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1906 EXHIBITION MEETING: FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER

Early morning indications were anything but favourable for the concluding day of the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club's Exhibition Meeting yesterday, but by starting time the sun shone out, and a drying wind helped to erase the effects of Thursday's downpour.

The attendance was large even for a "Show Day," the inside enclosure in particular being crowded almost to the extent of inconvenience. Though still showing some effects of ther previous day's storm, the track was in fair order, and it improved materially as the afternoon wore on. A feature of the racing was the success achieved by visiting horses, Fusee, Dan Patch, Jewel's Heiress and Lady Inez each appropriating a stake.

Speculation reached record proportions, the sum of £15,604 being invested making a grand total of £48,428 for the four days, as against £36,826 last year, when the fixture was confined to three days. The following are the results:-

FARMERS' HANDICAP (in harness) of 125 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. Two miles.

D J Price's b g Fusee by Prince Harold, 4yrs, 25sec (D J Price) 1
J C Paget's Prince Warbeck, 19sec (Owner) 2
T G Fox's Victor Huon, 8sec (Owner) 3

Vanish scr, Te Whiti 6sec, Dick Fly 8sec, Sydney 11sec, Bushman 18sec, Redchild 20sec and Aurora 26sec also started.

Fusee started off well, and with a round completed was a hundred yards clear of Prince Warbeck, after whom came Aurora and Dick Fly. From this out the favourite had matters all his own way, and won comfortably by a dozen lengths from Prince Warbeck, who was a hundred yards in front of Victor Huon. Time, 5min 16sec. Dividends - On Fusee £1 14s; on Prince Warbeck £5 10s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile.

Mrs Yarr's br c Dumbbell by Bell Boy-Secrecy, 3yrs, 7sec (Mr R Monro) 1
Mrs F Wright's Richard E, 12sec (Mr Wright) 2
Mrs N Price's Master Leo, 2sec (Mr Wilkinson) 3

Ferns scr, Vesta 1sec, Mah Honey 2sec, Ashcat 4sec, Te Porangi 4sec, Bugler 6sec, Miss Viking 6sec, Rubican 8sec, Lodi 8sec, Banger 8sec, Thistle 9sec Huanette 9sec and Fram 9sec(coupled), Seaweed 11sec and Rothie(coupled), Bonnie Wood 11sec coupled with Richard E and Rosy D 12sec also started.

Dumbbell and Lodi were in front by the time the enclosure was reached with Richard E at the head of a bunched field. A little further on Lodi retired and Richard E took second place. Two furlongs from home Richard E was in front, but Dumbbell came with a final run in the last fifty yards and won by a neck. Master Leo was fifty yards back in third place. Time, 2min 38 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Dumbell £2 14s; on Richard E £2 10s

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

J Hempler's b g Vanclare by Vancleve-Clare, 6yrs, 16sec (M Edwards) 1
J Case's Durbar, 5sec (J Brankin) 2
A Pringle's Bell Car 16sec (Owner) 3

Belmont M scr, Mint 12sec, Vascoe 12sec, Darwin 13sec and Cinders 16sec also started.

Bell Car soon established a commanding lead and with a circuit gone he was well clear of Cinders, Mint and Vanclare. The leader kept his position till well into the concluding round where Vanclare closed on him and Durbar took fourth place. Two furlongs from home Bell Car compounded and Vanclare went on and won by a dozen lengths from Durbar, who was forty yards in front of Bell Car. Then came Cinders and Vascoe. Time, 4min 51sec. Dividends - On Vanclare £5 12s; on Durbar £2 10s.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. Two miles.

Wi Kaama's b h Albertorious by Albert Victor-Dulce, 5yrs 4sec (N Price) 1
J Ballie's Sir Joe, 14sec, (A Pringle)2
Dr Thacker's Sir Hector, 4sec (M Edwards)3

Monte Carlo scr, Electrician 8sec, Belroy 10sec, Huon King 13sec, Kerrwood 13sec, Fancesca 14sec, JP 15sec and Bill 16sec also started.

Francesca and Sir Joe piloted the field all through the first round with Bill at the head of the others. So they ran all through the first mile, at the end of which Sir Joe was leading Francesca, while Albertorious had worked his way into fifth place. Sir Joe held his own till well into the last circuit where Albertorious took charge and won easily by fifty yards from Sir Joe who was twice that distance in front of Sir Hector. Monte Carlo was fourth. Time, 4min 16 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Albertorious £4 8s; on Sir Joe £1 8s.

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

Mrs R O Duncan's ch f Sal Tasker by Rothschild-Jessie, 4yrs, 11sec (D J Price) 1
Allendale Stock Farm Company's Dan Patch, 8sec (L Robertson) 2
J A Buckland's Verax 8sec (C Piper) 3

Belmont M scr, Euchre scr, Birchmark 9sec coupled with Dan Patch, Lord Elmo 6sec, Silio Hue 7sec, Marian 7sec, Vickery 8sec, Boldrewood 10sec, Viewmont 10sec and Withington 14sec also started.

Sal Tasker held a sustantial advantage of Boldrewood and Dan Patch when the enclosure was reached, Vickery being at the head of the others. Boldrewood acted as the favourite's immediate attendant all through the first circuit, but in the next he stopped and Dan Patch took second place, the others being headed by Vickery and Lord Elmo. There was little change in the order through the third circuit, Sal Tasker having a little the better of Dan Patch, the pair being well clear of Lord Elmo and Vickery. When well into the final round Sal Tasker drew right away from Dan Patch and won easily by thirty yards. A great set-to between Verax, Lord Elmo and Euchre for third place ended on favour of the first-named by a neck, a similar distance separating the others. Time, 4min 44 4/5th sec. Dividend - On Sal Tasker £1 14s; on Dan Patch £1 8s.

PIONEER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. Twice round.

Allendale Stack Farm Company's br c Dan Patch by Rothschild-Ruahine, 4yrs 7sec (A Pringle) 1
J Deyell's Lopp, 7sec (Butterfield) 2
J Case's Durbar 7sec (J Brankin) 3

Myosotis scr, Terra Nova 4sec, The Heir 5sec and St Simon(coupled), Fichu 6sec and ? 8sec(coupled), Mint 6sec, Austerlitz 7sec coupled with Dan Patch and Wild Rose 8sec also started.

Before a furlong had been left behind Dan Patch was in front and going along the back stretch St Simon was running second, followed by Austerlitz, Lopp and Mint. Passing the stand Dan Patch was going easily in front and not being troubled, won by three lengths. Lopp and Durbar passed St Simon in the last quarter the former gaining second place by two lengths, with Fichu fourth. Time, 2min 53 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Dan Patch £2 2s; on Lopp £2 12.

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

Allendale Stock Farm Company's blk m Jewel's Heiress by Heir-at-Law-Nellie Gray, aged, 5sec (L Robertson) 1
R Miller's Lord Elmo, 4sec (A Milson) 2
Allendale Stock Farm Company's Birchmark, 3sec (D J Price) 3

Euchre scr, Elector scr, Discoverer 1sec, Cocoanut 1sec, Vestina 2sec, Galatea 3sec, Hamlin 3sec, My Mistake 3sec, Florin 4sec, Anstrey 4sec and Al F 5sec also started.

Jewel's Heiress started off at a great pace, and at the stand was a dozen lengths clear of Prince Elmo. Easily holding her own to the finish the favourite won by fifty yards from Prince Elmo who was ten lengths in front of Birchmark, with Elector fourth. Time, 2min 19sec. Dividends - On Jewel's Heiress £2; on Prince Elmo £2 18s

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. One mile.

J B Zander's blk m Lady Inez by Directo-Mabel, aged, 12sec (Wright) 1
G Hood's Imperial Polly 16sec (Owner) 2
W Henry's Fancy Girl, 11sec (J Milne) 3

Lady Cedo 11sec, Veloda 12sec, Susie Hue 12sec, Eulogy 14sec, Fusee 11sec 4sec pen. also started.

Imperial Polly showed the way from the start, while Fusee refused to settle to his work. At the stand Imperial Polly was well clear of Eulogy and Lady Inez, and a little further on the latter took second place. A great finish between Imperial Polly and Lady Inez was witnessed, the latter winning by a head. Then a dozen lengths back came Fancy Girl followed by Lady Cedo. Time, 2min 26sec. Dividends - On Lady Inez £1 10s; on Imperial Polly £3 12s.

Credit: The Press 10 November 1906

1905 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club has always been fortunate in the weather experienced for its Spring Meeting, but never has it been favoured with a better day than yeaterday. The light easterly breeze tempered the son's rays, but was not strong enough to cause inconvenience or raise much dust.

