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ROTHSCHILD

Though some may find it hard to concede with the present ever growing list of super sires, there is a strong case for suggesting that the greatest sire that ever stood in NZ is not Light Brigade, U Scott, Jack Potts, Dillon Hall or even Logan Pointer.

Rothschild, now a name that is only come across well back in modern pedigrees has as good a claim as any when it comes to rating sires in order of merit. For one thing he sired over 300 winners. That's a cracking total today but at the turn of the century it was a sensational achievement, difficult to appreciate now. There were fewer meetings then and so fewer races.There were fewer finely bred mares and it took some time for Rothschild to attract the ones that were available. What is more, Rothschild had to do everything on his own achievements. His name appears only once in the list of winning sires, in 1915-16 the first year records were officially kept. But no one doubts that he was the leading sire for many years before that, and had the records been kept he would have more premierships than anyone.

Bred in Australia in 1889, Rothschild was by Childe Harold, an expensive, but somewhat disappointing sire who has Harold Park named after him. Rothschild's dam Belle Briggs was considered to be the best bred mare to come into Australia to that time and but for being unsound it is doubtful that she would ever have left America. Rothschild had a brother called Osterley who was a top rachorse across the Tasman, only Fritz being able to beat him. Dan O'Brien, that most colourful figure of the turf, recommended to NZ friends that they buy Osterley, but they were unable to do so so bought his younger brother instead. It was just as well, for Osterley was a major disappointment at the stud.

Rothschild started in a number of races but never won, and as late as 1902, when 13 years old he was still making the odd appearance, though most owners would have given up by then. He stood at Mr W Jarden's Stud in Gloucester St, Christchurch and his breeding enabled him to command a five guinea fee. The bright bay stallion did not take long to make an impression. From his first crop came a sensational juvenile trotter Jessie Palm who streeted her opponents at two starts at two and went on to become a champion trotter. From his first crop too came The Baron who was a top performer in the last days of the Lancaster Park track in Christchurch.

The following year he produced Almont who was the sensation of his day. When he retired Almont took with him a three mile record of 6:50 which was actually never beaten. When he started his career the record was fully two minutes slower. Sal Tasker was another fine Rothschild mare going 2:20 for a mile at two years of age away back in 1906. She eventually went 2:12 and was the champion of her time. So was Emmeline a NZ mile record holder at 2:08.6 and placed in the NZ Cup. About the same time was the trotter Revenue, holder of the mile trotting record for 22 years with a time of 2:11.8 recorded at Forbury in the saddle. He often took on and beat fields of pacers.

Dan Patch, bred in Ashburton, but perhaps better known in Australia than his homeland, was another fine son of Rothschild. A free-legged pacer, Dan Patch held the Australian mile record of 2:10 for many years and in NZ he went a mile in 2:09.4 on Auckland's grass track. A genuine champion Dan Patch unfortunately died before starting a stud career of any significance.

Rothschild sired three NZ Cup winners. Belmont M upset winner of the 1906 Cup was the first, Albert H in 1912 the second and Ravenschild, second to Albert H the previous year, won easily in 1913. In the 1912 Cup in fact Rothschild horses filled the first three places while other sons and daughters to fill places were Evelyn, Lord Elmo, Moneymaker and Bright.

Harold Rothschild, later a very successful sire was another of Rothschild's offspring to do well and other sons who were fine racherses and sires were Gold Bell (one of the finest pacers the North Island ever saw), St Swithin and Jingle. Master Raymond was an outstanding trotter by Rothschild winning eight times over two miles. Pearlchild, Aileen, Capitalist, Lord Chancellor, Lady Sybil, Emilius and Coin were other very successful racehorses.

If he was a great sire himself Rothschild gained even greater fame through his daughters. Many of his most successful matrons were themselves good on the track and easily the best known was Pearlchild. Winner of many races for Mr H F Nicoll, including the National Handicap, Pearlchild, a daughter of Verity, produced ten individual winners at stud. Among them were three Derby winners (Ciro, Childe Pointer and Nantwich) a successful sire (Casanova), First Wrack, winner of 11 races and outstanding mares Vanity Fair, Pearl Pointer and Double Measure. The great record of the Verity family owes much to Pearlchild. Vanity Fair in particularly was an outstanding broodmare herself.

Another Rothschild mare now well known was Moonbeam, the grandam of Horotane and therefore ancestress of current Broodmare of the Year in Nancy Lee. Henrietta produced Haymetta, the winner of five and in turn dam of Duncraig who won nine. Jessie Fraser produced the successful racehorse and sire Logan Fraser. Cocaleen was the dam of four winners including the earlier mentioned top pacer Moneymaker and Logaleen who won five.

An unnamed Rothschild mare produced Golden Square the dam in turn of Graticulate who won eight. Sweet Daphne was a most successful mare being the founder of the family best known in recent years though the deeds of horses like Bright Highland and Bright Enterprise. Bright Alice, another daughter of Rothschild produced Cup winner Kohara who later did well at stud, and the Rothschild mare Kola Nut produced King Cole the mile recordholder of his day and a very successful sire. It was from King Cole's matings with Norice which has produced one of the greatest breeding lines in the Stud Book, a line commonly associated with veteran breeder Ben Grice.

A mare by Rothschild was the dam of Yenot who gained fame through the deeds of Parisienne and later La Mignon, Garcon Roux etc. Another Rothschild mare was the ancestress of Van Dieman and yet another unnamed mare the founder of the family to which Vanadium and Van Glory belong. Sal Tasker produced Coldstream Bells, a successful sire in the first quarter of the century. Another great Rothschild mare was Ocean Wave, dam of Muricata who produced two champion pacers in Ahuriri (two NZ Cups) and Taraire and who is the fourth dam of the trotting sire Great Evander.

Auckland Girl, who won eight races herself, was another successful mare at stud as was Dollar Princess who produced seven individual winners. Among them was Doraldina, winner of the Sapling Stakes and Derby and who herself produced five winners. Recess, grandam of Aldora was a member of the same family as was Gold Chief a Derby winner and sire of the champion Rupee. Another Rothschild mare Lady Derby founded one of the best branches of the Norice family which includes Maudeen, Queen Maude and Indecision among it's members. A mare by Rothschild founded the Gentle Annie family which claims among others the champion trotter Moon Boy and top pacer of yesteryear in Betty Boop. Then there was Olive Child, dam of Audubon Child, who in a colourful career won eight races.

The full relations Emmeline, Emilius, Aileen and Evelyn did great work for Rothschild's reputation and they may have set a record when three of them appeared in the same NZ Cup field and two were placed. Aileen produced at stud the Cup class pacer Ronald Logan and Emmilene founded a successful family, one prominent recent member being Cuddle Doon. Evelyn won five races herself and was the dam of four winners. Emilius had some success as a sire.

Altogether Rothschild daughters produced over 300 individual winners. Rothschild had much more success than many imported sires as far as his sons were concerned and a number of them are well known stud names. Harold Rothschild did very well down south and as a son of one of Southland's most successful foundation mares in Harold's Rest he played a prominent part in two other big Southland families, particularly in that of First Water whom he sired.

Capitalist sired the fine racehorse and good sire in Gold Bell. Lord Elmo sired some good mares in particular and so did Almont. George M Patchen appears in the pedigree of Cardigan Bay and Globe Bay and another son St Swithin sired the dam of Springfield Globe. Woodchild, Lord Chancellor, Imperial Crown, Proudchild, Prosphorous, St Kevin (a brother to Dan Patch) and Pygmalion, were other Rothschild horses to make an impression at stud while his Cup winner Ravenschild did well also.

Rothschild spent his declining years in the unlikely location of the Wellington Zoo and he died there in the early 20s at the age of 32. Shortly before his death his stock held the Australian and NZ mile pacing records, the Australasian trotting mile record and the world record over three miles. Though he officially topped the sires list once he remained in the top five for many years, even into the 1920s which shows the hardiness of his stock. Indeed his last representative on the tracks was still going in 1929. At one stage in his hey day just before World War I the sons and daughters of Rothschild held every official record in Australasia, a feat few can equal.

He was a horse of quite remarkable disposition and an existing photo of him shows him being confidently led by a lad not five years old. I wonder how many of our much boomed later sires could have fashioned a record equal to Rothschild if serving the class of mare which dominated his court. It might be worth noting that during his stud career Rothschild, in NZ alone sired more winners than the great Globe Derby managed across the Tasman. He was a remarkable influence in the development of the standardbred as we know it, and it would be a brave man who could state with certainty that any of his successors was a greater sire.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in NZ Trotguide 23Mar77

1910 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER

The weather was perfect when operations started at Addington yesterday, the sun shining out brightly, while the easterly wind was not strong enough to cause much inconvenience. In this respect the weather conditions afforded a most pleasing contrast to those existing on the first day, and enhanced the enjoyment of those present.

