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DRIVERS COMPULSORY RETIREMENT

Harness marketing gurus would describe it now as the quaddie from hell. At the end of the 1970-71 season when Jack Litten, Doug Watts, Bob Young and Bll Doyle "four horsemen of the apocalypse" in their era were invited by the authorities to hand in their driving licences having reached 65 - an invitation it was impossible to decline. For many it was almost the harness equivalent of the Buddy Holly plane crash the "day the music died." Three years later when Maurice Holmes had to follow suit, it was.

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JACK LITTEN -
was almost an "overnight sensation" for the times, having risen from relative obscurity just before the Second World War with horses like Suspanse and Firewater after having to sell his best star Royal Romance, to Vic Alborn just as she struck her best form. He was able to buy her back later to breed from. Within a decade the battler was a leader in his profession.

His famous training and breeding deeds, especially with young horses, was partly formed by his early association with Bella Button, then of Brooklyn Lodge in New Brighton, who while never officially licenced in either code won many races driving her trotters and produced outstanding gallopers at Riccarton in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Something of a phenomenon, Bella was especially skilled with young horses and the Little Rive'r-born Litten learned his lessons well.

Relative to scale, few have matched his achievements with youngsters in the generations since. But he was an all round champion producing Our Roger, a horse with a famously low heart score, to win a NZ Cup - though he would have dearly loved the "Mighty Atom", the champion Caduceus, to have shared that honour which he actually should have won that day.

On his retirement Jack rated Caduceus setting a 2000m record at Addington in 2:31.8 (it stood for a generation) as his biggest thrill though the 1956 Inter-Dominion Final when he took over the driving himself and won before a crowd we will never see at an ID final again must have been magic.

Royal Romance's daughter, Royal Triumph, would later produce Junior Royal. A granddaughter produced Royal Mile who set a 2-year-old Australasian trotting record for Litten at Addington in July of 1954 in a special time trial. A keen student of breeding "JD" also stood the thoroughbred stallion Aristoi, a brother to world champion Sir Ivor (sire of Sir Tristram).

The horse which established him in classic racing was Fallacy who was at 8/1 first up at three at Ashburton in the spring but paid £46 at his second start and then won the Riccarton Stakes and the NZ Derby. Only the 4-year-old Johnny Globe beat him at that Cup Meeting. His unexpected success at stud was notable. His granddam, Escapade had been an outstanding trotter in the 1920's and her dam (Country Belle) won the NZ Cup.

Like many of his era getting trapped in the field with the money on was a cardinal sin, Jack Litten was never a "pretty" driver (Cecil Devine, his nemesis, was much the same, as was Maurice McTigue) but when the pennies were down their horses could do that little bit more. No stylist, Jack used outside drivers more than most, further proof of his astute thinking. Once established "Litt" seemed to have a never ending string of genuinely outstanding horses.

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BOB YOUNG -
was a quiet man who loved gardening; highly respected especially within the game but low key and he peferred it that way. He was especially a master with trotting horses. Unusually Young preceded his father Jimmy in emigrating from Scotland after Roydon Lodge trainer Bobby Dunn offered him a position in the late 1920's. His father arrived a few years later and set up first at Addington and then at the Spreydon terminus with a big team.

Jimmy Young was soon a leading trainer, famous for his colourful use of four letter words. Don Nyhan used to recall the string of well intentioned invective Young considered normal speech after Johnny Globe had gone close to two minutes on grass the message being the driver should have "tried harder".

Rather oddly Bob named Single Task as the best trotter he drove, one of his three Rowe Cup winners. He also drove the first two winners of the Inter-Dominion Trotting Championships. He had his first NZ Cup drive in 1932 and his last in 1967. He was largely a free lancer usually driving second stringers for big stables in major races or for owner-trainers who loved his "there is another day" style. He was hugely popular with punters because of his outstanding strike rate. Avante was the last big name pacer he trained.

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DOUG WATTS-
came from South Canterbury where he went to school with Richard Brosnan's father, Jack. He was first a champion apprentice jockey in Wanganui also riding in Australia as a teenager in 1927.

After he won seven of the first eight saddle trots he competed in, Watts turned to harness driving with Jock Henderson at Oamaru. Few have been better at it. He won the NZ Cup with Our Roger(1955) and an Inter-Dominion final on Massacre(1961) both almost entirely due to the driver rather than the horse. He was largely with Vic Leeming at Prebbleton and rarely held a training licence though he raced fine pacers of his own like Valour and Historic.

Watts was a great "money" driver, cool under pressure and adept at finding the short way home. He is still famous for driving seven winners on an eight race card at Reefton in 1954, a feat never bettered. He recalled he only had one engagement when he arrived at the meeting. His longest dividend was over £4 and his shortest £2, three of his drives winning twice.

Doug was good at keeping his own counsel and once he and Leeming had to be escorted off Addington by the police well after the last when a loud demonstration by hundreds calling for their blood over a form reversal was only inflamed the longer Watts waited it out in the driver's room. Ironically, in later years Watts was an astute patrol steward at the course.

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BILL DOYLE-
is generally regarded as the founder of a famous trotting dynasty but in fact he inherited much from his father, also W J Doyle who was a master of many trades. He stood thoroughbred, trotting and draught stallions at stud, played a major role in the founding of the Ellesmere Trotting Club; ran the Doyleston pub and a catering business, raced, trained and drove top horses and even gave musical recitals at local functions.

He died when his son was just 20 though both Bill Jnr who owned a Grand National Steeplechase winner, and his sister, Laurel, champion show rider and the first woman licenced to train gallopers in the South Island, retained the wider racing interests of their father. Laurel also trained a Melbourne Cup placegetter, Willie Win.

Bill Doyle's feats as a horseman - he was also one of Canterbury's leading stock dealers - and the success of the next generation as horsewomen are well known.

When, which descended from a borrowed foundation broodmare Violet Wrack who left When's dam Passive, was probably his favourite. He campaigned her with success in America and again on her return, rare in those days.
Gold Horizon, pound for pound, may have actually been his best trotter. He was amoung the pioneer patrons of European trotting stallions, a cause he was passionate about though the results were mixed to say the least.

For a part-time trainer Doyle had an enormous string of top horses, his pacers from earlier eras(Betty Boop, Reason Why, In The Mood, Wipe Out etc) often overlooked in favour of the many trotters which came later. He drove Pacing Power into third for trainer Roy Berry(who drove Springfield Globe his own horse) in the 1943 NZ Cup losing a winning chance when checked at the start.

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Losing four driving names of that stature one July 31st was certainly a bad day in harness history.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 24Jul2013

EARLY SULKY DEVELOPMENTS

Recently the writer paid a visit to Bryant & Co's workshop in Dalgaty Street, Christchurch, in search of information on early sulkies. The above firm is now carried on by Mr W B(Bill) Cooper, and his son Russell.

Mr Cooper was unable to clear up the question as to who used the first real sulky in a race, but old records of the firm, dating back to 1890, show who were the first men to use the first sulkies manufactured by Bryant & Co. In 1890 the firm built the first high-wheeled sulky used in Christchurch. This vehicle had four-foot diameter wheels with solid iron tyres. A similar cart, of the same design, but with heavier wheels, was used for racing by Mr H('Soda Water') Mace in 1890. A Mr H Reece also used the same type of cart. In 1892 Mr J G Grigg, of Longbeach, purchased a high-wheel sulky. He bred many trotters from the imported mare Jeanie Tracey. A Mr Lascelles and a Mr McLean, of Hawkes Bay, were also the owners of this build of sulky about the same time as the Longbeach owner.

The first pneumatic tyred sulky built by Bryant & Co appeared in 1893, and it was owned by a Mr Jack McGregor. This cart was somewhat similar in design to the ones used today, the main difference being that the seat was set much higher. The hubs for this sulky were imported from America, and the wheel was built around the hub. The spokes and rim were made of wood, and the pnuematic tyre - tubeless - was bolted onto the rim. In 1894, Bert Edwards purchased one of these Sulkies from Bryant & Co, and no doubt he used it for racing, as also did M(Manny) Edwards who ordered on the same year.
A horse called General Tracey, who set a three miles record of 8min 15 1/2 secs back in the 1890s, pulled a sulky of this type.

These are only a few of the names of the earlier school of owners, trainers and breeders which appear in the records of the firm. Bryant & Co built carts of all types, and many of the high wheeled carts were only put to private use. However many of them were pulled by high-spirited trotters, and the owners were not averse to challenging one another in trials of speed on the roads.

During the 1920s - earlier and later - the wide, short-shafted American type of sulky made it's appearance, and all of these were not imported from America. Bryant & Co built a number of this design, but as fields increased in size, the wide sulky went out of favour. The last time the writer saw one on a racetrack was when the trotter When went against time at Rangiora just before her departure for America. The vehicles used almost universally in NZ today - for years past for that matter - are traditionally known as speed carts.