Under these tempting circumstances the fact of there being a record attendance is not surprising. Amongst those present were many leading lights in the racing world from all parts of the colony, while three notable Australian trotting enthusiasts in Messers A Pointing and Ward, of the New South Wales TC and Mr G Tye of Melbourne, were amongst the most interested spectators.

As usual at this time of year, the grounds looked at their very best, and though the race track had a thick layer of dust on it, the going was first class. In most of the events the racing was interesting, but no doubt it will improve as the meeting goes on. After the Spring Handicap the drivers of Victor C and Allmount were before the stewards to explain the poor showings of their horses, and in both cases the explanation was accepted as satisfactory.

The extra totalisator accommodation provided was greatly appreciated by speculators, but the paying out arrangements were again the subject of many complaints. Investments for the day reached the fine total of £11,646 10s, which was an increase of £1186 on last year's figures. Results:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J McDonnell's br g Impatient by Prince Imperial, 4yrs 4sec (Owner) 1
L Wilson's Lenape, 12sec (M Albaugh) 2
D Kennedy's Alice Palm, 10sec (Owner) 3

Victor C scr, Allmount 2sec, Inspiration 15sec, and Richard E 15sec also started.

Richard E led for a circuit, when Impatient got to the front, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning pulling up by eighty yards. Lenape finished second ten lengths in front of Alice Palm, both of whom had lost a lot of ground by breaking. Time, 5min 17 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Impatient £4 2s, on Lanape 12s.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 120 sovs; second 18 sovs, third 12 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Brankin's b g Belroy by Coolgardie-Baltileen, 5yrs, 19sec (Owner) 1
H A Webb's Rosalind, 18sec (M Edwards) 2
G Bush's Revenue, scr (A Cox) 3

Doppleganger 12sec, Merry Prince 12sec, Myosotis 14sec and Wild Flower 16sec also started.

Rosalind went off nicely, and held her handicap from Belroy, Wild Flower and Myosotis who were almost on terms. A bad break by the leader when a mile had been gone let Belroy to the front. Rosalind gradually closed on the favourite again but spoilt an excellent chance of winning by leaving her feet when nearing the post. Belroy won a good race by half a length, while Revenue ran through in the last quarter and finished third teh lengths back, followed by Wild Flower. Time, 4min 58sec. Dividends - On Belroy £1 18s; on Rosalind £1 6s.

NOVICE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. Two miles.

P J Keller's b m Millicent by Huon Junr, aged, 8sec (J McClelland) 1
H E Jacobs's Duly Elected, 5sec (N Price) 2
G McConnell's Sweet Nell, 20sec (Owner) 3

Victor C scr, Micklebrook 4sec, Vesta 7sec, Fram 18sec, and Dark Child 20sec also started.

Sweet Nell made play from Fram all through the first circuit. At the stand Millicent closeed on Sweet Nell, and with half the distance gone had established a commanding lead. This she maintained to the finish, winning easily by twelve lengths from Duly Elected, who was ten lengths in front of Sweet Nell. Time, 5min 23 3/5th sec. Dividend - On Millicent £2 6s; on Duly Elected £1 14s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness) of 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs J Lewis's gr m Orlando by Sovereign, 6yrs, scr (Mr J Carl) 1
Mrs B Shadbolt's Little Mary, 3sec (Mr J August) 2
Mrs C Pacham's Mambrino Doll, 17sec (Mr J Messervey) 3

Laughter 4sec, Betty 4sec, Fidelity 8sec, Underwood 9sec, Alice Palm 11sec, Captivator 13sec, Roseshield 14sec, Crown Child 15sec, Zander 17sec, Roosevelt 17sec, Lassie 18sec and Gertie M 18sec(coupled), General White 18sec and Lady Irvington 18sec(coupled) also started.

Lassie showed the way all through the first round just clear of Zander, with General White next. Half a mile from home Mambrino Doll and Little Mary took charge, and a little further on Orlando took third place. A great race to the post between Little Mary and Orlando ensued, victory resting with the latter by half a length, with Mambrino Doll four lengths away third. Time, 3min 50sec. Dividends - On Orlando £11 2s; on Little Mary £6 10s.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 230 sovs; second 34 sovs and third 23 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

J Cooper's b c Lord Elmo by Rothschild-Judah, 3yrs, 7sec (J Milne) 1
T Yarr's Monte Carlo, 4sec (B Edwards) 2
T Thomas's Boldrewood, 3sec (M Albaugh) 3

Vickery 5sec, Verax 5sec, Fichu 6sec, Little Doctor 6sec, Miss Vera Capel 6sec, Onward 7sec, Marian 7sec, Sir Hector 8sec and Jewel's Heiress 9sec also started.

Marian, Sir Hector and Jewel's Heiress lost ground at the start, and Lord Elmo went on in front having eight lengths advantage of Monte Carlo and Onward when the stand was reached. In the back Onward lost his place and with half the distance gone Lord Elmo was four lehgths to the good of Monte Carlo, after whom, at a similar interval, came Little Doctor, Onward, Verax and Miss Vera Capel. Entering the concluding round Lord Elmo was still going easily in front, while Boldrewood improved his position. From this to the finish Lord Elmo had matters all his own way, and won comfortably by two lengths from Monte Carlo. Then six lengths back came Boldrewood and Verax together just clear of Little Doctor and Jewel's Heiress. Time, 3min 37 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Lord Elmo £1 2s; on Monte Carlo £4 4s.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 120 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. Two miles.

D Briggan's br m Whisper by Lincoln Yet, aged, 13sec, (A Pringle) 1
A J Marsall's Carl, 7sec (J Nankerville) 2
T F Cunneen's Bushman, 9sec (E McCann) 3

McKinley scr, Tracey Wood 9sec, Viscount 12sec, Veneda 12sec, Southerly Buster 12sec and Master Dudley also started

Whisper held a slight advantage of Southerly Buster all through the first mile, the pair being right out by themselves. A little further on Southerly Buster stopped and was passed by Bushman and Carl. The latter took second place in the last half mile, but could not get to Whisper, who won by a dozen lengths. Bushman was third, twenty lengths away followed by Veneda. Time, 5min 0 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Whisper £1 14s; on Carl £2 10s.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second 16 sovs and third 11 sovs from stake. One mile

C Richmond's b f Fancy Girl by Velox-Verity, 4yrs, 12sec (A Pringle) 1
C Kerr's All Day, 8sec (Owner) 2
J B Pearson's My Mistake, 8sec, (E McCann) 3

Cocoanut scr, Jewel's Heiress 5sec, Victor Huon 8sec, Viewmont 8sec, Elsa Huon 8sec, General Mac 8sec, Lady Elmo 9sec, Electrician 9sec and Lord Althorp 10sec also started.

Fancy Girl made good use of her handicap and at the stand was six lengths clear of All Day and Lady Elmo, the latter having broken twice. In the conluding round All Day got away from Lady Elmo, but he could not get to Fancy Girl, who won by two lengths. My Mistake finished third, three lengths back, followed by Lady Elmo. Time, 2min 31sec. Dividends - On Fancy Girl £1 10s; on All Day £5 6s.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 16 sovs and third 11 sovs from stake. One mile.

J Messervey's b m Lily C by Young Irvington-Strathairn, aged, 6sec (Owner) 1
F Rogatski's and J Boloski's br g Sonbrino, 8sec (R Allen) 2
C Kerr's All Day, 4sec (Owner) 3

Directo scr, Sierra 1sec, Robert Emmett 2sec, Valentia 2sec, Bessie B 2sec, My Mistake 4sec, Austrey 5sec, Whisper 3sec(4sec pen), Highlander 7sec and Southerly Buster 7sec(coupled), Governor L 8sec, Young Stanley 8sec and Longfellow 8sec also started.

Lily C soon ran to the front, and at the stand she was six lengths to the good of Southerly Buster and Longfellow. The leader maintained her advantage all along the back, and lasted long enough to win by two lengths from Sonbrino, All Day and Robert Emmett, who finished in a bunch. Austrey, the favourite, was also well up after making several bad mistakes. Time. 2min 28sec. Dividends - On Lily C £15 2s; on Sonbrino £9 2s.

Credit: The Press 8 Nov 1905

1905 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER

The weather experienced for the final day's racing of the NZ Metropolitan TC Spring Meeting was most disagreeable, a cold southerly wind, with intermittent showers, prevailing throughout the afternoon. Despite this, the attendance was again large, and interest in the racing was well maintained.

