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RACING HISTORY

HORSES

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.

CUP KINGS - SPRINGFIELD GLOBE 1934
(Globe Derby-Ayr-Logan Pointer)(Died aged 26)
Four WINS, Four WINNERS, Three BROODMARE WINS, One SIRE SON WINNER = 71 points.

This is the big surprise. Because Springfield Globe wore himself out on one Cup Day chasing Gold Bar he acquired an unfair reputation as a non-stayer even though others had suffered the same fate. He also ran some great 3200m times. His best son, the brilliant Tactician, like his sire an Inter-Dominion champion, never won a big Cup but made history as our first two minute racehorse.
Never mind that Tactician had rather recklessly "set up" Johnny Globe's sensational 4:07.8 world record in the Cup of 1954 and that the Australian owned Springfield Globe was used as a 'bunny' for stablemate and bracket favourite Pacing Power, in the 1943 Cup. But he had the last laugh.
Springfield Globe only left six crops in this country and was the champion "colonial" stallion six times. To produce four individual major cup winners given his named foals (about 150) was a huge achievement. He also sired the dam of Scottish Command.
Springfield Globe's NZ Cup winners came in successive years (Mobile Globe and Adorian) and his Auckland Cup winner Thelma Globe and Victory Globe in three years. He also sired Prince Charming, a top sire for Colin McLaughlin at Mount Hutt. He left Royal Ascot.

TRIVIA FACT: Springfield Globe was never meant to be at stud here. Sent over for racing before the War, owner Charles McCarthy found he was unable to import him back under war conditions and leased him to trainer Roy Berry. When he did get home(artfully delayed at times it seems)he commanded a record fee at McCarthy's stud and left many more outstanding horses there.


Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed Nov 2016

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1934 NEW ZEALAND CUP

1500 sovs: 4min 26sec class: Two miles

The Addington trotting course was never in better order than it was yesterday, when the Metropolitan Trotting Club held the thirty-first race for the New Zealand Cup and a programme of the best racing seen at Addington in many years. From 10 o'clock visitors commenced to arrive at the course, and the scene on Lincoln Road from 11 o'clock onwards was one that brought to trotting enthusiasts memories of the bustle and excitement of Addington in more prosperous days.

The crowd was the biggest seen at Addington for a number of years, with perhaps the Walla Walla meeting held at Easter time and the enthusiasm displayed was in marked contrast to that exhibited a year or two ago. Seldom has a day's racing provided such capital racing and the star item, the New Zealand Cup, had the crowd at a high pitch of excitment. The track was in perfect racing order, and as atmospheric conditions were favourable the day was one for fast times.

The most ardent followers of the light harness sport, however, were hardly prepared for the thrills provided in the Cup, in which two world's records were broken by horses the equal of any ever raced in New Zealand.

The parade of horses for the New Zealand Cup was one to be remembered. It is doubtful whether a better-looking field of horses has ever paraded for this race. Though Indianapolis and Mountain Dell, who were bracketed on the totalisator, carried more investments than any other horse in the race, it was plain to everyone that Harold Logan was the popular horse. Mr E F C Hinds's pacer looked a picture of contentment and good condition as he walked to the birdcage carring the blue and cerise cover presented to him by the New Brighton Trotting Club. He received a cheer as soon as he appeared, and another from the enclosures as he paraded for the race. A perfect-tempered horse, he looked every inch a champion, and his racing proved it.

Roi l'Or, another of the back-markers looked as fresh and well as ever he has been - a jaunty little pacer whose very conformation suggests extreme speed. Red Shadow, a dark chestnut in colour, had plainly come through a good preparation, and it was not condition that failed him.

Lindbergh, a lightly fleshed gelding, of rather delicate constitution, was perhaps the least prepossessing of the strong field, but, Sir Guy, a good-looking stallion by Real Guy, was full of fire and anxiuos to race. Next came the somewhat heavily-timbered Rollo, who carried the bright polish of the R B Berry stable, and Auckland's representative was Impromptu, big and angular, with a reputation for speed in keeping with his size.