The firm of Bryant & Co was established in 1872, in Papanui Road, Christchurch: "fine carriages, dog carts, gigs, pagnal carts and racing sulkies" were among the special merchandise built by the 'old firm'. Records kept by Bryants from the eariest days embrace, over more than 70 years of production, such well known names as Bert Edwards, Manny Edwards, Jack McGregor, Andy Pringle, W J Doyle Snr, Geo Murfitt, A Kerr, H W Kitchingham, Alf Wilson, Free Holmes, Thos Roe, Dave Price, Ben Jarden, W J Morland, James Bryce, Tom Fox, Roy Berry, J J Kennerley, W J Tomkinson and D A Withers. There are legions more.

Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 29Apr64

MR FRANK A GRAHAM

The death has occurred of Mr Frank E Graham, an original member of the Christchurch Stock Exchange and its chairman for nearly 40 years. He was 78. He was the only member of the original exchange still operating. When the exchange had its first call on April 23, 1900, the first reported sale was made by Mr Graham, and this began an association with the exchange that continued for 53 years.

He was appointed chairman of the exchange in 1910 and remained in office until 1923 and was again chairman from 1939 to 1946. Mr Graham also took a leading part in the formation of the Stock Exchange of NZ and was a past president of that body.

Mr Graham's interest in sport was widespread, and he took an active part in the administration of trotting, racing, golf and boxing in Christchurch. For many years he raced trotters in partnership with the late Mr J C Clarkson and later on his own account. His horses were trained by W J Doyle, and he enjoyed considerable success with a number of them, the best known being Lament, a champion and winner of several free-for-alls.

Mr Graham gave long service to the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club which he joined in 1908. For many years he was a member of the committee and a steward, and he was later appointed treasurer. He was vice-president from 1935 to 1940, and in that year he was elected a life member. He was also a life-member of the Canterbury Jockey Club.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 28Oct53

1915 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER

The rain that set in on Monday caused many misgivings in regard to the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting which opened yesterday at Addington. The weather had cleared up beautifully yesterday morning and the track at the opening of the day's programme was in much better order than might have been expected after the soaking it had received, and it was improving with each race, though it was still heavy when the most important event of the year, the New Zealand Cup, was decided.

The weather then had become very threatening but fortunately the rain held off until after the big race had been contested. Then there was a very heavy downpour, and the track was soon at its worst, the muddy going being altogether against good racing. The rain did not last long, but though the track was drying a little before the end of the day, it was still very heavy, and the times registered will give some idea of the state of the track.

The Metropolitan Club's Spring Meeting is recognised as quite the most important fixture of its kind in Australasia, and the large attendance at Addington yesterday included representatives from all parts of the Dominion. The fields engaged were of a very good class, and although the state of the going did not tend to improve the racing, the sport was generally of an interesting character.

The management of the Meeting was quite in keeping with the high standard that has been set at Addington. Considering the unsettled weather speculation on the totalisator was brisk, the total for the day being £40,254 10s as compared with £42,869 10s last year. The sum invested on the New Zealand Cup was £9319 which was only £2 less than the total on that race last year. The war tax on dividends gave a return of £905 15s 6d.

The Spring Handicap, the opening event, drew a field of eighteen unhoppled trotters. Tika and Huia, who were almost evenly backed, carrying much more money than any of the others engaged. Tika did not give his backers any encouragement, but Huia was always in a handy position, and was never further back than third. Albertoria began very smartly, and in the early part of the race looked to have a good chance but a break put her out of court, and six furlongs from home Huia had taken charge. Rummy challenged Huia rounding the turn into the straight, but the latter drew away, and won comfortably, while Rummy, who was all out at the finish, had to do his best to beat Mushroom for second place. The latter broke in the straight, otherwise he might have been closer up. The winner was trained in Auckland, and was ridden by his trainer, so that the first score of the Meeting went to the North Island.

The Empire Handicap was anything but an exciting event. Gold Crest, whose previous form had not been at all impressive left the mark in good style, and leading all the way won very easily from Vermont, with Carretta in third place. Carretta was prominent for most of the journey, but Vermont did not appear on the scene until the last half-mile was begun. She then showed a lot of pace, but was stopping badly at the finish. George Hard, who was the first favourite, was never prominent and The Bronzewing, who was second favourite, lost her chance by breaking early in the race.

The New Zealand Cup next claimed the attention of the public, and the fifteen horses for whom the final payment had been made all went to the post. Admiral Wood, who was coupled on the totalisator with his stable companion, Manderene, was made favourite, but Our Thorpe received almost as much support, while Adonis and Frandocia were also very solidly backed. Frandocia's track work had been done in most convincing style, while both he and Adonis have shown themselves useful performers in heavy going. There was no actual mishap at the start, but several of the competitors were quickly out of court. Manderene collided with Adonis before they had gone a chain: St Ursula, Frandocia and Wallace Wood would not settle down to their work properly, and Our Thorpe lost a lot of ground by beginning slowly, leaving the mark after the scratch horses. Eccentric, always a good beginner, at once set out to make the pace with Don Caesar next. Eccentric led for a little over a mile and a quarter but then retired beaten, and Don Caesar was left in charge. Country Belle, who had begun in brilliant style, went in pursuit of the leader, and quickly had his measure. She was in front two furlongs from home, and though Our Thorpe and Jingle finished well, they had no chance with the scratch mare, who won very decisively. Our Thorpe stayed on very well, but he was beaten by a pacer of exceptionally good class and Jingle, although finishing well, had no chance with either of those in front of him. Don Caesar ran a very good race for a mile and three quarters, but evidently found the distance just a little beyond him. Admiral Wood, who finished fifth, showed a lot of pace in patches, but she did not settle kindly to his work, and a race such as the New Zealand Cup, is not one in which a horse can afford to make mistakes. Country Belle, who was bred by her owner, finished second in last year's New Zealand Cup, and her performance a month later in the New Brighton Cup, a free-for-all race, which she won in 4min 32 2/5th sec stamped her as one of the best mares the Dominion has produced. She was driven a capital race by A Hendricksen, who was behind Albert H the winner of the race in 1912.

The Middleton Handicap, a two mile race in harness for unhoppled trotters brought about the defeat of a solid favourite in Galician, who was going well in the first mile, but spoilt his chance by breaking. Chub made the early running, but Olive L had taken charge at the end of a mile, and she stayed on well and beat Wild Tree by a length and a half. Michael Galindo was going well six furlongs from home, but his condition failed him over the final stages. Olive L, scored her first victory in the Dominion in this race. Last season she raced very consistently, but very unluckily, as in twelve starts she was second six times and third twice.

There was not a large field for the Lyttelton Handicap for which Bright Alice, Emilius and Waitchie were backed in that order. Emilius was in front at the end of half a mile, and won easily by six lengths from Succeed, with Bright Alice a dozen lengths away third. The winner, who is a four-year-old full-brother to Emmeline, gave a much better showing than he has done in his recent races, in several of which he has refused to leave the mark. Waitchie, who was fourth, was never dangerous.

The St Albans Handicap, a mile race in saddle, gave Rawene a very easy victory, for she led from start to finish, and won easing up from Dot Robbins, with Mountain Rose and Ludski next.

Childsdale was made a very strong favourite for the Riccarton Handicap, but The King's General, who has previously shown himself partial to soft going made the most of his handicap and led all the way. He seemed to be in trouble when he skipped just before reaching the straight, but soon got into his stride again, and won comfortably.

The Hagley Handicap, the last race of the day, brought out a field of eleven, and OIC who has proved herself a particularly good "mud-lark" was a little better backed than John Dillon. The latter began very smartly and appeared to have the race safe when he broke going along the back. OIC finished well, and won by two lengths from Disappear, who was a similar distance in front of John Dillon. The latter was running on again at the finish, but his effort came too late. The following are details of the racing:-

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

A W Gordon's ch h Huia, by King George, aged, 15sec (W Orange) 1
A Redcliffe's b g Rummy, aged, 16sec (A Smith) 2
R J Munro's b g Mushroom, aged, 17sec (Owner) 3

Gladsome scr, Parkfield 11sec, Whisht 12sec, Tika 13sec, Havana 14sec, Parole Bells 15sec, Verawood 16sec, Bellwind 16sec and Te Kuiti 17sec(coupled), Imperial Victor 17sec, Matilda 17sec, Albertoria 17sec, Able Boy 17sec, Arcadian 17sec and General Grant 17sec also started.

Albertoria began better than any of the other limit horses, and passing the stand was showing the way to Able Boy, Huia and Mushroom. In the back stretch Albertoria broke, and Huia took charge. Albertoria was got going again, but broke once more in the straight, and six furlongs from home the order of the leaders was - Huia, Mushroom, and Rummy. Going along the back stretch Rummy displaced Mushroom, and turning into the straight closed on Huia, but the latter drew away again and won comfortably by six lengths. Rummy, Mushroom and Albertoria were stopping in the final stages, and they were separated by about a length in each case. Whisht was fifth and Gladsome sixth. Time, 5min 4 2/5th sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 4.52 or better. Two miles.

