cossack Post was a minor winner of 3 races with two of these at Reefton.



Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed Feb 2015

PETER BINGEN

"Peter Bingen, who is 32 years old, is running on my farm at Kaipaki, Ohaupo," writes Mr C V Garmonsway in a letter to the Calendar. "He has not done any stud work for three years...has the run of the 125 acres dairy farm, enjoys a good cover every winter, is in perfect health and never fails to do a trial run on his own every day. He looks like going on for quite a few years yet," continues Mt Garmonsway's letter. Mr Garmonsway enclosed the photo of the old horse and himself which appears on this page. It is not the best of reproductions, but it will lose little of its interest; for those of us who saw Peter Bingen race it will recall the handsome dark bay horse's brilliant racetrack record of the late 1920s and the sensations he caused by becoming the first pacer in Australasia to better 4.19 for two miles and 2.40 for a mile in a quarter.

In winning his first NZ Cup in 1928 Peter Bingen registered 4.18 4/5, thereby lowering the previous record of 4.19 2/5 standing to the credit of his famous full-brother, Great Bingen; and then, a few days later, Peter Bingen won the Novenber Free-For-All (at that time the only free-for-all run in the Dominion), he clocked 2.38 4/5 and lowered by a wide margin the standing record for a mile and a quarter, 2.40 1/5, held by Minton Derby.

Peter Bingen, up till the NZ Cup carnival, he had been a fast horse but a moody one, and he was one of the outsiders of the 1928 NZ Cup field. That was one of his most generous patches, however, and he could not be caught after dashing into the lead to the call of his trainer-driver, the late J J Kennerley, with a round to go. The finish was one of the finest in the history of the race - still is. Over the final furlong Great Bingen and then Ahuriri were closing on Peter Bingen at every stride and he lasted just long enough to get the verdict.

Peter Bingen began his racing career as a trotter and, as a 3-year-old, he finished second - 20 lengths away - to Peterwah in the NZ Trotting Stakes at Forbury Park. He was switched to the pacing gait before the end of his 3-year-old season, but he never entirely lost his trotting instinct or ability and he had a beautifully smooth action at either gait. Kennerley used to give him a considerable amount of his training work for big pacing races at the trotting gait. "It helps to humour him," this very able trainer used to say, and Peter Bingen, who had his fair share of what many detractors of the Bingen breed called "fiery temperament" was a shining example of what patience, careful study and understanding will do for such a horse. In less capable hands Peter Bingen could have ended up a nonentity. He liked to trot, and Kennerley derived a lot of satisfaction from letting him step along at the square gait, in the course of his NZ Cup preparations, at a speed that would have won good-class trotters races.

Peter Bingen opened his winning account at Greymouth as a 4-year-old in October, 1924. That season he won four races. At five he won three races, and the following season he was first past the post five times. The 1927-8 season was a lean one for him and he ended up with a pretty poor name. People who had followed the aristocratic bay horse had turned almost as sour towards him as he apparently had to this racing business; he did not win a race that term, although he ran one good race at the NZ Cup meeting to finish second to Native Chief in the Free-For-All.

Came the 1928 Metropolitan August meeting and Peter Bingen was nowhere in the August Handicap, then a race little below NZ Cup class. The same lot was his in the principal event on the second day, the King George Handicap. But then the mood struck him, and he romped home by three lengths in the National Cup on the concluding day. Two months later he was at Greymouth contesting high-class sprint races which in those days were regarded as curtain-raisers to the NZ Cup. He was not impressive, being unplaced behind Cardinal Logan, Great Bingen, Ahuriri and Talaro on the first day, and a poor fourth to Cardinal Logan, Bonny Logan and Golden Devon on the second day. In extenuation of Peter Bingen's failures there, it is only fair to mention that Cardinal Logan was then the Dominion's most agile pacer on that small track; Peter Bingen was not.

