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RACING HISTORY

BUILDINGS & FACILITIES

OLD SEMAPHORE BOARD

This photo appears in 'The Roydon Heritage' by Sir Roy McKenzie and was taken in the 1930s.

It is interesting for a number of reasons.

The draft horses harrowing the track.

The drivers in the next race are indicated on the tall frame at the left of the indicators.

The place dividend was only paid out on the first and second horses

The crowd was premitted in the middle of the course.

BUILDINGS & FACILITIES

ADDINGTON FACILITIES Circa 1930s










Credit: THE CUP 1904-2003

HORSES

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

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1930 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

THE outstanding horses in the two mile trotters' classes at the N.Z. Cup meeting were Writer, Kempton, Raima, Admiral Bingen and Trampfast. By virtue of his win in the Dominion Handicap, and his form on the last day of the meeting, the palm must be given to Writer as the most improved horse in the class, and he has now become solid.

Two thirds to Raima in two starts read well, but this fellow impressed, especially as he was not at home on the clay track and was hitting himself. He should have won the last day even then. He can handle the grass so we can look for big things from him in the big trot at Auckland at Christmas.

Kempton is back to his best according to his Dominion Handicap form, and in that race he would have won had he been able to get through in the straight. His subsequent form was poor, but Kempton seems to specialise on big occasions and no doubt will be a dangerous horse at Auckland this Christmas, too.

Admiral Bingen is improving in stamina, and before long will he going two miles with them all. He is one of the most solid trotters in the land and none of them is endowed with more speed. Tonic won like a good horse the second day, and would have again been hard on the last day but for a bad beginning. Ces. Donald certainly holds a strong hand at the moment in Writer, Kempton and Tonic.

Engagement is still the same old jumping, scrambling, old lady, likely to beat more brilliant ones at any time. Trampfast, although he was timed to better his handicap, was not as good a horse as he has been on some other occasions, and Bill Lewis's trotter is understood to have missed some work prior to the meeting. John Mauritius went fair races but did not live up to his track work, probably because the hot opposition did not allow him to show out. Koro Peter was disappointing and was not up to his best form.


Credit: NZ Truth 20 Nov 1930

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1930 NEW ZEALAND CUP

HEATS

The form shown in the heats of the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday has not made the solution of the final one whit easier, in fact, it rather serves to confuse matters.

FIRSTLY, Kohara, from the same mark as Wrackler, went almost 3 1/2 secs faster than Wrackler, which also had to be punched out at the finish. In addition to this we have to consider that almost every horse to compete in the final will be improved by the race in the heat. Perhaps the greatest improvement can be expected of Logan Park, as he looked great when he was stepped out on Tuesday. He was saved for a late run, but just when he started to put in his run he was forced wide out on the long bend and had to be checked, yet at the finish he was coming with great dash. Wrackler also will be improved by the race, and will lose none of his friends in spite of all the excuses that can be made for the rest.

Kohara won his heat by sheer staying power, only heading Terence Dillon in the last few yards. Terence Dillon had pulled hard in the early part of the race which compelled his driver to take him over some extra ground. Jewel Pointer always improves with racing, and King Pointer lost a good deal of ground at the start, yet finished on well.

The best performance of the day was registered by Author Jinks, for he lost at least 60yds at the start and finished quite a good fourth in his heat. Logan Chief reached the final only by reason of the fact that he hugged the fence all the way, and he does not appeal as the winner of the final, the first four horses of which may be Logan Park, Wrackler, Kohara and Author Jinks.

When the field went away in the First Division of the Cup, Author Jinks and Padlock refused to strike a gait, while King Pointer was slow to move. Jean McElwyn, Linkman and Harold Thorpe raced in line for three furlongs. Half a mile covered saw Kohara in front, followed by Terence Dillon, King Pointer and Jean McElwyn. Before the mile post was reached Terence Dillon was in front and continued to bowl along followed by Kohara, King Pointer, Harold Thorpe, Imprint and Author Jinks. The order was still the same when the straight was entered for the last time. Once straightened up, Kohara ranged up alongside Terence Dillon with King Pointer and Author Jinks putting m their claims. Terence Dillon appeared to be going easily at this point, but in the run to the post Kohara beat him by half a length, with King Pointer two lengths away third. Author Jinks was close up fourth, followed by Harold Thorpe and Imprint. Linkman, Talaro and Jean McElwyn were well back, while Padlock was pulled up before going half-a-mile.