W R Thomas's b c Gold Crest, by Rothschild-Gold Dust, 4yrs, 8sec (Owner) 1
C T Langdon's b m Vermont, aged, 3sec (J McLannan) 2
T Bryant's b m Carretta, aged, 8sec (Owner) 3

Yarraville scr, The Bronzewing 2sec, Treasure Seeker 4sec, Bermaline 6sec and Gee Whizz 8sec(coupled), Young Tohu 7sec, George Hard 8sec and General Wylie 8sec also started.

Gold Crest at once took charge, and at the end of half a mile was well clear of General Wylie, Bermaline and Carretta, with Treasure Seeker next. The last-named broke turning into the back stretch, and a little further on Bermaline did the same. Gold Crest was still out by himself when the last lap was entered and though Vermont put in a good run along the back stretch that took her into second place, she could make no impression on Gold Crest, who won easily by a dozen lengths. Carretta was six lengths away third, and then came Treasure Seeker, Yarraville and General Wylie. Time, 4min 55 2/5th sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 2500 sovs and silver cup presented by Mr C Louisson; second 500 sovs, third 300 sovs and fourth 200 sovs from stake. For horses that have done 4.37 or better. Two miles.

W J Morland's br m Country Belle, by Wild Moor-Bonnie Bell, aged, scr (A Hendricksen) 1
J Fleming's b h Our Thorpe, 5yrs, 2sec (A Fleming) 2
H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, aged, 3sec (H Gaskill) 3
R Allan's b g Don Caesar, 6yrs, 4sec (Owner) 4

Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, aged, scr (A Pringle)
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, aged, 1sec (Owner)
T Sheen's b h Admiral Wood, 5yrs 1sec (J Bryce)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, aged, 5sec (R Dunn)
W G Abbott's br m St Ursula, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner)
J Henderson's b g Tommy C, 6yrs, 3sec (R Reay)
Hall & Black's b g Frandocia, aged, 3sec (A Butterfield)
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged, 3sec (Owner)
M edwards's b h Wallace Wood, aged, 4sec (N L Price)
R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged, 4sec (J Brankin)
J C Whiteman's b h Adonis, aged, 5sec (F Holmes)
(Winner bred and trained by Owner)
Manderene and Admiral Wood and Adelaide Direct and Wallace Wood were coupled on the totalisator.

Adonis and Manderene collided before they had gone a chain and St Ursula, Frandocia and Wallace Wood would not begin properly, while Our Thorpe was slow to find his feet and left behind the scratch horses. Eccentric at once rushed to the front and at the end of half a mile was showing the way to Don Caesar, Country Belle, Tommy C, Admiral Wood and Emmiline. There was little change in the order as they turned out of the straight and ran down the back, but Our Thorpe was beginning to improve his position, and six furlongs from home Eccentric was still leading from Don Caesar with Tommy C and Country Belle almost on terms, Our Thorpe, Admiral Wood and Emmeline next. A little further on Eccentric retired beaten and Country Belle ran into second place behind Don Caesar. Along the back stretch Country Belle was on terms with Don Caesar, while Our Thorpe and Jingle were moving up fast. Rounding the turn to the straight Country Belle drew away from Don Caesar and a little further on Our Thorpe ran past him. Country Belle landed into the straight with a comfortable lead and won in good style by three lengths from Our Thorpe. Jingle, who was two lengths back, just beat Don Caesar for third place, and then came Admiral Wood, Tommy C and some distance back, Emmeline, Win Soon, Frandocia ans Manderene. Time 4min 35 3/5th sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 4.54 or better. Two miles.

Mrs J Lawrence's br m Olive L, by Wallace L-Cissie Wood, 5yrs, 8sec (M Edwards) 1
J H Power's blk g Wild Tree, aged, 9sec (Owner) 2
Houston & Wilson's br g Galician, aged, 5sec (A Butterfield) 3

Electrocute scr, Michael Galindo 5sec, Annie K 6sec, Auckland Girl 8sec, Truganini 8sec, Hardy Wilkes 9sec, Rosalie 10sec, Chub 10sec, Syrie 11sec and Kelso 11sec also started.

A heavy shower fell just after the Cup had been run and the track was very muddy and greasy for this race. Chub and Olive L were on terms at the end of half a mile with Wild Tree, Annie K and Galician next. The last named broke turning into the back stretch, and Michael Galindo closed on the leaders. With a lap to go, Chub was beaten and Olive L had taken charge from Wild Tree, while Michael Galindo was going well in third place. Michael Galindo failed to see the distance out and Olive L staying on well, won by a length and a half from Wild Tree, who was forty yards in front of Galician, who just beat Michael Galindo for third place. Auckland Girl and Electrocute were next. Time, 5min 11 3/5th sec.

LYTTLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.45 or better. Two miles.

R McDonnell's b c Emilius, by Rothschild-Imperialism, 4yrs, 7sec (Owner) 10 3
S Chambers's ch m Succeed, 6yrs, 8sec (W R Thomas) 2
R M Morten's b m Bright Alice, 6yrs, 7sec (J Bryce) 3

Little Kauri 4sec, Phingari 7sec, Antonio 8sec, Waitchie 8sec, Ariadne 9sec, Al Franz 9sec and Princess Sherwood 9sec also started.

Emilius was in front before they had gone half a mile, with Al Franz, Succeed and Bright Alice following in that order. With a lap to go Succeed had taken second place and Bright Alice third, but Emilius kept his place in front and won easily by six lengths from Succeed, who beat Bright Alice by a dozen lengths. Waitchie was fourth and Al Franz fifth. Time, 5min 5 4/5th sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 2.21 or better. One mile.

B Shadbolt's b m Rawene, by Albert Victor-Judge Beldon mare, aged, 5sec (B Shadbolt, jun) 1
T Bryant's b m Dot Robbins, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner) 2
F Hickinbottom's b m Mountain Rose, aged, 1sec (A Butterfield) 3

Ludski 1sec, Prince Poole 2sec, Barmaguie 2sec, Dalwhinnie 3sec, Miss Advocate 3sec, Stanley's Child 3sec, Radiant Morn 4sec, Bequest 4sec, Andy Regan 4sec, Caledon 5sec, Sir Elmo5sec and Rosebery 5sec also started.

Rawene at once went to the front and led past the stand from Bequest and Miss Advocate. Dot Robbins went up to the leader at the tanks, but Rawene drew away again to win by ten lengths. Mountain Rose was another ten lengths away just in front of Ludski, Prince Poole and Andy Regan. Time, 2min 22 5/5th sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 3.30 or better. One mile and a half.

E Harris's b h The King's General, by General Pet-King Harold mare, 6yrs, 5sec (E McCann) 1
Mrs E Blair & H L Kettle's b h Childsdale, 6yrs, 3sec (A Hendricksen) 2
F A Piper's b h Bingana, aged, 4sec (J Messervey) 3

Bell Metal 1sec, Breeze 3sec, Fashionwood 4sec and Bonny Jenny 3sec also started.

The King's General began smartly, and with half the journey gone was well clear of Breeze, Bingana and Childsdale. Going along the back Childsdale ran into second place, but The King's General held his advantage, and won easily by six lengths. Bingara was four lengths away third, with Fashionwood fourth, the rest pulling up. Time, 3min 53 2/5th sec.

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 2.24 to 2.21. One mile.

J H Olliver's b m OIC, by OYM-DIC, 6yrs, 2sec (F Holmes) 1
W J Doyle's b h Disappear, 5yrs, 2sec (R Logan) 2
S Humphrey's b h John Dillon, 5yrs, 1sec (M Edwards) 3

Child Beldon 1sec, Prince Toronto 1sec, Corbell 2sec, Icicle 2sec, Rema Rosa 3sec, Lady Rattoo 3sec, Annie Dillon 3sec and Ottawa 3sec also started.

John Dillon was very quickly into his stride, and at the end of two furlongs was three lengths in front of Ottawa, with Disappear next. John Dillon broke going along the back, and Disappear took charge, but in the straight was challenged by OIC, who won by two lengths. John Dillon was two lengths further back third, with Child Beldon fourth, the rest pulling up. Time, 2min 32 1/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 10 Nov 1915

1915 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was concluded yesterday in fine weather, though the strong nor'-west wind that was blowing for the greater part of the afternoon raised a good deal of dust and made matters rather unpleasant for the spectators. There has seldom if ever, been a larger attendance at Addington, and, extensive as is the stand accommodation there, it was altogether overtaxed.

The track was in capital order, and there were some very smart performances registered, the most notable being Solo's 2min 10 4/5th sec in the Enfield Handicap, which establishes a new race record for the Dominion. The racing was full of interest, and in that respect the Meeting is entitled to be written down as in every way successful.