But the public were sick of 'Peter' once more. He was too 'in and out' for the ten-bob punter, the army of small speculators who make horses favourites or consign them to the category of rank outsiders. They did not go quite so far as pushing Peter Bingen down among the depths in the 1928 NZ Cup, but it was a close shave: in a field of 14 totalisator chances, Peter Bingen was 10th in order of favouritism. It was a powerful field by any standards, past or present. In fact, there have been one or two Cup fields of the last few years that would have been hard pressed to go with the array of giants who met on that warm, sunny day, Tuesday, November 6, 1928, to do battle for the then rich stake of £3000. From the North Island, with a reputation that sent him out favourite, came Padlock. Second in demand was Ahuriri (winner of two previous NZ Cups), bracketed with Imprint; third favourite was the handsome Terence Dillon from Oamaru, next in preference was the old champion Great Bingen, followed by Prince Pointer, the trotter Peterwah, Jack Potts, Talaro and Queen's Own and then Peter Bingen. Others in the field were Black Admiral, Machine Gun, Dalnahine, Kohara, and Waitaki Girl - all names to conjure with at one time or another.

How Peter Bingen slipped the field with a round to go and refused to come back to the sizzling final thrusts of Great Bingen and Ahuriri lived on for many a day as one of the burning topics of light-harness conversation. The unkind thought in many trotting folks' minds - 'fluke' - did not survive above a couple of days, because the following Thursday he inflicted similar defeat on the Free-For-All field and broke his second Australasian record in as many starts - a mile and a quarter in 2.38 4/5 in the Free-For-All, in which Kennerley adopted the same tactics as in the NZ Cup: he took 'Peter' to the front a long way from home and was not caught, although his winning margin over the flying Prince Pointer was only a head, and Jewel Pointer and Great Bingen were not far away. The only other starter was Native Chief.

Peter Bingen was now enjoying the 'green years' of his somewhat chequered career: he came back the following year as good as ever and after finishing second to Kingcraft in his qualifying heat (an innovation that was soon dropped), he won the NZ Cup Final very easily from 36yds. The field was not quite as strong in 1929, the minor placings going to Logan Park, Dundas Boy and Imprint, with the hot favourite Kingcraft, who stood on the mark, unplaced. Peter Bingen put up the same time as the previous year. He finished second to Padlock in the Free-For-All, and the same season put up another great effort to finish second in the Auckland Cup from 84yds to Gold Jacket. The track was soft.

After having a complete season off, Peter Bingen returned to racing in 1931-2. He failed in the NZ Cup, in which he was still the backmarker, finished second to the new champion Harold Logan in the Free-For-All, and at his final appearance in public he finished third in the Champion Handicap, of a mile and a quarter, at Auckland. Peter Bingen won £8629 in stakes at a time when prize-money was less than half of what it is today. He is by Nelson Bingen, an American sire who was a stylish winner at the trotting gait in the Dominion and who made a big name as a sire of trotters and pacers. He sired 219 individual winners of £191,000 in stakes (in round figures).

Bertha Bell, the dam of Peter Bingen, was an outstanding producer. This bloodlike-looking mare was foaled in America in 1909, a daughter of Peter The Great, 2.07 1/4, and Corana Mac, by Wilkes Boy, who earned immortality by siring Grattan and so founding one of the greatest Canadian families of trotters and pacers. Another point of interest in Bertha Bell's pedigree is that her third dam was Lady Thorpe Junior, a mare whose blood played a prominent part in fashioning the pedigree of Lou Dillon, 1.58 1/2, the world's first two-minute trotter. Bertha Bell found a ready affinity with Nelson Bingen, for to him she left Great Bingen, Worthy Bingen, Peter Bingen, Bessie Bingen, Bertha Bingen, Great Peter, Baron Bingen and Great Nelson all winners. To other sires she left Great Parrish and Corona Bell (by Guy Parrish) and Ringtrue (by Travis Axworthy). Bertha Bell's progeny won £34,535 in stakes.

At the stud her sons sired numerous winners. Worthy Bingen sired Worthy Queen, whose mile record of 2.03 3/5 has stood as the trotting main since 1934, and more than 30 other winners. Great Bingen sired more than 40 winners, including classic winners in Taxpayer, Double Great, Refund and Great News; Great Parrish has sired close to 40 winners, and Ringtrue more than 30.

