CLICK HERE TO GO BACK

False Step (inner) outfinishes Glint

1955 NZ DERBY STAKES

In 1951 the West Melton trainer, J D Litten, paraded his own champion three-year-old colt, Fallacy, to win the NZ Derby Stakes by 12 lengths in the race record time of 3:12.2 for one mile and a half. Four years after that success Litten produced the first of Fallacy's get, Mr J Smyth's False Step, to win the coveted event narrowly, but gamely, in a time only .4 of a second slower. In the interim, Litten had won the 1953 contest with Caduceus.

There is a colourful background to this feat of sire and son winning the classic in the space of four years; and perhaps the most appropriate starting point to this background is the year 1932. That was when the late W J Morland, a master horseman and student of breeding, bred Diversion. Diversion was by Rey de Oro from the Nelson Bingen mare, Escapade, who left a long line of winners, both pacers and trotters, who will be well remembered by many light-harness enthusiasts. Diversion was sold as a youngster to Mr A Johnston, of Wellington. Mr Johnston, a businessman, had been in ill-health, and his doctor suggested he buy and race a horse as a diversion. That is how the mare became so named.

Diversion won one race and gained several minor placings for Mr Johnston, and in 1939 she was purchased cheaply by Litten, who raced her in the early part of the 1939-40 season, gaining one win and three minor placings. Her lone win under Litten gave him his first winning drive. That was in the Gothard Handicap at the Westport Club's annual meeting. Mr C L Rhodes made an offer for Diversion during that season, and Litten sold her on the condition that Mr Rhodes returned her when her racing career was over, for stud purposes. Mr Rhodes raced Diversion without much success, and when he returned her, Litten told him he would give him the alternate foals. Mr Rhodes got the first and third foals, Fallacy, by Light Brigade was the fourth.

In February 1951, Litten decided to sell Fallacy, who was then a two-year-old, and when at a Nelson meeting, mentioned his intention to the Addington trainer, V Alborn. Returning from Nelson, Alborn went out to Litten's stables at West Melton, but Litten had not returned and Alborn decided to let the matter rest for a few days. Alborn was then called away on business to the West Coast. When Litten arrived home, he carried on working Fallacy, who began to show marked ability in his training. Litten then decided against selling him, and it is now history how Fallacy developed into the champion three-year-old of the 1951-52 season, earning £3680 for his seven successes and two minor placings from 10 attempts. Apart from the Derby, he won the Riccarton Stakes, NZ Champion Stakes and the NZ Futurity Stakes. He beat all but the four-year-old, Johnny Globe, in both the NZ Metropolitan Stakes and All Aged Stakes. Fallacy trained off later and was given a long spell. Brought back into work again, he was giving promise of returning to his peak when misfortune intervened. In a work-out on Litten's track, a horse fell in front of Fallacy, and he was brought down, cracking his ribs. After that he was retired to the stud for good.

It was earlier in his career, in 1952, however that he served Dainty Direct, who produced False Step from that mating. Dainty Direct was bred by Messrs Newdick Bros., of Auckland, in 1931, a year in which her sire, the imported roan, Dan Direct, was still racing successfully in New Zealand. Her dam, Queen Betty, was by Four Chimes, from Dot Robbins, by the imported Frank Robbins, from an unnamed mare by George M Patchen. Dot Robbins, False Step's third dam, managed to win three races, but is better remembered as the dam of Big Author, an upstanding Author Dillon gelding, who, in the mid 1930's, gained 12 wins and one second placing from 50 starts, eight of those wins coming in his first 14 starts. Big Author was trained during most of his career by O E Hooper for Mr E F Saunders, of Alexandra. Dainty Direct did not race and False Step was her only real success at stud. In 1949 she changed hands. Mr Smyth secured her (in foal to Jack High)from Mr Adams in exchange for an old hay rake. In 1950 she produced Tyrone Queen, missed in 1951, but in 1952 produced False Step.

