CLICK HERE TO GO BACK

Indianapolis winner of the 1934,5&6 NZ Cups

INDIANAPOLIS

Indianapolis, as one of only two horses (False Step is the other) with three victories in the NZ Trotting Cup to his credit, will always rank as one of the grandest stayers produced in NZ.

Most of us who saw him race are never likely to forget his giant strides, his mighty physique and his regal bearing. Among the outstanding incidents of a meteoric career - he was already in champion class at four years - were his last quarter in better than 28 secs in winning the Weston Handicap at Oamaru, his mile in 2 00.4 at Addington on a two-mile preparation and his then winning records of 4:15.8 for two miles and 2:36.6 for a mile and a quarter.

Indianapolis was bred at Durbar Lodge, Ashburton. Although apparently overgrown and not suitably built for two-year-old racing, he took the public unawares by winning at his very first start as a two-year-old on May 21, 1932, being 13th in the order of favoritism; he won very easily the Selma Handicap at Ashburton from a field of all ages. Taxpayer beat him in the NZ Sapling Stakes and NZ Derby Stakes, but he had his revenge in the Great Northern Derby and from thence forward he was always a class above his gallant little rival.

Indianapolis was sold by Mr A J Nicoll to Mr G J Barton as an early three-year-old. The late W J Tomkinson upon whose advice Mr Barton bought the horse, was never florid in his description of youngsters of either gait (so much could slip between the trial and the Cup); but all his reserve was broken down when he had a drive behind Indianapolis. "This is the greatest pacer ever foaled." was his enthusiastic declaration to Mr G J Barton and there and then Indianapolis was sold to the Dunedin sportsman.

During his three-year-old season, Indianapolis lowered the two mile record for that age to 4:23.2 (a record which stood for 14 years), and the following season he won the Craven Handicap, of a mile and a quarter at Addington in 2:37, then a record for the distance.

At five years of age he went 4:20 for two miles in August, and in winning his first NZ Cup three months later he made the then world's race-winning record figures of 4:15.8 for two miles. It was a searching test of stamina, and Indianapolis came through it with honours by pacing his last mile in 2:3.6 and the last half-mile in 59.6.

Indianapolis first went against the mile record at Addington in 1934, and lowered it to 2:1.4. In 1936, the year of his third NZ Cup victory, he was again asked to go against time for a mile. This was only a couple of days after the NZ Cup. He had been trained for two miles, not a mile, and the fact that he then went 2:00.4 showed his versatility and greatness only too clearly. If he had had a special preparation for a mile, there is no shadow of doubt that he would have been the first two-minute pacer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Other happenings that always come to the top in any discussion about him are that Mr G J Barton refused an offer of 20,000 dollars from a visiting American sportsman when the great pacer was at the height of his four-year-old magnificence; and that he broke his hopples at the start of the Christchurch Handicap at Addington on November 9, 1934, and went on to victory with the broken gear dangling round his legs, truly a tantalising and breath-taking affair. It was in the Weston Handicap at Oamaru that he registered 2:36.6 which stood as a winning record (equal with Harold Logan) for some years. In that race Indianapolis was last with two furlongs to go, and it was also in this race that he paced his last quarter in better than 28 secs.

A bay horse by Wrack from Estella Amos, both American-bred, Indianapolis won 27 races and £10,257 ($20,514) in stakes. It was estimated that the same races were worth £33,000 ($66,000) in 1948. Yet all this fame and fortune once hung upon the slenderest of threads. A brittle foot went within an ace of terminating Indianapolis's career on the eve of his first NZ Trotting Cup. One of his fore hooves split from the toe right up to the coronet, and the heel also gave cause for much anxiety. Skilful riveting of the hoof, an operation that will always be remembered as a stroke of genius on the part of the late F Archer, Addington farrier, enabled Indianapolis, with the help of a "deadener" in the affected parts, to overcome a decided lameness and triumph over his painful disabilities. At that particular time Larwood's toe and Indianapolis's hoof were vieing with each other as front page news!

The late W J Tomkinson did not live to enjoy the full harvest of his fine judgement with Indianapolis, who was trained for all of his NZ Cup victories by Tomkinson's "first lieutenant," F C Dunleavy. Tomkinson trained Indianapolis for 11 of his wins, including the Great Northern Derby, Auckland Cup (as a four-year-old) and Metropolitan Craven Handicap, and it was at the close of Indianapolis's four-year-old in 1934 that Tomkinson died. In the training of a pacer or trotter that had been put through the rudimentary stages, Tomkinson was acknowledged to have no peer. As a younger man he was a driving "ace" and many a time he drove solely with his hands to win uncannily by the narrowest of margins. He was known to study the peculiarities of each of his charges with meticulous care, and the results speak for themselves.

Credit: Pillars of Harness Horsedom: Karl Scott

George Barton receives the Cup from Sir Heaton Rhodes

1935 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Refer also 1934 Cup for comment.

Indianapolis, a son of imported parents in Wrack and Estella Amos, was bred at Durbar Lodge by Harry Nicoll's son Arthur and bought as an early 3-year-old by Dunedin's George Barton, the leading owner each year for a decade during this time, on the recommendation of Billie Tomkinson.

The entire was in 'star class' by the end of his 4-year-old season, but Tomkinson had died prior to the 1934 Cup and Indianapolis was prepared by his right-hand-man Claude Dunleavy for the remainder of his career.

His first Cup win was a mere formality from 12 yards over Blue Mountain(Fr) and Harlod Logan(72yds), but there was another star on the horizon at the meeting that year in the form of War Buoy, who was in the process of putting together an unbeaten career of 10 wins, a sequence that remained unmatched until Cardigan Bay eclipsed it some 30 years later.

War Buoy took his record to 15 wins from 17 starts when he won the August Handicap at the National Meeting as a 5-year-old, so as the Cup loomed with War Buoy off the front and Indianapolis off 48 yards, there was much anticipation. Particularly when War Buoy skipped six lengths clear turning for home for Stan Edwards, but Indianapolis was commencing his run at the same time six-wide and in the end had three lengths to spare.

It was no less exciting the following year when Indianapolis(48yds) became the first three-time winner after a great tussle with Red Shadow(24yds), War Buoy(Fr) and Harold Logan(48yds). A rejuvenated Red Shadow, back in the Bryce stable, had skipped clear at the three furlongs while Indianapolis appeared to be languishing in the rear. But with giant strides, Indianapolis drew level at the 100m for Jack Fraser and came away to confirm his status as one of the greatest stayers ever seen.


Credit: New Zealand HRWeekly 8Oct03

1934 CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP

800 sovs: 4min 27sec class: Two Miles

One of the most thrilling performances in light-harness history was Indianapolis's victory with a broken hopple in the Christchurch Handicap at Addington in 1934.

The gear came adrift soon after the start and the horse went in danger of tripping on the broken hopple all through the race.

This incident will always be related with bated breath by those who saw the late E C McDermott take the risk and bring the champion home at the head of the field. Glenrossie was second.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 10 Nov 1934

The Christchurch Handicap produced one of the most remarkable performances ever registered on a New Zealand racecourse and established once and for all the greatness of Indianapolis.

At the end of a furlong he broke one of his hopples and from then on he was hoppled on one side and free-legged on the other. As he went past the stand the first time he was well back in the field and with the straps swinging round his legs it was thought he would be pulled up.

His driver E C McDermott, however, elected to go on with the race and the horse showed great speed to bury the rest over the last three furlongs. It was a magnificent display of pacing, and it not only showed Indianapolis to be a speedster and a great stayer, but it also proved him to have the right racing temperment. Few other horses racing would have carried on under such conditions.

From the start Ayrmont Chimes and Kingcraft raced away to the front but Blue Mountain, who had started smartly, at once raced up to the leaders and took command before half a mile had been covered. He was the leader all through, followed by Kingcraft, Ayrmont Chimes, Silver de Oro, Sunny Morn, Impromptu, Sir Guy, and Rollo, while Roi l'Or and Indianapolis were well back. As the field passed the three furlongs post Indianapolis put in a great run and was handy to Blue Mountain as the home stretch was reached.