Though the off-day of the meeting there was a highly satisfactory attendance, which included a large number of prominent visiting sportsmen from all parts of the Dominion. His Excellency the Governor, attended by Captain Maitland, arrived at 2 o'clock, and was received by Mr G B Ritchie (vice-president) and Mr A I Rattray (secretary of the club), and Mr P Selig (president of the New Zealand Trotting Association). During the afternoon Lord Islington, Sir George Clifford (president of the New Zealand Racing Conference) and Lady Clifford, Mr A E G Rhodes, Mr G P Donnelly, Mr J B Harcourt (president of the Wellington Racing Club), and a number of other prominent visitors, were entertained by the stewards at afternoon tea. Lord Islington's other engagements permitted him to witness only three races, and as he left, he was heartily cheered by the crowd.

The racing track was in excellent order, much firmer than on Tuesday, consequently the times were fast in all the events. Most of the races were well fought out, and altogether the afternoon's racing must have left a favourable impression on all who witnessed it. Speculation was again brisk, Mr McDougall's staff handling £14,085 as against £12,442 on the corresponding day last year. Thirty-one bookmakers were doing business, their fees amounting to £620.

Proceedings commenced with the Hornby Handicap, which attracted a more than useful field of nineteen saddle horses. Most of the competitors came in for solid support, but after going three parts of the journey nothing had a chance with Bellis, who left the mile and a-half behind in 3.42. The winner went right up to his best form of three seasons ago, while Repeater, the second-place filler, showed to even more advantage.

Consequent on her poor showing in the Riccarton Handicap on Tuesday, backers left Silver Princess severely alone for the Lyttelton Handicap, preferring the prospects of Wallace Junior, Maelstrom and Driftwood. After racing off her first mile at a terrific rate the Ashburton representative had her field quite disorganised, and came home a comfortable winner in the splendid time for a green performer of 4.56 1/5. Lord Ashton and Bonification both gave improved showings, but Wallace Junior stopped after putting in a very fast mile, and Driftwood refused to strike a gait.

Though it included only one top-notcher, the field that contested the Courtney Handicap was decidedly a serviceable one. Two Ashburton trained four-year-olds - St Swithin and Emmeline - were in strong demand with backers, and they justified expectations by finishing first and second. It was a most interesting finish, as between the pair, and it was mainly due to Pringle's vigorous driving that St Swithin got his head in front as the post was reached. Papanui, another well-fancied candidate, gave a poor showing, but Wilkie looked to have a winning chance all through the last half mile.

That fortunate owner, "M Clarice" annexed the November Handicap through the agency of Laudervale, who can easily be classed as one of the most consistent and best-gaited trotters now in commission. It was only after an exciting race with Decoration, however, that the free-striding son of Lauderdale gained the verdict, and the finish would have been decidedly close had the former not left his feet under pressure.

A little-fancied candidate in Sir Joe made a runaway race of the Dominion Handicap, leading from start to finish. It was anything but a finished display of trotting on the winner's part, for he mixed his gait repeatedly, an example followed to a lesser extent by GTF and White Rock, the place-fillers.

Marie Corelli, a full sister to the New Zealand Trotting Cup winner, showed the family gift of gait by putting down a strong field of saddle horses in the Railway Handicap, her achievement of passing twelve other competitors and getting to the end of the mile in 2min 17 3/5th sec being a remarkably fine one.

Though there were a dozen starters in the Royal Handicap, Manderene was entrusted with nearly a third of the investments, his partisans refusing to hear of his defeat. The favourite did not get any too good a passage all through, but even so, he could hardly have won under any circumstances. After Rosebery had looked to have a winning chance for most of the journey, the consistent Verax cut him down in the straight, and put up his best performance to date by going the mile in 2min 16sec. Wilkie and King Cole were both putting in great work at the finish, but, as usual in races of this description, their tasks were made hard through meeting with interference.

Details of the racing are:-

HORNBY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs, and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3min 48sec or better. One mile and a half.

W Kerr's b g Bellis, by Prince Imperial, 5yrs, 9sec (E McKewen) 1
A R Egerton's Repeater, 5sec (R Allan) 2
R Peel's Troubadour, 9sec (J Tudhope) 3

Ruby S scr and Wallace M 9sec (coupled), Diadem 8sec, Imperil 9sec, Luluette 9sec, Phingari 10sec, Victor Huon 10sec, Link 10sec, Cora Lynn 11sec, Solo 11sec, Blackchild Boy 11sec, Starchild 11sec, Glenora 13sec, Prince Foote 13sec, Volcano 13sec and Millie C 13sec also started.

Millie C and Volcano made play for over half a mile, when the latter retired beaten. Entering the concluding round Bellis was on terms with Millie C who ran with him till two furlongs from home and then stopped. This allowed Bellis to go on and win comfortably by three lengths from Repeater, who was twice that distance in front of Troubadour. Then came Luluette and Phingari. Time, 3min 42sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5min 5sec or better. Two miles.

J McDonnell's gr f Silver Princess, by Prince Imperial- Barbara, 3yrs, 9sec (R McDonnell) 1
W Begg's Lord Ashton, 11sec, (F Batt) 2
F Jones's Bonification, 5sec (Owner) 3

Prince Wilkin 3sec, Betel Nut 5sec, Maelstrom 5sec, Wallace Jnr 7sec, Kalgoorlie 7sec, Driftwood 9sec, Te Porangi 9sec, and Electric Bell 11sec also started.

Lord Ashton led for a couple of furlongs when he was passed by Silver Princess. The latter then drew right away, and giving nothing else a chance, won comfortably by a dozen lengths. A good race between Lord Ashton, Bonification, Kalgoorlie and Maelstrom for second place ended in their finishing in that order at short intervals. Time, 4min 56 1/5th sec.

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

Mrs A C Bishop's b m Ngarata, by Rothschild-Berlin mare, 5yrs, 3sec (Mr A Gallagher) 1
Mrs Craig's Miss Nightingale, 6sec, Mr H McKay) 2
Mrs J Brake's Lucknow, 3sec (Mr J J Brake) 3

March Hare scr, Alita 1sec (coupled with Ngarata), Eldorato 3sec, Case Mebez 3sec, Princess D 3sec, Rothelli 4sec, Adieu 4sec, Spanish Lacer 4sec, Terrific 4sec, Special Child 5sec, Bay Gown 6sec, Silver King 6sec, Precious 6sec, Backward 6sec and Francis Y 6sec (coupled), Prima Donna 6sec and Imperious 6sec (coupled) also started.

Prima Donna held charge for two furlongs but then gave place to Miss Nightingale, Lucknow and Ngarata heading the others. Once into the concluding round Ngarata ran to the front and from this out had matters all her own way, winning easily by fifty yards from Mrs Nightingale, with Lucknow ten lengths back, followed by Alita and March Hare. Time, 3min 54sec.

COURTNEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 400 sovs; second 60 sovs, and third 40 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4min 52sec or better. Two miles.

H F Nicoll's b c St Swithin, by Rothschild-Queen V, 4yrs, 11sec (A Pringle) 1
R McDonnell's Emmeline, 10sec (Owner) 2
J Jeff's Wilkie, 9sec (R Logan) 3

Albertorious 3sec, Prince Warbeck 7sec, Piecework 8sec, Factory Boy 9sec, First Pet 7sec, Vibon 9sec, Hue Elect 9sec, Marie Narelle 9sec, Scottish Mac 10sec, Derringcotto 10sec, Captain Tracey 10sec, Princess Louise 10sec, Papanui 11sec, Florin 11sec and King Lynn 13sec also started.

Florin soon got to the head of affairs, and at the stand had King Lynn, Emmeline, Scottish Mac and St Swithin as his nearest attendants. With half the distance gone, Emmeline took charge from Florin, Scottish Mac and St Swithin the rest being headed by Wilkie. Half way through the concluding round Wilkie ran into second and St Swithin improved his place. Two furlongs from home the latter closed on Emmeline, and in a great finish beat her in the run to the post by a head. Wilkie was third four lengths away, followed at an interval of fifty yards by Derringcotto and First Pet. Time, 4min 43sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.2 or better, Two miles.

M Clarke's ch g Laudervale, by Lauderdale-Letty, aged, 6sec (F Holmes) 1
B Edwards's Decoration, 3sec (A Pringle) 2
M J Groat's Ferira, 14sec (E McKewen) 3

Marie Corelli 7sec, Marietta Huon 8sec, Vanclare 8sec, Wild Tree 9sec, Lord Althorp 9sec, Gladsome 9sec, Prince Wilkin 12sec, Harold C 12sec, Luluette 14sec and Variation 16sec also started. Lord Althorp was bracketed with Vanclare and Luluette with Gladsome.

Prince Wilkin soon ran to the front, and at the stand was attended by Ferira, Variation and Harold C. The leader held his own till well into the second mile, where he retired, and a little further on Decoration took charge attended by Laudervale. The latter closed on Decoration in the home straight, and won comfortably by six lengths. Ferira was third fifty yards back, followed by Vanclare and Gladsome. Time, 4min 43 4/5th sec.

DOMINION HANDICAP (in harness) of 235 sovs; second 35 sovs and third 23 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.10 or better. Two miles.

