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JUDGES

 

YEAR: 1951

R O DUNCAN

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

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

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

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

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 23Jan51

 

YEAR: 1904

MABEL & NORICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 10Apr13

 

YEAR: 1982

BEN GRICE

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

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

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

-o0o-

Report by Tony Williams writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 19Jan82

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 12Jan82

 

YEAR: 1963

THE MILE RECORDS

This season the mile trotting record for NZ and Australia has been lowered to 2.02 4/5 by When; but the mile record for horses of both gaits has remained intact since Caduceus paced 1.57 3/5 against time at Addington in 1959. It does not apply with equal force today, but in early compilations of standardbred records for the two colonies, NZ and Australian pacers and trotters were thrown together from year to year.

In 1881-82, the late Mr Robert Wilkin, a wine and spirit merchant, established in Hereford Street, Christchurch, imported to his 'Holmwood' stables, Holmwood Road, Fendalton, two American stallions, Berlin and Vancleve. The latter he sent to Australia, to the stud of Andrew Towns, who then sold Vancleve to Mr John Arthur Buckland, a pioneer of the light-harness sport in Australia, and one whose activities had also an important bearing on the history of the sport in NZ. Berlin remained with Mr Wilkin to do stud duty, and one of the foals he produced Fraulein (from Woodburn Maid), was sold to Mr W Fraser Martin, of Sydney, who later passed her on to Mr Buckland.

Mr Buckland mated Vancleve with Fraulein for several successive seasons, but it was three years after their first mating that Vancleve, in an exhibition run at the Dubbo Show, in May, 1893, took a colonial mile record of 2.28, previously held by Mystery at 2.29½. Another Melbourne-owned trotter, Osterley, by the famous Childe Harold, after whom Harold Park was named, lowered Vancleve's record to 2.25 in 1895.

Two years after that, Fritz, the product of the first mating of Vancleve and Fraulein created a sensation on the Moonee Valley mile track by trotting 2.14 4/5 from a flying start.

In November of the same year (1897) at the Plumpton Park Club's meeting in Christchurch, Mr A Sefton's Blackwood Abdallah gelding, Little Willie, romped home in the one mile Final Handicap to record 2.26 1/5; and according to 'Honesty' in the 'NZ Referee', this was "the fastest mile in harness from a standing start that has yet been accomplished in NZ." The mile record was already regarded as the hallmark of standardbred speed, and trials against time at this distance were frequent and popular attractions in NZ and Australia.

Around the turn of the century, Mr Buckland's Fritz became the undisputed light-harness champion of Australasia. He trotted his way to success after success before being brought by his owner to NZ, in company of eight other first-class Australian horses in 1898. On that trip he established himself as a great favourite with the Canterbury public by beating Monte Carlo (who was later to win the first NZ Cup) in a free-for-all at the Canterbury Trotting Club's meeting, held on the old Show Grounds track. On June 2, 1898 Fritz made three attempts at the Riccarton racecourse to lower his 2.14 2/5. At his first attempt he trotted 2.18 2/5, and at his next two attempts he equalled 2.14 4/5. The track was reported to be very slow. Returning to Australia, Fritz lowered his record to 2.14 on the Brighton course, Sydney.

At that time, the Californian-bred Ha Ha (2.22¼ from a flying start) was the fastest horse in NZ and next to Fritz's his record was the next best south of the line. Next to Fritz and Ha Ha in NZ came the imported Wildwood, who had recorded 2.24 2/5 in a match race against Prince Imperial. In his prime, Wildwood was timed to trot a half-mile in 1.06 2/5 on Mr H Mace's track at New Brighton.

In the summer of 1898-99, Fritz again visited NZ, and it was on this trip that, for a purse of 100 sovereigns, he made an attempt to lower 2.15 against time. A totalisator was opened on the result, £35 being invested. Fritz was entrusted with £27 10s, and '2.15' with £7 10s. Without being really extended at any part of the journey, he trotted around the Show Grounds track in 2.13 - a new record. The dividend was microscopic!