Indianapolis had the race well in hand once the straight was reached, and though Glenrossie put in a strong late run he had no chance with the leader, who won in very impressive style. There was no sign of unsoundness on this occasion.

Glenrossie went his best race of the meeting to register 4min 16 4/5sec, and Roi l'Or's time of 4min 15 1/5sec represented a great performance, especially as he came the last two furlongs with a flat sulky tyre. Silver de Oro had every chance on this occasion, for she was nicely tucked in behind the leaders all through the race and failed to produce the great burst of speed which has won her more than one race. Impromptu had every chance and at the top of the straight looked like taking a hand in the finish. He faded out in the straight as did Sir Guy, Kingcraft, and Ayrmont Chimes. Lindbergh was never dangerous.



Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 22Jun49

LAME CUP FAVOURITE WINS AND PUBLIC IS CRITICAL

"I know I am in the gun!"

This remarkable assertion was made to "Truth" by George Barton, owner of Indianapolis, the bst pacer this country has ever seen. Barton sensed, as did very many more, that his horse's success in the Trotting Cup was not popular. That usual outburst of enthusiasm was missing. It was only a half-hearted cheer that greeted Indianapolis and driver Eugene McDermott as they returned to the 'cage when, in point of merit, the multitude should have roared it's head off. A winner of the Trotting Cup run in world's record time, and hardly a cheer!

Why this frigid reception, this handing out of the icy dook? Did punters, in light of the successive sensational rumours as to the condition of Indianapolis reset unkindly when the result of the race showed he had been able to put up a wonderful performance? Owner Barton thinks that this was the reason for the artic tinge and in an exclusive interview with "Truth" explains everything. After hearing George we can well hear him exclaiming: Save me from my friends!

Taking the public completely into one's confidence does not always pay and it was for so acting that Barton has been pilloried. George knew that Indianapolis was going to be a hot favourite for the Cup, and in his zeal to keep the thousands of the big pacer's supporters on guard, he decreed, from the moment the burst hoof started to give trouble every inquiry as to his condition should be truthfully answered. There was to be no equivocation or camoflage. It was just the old case of forewarned being forearmed, but as ill report followed ill report punters became apprehensive, and started to look around for something else to bet on.

The culminating stage was reached on Cup morning. Rumour had it that Indianapolis was lame. Rumour became established fact when this information was given out over the air, along with the statement that the pacer would start. Lame horses do not win Trotting Cups, so reasoned many, and this final announcement caused hundreds who had been saving up for months to be with him,to desert.

Came the race. No horse has ever undergone such a critical examination as did Indianapolis. The rest of the field were merely glanced at - the Barton horse was scrutinised and figuratively X-rayed. Then he moved out to do his prelim. Was he lame? A thousand mouths asked that question. "No - Yes by jove he is!" Nearly all answered that way. There was no doubt that the Barton horse was tender, and, well, a horse has to be fighting fit to win a Cup.

To the totes moved the multitude, and for a good while the Indianapolis - Mountain Dell bracket was not so well supported as Harold Logan and Red Shadow. Finally the coupled pair hit the top rung, but even at the finish of betting the price was a great one: in fact about twice the odds most expected to obtain after his win on the track at National time.

Came the race. 'Tis now history. Indianapolis, beginning slowly as per usual, soon was striding out, and, tucked in behind his stable-mate Mountain Dell, was kept there just behind the leaders till the last round was entered on. There he and the mare took the lead. Over at the tanks McDermott let the big fellow's head loose, and in a flash he opened up a gap, which Blue Mountain reduced to a length at the post. The lame horse had won!

Came the usual summeries attached to the Cup, but an indifferent crowd wasn't interested. Barton took the trophy, expressed his sorrow in not having the late Bill Tomkinson on his right on that day of days, and another Cup was over.

At least it should have been over, but tongues went on wagging - at both ends and the middle. All manner of accusations were hurled, the main allegation being that the stories were put into circulation for the purpose of "blowing" Indianapolis in the market. So wild, not to mention cruel, were the gossipers that "Truth" approached Barton and asked him to explain, an opportunity he spontaneously accepted.

"Yes, I know I'm in the gun. You can tell 'Truth' readers, however, that the rumour that Indianapolis was lame on Cup morning was no eyewash to lengthen the late price. It was only too true," emphatically said George. "Right up to the last hour there could be no certainty that he would be able to start, and even when he did line up with the others, both his trainer and myself were shivering with fear that the best horse in the world would go 'bung' in a race that I have been trying for years to win, and that those who stuck to their guns, and backed him, would lose their money on a lame horse. That's the reason both my friends, and the public, were warned of what was likely to happen. I considered it my duty to tell everbody. Had the horse gone wrong in the race, without any warning from me, it was on the cards I would never have forgiven myself. How he won is now history, but I do not think those doing the blaming have been quite fair. I only did what I thought to be best in a very awkward predicament."

George then went on to explain the trials and tribulations of both himself and trainer, Claude Dunleavy, during that morning of anxiety. "When I arrived at the stable, about 8.30, Claude met me with a face a yard long and told me that Indianapolis had taken a turn for the worse and was decidedly lame. He was then waiting for the vet. When the surgeon the horse was taken out and was so sore he could not pace at all. Up to then he had been wearing a shoe with a piece under the crack cut out to relieve the pressure. We decided that it might be better to have that shoe taken off and a full shoe put on. When that was done he was a lot better, though he was still walking with a limp. From then on he was constantly in hot fermentations until about an hour and a-half before the race, when the vet used a 'deadener' - cocaine, I think - and the treatment was kept up right to the time he went to the course.

"The committee sent one of their number to ask that unless Indianapolis was all right I should not start him, and then I went to Chief Stipe, Mr Beer to ask permission to scratch him if he should be lame in the preliminary. As far as I am concerned Indianapolis has never been a big betting horse for me. The horse has always been in the boom and the odds to be got about him in any of his races did not make wagering of big sums worth the risk attendant to all gambling on racecourses.

"He is the kind of horse I have been longing for ever since I broke into the game, and had he not been able to take his place and make a dream come true, I would have finished with trotting for good and all, as I realise only too well that it is very seldom an owner has the luck to get a second opportunity in a lifetime.
I am wonderfully pleased to have won the Cup, and if anybody blames me for what happened I can only say that I'm sorry, but I honestly thought it was for the best," concluded Barton.

"Truth," who has cheered for Indianapolis right through his career, knows only too well that the owner's statement is studded with fact. As Barton says he thought he was doing everything for the best. He did, only for his motives to be grossly and outrageously misinterperated. The insults and slanders heaped upon George's shoulder since Trotting Cup day may drive him out of ther game. We hope he will realise that the section of the game which counts appreciated his efforts.

That Barton knew what he was talking about when he said "the best horse in the world" was proved on the last day of the meeting when Indianapolis staged what must have been the most wonderful performance ever put up anywhere in the world. Giving away 36yds in the big race he broke the offside hopple before he had gone a furlong. With the loose strap tangling round his hind leg at every stride - with occasional slathers underneath for good measure - home he came, going 4.16.

"Truth" made him go his last mile under these difficulties in 2.4 with the last half-mile just on minute flat. Over that last half the hopple that was not broken was hanging below his hock and tripping him up at every stride.

ONLY A CHAMPION WITH THE STUFF THAT REAL RACEHORSES ARE MADE OF COULD HAVE MADE THE GRADE.


Credit: NZ Truth 14 Nov 1934

1934 NEW ZEALAND CUP

1500 sovs: 4min 26sec class: Two miles

The Addington trotting course was never in better order than it was yesterday, when the Metropolitan Trotting Club held the thirty-first race for the New Zealand Cup and a programme of the best racing seen at Addington in many years. From 10 o'clock visitors commenced to arrive at the course, and the scene on Lincoln Road from 11 o'clock onwards was one that brought to trotting enthusiasts memories of the bustle and excitement of Addington in more prosperous days.

