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RACING HISTORY

PEOPLE

MAURICE HOLMES

When Maurice Holmes drove Rustic Lad to a four-length victory in the Final Handicap at Addington on November 8 he became the first reinsman in the history of New Zealand light-harness sport to drive a thousand winners. It is doubtful whether this fantastic effort will ever be equalled let alone broken.

In his long association with the sport Holmes has topped the drivers' list 11 times which is another record. He has the record score for a season - indeed twice he has piloted 67 winners. Almost every major race in the trotting calendar has been won by Maurice including three NZ Cups, his first way back in 1930 behind Wrackler. Twice he has won the Inter-Dominion Championship with Vedette and Pot Luck.

But not only as a driver has Holmes been to the forefront in trotting but he has also been a successful trainer. He started in this phase of the sport in the 1932-33 season and since then over 400 winners have come from his stable.

Naturally 'Morrie' likes to win races and although he was well aware of the remarkable achievement he had performed in notching his thousandth winner he was the same imperturbable gent when his arm was being almost shaken off by genuine well-wishers after Rustic Lad's victory. Incidentally Maurice's first victory was in a saddle race but that was many years ago.

I was talking to the 'maestro' just prior to his going out to drive Rustic Lad and remarked: "Say, that thousandth winner is harder to get than your first, isn't it?" Morrie raised his eyebrows,"You fellows have got me all keyed up. I'm getting a bit nervous," he said. He then jumped into Rustic Lad's cart a few minutes later the same unsmiling Maurice lifted his hat to the roaring crowd as he came back into the enclosure with the incredible task accomplished.

The photo shows club president, Mr J K Davidson, making a presentation to the successful reinsman after his win in the final race.

Although it took Maurice all the first day to score that elusive win to make the 1000 it took a good deal less to start his way on the second. In the opening event on Friday, November 11, Maurice was seen at his very best when he stole a march on the field at the home turn with Reprimand and carried on to win in hollow fashion.

Credit: Mal Treston writing in NZ Hoof Beats Vol 10 No7

MESCELLANY

Gentles (J G Crofts) winning from Island Mist & Count Cavan

SADDLE RACES AT ADDINGTON

The saddle race to be run at the winter meeting of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club on Saturday, May 28, will be the first of its kind to be run on the course since September 28, 1946.

On that day the New Brighton Trotting Club raced there and included on the programme was the Seaview Handicap, a 2.17 class mile saddle which was won by Grattan Bells. Grattan Bells was trained by H J Smith and ridden by C Thornley.

-o0o-

'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 1Jun60

The saddle race at Addington on Saturday created keen public interest; the race was run in two divisions and excellent sport was witnessed, the riders displaying a surprisingly high standard of horsemanship.

A large crowd thronged the birdcage fence to watch the horses parade and the riders mount, and the 'Scotsmen's Grandstand' - the back fence - was patronised almost as well as on NZ Trotting Cup day. The increased interest was reflected in the on-course totalisator turnover for the day, which amonted to £82,318 10s, a rise of £12,195 on last year. Off-course investors wagered £54,524 10s, which represented an increase of £7165 on last year's total.

Comments after the race were varied, but the 'fors' appeared to outnumber the 'againsts'. Some of the newly initiated went so far as to say it looked silly, but the majority commented most favourably and agreed it would add variety to light-harness programmes which may perhaps be in danger of becoming too stereotyped. And the warm approval carried by acclamation as each winner returned to the birdcage on Saturday would be heartening to Canterbury Park stewards.

Veteran horseman P P Gallagher, in the vicinity of 60 years, had the mount on Dark Signal. He later gave his unqualified approval of the reintroduction of saddle racing. Gallagher was one of the best 'knights of the pigskin' in the Dominion when saddle races were an integral part of the sport, and he is unquestionably thoroughly seasoned and well qualified to judge the success or otherwise of the experiment - for such it was generally regarded on Saturday. The Murfitt family, represented in Saturday's race by F Murfitt on Alison's Pride, produced many good saddle winners in the past, and others who rode their share of winners in this department were G A Collison, J A Carmichael, T C Nyhan and C A Thornley, who all had mounts on Saturday.