Peter Bingen has perhaps the best siring record of all the sons of Bertha Bell, for his progeny include Peter Smith (placed in a NZ Cup, and a free-for-all winner), Double Peter (who reached Cup class), Peter's Find (a classic winner); and a high-class pacer in King's Play was by Peter Bingen or Blue Mountain King. Peter Bingen sired close on 40 winners in all. At no stage was he extensively patronised, and most of the mares he did get were not of the choicest. In effect, like many of his great racetrack contemporaries, he was virtually wasted as a sire because of the prejudice against Colonial-bred stallions.

Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 20Aug52

REALM

Realm, who figures in a number of NZ pedigrees today, was bred by Mr T W McMahon, of Kurrajong, NSW, in the memorable year of 1914; Realm was a great performer both in NSW and NZ, but rather a disappointment as a sire. An odd winner by him occasionally crops up in NSW and Victoria. In NZ he was represented by Shadowland, winner of the NZ Derby (1926); Regime, and Royal Serene. The latter had records of 2.12 1/5 and 4.36 1/5. In addition to winning the Derby in 3.27 2/5, Shadowland was successful over two miles.

One of Realm's greatest performances was in 1924, when from a flying start in a Free-For-All he paced the mile in 2.03 4/5, being beaten a length by Acron. A couple of days prior to his sensational mile, Realm, off 72yds had run fourth to Sheik (36yds), Great Hope (24yds), and Taraire (48yds) in the 1924 NZ Cup. Of these four Realm's time of 4.24 3/5 was the fastest.

During August, 1922, soon after he reached NZ, Realm won twice in 4.32 4/5 and 4.26 4/5. He was also successfully placed in other races of varying distances, including a win over 10 furlongs in 2.44. On December 5, 1925, Realm ran second off 72yds to Great Bingen (108yds) in 4.29 1/5. Great Bingen's time was 4.25 4/5 and three lengths separated them.

In NSW he was also a good winner, and put up a winning record of 2.13 in a mile race at Victoria Park in 1922. Hoplessly left, he was credited with running the last half in under a minute. Driven by P Riddle, Realm, then raced by Mr J Barrett, won a division at Harold Park (then Epping) in 2.37 1/2, equal to a mile rate of 2.20. Subsequently he won at Victoria Park in 3.35, 3.31 and 2.53, but probably his best long-distance performance in Australia was his second to Box Seat at Victoria Park in 1922. The latter was on 140yds and Realm on 90yds, and the verdict was a yard. Box Seat averaged 2.13 1/2 for two miles and Realm better than 2.16.

In his racing career Realm was credited with winning over £4500 in stakes. Though his full-brother, Childe Wood, was a great success as a sire, Realm, a mighty racehorse, was a comparative failure.

Credit: 'Old Timer' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 24May50

REGINA LOGAN

Regina Logan (1924 Logan Pointer-Regina de Oro), NZ family of Regina; unraced; 14 foals, 10 winners. Breeder: James Duffy, Winton. Foals bred by : M Duffy, Winton (Regina Derby); J M McTavish, Winton (Southern Smile); all other foals bred by Miss Julia Cuffs, Weedons.

Yet another classic winner producing mare whose sire was Logan Pointer. Regina Logan's sire Logan Pointer (1909) left 191 winners including Harold Logan (Two NZ Cups, three NZFFA's) with broodmare credits of three Inter Dominion (ID) Champions in Logan Derby, grand Mogul and Springfield Globe. Logan Pointer was leading sire on seven occasions in NZ.

Dam Regina de Oro was by Copa de Oro who died after one season in NZ (sired Rey de Oro in North America) from Regina Belle (NZMTC President's Hcp). Her dam sire was Bellman, an Australian bred trotter of imported parents who sired 47 winners (30 pacers, 17 trotters) including Bell Car (Easter Hcp), Bell Fashion (Timaru Cup). His broodmare credits included the very speedy Native Chief (NZ Derby, NZFFA). Bellman's daughters included Rita Bell (family of Delightful Lady), kola Bell (family of Sheza Mona) and Bellflower (family of Stanley Rio). Regina Belle left good pacer Logan Chief (NZFFA, Dunedin, Canterbury Hcp, Easter Hcp twice, winner of 23 races from 178 starts, to 31/7/1930 held records for gelding for 1m, 1¼m, 1½m) and his half sister Wild Queen was grand dam of Grand Mogul and 5th dam of Black Watch. Regina de Oro's daughter's included Regina Pointer- grand dam of Garry Dillon and descendant in Honkin Vision.