C E Cross's b g Sir Joem by Vancleve-Sunbeam, aged, 16sec (T W Price, junr) 1
E J Glemster's G T F, 11sec (M Edwards) 2
A Pringle's White Rock, 15sec (Owner) 3

Electrocute scr, Adventuress 4sec, Rubican 6sec, Te Kuiti 9sec, Dick G 11sec, Clevewood 13sec, Lord Cardigan 14sec, Electric Jack 14sec, Rotholia 14sec and Master Raymond 16sec also started.

By the time the stand was reached Sir Joe had established a lead of quite fifty yards from Clevewood, G T F and White Rock. With half the distance gone G T F took second place, Master Raymond heading the others. From this out Sir Joe, despite several breaks, held his own, and won by four lengths from G T F with White Rock third two lengths away, followed by Master Raymond and Adventuress. Time, 5min 2 4/5th sec.

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

W Kerr's b m Marie Corelli, by Wildwood-Thelma, 5yrs, 4sec (R Reay) 1
H Dawson's First Pet, 6sec (E McKeown) 2
W Hay's Hue Elect, 5sec (J Messervey) 3

Bell Car 1sec, Truth (A) 4sec, Prince Randle 4sec, Belroy 4sec, St Simon 4sec, Ianto 4sec, Millwood 5sec and Almond 5sec (coupled), Viewmont 6sec, Bribery 6sec, Withington 6sec, T F C 6sec, Romany Lad 6sec, Eulogy 7sec, Lucky Mount 7sec and Success 7sec (coupled), Repeater 7sec and Embrace 8sec (coupled) also started.

With a furlong gone Lucky Mount was showing the way to Embrace, the pair being followed by Eulogy and First Pet. Running along the back stretch Lucky Mount lost her place, and at the home turn First Pet, Embrace, Eulogy and Millwood were almost on terms. A great struggle took place to the post, Marie Corelli getting to the front inside the distance, and winning by a length from First Pet. Hue Elect was third three lengths back, followed at short intervals by Millwood, Eulogy and Bribery. Time, 2min 17 3/5th sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 210 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.22 or better. One mile.

J A Buckland's b g Verax, by Vancleve-Darera, aged, 4sec (C Piper) 1
J Jeff's Wilkie, 2sec (R Logan) 2
R O Duncan's King Cole, 3sec (N Price) 3

Durbar scr, Bell Metal 1sec, Lady Clare 2sec, Manderene 3sec, Blue Boy 3sec, Gold Leaf 4sec, My Mistake 4sec, Rosebery 5sec and Captain Tracey 5sec also started.

Rosebery held command as the stand was reached, his nearest attendants being My Mistake, Verax and Manderene. So they went along the back stretch, where Verax closed on My Mistake, while Manderene and King Cole improved their places. A furlong from home Verax amd Wilkie closed on Rosebery, and in a good finish Verax won by a length and a half from Wilkie, who was a length in front of King Cole, with Rosebery close up fourth, and My Mistake fifth. Time, 2min 16sec.

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1910

1911 SPRING MEETING: Friday 10 Nov 1911

The Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting which was brought to a conclusion yesterday, may be regarded as one of the most successful gatherings yet held at Addington.

The weather was beautiful at the start of proceedings, and though a heavy shower fell just before the principal event of the day, the Christchurch Handicap, and there was another downpour a little later on, there was not sufficient rain to affect the attendance or to spoil the enjoyment of those present, nor was the track seriously affected.

The very large gathering of the public affording ample proof of the popularity of the sport, nor is this to be wondered at when the people are provided with such splendid racing as was furnished by yesterday's programme. The Meeting all through has been productive of some first-class trotting, but for all-round excellence that of yesterday stands first. There were capital fields engaged in most of the events, and the result was spirited speculation, with the investment of a record sum for a three-days' trotting meeting in the Dominion. The day's total was £29,456.10s, and this with £27,418 on the first day, and £21,431 10s on the second gives an aggregate of £78,329, as against £50,889 last year.

The Governor's Handicap, with which the card opened, saw Wallace Junior sent out first favourite, but he went rather unsteadily, and could only get third place behind Ripon Child and Kini, the former of whom was in a handy position throughout. The easiest win of the day was that achieved by Bell Car in the Sockburn Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, for the Bellman gelding was in front in the second circuit, and thereafter had the result safe.

The field of ten for the Christchurch Handicap included Lady Clare, Dick Fly and Al Franz, who had filled the places in the New Zealand Cup, in addition to Bright Medallion and Bribery who had also competed in that event. St Swithin, who was made a warm favourite, had been entered for the £1000 race, but was withdrawn shortly after the handicap appeared. Yesterday he showed that there was ample justification for the support accorded to him, for after losing considerable ground at the start, he was within striking distance of the leaders in the last lap, and having the measure of Emmeline in the concluding stages, won a good race by a length.

The Australasian Handicap produced a capital race between Redchild and Submarine, two of the finest two-mile saddle horses in the Dominion. A break just before entering the last circuit threatened to rob Submarine of his chance, but he settled down again quickly and outstayed Redchild in the run home.

For the Metropolitan Handicap, Galvanita was made first favourite, with Wallace Junior next in demand, this pair being much better supported than anything else in the race. Their backer were quickly put out of their anxiety, as Wallace Junior collided with Hue Elect almost immediately after the start, while before one round had been covered Galvanita broke badly and lost all possible chance. Fuseo led for a good portion of the journey, but could not see the distance out, and Maelstrom won handily from Andy Regan.

The Enfield Handicap was responsible for a brilliant performance by Aberfeldy, who, starting from scratch in a field of fourteen, came with a great burst of speed in the straight, and won by half a head from Florin, cutting out the mile in 2min 12 3/5 sec - a New Zealand race record. The Provincial Handicap was robbed of some of its interest by a mishap, which put out the favourite, Piecework and Imperial Polly, before half the journey had been covered. There was however, a capital finish between Emmeline and Havoc, and though the former had had a hard race in the Christchurch Handicap, she was able to stall off Havoc's final challenge.

The West Coaster, Jingle, was most in demand for the final event of the day, the Recovery Handicap, but he did not begin too well and Derringcotte, who got to the front early, kept his place to the finish. Wallace Junior was produced in this event for the third time during the afternoon, but again had to be content with third place. Details of the racing are:-

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. 3.42 Class One mile and a half.

W B Masham's blk c Ripon Child, by Proud Child-Verice, 4yrs, 6sec (N L Price) 1
W H Martyn's ch g Kini, 6yrs 8sec (F H Smith) 2
H H McLean's ch c Wallace Junr, 4yrs, 1sec (R McMillan) 3

Prince Rufus 3sec, Brown Bell 4sec, Solo 6sec, Lord Heathcote 7sec, Wild Arab 7sec, Wallace M 7sec and Clotah 8sec also started.

With half the journey gone Kini was showing the way to Solo, Ripon Child, Wild Arab and Brown Bell, with Wallace Junr making up his ground fast. A break a little further on settled the chance of the last named. Going along the back the second time Kini had Ripon Child as his nearest attendant. Rounding the turn Ripon Child closed on the leader, and drawing away, won by two lengths; Wallace Junr who finished fast, being three lengths further back, followed by Brown Bell and Wallace M. Time, 3min 38sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 45 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.57 class. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

M Clarice's ch g Bell Car, by Bellman-Carmen, aged, 12sec (A Pringle) 1
G Clarkson's b g Redchild, aged, scr (M Edwards) 2
D Kennedy's rn m Muricata, 5yrs, 13sec (Owner) 3

Quincey scr, Electrocute 6sec, Clive 8sec, Coiner 12sec, Floranz 13sec, Havelock 15sec and Rothella 17sec also started. (Redchild and Havelock & Bell Car and Coiner were bracketed on the totalisator)

Rothella refused to settle down at the start and Floranz set out to make the running, being followed past the stand the first time by Bell Car and Muricata, with Coiner some distance back. Before the end of the next circuit Bell Car had taken charge and quickly established a good deal from Floranz, Muricata, and Coiner, while Clive was improving his position. A bad break in the back stretch put Floranz out of court, and Muricata and Clive closed on him. Bell Car, meanwhile, had been going along comfortably in front, and won easing up by forty yards from Redchild, who cut down Muricata in the final stages and beat her for second place by five lengths. Electrocute was fourth with Quincey almost on terms, and then came Floranz. Time, 4min 46sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 450 sovs; second 67 sovs and third 45 sovs from stake. 4.44 class. Two miles.