Logan Chief was first to show out in the Second Division, followed by Travis Axworthy, Wrackler, Jewel Pointer and Kingcraft. Kingcraft had gone to the front at the end of the first half, followed by Logan Chief, Travis Axworthy, Jewel Pointer and Wrackler. Wrackler ran into second place at the mile post with Logan Chief, Travis Axworthy, Native Prince, Jewel Pointer and Daphne De Oro handy, and Logan Park last. The latter made a move half-a-mile from home, and Kingcraft was first into the straight with Wrackler and Native Prince alongside him. Jewel Pointer and Logan Chief were handy. Wrackler finished on best, and in a hard finish won by two lengths from Logan Park, with Jewel Pointer third and Logan Chief fourth. Then came Native Prince, Daphne De Oro and Kingcraft, with Travis Axworthy a long way back last.

Providing the weather keeps fine the clocks will be running hot when the select eight leave on Thursday afternoon, and the final summing up is for Logan Park, Wrackler, Kohara and Author Jinks.

FINAL

Wrackler Paralysed Opposition With Late Run

Although the qualifying heats in the New Zealand Cup contest promised that the final would be a real thriller, it has to be written of the 1930 event, as it has been written of so many before, that it was a disappointing race.

Wrackler unwound a run as they came into the straight that left the others anchored, and from then on it was not a race, with Wrackler simply jogging in. Disappointments started early in the race when Logan Park was left so badly that he was pulled up. King Pointer galloped off and lost so much ground that when he did strike his gait he was behind Terence Dillon from the twenty-four mark, and that horse had dwelt a little. Author Jinks was favored by a moving-in start, but that was of no use to him, as he broke up after going off, and he lost so much ground that he went to an apparently hopeless position.

Jewel Pointer soon took up the running, followed by Kohara, Logan Chief, Wrackler, Terence Dillon and King Pointer and this was the order practically to the home bend. King Pointer struck more bother early by getting a bump, and he went to a tangle, but he was with them again soon, and down the back he gave his supporters a thrill by coming with a strong run on the outer that looked like taking him to the lead, but another bump broke him up and put him out of court. At this stage, three furlongs from home, Jewel Pointer was still in
the lead and going nicely; Kohara was alongside, apparently full of running; Terence Dillon was working out for a run and was still on the bit; Logan Chief was throwing out signs of distress, and Wrackler was shaping up to put in his claim.

Within a furlong an altogether different complexion had been thrown upon the matter. Before they had completed the home bend Terence Dillon dropped the bit and was beaten. Bryce became busy on Kohara, but that horse, could not raise a kick, and Jewel Pointer was feeling the pinch, so Wrackler's run, started just as they swung into the straight, found not one horse fit to go a yard with him. The race was over with such dramatic suddenness that it left the spectators spellbound, although they revived sufficiently to give Wrackler a rousing reception as he, romped home the easiest of winners. The rest were so thoroughly distressed that Author Jinks, from an apparently hopeless position, came with a wet sail to be just as easily second as Wrackler was a winner, and credit must be given to Author Jinks as a real horse, as well as to English horseman J. Young, as a patient horseman and an excellent judge of pace.

No one to witness Wrackler's paralysing run would wish to deprive him of all the credit due to him as a super horse, and probably one of the greatest stayers to ever grace the track, but still the prevailing note struck was disappointment that Logan Park did not get away and thoroughly test the winner. That he would have done that was demonstrated on the final day of the meeting when he won just as pointlessly as did Wrackler in the Cup, and Logan Park was timed to come his last mile and a-half in 3.10 3/5 as though such an effort was a joke.