Financially the three days have produced very satisfactory returns, and as the net profits are to go to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, there should be a substantial sum to hand over at the end of the season. The totalisator investments yesterday amounted to £48,278 10s, as compared with £42,776 10s on the corresponding day last year, making a total of £125,343, as against £117,999 10s for the last November Meeting. The war tax on dividends gave a return of £1086 6s 6d, the total for the Meeting from this source being £2820 10s. With such an experienced secretary as Mr A I Rattray at the head of affairs, it was only natural to find the business details of the Meeting receiving capable attention, while Mr W H Macdougall's totalisator staff got through a busy day in good style.

Galician, Kaikanui and Truganini received most support for the Governor's Handicap, a two-mile race in saddle for unhoppled trotters, with which the programme opened. Kaikanui broke early in the race and was never afterwards prominent, while Galician showed a good deal of pace but did not go very steadily. Truganini did not make any mistakes, and the win was largely due to her steadiness, for Wild Tree headed her before turning for home but broke in the straight and was beaten out of a place. Chub, who was second, stayed on rather better than usual.

Prince Berlin was backed down to a very short price in the Victoria Handicap, and led for a greater part of the distance, but had to be driven out to stall off a strong challenge from Waitchie.

The Christchurch Handicap, the principal event of the afternoon, drew a field of eleven good class pacers, Wallace Wood being the only withdrawal. St Kevin was made favourite, with Jingle next in demand, but the latter lost his chance at the start. Jewel Chimes made the pace until half a mile from home, but then had had enough, and Persuader, who had always been handy, took charge, and staying on well, won in the good time of 4min 35sec. St Kevin faded out in the final stages, and both Adonis and Tommy C, finishing strongly, beat him home.

Granger and Disappear carried most money in the Australasian Handicap, and they quickly drew out from the rest of the field. Granger paced well, but found his task a little beyond him, and Disappear won by three lengths from Gladsome, the only trotter in the race, who was running on strongly at the finish.

The Dominion Trotting Handicap, the most valuable race of the year for unhoppled trotters, was generally regarded as a match between Redchild and Master Raymond, but they did not begin well, and Michael Galindo, settling to his work very smartly, led all th way, and won comfortably. The winner early in his career showed himself to be a very high-class trotter, but an accident kept him off the track for a considerable time, and his owner-trainer has done exceedingly well to get him back to racing form again.

The Hornby Handicap was a very interesting contest. Cello Sydney Wilkes, and Desdemona were responsible for the pace in the early stages, but three furlongs from home Erin's King, the favourite, put in a brilliant run, and though challenged by Araidne, won handily by two lengths.

The Enfield Handicap brought out a field of twelve smart mile horses. St Kevin and Ludski being best backed. Breeze fell soon after the start, and Adonis and Mountain Rose broke early in the race. Solo was always one of the leading division, and won decisively from St Kevin, who was under pressure some distance from the post. The time of 2min 10 4/5sec officially recorded as the fastest that has yet been put up in a race in New Zealand, but a good many private watches made it a second slower.

The Meeting concluded with a great finish in the Recovery Handicap. Dot Robbins took charge along the back, but then Our Aggie challenged, and in the straight she appeared to have the race won, when Frank Tracey came with a strong run and won by a head. Frank Tracey was driven by A Hendricksen, who had also been behind Erin's King in the Hornby Handicap. the following are details of the racing:-

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 4.55 or better. Two miles.

W H Hargreaves's b m Truganini by Del Paso, aged, 3sec (T Annett) 1
E McDermott's b g Chub, aged, 6sec (Owner) 2
R J Munro's b g Mushroom, aged, 4sec (Owner) 3

Galician scr, Huia 2sec, Treasure Seeker 2sec, Wild Tree 3sec, Craibwood 3sec, Ohapi 7sec, Kelso 7sec and Kaikanui 7sec also started.

Kaikanui took the lead at the start, but broke before going half a mile, and Truganini took charge from Wild Tree and Chub. Going along the back Galician ran past Wild Tree, and six furlongs from home he was in second place, but was going rather unsteadily. At the far turn Wild Tree displaced Truganini in the lead, but broke in the straight, and Truganini won by three lengths from Chub who was a similar distance in front of Mushroom, Galician and Wild Tree being next. Time, 4min 46 4/5sec.

VICTORIA HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. 5.24 or better. Two miles and a quarter.

Holland Bros br g Prince Berlin by Berlin Abdallah-BJN, aged, 14sec (J Bryce) 1
J Henderson's b g Waitchie, 5yrs, 17sec (R Reay) 2
M Edwards's b h Wallace Wood, aged, 8sec (Owner) 3

Stanley's Child 12sec, Franzalena 17sec and OIC 18sec also started

Franzalena showed in front for half a mile, but at the end of the first lap Prince Berlin had taken charge, with Franzalena, OIC, Wallace Wood and Waitchie following in order, while Stanley's Child was pulled up. In the next circuit Wallace Wood had taken second place behind Prince Berlin with Waitchie next. Half a mile from home Waitchie ran up alongside Prince Berlin, but in a good finish between this pair, Prince Berlin stayed on and won by a length. Wallace Wood was twelve lengths away, with Franzalena and OIC together. Time, 5min 15sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 750 sovs; second 150 sovs and third 75 sovs from stake. 4.39 or better. Two miles.

Herrick Bros' b g Persuader by General Lincoln, aged, 8sec (A Pringle) 1
J C Whiteman's b h Adonis, aged, 8sec (F Holmes) 2
J Henderson's b g Tommy C, 6yrs, 6sec (R Reay) 3

J J Kennerley's b g Eminent, 6yrs, 4sec (Owner)
H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, aged, 5sec (H Gaskell)
Hall & Black's b g Frandocia, aged, 6sec (A Butterfield)
W D Lemon's blk g Sherwood, 5yrs, 6sec (A Bright)
J D Piper's b h Jewel Chimes, aged, 7sec (A Hendricksen)
R Allan's br g Don Caesar, 6yrs, 7sec (Owner)
J G Lecky'sblk h Manderene, aged, 8sec (J Bryce)
J Farrell's b h St Kevin, 6yrs, 8sec (J Brankin)

Jingle and Sherwood broke at the start. St Kevin moved away smartly, but Jewel Chimes quickly ran past him, and at the end of half a mile these two were followed by Persuader, Manderene, Adonis, Tommy C and Frandocia. Going along the back, Persuader moved up into second place, while Tommy C put in a good run. With a lap to go, Jewel Chimes was still in the lead, with Persuader, St Kevin, Adonis and Manderene next. Three furlongs from home Jewel Chimes was beaten, and Persuader took charge from St Kevin. Persuader led round the turn into the straight where Adonis put in his claim. Persuader however, held his advantage and won by two lengths. Tommy C came with a late run and finished a length behind Adonis. The next to finish were St Kevin, Eminent and Manderene. Time, 4min 25sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.45 or better. Two miles.

W J Doyles's b h Disappear by Willowood-Mambrino Girl, 5yrs, 8sec (A Butterfield) 1
T Annett's b m Gladsome, aged, 9sec (Owner) 2
K H Smith's b g Granger, 4yrs, 10sec (F E Jones) 3

St Ursula scr, Red Mac 2sec, Jack Ashore 2sec, Breeze 4sec, Fashionwood 4sec, Stanley's Child 5sec, Princess Sherwood 6sec, Medallion 6sec, Rawene 7sec, Vermont 7sec, Yarraville 8sec, Lodi 8sec and Waitchie 9sec also started.

Stanley's Child stood on the mark, and the order in the first quarter was Granger, Disappear and Gladsome. Yarraville was with Gladsome in third place passing the stand, and Rawene and Princess Sherwood headed the others. Disappear displaced Granger in the lead at the tanks, and entering the straight, with that exception the order was unchanged. Fashionwood and Vermont improved their positions passing the stands for the last time, and Vermont had passed all but Disappear when heads were turned for home. He tired, however, in the run to the post, and Gladsome got second place about three lengths away from Disappear, with Granger two lengths further back, third. Vermont was close up fourth, followed by Princess Sherwood and Yarraville. Time, 4min 41 3/5th sec.

DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. 4.46 or better. Two miles.

C Tasker's br h Michael Galindo by Galindo-Mavoureen, 6yrs, 7sec (Owner)
Houston & Wilson's br g Galician, aged, 6sec (coupled with Master Raymond) (H Gaskell) 2
H Bink's ch g Master Raymond, aged, 1sec (A Butterfield) 3

Redchild scr and Olive L 7sec (coupled), Electrocute 3sec, Lord Roanchild 7sec and Bushranger 7sec also started.