H F Nicoll's b h St Swithin, by Rothschild-Queen V, 5yrs, 3sec (A Pringle) 1
R McDonnell's br m Emmeline, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner) 2
D Spence's b g Little Tib, 6yrs, 7sec (J Messervey) 3

S Tapp's b g Dick Fly, aged, scr (M Edwards)
J Preece's b h Bright, 6yrs, 1sec (T Frost)
W F Clinton's b m Lady Clare, 6yrs, 1sec (J Tasker)
E Bowe's b h Al Franz, 6yrs, 3sec (C Kerr)
Quirk & Shaw's b h Medallion, aged, 3sec (E McKewen)
L Dorie's b h Bribery, 5yrs, 4sec (F Holmes)
W J Moreland's br m Curfew Bell, aged, 7sec (R Reay)

Curfew Bell began smartly and led round the turn into the straight, followed by Little Tib, Lady Clare and Emmeline. Passing the stand Curfew Bell was still in front, but Lady Clare had taken second place, and Little Tib was fourth behind Emmeline. The order was the same all the way along the back and into the straight the second time, where St Swithin, who had been slow getting going, was beginning to make up his ground on the outside. Going along the back Curfew Bell began to tire, and at the tanks was beaten, while St Swithin was now within striking distance of the leaders. Coming round the turn Emmeline was closely followed by St Swithin, but in the straight the latter had Emmeline's measure and won a good race by a length. Little Tib was twelve lengths away third, with Lady Clare fourth, Bright fifth, and Al Franz next. Time 4min 41sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 4.52 class Two miles.

J Watson's b g Submarine, by Torpedo-Fitzjames mare, aged, 3sec (T Annett) 1
G Clarkson's b g Redchild, aged, scr (M Edwards) 2
E Bowes's ch g Dr Chutney, aged, 9sec (E McKewen) 3

Millwood 6sec, King Lynn 6sec,Prince Warbeck 8sec, Clive 8sec, Lady Richmond 8sec, Blackchild Boy 9sec, Viewmont 10sec, and Timoty 12sec also started.

Passing the stand the first time the order was Timoty, Viewmont and Blackchild Boy, with Dr Chutney and Lady Richmond close together next. By the end of the next lap Dr Chutney had taken charge from Timoty and Lady Richmond, with Redchild coming fast on the outside, while Submarine lost ground owing to a break in the straight. Submarine's rider got him going again quickly and going along the back he and Redchild closed on the leader. Turning into the straight Dr Chutney was beaten, and after a good race Submarine won by two lengths from Redchild, who was four lengths in front of Dr Chutney. Then some distance back came Lady Richmond and Timoty. Time, 4min 49 3/5 sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness), of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. 3.39 class. Ome mile and a half.

M Fiedlander's blk m Maelstrom, by Wildwood-Miss Poole, 6yrs, 3sec (C Kerr) 1
W Quirk gr g Andy Regan, 3yrs, 5sec (E McKewen) 2
B Edwards's b g Little Stranger, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 3

Ruby S scr, Hue Elect 1sec, Wallace Junr 2sec, Schoolgirl 2sec, Bonification 2sec, Fuseo 3sec, Galvanita 4sec,Troubadour 4sec and Ned Corbett 6sec also started.

Going out of the straight almost immediately after the start, Hue Elect and Wallace Jnr collided and the former's driver was thrown out. Going along the back Andy Regan had taken charge, while Galvanita lost her chance by a bad break. Coming into the straight Fuseo was showing the way to Andy Regan and Maelstrom, this being the order as they entered the last circuit and ran along the back. Rounding the turn Fuseo had had enough, and Maelstrom went on in front from Little Stranger and Andy Regan. Holding his advantage to the finish Maelstrom won by three lengths from Andy Regan, who in the final run cut down Little Stranger and beat him for second place by a length. Fuseo was fourth and Ruby S fifth. Time, 3min 36sec. Glendalough (4sec) went to the post, but owing to a mishap to the gear did not start and the totalisator investments were returned.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 220 sovs; second 33 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. 2.20 class. One mile.

J G McConochie's br g Aberfeldy, by Prince Imperial-Miss Kate, aged, scr (J Brankin) 1
W Henry's br g Florin, aged, 5sec (J Bridges) 2
J Smith's blk g Silver Black, aged, 5sec (E McKewen) 3

Miss Florrie C 1sec, Lopp 2sec, Curfew Bell 3sec, Lord Chancellor 4sec, Millwood 4sec, Mains 4sec, Vibon 4sec, Agesemos 4sec, Rosebery 4sec, Little Arthur 5sec, Bellis 5sec, and Scottish Mac 5sec also started.

After some delay caused by a couple of false starts, the field was sent away, Silver Black and Scottish Mac making the running past the stand and out of the straight. These two were in front along the back, but at the tanks the field closed up, Mains being third. Turning into the straight Florin took charge, but Aberfeldy put in a great run, and just got up in the last stride to win by half a head. Silver Black was half a length behind Florin, with Mains fourth and Curfew Bell fifth. Time, 2min 12 3/5th sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness), of 300 sovs; second 45 sovs, and third 30 sovs from stake. 2.55 class. One mile and a quarter.

R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, by Rothschild-Imperialism, 5yrs, 2sec (Owner) 1
D Nyhan's b h Havoc, 6yrs, 2sec (A Pringle) 2
S Tapp's b g Dick Fly, aged, 1sec (M Edwards) 3

Wilkie 1sec, Bright 2sec, Imperial Polly 2sec, Al Franz 3sec, Agesemos 3sec, Piecework 4sec and Verax 4sec also started.

Agesemos was smartest to begin, and led to the turn, where, as the result of a mix-up, Pieccework broke badly and Imperial Polly lost her driver. Passing the stand Emmeline had taken charge from Agesemos, Al Franz and Havoc. Going along the back Emmeline was still in front, while Havoc had run into second place. The latter put in a good run in the straight, but was unable to reach Emmeline who won by a couple of lengths. Dick Fly was six lengths back, followed by Al Franz and Bright. Time, 2min 46sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second 27 sovs and third 18 sovs from stake. 2.25 class. One mile

R W Mannings's ch g Derringcotte, by Prince Imperial-Victor mare, 5sec (J Tasker) 1
H W Kitchingham's b c Jingle, 4yrs, 5sec (H Gaskell) 2
H H McLean's ch c Wallace Jr, 4yrs, 3sec (R McMillan) 3

Gianella 3sec, TFC 3sec, Troubadour 5sec, Onward 5sec, Elsa Huon 5sec, Little Stranger 6sec and Grey Echo 6sec also started.

Passing the stand Derringcotte was showing the way to Grey Echo, Little Stranger and Wallace Junr, the last named going well. Derringcote held his lead throughout and won by a length from Jingle, who lost ground at the start. Wallace Junr was five lengths away third, with Little Stranger fourth, and Gianella fifth, close together. Time, 2min 20sec.

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1911

Lady Clare and driver Jack Brankin

1911 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Lady Clare, the second mare to win the New Zealand Cup, was a six-year-old by Prince Imperial from Clare, who was by Lincoln Yet, the sire of Monte Carlo.

Her trainer, James Tasker, who had been successful with Marian in 1907, took the drive behind her more favoured bracketmate Aberfeldy, and entrusted the drive behind Lady Clare to Jack Brankin. The Cup field was not a strong one, with Wildwood Junior out of the way. Also missing from nominations was King Cole, the star of the August meeting. King Cole, winner of the King George Handicap from Bribery and Dick Fly, and the National Cup from Havoc and Bright, had been temporarily retired to stud. The club received 14 nominations, but the early favourite, St Swithin, was injured and withdrawn. Sal Tasker, who had not raced for four years, and Manderene were two other defections. The front starter, Imperial Polly, received five seconds from the back marker, Bright. Al Franz, because of some outstanding trials, was race favourite, with the bracketed pair of Dick Fly and Redchild, from the stable of Manny Edwards, also well supported. Redchild was the only trotter entered.

The field did not get away at the first attempt because Free Holmes, the driver of Bribery, jumped the start. Medallion stood on the mark and took no place in the race, while Bribery went only one lap and then pulled up lame. Lady Clare led from the start and at the halfway stage was still in front, followed by Al Franz, Dick Fly, Imperial Polly, Aberfeldy, Havoc and Redchild. The mare held on to the lead to win by a length, in 4:38, from Dick Fly, with necks to Al Franz and Redchild. Then came Aberfeldy, Bright and Havoc.

The Cup victory was the last of Lady Clare's seven career wins, but she showed her durability by racing over eight seasons. Indirectly, she featured again in the Cup in 1988, when Luxury Liner turned the clock back 77 years. Lady Clare was the firth dam of Luxury Liner. Lady Clare's £700 from the Cup stake of 1000 sovereigns was the only money she won during the season. Emmeline, an outstanding mare by Rothschild from Imperialism, a Prince Imperial mare, won £949 and was the season's top earner. Rothschild and Prince Imperial were both still standing at stud in the Canterbury area. Rothschild was at Durbar Lodge, in Ashburton, available at a fee of 10 guineas. Prince Imperial and his son, Advance, stood at James McDonnell's Seafield Road farm, also in Ashburton. Prince Imperial's fee was also set at 10 guineas, but Advance was available at half that rate. Franz, the sire of Al Franz (third in the Cup), stood at Claude Piper's stud at Upper Riccarton, at 10 guineas. Franz was a full-brother to Fritz, by Vancleve from Fraulein.