Indianapolis, who had been under veterinary treatment for an injury to a foot, had not missed a workout, and he confounded those critics who had doubts about his soundness. He appeared tender when being brought to the birdcage, but on the softer track he was better when warmed up. His stable connections were a little pertubed, however, over his condition. His stable-mate, Mountain Dell, not generally regarded as quite good enough, looked bright and well and the two ponies, Blue Mountain and Silver de Oro, were dwarfed by the other horses. Blue Mountain, one of the lathy greyhound type, did not carry condition, as he did in August, but he races best when trained fine. Silver de Oro looked more like a child's pony than a competitor in the highest class race in New Zealand, but she is a very well put together pony, and she carried the good wishes of many regular racegoers.

Sunny Morn, who helped to make most of the running, was not generally regarded as good enough for such a race, but he carried a sheen on his coat that he had not known before, and his running proved that his trainer had spent a lot of time on his preparation.

Altogether it was as good-looking a field - and as well performed a field - as has ever contested a race on a New Zealand track - each horse a credit to its trainer and the standard breed.

When the horses were at the post every point of vantage was occupied, the stands were filled to overflowing, the back fence, the railway trucks on the neighbouring line, and even the trees near the track each supporting ardent enthusiasts to see the race for the New Zealand Cup. It was a race in which only a champion could be expected to succeed. A thrilling pace was set from the start, and as the pacemakers felt the strain the true and tried pacers came into the picture.

When Indianapolis shot away from the field three furlongs from home excitement grew, and then from the ruck of horses emerged the little grey pacer Blue Mountain, who was followed by Harold Logan, both making valiant attempts to catch the flying leader. They failed, but they were not disgraced. They helped to provide one of the most exciting races on record.

The success of the favourite pleased the crowd, a great performance that demanded of the winner a world's winning race record and from the champion, Harold Logan, something better than he had ever shown his admiring public. The New Zealand Cup race showed plainly that trotting is a very popular sport, and that the champions will attract the crowds.

Nor were all the plums in one basket, for while the Cup was a spectacle in itself, other races provided the thrills. The brilliant War Buoy, who had started eight times for as many wins, added another victory to the credit of his trainer, M B Edmonds, and the manner of his win proved himself one of the greatest young pacers of all time. Sir Guy and Blue Mountain staged a thrilling finish in the Hagley Handicap, the little grey gelding, Blue Mountain, again having to fill the position of runner-up.

Auckland was represented by a team of horses that included a truly brilliant trotter in Nell Volo, Wellington sent Glenrossie, the West Coast was represented by a useful team, Waimate sent Roi l'Or, and though Dunedin-trained horses were absent, Mr G J Barton who lives there, was the proud owner of Indianapolis. It was a truly representative gathering of horses and sportsmen from all parts of New Zealand.

While the attendance showed a big increase on last year, the totalisator investments dropped from £43,783 10s last year to £42,383 10s, a decrease that may be attributed to the change from the win and place system of betting to the old style of first and second dividends.

Altogether it was a most satisfactory opening to the carnival trotting, capably managed by staff and honorary officials of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club.

-o0o-

The betting on Indianapolis, Red Shadow, and Harold Logan was surprisingly even in the New Zealand Cup, and excitement was intense as the horses lined up at the start.

Blue Mountain faltered the slightest bit when the barriers were released and Silver de Oro went to a bad break and did not recover till after the field had gone some distance and she was hopelessly out of the race.
Sunny Morn soon took up the running with Blue Mountain, Mountain Dell, Impromptu, and Indianapolis the most prominent, while the crowd also watched the fortunes of the back-marker Harold Logan, who had made his usual quick beginning. At the half mile post Sunny Morn faltered and Mountain Dell, followed by Indianapolis, took the lead, while Blue Mountain and Rollo made a fast burst and Harold Logan, who had headed Red Shadow, also set out in pursuit. At this stage Indianapolis shot right away from the field with Blue Mountain and Harold Logan at three length intervals following. Roi l'Or at this stage also emerged from the ruck in a somewhat hopeless chase.

A furlong from home Blue Mountain issued his challenge and at one stage appeared to have the measure of the younger horse. Under the whip, however, Indianapolis stuck to his work like a good game racehorse and was still a length to the good as the post was reached.

It was a very fine race from start to finish, with the pace fast over the final mile. Indianapolis was driven a very well-judged race by E C McDermott. After lying in a handy position throughout he used his great burst of speed to establish a commanding lead. His win was all the more meritorious in view of his interrupted preparation, and F C Dunleavy, the trainer, is to be congratulated on getting him to the post in such great order under difficulties.

