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HORSES

 

YEAR: 1904

MABEL & NORICE

There have been few more colourful tales of our harness world than that of Norice, arguably the greatest broodmare in its history, and her owner Mabel Duncan.

In the World War One years Norice was the breeding queen of New Zealand and Duncan kept her in suitably palatial surroundings at the country's plushest trotting stud, Coldstream Lodge in Fendalton. The present homestead at the end of Chilcombe St - the property originally fronted Memorial Avenue when it was 59 Burnside Rd - remains the only memorial to what also was the first stud of any code in New Zealand and the place many harness fans angled to get an invite to visit during carnival week in Christchurch.

Coldstream had been established and named by Ernest Jerningham Wakefield on whose motion the Canterbury Jockey Club was formed in 1855. He stood The Peer there (Peer St is still close by) but Ronald and Mabel Duncan would enlarge and transform it at great expense into a showplace hosting four of the most famous standardbreds of their time.

Horse-mad Mabel Duncan, an accomplished show rider in her youth, was the youngest daughter of A J White whose furniture store was Christchurch's largest. Her Husband, an accountant, successful real estate agent and land speculator, was the sixth son of the former Mayor of Christchurch, Andrew Duncan (there were seven in all) and a dashing "man about town" in the land agency business. They had been married in Sydney in 1905, chiefly to avoid embarrassment to family. The Whites were the high profile Catholic family in the city and the Duncans leaders of the Presbyterian church - not a popular quinella at any religious ceremony in those far off times. The doomsayers would have the last laugh.

Ronald Duncan acted as judge, timekeeper and stipendiary steward at several Canterbury racing clubs and later on the executive of the NZ Trotting Association and King Cole (for a time) was the only horse he raced. He added 10 ha to Coldstream and built a luxurious stable complex and trainer's quarters which included, a reporter marvelled, a hot shower. Mabel was loosening the purse strings as well.

She bought Norice, the most famous racemare in the country, for a hefty sum from the popular Bower Hotel (New Brighton) owner, James Pettie, who had imported Norice from California (accompanied on the trip by Dave Price who brought back the first spreaders used here) but was now moving to the outskirts of Gisborne. Mabel also bought the promising King Cole from Nelson Price as well as his dam. Mabel's trainer, Dave Price, had already given her his half share in King Cole as a foal.

King Cole was one of only 17 foals left here by Price's champion, Ribbonwood. 15 raced and 12 won. Another notable and expensive purchase, before her marriage, had been the champion Sal Tasker, the fastest mare in Australasia, with a sensational official time at Addington in 2:20. She was named after Sarah Tasker the wife of her prominent breeder James Tasker - though Nelson Price first raced the mare and landed a betting plunge first up at Sockburn with her before selling.

At the outbreak of World War One Coldstream boasted both the fastest mare and stallion in Australasia (King Cole having broken his sire Ribbonwood's mile record in a special morning trial at Addington) as well as Norice, the most commercial broodmare. Mabel often used Sal Tasker when driving to town (Ronald played a big role in the tramway being extended to Clyde Road later) safe in the knowledge no challenger could possibly beat her down Fendalton Road.

Mabel also sent mares to be bred in Australia to Abbey Bells and horses to race there including Sal Tasker and her son Coldstream Bells, which was cruelly robbed of the biggest prize in Australasia, the Melbourne Thousand, when another driver deliberately crashed into him and Price at the start. Coldstream Bells still ran second and was later a sire of some note. Mabel Duncan seemed jinxed at times with her horses yet Norice was always there to give Coldstream its status. She also had a champion pony stallion which went years without defeat in Christchurch show rings.

Norice had six generations of recorded pedigree when most local mares, Sal Tasker included, rarely had more than two. She was by Charles Derby (ancester of Johnny Globe, Lordship etc) and after she was bought a half-brother became one of the fastest juveniles in America. Black, fast, sometimes erratic, Norice was the leading stake earner of 1904 winning six of her first seven starts here. She would have won the first NZ Cup that year too but she had problems which prevented Price from training her sufficiently for the race. Even so she led clearly most of the way and as she was eased when passed by Monte Carlo in the straight the big margin was misleading. The veteran never beat her in shorter races.

Norice made history again when disqualified from first in a Flying Handicap at Addington for galloping near the finish. In a landmark decision the race was restored to her because the committee had not taken evidence from her driver, Price, which would have established that a hopple had broken. From then on committees could not make decisions without hearing evidence from the drivers. Later in the day she won the Champion Free-For-All. Norice had also caused Pettie some grief because he had to lodge another cheque "under strong protest" with the NZTA before Norice could race here. Her previous owner was apparently in forfeit to the American Trotting Association and that body had just agreed to share it's rulings with this country.

At stud Norice left a series of smart colts who were in strong demand in Australia as sire but her most famous son was Nelson Derby, a striking colt from birth bought from Mabel by George Craw of Palmerston North for a record £750. He won the Great Northern Derby and the Auckland Cup though not sound, according to trainer Bill Tomkinson, and sired Haughty the first mare outside America to break two minutes. Therein lay quite a story.

The racing dream which seemed to belong to Ronald and Mabel Duncan started to fall apart around 1916 when Duncan took the extraordinary step then of suing his wife for £325 through the courts, presumably for Coldstream costs. Coldstream was sold with Mabel retaining the home block. Ronald Duncan bought and moved to the famous homestead block in North Canterbury. He later moved to Australia where he died in 1942 having remarried after Mabel's death.

Mabel had to cut numbers and sell virtually all her young stock. Watching Nelson Derby, the horse she had been aiming to breed for so long walk out the gate must have been heartbreaking. Selling Norice and Sal Tasker (whose descendants are still competitive today) was never an option. She still clung to part of Coldstream when she died in 1936 the once wealthy heiress having been adjudged bankrupt the previous year. Her parents had a strong social conscience and spent much of their wealth on community projects including building and supporting the large St Joseph's orphanage in Halswell. Norice had her last foal in 1931.

Among the horses sold was Queen Cole (King Cole-Norice) to John Grice of Tinwald whose son Ben inherited her first foal Colene Pointer (Methven and Timaru Cups) a fine stayer and dam of Queen's Treasure and Kingcraft. Ben had another foundation mare, Logan Princess, dam of the high class Regal Voyage. When that mare retired, down the road at Walter Gudsell's Pluto Lodge Stud in Tinwald was a poorly patronised Nelson Derby and so history in the form of Haughty was made. Crossing the two families and doubling up on Norice blood through Nelson Derby by Ben Grice to reinforce the family speed factor has ensured the survival of the Norice character through every generation since. Native King was another Norice colt successful at stud. Kingcraft, by the obscure Quincey who also happened to stand locally (Colene Pointer had broken down so badly she could not travel far) was almost a great horse, competing in the NZ Cup after just eight starts, but like his granddam was erratic at times.

Norice's essential qualities of high speed and waywardness combined with soundness problems have suvived to a remarkable extent through almost a century of breeding. At crucial times her tribe produces fast fillies like herself, like Single Star, Riviera and Petro Star for Grice. Perhaps the best example of the potency of the mare was the amazing Mount Eden. He was the essence of her pacing power and like her highly strung yet his performances were so stunning no less a commentator than Ron Bisman claimed he was to him the fastest horse the world had seen.

The Norice line has actually thrived on the superior breeding performance of relatively few mares, and largely just three breeders - Mabel Duncan, Grice and the Cummings family of Tuapeka whose mare Sakuntala has been the springboard of much of the family's recent success. The New Zealand Cup winners Iraklis and Monkey King, both from this source, were noted for extreme acceleration. Their ancestress Hindu Star, dam of Sakuntala, carried a close up (3x3) Norice masterminded by Grice. Holmes D G came from a more obscure branch of the Norice tribe but still had the essential double cross of Nelson Derby.

In earlier eras stars like Nicotine Prince, Chief Command and Indecision; the speedy Maurice Holmes 2yos like Strauss, Violetta and company; Hardy Oak, Single Star, Ardstraw, Canis Minor, Tuapeka Star, Ruling Lobell etc, etc kept the Norice name to the fore. O Baby is her current Horse of the Year poll winner.

The Norice legacy can be character building for those seeking to extend it. Lightning does not strike as consistently as with some families - but when its stars align it sends an electric charge through the pacing world that no other family can match.

Mabel Duncan and Ben Grice knew what they had to work with. Their work was not in vain.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 10Apr13

 

YEAR: 1982

BEN GRICE

Ben Grice, one of trotting's best-known personalities, died in a training accident on his property on New Year's Day. He was 96. Mr Grice fell from the sulky while jogging a young horse on the track at his Prebbleton property. It was the second horse the veteran owner/trainer/breeder had worked that morning.

With his son Des, Mr Grice ran the well-known Kingcraft Farm, current home of World Skipper, Lopez Hanover and Keystone Mutiny. The stud has produced a host of classic winners over the years. Mr Grice has been active in trotting for more than sixty years, first in Mid-Canterbury and then, for the last thirty, at Prebbleton.

The most notable of the hundreds of winners the Grices have produced was the top racemre Haughty, winner of the NZ Cup two years in a row in 1942 and '43, the second time from 36 yards behind. Among the younger brigade, horses like Buccaneer, Jonboy Star, Glamour and Royal Lopez won the NZ Sapling Stakes, while Petro Star and Ruling Lobell made their mark by beating the fillies in the NZ Oaks for Mr Grice.

-o0o-

Report by Tony Williams writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 19Jan82

Last week, the NZ Trotting Calendar paid a brief tribute to the late Benjamin Thomas 'Grandad' Grice, whose death as a result of a training accident on New Year's Day brought to an end an era in NZ trotting.

But any lifetime spent in trotting as long as Ben's - he was 96 at the time of his death - can not be brushed over in a few paragraphs, particularly when the man in question has made a contribution to the industry which made him a legend in his own lifetime.

Possessed with a delightful sense of humour - particularly when it was sharpened with a few whiskies with his mates - Ben Grice had a host of stories to tell, especially about the early days. But a lot of those stories could never be repeated - they would turn a modern day administrator's hair white - and many of them died with Ben.

Raised in Ashburton, Ben's interest in trotting was stimulated by his father, and it was on his father's property at Willowby that Ben built his first set of loose boxes. Later, on his own property at Winslow, which was formerly part of the old Longbeach estate, Ben converted an old woolshed into boxes and a feed barn, and really set about making a name for himself.

An accomplished horseman who early in his career was not scared to invest a few bob on his horses, he quickly realised you could not train horses up to the stage where they were ready for a bet, then drive them yourself. So over the years some famous horsemen were to don the famous Grice colours, red with cream crossed sashes and cap. Men like Free Holmes, Albert Hendriksen, 'Drum' Withers, Ossie Hooper, Gladdy McKendry, Ron & Ces Donald, Maurice Holmes, Bob Young and, more lately, Jack Carmichael and Denis Nyhan. Ben always believed in employing the best available reinsmen, and that policy paid off as his stable sent forth a string of brilliant pacers.

One of the best of these was Kingcraft, by the little-known stallion Quincey from a fast racemare in Colene Pointer. Colene Pointer, a mare by Logan Pointer from Queen Cole, by King Cole out of the great Norice, was very unsound so Quincey, a locally-based stallion, was walked to the Grice property to serve her. The resulting foal, Kingcraft, was a top performer, and in his first season at three was unbeaten in two starts. The same season, his dam, Colene Pointer, had recovered sufficiently to resume her racing career and won four races, including the Timaru Cup.

Colene Pointer's dam, Queen Cole, was purchased by Ben from Mrs M Duncan of Coldstream Lodge, which stood on the present site of the Fendalton shopping centre in Christchurch. It was not until nearly 60 years later that Ben found out that his expensive mare nearly didn't make it to Ashburton. The late Dave Bennett was working for Mrs Duncan at the time and, along with a mate, was assigned the task of delivering Queen Cole to the shunting yards to be put on board the train to Ashburton. Unfortunately, the mare escaped in the shunting yards and Dave and his friend spent several anxious hours trying to catch the runaway mare. She was finally cornered, loaded aboard the train and delivered to Ben. But Dave Bennett kept the secret of that narrow escape for many years, and it wasn't until a couple of years before his own death that he confided what had happened to Ben.

Queen Cole, and a Prince Imperial mare of unknown history, were the two mares who paved the way for most of the Grice winners, many of them brilliant juveniles who measured up to the best in the two and three-year-old classics. Buccaneer, an outstanding 2-year-old who won three races at two and then went amiss, is rated probably the best of them by Ben's son Des, who, "Went to help dad for a year after the war and I'm still there."

The Grice stable transferred to Prebbleton in 1950 and, naturally enough, Ben Grice named the property Kingcraft Farm, in honour of his old champion. Kingcraft won a division of the 1929 NZ Cup but he was scratched from the final that year. He then finished unplaced in a division of the event in 1930, but in 1931 was beaten a length by Harold Logan in the final after finishing third in a heat on the first day.

A string of grand pacers, dual NZ Cup winner Haughty, her son Brahman who held the 2-year-old mile record for 25 years, Riviera, Petro Star, Tradition, Regal Voyage, Village Guy, Jonboy Star, Courtier, Smokey Lopez, Ruling Lobell, Don Lopez and Avalon (world yearling record holder with a 2:06.8 effort at Washdyke a few seasons back) are but a few of the more famous names associated with Ben Grice.