As was only to be expected, the track was in a wretched condition, the mud and slush being fetlock deep, while the competitors after each event presented a sorry spectacle. Under the circumstances time-taking was out of the question, and the going no doubt affected many of the well-fancied candidates' chances.

After the conclusion of the Ladies' Bracelet the stewards had the riders of Lassie and Crown Child before them, and disqualified the former for three months for allowing his mount to gallop, while the latter was cautioned for the same offence.

Great business was done by the totalisator, no less than £11,943 being invested, making a grand total of £36,836 for the meeting, as against £34,930 handled last year. The following are the results:-

BREEDER'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs Kavanagh's b m Lady Cedo, by Tuxedo, 5yrs, 22sec (D J Price) 1
M Friedlander's Kerrwood, 13sec (W Kerr) 2
R Sutherland's Wild Flower, 4sec (J Farrar) 3

Myrtle Girl 5sec, Imperial Polly 15sec, and Lenape 16sec also started.

Lady Cedo led throughout, and though Kerrwood closed on her in the last half-mile, he tired at the finish, suffering defeat by five lengths. Wild Flower was third over a hundred yards back. Time, 4min 15sec. Dividend - £2 8s.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

F Rogatski and J Boleski's b g Sonbrino, by Mambrino Abdallah-Dolly, aged, 9sec (R Allen) 1
W J Moreland's Killarney, 15sec (Owner) 2
W Trotter's Micklebrook, 20sec (J McLelland) 3

Sir Joe scr, Dan Patch 10sec, Longfellow 13sec and Loyal 14sec also started.

Micklebrook led from Killarney and Loyal all through the first mile, but four furlongs from home Killarney closed on him, and he left his feet. Killarney was then in charge, but Sonbrino caught her in the home straight, and won a great race by half a length, with Micklebrook a dozen lengths back third, followed by Longfellow. Time, 5min 28 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Sonbrino, £8 10s; on Killarney £1 18s.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 310 sovs; second 46 sovs and third 31 sovs from stake. Two miles.

Allendale Stock Farm Co's b g Birchmark, by Birchwood-Marksmaid, 5yrs, 7sec (D J Price) 1
S Humphrey'd General Licoln, 6sec (A Pringle) 2
J Smither's br m Vickery, 3sec (M Edwards) 3

Vaunt scr (Coupled with Birchmark), Bolrewood 2sec, Monte Carlo 4sec, Vascoe 4sec, Marian 4sec, Verax 6sec and Discoverer 7sec also started.

Discoverer and Marian lost their places at the start, and Birchmark showed the way past the stand two lengths to the good of General Lincoln, with Verax next. In the back straight General Lincoln closed on the leader, and at the stand he was half a length to the good, the pair being followed at twelve lengths' interval by Verax, Vickery and Monte Carlo. Going along the back Birchmark broke, and General Lincoln took charge, but entering the concluding circuit Birchmark was in charge again. A little further on Birchmark ran to the front, and, easily holding his own to the finish, won by three lengths. Vickery occupied third place fifth yards off, followed by Verax and Monte Carlo. Time, 5min 17 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Birchmark £2 14s; on General Lincoln £1 4s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile ans a half.

Mrs T Neale's br g Te Porangi by Prince Imperial, 6yrs, 15sec (Mr K Smith) 1
Mrs M L Glen's Glenallan, 11sec (Mr H Jones) 2
Mrs H Thompson's Wattle, 15sec (Mr H Thompson) 3

Mambrino Doll 9sec, Sweet Nell 13sec, Crown Child 13sec, Roosevelt 15sec, Lassie 15sec, Fram 15sec and Imperial Bess 15sec also started.

Lassie piloted the field for half a mile with Imperial Bess and Crown Child handy. In the last circuit Te Porangi got to the front and stayed there to the finish, winning by a length from Lassie, who, like Crown Child, the third placegetter, was distanced for galloping. Second money went to Glenallan and third to Wattle, both of whom finished some distance away. Time, 4min 27sec. Dividends - On Te Porangi £2 2s; on Glenallan £2 2s.

THREE MILE PURSE HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake.

Mrs McBride's b m Duchess of Rothschild by Rothschild-The Duchess, 6yrs, 22sec (D J Price) 1
H A Webb's Rosalind, 13sec (N Edwards) 2
J Brankin's Black Prince, 20sec (Owner) 3

General Grigg 5sec, McKinley 8sec, Sir Joe 10sec, Viewmont 13sec and Doppleganger 22 sec also started.

Duchess of Rothschild soon established a commanding lead, and with a mile gone was a hundred yards to the good of Doppleganger and Black Prince, while General Grigg had made up little of his leeway. In the second mile Rosalind ran past Black Prince and Doppleganger, the latter pair being followed by Viewmont and General Grigg. So they kept to the finish, for though Rosalind closed on the leader in the final circuit she was still eight lengths to the bad when the post was reached. Black Prince finished third over a hundred yards back, followed at a lengthy interval by General Grigg and Viewmont. Time, 8min 24 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Duchess of Rothschild £3 6s; on Rosalind £6 4s.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 180 sovs; second 27 sovs and third 18 sovs from stake. Two miles.

M Allan's b g Fichu by Honest Wilkes-BB, aged, 8sec (Owner) 1
J Hempler's Vanclare, 12sec (M Edwards) 2
W Smart's George L II, 12 sec (C Kerr) 3

Thurlow scr, The Heir 8sec, Sir Hector 8sec and Miss Banks 13sec also started.

Miss Banks, The Heir and Fichu formed the leading division throughtout the first circuit, after which The Heir established a substantial lead. With a mile gone he commenced to tire, and Fichu went on in front. Entering the concluding round Fichu was six lengths to the good, and gradually drawing away won easily by over a hundred yeards from Vanclare, who was six lengths in front of George L II. Thurlow lost a lot of ground at the start by breaking, and was in the rear all through. Time, 5min 6 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Fichu £2 6s; on Vanclare £3 4s.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 130 sovs; second 19 sovs and third 13 sovs from stake. One mile.

Allendale Stock Farm Company's b g Plain G by Chieftain, 6yrs, 6sec (L Robertson) 1
J McLennan's br m Amusement, 4sec (Owner) 2
A J Lawrence's Galatea, 7sec (M Edwards) 3

Norice 1sec, Lady Julian 3sec and Wild Rose 4sec also started.

Galatea soon held a big advantage of Plain G and at the stand she was five lengths to the good of the favourite, who was closely followed by Amusement and Lady Julian. Once into the back straight Plain G had Galatea's measure, and drawing away, won comfortably by two lengths from Amusement. Galatea was six lengths away third, followed by Lady Julian, who could not sustain her effort. Time, 2min 39 2/5th sec. Dividend £2 6s.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in saddle) of 130 sovs; Second 19 sovs and third 13 sovs from stake. One mile.

M Allan's b g Fichu by Honest Wilkes-BB aged, 1sec (2sec pen)(Owner) 1
A Kerr's Inglewood, 2sec (Owner) 2
J A Buckland's St Simon, 2sec (A Piper) 3

Two Up 1 sec, Cocoanut 1sec, Lopp 1sec, Austerlitz 1sec, Thurlow 1sec and Plain G 2sec(1sec pen) coupled, Ben Hur 1sec, Little Doctor 3sec, Lily C 4sec and Nellie Moore 4sec also started.

Nellie Moore made play past the stand, with two lengths advantage of Inglewood, Lily C and Ben Hur, while Fichu was most prominent of the others. In the back straight Inglewood closed on the leader and Fichu took third place. Two furlongs from home Inglewood passed Nellie Moore but nearing the post Fichu got to him and won a good race by two lengths. Forty yards back came St Simon just in front of Cocoanut and Lopp. Time, 2min 28sec. Dividends - On Fichu £7 12s; on Inglewood £2 2s

Credit: The Press 11 November 1905

1905 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP HANDICAP

The stake of the race remained at £310. The winner was Allendale Stock Farm's Birchmark (D J Price) with General Lincoln second and Vickery third.

"There was nothing sensational about the race," state the files. "Birchmark was regarded as a horse above average."

There was much more of an international flavour to the Cup in the early years than there has been ever since so it was only a matter of time before it was raided.

The second edition was won by Birchmark, a 5-year-old bred in America, owned and trained in Melbourne and driven by the renowned Australasian "sportsman" Dave Price of Ribbonwood fame.

The gelding began from the front and ploughed through a very muddy track in 5:17 3/5, which will forever remain the slowest time on record.