The back-markers were rather slow to begin, and at the end of half a mile Michael Galindo was showing the way to Olive L, after whom came Lord Roanchild, Galician, Bushranger, Redchild and Master Raymond, in order. At the end of a mile Lord Roanchild had had enough, and Galician passed him. Six furlongs from home Michael Galindo was still going comfortably in the lead, but Olive L broke and a little further on gave place to Galician. The latter had no chance of reaching Michael Galindo, who won easily by ten lengths. Master Raymond, who made up a lot of ground over the last half-mile, was six lengths further back, and then came Olive L and Redchild. Time, 4min 42 1/5th sec.

HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 3.33 or better. One mile an a half.

J D Parker's b c Erin's King by Hal Zolock-BJN, 4yrs, 7sec (A Hendricksen) 1
P Dalton's b g Ariadne, aged, 8sec (A Butterfield) 2
T L Morrison's b c Cello Sydney Wilkes, 3yrs, 9sec (A G Wilson) 3

Emilius 4sec, Bingana 5sec, Pearlchild 5sec, Prince Poole 6sec, Succeed 6sec, Radiant Morn 7sec, Soda 7sec, The Whip 8sec, Desdemona 8sec, Bacchus 8sec, Al Franz 9sec, OIC 9sec and Antonio 9sec also started.

Cello Sydney Wilkes and Al Franz were quickest to begin, and they made the running to the tanks, where Desdemona took charge, while The Whip was closing on the leading division. With half the journey gone Desdemona was followed by The Whip and Cello Sydney Wilkes, but along the back Erin's King put in a fast run and was in front rounding the turn to the straight, with Ariadne in pursuit. In the run home Erin's King kept his place without difficulty, and won by two lengths. Cello Sydney Wilkes was three lengths away third, followed by Desdemona, The Whip, Bingana and Al Franz. Time, 3min 25 4/5th sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 2.16 or better. One mile.

J H Power's b m Solo by Albert Victor, aged, 3sec (E McDermott) 1
J Farrell's b h St Kevin, 6yrs, 3sec (A Pringle) 2
W G Abbott's br m St Ursula, 5yrs, 3sec (L Knight) 3

Tommy C 3sec, Frandocia 3sec, Little Tib 3sec, Adonis 4sec, Ludski 4sec, Breeze 5sec, Mountain Rose 5sec, Bellis 5sec and Yarraville 5sec also started.

After one false start Ludski got out smartly and Solo got into his stride well. Passing the stand the order was Ludski, Solo, St Kevin and Yarraville. Bellis went in pursuit of the leaders going out of the straight. Solo passed Ludski at the tanks, and St Kevin began to reduce the gap. Solo went on full of running, and though St Kevin finished gamely he was beaten by two lengths. St Ursula was six lengths away third, and Ludski and Yarraville close up. Time, 2min 10 4/5th sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 2.16 or better. One mile.

W J M Hopkins's ch g Frank Tracey by King Tracey-Electioneer mare, 6yrs, 3sec (A Hendricksen) 1
J Bryce's ch m Our Aggie, 6yrs, 3sec (Owner) 2
R Allan's r g Don Caesar, 6yrs, 3sec (Owner) 3

Solo scr(2sec penalty), Emmiline 1sec, Eccentric 1sec, Sherwood 3sec, Albert H 3sec(coupled with Frank Tracey), Dot Robbins 3sec, Bell Metal 4sec and Buff 4sec also started.

Buff, Our Aggie, Dot Robbins and Don Caesar were the leaders passing the stand. Along the back stretch Dot Robbins moved up and was in front rounding the turn to th straight, but when they were in line for home Our Aggie had taken charge. Frank Tracey then put in a brilliant run on the outside and got up in time to win by a head. Don Caesar was a length away third, with Emmeline fourth, Sherwood fifth and Dot Robbins sixth. Time, 2min 13 4/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 13 November 1915

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

1914 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was brought to a conclusion yesterday at Addington in beautiful weather, though the east wind that was blowing in the early part of the day was rather keen. The track was in good order, but evidently not quite so fast as on the previous day.

The attendance was huge, being estimated at over 18,000 and the crowd was particularly dense in the outside enclosure, where it was impossible to move about with any degree of comfort. It is evident that some alterations will be necessary to provide room for the outside public, for under present conditions the space at their disposal is quite inadequate.

The meeting must be written down as in every way a success. The racing generally was interesting yesterday, as it has been all through, and Mr H Brinkman, the handicapper, has reason to feel satisfied with the results. It is interesting to note that not a single first favourite was successful yesterday, and there were some substantial dividends recorded.

The details of the management, under the supervision of the club's experienced secretary, Mr A I Rattray, left nothing wanting, and the work of Mr W H Macdougall's totalisator staff was carried out in an entirely satisfactory manner. Although yesterday's attendance was so large, the totalisator investments did not reach last year's figures. The amount handled yesterday was £42,776 10s, as compared with £45,496 last year, the total for the meeting being £117,999 10s, as against £124,362 10s twelve months ago.

Several of the horses brought across from Australia by M Edwards and P Riddle were competing during the afternoon, but though they ran prominently they were not successful in registering a win, their record for the day being four seconds and one third. The stipendiary stewards, Messrs C H Gorton and J S Berry again found nothing of serious importance to occupy their attention. They enquired into one or two matters, and fined J Lynch, the driver of Steel Bell in the Victoria Handicap, £2 for not driving the mare out at the finish.

There were thirteen starters for the opening event, the Governor's Handicap, a two-mile saddle race for unhoppled trotters. Whispering Lad, the West Coast representative, was made favourite, with Miss Dexter and Fancy Gantle next in demand. The last-named, who is one of P Riddle's Australian team, spoilt her chance by breaking early in the race, and the favourite was never dangerous. The race was not a very exciting event, for Fiction got to the front early and stayed there to the finish, winning comfortably from Benmore, who, with a late run, beat Miss Dexter for second place.

The Victoria Handicap attracted a good deal of interest because of the fact that it was run over two miles and a quarter, a distance which had not previously figured on an Addington programme. Childsdale was made favourite, but he would not settle down until his chance was hopeless. Proud Girl and Antonio were responsible for the early running, but over the last mile Wallacewood looked to have a good chance. Four furlongs from home Our Thorpe began to close on the leaders, and getting Wallacewood in the straight, he won in capital style by a couple of lengths. Antonio was twelve lengths away third, just in front of Steel Bell, who was eased near the post. Our Thorpe, who showed very promising form when he won the Lyttelton Handicap on the first day in 4min 38 4/5th sec reproduced that form in his race yesterday, for his time of 5min 12sec is equal to a 4.38 gait. His performance stamps him as a genuine stayer, and as he is only a young horse, he should take higher honours before long.

The principal event of the day, the Christchurch Handicap brought out a field of ten. Eccentric and Bright were scratched, the latter being somewhat sore as the result of his fall in the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday. Of the ten starters, six - Win Soon, Emmeline, Albert H, Don Caesar, Adonis and Manderene - had competed in the New Zealand Cup. It was an exceedingly interesting race, and brought about a splendid finish. St Swithin was a trifle slow in getting into his gait, and Albert H began badly, and never got near the rest of the field. Jewel Chimes, who is a very attractive little pacer, settled to his work smartly, and led practically from the start till the turn into the straight for the final turn. Four furlongs from home he had St Swithin and Emmeline as his nearest attendants, but at that stage Adonis, showing a great turn of speed, quickly ran up to the leaders. His driver took a risk in attempting to get through on the rails. He was successful up to a certain point, but was unable to get past Jewel Chimes, and a moment later was in a hopeless position so far as winning was concerned. Jewel Chimes, St Swithin and Manderene were together when the straight was reached, and in a great finish, Emmeline won by a head from St Swithin, who was only a head in front of Jewel Chimes. Whitehouse, Manderene, Adonis and Win Soon were next to finish. The last-named was showing a great burst of speed in the straight, but she was unable to get through the field, or she would almost certainly have been placed. Emmeline's win was very popular with the crowd and she was cheered in enthusiastic fashion whe she came back to the enclosure.

Of the eleven starters in the Australasian Handicap, Frandocia, Breeze and Spot were best backed. Breeze was in front with a lap to go, and though he was stopping at the finish, he lasted long enough to win by a length from Persuader, who was very closely followed by Disappear and Frandocia fourth. The last-named did not appear to stay as well as usual. The winner comes from the same stable as Our Thorpe, who had won the Victoria Handicap earlier in the day.

The Dominion Trotting Handicap, with its stake of 600 sovs and a silver shield presented by Mr J F Atkins, provided the most valuable race yet offered for unhoppled trotters in New Zealand. Muricata and Flamingo were the two favourites, but the latter never really threatened danger, while Muricata, after being in a good position in the last lap, faded out at the finish. Electrocute and Olive L were together over the last six furlongs, and the former stayed on well at the finish. Master Raymond put in a strong run over the last furlong, and though he broke on the post he beat Olive L for second place. Had he gone steadily he would have been closer up, and a similar remark applies to Michael Galindo who showed a lot of pace, but broke badly.