The family of Regina was founded in Southland and has become well established in Australia. Standout descendants include - Garry Dillon (NZ/ Waikato Cups, CF Mark Memorial), Nicky's Falcon (Redcliffe Cup, raced until 14 years old in Queensland), Honkin Vision ($½m, NZSS-2c/3, NZ C/S-2/3, Flying Stakes-3, Junior FFA), Bruce Hall (ID Pacing Consolation), Trusty Scot (NZ Cup/ FFA, Kaikoura Cup, Ashburton Flying Stakes, ID ht), Grand Mogul (ID Pacing ht/final, Louisson/ Easter Hcps).

Regina Logan's fillies included:

1. Pola Negri, a mare of 14.1 hands, was a winner on five occasions. She left daughters who bred on including:
- Ardour, left Dourglo (Geraldine/ Wyndham Cups)
- Ballyhaunis, left Jennifer: descendants Post Dated Vance (Leonard Memorial, Delightful Lady Classic) and Seafield Princess, ancestress of Seafield Hanover (GN Oaks), Letucerockthem (I:52.1, APG-2c, NSW Breeders Challenge-2c/3c), Letucerocku (1:52.6).
- Clontarf bred on.

2. Dalgan Park - descendants through Dalgan Hall, include numerous Australian winners predominantly Tasmanian, Laradoc (ID ht), Bravado Vale (ID Trot Consolation).

3. Promise Me, unraced, bred on with a leading descendant being good trotter Silver Wheels (Rhodes Mile Trot). Southern Smile, reached good company winning the James Hcp at Forbury among her eleven victories. She was one of the first 100 2:10 pacers in NZ (2:08.8 10furs 1936/7. She failed to produce any foals. Voloma, whose Invercargill Cup win at six came from her only start that season. She recorded four earlier wins but failed to produce other than one foal (Native Chief) who was unraced due to injury. Like Southern Smile, by Adioo Guy who left many fine breeding producers, these two mares failed to breed on.

4. Two Crosses, in-bred to Copa de Oro 2/3 was unraced. She was dam of:
- Master Scott, sire of several Australian winners and descendants Teramby Time (NSWSS-3f), Kyalla Mary (NSWSS-2f)
- True Glory, dam of Gay Baron (Riccarton/ Queens Birthday Stakes-3, Rangiora/ CPTC Winter Cups), Rapine (Hawera Cup); 3rd dam of Wickliffe (Golden Slipper/ Oamaru Juvenile-2)

Regina Logan's male progeny included two good juveniles:

Southern Chief, winner of the inaugural Futurity Stakes that became the Timaru Nursery-2 in 1936. An offer of £1,000 was refused shortly after this victory. Of his twelve wins, five were as a six-year-old including Methven Cup, Oamaru President Handicap and Canterbury Handicap. He was used as a sire.

Walter Moore, half brother of Southern Chief, was a good juvenile pacer by Quite Sure. He won his division (two run) of 1940 Timaru Nursery-2 at his first start. In doing so he established a NZ 2YO Pacers mile record of 2:10.8. This stood as the two-year-old standing start record for thirty years (2:07.0, Lumber 1970). His four wins at three included Ashburton All Aged Stakes and NZ Futurity. His final two victories came at four at Forbury and he was unsuccessful over the next four seasons before being retired.

Other minor winners from Regina Logan were - Regina Derby, won one race at Winton JC before fracturing a leg working around roads; Southland, full brother to Southern Chief (Wrack) was the winner of five races at Auckland, Christchurch and Greymouth (3 wins); Luck Ahead, won 3 (Hawera, South Canterbury JC, FPTC); Southern Way's only win came at first start as a three-year-old at Westland; Honest Truth was a winner at Greymouth.

Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed Feb 2015

HAROLD LOGAN - Bargain Buy

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed May 2016

HAROLD LOGAN - Bargain Buy

Harold Logan 1924 £100, 36 wins (including match races) £11,500.

Harold Logan was probably the most popular pacer to race in New Zealand but while he provided only triumph for his later owners, an earlier one experienced only a sadness that led to tragedy.

Harold Logan was bred by Jack Coffey, then in the Springfield hotel, his dam Ivy Cole, a good looking but slow performer, and another mare were sold cheaply to Percy Brown of Waimate, a drover. Coffey was shifting to a hotel with less ground but it still turned out the bargain of the ages for Brown.

The other mare's foal turned out to be the near champion, Roi L'or, for Brown but he passed Harold Logan on to Fred Legge a Livingstone(Otago) trainer and shearer - virtually as a gift.

In his first racing season Harold Logan won a maiden by several lengths, ridden by his owner at a Waimate Hunt meeting but could not find that form again. He didn't win at all in his second season(he was then six!) and in his third, after one sale fell through on a vet test, he was sold to Miss Effie Hinds of Christchurch.

After professional treatment for various problems and some straightening out of

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed May 2016

HAROLD LOGAN - Bargain Buy

Harold Logan 1924 £100, 36 wins (including match races) £11,500.

Harold Logan was probably the most popular pacer to race in New Zealand but while he provided only triumph for his later owners, an earlier one experienced only a sadness that led to tragedy.

Harold Logan was bred by Jack Coffey, then in the Springfield hotel, his dam Ivy Cole, a good looking but slow performer, and another mare were sold cheaply to Percy Brown of Waimate, a drover. Coffey was shifting to a hotel with less ground but it still turned out the bargain of the ages for Brown.

The other mare's foal turned out to be the near champion, Roi L'or, for Brown but he passed Harold Logan on to Fred Legge a Livingstone(Otago) trainer and shearer - virtually as a gift.

In his first racing season Harold Logan won a maiden by several lengths, ridden by his owner at a Waimate Hunt meeting but could not find that form again. He didn't win at all in his second season(he was then six!) and in his third, after one sale fell through on a vet test, he was sold to Miss Effie Hinds of Christchurch.

After professional treatment for various problems and some straightening out of his attitude by old-school trainer, Dick Humphreys,(he trained where Jack Smolenski, Jim Dalgety etc would follow), Harold Logan then won 8 of his next 10 starts and became a hero horse.

Besides winning two New Zealand Cups and driving Addington crowds into frenzies of enthusiasms with some amazing performances he had a personality few horses could match. He won the NZ Free-For-All as a fourteen-year-old and was lucky to have a hair in his tail when he finally made it back to his stall. The crowd just went berserk.

But Fred Legge watched his charge's progress in despair from his little hut near Duntroon. After racing an unplaced horse at Forbury one day in 1930, unable to pay even his travel bills and broken hearted over Harold Logan, he went to bed, put two extra pillows behind his head and shot himself.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed May 2016

NATIVE CHIEF - Enigma

Let me tell you how fast the Winton-bred Native Chief was. When word was out that Jack Kennerley was going to give him a fast workout at Addington large crowds gathered in the early morning to watch. A beautifully actioned, longstriding Native Chief could reel off 900m in 58 any time he was asked which was sensational then. One morning he worked on his own in 2:02which was more than a second inside the Australasian record.

Retained by his breeder, James Duffy, he was raced on lease for much of his career by Kennerley. There was no doubt Native Chief could have paced two minutes. But he had no manners. If he could break at the start he would and if he started to pull there was no stopping him.

In 1928 he took part in a match race with Great Bingen over a mile which attracted the biggest interest in such an event since the Ribbonwood-Fitz sensation nearly 30 years before. Native Chief won it but there were more than a few boos for him on the return to scale from the very large crowd after five false starts ruined the contest through Native Chief breaking in the run up. When they did go, he had tangled just before the start and Withers had taken a hold on Great Bingen, a public idol then, expecting another false start. Instead Native Chief recovered quickly and was never headed, beating a genuine champion by three lengths.