It was one of Ben Grice's deepest regrets that one of his horses never won the NZ Derby, a classic the veteran horseman dearly wanted to win. He lined up some brilliant pacers in the event, but bad luck always seemed to dog him. He did, however, win the NZ Oaks with Petro Star and Ruling Lobell, the NZ Sapling Stakes four times with Buccaneer, Jonboy Star, Glamour and Royal Lopez and numerous other classics and semi-classics. The Grice horses were always aimed at classic and semi-classic races and, right up until the time of his death, Ben was working with a handful of likely youngsters, one of whom could yet fulfil, even after his death, Ben Grice's greatest ambition - a victory in the NZ Derby.


Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 12Jan82

 

YEAR: 1951

R O DUNCAN

Mr R O Duncan, a prominent sportsman and racehorse owner, formerly of Christchurch, has died at Caulfield, Victoria, aged 76.

Mr Duncan had a long association with trotting in NZ, being a steward of the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club in its early years. He was an honorary judge from 1903 to 1912, and he was auditor for the New Brighton Trotting Club. He was also a stipendary steward and a member of the board of the NZ Trotting Association.

Mr Duncan raced several horses, the best of these being King Cole, who covered a mile in 2.08 3/5 against time to break Ribbonwood's long-standing record of 2.09.

Mr Duncan practised as an accountant in Christchurch. For some years he owned the homestead block of the Glenmark estate. He was a managing-director of A J White Ltd. He later went to England, and after a period of business there settled in Melbourne. He was agent for the Bell Punch Totalisator Company of England.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 23Jan51

 

YEAR: 1914

1914 SPRING MEETING: Tuesday 10 November

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting opened at Addington yesterday, under most favourable conditions. The weather was beautifully fine: the heat indeed being somewhat oppressive during part of the afternoon, while towards the close of the day the nor'-west wind raised a considerable amount of dust. The very large attendance showed how popular the light harness sport has become in Christchurch, and all parts of the Dominion were represented in the assemblage. Among those present were Sir J G Ward, the Hon. J D Ormond, Messrs T H Lowry, W G Stead, W F M Buckley, J B Reid, J F Reid, H W Kitchingham, F W Edwards, C F Mark, J G Lecky and W T Hazlett.

The track was in capital order, as the times registered in most of the races showed, though some of the later events were not responsible for very fast perfomances. The racing, taken generally, was of a very interesting character, and the management of the Meeting, under Mr A I Rattray's experienced supervision, was, as usual, complete in every detail. The Club's recently-appointed stipendiary stewards, Messrs C H Gorton and J S Berry, were acting for the first time, the former being given the position of senior steward. They found a few mattters to occupy their attention during the afternoon, but nothing of any serious importance.

The speculation on the totalisator was spirited right through the afternoon, and last years total of £42,558 was exceeded by just over £300, yesterdays figures being £42,869 10s. The investments on the New Zealand Cup amounted to £9321, a slight increase on last year's amount of £9257 10s. Several of the Australian horses that have been brought across for the meeting, were competing during the afternoon, but they made rather disappointing showing.

Fancy Gantle, one of the Australian contingent, was made a very hot favourite for the opening event, the Spring Handicap, a two mile race in saddle for unhoppled trotters. The favourite refused to strike a gait until her chance was hopeless. Lochiel, who was one of the least fancied of the field, began smartly, and leading all the way, won without any difficulty from Frank Wilkes. The latter was always close to the leader, but broke twice when under pressure in the last half mile. Fiction was a very poor third, the others being strung out.

Grandee's form at Oamaru, less than a fortnight ago, brought him very solid support for the Empire Handicap, and he carried almost twice as much money as Sherwood, who was second favourite. The favourite was going well a mile from home, but a little further on had had enough. Wingatui made the early running but in the last half mile Sherwood and Disappear drew away from the others, and they fought out a very exciting finish, Sherwood staying on well, and winning a good race by a head.

There were three scratchings for the big race of the day, the New Zealand Cup, which, with its stake of 2500 sovs, in addition to the handsome silver cup presented by the president of the Club (the Hon. C Louisson), exceeded in value any race yet competed for in the Dominion. Lady Clare, Red Mac and Havoc were those withdrawn, and Don Caesar was made a slightly better favourite than Win Soon, while Denver Huon, Adonis, Manderene, and Country Belle were very evenly supported. There was little delay at the start, but though the competitors moved off at their proper times, with the exception of King Cole, who refused to leave the mark, several of them were slow in getting into their gait, and their chances were very early extinguished. Albert H, Don Caesar, Bright, and Denver Huon all began badly, and Bright fell before they had gone a couple of furlongs, but his driver escaped unhurt. Win Soon was quickest to begin, and she never lost her place in front. Over the last half mile she was challenged by Country Belle, and this pair had the race to themselves, drawing right away from the rest of the field. Country Belle made a game effort as they came into the straight, but Win Soon had most left in reserve, and at the end she was holding Country Belle quite safely. Eccentric was a dozen lengths away third, and then in order came Ravenschild, Manderene, Don Caesar, Denver Huon, and Adonis. Albert H, who split a hoof, was last to finish.

The time registered by Win Soon was the fastest yet recorded in the race, and the performance stamps her as a mare of exceptional brilliance. The best time put up by a previous winner of the race was 4min 33sec, by Wildwood junr, when he won the race for the second time in 1910. Win Soon was timed to run the first half in 1min 8sec, one mile in 2min 15sec and going on at an almost even pace, covered the second mile in 2min 16sec, and the full journey in 4min 31sec. Country Belle improved considerably on any of her previous efforts in running second, while Eccentric showed a return to form and Emmeline, who secured fourth place was running on well at the finish. After the race the cup was presented to Messrs Stevenson and McMath by Mrs C Louisson, the wife of the president, who congratulated them on their success.

Norval King was made favourite for the Middleton Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, and he justified the public confidence by winning in good style from Adventuress, with Olive L, one of M Edwards's Australian team, in third place. Olive L showed a good turn of pace, but lost some ground by breaking, and was running out wide for most of the journey. Imperial Crown, who might have given Norval King some trouble, broke badly at the end of a mile, and would not settle into his stride again until his chance was gone.

The Lyttelton Handicap found White House, Antonio and Bonista very evenly supported. The last-named quickly settled her chance by breaking at the start. Antonio made the pace until half a mile from home where Our Thorpe and White House closed on him. Our Thorpe finished in very determined fashion, and put up a splendid performance for a four-year-old by pacing the two miles in 4min 38 4/5th sec, less than a second outside the time required for qualification in the New Zealand Cup. Antonio seemed sure of second place, but his driver eased him on the post, and White House just got up in time to beat him.

The St Albans Handicap brought about the defeat of another hot favourite in Kinetic, who was backed just about twice as strongly as the second favourite, Frandocia. Kinetic ran a good race, but over the last two furlongs Frandocia put in a very strong run, and finishing better than any of the others, drew away in the straight, and won by four lengths from Quinaldine, who had led from the start. Caledon broke badly in the straight or he might have been placed.

The Riccarton Handicap was a very interesting contest. Marble Arch, one of the Australian team, showed great dash in the early part of the race, but was unable to continue his effort. Over the last half-mile Muricata was going very well, but a couple of breaks spoilt the chance of this fine trotter, and Jingle, who came from a long way back, won comfortably from Mountain Rose, the latter putting in a run in the straight which gave her second place after she had apparently dropped right out.

The last race of the day, the Hagley Handicap, was not a very exciting affair. Frank Tracey, who was a hot favourite, failed to get going properly, and Bequest leading all the way, won comfortably from Child Beldon, with Corbell and Oceanic next. The following are details of the racing:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. Two miles.

D Bohan's br g Lochiel, by Kentucky, aged, 14sec (J McLennan) 1
J L Lopp's b g Frank Wilkes, 6yrs, 14sec (N L Price) 2
A J Harper's b g Fiction, aged, 10sec (A Butterfield) 3

Maoriwood scr, Benmore 2sec, Mayflower 8sec, Armamenter 8sec, Savanna 11sec, Blythe Lad 11sec, Fancy Gentle 12sec and Hiroki 14sec also started.

Fancy Gantle refused to leave the mark until her chance was hopeless. Lochiel at once went to the front, and with Frank Wilkes and Hiroki next, showed the waypast the stand. Going along the back, Blythe Lad ran into third place, but broke almost at once, and dropped back. With a lap to go, Lochiel was just clear of Frank Wilkes, with Armamenter and Fiction next. Lochiel was in front along the back, and at the tanks Frank Wilkes closed on him, but broke. The latter broke again in the straight and Lochiel won easily by six lengths. Fiction was fifty yards away third, and then came Mayflower anf Hiroki. Time, 5min.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W D Lemon's blk g Sherwood, by Kerrwood-Jessie B, 4yrs, 14sec (A Bright) 1
W J Doyle's b h Disappear, 5yrs, 10sec (J McLennan) 2
R G C Munro's b m Stanley's Child, 6yrs, 11sec (R Logan) 3

Gertie L 11sec, Grandee 11sec, Bold Maid 12sec, Gee Whizz 12sec, General Wylie 12sec, Law Chimes 13sec, Bonification 13sec, Minoru 14sec, Scotch Mist 14sec and Wingatui 14sec also started.

Wingatui was quickest to begin, and passing the stand was followed by Sherwood, Grandee and Law Chimes. There was not much change in the next circuit, except that Stanley's Child closed on the leading division, and Disappear also improved his position. Six furlongs from home Wingatui, Sherwood, Stanley's Child and Disappear were almost on terms, but along the back Wingatui lost his place. Disappear closed on Sherwood two furlongs from home, but in a good race Sherwood held his advantage, and won by a head. Stanley's Child was six lengths away third, and then came Wingatui, General Wylie, Grandee and Bold Maid. Time, 4min 48sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 2500 sovs, and cup presented by Hon C Louisson; second 500 sovs, third 300 sovs and 200 sovs from stake. Two miles.

Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, by King Child-Topsy, aged, 6sec (A Pringle) 1
W J Morland's br m Country Belle, 6yrs, 5sec (Owner) 2
R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged, 6sec (J Brankin) 3

R Geddes & M Edwards's ch h Denver Huon, aged, scr (M Edwards)
Mrs R O Duncan's ch h King Cole, aged, 2sec (J Conway)
Hopkins & Bennett's b h Albert H, aged, 3sec (J Bryce)
J McCutcheon's b h Ravenschild, aged, 4sec (N L Price)
A G Wilson's b h Bright, aged, 5sec (Owner)
F C Hanbury's br g Don Caesar, 4yrs, 5sec (R Allan)
J C Whitman's b h Adonis, aged, 6sec (F H ?)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, aged

Don Caesar, Albert H, Bright and Denver Huon began badly, and King Cole stood on the mark. Win Soon, going off smartly, took the lead from Eccentric, Manderene, Country Belle, Adonis and Ravenschild. Bright fell before they had gone a couple of furlongs. Passing the stand the order was Win Soon, Eccentric, Country Belle, Manderene, Adonis and Ravenschild, while Albert H and Denver Huon were a long way back. Going out of the straight and along the back, Win Soon kept her place in front but at the tanks Country Belle closed on Eccentric, and a little further on took second place, the order of the others being Eccentric, Manderene, Adonis, Ravenschild and Don Caesar. With a lap to go, Win Soon still showed the way to Country Belle, after whom, at an interval of two lengths, came Eccentric, and then Manderene, Adonis, Ravenschild, Emmeline, and Don Caesar. At this stage Adonis broke, and lost his place. Going along the back Win Soon and Country Belle were followed by Eccentric and Emmeline, while Don Caesar was also closing up. At the tanks Win Soon and Country Belle drew right away from the rest of the field, and in the straight Win Soon held Country Belle safe, and at the finish drew away to win by four lengths. Eccentric was twelve lengths away third, and then close uo came Emmeline fourth, followed in order by Ravenschild, Manderene and Don Caesar. Denver Huon and Adonis were some distance away next, and Albert H was last to finish. Time, 4min 31sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

A Quigley's b h Norval King, by Norval-Golden Mary, 5yrs, 16sec (F Holmes) 1
T G Fox's b m Adventuress, aged, 11sec (Owner) 2
Mrs J Lawrence's b m Olive L, 4yrs, 11sec (M Edwards) 3

Winn Alto scr, Electrocute 6sec, Craibwood 9sec, Miss Dexter 10sec, Mystic 13sec, Truganini 14sec, Te Kuiti 15sec, Parole Bells 16sec and Imperial Crown 11sec also started.

Norval King and Imperial Crown made the pace over the early stages, with Te Kuiti, Adventuress and Olive L next. Norval King and Imperial Crown were together as they entered the second circuit, but in the back stretch the latter broke badly, and refused to settle down again. Adventuress then took second place and Olive L third, this pair being Norval King's nearest attendants six furlongs from home. There was no change in the order over the final circuit, Norval King holding his advantage, and winning by three lengths from Adventuress, who was a similar distance in front of Olive L. Then came Truganni, Te Kuiti and Electrocute. Time, 4min 55 2/5th sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Fleming's b c Our Thorpe, by OYM-Lady Thorpe, 4yrs, 7sec (A Fleming) 1
G McBean's b m White House, 6yrs, 7sec (E McDermott) 2
R Reay's b h Antonio, aged, 10sec (Owner) 3

Redchild scr, Spot(Australia) 2sec, Piecework 5sec, Childsdale 6sec, Regina Belle 6sec, Jack Ashore 8sec, Arisdne 8sec, Succeed 8sec, Our Aggie 8sec, Franzalena 8sec, Proud Girl 9sec, Lady Rattoo 10sec, Erina 10sec and Bonista 10sec also started.