**'Ribbonwood'writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 25Oct44**

-o0o-

Birchmark, off the front mark and the race favourite, ploughed through mud and slush to win the second New Zealand Cup. The heavy track unsettled most of the competitors, but Birchmark, always noted for his staying ability, was able to handle the conditions better than the rest. His winning time of 5:17.6 remains the slowest recorded in the race.

Birchmark was an American-bred gelding, owned and trained in Melbourne, and was one of a group of horses sent to Christchurch for the November racing by Lou Robertson, an expatriate New Zealander who had driven Royalwood in the inaugural New Zealand Cup. Robertson had crossed the Tasman to Australia, where he had taken up new training headquarters. Much later he switched his attention to the gallopers, and trained the 1935 Melbourne Cup winner Marabou.

The 1905 Cup carnival was raced over the customary days, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, November 7,9 and 10. Good weather on the first day brought a record attendance to Addington and, despite the extra totalisator facilities provided, amenities were taxed to the hilt. Lord Elmo beat Monte Carlo and Boldrewood in the Metropolitan Handicap, but was not a Cup contender. On the second day intermittent rain and a strong southerly wind made conditions unpleasant. Discoverer won the Christchurch Handicap by a neck from Marian. Both were Cup hopefuls, but it took them five minutes to race the two miles, so they gained little support. Birchmark was not a starter either day.

The cold southerly remained on Cup Day and heavy showers turned the track into a quagmine. As expected in such conditions, horses and drivers were sorry sights
after their events, returning to the birdcage covered in mud. The programme was a mixed bag. Of the eight races, five were in saddle and three in harness. There were two races over a mile, two over a mile-and-a-half, three over two miles and one over three miles, which took an incredible 8:24.6.

In the early spring, Cocoanut beat Verax in the August Handicap, Marian won the Midwinter Handicap, and Birchmark became the first of several National Cup-New Zealand Cup winners. The track that day in August was also in bad shape after heavy rain, so Birchmark was a ready-made favourite.

General Lincoln (Andy Pringle) and Monte Carlo were the next-best supported of the 10 starters. Dave Price (of Ribbonwood fame), who was driving Birchmark, had him in front from the start. Marian and Discoverer both broke and lost their chances. Birchmark led past the stands and, the first time round, was two lengths in front of General Lincoln and Verax. He still had a useful lead well into the second mile. In the back straight Birchmark broke his stride and Andy Pringle pushed General Lincoln into the lead. The pair were followed at 12-length intervals by Verax, Vickery and Monte Carlo. Birchmark recovered his lost ground and quickly surged past General Lincoln, beating him to the winning post by three lengths. Vickery (Manny Edwards) struggled into third place, 50 yards away. The others headed by Verax and Monte Carlo, were unable to handle the bad ground and were well beaten.

The trotter Verax was the season's top earner with £434.

**Bernie Wood writing in The Cup**

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING Second Day

The weather was beautiful for the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting, but the Riccarton Racecourse is still very heavy from the effects of Wednesday night's rain. Results:-

TRIAL HANDICAP (saddle) 70 sovs; Two miles - Viewmont, 8sec, 1; Victor Huon, scr, 2; Tiny Peri, 16sec, 3. Also started - Vanclare scr, Experiment 7sec, Murmur 8sec, Veneda 10sec, Transvaal 16sec, Broncho Bill 20sec. Won easily by twelve lengths. Time 5min 13sec. Dividends - £9 and 18s.

PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP (harness) 70 sovs; Two miles - Mambrino King 5sec, 1; Cissio Wood 16sec, 2; Edward L 13sec, 3. Also started - Zeppa 1sec, Wild Flower 7sec, General Mac 9sec, Larry II 12sec, Victor Hugo 18sec. Won by twelve lengths. Time 5min 16 3/5sec. Dividends - £11 18s and 12s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (harness) 60 sovs; One mile and a half - Specialist 6sec 1; Premier Dick 12sec 2; Roseneath 9sec 3. Also started - Little Harold scr, The Manager 4sec, Colonial 6sec, Club Member 6sec, Eltee More 8sec, Victor Hugo 9sec, British Pluck 9sec, Lazy Jack 9sec, Anstrey 10sec. Won by four lengths. Time 4min 19 1/5sec. Dividends - £2 and £5 16s.

KING EDWARD HANDICAP (saddle) 110 sovs; Two miles - George L II 11sec 1; Burlingham 15sec 2; De Wet 5sec 3. Also started - Kerryall 7sec, Big Jim 7sec, Verity 7sec, Moira 10sec, Velvet 10sec, Cinders 13sec, Blithe Child 14sec, Electioneer Belle 15sec. Won by twelve lengths. Time 5min 3 1/5sec. Dividends - £7 8s and £1 10s.

MIDWINTER HANDICAP (harness) 175 sovs; Two miles - Vickery 5sec 1; Imperialism 9sec 2; Black Child scr 3. Also started - Boldrewood scr, Norice 3sec, Monte Carlo 5sec, Lancewood II 9sec, General Lincoln 9sec. Won by a head. Time 4min 54sec. Dividends - £7 16s and £2 2s.

PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP (harness) 120 sovs; One mile and a half - Euchre 3sec 1; Bill 7sec 2; Queen Mab 10sec 3. Also started - Austerlitz scr, Frederick 3sec, Elsie T 5sec, Veracity 6sec, Rosalind 7sec, Ruby Walker 7sec. Won by fifty yards. Time 3min 46 4/5sec. Dividends - £4 and £1 18.

DASH HANDICAP (saddle) 100 sovs; One mile - Mistle 9sec 1; Ben Hur 7sec 2; Marian 7sec 3. Also started - Cocoanut 1sec, St Simon 2sec, Vascoe 4sec, Sierra 4sec, Perewitu 5sec, Naughty Girl 5sec, Durbar 5sec, Kiddy Gee 3sec, Leda 9sec. Won by four lengths. Time 2min 31 3/5sec. Dividends - £2 4s and £5 6s.

TELEGRAPH HANDICAP (harness) 110 sovs; One mile - Coral Hue 5sec 1; Elector scr 2; All Day 4sec 3. Also started - Hamlin scr, Austerlitz 2sec, Frederick 4sec, Elsie T 5sec, The Orphan 6sec. Won by a length and a half. Time 2min 28sec. Dividends - £1 12s and £2 10s.

Credit: Evening Post 20 Aug 1904

NZMTC SPRING MEETING THIRD DAY

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was favoured with fine weather for the third day of its meeting at Riccarton. The course was in good order, and there was a fair attendance. The following are results:-

ADDINGTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 80 sovs; second horse 8 sovs and third horse 4 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr J Westerman's b g Edward R, by Electioneer, aged, 13sec (C Davidson) 1.

Mr M Edwards's b m Cissie Wood, 3yrs, 12sec (Owner) 2.

Mr N Price's b c General Mac, 3yrs, 7sec (Owner) 3.

Mambrino King scr, Nabocklish 1sec, and Larry II 12sec also started.

Cissie Wood quickly established a lead from General Mac and Larry II, and at the mile post was three lengths in front of General Mac. Entering the straight the latter closed up, but both leaders tired very badly, and Edward R coming with a strong run from outside the distance, won easily by six lengths, General Mac eight lengths away. Time 5min 22 3/5sec. Dividend - £9 6s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 60 sovs; second horse 3 sovs and third horse 2 sovs from the stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs J Carleton's gr g Strathconan, by Nilreb, aged, 2sec (R Kirkwood) 1.

Mrs S Humphries's ch g Lazy Jack, 5yrs, 12sec (S Humphries) 2.

Mrs R Day's b m The Gift, 3yrs, 10sec (A Day) 3.

Tea Tree scr, Maid E 4sec, Little Duke 5sec, Broncho Bill 6sec, Eltee More 10sec, Rockleigh 10sec, Eglantine 10sec, Clarinda 10sec, Gather-no-Moss 10sec, Teller 11sec, Zeta II 11sec, General Tar 11sec, Allmount 11sec Laura 12sec and Alicia 12sec also started.

Zeta II led for three furlongs, but broke and gave way to Lazy Jack. The latter led into the straight, with The Gift in close attendance and Gather-no-Moss well up. Strathconan came with a great run from the distance, and Lazy Jack breaking five yards from the post, Strathconan got up in time to win by a length. The Gift three lengths away third. Time 4min 6sec. Dividends - £16 14s and £2 6s

NATIONAL CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 210 sovs; second horse 21 sovs and third horse 10 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr E Thomas's b h Boldrewood, by General Tracy-Mermaid, aged, 1sec (A Pringle) 1.

Mr J A Buckland's b g Verax, 6yrs, 6sec (C Piper) 2.

Mr J S August's b h Black Child, aged, scr (N Price) 3.