A new surname at that time, but a very familiar on now, Dan Nyhan, introduced another great harness racing family to Addington. Nyhan trained at Hutt Park and ha won the 1909 Auckland Cup with Havoc. He was the father of Don Nyhan, later to train the winners of three New Zealand Cups with his legendary pair of Johnny Globe and Lordship, and grandfather of Denis Nyhan, who drove Lordship (twice) and trained and drove Robalan to win the Cup.

Of all the stallions in Canterbury, Wildwood Junior commanded the biggest fee, 12 guineas, but he held that honour only until 1914, when Robert McMillan, an expatriate American horseman, stood his American imports Nelson Bingen and Brent Locanda at fees of 15 guineas at his Santa Rosa stud at Halswell. He also had Harold Dillon and Petereta on his property. Harold Dillon, sire of the champion Author Dillon, was the top sire for six seasons, from 1916-17 until 1921-22, while Petereta gained some fame by siring the double New Zealand Cup winner Reta Reter.

The outstanding feature of the 1911 Cup meeting was the introduction of races restricted to trotters, particularly the Dominion Handicap. The move, prompted by the Metropolitan Club, came at an appropriate time to save horses of this gait from extinction in New Zealand racing. In the 1880s and 1890s there were two trotters for every pacer in New Zealand, but by 1911 the reverse ratio applied. With the advent of the sulky and harness from the United States, trainer in the 1890s found pacers easier to gait and easier to train, and learned that they came to speed in less time, so many trotters were converted to the pacing gait. Generally, the trotter could not match the pacer on the track.

Coiner won the Middleton Handicap on the first day, in saddle, and raced over two miles in 4:52. Quincey, who had been successful against the pacers on several occasions, got up in the last stride to dead-heat with Clive in the Dominion Handicap, with Muricata, a promising five-year-old, third. Muricata became the dam of double New Zealand Cup winner Ahuriri. The Dominion Handicap carried a stake of 235 sovereigns and was raced in harness for 5:05 class performers. Quincey's time was 4:37.4 slightly faster than Lady Clare recorded in the Cup on the Tuesday. Another of the 13 trotters in this race was the Australian-bred Verax, who started in the New Zealand Cup six times.

The meeting ended with some high-class racing on Show Day. In the Enfield Handicap, in saddle, Aberfeldy, from scratch, beat 14 rivals in 2:12.6, a New Zealand race-winning record for one mile. St Swithin, who had to miss the Cup, won the Christchurch Handicap from Emmeline and Little Tib. The Andy Pringle-trained pacer confirmed how unfortunate it was for his connections that injury denied him a Cup start.

Further improvements had been made at Addington, with a large new 10-shilling totalisator housebeing used for the first time. With bookmakers outlawed, the totalisator turned over a record £27,418 on Cup Day, and betting on the Cup of £6096 10s was a single-race record. The total for the three days of the carnival of £68,329 was an increase of £17,440 over the previous year.


Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

Albert H & A Hendriksen

1912 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

The influence of Rothschild in the early part of the century was never more evident than in the outcome of the 1912 New Zealand Cup, an in the composition of the field that went to the post.

The first three placed horses - Albert H, Ravenschild and Glendolough - were all by Rothschild. this outstanding achievement was later equalled by Light Brigade in 1957, when his progeny - Lookaway, Thunder and La Mignon - were the first three past the post. With the exception of Quincey, who was by Vancleve, all the other 15 acceptors in 1912 were descendants of either Rothschild or Prince Imperial. The latter had four representatives, while Rothschild had seven of his own, three by his sons and one by a grandson.

Albert H, a seven-year-old bay horse, was Rothschild's second New Zealand Cup winner, the first being Belmont M, in 1906. Driven a patient race by his trainer Albert Hendriksen, having his first Cup experience, Albert H came with a determined run in the final stages to win going away by two lengths. Ravenschild (Free Holmes)took second, with four lengths to Glendalough. Albert H paced the two miles in 4:48.8. Emmeline stood alone at the back on handicap, with her nearest rivals, St Swithin and Aberfeldy, five seconds away. The front-runners Medallion, Manderene, Ravenschild and Piecework started from nine seconds. Albert H was one of seven who started from eight seconds.

Albert H was the season's leading money-winner with £881. He was started only twice in the 1911-12 season - at the Canterbury Park meeting the previous June - and had won on both occasions in heavy ground. In August of the current season he was second in the King George Handicap, and the same afternoon won the International Handicap, over a mile-and-a-quarter. Despite this form he started seventh favourite in the Cup.

His dam, Jessie M, was by a thoroughbred horse, Son Of A Gun, who had placed second in the 1888 New Zealand Galloping Cup. Originally 18 horses had been accepted for the 1912 Cup, but Silver Princess and Lady Clare were withdrawn. Altogether 128 runners were accepted for the first day's racing, providing eight capacity fields.

St Swithin was made Cup favourite, Auckland pacer Manderene was second Choice, and Redchild, a trotter, was the next-best supported. However, all three failed to pay a dividend. The start was a shambles. Harry McNae's Gold Bell broke and collided with St Swithin, who dislodged his driver, Andy Pringle. Manderene also broke badly at the start. Bright stumbled after half-a-mile and was pulled up, and Medallion became another casualtywhen he broke and was pulled up near the mile post. So, again, the race was not a good one, with many horses not performing up to their handicaps, and the field was well spread over most of journey.

Showers on the second day made the track heavy. in the main race Adonis (Free Holmes), by Harold Dillon from Thelma, thereby a half-brother to Wildwood Junior, beat Sparkling Kola and Quincey. One of the two trotters who had contested the Cup, Quincey improved on his run when he beat the pacers on the third day, in the Courtenay Handicap. The Vancleve stallion ran an excellent 4:38, 10 seconds faster than the Cup time of Albert H. Master Raymond won the Dominion from Muricata and Kelso, taking 4:52.2 to trot the two miles.

The early indications were that the 1912 meeting would be a successful one, and so it proved. Totalisator returns on Cup Day smashed all records. Betting reached £32,969, with £7053 invested on the Cup. The turnover for the three days was £99,177, well within reach of the club's next milestone, £100,000.

Two alterations greeted patrons when they arrived at Addington for this meeting. The club had put up a large board, visible from all parts of the ground, on which were the names of the riders or drivers. Because of the growing importance of vehicular traffic, the club had bought more land and built a special roadway and entrance for all vehicles.

Harry Nicoll was the top owner for the third consecutive season with £987, well down on the £1547 and £1222 he had won in the previous two seasons.

Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

1912 CUP MEETING: FINAL DAY: FRIDAY 8 NOV 1912

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: The Press 9 Nov 1912

1912 CUP WEEK 1ST DAY TUESDAY 5 NOV 1912

The position of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club as the leading trotting club in the Dominion, is unquestioned, and its November Meeting combines with that of the Canterbury Jockey Club to make the Christchurch Carnival Week the greatest sporting fixture of the year.

The nominations received for this year's Meeting made it plain that as far as racing was concerned there need be no fear for the quality of the sport, and the only cause for anxiety was in regard to the weather. The steady rain experienced throughout Monday made the outlook for yesterday exceedingly doubtful, but fortunately yesterday broke fine, and though the track was very heavy when the day's programme opened, it improved repidly under the influence of the sun and wind, and the times registered showed what the going was like.

The attendance was exceptionally good for a day that was so unpromising in regard to the weather in its early stages, and among the visitors representative of all parts of the Dominion were Sir James Carroll, the Hons. J A Millar and J D Ormond, Mssrs W G and G L Stead, W H Turnbull(Wellington), H N Liardet (Auckland), T H Lowry (Hastings), J B Harcourt (Wellington), Forsyth Johnson (Dunedin) and CaptainsRainey and Moffatt.

Since the last August Meeting very extensive improvements and alterations have been carried out at Addington, and they were much appreciated by the large crowd that assembled yeaterday. For a considerable time past it had been made evident that some special provision would have to be made for the ever-increasing vehicular traffic, and in order to cope with this the Club purchased an additional piece of land and constructed a special roadway and entrance for all vehicular traffic. This was used for the first time yesterday, and its congested state showed how increasingly popular the sport has become. Inside the Club's grounds the improvements made are all for the convenience of the public, and with the ample space at their disposal the club's executive are able to offer the public a sports ground that is unrivalled anywhere in Australasia. Previously the space at the back of the stewards' stand was very much congested, owing to the proximity of the inside totalisator, but the latter building has now been moved to a site nearer the inside stand, and the saddling paddock has been more than doubled in extent.

An innovation that was much appreciated yesterday was the inclusion in the programmes of a numbered list of the horse-stalls, with an alphabetical list of the horsesengaged at the meeting, so that there was no difficulty in discovering the locationof any horse engaged at the meeting. Previously the method of displaying the names of riders and drivers had hardly been in keeping with the importance of a club of the standing of the Metropolitan Trotting Club, but there has now been erected a large nmber-board, showing the names of riders and drivers, which is visible from all parts of the course.

Naturally the New Zealand Cup, with its £1000 stake, attracted most interest. There had been so many reports of sensational trials of those engaged, that it was difficult to ascertain the real value of the performances credited to the final acceptors. St Swithinhad been made favourite immediately the nominations appeared, and he maintained his position right upto the time of starting yesterday. As far as actual looks went, there was nothing better in the field than Aberfeldy, who is, however, now very much past his prime. St Swithin was very solidly backed, and next in demand came Manderene, with Redchild and Glendalough next best backed.