Litten produced False Step for the first start of his career in the Canterbury Park Juvenile Stakes. The colt began very slowly, but pleased by the manner in which he made up his self-imposed handicap to finish third to Pointer and Fiord. A mistake at the start put an end to his chance in the Geraldine Invitation Stakes, but he finished third to Phantasy and Siberia in the Timaru Nursery and filled a similar position behind Glint and Pointer in the New Zealand Welcome Stakes. At his fifth start he gained his first success, and his only one as a two-year-old, when he outstayed Glint in the Methven Two-year-old Stakes. Pointer proved his master in the Oamaru Juvenile Stakes, and at his last start last season, False Step had to be content with a second behind Lady Wexford in the New Zealand Sapling Stakes.

At his first start as a three-year-old, False Step outstayed the others of his age in the Canterbury Three-year-old Stakes in August, wearing down Pointer in the run in to score by two lengths. Then, in September, he again showed his staying ability by coming away determinedly to beat Glint by a length in the T S Harrison Stakes. In October, he had his first test against older horses; and he was far from disgraced. Starting from 12 yards over a mile and a quarter at Oamaru, he came with a brilliant late run for a creditable third. He next raced on the first day of the Cup meeting at Addington ruining what must have been a good winning chance in the Riccarton Stakes by breaking badly at the start. He made up a long stretch of ground to finish fourth. On the second day he finished on from an awkward position on the home turn to again finish fourth, this time in the New Zealand Metropolitan Challenge Stakes.

On the strength of his consistent record, he was made a hot favourite for the Derby. He made a much better beginning than on the first two days, and was sixth when the field settled down. Litten took him into the lead with just on seven furlongs to run, and set a fast pace from that stage. These tactics paid dividends, for most of his rivals were struggling from the half-mile on. He looked to have ended his run, however, when Glint moved up smartly to head him well inside the furlong; but when urged for extra effort he showed real courage to forge through on the inside again and gain the verdict by a head.

Glint was not disgraced as she had to improve several lengths from the home turn to issue the final challenge to False Step. Ricochet finished on for a creditable third, five lengths away, with the more seasoned Lady Wexford only a fair fourth, a neck back. Pointer after losing ground at the start and covering a lot of extra ground, tired badly from the three-furlong post to finish well back, eighth.

The honours were all with False Step on the day, and judging by his present form he may emulate the deeds of his sire, and perhaps even his brilliantly-performed stablemates, Our Roger and Caduceus.

Credit: Ron Bisman writing in NZ Trotting Calendar

1958 NZ TROTTING CUP

One of the early leaders, False Step dropped back into the middle of the field but came again with a strong run to be one of the leaders into the straight in the NZ Trotting Cup at Addington. After a stern tussle with his one-time stablemate Caduceus, False Step got the verdict in a photo-finish by a head to give his trainer-driver C C Devine, his third training and driving success in the Dominion's premier event. The Auckland pacer Gentry, was four lengths back third and Lady Belmer fourth.

The race was not devoid of interest and the time of 4:18 3-5 could perhaps have been several seconds better if the field had not been slowed up considerably when Caduceus took over in the middle stages. He was not allowed to make his own rules long however, and the field was soon racing again at a pace befitting New Zealand Cup candidates. False Step is not a big horse by any means but he is all horse and his stamina cannot be doubted. When he showed up about the three furlongs, it was obvious he had something in reserve. The first half mile was run in 67secs, the mile in 2:12, the mile and a quarter in 2:46 1-5, the mile and a half in 3:18 and the mile and three-quarters in 3:48.

Thunder was a little slow to begin and Roy Grattan broke shortly after the start. Trueco took over from False Step and these two were followed by Bartender, Gentry, Caduceus, La Mignon, Lookaway and Roy Grattan with the remainder in close attendance. With a mile and a half to run False Step was showing the way from Trueco, Bartender, Lady Belmer, Gentry, Caduceus, Tactician and Thunder with Lookaway close to Thunder. Caduceus dashed into the lead with nine and a half furlongs to run and he immediately attempted to slow down the field. He was not permitted to stay there long. When two more furlongs had been covered, Tactician took over and he was followed by Roy Grattan, Gentry, Lady Belmer, Thunder, Caduceus, Bartender, Lookaway, False Step, La Mignon and Trueco.