In the vintage years of the weight-carrier, many good horses, including NZ Cup candidates, raced and were successful in saddle, and what better medium is there for the education of young horsemen, and many horses too, for that matter?

Gentles' smooth and decisive win in the first division was perhaps due in no small measure that he was from the south, where the odd saddle race is still to be found. Lucky Dora, who won the second division, gave some trouble at the start but soon became balanced to win comfortably after being well ridden by her owner, R J Jones.

Few would quibble over the distance of Saturday's contests - a mile and a quarter. However, there is little doubt that a mile is the ideal distance for a saddle race; but it is also appreciated that the turning start at the mile post at Addington is a distinct disadvantage, hence the Club's wise precaution in ensuring a straight run from the mile and a quarter starting post on Saturday. Perhaps Addington Trotting Course Ltd, if saddle racing becomes firmly re-established, might view favourably the suggestion af constructing a chute at the top of the track, thus providing a straight run from the start; and this could also be advantageous for mile harness races, particularly flying miles, another 'variety' contest that claims considerable merit.

A steward of ther Greymouth Trotting Club stated on Saturday that the saddle race at his club's recent centennial meeting was the second best betting race on the programme. It was also a great sporting success. After all, saddle racing has been resumed without much warning - it could scarcely have been otherwise - and with so little time available for practice or adjustment, it says a lot for trainers, horsemen and horses that the race on Saturday was such a signal success.

If saddle races have come to stay - and we sincerely hope they have - rapid improvement can be expected in all phases of this fascinating variant of the people's pastime; and the people themselves have already demonstrated only too clearly that it may be a long time before their curiosity in the nimble pacers with the weight on top is in any danger of diminishing.

To the clubs which have been courageous enough to 'give it a go,' the Greymouth Trotting Club and Canterbury Park Trotting Club, the sport as a whole should eventually be indebted.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 20Apr60

INTERDOMINIONS

SYDNEY- CADUCEUS
Seldom at a sporting venue anywhere has there been an occasion to equal the excitement and sheer jubilation the night of Saturday, 13 February 1960, at Harold Park in Sydney, when a record-smashing crowd of 50,346 cheered Caduceus to victory as a nine-year-old. Jack Litten's champ won from a handicap of 36 yards.

HORSES

Percy Watson & Purple Patch

PURPLE PATCH

It was away back in 1939 when Purple Patch was foaled and she has always been owned by Methven trotting personality Percy Watson.

A prolific breeder, Purple Patch now spends her days nonchalantly strolling round her fine paddock where she is treated like a cup horse and really is in control of the stable.

By Rey de Oro from a Logan Pointer mare who traces back to the thoroughbred mare Papilla, Purple Patch has thrown many winners. The following are some of the better known pacers from Purple Patch. They were Royal Rey, Countless, Ingle Belmer, Anita Patch, Inherit, Peggy Patch, Dora Patch, Direct Link, Inglewood and Ingleside.

Ingle Belmer who raced with a good del of success has produced Brittania, Royal Brittania and Lady Belmer. These were all by U Scott and by Light Brigade she threw the trotter Ingle Brigade.

For years now Mr Watson has been prominent in South Island trotting circles and it would be the fulfilment of a great ambition if he could win the NZ Cup particularly with a pacer which traces back to his favourite Purple Patch.



Credit: NZ Hoof Beats Vol 10 No 7

HORSES

DESILU - Classic Winner Producing Mare

Desilu (1960 U Scott-Mischevious) NZ family of Rita Bell; unraced; 17 foals, 12 to race for 11 winners/1 qualifier. Breeder: Jack Ferguson. All foals bred by: DWJ(Dave) Anderson except Mac Splash (Jim Dalgety), Bann Eain (Jack Hughes).