Credit: NZ Truth 13 & 20 Nov 1930

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1930 NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL

Although the Free-for-All resulted 1i an inspiring race, easily the best of the meeting, there was one feature that was disappointing. There were eleven starters, and only nine could line across the track at the mile and a-quarter starting point, so the two to draw the outside positions - Logan Park and Tom Thumb — had to line up behind the others. The result was that Logan Park, after jumping out had to be checked, a thing he will not stand, so he went to a tangle and took no part in the race.

With Logan Park under a handicap, the legitimate choice was Wrackler, in view of his Cup form, but the race suggests that Wrackler is a great horse only on account of his stamina. Some are now making excuses for Wrackler, and some even go to the extent of saying that F. G. Holmes did not handle him as well as would younger brother Maurice. The latter statement is grossly unfair, for the simple facts are that Wrackler was not brilliant enough to take the position that F. G. Holmes would have liked, yet he kept him on the fence most of the way, and did just as much with him as any other driver could have done.

Through being in this position, which his lack of brilliancy forced him to assume, he did receive a slight check on the home bend, yet he was almost in line with the leaders half way down the straight, from which point both King Pointer and Carmel outsprinted him home. King Pointer's win was certainly full of merit, for he was not under the same desperate drive at the finish as was Wrackler and Carmel, and the only excuse that can be made for Wrackler is that perhaps he may not have been tuned up for a sprint. On the day he was fairly beaten. Although "iffy" at the peg, there are few more determined pacers than King Pointer.


Credit: NZ Truth 20 Nov 1930

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Maurice Holmes & Wrackler's owner Harry Nicoll

1930 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

In 1930, 5-year-old gelding Wrackler made his rivals look second rate when he ran away from Author Jinks and Jewel Pointer for Maurice Holmes, who had turned 22 only a week earlier. While the margin was four lengths, it appeared Wrackler could have won by half the length of the straight if asked.

The son of Wrack and Trix Pointer had been top class right from the start, winning the NZ and Great Northern Derbys, and later when the handicaps became too tough, switched to trotting and won the Dominion, a remarkable and unique feat.

Breeder/ owner Harry Nicoll, his private trainer Don Warren and Holmes also won the Derby that day with Wrackler's sister Arethusa, who beat a field of 20. Holmes was suspended for six weeks for causing a melee in the event, but was still the season's leading driver with 35 wins, a feat he would repeat on 17 further occasions.

Another highlight was Ces Donald training the quinella in the Dominion when the Author Dillon gelding Writer beat Kempton. They all had their thunder stolen somewhat on Cup Day though by a new star in Harold Logan, an 8-year-old who recorded his 10th win from his previous 12 starts.

Credit: New Zealand HRWeekly 8Oct03

HORSES

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

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Peter Bingen won the 1929 Cup in World Record Time

1929 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

HEATS

The two divisions of the New Zealand Trotting Cup were decided on a good track, but a stiff easterly wind affected times, which under the circumstances, were particularly good. Kingcraft won the first division like a champion, but the clever tactics adopted by Tomkinson behind Logan Park contributed considerably to that gelding's hollow win in the second division.

Though Kingcraft won the first division by two lengths, he would have had to go faster had Peter Bingen not suffered interference through Gold Jacket breaking. This cost Peter Bingen fully six lengths. When the barriers were let go the limit horses were slow to move, resulting in Terence Dillon from the 12 yards mark hitting the front and setting out to make the pace to Cardinal Logan, Kingcraft and Dundas Boy. Passing the stand Terence Dillon was still in charge, with Kingcraft, Cardinal Logan, Dundas Boy, Roi LOr, Prince Pointer, Jack Potts and Peter Bingen racing in that order.

The first four furlongs were run in 1.7 4-5. At the end of seven furlongs Prince Pointer was boxed in on the rails, There was no change till the mile peg was reached, where Terence Dillon was still making a good breakwind for Kingcraft, Cardinal Logan, Dundas Boy and the others. Terence Dillon got down to ten furlongs station in 2.46, where Kingcraft moved up to him. Prince Pointer dashed up on the outside to take third place with Dundas 3oy, Roi Lor, Peter Bingen and Jack Potts improving their positions.