Gentry was the leader approaching the half mile and shortly after False Step came into the picture to race into the lead after rounding the turn. He appeared to be in for a clear-cut success until Caduceus came onto the scene, but False Step responded gamely to vigourous driving to win by a head. Gentry paced a sound race for third and Lady Balmer raced right up to her effort at the trials. Next to finish was Lookaway and he was followed in by La Mignon, Thunder, Trueco, Roy Grattan and Bartender.

The hot favourite Lookaway, was well enough placed for most of the way. He received a slight check in the middle stages but he could be regarded as having every chance. He did not really finish on as expected though.

The winner, False Step, was one of the greatest four-year-olds to race in the Dominion and at that age he won six races and gained five seconds in 15 starts for £5545 in stakes. His success on Tuesday brought his record to 14 wins and 23 placings for a total of £16,945. False Step was bred by his owner, Mr J Smyth, and is by the successful colonial sire Fallacy (by Light Brigade), from Dainty Direct, by Dan Direct-Queen Betty, by Four Chimes-Dot Robbins, by Frank Robbins. False Step is the 1952 foal of Dainty Direct, who also left other winners in Josedale Direct, Dainty Joe and Tyrone Queen.

Fallacy was an outstanding three-year-old, winning seven races and gaining two places at that age. Included among his successes were the NZ Champion Stakes, the NZ Futurity Stakes and the NZ Derby Stakes. Queen Betty, granddam of False Step, besides Dainty Direct, who did not win a race, was also the dam of the winners Dainty Lady, Queenie Direct and Robin's Pride. Dot Robbins left a string of winners, one of her best being the big Author Dillon pacer, Big Author. The others were, besides Queen Betty, Dick Swithin, Golden Thread, Slip Along and Awatea.

Mr Smyth acquired Dainty Direct very "cheaply;" he got her in exchange for a hayrake, and Tyrone Queen was the first foal he bred from her, False Step being the second. False Step was educated and developed for his early racing by the West Melton trainer, J D Litten, and it was only towards the end of last season that he joined Devine's stable.

The race created keen interest weeks before the event and although most people expected Lookaway to win the Cup for the second time, there were many who thought False Step would be the most difficult to beat and he was sent out a firm second choice on the win machine and favourite for a place. On-course investments on the race were down on those of last year but the off-course turnover showed an increase. This year the on-course figures were £21,199 compared with £25,395; off-course investments were £26,811 as against £24,137 last year.

Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 12Nov58

GREAT RACES: 1958 CUP CARNIVAL

The 1950s was a vintage era for the light harness sport in New Zealand. Champion horsemen combining with champion sires to produce champion racehorses all conspired to result in drama, controversy, intrigue, excitement and spectacles like no other decade. So much so that it is difficult to single out any races as highlights - there were so many of them - but one race that does sum up the careers of two truly great horses and horsemen was the 1958 New Zealand Cup.

As a race in itself the Cup was far from one for the purists, being a roughly run, stop-start affair where not one runner escaped serious interference, but the result so encapsulated the stories of the protagonists so vividly that it can be reflected upon as a truly magical moment in time. It was the history either side of the event which made it special.

One could say the public which flocked to the big occasions in those times were spoiled for such events, and while caught up in the events unfolding before them on the day it was only with the benefit of hindsight many years later that the full magnitude of the occasion could be fully appreciated.

Caduceus was a champion 8-year-old and False Step a 6-year-old 'rising star,' and they were well established arch rivals at the start of the season. As a U Scott blood brother to Highland Fling, Caduceus represented the bluebloods of the day, but that didn't count for much the day he showed up from Southland at Jack Litten's as a hairy, scruffy, lame, pony-sized yearling colt. He also toed out so badly that Litten called him Charlie, and he took a nail out of a hind hoof and chucked him in a paddock with no promises for Denis and Dudley Moore to subsequently train their youngster.