Desilu was sired by U Scott. Her dam Mischievous (Dillon Hall from the Logan Pointer mare Monaive) was purchased for £350 by Dave Anderson in 1962 as a seventeen-year-old from Akaroa breeder Jack Ferguson with the U Scott filly Desilu at foot. Anderson was in earlier years associated with John Butcher's stable that leased and then bought from Ferguson for £500 Desilu's full sister Desiree. This led to a long line of success for the Butchers with Tobias, Josias, Abidias, Samarias, Zedechias, Elias, Mathias just a few from the Desiree branch of the family of Rita Bell. Others of note from the Desiree branch included Stabilizer, Nebulizer, Buck The Odds & Pascale Bromac

The family of Rita Bell (Bellman out of an unnamed Berlin mare) is noteable for two branches emanating from Mischievous - Desiree and Desilu. From Desilu's third dam Galindo Lou (Logan Lou, 10 wins, National Hcp twice) to Monaive (granddam of Nebula, 10 wins; dam of Cloudage, 9 wins, Rangiora Cup) to Desilu, there was a winner or winners of top class.

Desilu was unraced due to a mysterious shoulder ailment likely the result of being kicked as a youngster. She became only the second recipient of two Broodmare of the Year awards in 1980 and 1981 (Deft, Interchange, Sheesadoosie, other dual winners). The most successful of this exceptional family of classic progeny were by Tudor Hanover, full brothers Delightful Pal, Jacron and full sisters Delightful Lady, Daveys Jill. Desilu was humanely put down aged 33 in June 1994 after being afflicted with chronic arthritis for several years.

Desilu's male progeny included:

Davey Be Good, winner of twelve races in Australia (1:59.3, 1700m), four at Gloucester Park.

Top Cash, two win horse (Claudelands, Cambridge) and USA winner ($100k earner, 17 wins)

Davey Jack, unplaced at 2 and 3 before winning 5 as a 4yo (Cambridge - Morrinsville, Te Awaumutu clubs; Hutt Park - Otaki, Masterton clubs; Alexandra Park) before export to North America (1:59.3US, $200k earner, 22 wins)

Delightful Pal, winner of 8 from 24 starts with 5 at three from nine outings (Waikato, Alexandra Park & Cambridge twice each). He won the Kumeu Stakes at 4 off 20m for Roy and Barry Purdon before 2 further wins at Alexandra Park at five were followed by his export to USA.

First Batch, four-win horse for Reg Weatherley. Placed at two, he won 4 races at three (three at Alexandra Park including the GN Derby; Cambridge)and the Franklin Presidents Hcp at four. A further 2 wins were recorded at Claudelands as a 5yo before his export to North America.

Jacron, a nine-race winner for Auckland Trotting Club officials Ron Robertson, Jack Maich and Wayne Fleet, he had three victories in his first season at four (Hutt Park, Alexandra Park & New Plymouth) for trainer Ken Sefonte. Interspersed with 6 wins at six including four at Alexandra Park and 2 at Cambridge (Johnstone Memorial) for Mike Stormont, Jacron did not place at five or seven. He was retired suffering from thrombosis caused by a worm build-up in his blood.

Desilu's fillies included:

Auckland's Lady, unraced, dam of one winner, her eighth and final foal in Electric Kiwi (Caduceus Club Classic at 2, Queen of Hearts, Franklin Breeders Cup), dam of four winners including Electric Chapel (9 wins). Bann Eain, winner of 1 race over four seasons at age three - Cambridge (dam of four including three in Australia, Dark Baron (9 wins), Highfields Gem (5 wins), Son Gorgeous (6 wins). Daveys Gene, unraced dam of two winners, Gene Hills (Otaki Cup, 4 NZ/4 Aus wins).

Daveys Jill, open class trotter, winner of 10 races starting with placings at three. Her first 7 wins came at four (Claudelands, Manawatu twice, Hutt Park & Alexandra Park 3). Sixth in the Rowe Cup at five, her final three victories were in consecutive starts at age six (Hutt Park twice, Alexandra Park) with a third in the Reg Rhodes Flying Mile that year. This was followed by 22 unplaced efforts at seven and eight (fifth in the National Trot). Daveys Jill was granddam of the dual-gaited Hanover Zip (Cambridge, Alexandra Park Winter, Nyah & Echuca Cups).