Fritz made further trips to the Dominion, his last being in 1903, when he was brought from semi- retirement, in a typical sporting gesture by Mr Buckland, to meet the young Christchurch pacer, Ribbonwood, who had by this time become the idol of trotting followers in the Dominion. Advancing years and a very hurried preparation were mainly responsible for Fritz going under to the late Mr Dave Price's 'little black demon', but Ribbonwood proved that his victory in three straight heats was no fluke when, on the third day of that February meeting in 1903, held on the five-furlong Addington course, he recorded a new record of 2.09 for a mile against time from a flying start. Ribbonwood was by Wildwood from Dolly, by Young Irvington out of a thoroughbred mare. At the end of his great career in NZ he went to Australia and made history as a sire.

His mile record stood for eight years, until 1911, when it was reduced to 2.08 3/5, in a trial against time at Addington, by one of his sons, 7-year-old King Cole. The chestnut King Cole was the NZ champion of his day. He was raced by Mr R O Duncan and trained by the late Newton Price. His record-breaking mile run was watched by 300-odd votaries of light-harness racing, who gave him a great ovation. He was from Kola Nut, by Rothschild from Kola, by Harold Childe, a son of Childe Harold. King Cole was later sold to Australia, where he ended his race career.

A year earlier, in 1910, the Canterbury-bred Dan Patch, at that time owned by Victoria, on a visit to the Dominion, set an Australasian grass track record of 2.09 2/5 at Auckland. Also in 1910, Revenue, a son of Rothschild, and Mr J Manson's great-producing mare Georgina, trotted a mile in saddle in 2.11 4/5 on the Forbury Park track to displace Fritz as holder of the Australasian trotting record. In May, 1912, at Forbury Park, an Ashburton-bred Rothschld mare, Mr R McDonnell's 5-year-old, Emmeline, made an attempt at Forbury Park against Revenue's track record. She paced her mile in 2.08 3/5, and in doing so equalled King Cole's Australasian record. A month earlier at Addington, Emmeline had won a major event in the race record time of 2.10 4/5.

About that time, another fine mare was making a name for herself. She was Mr W J Morland's Country Belle (Wildmoor-Bonnie Belle). In 1915 Country Belle was nearing the end of her racing career, but before announcing her farewell performance Mr Morland decided to make an attempt to lower the 2.08 3/5 held by King Cole and Emmeline. The trial took place on the Metropolitan's grounds at about 6.30 on the morning of Thursday, December 16, 1915. Driven by her owner, Country Belle had the assistance as pacemaker of the well-known hurdler, Kingsway, ridden by Free Holmes. She paced her first half in 62secs and, to the delight of her admirers, the full journey in 2.07 1/5.

This record was to stand to 1917, when the Australian-bred Directway mare, Adelaide Direct, paraded in an attempt against it, for a purse of 100 sovereigns, on the second day of the Auckland Club's summer meeting. With the late, M Edwards behind her, she covered her first half in 64secs, and flashed home in 2.06 2/5 - a truly brilliant performance at that time.

In September, 1918, Mr A Fleming's speedy 8-year-old, Our Thorpe, whose career had been interrupted by mishaps, attacked Adelaide Direct's record at Addington. Driven by his owner-trainer, the Cheviot-bred OYM stallion clipped 1/5sec off the previous record; and he was to hold the honour for nearly five years.

It lasted until April 14, 1923, when, on the New Brighton Club's grass track, Happy Voyage, an Australian-bred Direct Voyage entire who had won his way almost to enforced retirement in the Dominion, was piloted over a mile against time in 2.04 1/5 by owner-trainer W J Tomkinson. This constituted a world record for a grass track. Later that year Happy Voyage equalled that time on the six-furlong Auckland track.

November 13 of the following year was the date of one of the most memorable mile contests in the Dominion's history. Five champions stepped out for the free-for-all on the second day of the Cup meeting at Addington. J J Kennerley paraded Logan Chief and Acron, W J Tomkinson Realm, J Messervy Onyx and J Bryce Taraire. In spite of the flying start, Taraire broke and was pulled up by Bryce. Realm made the pace to the half-mile in 60 3/5, and it was then obvious a new record was in the making. Logan Chief reached the lead at the tanks, with Acron alongside him and Realm dropping back to trail. Acron had Lagan Chief's measure at the furlong, but then Realm came at Acron to run the late Sir John McKenzie's champion to a neck. Acron's time - 2.03 3/5. By Logan Pointer from Millie C, who was a daughter of Wildmoor from a mare by Ha Ha, Acron was purchased by J R McKenzie for 2000gns after winning at his initial attempt. He was extremely temperamental, but when in the right mood there was no saying how fast he would go.