The crowd was the biggest seen at Addington for a number of years, with perhaps the Walla Walla meeting held at Easter time and the enthusiasm displayed was in marked contrast to that exhibited a year or two ago. Seldom has a day's racing provided such capital racing and the star item, the New Zealand Cup, had the crowd at a high pitch of excitment. The track was in perfect racing order, and as atmospheric conditions were favourable the day was one for fast times.

The most ardent followers of the light harness sport, however, were hardly prepared for the thrills provided in the Cup, in which two world's records were broken by horses the equal of any ever raced in New Zealand.

The parade of horses for the New Zealand Cup was one to be remembered. It is doubtful whether a better-looking field of horses has ever paraded for this race. Though Indianapolis and Mountain Dell, who were bracketed on the totalisator, carried more investments than any other horse in the race, it was plain to everyone that Harold Logan was the popular horse. Mr E F C Hinds's pacer looked a picture of contentment and good condition as he walked to the birdcage carring the blue and cerise cover presented to him by the New Brighton Trotting Club. He received a cheer as soon as he appeared, and another from the enclosures as he paraded for the race. A perfect-tempered horse, he looked every inch a champion, and his racing proved it.

Roi l'Or, another of the back-markers looked as fresh and well as ever he has been - a jaunty little pacer whose very conformation suggests extreme speed. Red Shadow, a dark chestnut in colour, had plainly come through a good preparation, and it was not condition that failed him.

Lindbergh, a lightly fleshed gelding, of rather delicate constitution, was perhaps the least prepossessing of the strong field, but, Sir Guy, a good-looking stallion by Real Guy, was full of fire and anxiuos to race. Next came the somewhat heavily-timbered Rollo, who carried the bright polish of the R B Berry stable, and Auckland's representative was Impromptu, big and angular, with a reputation for speed in keeping with his size.

Indianapolis, who had been under veterinary treatment for an injury to a foot, had not missed a workout, and he confounded those critics who had doubts about his soundness. He appeared tender when being brought to the birdcage, but on the softer track he was better when warmed up. His stable connections were a little pertubed, however, over his condition. His stable-mate, Mountain Dell, not generally regarded as quite good enough, looked bright and well and the two ponies, Blue Mountain and Silver de Oro, were dwarfed by the other horses. Blue Mountain, one of the lathy greyhound type, did not carry condition, as he did in August, but he races best when trained fine. Silver de Oro looked more like a child's pony than a competitor in the highest class race in New Zealand, but she is a very well put together pony, and she carried the good wishes of many regular racegoers.

Sunny Morn, who helped to make most of the running, was not generally regarded as good enough for such a race, but he carried a sheen on his coat that he had not known before, and his running proved that his trainer had spent a lot of time on his preparation.

Altogether it was as good-looking a field - and as well performed a field - as has ever contested a race on a New Zealand track - each horse a credit to its trainer and the standard breed.

When the horses were at the post every point of vantage was occupied, the stands were filled to overflowing, the back fence, the railway trucks on the neighbouring line, and even the trees near the track each supporting ardent enthusiasts to see the race for the New Zealand Cup. It was a race in which only a champion could be expected to succeed. A thrilling pace was set from the start, and as the pacemakers felt the strain the true and tried pacers came into the picture.

When Indianapolis shot away from the field three furlongs from home excitement grew, and then from the ruck of horses emerged the little grey pacer Blue Mountain, who was followed by Harold Logan, both making valiant attempts to catch the flying leader. They failed, but they were not disgraced. They helped to provide one of the most exciting races on record.

The success of the favourite pleased the crowd, a great performance that demanded of the winner a world's winning race record and from the champion, Harold Logan, something better than he had ever shown his admiring public. The New Zealand Cup race showed plainly that trotting is a very popular sport, and that the champions will attract the crowds.

Nor were all the plums in one basket, for while the Cup was a spectacle in itself, other races provided the thrills. The brilliant War Buoy, who had started eight times for as many wins, added another victory to the credit of his trainer, M B Edmonds, and the manner of his win proved himself one of the greatest young pacers of all time. Sir Guy and Blue Mountain staged a thrilling finish in the Hagley Handicap, the little grey gelding, Blue Mountain, again having to fill the position of runner-up.

Auckland was represented by a team of horses that included a truly brilliant trotter in Nell Volo, Wellington sent Glenrossie, the West Coast was represented by a useful team, Waimate sent Roi l'Or, and though Dunedin-trained horses were absent, Mr G J Barton who lives there, was the proud owner of Indianapolis. It was a truly representative gathering of horses and sportsmen from all parts of New Zealand.

While the attendance showed a big increase on last year, the totalisator investments dropped from £43,783 10s last year to £42,383 10s, a decrease that may be attributed to the change from the win and place system of betting to the old style of first and second dividends.

Altogether it was a most satisfactory opening to the carnival trotting, capably managed by staff and honorary officials of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club.

-o0o-

The betting on Indianapolis, Red Shadow, and Harold Logan was surprisingly even in the New Zealand Cup, and excitement was intense as the horses lined up at the start.

Blue Mountain faltered the slightest bit when the barriers were released and Silver de Oro went to a bad break and did not recover till after the field had gone some distance and she was hopelessly out of the race.
Sunny Morn soon took up the running with Blue Mountain, Mountain Dell, Impromptu, and Indianapolis the most prominent, while the crowd also watched the fortunes of the back-marker Harold Logan, who had made his usual quick beginning. At the half mile post Sunny Morn faltered and Mountain Dell, followed by Indianapolis, took the lead, while Blue Mountain and Rollo made a fast burst and Harold Logan, who had headed Red Shadow, also set out in pursuit. At this stage Indianapolis shot right away from the field with Blue Mountain and Harold Logan at three length intervals following. Roi l'Or at this stage also emerged from the ruck in a somewhat hopeless chase.

A furlong from home Blue Mountain issued his challenge and at one stage appeared to have the measure of the younger horse. Under the whip, however, Indianapolis stuck to his work like a good game racehorse and was still a length to the good as the post was reached.

It was a very fine race from start to finish, with the pace fast over the final mile. Indianapolis was driven a very well-judged race by E C McDermott. After lying in a handy position throughout he used his great burst of speed to establish a commanding lead. His win was all the more meritorious in view of his interrupted preparation, and F C Dunleavy, the trainer, is to be congratulated on getting him to the post in such great order under difficulties.

The time registered, 4min 15 4/5sec, establishes a new world's race record, displacing the 4min 16sec registered by Satin King in the Courtenay Handicap on the second day of the spring meeting 12 months ago.

Blue Mountain again showed himself a great and game pacer. He registered 4min 17sec, a great performance only surpassed by the sterling effort of the winner and the record-breaking run of Harold Logan, who finished third in the phenomenal time of 4min 12 2/5sec. The little champion did not enjoy the best of the running, for in the last three furlongs he had to go round the field several sulkies out and at no stage of the race was he running on the inside. His performance must go down as the greatest in history and proved him the ideal racehorse.

The winner received the reception such a victory deserved and there were cheers for Blue Mountain and many more for Harold Logan. Roi l'Or paced one of his best races and finished at a great rate. He put in a great burst over the last two furlongs. Red Shadow disappointed his backers badly but he lost his chance three furlongs from home, when he attempted to follow Harold Logan on the outside of the field. At this stage Free Holmes behind Roi l'Or also started to move fast and Red Shadow was sent a long way out. It did not appear that J Bryce persevered after this and Red Shadow finished well down the track. In any circumstances he could not have won.