It all ended in tears. Kennerley wanted to send him against time to break the mile record.But the Duffy's(James Duffy had passed on) weren't having it for some reason. They sent him to the James Bryce stable for a spell and a new campaign and Kennerley "agreed" to end his lease.

Native Chief had just one start in the NZ Cup. He broke early and then pulled his way out of contention. . Story of his life. But oh that two minute speed! Sensational.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed July 2016

AYR

Ayr (1922 Logan Pointer-Precision) NZ family of Precision; 2:31.7; £1,312; two wins; 12 foals, nine winners. Breeder: H F(Harry) Nicoll, Ashburton.

Ayr's sire Logan Pointer (1909) imported by Free Holmes in 1915 sired 191 winners with Harold Logan the stand out (2 NZ Cups, 3 NZFFA's). Broodmare credits included Inter-Dominion(ID) Champions: Logan Derby, Grand Mogul and Springfield Globe (dam Ayr) who was influential as broodmare sire of all of Ayr's progeny. Logan Pointer was leading NZ sire on seven occasions.

Her dam Precision was by St Swithin out of a thoroughbred mare in Kildasa. St Swithin (Rothschild-Queen V) recorded several feature wins at Addington and Forbury Park. St Swithin was sire of 13 winners including Lady Swithin (GN Derby, Champion Stakes). Precision besides Ayr left fillies by Logan Pointer in Gatwick (descendant Valley Champ - Golden Nugget, ID Pacing Consolation), Maud Logan and Correct, a Wrack mare whose descendants include Armbro Lady (dominion Handicap), Johnny Be Cool ($½m, 1:49.4 US), Lady Creed (Miracle Mile, 24 successive wins), Maheer Lord (NZSS-3, WA Cup).

Commencing racing as a three-year-old in 1925/6, Ayr won her first start at Timaru. She won at Alexandra Park where she was placed second in the GN Derby (won by stablemate Nantwich) and second in the Champion Stakes-3 at Addington (later moved to Ashburton). A single placing at four and unplaced at five, she began her broodmare duties after being sold by Harry Nicoll for 37½ to Edgar Tatlow (Tasmania).

Amongst her male progeny, Ayr left three influential sires.

1. Van Ayr, winner and time trialled in 2:06.8TT (Trmora), was sired by the most prolific of Globe Derby's sons in Van Derby. Van Ayr produced 233 winners. His greatest success came as a broodmare sire; like his sire, neither managed to extend their line. Van Ayr sired Avian Again (14 successive wins) and was broodmare sire of Tenny Rena - dam of Jikk Adios (Aust Pacing C/S), grand dam of three time ID champion Our Sir Vancealot ($2m, 1:55.4, Treuer Memorial/WA Cup twice, Miracle Mile, SA Cup, Aust Pacing C/S)/ Quantum Lobell (SA Cup, TAS Pacing C/S) and third dam of Bonavista Bay (Golden Nugget, VIC SS-4h).

2. Our Globe, considered superior to Springfield Globe at the time of the 1039 ID's in Tasmania, , won his first two heats but was disqualified for six months for failing on the third day. He won another heat at Gloucester Park in 1940 (4th in final) as well as TAS Easter Cup. At stud, he sired 158 winners essentially all winners of Tasmanian features (Payray-29 wins; Tipster, TAS Derby). His broodmare credits included TAS Derby winners Gentle Armagh/ Jimmy Maru/ Our Cygnet/ Standing Beauty/ Jive (VIC Oaks).