Acron's record was to stand for 10 years, but some very creditable miles were paced and trotted in the interim. The year 1925 saw Acron pace 2.04 3/5, Great Bingen 2.04 4/5, and the Australian Machine Brick 2.05 3/5, all at Addington. In 1928, Native Chief paced 2.04 1/5 to beat Great Bingen in a match race at Addington; and in May, 1930, Todd Lonzia marked his introduction to the public at Forbury Park by trotting eight furlongs in the Australasian 2-year-old record of 2.22 2/5. On the Forbury Park track in 1932, Todd Lonzia lowered Revenue's 22-year-old record of 2.11 3/5 by 3/5sec. This was reduced soon after by Olive Nelson, who trotted 2.11 at Westport. In the following year Todd Lonzia was again sent against time at Addington, and registered 2.09. However, he broke several times and it was not a good exhibition upon which to hang a record. Todd Lonzia was by the imported American horse, Lorene's Todd, from Daphne Dean, a daughter of Copa de Oro, sire in America of the successful importation, Rey de Oro.

The year of 1934 had an important bearing on the history of the mile record. This was the date of the visit from Australia of two champion pacers in Walla Walla and Auburn Lad. Walla Walla contested invitation match races against NZ's best at the Easter meeting of that year, winning the mile contest from Harold Logan in 2.04 1/5, a world race-winning record from a standing start. Walla Walla struck trouble in the second match race over a mile and a half, and finished out of a place.

On Tuesday, April 17, 1934, 2000 people gathered at Addington to watch Walla Walla, Auburn Lad and J S Shaw's brilliant NZ Trotting mare, Worthy Queen, race against the watches at a matinee meeting. Walla Walla was first to step out. A fairly stiff breeze was blowing, and after pacing his first half in 58 2/5, he tired considerably to record 2.03 4/5. He was suffering from a heavy cold. Worthy Queen (J S Shaw) then came out with Olax (galloped in sulky with Free Holmes) as pacemaker. At her first attempt she broke at the end of a furlong, but at her second try she never put a foot wrong. She trotted her first half in 60 4/5, and the full journey in the remarkable time of 2.03 3/5. Her record (against time) actually still stands to this day, because Dianthus Girl, 2.03 2/5, and When, 2.02 4/5, put up their times in special match races. Shortly before Worthy Queen's trial, Biddy Parrish had trotted a mile in 2.08 2/5 - a record which stood for but a few minutes.

Although not officially announced Auburn Lad next attacked the record. His pacemaker was no use to him, as he took charge of his driver, and was always about 100 yards in front. Driven by his owner, W McKay, Auburn Lad paced his first half in 60 2/5secs; but unlike Walla Walla, he did not tire so visibly in the final section. He time 2.02 2/5 was posted, and he became the fastest standardbred in Australasia.

Another champion had won his way up the ladder about this time. This was Mr G J Barton's Wrack stallion, Indianapolis. At the NZ Metropolitan Club's Royal meeting in 1935, without any special preparation, he paced an exhibition mile in 2.01 2/5, after covering his first mile in 61secs. Later in the day, he won the main sprint by six lengths. After winning his third NZ Cup in November, 1936, Indianapolis, in a trial against time, clipped a second from his fastest time, failing by 2/5sec to achieve the distinction of being the first 2.00 horse outside America. The same year he took a track record of 2.03 3/5 at Forbury Park against time.

The main mile of note in 1937 was the 2.04 recorded at Auckland by the Pedro Pronto gelding, Nervie's Last. The following year, Mr E Tatlow's Globe Derby horse Van Derby, paced a brilliant mile in the world grass track record time of 2.00 2/5 from a flying start at Auckland; but this grand effort took second place to a performance by his elder half-brother, Lawn Derby.