The Hornby Handicap, a mile and a half harness race introduced Lord Ribbonwood, a very nice-looking four-year-old colt by Ribbonwood, who was making his first appearance at the meeting. He was made favourite, but got anything but a good passage, and though half a mile from home he was going well he dropped back into sixth place at the finash. Bonista secured a good position with half the journey gone and won by three lenght from Wallacewood, who was running his second race of the afternoon and did very well to finish second, for he lost ground at the start.

The Enfield Handicap, a mile saddle race, was a rather disappointing affair. Although there was a limit of only five seconds, the field was quickly strung out and Solo won very easily from Nan, these two being amongst the few that got away well.

The Recovery Handicap, which brought the day's racing to a close, brought out a good field of fourteen harness horses. Marble Arch made most of the running but in a good finish he was beaten by half a length by Manderene, while Little Tib was close up third, just in front of Ripon Child. It was a capital conclusion to a good day's sport. The following are details of the racing:-

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

A J Harper's b g Fiction, by Dictator, aged, 9sec (A Butterfield) 1
A J Clyde's b g Benmore, aged, 9sec (R Logan) 2
E J Morrison's b m Miss Dexter, aged, 3sec (A Pringle) 3

Tea Tree 5sec, Mokau 7sec, Truganini 7sec, Chief Archer 9sec, Whispering Lad 9sec, Te Kuiti 9sec, Mayflower 10sec, Fancy Gantle 10sec, Imperial Crown 10sec and Lochiel 10sec also started. (Te Kuiti and Mayflower were coupled)

Fancy Gantle broke in the first furlong and Imperial Crown showed in front, but Fiction quickly ran past him, and as they passed the stand was showing the way to Imperial Crown, Te Kuiti and Truganini. Over the next six furlongs Fiction was well clear of the others, and with a lap to go he was followed by Te Kuiti, Miss Dexter, Truganini and Mokau. Going along the back Miss Dexter took second place, but could make no impression on Fiction, who won easily by ten lengths. In the final stages Miss Dexter tired and Benmore caught her and beat her for second place by a couple of lengths. Mayflower was fourth and Mokau fifth, with Truganini, Te Kuiti and Imperial Crown bunched together next. Time, 4min 53sec.

VICTORIA HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. Two miles and a quarter.

J Fleming's b c Our Thorpe, by OYM-Lady Thorpe, 4yrs, 3sec (A Fleming) 1
R Geddes and M Edwards's b h Wallacewood, 6yrs, 6sec (M Edwards) 2
R Reay's b h Antonio, aged, 8sec (Owner) 3

Steel Bell 6sec, Piecework 7sec, Rawene 8sec, Childsdale 9sec and Proud Girl 12sec also started.

The favourite got away badly and going out of the straight Proud Girl took charge from Antonio. In the back stretch Wallacewood ran into third position with Piecework at the head of the others, and at the tanks Childsdale, Rawene and Our Thorpe commenced to improve their positions. Passing the stands the first time the field was well bunched, with Proud Girl and Wallacewood in command, followed by Antonio, Piecework, Childsdale and Our Thorpe. Going out of the straight Wallacewood went to the front, but Proud Girl again joined him before the tanks were passed, and Steel Bell put in a great run on the outside. Coming to the straight, Steel Bell ran into second position just behind Wallacewood and passing the stands the second time there was very little between Steel Bell and Wallacewood, with Antonio, Our Thorpe and Proud Girl handy. In the back stretch Wallacewood again shot out, with Our Thorpe going very well in third place, and entering the final stage the latter had overtaken Wallacewood. Excitement for a brief moment ran high, but Our Thorpe went on to win by two lengths, Antonio being twelve lengths further away third, followed closely by Steel Bell, Proud Girl and Childsdale. Time 5min 12sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 750 sovs; second 150 sovs and third 75 sovs from stake. Two miles.

R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, by Rothschild-Imperialism, aged, 2sec (Owner) 1
H F Nicholl's b h St Swithin, aged, 8sec (D Warren) 2
J D Piper's b h Jewel Chimes, 6yrs, 7sec (D Nyhan) 3

Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, aged, scr (A Pringle)
Hopkins & Bennett's b h Albert H, aged, 4sec (J Bryce)
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged, 4sec (Owner)
F C Hanbury's br g Don Caesar, 5yrs, 5sec (R Allan)
J C Whiteman's b h Adonis, aged, 6sec (F Holmes)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, aged, 6sec (A Hendriksen)
G McBean's b m White House, 6yrs, 8sec (E McDermott)

St Swithin did not strike his gait quickly and lost several lengths, and Albert H also began badly. Jewel Chimes went off smartly and at the end of half a mile he was just in front of a bunched division that included White House, St Swithin and Manderene. Going along the back, St Swithin closed on the leader and Emmeline also began to move up. When the last lap was entered Jewel Chimes was still leading, but he was closely followed by Emmeline, St Swithin, Manderene, Adonis and Adelaide Direct. Half a mile from home Jewel Chimes still held command, but the field was closing in fast. Adonis put in a great run, and tried to get through on the rails, but was blocked just as they passed the tanks. Jewel Chimes, Emmeline and St Swithin were together when they came into the straight, and in a great finish Emmeline won by a head from St Swithin, who beat Jewel Chimes by a similar margin. White House was three lengths back fourth, with Manderene fifth and Adonis sixth. Win Soon, who finished seventh, was running on strongly, but was unable to get through in the straight. Time, 4min 34sec.

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

A Fleming's b h Breeze, by Willowood-Gertie, 5yrs, 3sec (J Cockerill) 1
Herrick Bros' b g Persuader, aged, 8sec (W Smith) 2
W J Doyle's b h Disappear, 5yrs, 9sec (J McLennan) 3

Spot scr, Frandocia 5sec, Regina Belle 8sec, Fuseo 9sec, Lady Rattoo 10sec, Mattie 10sec, Miss Florrie C 10sec, and Wallace Junior 10sec also started.

Wallace Junior and Mattie stood on the mark. Miss Florrie C, Lady Rattoo and Disappear were quickest to begin and they made the running for a mile when Frandocia and Breeze closed on the leaders. Six furlongs from home Breeze had taken charge from Frandocia, and led out of the straight and along the back stretch, where Persuader put in a good run. Breeze was in front turning into the straight, and though he was tiring in the run home he lasted long enough to win by a length from Persuader who beat Disappear by half a length. Frandocia was fourth and Spot fifth. Time, 4min 39sec.

DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs and silver shield presented by Mr J F Atkins; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. Two miles.

J Leslie's b g Electrocute, by Electioneer-Son of a Gun mare, aged, 7sec (J Wright) 1
H Bink's ch g Master Raymond, aged, 5sec (A Butterfield) 2
Mrs J Lawrence's b f Olive L, 4yrs, 9sec (M Edwards) 3

Quincey scr, Redchild scr, Muricata scr, Michael Galindo 4sec, Miss Vivian 6sec, Flamingo 7sec, Norval King 8sec, and Treasure Seeker 9sec(coupled) and Adventuress 9sec also started.

Olive L immediately assumed command from Treasure Seeker and Norval King, but at the stands the first time round Flamingo had run into third position, with Electrocute at the head of the others. Michael Galindo who had been making up a lot of leeway broke going out of the straight, as also did Norval King. At the tanks the order was Olive L, Electrocute and Flamingo. Master Raymond and Muricata were going well and at the stands the latter was in second place, closely followed by Master Raymond who broke going out of the straight. Along the back Olive L and Electrocute were still in front, with Master Raymond making up his ground in good style. The last-named passed Olive L and Muricata at the bend, but broke and failed to get to Electrocute, who won by three lengths. Olive L was a head behind Master Raymond with Quincey and Muricata next. Time, 4min 44sec.

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

F Holmes's b m Bonista, by Star Pointer-Bonny Jenny, 5yrs, 6sec (Owner) 1
R Geddes & M Edwards's b h Wallacewood, 6yrs, 5sec (M Edwards) 2
I M Thompson's br m Brown Bell, aged, 6sec (W R Thomas) 3

Pearlchild 3sec, Franzalena 6sec, Lord Ribbonwood 6sec, Quinaldine 7sec, The Whip 7sec, Baron Franz 8sec, Child Beldon 8sec and St Kevin 8sec also started.

Wallacewood lost some ground at the start and St Kevin also began rather unsteadily. Child Beldon led for practically a round, but just as they passed the stewards stand Bonista went to the front and then came Franzalena, Lord Ribbonwood, Brown Bell and St Kevin. Bonista was in charge as they went along the back stretch, when Lord Ribbonwood took second place, but was almost at once passed by Franzalena. The latter pair failed to sustain their runs and Wallacewood was in second place when the straight was reached. Wallacewood finished well, but he was unable to reach Bonista who won by three lengths. Brown Bell was five lengths away third, followed by Franzalena and The Whip. Time, 3min 29sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. One mile.