Davita, unraced due to injury, dam of:
. Davita Lass, dam of Smooth Dave (WA Derby); 3rd dam of Smooth Leyanda (QLD Oaks), dam of:
~ The Holmes Legend, dam of Poacher (Roxburgh Cup)
~ The Falcon Legend (Kawatiri Cup)
~ Jerry Garcia (Akaroa Cup)
. El Davita, 3rd dam of:
~ Kirchberg (Northland Cup)~
~ Kirchdoff (Methven, Manukau & Hawkes Bay Cups)
~ Kirkoswald, dam of Forever Loyal (Otaki & Wanganui Cups)
. Taya Lee, dam of Slugger (NZ 2yo Championship, Cardigan Bay 2yo Stakes; granddam of Grinaldi (NZSS 2yo NHT & Manukau Cup), The Oyster Man (NZSS HI C&G; 3rd dam of:
~ Fake Denario ($¾m, 1:48.2US, Aus 3yoc Breeders Crown)
~ Extra BG, dam of: Kotare Mach (Welcome & Flying Stakes); Granddam of Kotare Roland, Biella Star (Wyndham & Winton Cups)
~ Kotare Jaeger (Methven Cup)
~ Ross The Boss ($½m, 1:50.0US)
~ Tanisa Bromac, dam of Tijuana Bromac (Otaki Cup)
. Zoleine, dam of Beaudene (Macau Caesars Palace Gold Cup), Smooth Jack (Masterton Cup)

Last but not least, Desilu's crowning breeding achievement was the 'Queen of the Park', Delightful Lady. One of this country's greatest ever race mares, her career record stood at 144 starts for 47 wins and 40 placings (3 in Australia) for earnings of $476,250 ($5,250 in Australia). Thirty eight of her victories came at Alexandra Park where apart from her five consecutive NI Breeders Stakes wins (1979-1983), she won two Auckland Cups (1980, 1981), two Pezaro/Mark Memorials, two Inter-Island Challenge Stakes & Down Under Miles, a Franklin Cup, a Benson & Hedges Mile and Lion Breweries Mile. She finished third in the 1982 Auckland Cup, won an Inter Dominion heat and placed third in the 1983 Grand Final (to Gammalite and Poplar Alm, the first NZ finisher). She is remembered for her only win at Addington (NZ Standardbred Breeders Stakes) and her epic length of the straight tussle with Hands Down before finishing second in the 1980 NZ Cup.

Bred by Dave Anderson, Delightful Lady (Tudor Hanover-Desilu) was 1980/81 NZ Harness Horse of the Year. Her then lessees, Fred & Paul Grant were leading owners ($178,305)the same season. Trained at various stages during her career by Mike Stormont (36 wins, 35 winning drives0 and Gary Hillier (11 wins, 11 winning drives), Paddy Timmins was her other successful driver making up her tally of 47 wins. Nine of those wins came at one mile (1:58.7). Most wins and her highest stake winning seasons came at six (14 wins) and seven (12 wins). She set a number of NZ records over varying distances during her career.

Delightful Lady received the ultimate accolade being elected the eleventh member of the NZ Trotting Hall of Fame. A replica of her in full race trim is located in the NZ Trotting Hall of Fame and the Delightful Lady Lounge at Alexandra Park is named after her. She proved unable to conceive due to a chromosome abnormality, hence no foals were produced by Delightful Lady.

Minor winners from Desilu: Good Time Chief, 5 wins in Australia; Mac Splash, winner at Ruakaka (Northland TC); Daveys Devil, 1:58.3US winner.







Credit: Peter Craig writing in Harnessed Sept 2015

HORSES

EMULOUS

Emulous, whose death was reported recently, was one of the greatest pacers to race in the Dominion. Many will recall some of the clashes the big Jack Potts pacer had with another undoubted champion, Highland Fling. When these two great pacers were on the way up, opinions as to the respective merits of both were some-what divided, but suffice it to say that they were both champions in their own right and created keen interest wherever they appeared.