Silver de Oro also caused a stir when she tangled and almost fell at the start, a remarkable accident for a filly of her excellent manners. Sunny Morn played his part well by carrying on his role of pacemaker for a mile and a half, after which he was done with. Mountain Dell also assisted to make the pace with Sunny Morn and went a good race until the three furlong post. Impromptu raced steadily and better that expected and Rollo had every chance but was not quite good enough in a very select field. Lindbergh was never dangerous.

Indianapolis is only five years old and the youngest horse to win the Cup. He was bred at Durbar Lodge by Mr H F Nicoll and is by Wrack - Estella Amos, both imported from America.

Credit: THE PRESS 7 Nov 1934

1936 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

As in 1934 & 1935 Indianapolis won the Cup. Refer to both years for comment.

On the second day of the 1936 carnival, three-times NZ Cup winner Indianapolis made an attempt to break 2:00 over a mile. He missed the magic mark, taking 2:00.4, but broke his previous record by a second. The galloping pacemaker is Cleaner, ridden by top jockey Jimmy Ellis.

Dunedin owner George Barton had three starters in the Cup namely Indianapolis (won the Cup for the third successive year), Cloudy Range (5th) and Grand Mogul (6th).

WRACK

Wrack came to NZ from the United States in 1924 with outstanding track and breeding credentials. He first stood at a fee of 40gns, the highest up to his time, and higher than any fee being charged today. Wrack reached the head of the sire's list for the first time in the 1932-3 season and remained there in 1933-4 and 1943-5. For the next eight seasons he was either second or third on the list. In 1943-4 he was fourth, and last season he was fifth.

A few of Wrack's early progeny were good, but some of them wavered, and so developed one of those strange 'sets' against the breed that beleaguers many a leading progenitor at some stage of its career. But Wrack survived all prejudices eventually to become the greatest sire of horses of both gaits yet imported to the Dominion. He is the sire of the winners of five NZ Trotting Cups, namely, Wrackler(1930), Indianapolis(1934,5&6) and Bronze Eagle (1944); and of three Dominion Handicap winners, namely Wrackler(1932), Sea Gift(1935) and Peggotty(1941).

Wrack was foaled in Pennsylvania in 1917, imported to NZ by Mr H F Nicoll, Ashburton in 1924. Wrack later went to Southland, and was sold to Tasmania in 1938. He died in New South Wales in 1939. He was by Peter The Great, 2.07¼, the most famous fountainhead of speed ever known. Peter The Great sired more than 600 standard performers, 161 of whom had records of from 1.58¼ (Miss Harris M) to 2.10. He also sired the dams of many hundreds of standard performers, including those of 278 pacers or trotters with records of 2.10 and better. Among the most famous out of Peter The Great mares were Margaret Dillon, 1.58¼, Tilly Brooke, 1.59, Mr McElwyn, 1.59¼, Spencer 1.59¾ and Zombro Hanover 2.00.

Wrack's dam was The Colorado Belle, 2.07½, by Colorado E, 2.04¾, a champion at three years. The Colorado Belle was out of The American Belle, by Rex Americus from Beautiful Chimes, a celebrated brood mare by Chimes, who topped the list of American sires on one occasion. Beautiful Chimes was out of Maid of Honour, by Mambrino King-Betty Mac, etc. Wrack's official record was 2.02¾, but he was credited with running second in a heat in 2.01½, the last half in 58½secs. Wrack raced for three years on the Grand Circuit, and never wore a hopple.

To date Wrack has sired 169 individual winners, but the end is not yet, as he still has a few novices racing who may enter the winning list. Wrack's first winner in the Dominion came to light at Westport in sensational circumstances. This was Bonnie Wrack, a 2-year-old pacer who won an event over eight furlongs and a half at the mid-summer meeting, 1927; but as it was discovered after her fine performance that it is against the rules to race a 2-year-old over more than eight furlongs so early in the season, Bonnie Wrack looked like being deprived of the fruits of her precocity. However, someone stretched a point sonewhere, and she was allowed to go down in the records as the rightful winner of the race. Bonnie Wrack, it is scarcely nesessary to add, was one of Wrack's first season foals, and others foaled in the same year were Wrackler and First Wrack.

Wrackler still ranks as the greatest double-gaited horse bred in the Dominion; for that matter one of the greatest in the world. After finishing third in the Sapling Stakes when a sick 2-year-old, he soon recuperated and scored comfortably in the NZ Derby and Great Northern Derby. Like his sire, Wrackler well earned the title of 'iron horse.' Many of the leading pacing events on the calendar fell to him, culminating in his heat and final victories in the 1930 series for the NZ Trotting Cup. In the final he ran right away from the opposition in the straight for one of the most convincing wins ever seen in the premier event. After finishing fourth in the NZ Cup the following year, Wrackler was changed over to the trotting gait, and with very little race experience he beat a high-class field of pacers in a two-mile event at Addington. He went on to win the Dominion Handicap and other important trotting races, and at one time he held the mile and a half record for a trotter, 3.15 4/5, as well as taking a two-mile record of 4.23 2/5. Only now, nearly 13 years afterwards are Wrackler's great double-gaited feats placed in true perspective. His like may never be seen again.

Wrackler's full-sister, Arethusa, was a great little filly. She was 'ugly as sin,' but what a heart she had! She won the Sapling Stakes and NZ Derby, and at three years she won over two miles in seasoned company and finished up with a two-mile record of 4.24, which stood as a 3-year-old record for some years. She carried on to win many other important races, and was one of the gamest and best of her inches seen up to her time.

Soon after the retirement of Arethusa, the 'set' against the Wrack breed was at its height. This unwarranted prejudice became so strong, and the depression years so accentuated it, that the Wracks could scarcely be given away. That is probably the main reason why Tattersalls saw a lot of them go under the hammer for a mere 'song'. There was Sea Gift at 6gns; Nicoya at 4½gns; Peggotty at 4gns, just to mention three of the greatest sale-ring bargains the world over. As is well known to the majority of trotting followers, these three cast-offs developed into trotters of the highest class and won thousands for their lucky purchasers. With the coming of Sea Gift and Nicoya coincided the high-class pacing performances of Cloudy Range, Tempest, Ironside and Reporter, and there also followed a regular stream of high-class juvenile as well as aged trotters. For instance, White Satin and Gerfalcon, both of whom were 3-year-old trotting record holders in their day.

Most of these were in the top class by the time a rangy, overgrown-looking colt named Indianapolis set tongues wagging the day he ran rings round a field of novices of all ages in his very first race as a 2-year-old. He was narrowly beaten by Taxpayer in the Sapling Stakes and the Derby, but after that he rapidly climbed to champion class, winning the NZ Cup three years in succession and taking a mile record of 2.00 2/5 against time. Many trotting men still regard Indianapolis as the greatest pacer foaled in the Dominion. It is certain he would have broken two minutes if he had been specially trained for the purpose, and his best time of 4.15 4/5 for two miles was probably seconds slower than what he would have done if he had not struck wet tracks for his second and third NZ Cup victories.

One could go on for pages and pages writing about this versatile family by Wrack. Members of it, beside all the rich races mentioned above, have won five NZ Derbys(Wrackler, Arethusa, Ciro, Aldershot and Imperial Jade), and Wrackler is not the only trotter of the breed to win against high-class pacers: Sea Gift gained similar distinction, and this great mare's two-mile trotting record of 4.21 2/5, established eight years ago, still stands.

This saga of the Wrack family would by no means be complete without special reference to the somewhat belated greatness of Bronze Eagle. Enough has already been written in these columns about that aspect of his chequered career. Now he ranks as the Dominion's leading stayer, and is sure to be one of the favourites for the NZ Trotting Cup, a race he won last year by sheer grit and superb racing qualities.

Very few of the Wracks were left entire; the greatest of them, Indianapolis, is the sire of Indian Lad, a winner as a 3-year-old last season; Casanova is the sire of Casabianca, a very fine trotter who defeated Fantom, Desmond's Pride and Blue Horizon in the Addington Trotting Stakes as a 4-year-old.