Lady Rattoo and Bonista broke at the Start. Antonio and Erina began smartly and with Jack Ashore, Our Aggie and Franzalena next, made the running past the stand and out of the straight. Antonio was in front over the next lap, and with six furlongs to go, was followed by Our Aggie, Franzalena, Our Thoupe and White House. Along the back Our Aggie lost her place, and Our Thorpe and White House closed on Antonio. Our Thorpe and Antonio were on terms as they came into the straight, but in the run home Our Thorpe stayed the better and won by a couple of lengths. White House just got up in time to beat Antonio by a head for second place. Childsdale was fourth and Franzalena next, the rest a long way back. Time. 4min 38 4/5th sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile.

Ha? & Simpson's b g Frandocia, by Franz-Cappadocia, aged, 3sec (A Butterfield) 1
J C Smith's br m Quinaldine, 6yrs, 4sec (G Stoddard) 2
B Shadbolt's b m Rawene, aged, 4sec (B Shadbolt, jun) 3

Nan 2sec, Clingschild 2sec, Andy Regan 3sec, Baron Franz 4sec, Persuader 4sec, Mattie 4sec, Uniform 4sec, Kinetic 4sec, Wallace Junior 4sec, Lincoln Junior 4sec, Caledon 5sec and Millwood 5sec also started.

Quinaldine, Caledon and Kinetic were in front as they passed the stand and in the back stretch Millwood and Frandocia closed up. Frandocia was on terms with Qiunaldine when the straight was reached, and finishing well, won by four lengths. Rawene and Kinetic were together about three lengths away, and the former was placed third. Baron Franz was at the head of the next bunch. Time, 2min 17sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, by Capitalist-Merry Bell, aged, 5sec (H Gaskill) 1
M Dickens's b m Mountain Rose, aged, 9sec (A Butterfield) 2
W F Clinton's rn m Muricata, aged, 8sec (N L Price) 3

Lovelock 3sec, Marble Arch 4sec, Edith A 6sec, Lord Elmo 6sec, Goldwood 7sec, St Swithin 7sec, Fashionwood 7sec, Little Tib 8sec, Crown Prince 8sec, Al Franz 9sec and Tommy C 9sec also started.

Al Franz and Mountain Rose were in front in the early stages of the race, in which Marble Arch showed a great burst of speed. With half the journey gone, the order was Al Franz, Tommy C, Muricata, Mountain Rose, Marble Arch and Little Tib. Along the back Tommy C had taken charge from Al Franz, with Muricata and Mountain Rose next, and Jingle moving up fast. Rounding the turn to the straight Muricata broke, and Jingle finishing well, won by three lengths from Mountain Rose, who came with a late run and beat Muricata by six lengths for second place, with Fashionwood and Tommy C next. Time, 3min 27 4/5th sec.

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. One mile.

Mrs R C H Page's b m Bequest, by Galindo-The Gift, 5yrs, 2sec (T C Fox) 1
N Clogg's b m Child Beldon, aged, scr (Owner) 2
H Williams's gr g Corbell, 6yrs, 1sec (J Milne) 3

Frank Tracey scr, Erina scr, Oceanic 1sec, Bonny Jenny 1sec and Penelope 1sec also started.

Bequest got away well and led past the stand from Corbell, Child Beldon and Oceanic while Frank Tracey was slow to begin. Bequest was never headed, and won comfortably by six lengths from Child Beldon who just beat Corbell for second place. Oceanic was fourth and Frank Tracey fifth. Time, 2min 24sec.

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1914

 

YEAR: 1915

1915 SPRING MEETING: 11 NOVEMBER

The weather was rather oppressive yesterday for the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting, and a light north-west breeze was blowing during most of the afternoon, but it was not sufficiently strong to cause the spectators any discomfort.

There was a very good attendance, and it was evident that the Free-For-All race was an event that aroused widespread interest. The track was in first-class order; it must have received a lot of attention after the soaking it received on Tuesday, and for its condition yesterday the club's caretaker is entitled to a good deal of credit.

The racing was of a good class all through, and the management of the business details of the fixture was quite in keeping with the standard that has been established by Mr A I Rattray at Addington, while the totalisator business, under Mr W H Macdougall's superintendance, was conducted in most satisfactory fashion. The investments for the day showed an increase, the sum handled being £36,813, as compared with £32,353 10s on the corresponding day last year, and the war tax on dividends gave a return £828 8s.

The Whiteleigh Handicap, which opened the programme, found Whisht, Tika and Frank Wilkes receiving most support. Tika trotted well in the early stages, but a break six furlongs from home settled his chance, and Mushroom was left in charge. The latter was challenged very strongly by Huia over the last half-mile, but staying on in more determined fashion than he has hitherto done, won by half a length.

The November Handicap, a two-mile race in saddle, was not at all exciting. Hesitation and The Bronzewing were made favourites, but the former lost his chance by beginning badly. The Bronzewing was never dangerous. Princess Sherwood, who was third in demand, was in front all the way and, pacing without a mistake won very easily from Vermont, who showed a lot of pace over the last five furlongs. Princess Sherwood's performance proves that her reputation for speed is not without justification.

The Courtenay Handicap, the principal handicap of the Meeting, brought out a field of ten good class pacers, Admiral Wood being withdrawn. Eminent, the Australian representative, who had shown very good form in his track work, was made a solid favourite, and showed himself to be possessed of more than ordinary credentials. He was in second place behind Jewel Chimes until the straight was reached, and then put in a very convincing run which landed him a winner by three lengths. Jewel Chimes paced very solidly all through, and for his size is undoubtedly a high-class performer. Frandocia refused to leave the mark properly, and was left with a lot of ground to make up over the last lap, but then showed a lot of speed.

Ngaraima and Soda were best backed in the Metropolitan Handicap, and the former made the running until the turn for home, where Galvanita, who had always been handy, drew clear ans won in nice style by three lengths. The winner, who was driven by A Fredricksen, scored the first win registered by Mrs R O Duncan for a long time past.

The Sockburn Handicap, a two-mile race in harness for unhoppled trotters, brought about the defeat of a very hot favourite in Norval King, who was backed down to a very short price. The favourite began well enough, but broke several times, and Mystic went on in front and, leading over the last mile, won comfortably, paying much the biggest dividend of the Meeting. Hardy Wilkes showed great pace, but went very unsteadily, while Galician just failed to see the distance out.

The attraction of the day's card was the Free-For-All, and the scratching of Jewel Chimes and Admiral Wood left a field of seven to go to the post. Country Belle, the winner of the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday, was made favourite, with Our Thorpe, the runner-up in the big race, and Emmeline next in request. There was one false start, and then the field was sent away with Our Thorpe in the rear, though Adelaide Direct broke at the starting post and there was little to choose between this pair for last place. Eccentric was, as usual, quickest to begin, and he showed the way to Emmeline, Win Soon and Country Belle over the early stages, but he was gone three furlongs from home, and Country Belle took charge. She appeared to have the race won, when Our Thorpe, who had made up his ground in brilliant style, challenged her in the straight and beat her home by three lengths. Emmeline was forty yards away, with the rest beaten off. Both Our Thorpe and Country Belle put up performances of exceptional merit for the time registered, 2min 41 2/5th sec for the mile and a-quarter, represents a gait of 2min 9sec to the mile, and each of them paced a faster mile than has ever been done in New Zealand before. Yesterday's result indicates that Our Thorpe would have been very much harder to beat in the New Zealand Cup had he got away to his proper time.

The Railway Handicap brought about a good finish, but Ludski, the favourite, faded out and Bright Alice, who was always in a good position, won by a length from Little Tib, with the favourite third.

The Royal Handicap was won easily by Dot Robbins, who ran past Bonny Jenny in the back stretch and scored in very convincing style.

WHITELEIGH HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 5min or better. Two miles.

R J Munro's b g Mushroom, by Electioneer colt, aged, 11sec (Owner) 1
A W Gordon's ch h Huia, aged, 7sec (W Orange) 2
W T Lowe's gr g Bushranger, aged, 5sec (T Annett) 3

Craibwood 1sec, Chub 4sec, Ohapi 5sec, Parkfield 8sec, Whisht 9sec, Tika 10sec, Verawood 11sec, Frank Wilkes 11sec, Matilda 11sec, Havana 11sec, Parole Bells 11sec, and Te Kuiti 11sec and Bellwind 11sec also started.

Tika, Mushroom and Bellwind were the leading division at the end of half a mile, with Frank Wilkes at the head of the next bunch. Before the next round had been completed Bushranger took third place. Tika was in front six furlongs from home, but then broke and lost his place, and Mushroom took charge. Going along the back Huia closed on the leader, but Mushroom, though hard ridden over the last two furlongs, stayed on to win by half a length. Bushranger was four lengths away, and then came Whisht, Frank Wilkes and Parkfield. Time, 4min 52sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 4.48 or better. Two miles.

N Burgess & R A Stewart's blk m Princess Sherwood, by Kerrwood-My Idea, 5yrs, 7sec (R Franks) 1
C T Langdon's b m Vermont, aged, 6sec (J McLennan) 2
J H Olliver's b m OIC, 6yrs, 7sec (H Donovan) 3

Gladsome 5sec, Waitchie 5sec, Wallace Junior 6sec, The Bronzewing 7sec, Carretta 9sec, Hesitation 9sec and Lady Rattoo 9sec also started.

Hesitation would not settle to his work properly at the start, and Princess Sherwood at once established a good lead, being followed at the end of half a mile by Lady Rattoo, Hesitation, Wallace Junior and OIC. With a lap to go Hesitation had run into second place, but along the back he gave way to Vermont, and at the tanks the favourite broke and OIC ran into third place. Princess Sherwood held her advantage and won easily by ten lengths. OIC was two lengths away third, with Waitchie and Wallace Junior together next. Time, 4min 43sec.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. 4.40 or better. Two miles.

J J Kennerley's b g Eminent, by Emulater-Honesty mare, 6yrs, 8sec (Owner) 1
J D Piper's b h Jewel Chimes, aged, 6sec (A Hendricksen) 2
M Edwards's b h Wallace Wood, aged, 4sec (Owner) 3

Manderene 5sec, Frandocia 3sec, Adonis 5sec, Red Mac 6sec, Persuader 6sec, Pearlchild 8sec & Stanley's Child 8sec also started.

Stanley's Child broke at the start, and Frandocia refused to begin until his chance was hopeless. Jewel Chimes went away very smartly, and though he broke before reaching the tanks he settled into his stride again quickly. At the end of half a mile Jewel Chimes was showing the way to Eminent, Manderene and Wallace Wood, but Manderene was called off for starting before his time. Jewel Chimes led along the back stretch, with Eminent in close attendance and Wallace Wood and Stanley's Child next. This was the order of the leading division with a lap to go, and in the back stretch Jewel Chimes and Eminent drew right away from the others. Jewel Chimes was still in front when the straight was reached, but in the run home Eminent wore him down and won by three lengths. Wallace Wood was ten lengths away third, with Stanley's Child fourth, and Adonis and Persuader next. Time, 4min 35 3/5th sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 3.36 or better. One mile and a half.

Mrs R O Duncan's b m Galvanita, by Galindo-Vanquish, aged, 4sec (A Hendricksen) 1
J H Lloyd's ch m Ngaraima, aged, 6sec (L Frost) 2
W B Clarkson's b m Soda, 5yrs, 4sec (N L Price) 3

Aotea Roa 2sec, Antonio 3sec, Cello Sydney Wilkes 3sec, Disappear 3sec, OIC 4sec & Gee Whizz 6sec(coupled), Baron Franz 5sec, Icicle 5sec, Young Tohu 6sec, Law Chimes 6sec, La Franz 6sec and Bonification 6sec also started.

Law Chimes took charge at the start from Ngaraima and Galvanita, but at the tanks Ngaraima went to the front, and with half the journey gone she was showing the way to Galvanita and La Franz, with Soda and Law Chimes together next. Galvanita closed on Ngaraima rounding the turn for home, and in the straight drew away, to win by three lengths. Soda was a length away third, followed by Disappear, Law Chimes and La Franz. Time, 3min 29sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 4.50 or better. Two miles.

M Clarice's b m Mystic, by albert Victor-little wonder II, aged, 10sec (W E Simes) 1
W H Hargreaves's b m Truganini, aged, 10sec (J McKewen) 2
Houston & Wilson's br g Galician, aged, 6sec (A Butterfield) 3

Electrocute 2sec, Olive L 6sec, Michael Galindo 7sec, Annie X 8sec, Treasure Seeker 8sec Lord Roanchild 8sec, Auckland Girl 10sec, Hardy Wilkes 10sec, Norval King 10sec and Adventuress 10sec also started.

Norval King went away well from Mystic, Adventuress and Truganini with Hardy Wilkes breaking badly. Truganini broke at the tanks and Galician who had got through quickly, displaced her. Passing the stand the order was Norval King, Mystic, Galician and Hardy Wilkes. The latter again broke, as did Norval King, when entering the back stretch, leaving Mystic in charge from Galician and Hardy Wilkes. The latter had shown a great turn of speed, but again breaking lost his position. Mystic was well clear going up the back for the last time, and though Galician, Truganini and Hardy Wilkes made strenuous efforts, she maintained her advantage, winning pulling up by over two lengths. The same distance separated second and third, with Hardy Wilkes, Michael Galindo and Olive L close up. Time, 4min 52 2/5th sec.