J H Power's b m Solo, by Albert Victor, aged, 4sec (H Kearns) 1
P Riddle's b m Nan, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 2
R Allan's b g Clingschild, aged, 5sec (Owner) 3

Bellis 1sec, Adonis 2sec, Aberfeldy 3sec, Cameos 4sec, Frandocia 4sec, Mountain Rose 4sec and Barmaquie 5sec(coupled), Maplewood 5sec, Scottish Lad 5sec, White House 5sec and Andy Regan 5sec also started.

Clingschild broke when a short distance had been traveresed and passing the stands Nan was in the van, followed by Scottich Lad, Maplewood and Solo. The last-named took charge up the back and Clindschild and Bellis moved up. Solo increased her advantage at the bend and won easily by forty yards. Nan was four lengths in front of Clingschild, who got up in time to beat Maplewood for third place. Aberfeldy was fifth and Bellis next. Time, 2min 12 3/5th sec.

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

J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, by Norval-Eland, aged, 3sec (A Hendricksen) 1
J H Ellis's b h Marble Arch, 5yrs, 3sec (P Riddle) 2
D Spence's b g Little Tib, aged, 4sec (J Messervey) 3

Country Belle scr, Eccentric scr, King Cole scr, Lovelock 1sec, Bell Metal 1sec, Dillon Bell 1sec, Ravenschild 2sec, Don Caesar 2sec, Calm 3sec, Ripon Child 3sec and Mountain Rose 4sec also started. (King Cole and Lovelock were coupled).

Marble Arch, Manderene, Little Tib, Ripon Child and Calm formed the leading division at the end of two furlongs, and there was little change over the next half mile. At the tanks Marble Arch was still in front, with Manderene, Ripon Child and Little Tib next. Marble Arch was first into the straight, but Manderene finished very strongly, and got up in time to win by half a length. Little Tib was three lengths away, third, just in front of Ripon Child, with Country Belle and King Cole next. Time, 2min 15sec.

Credit: The Press 14 Nov 1914

1910 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 8 NOVEMBER

Commodious as are the grounds of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club as now constituted, they proved none too large to accommodate the record crowd that gathered from all parts of the Dominion yesterday to participate in the first day's racing.

Both enclosures were liberally patronised, as was the centre of the course, and it is estimated that fully twelve thousand spectators were present by the time the big event of the afternoon came on for decision. Every sporting centre of note, both in the North and South Islands, was strongly represented, and amongst the many prominent visitors were plenty to whom the sport was practically an unknown quantity. That one and all of these must have been favourably impressed with the enormous strides made by trotting in Canterbury is certain, for few racing clubs can offer the same accommodation or up-to-date conveniences as that now provided at Addington.

On all sides were to be heard encomiums regarding the completeness and beauty of the new stand, which was in use for the first time. This magnificent structure provides seating accommodation for 2500 people. The steps are of easy grade, and the seats broad, with ample room between each row. The building is 240ft in length, and the four pillars that support the roof are of specially imported mild steel shafting. This gives a practically uninterrupted view of the course, while the ends of the structure are enclosed with plate-glass. The ceiling is of Wunderlich metal, giving a handsome appearance to the upper portion of the building, which is particularly well lighted. On the ground floor of the stand is a well-appointed kitchen, with a large public luncheon room, replete with every convenience. On the next floor are the member's room, to which access is gained by a double flight of steps leading to a handsome portico.

Other improvements, too numerous to particularise, have also been effected, and as it now stands the club's appointments are complete in every particular. The convenience of outside patrons has also been added to by placing the old grandstand at their disposal, and altogether there is stand accommodation provided for close to 6000 people. As a result of the building operations the grounds have suffered to some extent, while the long spell of dry weather has retarded the newly-sown grass on the lawns. Consequently the strong easterly wind that blew yesterday added to its other discomfits by raising clouds of dust, both on the lawns and along the racing track. To minimise the latter difficulty a lot of water had to be put on the course between the races, and this made the going rather holding, militating somewhat against fast times.

After the second race the stewards entertained a number of prominent visitors in the official's luncheon room. Mr P Selig, president of the New Zealand Trotting Association, proposed the health of the stewards, and on behalf of the visitors wished those connected with the club's welfare every success in their endeavours to further the interest of light harness racing. The toast was responded to by Mr G B Ritchie, acting president. The health of the president, the Hon C Louisson, who is returning from a visit to England, was also drunk, being responded to by Mr Cecil Louisson, jun.

That those present were in a speculative mood was evinced by the brisk business done at the totalisator, no less than £17,036 being handled, as against £16,291 on the corresponding day last year. On several of the races a lot of money was shut out, only for which the day's total would have been much larger. Twenty-eight bookmakers were doing business in the two enclosures, their fees swelling the club's revenue to the extent of £560.

Great interest was evinced in the decision of the New Zealand Trotting Cup, not only from the fact that it had the richest stake attached to it ever offered by any club in Australasia, but also because the field of sixteen competitors included many of the best horses ever attracted to the Addington track. No less than three of the starters, in Dick Fly, Albertorious and Manderene, came from M Edwards's stable, which necessitated their being coupled on the machine. This trio received the most attention at the hands of backers, but there was also plenty of support for the scratch horse, Wildwood Junior, who won the same race twelve months ago. A Dunedin visitor, in Walnut, had a strong following, as did Al Franz, and altogether it was the most spirited betting race ever held on the course. In all respects the field was thoroughly representative of the best light harness horses the Dominion can produce.

They were a well-conditioned lot, those showing to most advantage in this respect being Wildwood Junior, Manderene, Terra Nova, Albertorious, and Al Franz. Unfortunately, from a spectacular point of view, the race was spoilt by a series of mishaps. No sooner had the signal been given than Walnut, one of the limit horses, swerved across the track, colliding with Manderene, the impact throwing the drivers of both horses out of their sulkies. Nor did trouble end here, for King Cole repeated Walnut's performance when he got the signal, and running into Al Franz he unshipped that horse's reinsman. These mishaps completely spoilt the prospects of the four competitors named, besides interfering with several of those that started behind them. Verax, Fusee, and Bright formed the vanguard for over a mile and a half, but they were all hampered by the presence of the uncontrolled Manderene in their midst. Even before the concluding round was started on it was quite evident that Wildwood Junr held the opposition safe, and getting to the front in the back straight, he was not afterwards troubled, though little Bright, by a game effort, caused the winner to do his best right to the finish.

Wildwood Junr's achievement of establishing a new Australasian race record was, under the circumstances, a remarkable one. He had a disorganised field of fifteen horses to pass, besides which the strong wind and its attendant dust must have hampered even such a free goer as the handsome son of Wildwood and Thelma. That the public recognised the merits of his win was evidenced by the applause that greeted him on returning to the enclosure. Bright, who is only of pony stature, also put up a fine performance, while Verax and Fusee had their efforts discounted by the interference they suffered from Manderene.

M Edwards's bad luck in this event received some compensation by the victories he achieved in the Spring Handicap and Au Revoir Handicap. His representative, Armamenter, showed greatly improved form in the first-named race, for though strongly challenged by Onawa and Bold Maid in the early stages, he outstayed the opposition all through the last circuit. Ripon Child was served up a strong order for the Au Revoir Handicap and though under pressure all through the last half Edwards landed him home a comfortable winner from Little Tib and Ariel, both of whom at various stages seemed to have his measure.

Saddle races seldom attract large fields at Addington, and the Empire Handicap was no exception to the rule in this respect. Of the ten competitors Combine and Ivy Dean, both hailing from M Edwards's stable, were most in demand, but though the former put up a good fight, he had not sufficient pace to stall of the final efforts of Laudervale, whose great staying powers stood him in good stead at the finish.

An Ashburton representative in Silver Princess was supported for the Riccarton Handicap as if the issue was beyond doubt. Unfortunately for her many backers, she did not start any too well, and after making up most of her lost ground, spoilt her chance by a couple of bad breaks. Victory rested with a little fancied candidate in Wallace M, who showed a rare turn of foot, and was most capably driven.

The Middleton Handicap also saw the downfall of a strong favourite in the Ashburton trained White Rock. When half the distance had been covered, it seemed any odds on the Rothschild gelding prevailing; but a couple of mistakes took so much out of him in retrieving his position that at the finish he was unable to catch Lord Cardigan, who put up by far his best performance to date.

Most of the eighteen starters in the St Albans Handicap came in for solid support, those in most demand being Lucky Mount, Jackaroo and Bellis. The calculations of backers were completely astray, for a rank outsider in Ianto quickly got to the front, and stopped there to the finish, while two other little-fancied ones in Eulogy and Viewmont filled the places. The following are the results:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 soves and third 15 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.20 or better. Two miles.