This was at Addington on Friday, November 11, 1938. Mr J F MacKenney's free-legged Australian champion paraded before a record crowd and, after being given a short warm-up by trainer-driver W J O'Shea, the Robert Derby horse raced past the mile post (with Golden Direct, in sulky driven by Mr Free Holmes, as a galloping pacemaker), and proceeded to 'burn up the clay'. He reached the half in 58 4/5, and stuck to his work in solid style right to the end. The posting of his 1.59 2/5 brought from the great crowd an appreciation befitting the momentous occasion. At last two minutes had been broken outside America; and Lawn Derby's time is still a free-legged record for this part of the world.

The year after, Lawn Derby recorded 2.04 4/5 in a race at the Auckland meeting, and 2.02 2/5 in an attempt aganst time on the six-furlong grass track at Claudelands. Also in 1939, Van Derby paced a mile against time at Epsom in 2.00 2/5. The best mile in 1940 was Lucky Jack's 2.01 1/5 against time at Addington, while in 1941 Gold Bar established a world record from a standing start when, ridden in saddle by M Holmes, he won the Clarkson Handicap from Mankind and Colonel Grattan in 2.03 3/5 on the second day of the Cup meeting. Nine months earlier, Smile Again had won in saddle over this distance at Addington in time only 2/5sec slower.

At Epsom in December, 1941, Josedale Grattan, the NZ Cup winner of that year, recorded 2.02 in a mile against time. A month later in a trial against time at Addington, Gold Bar became the second in the Southern Hemisphere to break 2.00, reeling off the distance in 1.59 3/5. Gold Bar was matched with R Grice's NZ Cup winner Haughty, in a special race at a patriotic meeting held at Addington on Match 27, 1943. B Grice's Nelson Derby-Regal Voyage mare (driven by O E Hooper) beat A Holmes's brilliant stallion (driven by Free Holmes) by two lengths, accomplishing a match-race record of 2.00 2/5. After missing out in her attempt to win her third NZ Cup the following year, Haughty was put against the watch on the second day of the November meeting, and recorded 1.59 3/5. She is still the only mare to have officially broken two minutes out side America.

In 1945 good judges sat up and blinked a little when a 2-year-old named Highland Fling recorded 2.10 for a mile, bettering by 4/5sec the Juvenile record, set at Timaru five years earlier by the young champion, Walter Moore. Highland Fling then became unruly and faded into obscurity for a time before being taken over by a master trainer in L F Berkett. Under Berkett he won his way into fortune and also into the hearts of all trotting enthusiasts over all distances and in all conditions.

And it was on May 1, 1948, that he was stepped out for what was to be the first of a series of phenominal performances against time. This was at Forbury Park where his mission was Indianapolis's track record of 2.03 3/5, established 12 years earlier. A strong southerly wind and a chilly atmosphere were obviously only minor difficulties, for the 'Fling' reeled of eight furlongs in 2.01, pacing his last half mile in 57. His victory, an hour earlier in the Otago Pacing Free-for-all, in which he covered his last mile in 2.03 3/5 had served as a convenient warm-up!

During the following season, Highland Fling made four more attempts against time over one mile. After winning his second NZ Cup in the world race-winning record time of 4.10 3/5 he delighted his admirers by lining up on the second day of the November meeting for a crack at Lawn Derby's long standing record of 1 59 2/5. The ease with which he equalled this record was remarkable. He appeared to be but coasting around, so deceptive was his smooth stride; and his appearance on his return to the birdcage gave the impression that he had not been extended. It was than announced that he would make another attempt to break the record on the third day of the meeting.

Berkett, unorthodox as always, dispensed with the usual strong work-out and galloping pacemaker, and Highland Fling streaked alone around the Addington track to record 1.57 4/5 and become the fastest standardbred outside America. The trainer-driver and Mr A T Kemble's champion were cheered to the echo. Six hours later he won the NZ Premier Sprint Championship in 2.37 2/5, after being left flat-footed at the start. The following January Highland Fling made another attempt against time at Forbury Park, and lowered his previous record for the track from 2.01 to 1.58 - only 1/5sec outside his Australasian record. It was another phenomenal effort. A fortnight later, at Hutt Park, Highland Fling paced his fourth two minute mile of the season, registering 2.00 flat to establish a world grass track record for the distance. The previous record was held by Van Derby, who recorded 2.00 2/5 at Epsom in 1938.