A big horse with a tremendous stride, Emulous was what was referred to by some as a 'pile driver' and his tendency to hit the ground hard with his feet brought on periods of soreness and it said a lot for his trainer-driver, W K Tatterson, that he reached the heights he did.

Emulous commenced racing as a 3-year-old in the 1943-44 season, and at his first start finished fourth to Scottish Emperor, Acropolis and Native Scott in the NZ Futurity Stakes which was that year run at Addington. In five more starts that term Emulous recorded a second in the Hutt Handicap at Wellington and a third in the Trial Handicap at Ashburton.

Emulous opened his 4-year-old season on a winning note when he won the second division of the View Hill Handicap at the North Canterbury Racing Club's meeting in October, and he followed up that success by winning the Metropolitan Challenge Stakes at Addington. In the event he turned the tables on Native Scott and Scottish Emperor, who finished second and third respectively. His next six starts that term resulted in four minor placings and a win.

As a 5-year-old Emulous made good judges sit up and take notice when he won nine races, seven of them consecutively. In all he started 15 times that term and was out of the money only once - at his first appearance for the season. His successes included the Le Lievre Handicap at Addington, the St Heliers Handicap, the Ranfurly Handicap, the President's Handicap and the Premier Handicap, all at the Auckland Trotting Club's summer meeting, and the President's and Flying Handicaps at the Addington Easter meeting.

Emulous started only four times as a 6-year-old, but he carried on his winning way to the extent of three successes in a row. He won the President's Handicap at Addington, pacing the mile and five furlongs journey from 12 yards in 3.28; he won the Flying Stakes at the same meeting; and on the third day won the Easter Stakes, returning the fast time of 3.10 2/5 for the mile and a half.

After several placings in the early part of the 1947-48 season, including a second to Highland Fling in the Lightning Free-for-all at Addington, Emulous regained the winning list in the Pacers' Championship qualifying race on the first day of the Inter-Dominion Championship series at Auckland. In the second qualifying race Emulous was beaten into second place by Knave Of Diamonds, but came back on the third day to win the Grand Final from 36 yards. Highland Fling, who was considered his most serious rival in the final, failed to gain a place after losing ground at the start and tangling later when making a forward move.

By this time Emulous and Highland Fling were clashing, and although Emulous gained several places before the season ended, he did not win another race that term. In six appearances in the 1948-49 season, Emulous won one race, the Flying Handicap at Forbury Park, a race he won from 60 yards, pacing the mile and three furlong journey in 2.53. That was his last success. In four subsequent starts he failed to finish in the money and was retired from racing.

Emulous was the 1940 foal of the Peter Chenault mare, Light Wings, who also left Lightning Lady, Sirocco and Golden Lady. He was bred by Mrs M A Haslett, Rakaia, in whose name he raced, and he was trained and driven throughout his career by W K Tatterson, In all, Emulous won £22,654 in stakes, the result of 18 wins and 20 placings.


Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 17Aug60

HORSES

GOLD HORIZON

The death was reported recently of Gold Horizon, one of the greatest trotters ever to race in NZ and leading stake-winner among those of his gait with £18,260 to his credit.

Gold Horizon won almost every important event on the calendar for those of his gait, several of them twice. He was the poetry of motion when in action and wore a minimum of gear. Apart from the usual harness he wore only shin and ankle boots behind.

Gold Horizon commenced racing as a 5-year-old in the 1947-48 season, when owned and trained by his breeder, J G Gillard. At his first start, Gold Horizon won the Claudelands Handicap at the Waikato Trotting Club's summer meeting on January 3, 1948. At his next attempt, Gold Horizon finished out of a place but made amends by winning at his next two appearances. He finished that season with a third placing and his record was six starts, three wins and a third.

As a 6-year-old, Gold Horizon won two races and gained a second placing, his most important success that season being in the February Handicap at the Auckland Trotting Club's February meeting. The race was run over a mile and a half and Gold Horizon trotted the journey from 12 yards in 3.22. Gold Horizon did not race in the 1949-50 season and won only one race the next term in 10 starts. He had been driven in all his successes up to this time by J G Gillard.