As a race the contest for the New Zealand Cup of 1912 was not as good as might have been expected. During the last three or four years there has invariably been some mishap in connection with the event, and this was the case yesterday, for Manderene refused to strike a gait at the start, and Gold Bell broke almost immediately, and colliding with St Swithin, sent the driver of the favourite out of the sulky. Ravenschild and Glendalough made most of the early running, but Albert H was always in a good position, and, finishing well, beat Ravenschild by a couple of lengths, with Glendalough four lengths away third.

After the New Zealand Cup, the feature of the afternoon's racing was the Provincial Handicap, of a mile and a quarter, which brought out a field of eight horses of ezceptional brilliance over a short course. Silver Princess was made favourite for this event, but as the race was run it seemed plain that with a reasonably clear passage Gianella must have won. She was pocketed badly twice in the final circuit, and when she did get clear, it was too late. It must be admitted, however, that Terra Nova, the winner, put up an excellent performance, for with half the journey gone, he was a considerable distance back, and his finish was characterised by both pace and gameness.

Of the other races on the card, the Spring Handicap and the Middleton Handicap, the two trotters races, were easily won, and in the latter event Prince Gift had the result safe from the start. The Empire Handicap was won by Country Belle, a very warm favourite, and though she won comfortably at the finish, her supporters must have had an anxious time at one stage.

The speculation throughout the day was spirited, and the total for the day was £32,969, as compared with £27,418 on the first day last year. The amount invested on the Cup yesterday was £7053, which is easily a record for any trotting race in the Dominion.

Details of the racing are:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle), of 125 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. One mile and a half.

E E Cuneen's br m Rosalie, by Wildwood-Blackwood mare, aged, 13sec (E McDermott) 1
W Dorman's b m Golden Way, 6yrs, 15sec (G Ferguson) 2
T F Cuneen's blk m Wild Bee, aged, 15sec (F Holmes) 3

Erin's Tracey 2sec, Blythe Lad 10sec, Mystic 10sec, Dollywood 11sec, J C H 11sec, Stella Leigh 12sec, Starshot 13sec, Alice Woodburn 13sec, Lady Wallace 13sec, Mandel 13sec, Quick Eye 15sec, Ophelia 15sec, Mayflower 15sec, Frank Wilkes 15sec, Spanish Lace 15sec, Corinna 15sec, Miss Nightingale 15sec and The Quack 15sec also started.

Wild Bee began best of the limit division, and going along the back was followed by Golden Way and Quick Eye. At the stand Wild Bee was still in front, while Rosalie had run into second place, with Golden Way and Mystic fourth. Half a mile from home Rosalie took charge, and won by twelve lengths from Golden Way, who beat Wild Bee by two lengths. Erin's tracey was close up fourth. Time, 3min 56sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle), of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs, and third 17 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W J Moreland's b f Country Belle, by Wildmoor-Bonnie Belle, 4yrs, 9sec (A Pringle) 1
J H Power's b m Solo, 6yrs, 2sec (H Kearns) 2
W T Lowe's b g Treasure Seeker, aged, 9sec (F Holmes) 3

Lodi scr, Cavalier scr, Link 1sec, Robert Emmett 2sec, Lady Sybil 4sec, The Next 5sec, Chieftiny 7sec, Wild Victor 12sec and War Cloud 12sec (coupled with Cavalier) also started.

Passing the stand the first time, Country Belle was showing the way to War Cloud, The Next and Treasure Seeker. There was little change in the order of the leading division in the second circuit, save that The Next had taken second place. Going along the back in the final round Solo ran into second place, but, though she finished well, could not reach Country Belle, who won by three lengths. Treasure Seeker was six lengths away third, with War Cloud fourth. Time, 4min 57sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness), of 1000 sovs; second 200 sovs, and third 100 sovs from stake. Two miles.

M Maher's b h Albert H, by Rothschild-Jessie M, aged, 8sec (A Hendricksen) 1
J McCutcheon's b h Ravenschild, 6yrs, 9sec (F Holmes) 2
J Farrell's b m Glendalough, 5yrs, 8sec (E McKewen) 3
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, 6yrs, scr (Owner)
H F Nicoll's b h St Swithin, 6yrs, 5sec (A Pringle)
J G McConochie's br g Aberfeldy, 5sec (J Tasker)
J Preece's b h Bright, aged, 6sec (T Frost)
C G Fryer's b m Princess Louise, aged, 7sec (T W Price)
T Roe's b h Gold Bell, aged, 8sec (H McNae)
G Clarkson's b g Redchild, aged, 8sec (C Kerr)
S W Scott's b h Quincey, 8sec (Owner)
P Delargey's b h Prince Alert, aged, 8sec (R McMillan)
D Spence's b g Little Tib, 6yrs 8sec (J Messervey)
J Brankin's b g Piecework, aged, 9sec (Owner)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, 6yrs, 9sec (W C Hird)
J Shaw's b h Medallion, aged, 9sec (J Rainey)

Manderene refused to strike a gait at the start, and Gold Bell broke immediately, and collided with St Swithin, with the result that Pringle was thrown out of his sulky. Ravenschild at once went to the front, and as they passed the stand the first time was followed in close order by Glendalough, Prince Alert and Albert H, while at an interval of several lengths came Piecework, Princess Louise, Little Tib, Quincey, Manderene and Emmeline, with Aberfeldy and Redchild at the head of the next division. Going along the back Glendalough had taken charge from Ravenschild, Albert H and Prince Alert, Piecework several lengths back heading the next bunch. As they passed the stand the second time, Ravenschild had again taken charge from Glendalough, Albert H and Prince Alert. Going out of the straight Prince Alert ran up alongside the leading division, and Emmeline took fifth place in front of Piecework. There was practically no change as they ran along the back the last time, and as they turned towards the straight Ravenschild still held command from Glendalough, Albert H and Prince Alert. Ravenschild was first into the straight, but Albert H came with a determined run, and cutting him down in the final stages, won by two lengths. Glendalough was four lengths away third. Then came Prince Alert, Redchild and Emmeline close together. Bright stumbled after going half a mile, and was pulled up, and Medallion broke and was pulled up at the end of a mile. Time 4min 48 4/5th sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

O E Newton's ch c General Elmo, by General Mac-Electioneer mare, 3yrs, 10sec (T Logan) 1
A Smith's b m Sunshine, 5yrs, 10sec (Owner) 2
F Amor's b m Yellow Ribbon, 4yrs 10sec (W Brown) 3

Radiant Morn scr, Bonification 1sec, Electrocute 3sec, Gold Wood 8sec, Red Mac 9sec, Clotah 10sec, Lady Lyons 10sec, Apple Pie 10sec, Miss Becky 10sec, Maid of the Forest 10sec, Jessie Hamlin 10sec, First Alarm 10sec, Hazelfield 10sec, Lady Rattoo 10sec and Gee Whizz 10sec also started.

General Elmo began well, but at the end of the first round Sunshine had taken charge, and was followed out of the straight by Yellow Ribbon, General Elmo, Red Mac and Maid of the Forest. Going along the back Yellow Ribbon ran to the front, but at the tanks General Elmo moved up, and in a good finish just got up in time to beat Sunshine by a head. Yellow Ribbon was eight lengths away third, with Apple Pie and Hazelfield next. Time, 3min 43sec.

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

J W Roger's b g Prince Gift, by Wildwood-Tracey Belle, aged, 22sec (A Pringle) 1
J C Montefiore's b m Pukekura, aged, 17sec (H Barraclough) 2
W T Lowe's br g Bushranger, aged, 20sec (F Holmes) 3

Muricata scr, Clive 3sec, Adventuress 5sec, Welfare 12sec, Kelso 13sec, Lord Cardigan 15sec, Monsoon 17sec and Vigorous 17sec also started.

This race proved the best of good things for Prince Gift, who started very well, and trotting consistently all through, won very easily by four lengths. Bushranger was in second place going past the stand the first time, but down the back stretch he was passed by Pukekura, who finished one hundred yards ahead of Bushranger. Adventuress was fourth an Lord Cardigan fifth. Time 5min 4 3/5th sec.

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

H Wells's b g Terra Nova, by Young Irvington-Stratagem, aged, 6sec (J Messervey) 1
H F Nicoll's ch m Gianella, 5yrs, 8sec (A Pringle) 2
E Bowes's b g Al Franz, aged, 9sec (C Kerr) 3

Adonis 8sec, Silver Princess 8sec, Glendalough 7sec, Bellis 9sec and Sparkling Kola 9sec also started.

Al Franz was quickest to begin, and showed the way for half a mile, but at the end of six furlongs Silver Princess had taken charge,and was leading Al Franz, Sparkling Kola and Gianella with Terra Nova four lengths back at the head of the next bunch. Going along the back Gianella was badly pocketed. Al Franz was in front as they turned into the straight, where Gianella got clear, but Terra Nova then came with a strong run and won a good race by two lengths. Al Franz was a similar distance away third, followed by Glendalough and Silver Princess. Time 2min 52 2/5th sec.