FREE-FOR-ALL (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 100 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. One mile and a quarter.

J Fleming's b h Our Thorpe, by OYM-Lady Thorpe, 5yrs (A Fleming) 1
W J Morland's br m Country Belle, aged (A Hendricksen) 2
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, aged (Owner) 3

R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged (J Brankin)
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged (Owner)
Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, aged (A Pringle)
J Henderson's br g Tommy C, 6yrs (R Reay)

After one false start, the seven competitors were sent away, though they were in rather straggling order, Our Thorpe being last to move, while Adelaide Direct broke at the starting post. Eccentric was quickest to begin, with Win Soon, Emmeline and Country Belle next. With half a mile gone Eccentric was showing the way to Emmeline, Country Belle, Win Soon and Tommy C, but the last-named broke going out of the straight. Our Thorpe was then showing a lot of pace, and improving his position fast. Turning towards the back stretch Country Belle ran past Emmeline, and three furlongs from home she had the measure of Eccentric. Country Belle drew out rounding the turn to the straight, but then Our Thorpe had taken second place, and, putting in a brilliant run, he beat the favourite by three lengths. Emmeline was forty yards away third, and then came Win Soon, Eccentric and Tommy C. Time, 2min 41 2/5th sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 2.18 or better. One mile.

R M Morten's b m Bright Alice, by Rothschild-General Livcoln mare, 6yrs, 3sec (J Wilson) 1
D Spence's b g Little Tib, aged, 1sec (A Butterfield) 2
F C Hande's blk g Ludski, aged, 1sec (A Julian) 3

Bell Metal scr, Bellis 1sec, Yarraville 1sec, Franzalena 2sec, Breeze 2sec, and Prince Poole 3sec also started.

Breeze refused to leave the mark at his bell, and passing the stand Prince Poole, Bright Alice and Ludski were in close order, with Bellis next. Going along the back Prince Poole was beaten, and Bright Alice and Ludski went on in front. Bright Alice led into the straight, where Little Tib joined in and in a good finish Bright Alice won by a length. Ludski was six lengths away, followed by Franzalene and Bellis. Time, 2min 14 3/5th sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 2.10 or better. One mile.

T Bryant's b m Dot Robbins, by Frank Robbins-Geo M Patchen mare, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner) 1
J Porter's br m Bonny Jenny, aged, 4sec (A Pringle) 2
A J Talbot's blk m Desdemona, 6yrs, 5sec (A Hendricksen) 3

Eminent sec (3sec pen), Mountain Rose 2sc, Persuader 3sec, Phingari 3sec and Lodi 5sec slso started.

Desdemona and Lodi broke at the start and Phingari stood on the mark. When the first quarter had been covered Bonny Jenny was leading Dot Robbins and Mountain Rose. The positions remained unchanged round the bend, where Eminent broke. Bonny Jenny mixed her gait along the back stretch, and Dot Robbins quickly ran past her and stayed on long enough to win by three lengths. Desdemona was about fout lengths further back, with Eminent and Mountain Rose at the head of the others. Time, 2min 14sec.

Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1915

 

YEAR: 1913

1913 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER

During the past few years the progress of trotting in Canterbury has been little short of phenomenal, and this has been fully shown at the meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Club at Addington.

The club's appointments have for several years past been noted for their completeness, but during the last few months very extensive alterations and additions have been carried out, making the people's stand in the outside enclosure a very commodious structure. In the inside buildings several changes have been made, the most important being the construction of a vice-regal box in the grandstand. This includes a beautifully fitted-up suite of apartments for the use of their Excellencies. The attendance yesterday was representative of all parts of the Dominion, and several Australian enthusiasts were also present.

The chief attraction was the race for the New Zealand Trotting Cup, of 2000 sovs, the largest prize ever offered for a trotting race in Australasia. A field of 21 started. Calm, a previously unbeaten son of Wildwood Junior-Gertie, was rather a better favourite than Ravenschild, with Albert H and Adonis next best supported. The race was very largely spoilt by the start, and several of the competitors took no part in it. It is much to be regretted that this event has in no case produced a contest worthy of its importance, but this year's failure is perhaps the most disappointing of the whole series. The investments on the New Zealand Cup amounted to £9257 10s, and the total for the day was £42,558, as compared with £32,969 last year.

The Spring Handicap brought out a field of eighteen unhoppled trotters, Wickliffe being made a slightly better favourite than Armamenter, with King William third in favouritism. Maoriwood was first into his gait, and trotting kindly all the way through, won easily by forty yards from Benmore, who beat Mokau by half a length for second place. In the Empire Handicap, General Wylie was made a strong favourite, with Oceanic the next best supported. The latter made most of the running, but was outstayed by Lady Rattoo, who beat her home by ten lengths.

It was unfortunate that the race for the New Zealand Cup, of 2000 sovs, the most valuable stake ever offered in Australasia, should have been spoilt by a mishap at the start, which resulted in Glendalough, Gold Bell, Medallion and King Cole being put out of the race. This spoilt the contest from a spectacular point of view. Ravenschild, who escaped mishap in the early part, won by eight lengths from the Australian representative, Denver Huon, after whom came Manderene, Emmeline, Stop It, Little Tib, Lord Heathcote, Aberfeldy, Quincey and Lord Dillon.

Of the twenty acceptors for the Riccarton Handicap, Cameos, Lady Ratoo and Quincey Maid were withdrawn, the American-bred filly Bonista, by Star Pointer-Bonny Jenny, being made a very warm favourite. The public confidence was well justified, for she was in front with half the journey gone, and won easing up by a length from Brown Bell, who finished fast and beat Merry Child for second place by two lengths.

The Middleton Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, produced one of the best races of the day. Michael Galindo, a splendidly actioned, square-gaited trotter, led from Mahomet and Verax as the straight was reached. In the run home Mahomet broke, and Michael Galindo won by four lengths from Verax, who was the same distance in front of Havoc.

The St Albans Handicap (in saddle) brought out a field of sixteen, Royal Vesta being made a very warm favourite. Franz Josef paced kindly throughout the race, and won by three lengths from Ariel, who was a head in front of Royal Vesta.

There were some brilliant horses engaged in the Provincial Handicap, one mile and a quarter, Gianella being made favourite, with Princess Louise secoond in demand. Wilkie, Stop It and Bell Metal made the earlier running, but then gave place to Jingle, who finished brilliantly, and beat Bell Metal by half a length.

The race for the Hagley Handicap was rather spoilt by the falling of Rosemary, Child Beldon and May Dillon at the entrance to the straight, but that happening made no difference to the result, for Wereroa was well clear at the time, and won by two lengths from Harold Minto, who was followed six lengths back by Rema Rosa.The following are the results:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. One mile and a half.

D Sutherland's b h Maoriwood, by Wildwood-Berlin mare, aged 10sec (A Pringle) 1
A J Clyde's b g Benmore, aged, 2sec (M Butler) 2
B Edwards's blk g Mokau, aged, 4sec (Owner) 3

Tea Tree 2sec, Monsoon 2sec, Lignite 6sec, Ophelia 7sec, Belvic 7sec, Fiction 7sec, March Hare 8sec, Whispering Lad 8sec, Mayflower 8sec, Hiroki 10sec, Armamenter 10sec, Dollywood 10sec, King William 10sec, Wickliffe 10sec and Ivory Bells 10sec also started.

Maoriwood was quickest to begin, and running towards the back stretch had March Hare as his nearest attendant. With half the journey gone Maoriwood was well clear of March Hare, with Wickliffe next. A little further on March Hare broke, but was quickly got going, while Benmore improved his position. Maoriwood kept his place, and won very easily by forty yards from Benmore, who just beat Mokau for second place by half a length. Wickliffe was fourth, and March Hare fifth. Time, 3min 40sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. Two miles.

D J Clark's b m Lady Rattoo, by General Lyons-Toronto mare, 5yrs, 9sec (G Berry) 1
H Tregoning's rn m Oceanic, aged, 12sec (E McDermott) 2
I M Thompson's b m Bold Maid, aged, 9sec (W R Thomas) 3

Link scr, Franzalena 2sec and Radiant Morn 5sec(coupled), Regina Belle 5sec, General Wylie 8sec, OIC 11sec, Gertie L 12sec and Lady Devon 12sec also started.

Oceanic at once went to the front, and as they passed the stand was showing the way to Bold Maid, OIC and Lady Rattoo. As they raced along the back stretch Regina Belle, General Wylie and Bold Maid were on terms behind Oceanic, who was well clear of the field. With a lap to go, Oceanic was still in front, but Lady Rattoo had run into second place, with General Wylie, Regina Belle, Bold Maid and OIC in a bunch. In the back stretch Lady Rattoo closed on Oceanic, and turning into the straight had her measure, and going on won easily by ten lengths. Oceanic was twelve lengths in front of Bold Maid, after whom came Gertie L, Franzalena and Radiant Morn. Time, 4min 48sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 2000 sovs; second 400 sovs, third 300 sovs and fourth 200 sovs from stake. 4.38 class. Two miles.

J McCutcheon's br h Ravenschild, by Rothschild-Ravensdale, aged, 6sec (N L Price) 1
R Geddes ch h Denver Huon, aged 2sec (M Edwards) 2
W Kerr's b h Calm, 6yrs, 6sec (Owner) 3
J G Lecky's blk h Mandarene, aged, 6sec (B Edwards) 4
Mrs R O Duncan's ch h King Cole, aged, scr (J Bryce)
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, aged, scr (Owner)
McDonald & Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged, 2sec (J Brankin)
A G Wilson's b h Bright, aged, 4sec (Owner)
G Clarkson's b g Redchild, aged, 4sec (C Kerr)
M Maher's b h Albert H, aged, 4sec (Hendricksen)
S W Scott's b h Quincey, aged, 5sec (Owner)
J G McConochie's br g Aberfeldy, aged, 6sec (J Tasker)
J Dennett's b h Adonis, 6yrs, 6sec (F Holmes)
D Spence's b g Little Tib, aged, 6sec (H McNae)
McMillan & Alpe's ch g Lord Dillon, 6yrs, 6sec (R McMillan)
J Lorgelly's ch h Lord Heathcote, aged, 6sec (Owner)
J Shaww's b h Medallion, aged, 6sec (J Rainey)
W G Abbott's br m Stop It, aged, 6sec (Owner)
T Roe's b h Gold Bell, aged, 6sec (J Lynch)
J Farrell's b m Glendalough, aged, 6sec (A Butterfield)
Walter Kerr's b g Bellis, aged (A Pringle)

The field paraded past the stand, and then walked back to the starting post. They started racing some lengths before reaching the post, and got off in straggling order. Glendalough lost her driver, and Gold Bell, Medallion and King Cole took no part in the race. Ravenschild at once went to the front, with Mandarene and Lord Dillon at the head of the others. Passing the stand the first time Lord Dillon had headed Ravenschild, who was followed by Mandarene, Little Tib, Aberfeldy, Stop It and Calm. Going out of the straight and into the back stretch there was little change in the order, but Denver Huon had started to move up from the second division. Racing towards the straight Ravenschild again took charge, and with a lap to go was followed by Manderene, Lord Dillon, Calm, Denver Huon, Stop It, Little Tib, Eccentric and Emmeline.
Turning out of the straight Ravenschild was still out well clear of Mandarene, while Calm put in a strong run, and took third place, Lord Dillon and Denver Huon being at the head of the others. Turning for home, Ravenschild was going along well in front, while Calm, who had raced into second place, broke, and Denver Huon closed on him. In the home stretch Ravenschild easily held his advantage, and won very comfortably by eight lengths from Denver Huon, who was two lengths in front of Calm. Mandarene was four lengths away fourth, and then in order came Emmeline, Stop It, Little Tib, Lord Heathcote, Aberfeldy, Quincey and Lord Dillon. Time, 4min 35 3/5th sec.

The following are the fractional times for the race:-
First quarter 31sec, half-mile 1min 5sec, six furlongs 1min 41sec, one mile 2min 15sec, one mile and a quarter 2min 50sec, one mile and a half 3min 28sec, one mile and three-quarters 3min 59sec, two miles 4min 35 3/5th sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

F Holmes's b f Bonista, by Star Pointer-Bonny Jenny, 4yrs, 9sec (Owner) 1
I W Thompson's br m Brown Bell, aged, 5sec (W R Thomas) 2
J S August's b f Merry Child, 4yrs, 9sec (S August) 3

Brooklyn scr, Win Soon 4sec, Edith A 4sec, Bonification 5sec, Childsdale 5sec, Vermont 6sec, Proud Girl 6sec, Don Caesar 6sec, Baron Franz 6sec, Bright Alice 6sec, George Hard 7sec, Dalwhinnie 9sec, Our Aggie 9sec and Huon Drift 9sec also started.