In the 1951-52 season, Gold Horizon was leased by the Leeston owner-trainer, W J Doyle, who has experienced outstanding success with trotters over a long period. At his third start for Doyle, Gold Horizon finished fourth against a field of pacers in the Elgin Handicap at Ashburton and followed that placing by winning the Wishful Handicap at Oamaru, beating Dictation, Highland Kilt and Barrier Reef. Four more successes came his way that season in addition to several placings. He won the Ashburton Trotting Cup Handicap, the NZ Hambletonian Handicap, the R A Armstrong Memorial Handicap and the Hambletonian Handicap at the Canterbury Park Trotting Club's winter meeting. Gold Horizon's improvement under Doyle was remarkable; he became as 'solid as the Rock of Gibraltar,' and developed outstanding stamina.

The next season Gold Horizon won the Wishful Handicap at Oamaru for the second time and followed up that success by winning the Greyhound Handicap at Addington from 48 yards, trotting the mile and five furlong journey in 3.27 4/5, which was then the winning record for the distance. Also for the second time, Gold Horizon won the NZ Hambletonian Handicap at Addington trotting the two mile journey from 60 yards in 4.18. At his last appearance for that term, Gold Horizon easily won the Steward's Trotting stakes at the Easter meeting at Addington, beating Sure Charge by two lengths in 2.42 1/5 for the mile and a quarter journey.

Gold Horizon carried on his winning way in the 1953-54 season to record three wins and two seconds in six starts. His successes were gained in the Christchurch Handicap at the National meeting at Addington, the NZ Trotting Free-For-All and the Steward's Trotting Stakes for the second time. This event, of course, was run under free-for-all conditions.

Although he had reached the advanced age of 12 years when the 1954-55 season opened, Gold Horizon showed he was far from being done with. At his second start for the term he won the Worthy Queen Handicap at the NZ Cup meeting at Addington from 42 yards, trotting the mile and a quarter in 2.39 2/5. Gold Horizon was now racing in the joint ownership of W J Doyle and J G Gillard, but was still being trained and driven by Doyle. Those to finish behind Gold Horizon that day were Slipstream, Fair Isle and Battle Cry. At the same meeting Gold Horizon added the NZ Trotting Free-For-All for the second time. Dictation, Battle Cry and Fair Isle finished in the minor placings.

Shortly after, Doyle's interest in Gold Horizon terminated, and he was returned to his breeder. Although he was raced several times and even tried as a pacer, Gold Horizon did not regain winning form.

Foaled in 1942, Gold Horizon was got by Quite Sure (a most successful sire of trotters), and was the second foal of the Great Parrish mare, Eyre (2.49, P). Eyre was out of Great Eyre, who was got by Great Audubon-Eyrechild, by Rothschild from a Traducer mare. Eyre also left Belcar (3.24, T), to Worthy Belwin. Great Eyre left a string of winners besides Eyre in Golden Eagle, Axminster, Charles Rex, Fighting Friend and Eyre's Last, all of whom were bred by J T Paul at Mangere.



Credit: Írvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 16Mar60

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

CECIL DEVINE - FALSE STEP 1960

Some exceptional trainer/drivers in earlier eras always seemed to get the job done when the chips were down (often literally). Cecil Devine's third Cup with False Step was one.

From 40m behind, False Step lost another 30m, had to chase very wide and at the home turn the brilliant Sun Chief had three lengths on the big stayer and was going better. False Step just could not catch the flying youngster.

Then, a stroke of genius. Devine lowered his whip and within 100m of the finish of a potentially history making New Zealand Cup, he stopped driving. A huge gamble became Cecil's ace in the hole. When he resumed his urgings, that bravest of stayers found a little more to get up by a narrow margin.

Many a Cup has been lost by impatient horsemen. This was patience with a capital P. But nobody has tried it since.