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness), of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs, and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile.

H F Nicoll's b m Lady Child, by Rothschild-Ptarmigan, 5yrs, 5sec (A Pringle) 1
M Friedlander's cr g Waterlog, 5sec (L Amor) 2
H B Hubbard's b g Idaho, aged, 5sec (L B Hubbard) 3

Silver Black scr, Kalgoorlie 3sec, La Belle 3sec, Our George 5sec, The Scout 4sec, Ard Cairn 4sec, Onward 4sec, Crown Prince 4sec, Troubadour 4sec, Rema Rose 5sec, Diving Bell 5sec and Grey Echo 5sec also started.

Lady Child was in the lead as the stand was passed for the first time, but going round the turn she was joined by Rema Rosa and the pair carried on the running until the tanks were reached. Here Lady Child shot out and was never seriously troubled, winning easily by four lengths from Waterlog, who beat Idaho by a bare length for second place. Time, 2min 23 3/5th sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs, and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile.

D Casey's br g Tuatara, by Allerton-Reptile, aged, 7sec (Hendricksen) 1
A J O'Malley's rn g Scottish Mac, aged, 4sec, (J Bridges) 2
J Smith's b m Francita, aged, 7sec (F Clements) 3

Barmaguie 3sec, Ned Corbett 3sec, Bell Car 3sec, Moa Dillon 3sec, Prince Rufus 5sec, Dayspring 5sec, T F C 5sec, Bermaline 6sec, Bequest 7sec, Early Dawn 6sec, Rosemary 7sec, Hamapuka 7sec and Waterlog 7sec also started.

Bequest was in front as they passed the stand, but going along the back Tuatara took charge and won by three lengths from Scottish Mac, who was two lengths in front of Francita, with Barmaguie fourth, and Waterlog fifth. Time, 2min 22sec.

Credit: The Press 6 Nov 1912

1913 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER

From every point of view the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting, which was brought to a close at Addington yesterday, must be regarded as the most successful fixture yet conducted by the leading club of the Dominion.

Each year sets a record that one would think likely to stand for some time, but in twelve months time the previous year's figures are left far behind, and so marvellous has been the growth of the popularity of the sport,that even the phenomenal returns of this past week will no doubt be surpassed next November.

With the general holiday the attendance yesterday was the largest of the three days, and during the afternoon the crowded stands, and the throngs of people on the lawn and in the centre of the course presented a really remarkable sight. Naturally the totalisator turnover showed a large increase yesterday, and indeed each of the three days has given much better returns than those of twelve months ago. The figures for each day are:- 1913: First day £42,558, second day £36,308 10s, third day £45,496, Total £124,362 10s. 1912: First day £32,969, second day £28,372, third day £37,836, Total £99,177. This gives an increase for this year of £25,185 10s.

As may be imagined the totalisator staff had a very busy time, but Mr W H Macdougall's management left no cause for complaint, the only grumbling heard being that of dilatory investors, who found themselves shut out when the machines closed promptly to time. In the other departments the management of the meeting was of the high standard that is associated with Addington fixtures. Mr A I Rattray, the secretary, who has done so much for the sport of trotting as well as for the club, had the business running very smoothly; Mr H Brinkman's handicapping produced some excellent racing and in the starting yesterday Mr H Reynolds achieved a fair measure of success.

The weather conditions yesterday were favourable, but for the strong east wind, which did not assist in the making of fast times, and the track, though apparently in fair order, was evidently not in such good condition for fast performances as on the previous day. There were, however some capital performances registered, and the sport generally was of high grade.

The opening event, the Ladies' Bracelet Handicap, gave amateur drivers their only opportunity during the meeting. Of nineteen starters, Sweet Agnes, Selected, Prince Raynard and Kinetic were the best supported. The result proved that the public were good judges, for the first and second favorites finished in that order. Selected, who is a half-brother to Albert H, was showing as much pace as Sweet Agnes when he broke, and Sweet Agnes, who was well driven by Mr R J Munro, one of the most accomplished of the amateur reinsmen, went without a mistake and won by four lengths.

The Governor's Handicap, a two mile race in saddle, for unhoppled trotters, found the public again fairly accurate in their estimation of the chances of the competitors, for the three placed horses were the best-backed in the race, though they did not finish exactly in the order in which they were supported. Bushranger was in front practically the whole way, and though Treasure Seeker appeared to have his measure in the last half mile. Bushranger, who was very capably ridden by T Annett, stayed on well, and won a capital race by little over a length, the effort which had been required of Treasure Seeker to get on terms with the leader evidently told on him at the finish.

The Christchurch Handicap was the principal event of the day, and the field included ten horses that had taken part in the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday. Calm was sent out an even stronger favorite than he had been in the Cup, with Denver Huon also very well supported, and Adonis third favourite, though carrying much less money than either of the other pair. There were some bad beginners in the race, and two of them, Lord Heathcote and Persuader, took no part in the race, while Bright went off so badly as to make his chance hopeless, and he was pulled up early in the race. Calm put himself out of court by a bad break in the first half mile, and though he subsequently showed a lot of pace, he had lost too much ground. Mandarene, who had finished fourth in the Cup, quickly ran into a good position, and taking charge three furlongs from home, won rather comfortably. Emmeline, who was second, was putting in great work at the finish, and she ran very nearly up to her best form. Both Mandarene and Emmeline paid very good prices. The winner, who is owned by the Auckland sportsman, Mr J G Lecky, competed unsuccessfully at last year's Spring Meeting, and also two years ago, when it will be remembered he met with a mishap at the start of the New Zealand Cup.

The Australasian Handicap brought out a field of thirteen. St Kevin, Crown Prince and Frandocia being best backed. Neither St Kevin nor Crown Prince ever looked dangerous, but Frandocia was always with the leading division, and taking charge six furlongs from home, went on for a comparatively easy win. That fine trotter Submarine finished with his customary gameness, and in a good race for second place beat Ruby S by a length.

Next in importance to the Christchurch Handicap was the Dominion Trotting Handicap, a two-mile harness race for unhoppled trotters, the stake of 500 sovs being the largest yet offered for a trotters' race in the Dominion. It produced a contest worthy of such a valuable stake and Michael Galindo, who won in good style from Muricata, proved himself one of the best trotters bred in the Dominion for sometime. He has splendid action, and showed himself possessed of plenty of pace by the manner in which he made up the ground lost by an early break, and his style of finishing proves undoubted stamina. Muricata, another remarkably fine trotter, put up a good performance in finishing second, and Quincey was also going well over the final stages. Verax was prominent for a mile and a half, but was unable to see the journey out.

The Hornby Handicap produced a surprise, as Child Beldon, the winner, and Franzlena who was second, were two of the least supported in the race, and they paid large dividends. Child Beldon was in front practically all the way and just lasted long enough to beat Franzalena. Maelstrom, the favourite, looked like winning with half the journey gone, but found the task too much for her, and Bonista, also well backed, failed to see the journey out.

There was a capital race for the Enfield Handicap, which was contested by a field of thirteen of whom Maplewood, Bellis and Mollywood were best backed. None of these three gave their backers much encouragement, though Maplewood went well for half the journey but then dropped out. Barmaguie and Franzie fought out a great finish, and the former, showing much gameness, won by only half a length. Stop It, who showed a lot of pace at various parts of the race, finished third, but had anticipated the start and been ruled out of the race.

The Recovery Handicap, the last event of the day, brought out a select, if small, field. Silver Princessx was made a good favourite, but she lost her chance by beginning badly. Bell Metal got to work smartly, and though half a mile from home Eccentric was showing pace that made him look like a sure winner, he was stopping very badly at the finish, and Bell Metal won by four lengths. The following are the details of the racing:-

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 12 sovs and third 8 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs R J Munro's gr m Sweet Agnes, by Rothschild-Wild Agnes, 5yrs, 7sec (Mr R J Munro) 1
Mrs J Le Breton's gr c Selected, 4yrs, 5sec (Mr D Spence) 2
Mrs P Dalton's b g Ariadne, 6yrs, 3sec (Mr P Dalton) 3

Kinetic 3sec, General Smith 4sec, Black Arrow 4sec, Pastime 4sec, Betty Beadon 4sec, Prince Dorie 4sec, Wild Elm 4sec, Wee Pat 4sec, Merce 4sec, Lady Rona 5sec, Rose Dillon 5sec, Flora Tracey 5sec, Harold D 5sec, Dora McKinney 5sec, May Wallace 7sec and Prince Raynard 7sec also started. (Black Arrow and Pastime were coupled on the totalisator).