Merry Child and Our Aggie showed the way to Bonista over the first half mile, but when the second lap was enteredd, Bonista had taken charge from Our Aggie, after whom came Merry Child, George Hard, and Dalwhinnie. Bonista made all the rest of the running, but Our Aggie stopped badly in the straight, and Bonista won easing up by a length from Brown Bell, who finished fast, and beat Merry Child by two lengths for second place. Our Aggie was fourth, George Hard fifth and Don Caesar next. Time, 3min 37 2/5th sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

R Tasker's b c Michael Galindo, by Galindo-Mavourneen, 4yrs, 12sec (J Tasker) 1
R Geddes's br g Mahomet, 5yrs, 10sec (M Edwards) 2
Mrs R O Duncan's br g Verax, aged, 2sec (J Bryce) 3

Betel Nut 2sec, Rosalie 2sec, Craibwood 7sec, Kelso 7sec, Welfare 10sec, Adventuress 7sec, Brookbell 7sec, Te Kuiti 8sec, Mystic 12sec, Miss Vivian 12sec and Vigorous 14sec also started.

Vigorous held the lead for about one hundred yards, followed by Michael Galindo. The latter broke, and Welfare led into the straight, but at the stand Mystic and Michael Galindo were showing the way to Miss Vivian, Mahomet, Welfare and adventuress. Going down the back stretch and into the straight the second time, Miss Vivian and Michael Galindo led with Mahomet running next. The last-named assumed the lead, and with Michael Galindo, carried on the running into the straight, but in the run to the post, Mahomet broke, and allowed Michael Galindo to win by four lengths, with Verax, who finished well, four lengths away. The next to finish were Kelso, Betel Nut and Rosalie. Time, 4min 53sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 170 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. One mile.

C E Cross's b g Franz Josef, by Franz-Victor mare, 6yrs, 5sec (W Pine) 1
R D Petrie's blk g Ariel, 5yrs, 5sec (J Tudhope) 2
J Moorhead's b m Vermont, aged, 6sec (J Brankin) 3

Barmaguie scr, Frances 2sec, Kalgoorlie 3sec, Millwood 3sec, Grampian 3sec, Regina Belle 4sec, First Alarm 4sec, Cute 4sec, Centrewood 5sec, Wallace Junior 5sec, Royal Vesta 5sec, Rosemary 6sec and Harold Minto 6sec also started. (Harold Minto and Grampian were bracketed on the totalisator)

Franz Josef began better than any others of the limit division, and passing the stand was four lenghts clear of Vermont, Grampian and Rosemary who were close together. Franz Josef kept his place in front, and won easily by three lengths from Ariel, who was a head in front of Vermont. Rosemary was another head away fourth, with Royal Vesta fifth. Time, 2min 19 4/5th sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 52 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. One mile and a quarter.

H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, by Capitalist-Merry Bell, 6yrs, 5sec (H Gaskill) 1
J Archibald's br g Bell Metal, aged, 5sec (C Kerr) 2
C G Fryer's b m Princess Louise, aged, 6sec (T W Price jun) 3

King Cole scr, Havoc 4sec, Adonis 4sec, Lady Sybil 5sec, Gianella 5sec, Wilkie 6sec, Glendalough 6sec and Stop It 6sec also started.

Adonis, Lady Sybil, and Glendalough refused to strike a gait at te start, and took practically no part in the race. Stop It and Wilkie showed out momentarily, but Bell Metal quickly ran past them, and passing the stand the order was Bell Metal, Wilkie, Princess Louise and Stop It. Going out of the straight Jingle and Gianella improved their positions, and along the back King Cole put in a strong run, but broke and lost his chance. Bell Metal and Princess Louise were in the lead at the tanks, but Jingle then closed on them. In a good race home Jingle beat Bell Metal by half a length. Princess Louise was two lengths away third, with Havoc a length back fourth: Stop It and Gianella next. Time, 2min 52 2/5th sec.

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 170 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. One mile.

F Macdonald's b g Wereoa, by Young Governor colt-Albert Victor mare, aged, 4sec (J Brankin) 1
T Wark's br g Harold Minto, aged, 4sec (Owner) 2
J Fisher's b m Rema Rosa, 4sec, (A G Wilson) 3

Lord Heathcote scr, Vibon 1sec, Ruby S 1sec, Muricata 1sec, Derringcotte 1sec, Wild Victor 1sec, Lady Child 2sec, First Alarm 2sec, Cute 2sec, Onawa 2sec, Child Beldon 2sec, Rolf 3sec, Boldrewood 3sec, May Dillon 3sec, Royal Vesta 3sec, Bernie L 4sec, Rosemary 4sec, Sylvie 4sec and Ard Cairn 4sec also started. (Muricata and Rosemary and Derringcotte and Harold Minto were coupled on the totalisator).

Harold Minto was the quickest to begin, and with Ard Cairn and Wereoa made the running past the stand. Going out of the straight Rema Rosa ran into third place, but was unable to make any impression on Wereoa and Harold Minto, Wereoa winning by two lengths. Harold Minto was six lengths in front of Rema Rose, after whom came Onawa and Cute. Time, 2min 20sec.
Rosemary, Child Beldon and May Dillon fell at the entrance to the straight.

Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1913

 

YEAR: 1913

1913 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER

But for the fact that the weather was a trifle cold and dull, the second day's racing of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was carried out under very favourable conditions. The thorough soaking which the track had received as the result of the heavy rain on Tuesday night had evidently done it no harm; indeed, the times registered during the afternoon indicated that the going had been considerably improved, and there were some very smart performances established.

For an off day there was a very good attendance, and those present were evidently well supplied with funds, as the totalisator investments for the day amounted to £36,308 10s, as compared with £28,372 on the second day last year.

The racing generally reached a very high standard, the starting was much more successful than on the first day, and in consequence the day's sport was in every way enjoyable. If the present rate of progress is to be continued, the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club will very quickly take a place in the very first rank of the sporting clubs of any description in the Dominion.

The business of the day opened with the Whiteleigh Handicap, a mile and a half race in saddle for unhoppled trotters. Whispering Lad was made favourite, but he was never dangerous, and after March Hare had made most of the running he was passed by Mokau, who had gone very steadily all the way, and won by four lengths. Bushranger broke two furlongs from home, or he might have been closer up than he was, though he finished a very fair third.

The Lyttelton Handicap found Cameos, a half-sister by Galindo to Calm and Wildwood Jun, made a very warm favourite, with Don Caesar and Win Soon next best supported. Cameos went well for over a mile and a half, but was then done with, and Win Soon, Brown Bell and Don Caesar ran past her. Win Soon finished very well and beat Don Caesar by four lengths. General Elmo was four lengths further back, the next to finish being Brown Bell, Edith A and Cameos.

For the Courtenay Handicap, the principal race of the day St Swithin, who had not raced previously at the meeting, was made a decidedly better favourite than Denver Huon. The latter was decidedly unlucky, as when going exceedingly well six furlongs from home, an accident lost him his driver. Muricata one of the two trotters in the race, was always prominent in the leading division, but she had to give way, first to Red Mac, and in the straight the latter was unable to withstand the challenge of Albert H who won a good race by a neck. It was an excellent finish to a good race, and the time put up by Albert H showed that he would have been very hard to beat with a clear run in the New Zealand Cup. Ravenschild's time in the New Zealand Cup was 4min 35 3/5th sec and in that event Albert H was set to give him two seconds. In running such a good second as he did, Red Mac put in quite his best performance to date. Blackness stood on the mark, and Bright and Persuader took practically no part in the race.

St Kevin was made the strongest favourite of the day in the November Handicap, and his form showed that the support was well justified. However, he had to reckon with Submarine, one of the best two-mile saddle horses in commission. St Kevin went with him until two furlongs from home but then Submarine, who is a square-gaited trotter, outstayed the pace and beat him home by four lengths. The others were a good way back.

Of the twelve acceptors for the Sockburn Handicap, a two-mile harness race for trotters, Lady Edna, one of the team brought over from Australia by M Edwards, was a much better favourite than Treasure Seeker. But for a break six furlongs from home, Lady Edna would probably have won, for she had a lot of ground to make up over the last half-mile, and finished well in third place. Betel Nut, who used to race as a pacer, had too much speed for the rest of the field in the last furlong, and won a good race by three lengths from Kelso, who lost his chance by breaking in the straight.

Ivy Dillon and Gianella, who were first and second favourites in the Metropolitan Handicap, carried a great deal more money than the third selection, Eccentric. Wilkie and Little Arthur were responsible for the pace over the first half of the journey, but there Wilkie broke, and interfered with Ivy Dillon. Gianella, who began well, went to the front two furlongs from home and won by three lengths from Persuader, who was the same distance in front of Bell Metal. This was Mr H F Nicoll's first win at the Meeting, though A Pringle had scored earlier in the day, when he drove Win Soon.

Country Belle was made a very warm favourite for the next race, the Railway Handicap, a mile saddle race. The favourite gave Pringle his third win during the afternoon, but she had to go faster than she had ever done before, as she was handicapped to do 2.20 and only beat Franzie by a length in 2min 14 4/5th sec.

On his previous form Franzie was made favourite for the Royal Handicap, but Little Arthur was always going well, and won by two lengths from Rosebery, who was followed by Princess Louise. The following are details of the racing:-

WHITELEIGH HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. One mile and a half.

B Edwards's blk g Mokau, by Proud Child-Jennie, aged, 3sec (Owner) 1
S C Pilbrow's b g March Hare, aged, 8sec (Owner) 2
W T Lowe's gr g Bushranger, aged, 7sec (G Stoddart) 3

Wild Tree scr, Benmore 2sec, Bow Bell 6sec, Whispering Lad 8sec and Mayflower also started.

March Hare was quickest to get going, and with half the journey gone, was showing the way to Mokau, Bushranger and Wild Tree. Along the back, Mokau and Bushranger closed on March Hare and at the tanks Mokau had taken charge, but Bushranger broke. Mokau went on and won comfortably by four lengths from March Hare, who was a similar distance in front of Bushranger. Then came Benmore and Wild Tree. Time, 3min 37 1/5th sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 37 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. Two miles.

Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, by King Child-Topsy, 5yrs, 4sec (A Pringle) 1
F C Hanbury's br g Don Caesar, 4yrs, 10sec (R Allan) 2
Mrs M Allen's ch c General Elmo, 4yrs, 10sec (J Bryce) 3

Brooklyn scr, Andy Regan 2sec, Brown Bell 4sec, Prince Poole 6sec, Edith A 7sec, Music 7sec, Regina Belle 8sec, Elmwood 8sec, Bonification 9sec, Waterlog 9sec, Quincey Maid 10sec, George Hard 10sec, Cameos 10sec, Proud Girl 10sec and Huon Drift 10sec also started.

Music broke at the start, and Waterlog ran into her and this pair took no part in the race. Huon Drift began with the rest of the limit division, but broke at once, and Cameos went to the front, having Don Caesar and Proud Girl as her nearest attendants as they passed the stand the first time. There was little change in the order of the leading division during the next circuit, but with a lap to go, Edith A had drawn level with Cameos, Don Caesar being next, while Win Soon had improved her position. Before reaching the tanks, Cameos was beaten, and Win Soon, Brown Bell and Don Caesar in turn ran past her as they turned towards the straight. Win Soon was first into the home stretch, and won without any trouble by four lengths from Don Caesar, who was four lengths in front of General Elmo. Brown Bell, Edith A and Cameos were next in order. Time, 4min 38 2/5th sec.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 80 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. Two miles.

M Maher's b h Albert H, by Rothschild-Jessie M, aged, 4sec (A Hendricksen) 1
T Frost's b g Red Mac, 6yrs, 7sec (Owner) 2
W F Clinton's rn m Muricata, 6yrs, 10sec (N L Price) 3

Mrs R O Duncan's ch h King Cole, aged, scr (J Bryce)
R Geddes's ch h Denver Huon, aged, scr (M Edwards)
A G Wilson's b h Bright, aged, 4sec (Owner)
S W Scott's b h Quincey, aged, 5sec (Owner)
J Dennett's b h Adonis, 6yrs, 6sec (F Holmes)
H F Nicoll's b h St Swithin, 6yrs, 7sec (A Pringle)
W J Morland's br m Country Belle, 5yrs, 7sec (Owner)
A Smith's br m Schoolgirl, aged, 8sec (Owner)
Herrick Bros' b g Persuader, aged, 10sec (H Herrick)
J Brankin's b g Piecework, aged, 6sec (Owner)
J S August's b g Blackness, 5yrs, 10sec (Owner)
E Bowes's ch g Dr Chutney, aged, 10sec (C Kerr)

Dr Chutney was first to show out of the limit division, but when they went past the stand the first time had given place to Muricata, the others being headed by Schoolgirl and Red Mac, after whom came St Swithin, Piecework and Country Belle, with Denver Huon and King Cole following after an interval of some lengths. There was not a great deal of change in the order during the next circuit, but Albert H had improved his position. Entering the last lap, Muricata was just in front of Schoolgirl, the order of the others being Red Mac, Albert H, Piecework, Country Belle and Denver Huon. Turning out of the straight, Denver Huon collided with Dr Chutney, and M Edwards was thrown out of the sulky, being dragged some little distance before he got clear. Meanwhile, Muricata was still leading the field as they went along the back, Red Mac and Albert H closing on her fast. At the tanks, Red Mac put in a good run, and turning into the straight was on terms with her. A little further on, he had taken charge, but was almost at once challenged by Albert H who won a good race by a neck. Muricata was four lengths away third, and then came St Swithin, King Cole and Schoolgirl with the driverless Denver Huon next. Bright and Persuader broke early and took practically no part in the race, and Blackness stood on the mark. Time, 4min 33sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 225 sovs; second 33 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Watson's b g Submarine, by Torpedo-Fitzjames mare, aged, scr (T Annett) 1
J Farrell's b c St Kevin, 4yrs, 10sec (E McDermott) 2
Hall & Simpson's b g Frandocia, 6yrs, 8sec (A Butterfield) 3

Medallion scr, Miramar 5sec, Crown Prince 7sec, Franzalena 8sec, First Alarm 8sec, Derringcote 8sec and Centrewood 8sec also started.