TRIVIA FACT: Devine had first shown his talent with stayers way back in 1945. Making ends meet with the faithful Teddy Gregg at Coast meetings, he was handed former top mare Shadow Maid to train by local George Chesmar. She had been unplaced in 20 starts before running third in the 1945 Cup behind Gold Bar and was the rank outsider of the field. That never happened to the black with white stars again.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed 2016

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1960 NZ DERBY STAKES

The Auckland owned and trained three-year-old, Student Prince, caused a minor surprise when he finished too well for King Hal in the NZ Derby Stakes to give his owner, Mr H S Barry, his most important classic success to date. He beat King Hal by two lengths with Jay Ar a similiar distance away third and Flying Note fourth. Student Prince had paced useful races in his earlier appearances at the meeting and received a fine trail behind his stablemate, Paysan Bleu, and later behind Moose. Driver, M Holmes, pulled Student Prince out inside the furlong and after collaring King Hal, soon had the result in safe keeping.

The start was marred to some extent when Southern Cross, Jar Ar, Flying Note and Wekin all gave ground, and King Hal was also slow to become balanced. Paysan Bleu made a quick beginning and he was followed early by Student Prince, then came Morsel, with gaps to Moose, Master Alan (who broke), King Hal, Wekin, Flying Note, Southern Cross, Jay Ar, Adios Heather and Summit Road. The whole field was strung out at this stage. At the end of six furlongs Paysan Bleu began to feel the strain and Moose raced clear. King Hal had improved at this stage and was doing slightly better than Moose racing to the straight, with Student Prince just behind. Jay Ar, Summit Road, Flying Note and Southern Cross were all handy.

King Hal soon worked clear once into the straight, but Student Prince was not done with by any means and set out after King Hal at the furlong. These two were together half a furlong out but Student Prince did best. After the four placed horses came Summit Road, Adios Heather, Morsel, Southern Cross, Wekin and Paysan Bleu last.

Student Prince's success would no doubt be most heartening to Mr H S Barry, who has spent a lot of money on the sport, paying big prices for handicap horses and younger stock and he has also built an up-to-date training and breeding establishment at Mangere. Student Prince is trained by R Stockdale, private trainer to Mr Barry, and was at one time attached to M Holmes's stable at Yaldhurst when Holmes was public training. He drove several winners for Holmes, including champion trotter Recruit and Lookaway.

Student Prince is a bay colt by Hal Tryax from Little Toff, a winner herself, and the 1947 foal of the prolific broodmare, Rustic Maid, dam of the NZ Cup winner Chamfer, and others. Little Toff was got by Dillon Hall. Bred at Gore by Mr G Youngson, Student Prince was purchased at the 1959 yearling sales for 625 gns when offered on account of Mr J W G Irving, Oamaru. Student Prince's win gave M Holmes his 11th driving success in the classic.

King Hal made a gallant attempt to add this classic to his already fine record and was far from disgraced in defeat. He had a fair stretch of ground to make up to reach the lead and the effort to do so told when it came to the concluding stages. Jay Ar also paced a fine race after being towards the rear in the early stages and the same could be said of Flying Note.


Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 23Nov60

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Jim Smyth receives the presentation from Barbara Davidson

1960 NZ TROTTING CUP

False Step, leaving the barrier with machine-like precision, had cut his handicap to ribbons within half a mile, and in a tense final dual with Sun Chief he gained the ascendency in the last 50 yards and won his third New Zealand Cup in a row with bulldog courage.

False Step was still at least two lengths behind Sun Chief with a furlong to go, and when False Step was inclined to hang in it momentarily looked like Sun Chief's day, but sheer grit and superlative staying power saw False Step gradually reduce the gap and draw alongside Sun Chief, with the last 50 yards all False Step's - his official margin was half a length; his last mile was run in a torrid 1:59 1-5, last half mile in 57 4-5secs. - a phenomenal effort - and his concluding quarter in 29 4-5. His full time, 4:09, has only once been bettered in the world, by Johnny Globe in his record-breaking 4:07 3-5 in the 1954 New Zealand Cup.

"The greatest horse in the world," declared a veteran sportsman who has seen all the Cup winners and legions of others before the Cup was established. Perhaps the finest stayer, anyway.