Highland Fling's performances that season overshadowed a very creditable performance by the Bill B gelding, Single Direct, who paced a mile against time at Claudelands. Also in February, 1949, Highland Kilt, a 2-year-old brother of Highland Fling in an attempt at Addington against Todd Lonzia's long-standing juvenile trotting record of 2.22 2/5, lowered those figures to 2.19 1/5, covering his last half in 68secs.

The year 1951 saw an attempt by the brilliant square-gaiter, Dictation, against Worthy Queen's 2.03 3/5. However, J Wilson's Josedale Dictator gelding, after trotting his fist half-mile brilliantly in 61secs, spoiled his display by tangling. He settled down again after losing valuable seconds and recorded only 2.07 2/5. The trial was at New Brighton. However, Dictation enjoyed his full share of other records.

Another sensation arrived on the scene in 1953, in the form of Brahman (Gold Bar, 1.59 3/5-Haughty, 1.59 3/5). He was paraded at Addington in June of that year in an attempt to lower Convivial's Australasian 2-year-old record of 2.08 4/5, established in Melbourne in 1951. Few before the attempt ever imagined that Brahman would do what he subsequently did - a mile in 2.02 1/5, after pacing the first half in 60 2/5. B Grice's mercurial juvenile raced at least one sulky-width out from the rail all the way and, although he did not nearly break the world record of 2.00 held then by Titan Hanover, USA, he amazed the critics.

In December of the 1953-54 season, Johnny Globe, the then idol of NZ enthuisiasts, added to his laurels a new world grass track record of 1.59 4/5 in an attempt against time at Epsom, a record which still stands. Other miles of note in 1953 were Burn's Night's 2.02 3/5 from a standing start to win the Au Revoir Free-for-all at the Easter meeting at Addington: Johnny Globe's improvement on this to 2.01 1/5 to win the Flying Sprint Free-for-all at the following Cup meeting; an exhibition mile by D G Nyhan's new champion in 2.00 1/5 at Kaikoura; and 6-year-old Highland Kilt's 2.04 3/5 in a trotting exhibition, also at Kaikoura.

In July of the same season J D Litten's Royal Mile (Fourth Brigade-Sure Romance), in a trial against time at Addington, lowered Highland Kilt's 2-year-old mile trotting record to 2.16 1/5. Later the same month a bay colt by Gold Change from Princess Yenot paced a mile against time at Epsom in 2.18 3/5 - an Australasian record for a yearling. This was sensationally lowered by Blue, who put up the world yearling record of 2.09 1/5 at Addington in 1957.

Perhaps the greatest mile race in Dominion harness history was that in which Tactician established the Australasian mile race record of 1.59 4/5. That was in 1957 at the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club's Easter meeting in the Flying Stakes. From a moving start Tactician (M C McTigue) won by a nose from Caduceus, who went 2.00 for second. Local Light was three-quarters of a length away third in 2.00 1/5, and Merval was fourth in 2.00 3/5. There have been other stirring mile contests in recent years, but none in which such speed was attained as in the Flying Stakes.

Highland Fling's 1.57 4/5 stood safely out of reach for 11 years until finally lowered by the narrowest of margins by his full brother-in-blood, Caduceus, who went 1.57 3/5 against time at Addington in 1959. And there the mile record remains. Royal Mile's 2-year-old record was lowered to 2.13 1/5 by Au Fait in 1957, and stands to this day. Dianthus Girl, in 1962, in a special trotters match race at Addington, won in 2.03 2/5, thus lowering Worthy Queen's 1934 time of 2.03 3/5 by a fraction. And this season When has reduced the mile trotting main to 2.02 4/5, also in a match race.

Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 5Jun63

 

YEAR: 1915

1915 SPRING MEETING: 11 NOVEMBER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1915

 

YEAR: 1910

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



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