Vickery 2sec, Norice 3sec, Monte Carlo 5sec and Vascoe 5sec also started.

Passing the stand, Verax held a three lengths lead, with Norice and Monte Carlo next and Vickery three lengths further away. At the post Monte Carlo and Norice closed up to within two lengths of Verax, and Boldrewood began to make up his ground. Three furlongs further on Vickery got on terms with Verax, and Boldrewood put in a strong run, which brought him to the front at the top turn. Once in line for home, Boldrewood held a lead of four lengths from Verax and Black Child, and, never being troubled, Boldrewood won comfortably by three lengths from Verax. Black Child a length and a half in front of Verax and Norice two lengths away fourth. Time 4min 45sec. Dividends - £2 12s and £1 16s.

CANTERBURY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 120 sovs; second horse 12 sovs and third horse 6 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr J Case's b g Durbar, by Vancleve, aged, scr (A Pringle) 1.

Mr J A Buckland's ch m Velvet, aged, 12sec (C Piper) 2.

Mr R Day's b m Moira, aged, 11sec (Owner) 3.

De Wet 7sec, Sierra 7sec, Kerryall 10sec and Big Jim 10sec also started.

Moira soon established a long lead from Velvet, with Sierra and De Wet at the head of the rear division. Durbar passed Sierra at the seven furlong post, and before the straight was reached had supplanted Moira, who was tiring badly. Durbar won comfortably by eight lengths. Valvet beating Moira in the run home by a length. Time 4min 55sec. Dividends - £2 18s and £1 14s.

Credit: Star 22 Aug 1904

NORICE

There is an Indian legend that the spirit of a brave chief is permitted to return to the scene of his triumphs in time of peril or rejoicing and mingle with the young warriors, inspiring them with his daring or eloquence when reciting their deeds on the warpath. This was the red man's tribute to those who were gone, or, as Longfellow sets it to poetry in the "Psalm of Life.":

Lives of great men all remind us,
We can make our live sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us,
Footprints in the sands of time.

The wraith of Norice must have hovered many times over Addington, the Dominion's leading convincing ground, because here the great mare herself, her sons and their sons and daughters, and their legions of descendants of both gaits have, over a period of more than 40 years, left some imperishable imprints in the sands.

And these legions of Norice's descendants have only followed in the footsteps of their illustrious forebear, who proved head and shoulders above most of the best pacers and trotters that could have assembled in the Dominion from 1903 to 1906. Very quickly her reputation became such that she started a short-priced favourite in any event she contested, no matter what the distance or how severe the handicap.

She began racing as a six-year-old in the 1903-04 season, and scored five wins and a second in her first seven starts. Her first win was recorded in the Trial Handicap, of a mile and a half, at the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting at Addington in November, 1903. The time on a heavy track was 3.57. The following day, which was "very wet" she won the Hornby Handicap, of two miles, in 5.03 4-5.

Already she had climbed the heights, for her next win was in the High-Class Handicap, of two miles, at Tahuna Park. At her next start she won the Leap Year Handicap, of two miles, at the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club's Easter Meeting, in 4.54 and rounded off the season by romping home in the Champion Handicap, of two miles, at the same meeting in 4.46 2-5, those behind he including Vickery, The Needle, Blackchild, Boldrewood, St Simon, Monte Carlo, Vasco and Harold C.

The following season she ran three times unplaced and then ran second in the first NZ Trotting Cup to Monte Carlo. The favourite, Durbar, was third. At her next start she won the New Year Handicap, of two miles, at Plumpton Park, in 4.46 2-5. Her other win that season was in the Grand Free-For-All, of a mile and a quarter, at the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club's Easter meeting, her time being 2.52 2-5, with Vickery and Monte Carlo in the minor placings. She won very easily.

The 1905-06 season saw the last of her on the racetrack, and she must have been well on towards the foaling stage when she was retired in April, 1906, because in the same year she produced her first foal, a filly by Rothschild, later known as Lady Derby. In August, 1905, she had won the Free-For-All Stakes, of a mile and a quarter. This event was run in two heats and a final, and she won both her heat and the final with ease. Norice was a champion, so good, in fact, that but for being unsound she probably would never have left America. This view was held by the late Dave Price , who was associated with the Charles Derby mare in all her races.

The Charles Derby strain has been notably successful in this country and Australia. It is probable that if the potency of this line in the Antipodes were brought to the notice of an American authority of the standing of John Hervey, he would be able to offer some tangible explanation of its speed-producing qualities. Because Norice was a daughter of Charles Derby; because the great Australian progenitor Globe Derby descended in the direct male line from Charles Derby, and because another champion mare in Trix Pointer is by Demonio, a son of Charles Derby, my curiosity was naturally aroused, and, on consulting Wallace's Year Book, I found that Charles Derby, like many other horses of his day, was inbred to Hambletonian 10, being by Steinway, by Strathmore, a son of Hambletonian 10, from Katie G, by Electioneer, by Hambletonian 10. Charles Derby cut a fairly respectable figure as a sire in the States, as he is credited by Wallace with having sired 48 standard performers, 13 trotters and 35 pacers, among the latter a really good horse in Jim Logan, 2.01¾; but he was by no means an outstanding progenitor, because the standard performers of sires like McKinney, Peter The Great, Bingen and Axworthy could be counted in hundreds. That does not alter the fact that Charles Derby's son Owyhee, established the greatest male line Australia has had by siring Mambrino Derby, the sire of Globe Derby, and that Charles Derby himself begot in Norice probably the greatest mare - racing and producing qualities taken into account - ever to come to the Dominion.

Norice's greatest fame of the moment comes through her son Nelson Derby, one of the most successful Colonial-bred sires of recent years, though he has never been extensively used at the stud and for the past ten years or more has been in private service. As the sire of Haughty, Hardy Oak, Nelson Eddy, Plutus and numerous other winners, Nelson Derby has occupied a prominent place on the sires' list for some seasons past. Nelson Derby was a good racehorse himself, his wins including the Great Northern Derby and Auckland Cup, but he was not a sound horse, otherwise, according to his last trainer, the late W J Tomkinson, he would have taken the highest honours offering in his time.

Native King, a high class trotter, and Nelson Fame, a brilliant pacer with two-minute potentialities, were full brothers to Nelson Derby. Of the pair, Native King was the most successful sire, his progeny including Native Prince, Native Star and Royal Romance. Nelson Fame met a premature death, and left only a few foals, including Lady Fame. Other sons of Norice who left winners were Bingen Boy and Derby Chimes, both of whom went to Australia, and Lord Derby.

One of the greatest lines coming down from the maternal side of Norice is that from her daughter Queen Cole, by King Cole, 2.08 3-5. Among her foals were three fillies, Colene Pointer, by Logan Pointer; Albena, by Rodgewood; and Queen's Treasure, by Rey de Oro.

Colene Pointer, who was a good pacer, won the Timaru Cup, but she broke down badly soon afterwards. It is related that she was so lame that she could not be sent off her owners place, and at that time an old horse called Quincey, who had been a good racehorse in his day, but not a great success as a sire, was one of the few stallions offering in the district. The upshot of this situation was that Colene Pointer was mated with Quincey, and produced Kingcraft, the only pacer of Cup class ever left by Quincey. Kingcraft won a division of the New Zealand Cup and finished second to Harold Logan the following year. He was at one time the most talked-of pacer in the Dominion, and certainly one of the fastest of the time. Colene Pointer produced other good winners in Kilrea and Village Guy; and Poker Face is good but unsound. Colene Parrish and Ping are other good winners left by Colene Pointer.

Albena also won races and is the dam of Albertini, Sterling Pointer, Strummer and Wrackful.

Queen's Treasure promises to become a successful matron of the true Norice pattern, for already her first three foals are winners, namely, a Cup horse in Hardy Oak, and Single Star and Jack's Treasure.

Lady Derby, a daughter of Rothschild and Norice, produced Derby Dillon, Peter Derby, Frances Derby, Lady Pointer, Her Ladyship, Sister Maud, Olatrice, and that fine trotter Sister Beatrice. Francis Derby produced Bingen Derby and Don Derby; Lady Pointer produced Lady Rey; Her Ladyship produced Lady Fame 4.26, and Play Lady; and Sister Maud has produced Sister Rose, Sister Mary, Queen Maud and others. In turn, Play Lady has produced Play Ring; Sister Rose is the dam of Teddy Gregg; and Queen Maud has produced Sports Guide and Royal Volo.