Wrack mares are proving good producers, among the winners out of them being the present champion trotter Sea Max, one of Auckland's crack pacers Medical Student, Canterbury's leading 4-year-old Jack's Son, and other winners in Larissa, Margaret Hall, Poppotunoa, Punctual, Manpower, Maalesh, Ordinance, Turco, Moana Tama(Sapling Stakes), Night Porter, Tara's Hall, Windermere, Mistydale, Calumella, Betty Maxegin, Oregan, Chinook, Jervis Bay, Fire Water, Forecast, Jill, Radiant Scott, Durability and Frank Scott.

Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 3Oct1945

ROBERT McMILLAN

A fatal collision between the West Coast express and a car at Hornby was a front page story early in 1923. Added to the sensation was that Robert McMillan, the car passenger killed, owned the Santa Rosa Farm in Halswell, then the country's most successful Harness stud.

Champion stallion Harold Dillon, and horses like Great Audobon, Nelson Bingen, Brent Locanda and Petereta most of which produced at least one champion, made up the roster. They had made McMillan, who had personally selected many of them, a wealthy man. The driver of the car, severely injured, was his great friend Eugene McDermott, also of Halswell and regarded as the leading non professional horseman in the country.

Canadian-born of Scottish stock, McMillan had worked for a leading American trainer, John Blant for many years before coming to New Zealand and making his way as a trainer, ultimately at Santa Rosa on Nicholls Rd opposite the Halswell Hotel. McMillan had also struck gold when he bought Great Audobon, the first son of the legendary Peter The Great to win a trotting race in New Zealand. He also won as a pacer before siring the NZ Cup winner, Great Hope, with which McMillan won the Great Northern Derby at his first start (1921) before selling on.

McMillan struck up a close association with Etienne Le Lievre of Akaroa who stood his best stallion imports, usually selected by McMillan, at Santa Rosa. At the time of his death McMillan was described as "a real man and one ready to do a good turn to anyone who was a trier". The two Macs, McDermott being of strong Irish stock, had taken a late afternoon drive to Yaldhurst to inspect American imports based with Ben Jarden, one being the later famous stallion Jack Potts.

Soon after McMillan's burial at St Mary's church in Halswell, Santa Rosa was sold to trainer Albert Hendrikson from Templeton and it gradually lost its lustre as a commercial stud, later being used for training by Charles Cameron and others before housing took it over.

McMillan's death had exposed an embarrassing situation in his private life. In 1914, in his late 40's, he had married Madge Green, 24, who had borne him three children in four years. However the marriage broke down and McMillan was ordered by the court on his wife's petition in 1921 to restore her rights, after she was banished from the house. Great Hope's sale may have been part of the settlement because she did not appear in his will, his estate being valued at a considerable £13,000. The children had been cared for by Madge's sister, Miriam, and that apparently continued to be the case after his death. His only son, Peter, later returned to Canada and one of his two sisters died in Arizona.

Eugene Clement McDermott was the son of a professional trainer, John McDermott, originally from Doyleston but based for some years in Domain Terrace. He shifted to Junction Road in Halswell after World War 1 where the family farmed for over 80 years. Eugene, who operated as a stock dealer from an early age, and as a farmer based in Tankerville Road, was a leading trackwork rider at Addington when that was popular and a champion saddle trot race rider on horses like Vilo, Capriccio, Schnapps and Cora Dillon, all trained by his father, besides a host of outside rides. However he resisted pressure to become a professional until late in life for special reasons and never trained a big team.

After the Hornby tragedy McDermott said he would give up owning racehorses and while in later years he relented it was usually only in special cases such as the trotter Garner which he bought for £16 and won many races includig a clean sweep of the features at an Auckland Cup meeting. Ironically it was the death of another close friend, the country's leading trainer, Bill Tomkinson which propelled MsDermott back into the headlines.

Tomkinson suffered minor injuries falling from a drum securing a float door as the team left for Auckland in 1934. Sent home from hospital apparently fit and well he became seriously ill and died within days triggering the biggest Christchurch funeral of the year. The cortege procession was a mile long. McDermott, a pallbearer, had also raced gallopers with Tomkinson and his young son, Jim.

He took over driving the Tomkinson star Indianapolis that year. They won the 1934 NZ Cup but "Mac's" most memorable triumph was with the champion in an odds-on win at Addington the same year. After less than 200m before a very large Addington crowd the hot favourite broke a hopple. Normally he would have been pulled up but Indianapolis seemed to be only keener with the flapping hopple so McDermott decided to let him run for the public's money. The result was a famous hour in Addington history. Indianapolis never missed a beat. He won easily and paced the last 2400m in 3:08.8 - then two seconds inside the national record for that distance and a theoretical world record. McDermott was cheered "to the echo" by grateful punters.

In the 1937 Cup his own luck ran out when he fell from the sulky of Colonel Grattan with about 800m to run, suffering a fatal heart attack. He had told friends before the race if he was leading at that stage Colonel Grattan would win. His son, also Eugene, was taken out of school to help run the family farm.

Later a prominent owner and highly regarded administrator, he had played rugby for Canterbury in the war years. One of his sons, John, also an Addington administrator (his brother Maurice is a stalwart of Banks Peninsula) is now a licensed trainer - like both his great grandfather, 100 years ago and his grandfather. The McMillan racing tradition died that fateful day at Hornby but the McDermott legacy lives on.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 1May13

1935 SPRING MEETING OVERVIEW

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was not in luck's way in the opening of the spring meeting yesterday, for heavy rain overnight and in the forenoon had badly affected the track, and trotting form generally is governed by performances in fine weather. The attendance in consequence was seriously affected, and the public did not show the usual confidence in supporting well known pacers on a treacherous track.

It was not a good opening for the leading trotting meeting in New Zealand, and perhaps the whole blame cannot be attributed to the weather. A drop of £5577 in the totalisator investments as compared with the opening day last year must give the Metropolitan Club food for serious thought, and some part of the reduced turnover may perhaps be attributed to lack of modern totalisator equipment. The sum of £36,786 10s was invested on the eight races, as compared with £42,363 10s on the opening day 12 months ago.

The racing was of the highest class although the heavy state of the track was all against fast times, and at least two performances were outstanding in the history of trotting in New Zealand. Indianapolis won the New Zealand Cup like a champion racehorse, for though the time he registered was more than 23 seconds slower than his last year's record, he gave a display of pacing seldom equalled. He did not begin with any show of brilliance and soon after the start Roi l'Or, who was conceding him 12 yards start, was on his wheel, and passed him long before the serious racing commenced, while the back marker hugged the rails and covered no extra ground, Indianapolis kept on the outside of the field, and the wisdom of his driver was proved.

When it came to sprinting over the last part the big stallion had a reasonably good footing, while the others struggled in sticky mud that materially hampered progress. No excuses were made for the other horses for Indianapolis proved himself a champion pacer and won with a good deal in hand. His trainer, F C Dunleavy, must be accorded full credit for the training of a horse that many believe to be a two-minute pacer, and like the best of trainers he has left a margin for improvement in his condition that will be shown as the meeting progresses.

Indianapolis has not won his last race, and if produced again at the meeting he may do even better. It is to be sincerely hoped that the weather during the week may be better than it was yesterday, in which case Indianapolis may be expected to make a new record. He is already the champion miler in New Zealand, and a two miles record is well within his compass.

While the performance of the six-year-old was great, credit must be given to M B Edwards, who produced War Buoy in condition to race for a kingdom. War Buoy has a long string of victories to his credit and in 20 starts he has not been out of a place. Unfortunately M B Edwards was not well enough to drive his favourite who was left in the capable hands of his brother S A, who exerted all his energy and skill to win the New Zealand Cup with a wonderful young racehorse.