St Kevin started quickly, and led to the tanks with Crown Prince next, and this pair led into the straight and past the stand the first time, with First Alarm, Derringcotte and Franzalena following in that order. Going down the back stretch the order was the same, but Submarine had been putting in great work, and by the time the stand was reached the second time he had drawn level with the leaders. From this on St Kevin and Submarine drew away and in a good finish the latter stayed the longer, and won by four lengths. Frandocia was twelve lengths away third, just in front of Franzalena. Time, 4min 35 3/5th sec

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 275 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 27 sovs from stake. Two miles.

N L Price's ch h Betel Nut, by Peralta-Kola Nut, 6yrs, 2sec (Owner) 1
W Patching's blk g Kelso, aged, 7sec (J Brankin) 2
P Laird's ch m Lady Edna, 5yrs, 4sec (M Edwards) 3

Verax scr, Wild Tree 4sec, Master Raymond 7sec, Adventuress 7sec, Brookbell 7sec, Treasure Seeker 7sec, Little Stranger 8sec and Te Kuiti 9sec also started.

At the end of half a mile Te Kuiti was showing the way to Kelso, Little Stranger, Adventuress and Treasure Seeker, while Lady Edna, who was some distance back, broke turning out of the straight. Running along the back Kelso had taken charge from Little Stranger and Adventuress and with a lap to go the order of the leading division was unchanged, but Verax and Betel Nut were closing on the front bunch. At the tanks Kelso still held command from Adventuress, with Verax in third place. Turning towards the straight Betel Nut came with a fast run, and he and Kelso were fighting out a great finish, when the latter broke, and Betel Nut won by three lengths. Lady Edna, who made up a lot of ground over the final stages, was twelve lengths away third, and then came Adventuress, Verax and Te Kuiti. Time, 4min 43 2/5th sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 45 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

H F Nicholl's ch m Gianella, by Quincey-Queen V, 6yrs, 7sec (A Pringle) 1
Herrick Bros' b g Persuader, aged, 9sec (H Herrick) 2
J Archibald's br g Bell Metal, aged, 6sec (C Kerr) 3

Eccentric 2sec, Jingle 5sec, Havoc 6sec, Lady Sybil 7sec, Gold Bell 7sec, Blackness 8sec, Ivy Dillon 8sec, Little Arthur 9sec and Wilkie 9sec also started.

Wilkie, Little Arthur and Persuader formed the leading division going past the stand the first time, while Gianella was also going well. Wilkie, Little Arthur and Persuader were also in the van going past the stand the second time, when Jingle made a forward move. Going down the back stretch the second time Gianella assumed the lead and Bell Metal and Jingle put in great work. Gianella, however, had little difficulty in holding her own, and she eventually won comfortably by three lengths from Persuader, who was a similar distance in front of Bell Metal. Jingle was fourth. Havoc fifth and Little Arthur sixth. Time, 3min 27 2/5th sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile.

W J Morland's br m Country Belle, by Wildmoor-Bonnie Belle, 5yrs, 3sec (A Pringle) 1
A Fay's b h Franzie, aged, 2sec (E McDermott) 2
W G Abbott's br m Stop It, aged, 2sec (S Abbott) 3

Barmaguie 1sec, Franz Josef 1sec, Mollywood 3sec, Grampian 3sec, Miss Florrie C 3sec, Frances 3sec, Millwood 3sec, and Ariel 3sec also started.

Frances and Millwood were left at the post, and Mollywood, Grampian and Ariel broke at the start and took practically no part in the race. Passing the stand Country Belle, Stop It, Franzie and Miss Forrie C were running in close order. Going along the back Stop It and Franzie were almost on terms with Country Belle, who dropped back at the tanks. Turning towards the straight Country Belle came with another run and won by a length from Franzie, who was three lengths in front of Stop It. Miss Florrie C was fourth, and Franz Josef fifth. Time, 2min 14 4/5th sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 37 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. One mile.

W Hayward's b g Little Arthur, by Ngapara-Citation, aged, 3sec (J Bryce) 1
J Preece's b g Rosebery, aged, 3sec (A H Wilson) 2
C G Fryer's b m Princess Louise, aged 1sec (T W Price) 3

Solo 2sec, Vibon 3sec, Gold Bell 3sec, Franzie 3sec, Blackchild Boy 3sec, The Whip 3sec, and Wilkie 3sec also started.

The Whip refused to leave the mark, and Little Arthur, Blackchild Boy, Rosebery and Wilkie were racing in that order passing the stand. Going along the back Rosebery ran into second place, but he was unable to make any impression on Little Arthur, who won by two lengths. Princess Louise was two lengths further back and the came Franzie and Wilkie. Time, 2min 17sec.

Credit: The Press 14 Nov 1913

 

YEAR: 1912

1912 CUP MEETING: FINAL DAY: FRIDAY 8 NOV 1912

The November Meeting of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, which was brought to a conclusion at Addington yesterday, may take rank as quite the most successful fixture yet held by the leading club of the Dominion. In a week of broken weather, the Club was fortunate in securing two comparatively good days, on Tuesday and Thursday, but yesterday turned out beautifully fine, and in consequence there was a huge crowd present, and extensive as is the standaccommodation, it proved quite inadequate for the crush of visitors.

If the totalisator investments may be taken as a guide, the attendance must have constituted a record, for the day's turnover amounted to £37,836, as compared with £29,156 10s on the corresponding day last year, the total for the Meeting being £99,177, as against £78,329 for the three days in November of 1911. The track was in first-class order, and as a result the times registered throughout the afternoon were much better than they had been on the two previous days.

Better racing has rarely been seen at Addington, and for his work in bringing this about the handicapper, Mr H Brinkman, deserves more than a passing word of praise. The starter, Mr H Reynolds, had some big fields to handle, but got his horses away well, while it is perhaps hardly necessary to state that under the capable management of the experienced secretary, Mr A I Rattray, the business of the meeting was conducted efficiently.

The opening event of the day, the Ladies' Bracelet, brought out the largest field of the three days, twenty-nine horses going to the post. This might have been regarded as likely to give backers some cause for perplexity, but although they did not place them quite correctly, the public gave the best support to the three horses that filled the places. The winner Huon Drift, is an exceptionally promising colt by the Wildwood horse Driftwood, from Elsa Huon. He was making his first appearance in a race, and lost a little ground at the start, but in the last half-mile displayed a good turn of speed, and finishing well beat Frank Tracey on the post. Bacchus who was first favourite, showed pace in the early stages, but found the distance just a little too far for him.

The easiest win of the afternoon was that scored by Bellwind in the Governor's Handicap, a saddle race for unhoppled trotters. The Bellman gelding was quickest into his stride, and though Bushranger at one stage looked like making a race of it, Bellwind drew away in the last two furlongs, and won easing up by eight lengths. The back-marker, Erin's Tracey, ran a good race, but, as on the previous day, did not go too steadily, though he lost little ground by his mistakes.

Of the eleven starters in the principal event of the day, the Christchurch Handicap, eight had started in the New Zealand Cup on the first day. St Swithin was made a pronounced favourite, but he did not seem able to muster up any real pace, and ran last practically all the way. The scratch mare Emmeline seemed to lack her accustomed brilliancy, and was never within striking distance of the leaders. The Auckland representative, Manderene, on this occasion got off the mark well, and led for a mile, but when it came to the final pinch was without the condition nesessary to sustain a fast run. Glendalough, who took charge when Manderene retired, was in front when the straight was reached, but the Quincey, who had been going well in the second mile, put in his claim and won a splendid race by half a length. Little Tib, who had always been handy, was only a length further back, with Manderene fourth. Quincey was the only straight out trotter in the field, his victory was evidently a popular one. In running the two miles in 4min 38sec the Vancleve horse put up a very meritorious performance.

The Australasian Handicap brought out a good field of fifteen saddle horses, Electrocute being made favourite. Robert Emmett was prominent in the early stages, but failed to see the journey out, and Link, who has raced very consistently of late, won an interesting race by two lengths from Fuseo. Bermaline, who had won on the previous day, put in a bad break early in the race, and was not persevered with.

The Dominion Handicap, a two mile harness race for unhoppled trotters, furnished a fine contest. Master Raymond, on the limit, was in front for over a mile, when Muricata, the scratch mare caught him. A break a little further on seemed to settle Master Raymond's chances, but he was got going again, and when Muricata left her feet at the turn for home, he closed on her. The effort in making up her handicap had evidently been a little too much for Muricata, and Master Raymond out-stayed her, and won by a length. Kelso, who was thitd, did not trot at all steadily.

Maelstrom was made favourite for the Metropolitan Handicap, and won, but was being pushed along at the finish by Galvanita, who might have reversed positions with him had she begun a little better.

On the strength of his previous day's form, Eccentric reseived most support in the Enfield Handicap, but though he again showed a lot of speed, he could not get any closer than fourth, the position he had occupied in his previous race. Little Tib, who had run third in the Christchurch Handicap, took charge three furlongs from home, and won by two lengths from the fast finishing Adonis. In getting to the end of the mile in 2.15, the winner went faster than he had ever done before, and improved considerably on his handicap time.

The last race of the Meeting, the Recovery Handicap, was contested by a field of very smart performers. Ravenschild, on the limit, began well, and stayed in front to the finish, winning by a length an a half from Gianella, who again had anything but a good passage, but came with a great burst in the straight. Details of the racing are:-

LADIES' BRACELET (in harness), of 100 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Amateur Drivers. One mile and a half.

Mrs R J Munro's ch c Huon Drift, by Driftwood-Elsa Huon, 3yrs, 7sec, (Mr R J Munro) 1
Mrs F Amor's ch g Frank Tracey, 3yrs, 7sec, (Mr F Amor) 2
Mrs O R Wise's ch c Bacchus, 3yrs, 8sec (Mr A D Hudson) 3

St Omer scr, Royal Belle scr, Lady M 2sec, Merry Child 2sec, Provocation 3sec, Pearl d'Or 7sec, Ingomar 7sec, Baron Franz 7sec, Bonista 7sec, Belle Elmore 8sec, Elsie Franz 7sec, Silent Bell 7sec, Little Joe 7sec, Frandocia 7sec, Kuroopa 7sec, George Hard 7sec, Irvington V 7sec, Eunice 7sec, Dalwhinnie 7sec, Rudolph 8sec, Specification 8sec, Tomoana 8sec, Alphie K 10sec, Lady Rona 10sec, Jessie's Dream 10sec, and Winter Rose 10sec also started. (Bonista and Bacchus, Rudolph and Specification, Tomoana and Alphie K and Lady Rona and Jessie's Dream were bracketed on the totalisator)

Huon Drift started very slowly and lost a good deal of ground, while Bacchus went off in the lead, followed by Belle Elmore. This order was maintained for a circuit, and going down the back stretch Huon Drift had worked his way into fourth place. Trotting very consistently throughout, the Driftwood came with a great run in the straight and won by a neck with the third horse three lengths away. Time, 3min 45sec.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs, and third 15 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. One mile and a half.

Mrs M J Johnstone's ch g Bellwind, by Bellman-Zephyr, aged, 8sec (A Pringle) 1
W T Lowe's gr g Bushranger, aged, 10sec (F Holmes) 2
J C Montefiore's b g Erin's Tracey, aged, 2sec (H Barraclough) 3

Wild Tree 3sec, Repeater 5sec, Lord Cardigan 7sec, Monsoon 8sec, Vigorous 8sec, Armamenter 10 sec also started.

Bellwind quickly ran past Bushranger, and at the end of six furlongs was two lengths clear, with Monsoon third. Going out of the straight for the final lap Repeater ran into third place but was beaten along the back stretch. In the run home Bellwind drew away from Bushranger and won easily by eight lengths. Erin's Tracey was ten lengths away with Wild Tree fourth. Time, 3min 41 3/5th sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 75 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. Two miles.

S W Scott's b h Quincey, by Vancleve-Gracie, aged, 7sec (Owner) 1
J Farrell's b m Glendalough, 5yrs, 7sec (E McKewen) 2
D Spence's b g Little Tib, 6yrs, 6sec (J Messervey) 3

R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, 6yrs, scr (Owner)
M Maher's b h Albert H aged, 5sec (A Hendricksen)
H F Nicoll's b h St Swithin, 6yrs, 5sec (A Pringle)
T Roe's b h Gold Bell, aged, 8sec (H McNae)
J Dennett's b h Adonis, 5yrs, 8sec (F Holmes)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, 6yrs, 9sec (W C Hird)
E Bowes's ch g Dr Chutney, aged, 9sec (C Kerr)
G O'Neill's ch m Sparkling Kola, aged, 9sec (A G Wilson)

Manderene began quickly, and at the end of half a mile was showing the way to Dr Chutney, Glendalough and Little Tib, after whom came Gold Bell, Quincey and Emmeline, with St Swithin last. Going along the back Glendalough ran past Manderene, this pair being followed at an interval of several lengths by Dr Chutney and Little Tib. With a lap to go Glendalough was still in front, followed by Manderene, Little Tib, Dr Chutney, Adonis and Quincey. There was little change in the order of the leaders going along the back, except that Quincey had moved up into fourth place. The Vancleve horse, trotting in great style, ran up to the leaders at the turn into the straight, and won a fine race by half a length. Little Tib was a length further back, and then eight lengths back came Manderene, who failed to see out the final stages; Dr Chutney fifth. Sparkling Kola took no part inn the race, and St Swithin was last practically all the way. Time,4min 38sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J S August's b g Link, by Lincoln Yet-St Ives mare, aged, 9sec (S M August) 1
A Howard's blk g Fuseo, aged, 10sec (J Tudhope) 2
J H Power's b m Solo, 6yrs, 9sec (H Kearns) 3

Bright scr, Miss Florrie C 2sec, Submarine 2sec, Lord Heathcote 5sec, Bermaline 6sec, Electrocute 9sec, Lodi 10sec, Elmwood 10sec, Cavalier 10sec, Our George 12sec, Diving Bell 13sec and Robert Emmett 13sec also started.