3. Springfield Globe at five won the 1939 ID Pacing Final and was declared ID Champion (on points) when it was held at Elphin, Launceton. Following the ID's he was leased to Roy Berry to race in NZ. His NZ race career commenced with three starts at the 1939 Auckland Christmas carnival for a fourth in AK Cup. At six, he was unplaced in two starts at each of Addington's Easter and Ashburton's Queens Birthday meetings. At seven he recorded win in Rattray/ Mason/ Paparua; seconds in National/ Ollivier Handicaps (to Gold Bar), Churchill Handicap FRTC, Canterbury Handicap and third in Easter Handicap. As an eight-year-old, he was unplaced in Easter Handicap, fourth in Champion FFA at Addington; second in Winter Handicap, fourth in All Aged Stakes at Ashburton's Queens Birthday meetings. In the 1943/4 season, Springfield Globe won August FFA, NZFFA (then called Premier Sprint C/S) and finished sixth in NZ Cup (Haughty's second Cup). His total NZ earnings were £3,088.
Springfield Globe sired 299 winners (73 NZ; 226 Australia) having stood in both NZ (1944-47) and Australia (June 1947-54). He was leading sire of winners in Australia in 1956 (70). Springfield Globe was the first ID Winner to sire an ID winner in Tactician (ID Final, NZFFA, first pacer in two minutes in a race outside USA), dual Hunter Cup winner Sheffield Globe, Victorian Derby/ Hunter Cup winner Mineral Spring, NZ Cup winners Adorian/ Mobile Globe, AK Cup winning mare Thelma Globe and Aachen (SA Cup, won 27 of 32 starts), winner of record 20 consecutive races in Australia. The best of Aachen's progeny was Richmond Lass who won three Oaks(NSW/ VIC/ SA) and an Inter Dominion. Springfield Globe was the best broodmare sire left by Logan Derby - Cairnbrae/ Invicta (NZ Cup), Scottish Command (AK Cup), Dignus (NSW Derby), Explicit (NSW Sapling, VIC Oaks). The Springfield Globe male line finished with his son Bylaw.

Tullochgorum, Tasmanian winner and successful minor sire. Cloudy Range, a gelding won 15 races including Greymouth Cup, CPTC Winter Handicap, Lightning/ Craven/ Clarkson/ Mason/ Presidents Handicaps at Addington and Presidents Handicap at Forbury. He was twice unplaced in NZ Cups.

Ayr's fillies were:

Ayr Derby, NSW winner who bred on. Ayr Lass, unraced left descendants in Cruikshank Lad (Shepparton Trotters Cup) and The Redgum Coach (Aust Trot C/S heat). Ayress, Sydney winner who bred on because she was granddam of Australian two-year-old pacing mile record holder Eden Monaro (2:09.8, NSW Sapling). Commotion, recorded five wins including Waikato/ Otahuhu Cups. She bred on being granddam of Sydney trotter Meadow Vale and third dam of Bendigo Cup winner Freedom Day. Lindayr, unraced, bred on. Pauline, unraced third dam of Dollars Double (WA Golden Slipper, Fremantle Cup), Infield (Kilmore Cup). Raidare, winner whose descendants include Torque In Motion (1:52.5, Ladyship Mile).

Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed Jan 2015

CUP KINGS - WRACK 1922

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

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

7= WRACK 1922
(Peter The Great-Colorado Belle-Colorado E)(Died aged 19)
Six WINS, Three WINNERS, Zero BROODMARES, Zero SIRE SON WINNERS = 70 points.

There was no middle ground with Wrack who stood his first season at a record high fee for New Zealand at Ashburton. Trainers either liked them or they drove them to distraction.
Plus that his owners had most of his early stars, not the ones paying the high fees. He had been a rough and tough free-for-all horse in the States with an official race "half" of 58.5 as a free legged pacer. He won three stallion premierships here but long term had less influence than other much cheaper stallions of his time.
Of Wrack's six major Cup winners Indianapolis, a great horse but a failure at stud, won three. One of the others, Wrackler, from his first crop, later won a Dominion as well. Bronze Eagle, the upset in the 1944 NZ Cup, was his last. None of Wrack's daughters produced Cup winners and none of his sons amounted to much.
The Wracks were, like him, generally plain lookers. His major influence would be through his trotters. He left three Dominion Handicap winners and not many on this list had that sort of versatility.

TRIVIA FACT - wrack met a rather sad end. When Harry Nicoll retired him from breeding he sold Wrack (at 17) to Edgar Tatlow of Tasmania as a replacement option for Globe Derby. After one season the world double-gaited champion Raider (the last US horse allowed into Australia for a decade) became available earlier than expected. Wrack was virtually given to a New South Wales breeder but died suddenly before serving a mare there.



Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed Nov 2016