The light harness enthusiast loves the unhoppled trotter, and a feast was provided in the great display given by Sea Gift, a mare who, by the sheer merit of her performances on the track, has risen from the maiden class to be now regarded as one of the best ever seen at Addington. Her finish in the Dominion Handicap was a remarkable one and the speed she exhibited over the later stages when apparently in a hopeless position had the crowd in a fever of excitement. Her win was a popular one, but not nearly as popular as it would have been had some of her earlier performances been more consistent.

It is a pity the track was not in order for Todd Lonzia to show his paces, for this horse was plainly all at sea on the tricky course and could not control his balance or speed for any distance.

The trotters and pacers of today are better than ever before, and especially pleasing is the great improvement made in the ranks of the trotters.

A most interesting race on the programme was the Riccarton Stakes, for maiden three-year-olds, and while Double Great won very comfortably, the race served to show a number of very promising youngsters who stood at the barrier like experienced race-horses and displayed the excellent training they had gone through.

The day's racing concluded with a most exciting finish in the Hagley Handicap, and only the judge could correctly place the leading horses, who flashed past the post almost in line.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 15 Nov 1935

DERBY DAY AT ADDINGTON

The racing at Addington yesterday provided as varied a programme as has been offered for many a day, and the uneven state of the track presented a problem that demanded the closest study by drivers. In the early part of the day the extreme outside provided the only good footing for horses, and as the afternoon wore on the course improved towards the centre, while in the closing stages the application of light harrows made a surface on which something like real speed could be shown.

The Addington course yesterday presented a problem. drivers with reputations for astuteness quite failed to realise the pitfalls of tricky going, and they failed rather badly while others enjoyed all the benefits. In the earlier contests division races seemed to be the order of the day, one section racing on the inside on heavy going and taking the shortest way to the winning post, while others preferred the more reliable footing on the outside of the course. The longest way round sometimes proved the shortest way home, and it was noticeable that horses were quickly slowed up when they attempted the inside going. Had the track been in good order from the start it is possible that several records would have been broken.

Indianapolis proved the star turn when he won the Clakson Memorial, a race named after the well-known sportsman and very live figure in framing the programmes for the Metropolitan Trotting Club.

Indianapolis was set to give away 48 yards in a mile race, and with the field racing well out from the rails he appeared to be set an impossible task. Harold Logan was on 72 yards behind, but before two furlongs had been covered he was in a nice position, just behind the big pacer. The latter, with a phenomenal burst of speed, left the little gelding well behind, and he carried on a sensational run round his field to win as he liked in 2min 9 1/5sec, which under the conditions was one of the greatest performances ever witnessed in New Zealand. Indianapolis is the pacer of the hour, a fine-mannered stallion who may be still further improved by the experience he will receive in his racing.

Not less impressive were the great performances of Sea Gift and Nell Volo in the Sockburn Handicap, yet both were defeated by First Wrack, who was admirably handled by M Holmes and came home in the manner of a true and tried racehorse. Had the track been in good order Sea Gift would probably have won in the fastest time registered by a trotter in New Zealand, but extra distance and the fortunes of the race told the inevitable tale.

The New Zealand Derby Stakes, the Blue Riband of the Dominion, was a race worthy of the occasion, and while Double Great won on his merits and proved himself a regular son of Great Bingen, one of the best horses of all times, there were others in Frisco Lady, Gaillard, and Casanova who contested with him a very serious race. As in the other races the state of the course was something to be reckoned with.

An ill-founded rumour circulated on Wednesday affected the attendance and the peculiar nature of the course naturally discouraged speculation, and to these two causes may be attributed a drop in the totalisator investments from £27,528 last year to £25,619 10s. The racing has not been better at any previous meeting, the management of the club staff and honorary officials was right up to standard, and generally the whole day's racing gave promise of great sport today.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 16 Nov 1935

BATTLE ROYAL BETWEEN FOUR-YEAR-OLDS

In the history of trotting at Addington it is doubtful whether any better sport has been witnessed than was provided yesterday. The weather, which had not been favourable on the two previous days, was ideal for light harness racing, and the attendance was reminiscent of show days of years ago. The track, which on the first two days was very heavy, was at its best for the sport, but, having receiveda thorough soaking, it was not so fast as on some previous occasions, and a strong easterly wind did not help in fast time making. The finishes were as close and the racing as exciting as the big crowd could have wished, and the perfomances of a number of horses were exceptional.

In the principal event of the day, the Ollivier Memorial Handicap, the battle for four-year-old supremacy took place between Gamble and Graham Direct, and the public was treated to a battle royal over the last furlong between horses possibly the best of their age raced in New Zealand. It was a stirring contest, and long before the horses reached the straight, the excitement was intense. Great horses driven by expert reinsmen provided a test of gameness and stamina not often witnessed on a racecourse. Gamble won. In victory he proved himself a super horse, and in defeat Graham Direct showed the true fighting qualities of the standardbred pacer.

The true test of the Dominion's champions was provided in the Free-For-All in which there were only six starters - the best six that could be produced. Harold Logan who has reigned as the recognised champion, had his colours lowered by possibly the greatest pacer New Zealand has seen in Indianapolis, a horse with a record of 2min 1 2/5sec for a mile. It was not an easy victory for Harold Logan, beginning smartly, contested every inch of the long journey down the final stretch. He was beaten, and beaten out of a place, but it was only in the last 100 yards that he found age and hard racing telling on him and he faded in the challenge by younger horses. Harold Logan was not disgraced. He did everything a good horse should do, but he met a great horse that not only matched him for speed but showed better staying powers.

The real treat of the afternoon was provided by the unhoppled trotters in the Middleton Handicap, and Sea Gift's performance in covering two miles in 4min 24 3/5sec, better time than any pacer had registered at the meeting was one of the highlights of trotting. She was beaten into second place by another fine trotter in First Wrack, but while the latter had all the advantages of good pace-making and a handy position in the field, Sea Gift, from 84 yards behind, was forced to cover a lot of extra ground to get round a field that was well bunched from the start. What Sea Gift's performance meant can hardly be imagined, but it was possibly the greatest exhibition of trotting ever witnessed at Addington. At no stage of the race was she within 15 feet of the rails, and this, in a contest over two miles on a six furlong track, is a very severe handicap.

Flotsam defeated Airflow in the opening race after a fine display in fast time. Recess proved a good game pacer by winning the Sprinter's Handicap from a bunched field after she had had to concede a start over the last quarter mile.

Grand Mogul showed stamina when he led all the way to win the Australasian Handicap. Bingen Palm, who comes from Westport, scored a popular victory in the Hornby Handicap after a sterling performance and Rey Spec's victory in the Lyttelton Handicap may be credited to the expert reinsmanship of M Holmes.

The track, which was in splendid order, was a credit to the custodian, Mr J Highsted; the starting which was in the hands of Mr A J Hastings was excellently done; and altogether staff and honorary officials helped to provide an excellent day of entertainment.

The totalisator investments, which on the two previous days had shown a decrease on last years figures, went up from 1935 SPRING MEETING OVERVIEW

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was not in luck's way in the opening of the spring meeting yesterday, for heavy rain overnight and in the forenoon had badly affected the track, and trotting form generally is governed by performances in fine weather. The attendance in consequence was seriously affected, and the public did not show the usual confidence in supporting well known pacers on a treacherous track.

It was not a good opening for the leading trotting meeting in New Zealand, and perhaps the whole blame cannot be attributed to the weather. A drop of £5577 in the totalisator investments as compared with the opening day last year must give the Metropolitan Club food for serious thought, and some part of the reduced turnover may perhaps be attributed to lack of modern totalisator equipment. The sum of £36,786 10s was invested on the eight races, as compared with £42,363 10s on the opening day 12 months ago.