Bermaline broke twice early in the race, and was pulled up. Lodi, Fuseo and Diving Bell formed the leading division over the first mile, with Link and Robert Emmett in good positions. At the entrance to the straight Link, Solo and Fuseo were close together in the lead, and in the run home the first-named drew out and won by two lengths from Fuseo who was eight lengths ahead of Solo. Robert Emmett and Submarine finished some distance behind the place horses. Time, 4min 43sec.

DOMINION HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 52 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

J Clarke's ch g Master Raymond, by Rothschild-Lady Clare, aged, 10sec (R Allan) 1
W F Clinton's rn m Muricata, 6yrs, scr (N L Price) 2
W Patching's blk g Kelso, aged, 10sec (J Brankin) 3

Bell Car 1sec, Electrocute 3sec, Clive 3sec, Adventuress 5sec, Treasure Seeker 7sec and Coiner 8sec also started. (Muricata and Electrocute and Bell Car and Coiner were bracketed on the totalisator)

Master Raymond got to work quickly, and at the end of half a mile was well clear of Adventuress, after whom came Clive and Muricata. As they ran out of the straight with six furlongs to go the scratch mare had taken second place, and going along the back passed Master Raymond, who broke and lost several lengths. Muricata was in front rounding the turn into the straight, but then broke, and Master Raymond closed on her, and in a good finish won by a length. Kelso was ten lengths back, just in front of Clive and Adventuress. Time 4min 52 1/5th sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

M Friedlander's blk m Maelstrom, by Wildwood-Miss Pool, aged, 5sec (C Kerr) 1
Mrs R O Duncan's b m Galvanita, 5yrs, 7sec (N L Price) 2
E C Woodham's b h Blackchild Boy, 6yrs, 2sec (Owner) 3

Lady Child 4sec, Bonification 6sec, Ariel 6sec, Kalgoorlie 6sec, Prince Warbeck 7sec and Crown Prince 7sec also started.

Galvanita and Crown Prince started well, and going out of the straight and down the back stretch their nearest attendants were Ariel and Lady Child. Passing the tanks Maelstrom improved his position, while Ariel dropped back. Passing the stand the order was Crown Prince, Lady Child, Maelstrom and Galvanita. The two last-named drew away as the straight was entered, and after a good finish Maelstrom won by two lengths with Blackbird Boy six lengths away third. Time, 3min 35sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 220 sovs; second 33sovs, and third 22 sovs from stake. One mile.

D Spence's b g Little Tib, by Flower Of Tyrone, 6yrs, 5sec (J Messervey) 1
S J Dennett's b h Adonis, 5yrs, 3sec (R Reay) 2
Walter Kerr's b g Bellis, aged, 4sec (A Butterfield) 3

Aberfeldy scr, Eccentric 1sec, Miss Florrie C 3sec, Piecework 5sec, Bel Metal 5sec, Medallion 6sec,
Barmeguild 6sec, Ned Corbett 6sec, Rosebery 6sec, Silver Black 6sec and Scottish Mac 6sec also started.

Bell Metal and Ned Corbett made the early running, but going along the back Little Tib went to the front and led into the straight. Here Adonis came with a strong run, but was unable to reach Little Tib, who won by two lengths. Bellis was three lengths further back, with Eccentric fourth. Time, 2min 15sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 27 sovs and third 16 sovs from stake. One mile.

J McCutcheon's b h Ravenschild, 6yrs, 7sec (F Holmes) 1
H F Nicoll's ch m Gianella, 5yrs, 6sec (A Pringle) 2
M Maher's b h Albert H, aged, 5sec (A Hendricksen) 3

Emmeline scr, Prince Alert 5sec, Jingle 6sec, Princess Louise 7sec, Bright 7sec and Al Franz 7sec also started.

Ravenschild was quickest to begin of the limit division, and passing the stand had as his nearest attendants Al Franz, Princess Louise and Prine Alert. At the tanks Prince Alert had run into second place, while Gianella got into a bad position. Ravenschild held his advantage as they turned into the straight, and won by a length and a half from Gianella, who put in a brilliant run over the final stages. Albert H was half a length away third, with Prince Alert, who faded out at the finish, fourth, and Jingle fifth. Time, 2min 15sec.

Credit: The Press 9 Nov 1912

 

YEAR: 1912

1912 CUP WEEK: SECOND DAY THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER

Although on Wednesday night the prospects were anything but bright for the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's November Meeting, fortunately the weather cleared yesterday morning, and the afternoon's programme was carried through under fairly favourable conditions. The ground had dried up wonderfully well, and though one or two showers fell during the afternoon, they were not sufficient to cause the large number of spectators any serious inconvenience.

The attendance was very good for what may be considered an off-day, and the totalisator speculation was very brisk, the amount handled on the eight races being £28,372, as compared with £21,454 10s on the second day last year.

Although the Addington track is admittedly bad in wet weather, yet it recovers very rapidly, and this was shown yesterday, when it was improving right through the afternoon, though at one stage, as it was drying it became very heavy. Naturally, it was not at any time conducive to fast performances, and the times registered were generally slow.

In the first race of the day, the Hornby Handicap, Don Caesar, a very promising three-year-old gelding by Prince Imperial, was made favourite, but was too sore to do himself justice, and was early out of court. Bequest was prominent in the early stages, but was unable to see the journey out, and Ard Cairn, a four-year-old son of Rothschild and Princess Eline, went to the front with six furlongs to go, and won comfortably by three lengths. Solo, as usual, was going well in the last half-mile, and with a great run in the straight, beat Crown Prince by a head for second place.

Lord Dillon was selected to win the Lyttelton Handicap, but he refused to settle down, and was never dangerous at any stage. Country Belle, who had won the Empire Handicap, a two-mile saddle race on Tuesday, was in front before they had gone two furlongs, and never looked like being beaten. Galvanita, who went more steadily than usual, put in a good run over the last half-mile, but the winner was by no means driven out.

The principal event of the day, the Courtenay Handicap, brought out a very useful field of fourteen, five of which had been competitors in the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday. The Auckland horse, Manderene, was again unlucky, for as they left the mark, Schoolgirl swerved across the track, and collided with Manderene, whose driver was thrown from his sulky, but was unhurt. Manderene, as he had done in the New Zealand Cup of two years ago went over two miles by himself, but luckily did not interfere with any of the other competitors. Delia was made a good favourite with Frances next best backed, but though the latter ran well for over a mile Delia did not flatter her supporters. Hue Elect was responsible for the pace in the early stages, but entering the final curcuit Sparkling Kola took charge. With half a mile to go she was well clear of Adonis, but the latter outstayed her and won a good race by a couple of lengths. Quincey, who was not prominent until the final stages, was four lengths away third. The winner is a half-brother by the imported American horse Harold Dillon to Wildwood Junior, who won the New Zealand Cup two years in succession. That the track was at this time exceedingly heavy may be judged from the fact that the winner was handicapped to do 4.43, and he ran the two miles in 4.55.

The Whiteleigh Handicap, the first of the unhoppled trotters' races on the day's card, produced an interesting contest. Stella Leigh and Mystic were in front in the early stages, but Erin's Tracey, in spite of several mistakes, showed much more pace than anything in the race and eventually won by half a dozen lengths.

Bermaline had an easy win in the November Handicap, in which she took charge with a lap to go, and was never afterwards troubled. Rothella was much better backed than anything else in the Sockburn Handicap, the harness race for unhoppled trotters only, but though she finished fourth, she did not act up to expectations. Treasure Seeker was always in front, and driven a well-judged race by F Holmes, won by three lengths from Kelso, who went rather unsteadily. This made Holmes's third victory during the afternoon, as he had previously been successful with Adonis and Bermaline.

Mains put up a really good performance in the Railway Handicap, which he won in 2.17, but the honours of the race were with Eccentric, the scratch horse, who finished fourth with a great burst of speed after having lost a lot of ground at the start.

The final event, the Royal Handicap, was responsible for the best finish of the afternoon. Blackchild Boy was in front as the straight was reached, but there the West Coast representative Jingle came with a brilliant run and just got up in time to win by half a head.

Details of the racing are :-

HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness), of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

R D Petrie's b c Ard Cairn, by Rothschild-Princess Eline, 4yrs, 4sec (A Pringle) 1
J H Power's b m Solo, 6yrs, 4sec (Owner) 2
J Grande's b g Crown Prince, 4yrs, 5sec (T Logan) 3

Maelstrom 2sec (coupled with Ard Cairn), Robert Emmett 3sec, Don Caesar 5sec, Andy Regan 5sec, Our George 5sec, Harold Minto 5sec, Bequest 6sec, and Sunshine 6sec also started.

Bequest was quickest to begin, but at the end of the first round Crown Prince was showing the way to Ard Cairn, with Bequest in third place. Ard Cairn then went to the front, and won easily by three lengths from Solo, who just got up in time to beat Crown Prince by a head. Maelstrom was several lengths back, fourth. Time, 3min 48sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W J Morland's b f Country Belle, by Wildmoor-Bonnie Belle, 4yrs, 2sec (A Pringle) 1
Mrs R O Duncan's b m Galvanita, 5yrs, 3sec (N L Price) 2
Herrick Bros' b g Persuader, aged, 6sec (H Herrick) 3

Elmwood scr, Lord Dillon scr, Bonification scr, Link 1sec, Onward 1sec, Diving Bell 2sec, General Elmo 2sec, and Lyonnaise 4sec also started.

Country Belle went to the front immediately the field settled down, and as they passed the stand the first time was followed by Lyonnaise, Persuader, Galvanita and Onward. There was practically no change in the second curcuit, but at the tanks in the final round Galvanita ran into second place, but Pringle was driving a very confident race behind Country Belle, who, stalling off Galvanita's challenge in the straight, won with something to spare by a length and a half. Persuader was eight lengths behind Galvanita, with Elmwood fourth. Time, 5min 7sec.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 400 sovs; second 60 sovs, and third 40 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Dennett's b h Adonis, by Harold Dillon-Thelma, 5yrs, 7sec. (F Holmes) 1
G O'Neill's ch m Sparkling Kola, aged, 7sec (A G Wilson) 2
S W Scott's b h Quincey, aged, 3sec (Owner) 3

J G McConochie's br g Aberfeldy, aged, scr (J Tasker)
T Roe's b h Gold Bell, aged, 2sec, (H McNae)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, 6yrs, 4sec (W C Hird)
E Bowes's ch g Dr Chutney, aged, 4sec (C Kerr)
J Shaw's b h Medallion, aged, 6sec (J Rainey)
J Lorgelly's ch h Lord Heathcote, 7sec (Owner)
A Smith's b m Schoolgirl, aged, 7sec (Owner)
O F Sutton's gr m Delia, 5yrs, 8sec (A Butterfield)
T W Price, jnr's, b f Frances, 4yrs, 8sec (Owner)
H W Kitchingham's ch h Croesus, aged, 9sec (H Gaskill)
W Hoy's b g Hue Elect, aged, 9sec (J Messervey)

At the start Schoolgirl swerved and collided with Manderene, who lost his driver. Medallion broke before going a furlong, and took practically no part in the race. When they came past the stand Hue Direct was showing the way to Frances and Sparkling Kola, after whom at an interval of several lengths came Adonis and Delia. At the end of a mile Hue Direct was still in front, wih Frances, Sparkling Kola and Adonis seperated by intervals of a length, Dr Chutney ten lengths back, being just in front of Delia, Quincey and Aberfeldy. With a round to go Sparkling Kola ran to the front, with Adonis in hot pursuit and Hue Elect third. Four furlongs from home Sparkling Kola was eight lengths clear of Adonis, with Hue Elect, Dr Chutney and Quincey, coming fast. Adonis closed on Sparkling Kola, and won a good race by two lengths. Quincey was four lengths away third, with Dr Chutney fourth and Aberfeldy next. Time, 4min 55sec.

WHITELEIGH HANDICAP (in saddle) of 135 sovs; second 19 sovs and 13 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. One mile and a half.

J C Montefiore's b g Erin's Tracey, by General Tracey-Erin, aged, 2sec (H Barraclough) 1
C J Ruffell's b m Stella Leigh, aged, 12sec (J Brankin) 2
M Clarice's b m Mystic, 6yrs, 12sec (D Warren) 3

Repeater scr, Bushranger 5sec, Armamenter 6sec, Rosalie 8sec, Salt Air 12sec, Dollywood 12sec and Wild Bee 12sec also started.