The time registered, 4min 15 4/5sec, establishes a new world's race record, displacing the 4min 16sec registered by Satin King in the Courtenay Handicap on the second day of the spring meeting 12 months ago.

Blue Mountain again showed himself a great and game pacer. He registered 4min 17sec, a great performance only surpassed by the sterling effort of the winner and the record-breaking run of Harold Logan, who finished third in the phenomenal time of 4min 12 2/5sec. The little champion did not enjoy the best of the running, for in the last three furlongs he had to go round the field several sulkies out and at no stage of the race was he running on the inside. His performance must go down as the greatest in history and proved him the ideal racehorse.

The winner received the reception such a victory deserved and there were cheers for Blue Mountain and many more for Harold Logan. Roi l'Or paced one of his best races and finished at a great rate. He put in a great burst over the last two furlongs. Red Shadow disappointed his backers badly but he lost his chance three furlongs from home, when he attempted to follow Harold Logan on the outside of the field. At this stage Free Holmes behind Roi l'Or also started to move fast and Red Shadow was sent a long way out. It did not appear that J Bryce persevered after this and Red Shadow finished well down the track. In any circumstances he could not have won.

Silver de Oro also caused a stir when she tangled and almost fell at the start, a remarkable accident for a filly of her excellent manners. Sunny Morn played his part well by carrying on his role of pacemaker for a mile and a half, after which he was done with. Mountain Dell also assisted to make the pace with Sunny Morn and went a good race until the three furlong post. Impromptu raced steadily and better that expected and Rollo had every chance but was not quite good enough in a very select field. Lindbergh was never dangerous.

Indianapolis is only five years old and the youngest horse to win the Cup. He was bred at Durbar Lodge by Mr H F Nicoll and is by Wrack - Estella Amos, both imported from America.

Credit: THE PRESS 7 Nov 1934

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

LAME CUP FAVOURITE WINS AND PUBLIC IS CRITICAL

"I know I am in the gun!"

This remarkable assertion was made to "Truth" by George Barton, owner of Indianapolis, the bst pacer this country has ever seen. Barton sensed, as did very many more, that his horse's success in the Trotting Cup was not popular. That usual outburst of enthusiasm was missing. It was only a half-hearted cheer that greeted Indianapolis and driver Eugene McDermott as they returned to the 'cage when, in point of merit, the multitude should have roared it's head off. A winner of the Trotting Cup run in world's record time, and hardly a cheer!

Why this frigid reception, this handing out of the icy dook? Did punters, in light of the successive sensational rumours as to the condition of Indianapolis reset unkindly when the result of the race showed he had been able to put up a wonderful performance? Owner Barton thinks that this was the reason for the artic tinge and in an exclusive interview with "Truth" explains everything. After hearing George we can well hear him exclaiming: Save me from my friends!

Taking the public completely into one's confidence does not always pay and it was for so acting that Barton has been pilloried. George knew that Indianapolis was going to be a hot favourite for the Cup, and in his zeal to keep the thousands of the big pacer's supporters on guard, he decreed, from the moment the burst hoof started to give trouble every inquiry as to his condition should be truthfully answered. There was to be no equivocation or camoflage. It was just the old case of forewarned being forearmed, but as ill report followed ill report punters became apprehensive, and started to look around for something else to bet on.

The culminating stage was reached on Cup morning. Rumour had it that Indianapolis was lame. Rumour became established fact when this information was given out over the air, along with the statement that the pacer would start. Lame horses do not win Trotting Cups, so reasoned many, and this final announcement caused hundreds who had been saving up for months to be with him,to desert.

Came the race. No horse has ever undergone such a critical examination as did Indianapolis. The rest of the field were merely glanced at - the Barton horse was scrutinised and figuratively X-rayed. Then he moved out to do his prelim. Was he lame? A thousand mouths asked that question. "No - Yes by jove he is!" Nearly all answered that way. There was no doubt that the Barton horse was tender, and, well, a horse has to be fighting fit to win a Cup.

To the totes moved the multitude, and for a good while the Indianapolis - Mountain Dell bracket was not so well supported as Harold Logan and Red Shadow. Finally the coupled pair hit the top rung, but even at the finish of betting the price was a great one: in fact about twice the odds most expected to obtain after his win on the track at National time.