The racing was of the highest class although the heavy state of the track was all against fast times, and at least two performances were outstanding in the history of trotting in New Zealand. Indianapolis won the New Zealand Cup like a champion racehorse, for though the time he registered was more than 23 seconds slower than his last year's record, he gave a display of pacing seldom equalled. He did not begin with any show of brilliance and soon after the start Roi l'Or, who was conceding him 12 yards start, was on his wheel, and passed him long before the serious racing commenced, while the back marker hugged the rails and covered no extra ground, Indianapolis kept on the outside of the field, and the wisdom of his driver was proved.

When it came to sprinting over the last part the big stallion had a reasonably good footing, while the others struggled in sticky mud that materially hampered progress. No excuses were made for the other horses for Indianapolis proved himself a champion pacer and won with a good deal in hand. His trainer, F C Dunleavy, must be accorded full credit for the training of a horse that many believe to be a two-minute pacer, and like the best of trainers he has left a margin for improvement in his condition that will be shown as the meeting progresses.

Indianapolis has not won his last race, and if produced again at the meeting he may do even better. It is to be sincerely hoped that the weather during the week may be better than it was yesterday, in which case Indianapolis may be expected to make a new record. He is already the champion miler in New Zealand, and a two miles record is well within his compass.

While the performance of the six-year-old was great, credit must be given to M B Edwards, who produced War Buoy in condition to race for a kingdom. War Buoy has a long string of victories to his credit and in 20 starts he has not been out of a place. Unfortunately M B Edwards was not well enough to drive his favourite who was left in the capable hands of his brother S A, who exerted all his energy and skill to win the New Zealand Cup with a wonderful young racehorse.

The light harness enthusiast loves the unhoppled trotter, and a feast was provided in the great display given by Sea Gift, a mare who, by the sheer merit of her performances on the track, has risen from the maiden class to be now regarded as one of the best ever seen at Addington. Her finish in the Dominion Handicap was a remarkable one and the speed she exhibited over the later stages when apparently in a hopeless position had the crowd in a fever of excitement. Her win was a popular one, but not nearly as popular as it would have been had some of her earlier performances been more consistent.

It is a pity the track was not in order for Todd Lonzia to show his paces, for this horse was plainly all at sea on the tricky course and could not control his balance or speed for any distance.

The trotters and pacers of today are better than ever before, and especially pleasing is the great improvement made in the ranks of the trotters.

A most interesting race on the programme was the Riccarton Stakes, for maiden three-year-olds, and while Double Great won very comfortably, the race served to show a number of very promising youngsters who stood at the barrier like experienced race-horses and displayed the excellent training they had gone through.

The day's racing concluded with a most exciting finish in the Hagley Handicap, and only the judge could correctly place the leading horses, who flashed past the post almost in line.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 15 Nov 1935

DERBY DAY AT ADDINGTON

The racing at Addington yesterday provided as varied a programme as has been offered for many a day, and the uneven state of the track presented a problem that demanded the closest study by drivers. In the early part of the day the extreme outside provided the only good footing for horses, and as the afternoon wore on the course improved towards the centre, while in the closing stages the application of light harrows made a surface on which something like real speed could be shown.

The Addington course yesterday presented a problem. drivers with reputations for astuteness quite failed to realise the pitfalls of tricky going, and they failed rather badly while others enjoyed all the benefits. In the earlier contests division races seemed to be the order of the day, one section racing on the inside on heavy going and taking the shortest way to the winning post, while others preferred the more reliable footing on the outside of the course. The longest way round sometimes proved the shortest way home, and it was noticeable that horses were quickly slowed up when they attempted the inside going. Had the track been in good order from the start it is possible that several records would have been broken.

Indianapolis proved the star turn when he won the Clakson Memorial, a race named after the well-known sportsman and very live figure in framing the programmes for the Metropolitan Trotting Club.

Indianapolis was set to give away 48 yards in a mile race, and with the field racing well out from the rails he appeared to be set an impossible task. Harold Logan was on 72 yards behind, but before two furlongs had been covered he was in a nice position, just behind the big pacer. The latter, with a phenomenal burst of speed, left the little gelding well behind, and he carried on a sensational run round his field to win as he liked in 2min 9 1/5sec, which under the conditions was one of the greatest performances ever witnessed in New Zealand. Indianapolis is the pacer of the hour, a fine-mannered stallion who may be still further improved by the experience he will receive in his racing.

Not less impressive were the great performances of Sea Gift and Nell Volo in the Sockburn Handicap, yet both were defeated by First Wrack, who was admirably handled by M Holmes and came home in the manner of a true and tried racehorse. Had the track been in good order Sea Gift would probably have won in the fastest time registered by a trotter in New Zealand, but extra distance and the fortunes of the race told the inevitable tale.

The New Zealand Derby Stakes, the Blue Riband of the Dominion, was a race worthy of the occasion, and while Double Great won on his merits and proved himself a regular son of Great Bingen, one of the best horses of all times, there were others in Frisco Lady, Gaillard, and Casanova who contested with him a very serious race. As in the other races the state of the course was something to be reckoned with.

An ill-founded rumour circulated on Wednesday affected the attendance and the peculiar nature of the course naturally discouraged speculation, and to these two causes may be attributed a drop in the totalisator investments from £27,528 last year to £25,619 10s. The racing has not been better at any previous meeting, the management of the club staff and honorary officials was right up to standard, and generally the whole day's racing gave promise of great sport today.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 16 Nov 1935

BATTLE ROYAL BETWEEN FOUR-YEAR-OLDS

In the history of trotting at Addington it is doubtful whether any better sport has been witnessed than was provided yesterday. The weather, which had not been favourable on the two previous days, was ideal for light harness racing, and the attendance was reminiscent of show days of years ago. The track, which on the first two days was very heavy, was at its best for the sport, but, having receiveda thorough soaking, it was not so fast as on some previous occasions, and a strong easterly wind did not help in fast time making. The finishes were as close and the racing as exciting as the big crowd could have wished, and the perfomances of a number of horses were exceptional.

In the principal event of the day, the Ollivier Memorial Handicap, the battle for four-year-old supremacy took place between Gamble and Graham Direct, and the public was treated to a battle royal over the last furlong between horses possibly the best of their age raced in New Zealand. It was a stirring contest, and long before the horses reached the straight, the excitement was intense. Great horses driven by expert reinsmen provided a test of gameness and stamina not often witnessed on a racecourse. 1935 SPRING MEETING OVERVIEW

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was not in luck's way in the opening of the spring meeting yesterday, for heavy rain overnight and in the forenoon had badly affected the track, and trotting form generally is governed by performances in fine weather. The attendance in consequence was seriously affected, and the public did not show the usual confidence in supporting well known pacers on a treacherous track.

It was not a good opening for the leading trotting meeting in New Zealand, and perhaps the whole blame cannot be attributed to the weather. A drop of £5577 in the totalisator investments as compared with the opening day last year must give the Metropolitan Club food for serious thought, and some part of the reduced turnover may perhaps be attributed to lack of modern totalisator equipment. The sum of £36,786 10s was invested on the eight races, as compared with £42,363 10s on the opening day 12 months ago.

The racing was of the highest class although the heavy state of the track was all against fast times, and at least two performances were outstanding in the history of trotting in New Zealand. Indianapolis won the New Zealand Cup like a champion racehorse, for though the time he registered was more than 23 seconds slower than his last year's record, he gave a display of pacing seldom equalled. He did not begin with any show of brilliance and soon after the start Roi l'Or, who was conceding him 12 yards start, was on his wheel, and passed him long before the serious racing commenced, while the back marker hugged the rails and covered no extra ground, Indianapolis kept on the outside of the field, and the wisdom of his driver was proved.

When it came to sprinting over the last part the big stallion had a reasonably good footing, while the others struggled in sticky mud that materially hampered progress. No excuses were made for the other horses for Indianapolis proved himself a champion pacer and won with a good deal in hand. His trainer, F C Dunleavy, must be accorded full credit for the training of a horse that many believe to be a two-minute pacer, and like the best of trainers he has left a margin for improvement in his condition that will be shown as the meeting progresses.