Immediately the mile and a half was reached (in 3.17 2-5), Kingcraft flew to the front and Prince Pointer set after him going to the far turn. Kingcraft was four lengths clear of Prince Pointer with Terence Dillon beginning to drop back. When the top of the straight was reached only Kingcraft, Prince Pointer, Dundas Boy and Peter Bingen had any chance. A furlong from home, Kingcraft had the race in his keeping, but the phenomenal run that Peter Bingen made nearly paralysed the spectators. He collared Prince Pointer and no sooner had Prince Pointer accepted the knock for second money, than along came Dundas Boy to beat him by a head for third position.

In the second, division, Waitaki Girl and Author Jinks broke at the start. Imprint began fast and was followed closely by Logan Park, Daphne De Oro and Linkman. There was no change at the end of two furlongs. Passing the stand, Logan Park dashed to the front and slowed up the field, the watch reading 1.11 at that stage

The field was bunched, the order being Logan Park, Imprint, Daphne De Oro, Linkman, Kohara, Padlock, Quality and Ahuriri. As they whipped past the twelve furlongs station, Logan Park cleared out from the field, of which Imprint, Kohara, Ahuriri, Linkman and Padlock were going best. Logan Park came into the straight with a lead of eight lengths which he maintained to the winning past. He compassed his last two furlongs in 34 sees. Imprint beat Kohara by two lengths. At the distance Padlock had to be checked. He got clear, however, and got up in time to beat Linkman for fourth position, thus qualifying for the final.
Imprint's good effort was a surprise packet. He beat the others, as easily as Logan Park beat him. Ahuriri was done with a furlong from home.

The horses now eligible to start in the final are Kingcraft, Peter Bingen, Logan Park, Imprint, Kohara and Padlock. Peter Bingen's effort will bring him into favor for the final and along with Kingcraft they should carry more money than Tompkinson's representatives.

FINAL

Run under perfect conditions the final of the New Zealand Trotting Cup will go down as one of the most sensational contests recorded at Addington, for not only was the race full of thrills, but it produced a new world's race record for two miles. The big disappointment, of course, was Kingcraft's failure to leave the mark. In all probability his next mission will be the Auckland Trotting Cup.

About Peter Bingen's victory in the Trotting Cup all one can state is that he got away, had a beautiful passage, and had all his reserve canned for a final and mighty run down the straight. He travelled too fast for Dundas' Boy, Imprint and Padlock and after a short fight he beat Logan Park, which did not race so well as when he annexed the second division on the first day.

Had Logan Park's leg not troubled him in the final he would have beaten Peter Bingen. Kohara's racing gave one the impression that his effort on Tuesday had knocked him, and Prince Pointer will be all the better. for more work.

Peter Bingen won the Cup in 1928, so now has two trophies to his credit.



Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 14 & 21 Nov 1929

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1929 NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL

Never in the history of light harness racing has there ever been such a contest for Free-for- All Stakes as the recent one at Addington.

Eight of New Zealand's best pacers paraded, and while some were showing signs of previous hard efforts, others were, as fresh as daisies. Track conditions were the worst that prevailed during the three days function.

The club was wise in making the Free-for-All the last event of the three days' card, for in addition to holding the crowd, the fight among champions sent the people home happy. Quite eariy the betting indicated that several hard heads were prepared to "put in" to show that Peter Bingen was not invincible.

With his usual lightning beginning Padlock was first out and first home. His task was made easy by Logan Park and Prince Pointer also beating Peter Bingen out of the barrier. Kennerley cannot be handed a bouquet for the manner in which he handled Peter Bingen. He acted as though he were expecting trouble where none was in evidence. What beat him was his candidate's unusually slow jump out as compared with that of Padlock, Logan Park and Prince Pointer.

Padlock was having an easy passage in front and against the rails. Padlock reached the judge two lengths' clear of Peter Bingen, with Logan Park only haif a length behind Peter Bingen. The first two furlongs were run in 36secs. and the last mile in 2.6 3/5.


Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 21 Nov 1929