Theda Bara, a daughter of Van Coronado and Norice, produced General Bingen, Una Dillon, Actor Ballin, Tiger Lily and Rose Warton. Van Coronado was a comparetive failure as a sire, but apparently the Norice blood is capable of overcoming all such hindrances, because the Theda Bara branch of the family is also breeding on, her daughter, Rose Warton (by First Fashion) being the dam of Jimmy Wharton, and another daughter Una Dillon (by Harold Dillon) being the dam of Truman, Deanna Durbin and Storeman. Deanna Durbin has gone to the stud, and is the dam of a 1942 filly by Fremont which shows promise.

Daughters of Nelson Derby are producing winners. An unnamed Nelson Derby mare is the dam of Casabianca, Daphne Queen is the dam of Loyal King, and Hughenden Queen is the dam of Huguenot, 3.13 3-5.


Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 27 Sep 1944

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING: Third Day

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was extremely fortunate in the weather experienced for the concluding day of its Spring Meeting, the meteorological conditions being perfect both for the contestants and onlookers.

As is always the case on Show Day, the attendance was extremely large, the various enclosures being crowded to excess. Amongst those present were many notable visitors, all of whom were favourably impressed with the day's operations. The running track was again in first-class order, while the racing was of the best ever witnessed in Canterbury.

Speculation was brisk, the fine sum of £13,468 being passed through the totalisator, as against £11,207 on the corresponding day last year. During the three days the sum of £34,931 was invested, an increase of £5051 on last year's turnover. Results:-

BREEDER'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Teddy's br c Young McKinney, by McKinney, 4yrs, 12sec (N Price) 1
M Edwards's Cissie Wood, 13sec (Owner) 2
J Poff's Nabocklish, 9sec (J Milne) 3

Vangeline 2sec, Doppleganger 13sec, Zinska 15sec, Roseneath 15sec also started.

Young McKinney had got to the head of affairs by the time the stand was reached, and he showed the way to Cissie Wood and Doppleganger. With a mile gone Zinska threatened danger, but broke badly, giving way to Cissie Wood and Nabocklish. Cissie Wood pressed the leader closely, but could not get up, and suffered defeat by six lengths. Nabocklish, who came fast in the last half mile, spoilt an excellent chance by breaking, finishing a length behind Cissie Wood. Vangeline was fourth and Doppleganger fifth. Time, 4min 58 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Young McKinney £2 8s; on Cissie Wood £1 10s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 75 sovs; second 5 sovs and third 3 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs J Messervey's b m Lilly C, by Young Irvington, 5yrs, 18sec (Mr Messervey) 1
Mrs J August's Transvaal, 16sec (Mr August) 2
Mrs J Carleton's Strathconan, 9sec (Mr Carleton) 3

Ivy B 3sec, Ashcat 7sec, Tea Tree 9sec, Cashier 11sec, Waikoi 12sec, Killarney 14sec, Accident 15sec, Mystery 18sec, Mystery 18sec, amusement 20sec, Allmount 20sec, Eltee More 20sec and Botany 20sec(coupled), Straybird 20sec and Fan Toy 21sec (coupled), Maid E 18sec, Firthioff 21sec and Bugler 21sec(coupled) and Merry Prince 23sec andf Electine 23sec(coupled) also started.

Before reaching the stand Lilly C had taken charge, her nearest attendants being Straybird and Transvaal. From this out Lilly C had matters all her own way, for though Strathconan at one time threatened danger, he broke badly, allowing Transvaal to chase the leader home, the pair being separated by eight lengths. Strathconan was third twelve lengths away. Time, 3min 57 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Lilly C £3 10s; on Transvaal £1 10s.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 7 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

W Redmond's b g Frederick, by Vancleve-Fraulein, 6yrs, 14sec (M E Albaugh) 1
L Robertson's Myrtle Dean, 12sec (Owner) 2
J Case's Verity, 12sec (A Pringle) 3

Flora G 3sec, Hamlin 3sec, Lottie Derby 7sec, Viva 9sec, All Day 11sec, Moira 14sec and Pygmalion 14sec also started.

Pygmalion started well, and with a round gone he was just clear of Frederick and Myrtle Dean, after whom came All Day and Viva. Entering the last round Frederick was leading Myrtle Dean by three lengths, while All Day and Pygmalion were well up. Myrtle Dean put in a good run in the back straight, but she could not get to Frederick, who won by two lengths with Verity twelve lengths away third. Pygmalion fourth and Flora G fifth. Time, 3min 39sec. Dividends - On Frederick £12 12s; on Myrtle Dean 16s.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 17 sovs and third 8 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Gallagher's b g McKinley, by Rothschild, aged, 11sec (B Edwards) 1.
J G McConachie's Sydney, 13sec, (R McConachie) 2
L Robertson's Thurlow, scr (Owner) 3

St Simon 2sec, Harold C 4sec, Cinders 7sec, George L II 7sec, Goergie M 7sec, Perewiti 7sec, Viewmont 13sec also started.

Sydney and Viewmont made the early running, with McKinley and Perewiti well up. With a round to go McKinley was right clear on his field, the most prominent of whom were Sydney, Viewmont, Georgie M and Thurlow. McKinley held his own all through the remainder of the journey, and though Thurlow and Sydney came fast they could make no impression on the leader, who won easily by forty yards. Sydney beat Thurlow in the last hundred yards for second place by half a length, with Viewmont and George L II well up next. Time, 4min 53sec. Dividends - On McKinley £9 12s; on Sydney £3 8s.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 310 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. Two miles.

T Yarr's br g Monte Carlo, by Lincoln Yet, aged, 7sec (B Edwards) 1
J Pettie's Norice, 4sec (D J Price) 2
J Case's Durbar, 7sec (A Pringle) 3

Euchre scr, Vickery 4sec, Factory Boy 4sec, Vascoe 6sec, Verax 7sec and Royalwood 7sec also started.

Norice went off at a great pace and at the stand she was four lengths in front of Monte Carlo and Verax. This order was maintained all through the first round. Royalwood being well up in fourth place. Monte Carlo closed on the leader in the second circuit, while well up came Verax, Vickery and Royalwood. Before entering the last round Monte Carlo had got to within a length of Norice, the pair running four lengths in advance of Verax, Royalwood and Durbar. Going along the back Monte Carlo was almost on terms with the American mare, and having her measure at the home turn, won by twelve lengths. Norice pulling up when beaten. Durbar was two lengths further back third, followed by Verax and Royalwood. Time 4min 44 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Monte Carlo £1 8s; on Norice £1 4s.
The winner received a great reception on returning to the enclosure.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

M Edwards's b g Vanclare, by Vancleve, 5yrs, 12sec (Owner) 1
W Martin's Hero, 5sec (Owner) 2
E G Sandall's Viscount, 14sec (D J Price) 3

Mount Palm scr, Miss Bank 1sec, Velvet 3sec, Auctioneer II 7sec, Vanforth 12sec and Zinska 12sec also started.

Viscount led for nearly a round, when Vanclare ran past him, and with half the distance gone was right out by himself, Viscount, Auctioneer and Hero following. Vanclare increased his advantage all through the concluding round, and won very easily by a hundred yards from Hero, who was almost the same distance in front of Viscount. Time, 4min 53sec. Dividends - On Vanclare £1 12s; on Hero £4 12s.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 130 sovs; second 13 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. One mile.

L Robertson's b g Plain G, By Chieftian, aged 2sec (Owner) 1
G McClatchie's Elector, 3sec (M E Albaugh) 2
A Pringle's Directo, 4sec (Owner) 3

Hamlin scr, Eushre 1sec, Coral Hue 4sec, Lottie Derby 4sec and Viva 4sec also started.

Coral Hue showed out from Directo and Elector at the end of a furlong, but at the stand Directo was on terms with him, Elector a length back. A little further on Plain G took fourth place, while at the top turn Coral Hue, Directo and Elector were running abreast. Then Coral Hue lost his place, and a great finish between Elector and Plain G ended in favour of the latter by a neck. Directo was a length back third, closely followed by Viva and Coral Hue. Time, 2min 23 1/5th sec. Dividends - On Plain G £5 4s; on Elector £3 2s.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in saddle) of 130 sovs; second 13 sovs and third 7 sovs from stake. One mile.

J A Buckland b g St Simon, by St Louis, 6yrs, 3sec (A Piper) 1
M Friedlander's Lancewood II, 5sec (C Kerr) 2
J Brankin's Cocoanut, 3sec (Owner) 1

Ben Hur scr, Inglewood 2sec, Austerlitz 3sec, Vascoe 3sec, and Georgie M 5sec also started.