H A Jarden's b g Armamenter, by Rothschild-Eos, 4yrs, 14sec (M Edwards) 1
J M Thompson's Bold Maid, 12sec (W Thomas) 2
E F Gerken's Volcano, 10sec (J Messervey) 3

Te Porangi scr, Francita 4sec, Lucky Child 8sec, Glenfoot 10sec, Glendalough 10sec, Voter 11sec, Miss Becky 12sec, Lady Devon 12sec, Uniform 12sec, Trixey V 12sec, Malabar 14sec, Onawa 14sec and Vanguard 14sec also started.

Onawa showed the way from Armamenter and Bold Maid for half the journey with Volcano heading the others. A little further on Onawa lost his place and Armamenter went on just in front of Bold Maid, who was followed at a consideable interval by Volcano. So they raced to the finish, Armamenter winning by six lengths from Bold Maid, who was eight lengths in front of Volcano. Glenfoot finished fourth and Voter fifth. Time 5min 9sec.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness), of 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. For horses that have not done 4min or better. One mile and a half.

Miss Cass's ch g Lyonnaise, by General Lyons-Jessie B, 4yrs, 10sec (Mr J Cass) 1
Miss Charlton's Rexcordium, 10sec (Mr J L Charlton) 2
Mrs J Wilson's Prince Reynard, 9sec (Mr D Forsyth) 3

Olive Child scr, Neil Gow scr, Glounreigh scr, Metallic scr, Alpine K scr, Sylvie scr, The Lark scr, Black Betty 7sec, Posie G 8sec, Miss Lyons 7sec, Grace Darlington 7sec, Professor 7sec, Albert Wilkes 8sec, Grisette 8sec, Miss Moore 8sec, Reka 8sec, Magnetic 9sec, Welcome Jack 10sec, Black Monarch 10sec, Tom Sayers 10sec and Irvy Woodburn 10sec also started.
The Lark and Posie D, Grisette and Miss Moore, Reka and Prince Reynard, Magnetic and Welcome Jack, Black Monarch and Lyonnaise, and Tom Sayers and Irvy Woodburn were coupled.

Lyonnaise commenced smartly and with a round completed was showing well clear of Rexcordium, Welcome Jack and Prince Reynard. There was little change in the order till within half a mile from home where Welcome Jack lost his place to Rexcordium. From this out Lyonnaise had matters all his own way and won comfortably by three lengths from Rexcordium, who was ten lengths in front of Prince Reynard. Then followed Grace Darling and Grisette. Time, 3min 52 4/5th sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 1000 sovs; second to receive 200 sovs and third 100 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.44 or better. Two miles.

W Kerr's blk h Wildwood Junr, by Wildwood-Thelma, 6yrs, scr (W Kerr) 1
J Preece's Bright, 8sec (T Frost) 2
F Amor's ch f Ribbons, 7sec (F Holmes) 3

Dick Fly 1sec, Durbar 1sec, Terra Nova 3sec, Al Franz 4sec, Lady Clare 4sec, Albertorious 5sec, Aberfeldy 6sec, King Cole 6sec, Imperial Polly 6sec, Manderene 7sec Fusee 7sec, Verax 8sec, Walnut 8sec also started. Dick Fly, Albertorious and Manderene and Lady Clare and Aberfeldy were coupled.

No sooner had the signal been given than Walnut swerved across the track, and collided with Manderene, with the result that both horses lost their drivers. King Cole also played up, and ran into Al Franz, with a similar result, while several of the others suffered interference, and Durbar refused to leave the mark. Verax went on in front of Bright all through the first circuit, Fusee and Ribbons being most prominent of the others. With half the distance gone, Verax was still in charge from the driverless Manderene, Fusee and Bright, while Wildwood Junr was already in a handy position. Passing the stand for the last time Wildwood Junr had worked his way into second position to Verax, and once into the back straight he ran to the head of affairs. From this out Wildwood Junr had matters all his own way, and won by four lengths from Bright, with Ribbons ten lengths away in third place. Then at a considerable interval came Aberfeldy, Terra Nova, and Lady Clare. Time 4min 33sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5min 8sec or better. Two miles.

M Clarice's ch g Laudervale, by Lauderdale-Letty, aged, 4sec (F Holmes) 1
W Murray's Combine, 18sec (M Edwards) 2
T Davidson's King's Lynn, 4sec (R Reay) 3

Marietta Huon 4sec, Prince Wilkin 8sec, Luluette 11sec, Link 12sec, Ferira 12sec, Ivy Dean 14sec and Blackchild Boy 17sec also started. Combine and Ivy Dean were coupled.

Combine led for two furlongs, when he broke, giving way to Blackchild Boy, who at the stand had established a commanding lead. With half the distance gone Combine was in second place, Ferira heading the others. Running along the back straight for the last time Ferira and Combine passed Blackchild Boy, only to give way in turn to Laudervale. The latter then drew right away and won by four lengths from Combine, who was eight lengths in front of King's Lynn. Ivy Dean finished fourth and Prince Wilkin fifth. Time, 4min 52sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3min 52sec or better. One mile and a half.

F Vale's b g Wallace M, by Wallace L-Eladarat, 4yrs, 6sec (A Wilson) 1
Mrs M Cotton's Millie C, 8sec (T Cotton) 2
W J Doyle's Starchild, 5sec (Owner) 3

Bonification scr, Kalgoorlie 3sec, Brown Bell 4sec, Lord Ashton 5sec, Iola 5sec, Idaho 6sec, Stormlet 6sec, Silver Princess 7sec, Cleopatra 8sec, and Lou Doble 9sec also started.

Lou Boble commenced nicely and in the back straight he had Millie C, Starchild and Silver Princess as his nearest attendants. With half the distance gone Millie C closed on the leader and Starchild, Silver Princess and Lord Ashton improved their positions. When well into the concluding round Lou Doble lost his place to Millie C, who was at once challenged by Wallace M. The latter drew to the front three furlongs from home and won by three lengths from Millie C and Starchild, who were separated by a head. Lou Doble finished fourth and Iola fifth. Time, 3min 45 4/5th sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.20 or better. Two miles.

M Clarice's b g Lord Cardigan by Rothschild, 5yrs, 22sec (F Holmes) 1
A Pringle's White Rock, 19sec (Owner) 2
H B Hubbard's Lula Child, 19sec (Owner) 3

Te Kuiti 5sec, Dick G 7sec, Electric Jack 10sec, Rotbolia 11sec, Bellona 16sec, Perzaline 16sec, Sir Joe 17sec, Salt Air 17sec, Vigourous 18sec, Rosalie 20sec, Lone Hand 20sec, Valmore 20sec, J C H 20sec, Crash 20sec, and Vanguard 22sec also started.

Lord Cardigan was soon out in front, but at the stand White Rock passed him, this pair drew right away from their field and, White Rock breaking as the last circuit was being entered, enabled Lord Cardigan again to take charge. Stalling of a strong challenge from the favourite, Lord Cardigan won by five lengths. Lula Child finished third fifty yards back, followed by Sir Joe and Valmore. Time, 5min 11 2/5th sec.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.30 or better. One mile.

W B Masham's blk c Ripon Child by Proud Child-Verice, 3yrs, 8sec (M Edwards) 1
D Spence's Little Tib, 8sec (A Binnie) 2
P D Petrie's Ariel, 6sec (R McDonnell) 3

Elector scr, Truth scr, Royal Ribbon 2sec, Embrace 4sec, Dayspring 5sec, Miramar 5sec, Princess Minto 7sec, Nell Gwynne 7sec and Mavourneen 7sec also started.

Ripon Child was well clear of Little Tib and Ariel as the stand was reached. A little further on Ariel ran into second place, and in the back closed on the leader. When well into the back straight Ariel was in trouble and Little Tib took second place. He could not get to Ripon Child, however, who won by three lengths, with Ariel eight lengths back. Royal Ribbon finished fourth, just at the head of a bunched division. Time, 2min 26sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.30 or better. One mile.

R H Wright's b g Ianto, by Mambrino Abdallah-Ptarmigan, aged, 10sec (J McLelland) 1
T Harold's Eulogy, 11sec (J Rainey) 2
D Kelleher's Viewmont, 7sec (F Holmes) 3

Almont 5sec, First Pet 6sec, Lucky Mount 7sec, Ben Hur 7sec, Repeater 7sec, Ned Corbett 9sec, Imperial 10sec, Troubadour 10sec, Jackaroo 11sec, Bellis 11sec, Ticket 11sec Phingari 11sec, Cora Lynn 12sec, Gold Lace 12sec and Erina (coupled) also started.

Before reaching the stand Erina had got to the front, her nearest attendants being Eulogy, Ianto, and Ticket. Going along the back Ianto took charge, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning pulling up by five lengths from Eulogy. Wiewmont was third ten lengths away, followed by Repeater and Erina. Time 3min 23 3/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 9 Nov 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