Fast forward seven years and Caduceus had pretty much won everything, including the NZ Derby and the Auckland Cup as a 4-year-old, except for the NZ Cup. In 1958, he would be making his fourth attempt from 30 yards with only the veteran Tactician behind him. Litten had also won the 1951 NZ Derby brilliantly by 12 lengths and in record time with Fallacy, a son of Light Brigade he also bred and owned and who had first brought him to national prominence. Fallacy did not win beyond his 3-year-old season however, having been badly injured in a mishap at home when he piled over a fallen horse, at a time when Litten was in America. Litten tried in vain to patch up Fallacy, but eventually decided to stand him at stud himself at West Melton, and the first mare bred to him produced False Step.

Dainty Direct was a 20-year-old broodmare with little pedigree and produce to speak of when Jim Smyth, a stable client and regular visitor to Litten's Preston Farm, acquired her for a 'fiver' and a hay rake. Templeton's Jack Adams, who raced top pacer Acropolis and who was setting up a stud farm, had needed a hay rake and knew the Irish-born Smyth had one going unused. Smyth had actually persuaded Litten to have Dainty Direct served by Fallacy a few days after his Derby win.

False Step was top class from the time he won the Methven Juvenile Stakes, while he had emulated his sire in the NZ Derby and won six races at four, when he had beaten Tactician under FFA conditions and finished second, beaten a nose, by the same horse in the first 2:00 race mile run in NZ. As a 5-year-old, False Step was fourth in Lookaway's Cup and was often doing battle with his stablemate Caduceus while he was at the peak of his powers.

But their rivalry had nothing to compare with that of Devine and Litten by the time the 1958 NZ Cup rolled around. After unsuccessfully campaigning Caduceus and False Step at the Inter-Dominions around the saucer-like Wayville circuit in South Australia that year, Litten had returned home to have a very public falling out with Smyth over a driving engagement for False Step in Auckland. Never one to mince words, Litten told Smyth to take False Step away, and with no doubt spite in mind, Smyth gave him to Devine.

What was adding to the colour and controversy here was the fact that Devine and Litten had had their infamous whip slashing incident at the prior NZ Cup Meeting, and both had been given six months on the driving sidelines to cool their heels. A special mile feature, the NZ Flying Stakes, had been carded on the final day to mark the South Island debut of the new mobile gate. 'The Flash' was publishing turn-and-finish photos of all the main horse racing meetings, and the photographer on the home turn captured Devine and Litten going at it in full cry. That issue, carrying the graphic print, was a sell out.

Caduceus, driven by Tony Vassalo, had won that encounter easily in 2:00 as Litten (driving bracketmate False Step) and Devine (with Don Hall) engaged in a spectacular whip fight through the home stretch, watched in amazement by the huge crowd. They had pulled up second and third and both horsemen were obviously distressed. It was an unfortunate exacerbation of a bout of friendly ribbing among several of the top Canterbury horsemen of the era, which had expanded in this case to some race jostling before exploding into their whip slashing duel.

It ended a friendship between the two outstanding horsemen, who for the remainder of their lives refused to speak to each other. Litten had a stable full of top horses at the time and did not need owners telling him what to do. Earlier, and when yet to make any real name for himself in the game, Litten had 'made' Vedette and similarly told the owner to take the subsequent Addington Inter-Dominion winner away as a matter of principle. Litten would have Inter-Dominion success with Caduceus, but the closest he ever got to winning the NZ Cup was when 'Charlie' came up a desperately unlucky head short of False Step and Devine in 1858.

After winning the Hannon, the 1957 Cup winner Lookaway with Maurice Holmes at the helm from 24 yards were the favourites to repeat ahead of Ces Devine's bracket of False Step, off the front, and the 1956 Cup winner Thunder from 30 yards. Gentry (18yds) with his northern support and U Scott mare Lady Belmer (12yds) were next in the betting ahead of Caduceus, who by now had the record book and the handicapper very much against him. Caduceus had come off 54 yards to finish within half a length of Lookaway at Oamaru in track record time, but hardly raised a mention in 'Irvington's' Cup preview in the NZ Trotting Calendar.