Indianapolis has not won his last race, and if produced again at the meeting he may do even better. It is to be sincerely hoped that the weather during the week may be better than it was yesterday, in which case Indianapolis may be expected to make a new record. He is already the champion miler in New Zealand, and a two miles record is well within his compass.

While the performance of the six-year-old was great, credit must be given to M B Edwards, who produced War Buoy in condition to race for a kingdom. War Buoy has a long string of victories to his credit and in 20 starts he has not been out of a place. Unfortunately M B Edwards was not well enough to drive his favourite who was left in the capable hands of his brother S A, who exerted all his energy and skill to win the New Zealand Cup with a wonderful young racehorse.

The light harness enthusiast loves the unhoppled trotter, and a feast was provided in the great display given by Sea Gift, a mare who, by the sheer merit of her performances on the track, has risen from the maiden class to be now regarded as one of the best ever seen at Addington. Her finish in the Dominion Handicap was a remarkable one and the speed she exhibited over the later stages when apparently in a hopeless position had the crowd in a fever of excitement. Her win was a popular one, but not nearly as popular as it would have been had some of her earlier performances been more consistent.

It is a pity the track was not in order for Todd Lonzia to show his paces, for this horse was plainly all at sea on the tricky course and could not control his balance or speed for any distance.

The trotters and pacers of today are better than ever before, and especially pleasing is the great improvement made in the ranks of the trotters.

A most interesting race on the programme was the Riccarton Stakes, for maiden three-year-olds, and while Double Great won very comfortably, the race served to show a number of very promising youngsters who stood at the barrier like experienced race-horses and displayed the excellent training they had gone through.

The day's racing concluded with a most exciting finish in the Hagley Handicap, and only the judge could correctly place the leading horses, who flashed past the post almost in line.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 15 Nov 1935

DERBY DAY AT ADDINGTON

The racing at Addington yesterday provided as varied a programme as has been offered for many a day, and the uneven state of the track presented a problem that demanded the closest study by drivers. In the early part of the day the extreme outside provided the only good footing for horses, and as the afternoon wore on the course improved towards the centre, while in the closing stages the application of light harrows made a surface on which something like real speed could be shown.

The Addington course yesterday presented a problem. drivers with reputations for astuteness quite failed to realise the pitfalls of tricky going, and they failed rather badly while others enjoyed all the benefits. In the earlier contests division races seemed to be the order of the day, one section racing on the inside on heavy going and taking the shortest way to the winning post, while others preferred the more reliable footing on the outside of the course. The longest way round sometimes proved the shortest way home, and it was noticeable that horses were quickly slowed up when they attempted the inside going. Had the track been in good order from the start it is possible that several records would have been broken.

Indianapolis proved the star turn when he won the Clakson Memorial, a race named after the well-known sportsman and very live figure in framing the programmes for the Metropolitan Trotting Club.

Indianapolis was set to give away 48 yards in a mile race, and with the field racing well out from the rails he appeared to be set an impossible task. Harold Logan was on 72 yards behind, but before two furlongs had been covered he was in a nice position, just behind the big pacer. The latter, with a phenomenal burst of speed, left the little gelding well behind, and he carried on a sensational run round his field to win as he liked in 2min 9 1/5sec, which under the conditions was one of the greatest performances ever witnessed in New Zealand. Indianapolis is the pacer of the hour, a fine-mannered stallion who may be still further improved by the experience he will receive in his racing.

Not less impressive were the great performances of Sea Gift and Nell Volo in the Sockburn Handicap, yet both were defeated by First Wrack, who was admirably handled by M Holmes and came home in the manner of a true and tried racehorse. Had the track been in good order Sea Gift would probably have won in the fastest time registered by a trotter in New Zealand, but extra distance and the fortunes of the race told the inevitable tale.

The New Zealand Derby Stakes, the Blue Riband of the Dominion, was a race worthy of the occasion, and while Double Great won on his merits and proved himself a regular son of Great Bingen, one of the best horses of all times, there were others in Frisco Lady, Gaillard, and Casanova who contested with him a very serious race. As in the other races the state of the course was something to be reckoned with.

An ill-founded rumour circulated on Wednesday affected the attendance and the peculiar nature of the course naturally discouraged speculation, and to these two causes may be attributed a drop in the totalisator investments from £27,528 last year to £25,619 10s. The racing has not been better at any previous meeting, the management of the club staff and honorary officials was right up to standard, and generally the whole day's racing gave promise of great sport today.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 16 Nov 1935

BATTLE ROYAL BETWEEN FOUR-YEAR-OLDS

In the history of trotting at Addington it is doubtful whether any better sport has been witnessed than was provided yesterday. The weather, which had not been favourable on the two previous days, was ideal for light harness racing, and the attendance was reminiscent of show days of years ago. The track, which on the first two days was very heavy, was at its best for the sport, but, having receiveda thorough soaking, it was not so fast as on some previous occasions, and a strong easterly wind did not help in fast time making. The finishes were as close and the racing as exciting as the big crowd could have wished, and the perfomances of a number of horses were exceptional.

In the principal event of the day, the Ollivier Memorial Handicap, the battle for four-year-old supremacy took place between Gamble and Graham Direct, and the public was treated to a battle royal over the last furlong between horses possibly the best of their age raced in New Zealand. It was a stirring contest, and long before the horses reached the straight, the excitement was intense. Great horses driven by expert reinsmen provided a test of gameness and stamina not often witnessed on a racecourse. Gamble won. In victory he proved himself a super horse, and in defeat Graham Direct showed the true fighting qualities of the standardbred pacer.

The true test of the Dominion's champions was provided in the Free-For-All in which there were only six starter - the best six that could be produced. Harold Logan who has reigned as the recognised champion, had his colours lowered by possibly the best pacer New Zealand has seen in Indianapolis, a horse with a record of 2min 1 2/5sec for a mile. It was not an easy victory fro Harold Logan, beginning smartly, contested every inch of the long journey down the final stretch. He was beaten and beaten out of a place, but it was only in the last 100 yards that he found age and hard racing telling on him, and he faded in the challenge by the younger horses. Harold Logan was not disgraced. He did everything a good horse should do, but he met a great horse that not only matched him for speed but showed better staying powers.

The real treat of the afternoon was provided by the unhoppled trotters in the Middleton Handicap, and Sea Gift's performance in covering two miles in 4min 24 3/5sec, better time than any pacer had registered at the meeting was one of the highlights of trotting. She was beaten into second place by another fine trotter in First Wrack, but while the latter had all the advantages of good pace-making and a handy position in the field, Sea Gift, from 84 yards behind, was forced to cover a lot of extra ground to get round the field that was well bunched from the start. What Sea Gift's performance meant can hardly be imagined, but it was possibly the greatest exhibition of trotting every witnessed at Addington. At no stage of the race was she within 15 feet of the rails and this, in a contest over two miles on a six furlong track, is a very severe handicap.

Flotsam defeated Airflow in the opening race after a fine display in fast time. Recess proved a good game pacer by winning the Sprinter's Handicap from a bunched field after she had had to concede a start over the last quarter mile. Grand Mogul showed stamina when he led all the way to win the Australasian Handicap. Bingen Palm, who comes from Westport, scored a popular victory in the Hornby Handicap after a sterling performance, and Rey Spec's victory in the Lyttleton Handicap may be credited to the expert reinsmanship of M Holmes.

The track, which was in splendid order, was a credit to the custodian, Mr J Highsted; the starting, which was in the hands of Mr A J Hastings, was excellently done; and altogether staff and hohorary officials helped to provide an excellent day of entertainment.

The totalisator investments, which on the two previous days had shown a decrease on last years figures, went up from £39,428 10s last year to £40,984 10s, an increase of £1556. The wet weather on the first two days was the chief cause of a substantial drop in the investments for the meeting.


Credit: THE PRESS 13 Nov 1935