Salt Air refused to strike a gait and Mystic went off in the lead, but broke going out of the straight, and gave way to Stella Leigh, who led for a circuit closely attended by Mystic, while Erin's Tracey moved up into third place. Erin's Tracey assumed the lead coming into the straight the last time, and was never really troubled afterwards, winning comfortably by six lengths from Stella Leigh, who defeated Mystic by a length. Dollywood was fourth, Armamenter fifth, and Bushranger sixth. Time, 3min 42sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

A D Hudson's b m Bermatine, by Berlintine-Birthday, aged, 12sec (F Holmes) 1
J S August's b g Link, aged, 10sec, (J August) 2
J Leslie's b g Electrocute, aged, 8sec (N L Price) 3

Submarine 1sec, Medallion 3sec, Lord Heathcote 4sec, Lodi 9sec, Kalgoorlie 10sec, The Next 13sec and Rosemary 13sec also started.

Rosemary and The Next went off together in the lead, with Bermaline and Kalgoorlie following. This order was maintained all through the second circuit, but going past the stand Bermaline went to the front, while Lodi also improved her position. Bermaline easily retained her lead and won very easily by four lengths, with fully twelve lengths serarating the second and third horses. Lodi was fourth. Time, 4min 57sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 285 sovs; second 85 sovs and third 23 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

W T Lowe's b g Treasure Seeker, by Rothschild-Flora, aged, 18sec. (H Gaskill) 1
W Patching's blk g Kelso, aged, 18sec (J Brankin) 2
J Clark's b g Master Raymond, aged, 17sec (R Allan) 3

Redchild scr, Muricata 5sec, Clive 8sec, Adventuress 10sec, Welfare 17sec, Rothella 17sec, and Lord Cardigan 20sec also started.

Treasure Seeker began well, and as they passed the stand the first time had as his nearest attendants Kelso, Welfare and Rothella, while Master Raymond was ten lengths off. The order was little changed at the end of a mile, but Rothella had then taken third place, though with half a mile to go she was in trouble. Treasure Seeker kept his place in front, and won by three lengths fron Kelso, who was two lengths in front of Master Raymond, after whom came Rothella and Muricata. Time, 4min 58sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 180 sovs; second 27 sovs and third 18 sovs from stake. One mile.

T Davidson's br g Mains, by Castaway, aged, 4sec (E McDermott) 1
W Kerr's b g Bellis, aged, 4sec, (J Tuphope) 2
M Dicken's b g Barmaguie, aged, 5sec (Jas. Pine) 3.

Eccentric scr, Miss Florrie C 2sec, Silver Black 4sec, Tuatara 5sec, Moa Dillon 5sec, The Scout 7sec, Prince Rufus 7sec, Dayspring 7sec, Troubadour 7sec, and Alliance 7sec also started.

Prince Rufus and Troubadour were showing the way as the field passed the stand the first time, while Barmaguie and Dayspring were most prominent of the others, and The Scout, who broke shortly after the start, and Eccentric who lost several seconds at the start, were well back. Barmaguie took the lead going down the back stretch, but turning into the straight he was passed by Bellis, who led to within a few lengths of the post, when he was passed by Mains, who won by two lengths, with Barmaguie a length away third, followed by Eccentric. Time, 2min 17sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 230 sovs; second 34 sovs, and third 23 sovs from stake. One mile.

H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, by Capitalist-Merry Bell, 5yrs, 3sec. 1
E C Woodham's b h Blackbird Boy, 6yrs, 4 sec (L Hubbard) 2
W Hay's b g Hue Elect, aged, 3sec (J Messervey) 3

Ravenschild 1sec, Marie Narello 2sec, Ladychild 3sec, Franzie 4sec, Rosebery 4sec and Ariel 4sec also started.

At the end of two furlongs Rosebery was followed by Ariel, Blackbird Boy and Franzie, but going along the back Hue Elect ran into second place, and at the tanks was in front from Blackchild Boy, with Jingle coming fast in third place. A splendid finish between Jingle and Blackchild Boy resulted in favour of the former by half a head; Hue Elect two lengths away third; Franzie fourth and Ladychild fifth. Time, 2min 18 2/5 sec.

Credit: The Press 8 November 1912

 

YEAR: 1910

1910 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER

The weather was delightfully fine for the concluding day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting yesterday, and the attendance reached record proportions. Included in the visitors were mant North Island sportsmen, and they, as well as the club's local supporters were treated to an excellent afternoon's sport.

The racing track was in splendid order, though the frequent use of the watering-cart, consequent on the easterly driven dust, made it somewhat slower than on the second day. Better racing has seldom been witnessed on the Addington track, the finishes in the Australasian Handicap and Metropolitan Handicap being brim full of interest.

In the big saddle event of the day, Redchild put up an Australasian record by reeling off the two miles in 4min 40sec, and his victory was made the occasion of a great ovation. One of the finest performances ever recorded on the Addington track was that put up by Dillon Bell in winning the chief harness race of the day in the great time for a three-year-old of 4min 41 2/5th sec, which stands as a record for a three-year-old in a harness race. The son of Harold Dillon made nearly all his own running, and even when challenged by such a consistent performer as Terra Nova at the finish, had a lot in hand.

The only serious mishap of the Meeting took place in the Enfield Handicap, in which Curfew Bell fell just after passing the stand, and brought down Croesus, Miss Florrie C and Ribbons. Fortunately none of the horses or their riders were much the worse for their fall, the only sufferer being A Piper, who had to be sent to the hospital for treatment.

Speculation was again brisk, the sum of £19,767 being handled by the totalisator staff, making a grand total of £50,889 for the Meeting, as against £45,018 at the corresponding meeting last year. Bookmakers fees amounted to £620, and the receipts from other sources were proportionately large.

Details of the racing are:-

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3.45 or better. One mile and a half.

Wal. Kerr's b g Bellis, by Rothschild-Bell Moore, aged, 6sec (E McKewen) 1
R D Petrie's Ariel, 8sec (R McDoddell) 2
M Friedlander's Maelstrrom, 9sec (C Kerr) 3

Dayspring 8sec, Bonification 8sec, Little Tib 8sec, Wallace Junr 8sec, Troubadour 9sec, Blackchild Boy 9sec,and General Black 11sec also started.

With a circuit gone Dayspring had worked her way to the front, and she kept the lead till within two furlongs from home. There Ariel and Maelstrom closed on her, and Bellis also joined issue. A good race to the post ended in favour of Bellis by a length and a half from Ariel, who was a length in front of Maelstrom. Then close up came Dayspring. Time 3min 35 4/5th sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 355 sovs; second 52 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.0 or better. Two miles.

T G Fox's b m Adventuress, by Rothschild, 6yrs, 18sec (Owner) 1
J Leslie's Electrocute, 14sec (N Price) 2
A Curragh's Havelock, 18sec (J Milne) 3

Revenue scr, Verax 6sec, Bell Car 8sec, Viewmont 12sec, Marietta Huon 14sec, Wild Tree 14sec, Rothella 14sec, Lady Cherry 17sec, Rubican 19sec, Te Kuiti 21sec and Lord Vivian 21sec also started.

Lord Vivian made play for three furlongs, and then gave way to Havelock, while Adventuress, Lady Cherry and Ribican were at the head of the others. With half the distance gone Havelock was still in front, his immediate attendants being Adventuress and Lady Cherry. Halfway through the last circuit Adventuress drew to the front, and stalling off a challenge by Electrocute, won a good race by a length. Havelock was third half a length away, followed by Bell Car. Time, 4min 52sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 75 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.48 or better. Two miles.

M Edwards's b c Dillon Bell, by Harold Dillon-Wild Bell, 3yrs, 14sec (Owner) 1
H Wells's Terra Nova, 7sec (J Messervey) 2
J C McConachie's Aberfeldy, 10sec (J Tasker) 3

Durbar 5sec, Vaunt 8sec, Al Franz 8sec, King Cole 8sec, Emmeline 10sec, Manderene 11sec(coupled with Dillon Bell), Bell Metal 12sec, Walnut 12sec, Prince Warbeck 13sec, Blue Bay 13sec, Curfew Bell 13sec, First Pet 13sec, John M 14sec, Piecework 14sec, Elmwood 14sec, and Vibon 15sec also started.

Vibon showed the way all through the first round, his nearest attendants being Dillon Bell, Piecework and Blue Boy. With half the distance gone Dillon Bell had the leader's measure, and drawing right away from his field won pulling up by eight lengths. Terra Nova took second place half as mile from home, and finished two lengths in front of Aberfeldy, after whom came King Cole. Then well up came First Pet, Emmeline and Curfew Bell at the head of a bunched division. Time, 4min 41 2/5th sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 225 sovs; second 33 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.55 or better. Two miles.

G Clarkson's Redchild, by Rothschild-Redmire, aged, 2se (M Edwards) 1
L Dorie's Bribery, 6sec (R McDonnell) 2
H Tasker's Derringcotte, 7sec (M Allan) 3

Laudervale scr, Walnut 4sec, Marie Corelli 5sec, Ruby S 6sec, Hue Elect 6sec, Dr Chutney 8sev, Captain Tracey 8sec, Electrocute 10sec, Lord Chancellor 10sec, King Lynn 11sec and Link 12sec also started.

Lord Chancellor soon ran past King Lynn, but at the stand Captian Tracey was in front. With half the distance gone Bribery went up second, and in the concluding round he was showing the way to Dr Chutney, King Lynn and Redchild. Two furlongs from the post Redchild got to the leader, and had his measure in the home straight, winning by two lengths. Derringcote was third twelve lengths away, followed by King Lynn and Ruby S. Time, 4min 40sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from the stake. For horses that can do 3.42 or better. One mile and a half.

A J Tutton's b f Miramar, by Wildwood-Wild Wave, 4yrs, 7sec (R Allan) 1
C G Fryer's b m Princess Louise, 3sec (T W Price) 2
J McDonnell's Silver Princess, 2sec (R McDonnell) 3

Royal Ribbon 3sec, Phosphorus 4sec, Galvanita 4sec and Noreen 5sec also started.

Miramar had established a substantial lead at the stand, where her nearest attendants were Galvanita, Silver Princess and Princess Louise. Entering the concluding round Silver Princes was in second place closely followed by Princess Louise and Galvanita. In the back straight Princess Louise took second place, but she could not get to Miramar, who won by three lengths. Eight lengths away came Silver Princess, followed by Galvanita and Noreen. Time, 3min 38sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 210 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.22. One mile.

J A Buckland's br g St Simon, by St Louis-Verbena, aged, 6sec (J McLennan) 1
R D Petrie's Factory Boy, 6sec (E McKewen) 2
Miss I Button's Robert Emmet 6sec (J Messervey) 3

Revenue scr and Miss Florrie C 3sec (coupled), Durbar 2sec, Imperial Polly 2sec, Ribbons 3sec and Blue Boy 5sec (coupled), Bell Metal 3sec and Bell Car 4sec (coupled), Barmaguie 4sec and Aberfeldy 6sec (coupled), Fusee 5sec, Curfew Bell 5sec, Gold Leaf 6sec, Bright 6sec, Scottish Mac 6sec (coupled with Factory Boy), Croesus 6sec (coupled with St Simon), Millwood 6sec and Walnut 7sec (coupled), Captain Tracey 7sec and Ianto 7sec (coupled) also started.

Before reaching the stand St Simon had taken charge from Robert Emmet, Factory Boy and Captain Tracey. Gradually drawing away St Simon was six lengths to the good as the back straight was entered. In the home straight Factor Boy put in a good final run, but he could not get to St Simon, who won by two lengths from Robert Emmet, who was three lehgths in front of Captain Tracey and Bright. Time, 2min 19sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 52 sovs, and third 35 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.55 or better. One mile and a quarter.

R McMillan's b g Prince Alert, by Prince Imperial-Patchwork, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 1
J Jeff's Wilkie, 4sec (R Logan) 2
K H Smith's Discoverer, 5se, (Owner) 3

Terra Nova 2sec, King Cole 4sec, Imperial Polly 4sec, Lady Clare 5sec, Florin 5sec, Mains 5sec and Rosebery 7sec also started.

Rosebery and Mains took up the running but at the stand Prince Alert ran to the front, and with half the distance gone he was well clear of Florin and Discoverer. Easily holding his advantage to the finish Prince Alert ran home a comfortable winner by eight lengths from Wilkie, who was three lengths in front of Discoverer. Then close up came Lady Clare and Florin. Time, 2min 49sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.27 or better. One mile.

J A Buckland's ch f Dayspring, by Califoria-Daybreak, 4yrs, 9sec (C Piper) 1
Mrs R O Duncan's Marie Narelle, 5sec. 2
W J Doyle's T F C, 7sec (A Butterfield) 3

Gold Leaf 3sec, Elector 4sec, Truth 4sec, Belroy 4sec, Royal Ribbon 6sec, Coranz 7sec, Bellis 7sec, Onward 8sec and Little Tib 8sec also started.

Dayspring got off well, and at the stand was well clear of T F C and Onward. There was little change in the order as they ran along the back stretch, except that Marie Narelle improved her place, and T F C ran up second. From this out Dayspring easily held her own, and won by six lengths from Marie Narelle, who was three lengths in front of T F C. Time 2min 26sec.


Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1910

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