Georgie M and Austerlitz spoilt their chances by breaking soon after the start. At the stand Lancewood II was six lengths clear of Ben Hur, after whom, in close order came St Simon, Inglewood and Cocoanut. A little further on St Simon ran past Ben Hur, and drew on the leader, while Cocoanut improved her position. At the home turn St Simon had Lancewood's measure and drawing away in the straight, won by six lengths; half a length separating Lancewood and Cocoanut, with Vascoe fourth. Time, 2min 21 2/5th sec. Dividends - On St Simon £6 12s; on Lancewood II £1 2s.

Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1904

1904 NZMTC AUGUST MEETING: SECOND DAY

A perfect spring day favoured the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club for the second day of its August Meeting, held at Riccarton yesterday. Though rather holding in places, the course was in fair order, and the racing was highly interesting. The attendance was not equal to that present on the opening day, though it was well up to the average of a winter meeting.

It was a splendid field that contested the Midwinter Handicap, in which Vickery registered a fine performance by getting to the end of the two miles in 4min 54sec. Imperialism and BlackChild also trotted well, but Norice and General Lincoln gave disappointing displays.

North Island-owned horses again figured prominently, Euchrie and Mistle accounting for their races though the latter had little to spare at the finish from the consistent Ben Hur.

During the early part of the afternoon speculation was exceedingly dull, but it afterwards improved, the day's total reaching £5275, as against £8990 handled on the corresponding day last year.

Results:-

TRIAL HANDICAP (in saddle) of 70 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 3 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

J Brankin's br g Viewmont, by Viking, 5yrs, 8sec (Owner) 1.
J Case's Victor Huon, scr (A Pringle) 2.
J S Poff's Tini Peri, 16sec (S Poff) 3.

Vanclare scr, Experiment 7sec, Murmur 8sec, Veneda 10sec, Transvaal 16sec and Broncho Bill 20sec also started.

Broncho Bill showed the way from the start, and at the start he was thirty yards in front of Tini Peri, while Victor Huon had run into fourth place. In the back straight Viewmont took second place, and six furlongs from home had Broncho Bill's measure. From this out Viewmont had matters all his own way, winning by forty yards from Victor Huon, who was a similar distance in front of Tini Peri, with Broncho Bill fourth. Time, 5min 13sec. Dividends - On Viewmont, £9; on Victor Huon, 18s.

PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP (in harness) of 70 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 3 sovs from stake. Two miles.

R Campbell's b h Mambrino King, by Mambrino Mac-Jenny Tracey, aged, 5sec (H Bebbington) 1.
M Edwards's Cissie Wood, 16sec (Owner) 2.
J Westerman's Edward R, 13sec (Davidson) 3.

Zeppa 1sec, Wildflower 7sec, General Mac 9sec, Larry II 12sec and Victor Hugo 18sec also started. (Edward R and Victor Hugo were coupled)

Cissie Wood and Victor Hugo ran on terms for two furlongs. Then the former drew right away, and in the back straight was fifty yards in front of Edward R and Larry II. Going round the top turn Mambrino King took second place, and over-hauling the leader at the stand, won by eight lengths. Edward R was third, six lengths behind Cissie Wood. Time, 5min16 1/5th sec. Dividends - On Mambrino King, £11 18s; on Cissie Wood, 12s.

A protest against the winner for galloping was dismissed.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness) of 60 sovs; second 3 sovs, and third 2 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs F H Redder's b c Specialist, by Specification, 3yrs, 6sec (Mr J Tod) 1
Miss J Rodey's Premier Dick, 12sec (Mr A Howard) 2.
Mrs F Freeman's Roseneath, 9sec (Mr H Lucas) 3.

Little Harold scr, The Manager 4sec and Victor Hugo 9sec (coupled), Club Member 6sec, Colonial 6sec, Eltee More 8sec, British Pluck 9sec, Lazy Jack 9sec and Austrey 10sec also started.

Premier Dick soon established a big advantage of Roseneath and Specialist and with half the distance gone was right out by himself. Running round the top turn the leader broke, Specialist and Roseneath closing on him. The last-named also left his feet, and Specialist went on and won by four lengths from Premier Dick who was fifty yards in front of Roseneath. Time, 4min 19 1/5th sec. Dividends - On Specialist £2; on Premier Dick £3 16s.

KING EDWARD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

G Smart's b g George L II by Del Paso, aged, 11sec (E McKewan) 1
C H Piper's Burlingham, 15sec (Owner) 2
E Maidment's De Wet, 5sec (D Nyhan) 3.

Kerryall 7sec, Big Jim 7sec, Verity 7sec, Moira 10sec, Velvet 10sec, Cinders 13sec, Blithechild 14sec and Electioneer Belle 15sec also started.

Burlingham went off at a great pace and passing the stand he was a dozen lengths in front of Cinders and George L II. A little further on George L II took second place and he was Burlingham's nearest attendant all along the back stretch. Turning into the straight, George L had Burlingham in trouble, and, drawing away he won comfortably by forty yards. De Wet finished third, thirty yards back, followed by Cinders. Moira the favourite, refused to settle down, and was never prominent. Time, 5min 3 1/5th sec. Dividends - On George L II, £7 8s; on Burlingham £1 10s.

MIDWINTER HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 17 sovs and third 8 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Smithers's b m Vickery, by Specification, aged, 5sec (M Edwards) 1.
R McDonnell's Imperialism, 9sec (Owner) 2.
J August's Black Child, scr, (N Price) 3.

Boldrewood scr, Norice 3sec, Monte Carlo 5sec, Lancewood II 9sec, and General Lincoln 9sec also started.

Imperialism soon established a good lead on Lancewood II, while General Lincoln lost his place through breaking. At the stand Imperialism was four lengths to the good of Lancewood II, with Norice at the head of the others. A little further on the last-named lost her place to Vickery, and with half the distance completed Imperialism was still showing the way to Lancewood II, after whom, at a considerable interval, came Vickery and General Lincoln. Rounding the top turn, Lancewood II was done with, and Black Child took third place. Imperialism held her advantage till within a few lengths of the post, when Vickery got to her, and won a good race by a head. Black Child was fifty yards away third, followed by Boldrewood and Monte Carlo. Time, 4min 54sec. Dividends - On Vickery, £7 16s; on Imperialism £2 2s.

PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 120 sovs; second 12 sovs, and third 6 sovs from stake. One mile & a half.

D Wilkie's br g Euchre, by Vancleve, 6yrs, 3sec (Owner) 1.
R Emerson's Bill, 7sec (Owner) 2.
J Heinzmann's Queen Mab, 10sec (S Hamilton) 3.

Austerlitz scr, Fredrick 3sec, Elsie T 5sec, Veracity 6sec, Rosalind 7sec and Ruby Wilkes 8sec also started.

Queen Mab got away smartly, and at Cutts's she was well clear of Ruby Wilkes and Bill. Elsie T having refused to start. Coming to the mile post, Euchre had worked his way into second place, and before the straight was reached he was in front. Then Veracity ran into second place, but almost immediately broke badly, leaving Bill just in front of Queen Mab. Euchre held his own in the final effort, and secured the verdict by forty yards from Bill, who was six lengths in front of Queen Mab. Then close up came Frederick and Veracity. Time, 3min 46 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Euchre, £4; on Bill, £1 18s.

DASH HANDICAP (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second 10 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile.

W McFarlane's b m Mistle, by Wilkin-Mistletoe, 5yrs, 9sec (R Day) 1.
C H Gorton's Ben Hur, 3sec (S Groat) 2.
J West's Marian, 7sec (Owner) 3.

Cocoanut 1sec, St Simon 2sec, Vascoe 4sec, Sierra 4sec, Perewiti 5sec, Naughty Girl 5sec, Durbar 5sec, Kiddy G 8sec and Leda 9sec also started.

Mistle soon, got clear of Leda, and at the six-furlong post held an advantage of four lengths. A little further on Ben Hur joined Leda, and running into the straight he was on terms with Mistle, Marion and Perewiti being at the head of the others. A good set-to between Mistle and Ben Hur ended in favour of the former by four lengths, with Marian a length away third. and Perewiti fourth. Time, 2min 31 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Mistle, £2 4s; on Ben Hur, £5 6s.

TELEGRAPH HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile.

M Edwards's b g Coral Hue, by Huon-Coral, 4yrs, 5sec (Owner) 1.
C H Piper's Elector, scr (Owner) 2.
C Kerr's All Day, 4sec (Owner) 3.

Hamlin scr, Austerlitz 2sec, Frederick 4sec, Elsie T 5sec, and The Orphan 6sec also started.