Came the race. 'Tis now history. Indianapolis, beginning slowly as per usual, soon was striding out, and, tucked in behind his stable-mate Mountain Dell, was kept there just behind the leaders till the last round was entered on. There he and the mare took the lead. Over at the tanks McDermott let the big fellow's head loose, and in a flash he opened up a gap, which Blue Mountain reduced to a length at the post. The lame horse had won!

Came the usual summeries attached to the Cup, but an indifferent crowd wasn't interested. Barton took the trophy, expressed his sorrow in not having the late Bill Tomkinson on his right on that day of days, and another Cup was over.

At least it should have been over, but tongues went on wagging - at both ends and the middle. All manner of accusations were hurled, the main allegation being that the stories were put into circulation for the purpose of "blowing" Indianapolis in the market. So wild, not to mention cruel, were the gossipers that "Truth" approached Barton and asked him to explain, an opportunity he spontaneously accepted.

"Yes, I know I'm in the gun. You can tell 'Truth' readers, however, that the rumour that Indianapolis was lame on Cup morning was no eyewash to lengthen the late price. It was only too true," emphatically said George. "Right up to the last hour there could be no certainty that he would be able to start, and even when he did line up with the others, both his trainer and myself were shivering with fear that the best horse in the world would go 'bung' in a race that I have been trying for years to win, and that those who stuck to their guns, and backed him, would lose their money on a lame horse. That's the reason both my friends, and the public, were warned of what was likely to happen. I considered it my duty to tell everbody. Had the horse gone wrong in the race, without any warning from me, it was on the cards I would never have forgiven myself. How he won is now history, but I do not think those doing the blaming have been quite fair. I only did what I thought to be best in a very awkward predicament."

George then went on to explain the trials and tribulations of both himself and trainer, Claude Dunleavy, during that morning of anxiety. "When I arrived at the stable, about 8.30, Claude met me with a face a yard long and told me that Indianapolis had taken a turn for the worse and was decidedly lame. He was then waiting for the vet. When the surgeon the horse was taken out and was so sore he could not pace at all. Up to then he had been wearing a shoe with a piece under the crack cut out to relieve the pressure. We decided that it might be better to have that shoe taken off and a full shoe put on. When that was done he was a lot better, though he was still walking with a limp. From then on he was constantly in hot fermentations until about an hour and a-half before the race, when the vet used a 'deadener' - cocaine, I think - and the treatment was kept up right to the time he went to the course.

"The committee sent one of their number to ask that unless Indianapolis was all right I should not start him, and then I went to Chief Stipe, Mr Beer to ask permission to scratch him if he should be lame in the preliminary. As far as I am concerned Indianapolis has never been a big betting horse for me. The horse has always been in the boom and the odds to be got about him in any of his races did not make wagering of big sums worth the risk attendant to all gambling on racecourses.

"He is the kind of horse I have been longing for ever since I broke into the game, and had he not been able to take his place and make a dream come true, I would have finished with trotting for good and all, as I realise only too well that it is very seldom an owner has the luck to get a second opportunity in a lifetime.
I am wonderfully pleased to have won the Cup, and if anybody blames me for what happened I can only say that I'm sorry, but I honestly thought it was for the best," concluded Barton.

"Truth," who has cheered for Indianapolis right through his career, knows only too well that the owner's statement is studded with fact. As Barton says he thought he was doing everything for the best. He did, only for his motives to be grossly and outrageously misinterperated. The insults and slanders heaped upon George's shoulder since Trotting Cup day may drive him out of ther game. We hope he will realise that the section of the game which counts appreciated his efforts.

That Barton knew what he was talking about when he said "the best horse in the world" was proved on the last day of the meeting when Indianapolis staged what must have been the most wonderful performance ever put up anywhere in the world. Giving away 36yds in the big race he broke the offside hopple before he had gone a furlong. With the loose strap tangling round his hind leg at every stride - with occasional slathers underneath for good measure - home he came, going 4.16.

"Truth" made him go his last mile under these difficulties in 2.4 with the last half-mile just on minute flat. Over that last half the hopple that was not broken was hanging below his hock and tripping him up at every stride.

ONLY A CHAMPION WITH THE STUFF THAT REAL RACEHORSES ARE MADE OF COULD HAVE MADE THE GRADE.


Credit: NZ Truth 14 Nov 1934