Sweet Agnes, Selected and Rose Dillon made the running for the first six furlongs, and entering the final circuit Selected was almost on terms with Sweet Agnes. Just before reaching the tanks Selected broke, and though he was got going again Sweet Agnes won by four lengths. Ariadne was forty yards away, third, with Flora Tracey and Prince Raynard next. Time, 3min 44 1/5th sec.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

W T Lowe's gr g Bushranger, by Dictator-Girlie, aged, 8sec (T Annett) 1
J Melrose's b g Treasure Seeker, aged, 3sec (F Holmes) 2
A J Clyde's b g Benmore, aged, 2sec (M Butler) 3

Wild Tree scr, Craibwood 3sec, Monsoon 4sec, Te Kuiti 5sec, March Hare 7sec, Bow Bell 8sec and Vigorous 8sec also started.

Bushranger was quickest into stride, and at the end of half a mile was followed by March Hare and Treasure Seeker, with the rest of the field strung out. There was not much change in the next six furlongs, but with a lap to go Treasure Seeker had taken second place from March Hare, while Craibwood was going well, but broke and lost his chance. Going along the back Treasure Seeker closed on Bushranger, and the pair raced round the turn into the straight on terms. In a great finish, Bushranger outstayed Treasure Seeker and won by a little over a length. Benmore was fifty yards away third, with Te Kuiti fourth, the rest in a bunch. Time, 4min 52sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second 100 sovs and third 70 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J G Lecky's blk h Mandarene, by Norval-Eland, aged, 6sec (B Edwards) 1
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, aged, scr (Owner) 2
A Smith's b m Schoolgirl, aged, 8sec (Owner) 3

R Geddes's ch h Denver Huon, aged, scr (M Edwards)
Mrs R O Duncan's ch h King Cole, aged, scr (J Bryce)
A McCutcheon's b h Ravenschild, aged, 1sec (N L Price)
T Frost's b g Red Mac, 5yrs, 4sec (Owner)
A G Wilson's b h Bright, aged, 4sec (Owner)
W Kerr's b h Calm, 6yrs, 4sec (Owner)
T Roe's b h Gold Bell, aged, 6sec (J Lynch)
J Dennett's b h Adonis, 5yrs, 6sec (F Holmes)
J Lorgelly's ch h Lord Heathcote, aged, 6sec (Owner)
W J Morland's br m Country Belle, 5yrs, 6sec (J Grice)
D Spence's b g Little Tib, aged, 6sec (H McNae)
H F Nicoll's b h St Swithin, 6yrs, 7sec (A Pringle)
Herrick Bros' b g Persuader, aged, 8sec (H Herrick)

Lord Heathcote and Persuader did not leave the mark, and Bright began badly, and was pulled up at the end of the first round. Schoolgirl, St Swithin and Country Belle were smartest to begin, and passing the stand the first time were followed by Mandarene, while after an interval of ten lengths came Red Mac and Emmeline. Going along the back Schoolgirl was still showing the way, the order of those nearest to her being Country Belle, Mandarene, St Swithin, Red Mac, Emmeline and Adonis. With a lap to go Mandarene had run into second place behind Schoolgirl, with Country Belle, Emmeline, Red Mac, Adonis King Cole and Denver Huon next. Going along the back Mandarene closed on Schoolgirl, and before turning towards the straight had drawn clear, while Emmeline was moving up fast. From this out Mandarene had the race safe, and won by five lengths from Emmeline, who finished fast, and beat Schoolgirl by four lengths. Country Belle was fourth and then came Red Mac, Denver Huon and King Cole. Time, 4min 37sec.

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

Hall & Simpson's b g Frandocia, by Franz-Cappodocia, 6yrs, 12sec (A Butterfield) 1
J Watson's b g Submarine, aged, scr (T Annett) 2
A J Carman's blk m Ruby S, aged, 10sec (W Wright) 3

Medallion 3sec, Miss Florrie C 9sec, Little Arthur 10sec, St Kevin 11sec, Crown Prince 11sec, Red Ribbon 12sec, First Alarm 12sec, Wallace Jnr 8sec, Millwood 12sec and Lady Rattoo 12sec also started

Lady Rattoo failed to leave the mark and First Alarm at once went off in the leasd with Frandocia, Red Ribbon and Wallace Jnr following in that order. Before reaching the stand Wallace Jnr had taken command, and he led down the back stretch from First Alarm and Frandocia. Passing the stand the second time Frandocia was in front with Red Ribbon, Wallace Jnr and Millwood most prominent of the others, while Submarine had materially improved his position. Frandocia led throughout and won comfortably by twelve lengths. Submarine caught Ruby S in the straight and beat her for second place by a length. Medallion, Red Ribbon and Wallace Jnr were the next to finish. Time 4min 46sec

DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 500 sovs; second 80 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

C Tasker's b c Michael Galindo, by Galindo-Mavourneen, 4yrs, 12sec (J Tasker) 1
W F Clinton's rn m Muricata, 6yrs, 3sec (N L Price) 2
S W Scott's b h Quincey, aged, 1sec (Owner) 3

Redchild scr, Verax 8sec, Bell Car 8sec, Rosalie 10sec, Kelso 11sec, Adventuress 12sec, Master Raymond 12sec and Mahomet 12sec also started.

From a good start, Verax and Mahomet were quickest to begin, but Redchild last a good deal of ground. Passing the stand the first time Mahomet was just in front of Verax, after whom came Master Raymond, Kelso, Michael Galindo and Adventuress. In the back stretch Verax ran past Mahomet and Rosalie also made a forward move. Six furlongs from home Rosalie and Verax were on terms, with Mahomet, Michael Galindo and Muricata next. Going out of the straight Machael Galindo and Muricata closed on the leaders, and in the back stretch Michael Galindo and Muricata ran passed Verax. Michael Galindo, trotting in splendid style, won a good race by four lengths. Muricata was three lengths in front of Quincey, after whom came Rosalie, Kelso and Verax. Time, 4min 47 1/5 sec

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

N Clegg's b m Child Beldon, by Rothschild-May Beldon, aged, 5sec (Owner) 1
L H Bealey's b m Franzalena, aged, 3sec (D Warren) 2
M Friedlander's blk m Maelstrom, aged, 4sec (C Kerr) 3

Lady Clare scr, Solo 1sec, The Whip 2sec, Frances 3sec, Wilkie 4sec, Don Caesar 4sec, Bonista 5sec, Prince Poole 5sec, Andy Regan 5sec, Lady Child 5sec, Prince Warbeck 6sec, May Dillon 6sec, and Bonification 6sec also started.

Child Beldon started very smartly, and went off in the lead from Bonista, Andy Regan, Prince Warbeck and Lady Child. All through the first circuit Child Beldon held the lead, and Maelstrom improved her position going down the back stretch, and passing the stand the order was Child Beldon, Maelstrom, Bonista, Franzalena and Don Caesar. Child Beldon was still in the lead going down the back stretch the second time, while Franzalena ran into second place at the tanks. Franzalena was several lengths behind Child Beldon at the entrance to the straight, and the latter easily held her own and won by two lengths, with Maelstrom four lengths further back. Prince Warbeck was fourth and Solo fifth. Time, 3min 34sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 280 sovs; second 42 sovs and third 28 sovs from stake. One mile.

M Dickens's b g Barmaguie, by Huon Junior, aged, 4sec (J McLennon) 1
A Fay's b h Franzie, aged, 1sec (E McDermott) 2
C E Cross's b g Franz Josef, 6yrs, 4sec (W Pine) 3

Bright scr, Aberfeldy scr, Bellis 2sec, Little Tib 2sec, Stop It 2sec, Lord Elmo 4sec and Miss Florrie C(coupled), Piecework 4sec, Mollywood 4sec and Maplewood 4sec also started.

Franz Josef, Maplewood and Barmaguie were in front as they passed the stand, but along the back Maplewood was beaten, and before reaching the tanks Franz Josef lost his place, and Barmaguie went on in front, with Franzie closing on the leaders. Barmaguie was first into the straight, but had to be hard ridden to beat Franzie by half a length. Franz Josef was three lengths away just behind Stop It, but the latter had been called off for starting before her time. Time, 2min 18 4/5th sec.

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

J Archibald's br g Bell Metal, by Bellman-Lincoln Yet mare, aged, 4sec (C Kerr) 1
F Macdonald & R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged, 2sec (J Brankin) 2
H F Nicoll's ch m Gianella, 6yrs, 4sec (A Pringle) 3

King Cole scr, Ravenschild 1sec, Adonis 3sec, Princess Louise 4sec and Silver Princess 5sec also started.

Adonis would not leave the mark, Silver Princess started very unsteadily, and Princess Louise broke after going a short distance. Bell Metal at once went off in the lead followed by Gianella, Eccentric and Ravenschild. Silver Princess put in a good sprint, and going past the stand was in fourth place. Going along the back stretch Eccentric and Bell Metal were racing together, with Gianella in third place. Turning to the straight Eccentric appeared to have the measure of Bell Metal, but the latter stayed the better and Eccentric who stopped very badly over the final stages, was beaten by four lengths. Gianella was two lengths away third, King Cole, Silver Princess and Ravenschild being next to finish. Time, 2min 15 3/5th sec.



Credit: The Press 15 Nov 1913

1913 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: The Press 14 Nov 1913

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