For the first furlong The Orphan was in front, but he then gave way to Coral Hue, with Frederick close up. At the half distance Coral Hue was right out by himself, being a dozen lengths to the good of Frederick and All Day. In the straight the leader tired badly, but lasted long enough to secure the verdict by a length from Elector, who was four lengths in front of All Day. Time, 2min 28sec. Dividends - On Coral Hue £1 12s; on Elector, £2 10s

Credit: The Press 20Aug1904

1904 NZMTC AUGUST MEETING: THIRD DAY

There was not a great deal of interest taken in th concluding day of the NZ Metropolitan Club's August Meeting, held at Riccarton yesterday, and though the weather was fine the attendance was small.

The course afforded excellent going being benefited considerably by the drying wind. In consequence of this the time registered in most of the events was particularly fast, equalling that usually recorded at the Addington track when at its best. The racing also was a great improvement on that of either of the preceeding days, the National Cup and Lightning Handicap providing exceptionally fine finishes.

Speculation was again affected by the large number of cash fielders present, the small sum of £4750 being handled on the eight events. This brought the total for the meeting up to £15,635, a shortage of £8752 on last year's turnover.

Results:-

ADDINGTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 80 sovs; second 8 sovs and third 4 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Westerman's b g Edward R, by Electioneer, aged, 13sec (C Davidson) 1.
M Edwards's Cissie Wood, 12sec (Owner) 2.
N Price's General Mac, 7sec (Owner) 3.

Mambrino King scr, Nabocklish 1sec and Larry II 12sec also started.

Cissie Wood started badly, and at the stand General Mac was on terms with her, the pair followed by Larry II. With half the distance gone Cissie Wood was leading General Mac by three lengths, the pair being a long way in front of Larry II and Edward R. Cissie Wood seemed to have the race won a furlong from the post, but, tiring to nothing, was beaten by Edward R by six lengths, with General Mac a similar distance away third. Time, 5min 22 3/5th sec. Dividend, £9 6s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 60 sovs; second 3 sovs and third 2 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs J Carleton's gr g Strathconan, by Nilreb, aged, 2sec (Mr A Kirkwood) 1.
Mrs S Humphries's Lazy Jack, 12sec, (Mr S Humphries) 2.
Mrs R Day's The Gift, 10sec (Mr A Day) 3.

Tea Tree scr, Maid E 4sec, Little Duke 5sec, Broncho Bill 6sec, Eltee More 10sec, Rockleigh 10sec, Eglantine 10sec, Clarinda 10sec, Gather No Moss 10sec, Teller 11sec, Zeta II 11sec, General Tar 11sec, Allmount 11sec, Leura 12sec and Alicia 12sec also started.

Zeta II led for two furlongs, when she gave way to Lazy Jack, with The Gift and Gather No Moss well up. Lazy Jack showed the way all along the back, and well into the straight, when Strathconan got to him and won a good race by a length, The Gift three lengths away third. Time, 4min 6sec. Dividends - On Strathconan £10 14s; on Lazy Jack £2 6s.

NATIONAL CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 210 sovs; second 21 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. Two miles.

E Thomas's b h Boldrewood, by General Tracey-Mermaid, aged, 1sec (A Pringle) 1.
J A Buckland's Verax, 6sec (C Piper) 2.
J S August's Black Child, scr (N Price) 3.

Vickery 2sec, Norice 3sec, Monte Carlo 5sec and Vascoe 5sec also started.

Verax showed the way to the stand, where Norice, who had started particularly well, was almost on terms with him. This was the order entering the back straight, but a little further on Monte Carlo was almost on terms with Norice, the pair running two lenghts behind Verax. With half the distance gone Boldrewood had joined the second division, having got right away from Black Child. Going round the top turn Boldrewood joined Verax and Vickery, their nearest attendants being Monte Carlo. Turning into the straight Boldrewood had drawn to the front, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning comfortably by three lengths; a length and a half separating Verax and Black Child, the latter of whom put in a fine run in the straight. Norice was fourth. Time, 4min 45sec. Dividends - On Boldrewood, £2 12s; on Verax £1 16s.

CANTERBURY HANDICAP (in Saddle) of 120 sovs; second 12 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Case's b g Durbar by Vancleve, aged, scr (A Pringle) 1.
J A Buckland's Velvet, 12sec (C Piper) 2.
R Day's Moira, 11sec (Owner) 3.

De Wet 7sec, Sierra 7sec, Kerryall 10sec and Big Jim 10sec also started.

Velvet led till going out of the straight, when Moira caught her, the pair being followed at a considerable interval by Sierra. When well into the back straight Moira had drawn right out by herself, Velvet just heading Durbar and De Wet. Moira, who had trotted very steadily, led into the straight, but then she was challenged by Durbar, who easily had her measure and won by eight lengths. In the last furlong Velvet also passed Moira and beat her home by a length. Time, 4min 55sec. Dividends - On Durbar £2 18s; on Velvet £1 14s.

FEDERAL HANDICAP (in saddle) of 130 sovs; second 13 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J A Buckland's blk m Viva by Vancleve-Madge Wildfire, aged, 8sec (C Piper) 1.
J Case's Verity, 8sec (A Pringle) 2.
R Emerson's Bill, 11sec (Owner) Dis.

Harold C scr, Euchre 2sec, Imperialism 3sec, Lopp 8sec, Frederick 9sec, Collector 9sec, Queen V 9sec and Elsie T 15sec also started.

Elsie T started well, and at the enclosure was fifty yards in front of Bill and Lopp. With half a mile gone Lopp had taken second place, closely followed by Viva, Bill, and Imperialism. The leader held her own till the six furlong post was reached, when Lopp had her measure, and a little further on Viva joined issue, with Bill and Imperialism at the head of the others. Elsie T was soon done with, and turning into the straight Lopp lost his place to Viva. The latter then drew away, and lasted long enough to win by a length from the faster finishing Bill, who had mixed his pace considerably. Verity was third eight lengths away, followed by Imperialism. Bill was disqualified for galloping, second place being awarded to Verity. Time, 4min 54sec. Dividends - On Viva £11 18s; on Verity £2 10s.

AVON HANDICAP (in harness) of 85 sovs; second 8 sovs and third 4 sovs from stake. One mile.

F H Rodder's br c Specialist by Specification, 3yrs, 5sec (S Hamilton) 1.
B Edwards's Polly II, 2sec (H Gaskill) 2.
N Price's General Mac, 4sec (Owner) 3.

Daphne 5sec, Alice Wood 5sec, and Dearest 9sec also started.

Dearest went away woth a long lead from Alice Wood, with Specialist at the head of the others. Alice Wood closed on the leader running round the top turn, but then lost her place by breaking repeatedly. Turning into the straight Specialist was with Dearest, and drawing away won by a length from Polly II who finished with great dash. General Mac was third, fifty yards away, followed by Daphne. Time, 2min 39sec. Dividend - £5 6s.

LIGHTNING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile.

A Kerr's b g Inglewood by Wildwood-Flora, aged, 1sec (Owner) 1.
C H Gorton's Ben Hur, 1sec (A Piper) 2.
P Devane's Harold C, 1sec (N Price) 3.

Cocoanut scr, St Simon 1sec, Vascoe 3sec and Naughty Girl 3sec also started.

Naughty Girl was in front for two furlongs, when Ben Hur had her measure, Harold C and Inglewood being most prominent of the others. Ben Hur was four lengths in front of Inglewood once the home straight was reached, but the latter outstayed the Burlington gelding, and won all out by three lengths. Harold C finished third seven lengths away, followed by Cocoanut. Time, 2min 21sec. Dividends - On Inglewood £2 6s; on Ben Hur £1 14s.

FAREWELL HANDICAP (in harness) of 120 sovs; second 12 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. One mile.

S Humphries's br h General Lincoln by Lincoln Yet, 6yrs, 4se (C Piper) 1.
B Edwards's Flora G, 4sec (H Gaskill) 2.
M Friedlander's Lancewood II, 3sec (C Kerr) 3.

Boldrewood 2sec bhd scr(2sec pen), Monte Carlo 2sec, Elector 2sec, Norice 3sec, Onward 3sec and Hamlin 4sec also started.

General Lincoln was first to strike his pace, and when two furlongs had been travelled he was six lengths to the good of Norice and Lancewood II. At the half mile post Flora G was in second place, ten lengths behind General Lincoln, but she could not made the least impression on him, suffering defeat by eight lengths. Lancewood II finished ten lengths further back third , followed by Norice, who left her feet repeatedly. Time, 2min 23sec. Dividends - On General Lincoln £3 10s; on Flora G £2 8s.


Credit: The Press 23Aug1904