The race was the best seen for years, and one of the cleanest. There were no incidents during the running apart from the bobble put in by Lookaway fairly early, and no excuses could be made for those who finished behind False Step.

Sun Chief lived right up to the high opinion held of him, paced a grand race, and was far from disgraced in going under to a pacer of the calibre of False Step. His driver, D Townley, who had him well placed all the way, said after the race, "I thought I had my first New Zealand Cup won half way up the straight, but the other horse was too good." Sun Chief just failed, in a game attempt, to do what Lookaway did, win the Cup at four years. Sun Chief's share of the stake, £1350, brings his total earnings in New Zealand to £8915. He has also won something over £3000 in Australia, a grand effort for one of his age. In his year, Lookaway won £10,285 in the Dominion. Lookaway, who bobbled during the journey, finished five lengths behind Sun Chief, beating Invicta by three quarters of a length. Lookaway stripped in good order and although well beaten by False Step and Sun Chief, paced a creditable race, his first at a totalisator meeting this season. He was given every assistance by driver M Holmes.

Robert Dillon broke at the start, taking no serious part in the contest, and Lady Belmer was very slow. Lady Shona, Invicta, Blue Emperor and Fourth Edition were the most prominent early, and Con Scott, Sun Chief, Responsive, Auditor, Scottish Command, Lookaway, False Step and Thunder were next. At the mile and a quarter, Con Scott lead Invicta, Fourth Edition, Lady Shona, Sun Chief, Blue Emperor, Scottish Command, Auditor, Responsive, Lookaway, False Step, Thunder and Lady Belmer. With a round to go False Step made a forward move but was forced wide at the showgrounds bend. Going down the back straight False Step was following Sun Chief and when the last named hit the front shortly after turning for home, False Step was followed by Lookaway and Invicta. When pulled out to challenge it momentarily appeared as though False Step would not get Sun Chief, but his undoubted stamina combined with his perfect condition carried the day. After Invicta came Auditor and Fourth Edition with the rest beaten off. Invicta paced a sound race for fourth after being close up all the way. He turned for home in front but could not match the finishing runs of the first three. He was produced in first class order by trainer-driver S D Edge, and raced right up to his earlier form this season. Auditor's effort for fifth points to his being seen in a winning light before very long.

False Step, who with his bracketed mate, Thunder, was sent out favourite on both machines, received a wonderful reception on return to the birdcage. False Step paced the first half mile in 61secs, mile in 2:08 2-5, mile and a quarter in 2:39 3-5, mile and a half in 3:09 4-5, and full journey from post to post in 4:07 3-5. His success on Tuesday brought his record to 20 wins and 29 placings for £31,860 in stakes, including approximately £1000 won in Australia. False Step's win gave C C Devine his fifth training and driving success in the race. Only one trainer has turned out more winners, the late James Bryce, whose score was six, and Devine is still a mere lad as trainers go. False Step's next big mission will be the Inter-Dominion Championships at Addington, possibly followed by a visit to Yonkers Raceway in the United States later

False Step was bred by his owner, Mr J Smyth, is an eight-year-old horse by the Light Brigade horse Fallacy, a New Zealand Derby winner, from Dainty Direct, by Dan Direct-Queen Betty, by Four Chimes-Dot Robbins, by Frank Robins. As in previous years, False Step's Cup preparation was timed with his trainer's usual finesse, and on the day it is doubtful if False Step has ever looked better.

Interest had been mounting weeks before the event and tension was running high as the horses were called into line by the starter. One of the biggest crowds, 20,000, seen at Addington for years filled the lawns and stands on Tuesday to see False Step do what Indianapolis did - win his third New Zealand Cup. On-course investments on the race were up on those of last year as also were the off-course figures. This year the on-course total was £21,673 10s as against £20,925 last year. Off-course, £25,977 was wagered, compared with £24,670 10s last year.

On-course totalisator figures at Addington on Tuesday reached £189,199 5s as against £160,348 10s on Cup day last year, an increase of £28,771. Off-course figures also showed a substantial rise, investors wagering £182,914 compared with £139,038 10s last year.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 9Nov60