Lookaway, who had of course become the first 4-year-old to win the Cup the previous season, had also impressed in the Cup Trial, whereas both False Step and Thunder had not according to Irvington. This was the point however where the unsound Lookaway's career began an out of control downward spiral, and the rise of False Step really began, although it should be noted he was "one of the greatest 4-year-olds ever" under Litten's tutelage.

Trueco and Derek Jones led early, but False Step was showing the way after half a mile before Caduceus dashed past down the back and Litten slammed on the brakes. The field then rushed up and around Caduceus, who went back on False Step and he tripped and almost fell passing the mile. False Step had only La Mignon and the tardy Thunder behind him starting the last lap when Tactician took them along from Roy Grattan and Gentry, who had skied to a clear lead starting the last half and seemed likely to win coming to the home turn.

False Step and Devine had been inching closer out wide all the time however and forged to a clear-cut lead early in the run home, looking set for an easy win, but Caduceus came flying out wide to almost bomb him on the line after himself being severely checked in the backstraight. Gentry and F J Smith jnr were four lengths away in third ahead of Lady Belmer and Lookaway, who "had every chance and did not really finish on as expected."

"Caduceus was pacing well when he met trouble near the three furlongs, and almost went down on his knees," said a crestfallen Litten, "by the time he got going again, he had lost his position."

"False Step is not a big horse by any means but he is all horse and his stamina cannot be doubted. When he showed up about the three furlongs, it was obvious he had something in reserve," wrote Irvington.

False Step had of course given Fallacy a very good start to his siring career, although he would still want for support as a 'colonial-bred' sire. Litten had bred him from Diversion, a Rey de Oro mare from the outstanding trotter Escapade, a daughter of Nelson Bingen and the 1915 NZ Cup winner Country Belle. In the end he produced around 250 winners, with NSW Derby winner Dignus coming from his second crop and 1971 NZ Cup winner True Averil was another in a long list of quality performers. Light Brigade himself had four starters in the Cup that year - Lookaway, La Mignon (6th), Thunder (7th) and Trueco (8th).

Caduceus would have his revenge by brilliantly winning the mile-and-five-furlong Ollivier Handicap from 48 yards on Show Day and the NZ Free-For-All on the fourth day, winning the latter for the second time. Earlier on the fourth day, False Step (30yds) had again beaten Caduceus (48yds) in the two-mile NZ Pacing Championship in a much more strongly run 4:11 1/5, as Lady Belmer and Gentry again chased them home.

It was still not uncommon at this time for the top horses to race twice a day more than once even at the four-day Cup Meeting held over 18 days, the fans feasting on double helpings so to speak. Not something to be even contemplated today of course.

Credit: Frank Marrion writing in 14Jun06

1958 NZ FREE-FOR-ALL

Caduceus has had a busy career but he has never been better and he made amends for his defeat in the NZ Pacing Championship by a clear-cut success in the NZ Free-For-All. Caduceus soon took command and set a solid pace, winning with the greatest of ease in the very good time of 2:34 4-5, time which he could have bettered if he had been required to do so.The U Scott pacer has now won £24,819 in stakes in New Zealand, the result of 22 wins and 25 placings. He has also won 10 races and gained 10 placings in Australia for £14,800.

The Auckland pacer Gentry, added yet another placing to his fine record when he beat all but Caduceus in the NZ Free-For-All, and he was far from disgraced in going under to a pacer of the calibre of Caduceus. Veteran pacer Tactician, is still capable of contributing something towards his keep. He was in the thick of the battle all the way and it took two very capable pacers to beat him into third place.

After winning the NZ Pacing Championship earlier in the day, False Step took his place in the Free-For-All but over the shorter journey he was not able to command a prominent position early enough. However, he paced a fine race and he was put off balance to some extent when trying to get on the inside of Tactician at the three furlongs. His driver was forced to pull False Step back and attempt to go round Tactician, but by that time it was too late. False Step has now won 16 races and gained 25 placings for £18,175 in stakes.

Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 3Dec58

False Step three time winner of the NZ Cup

1959 NZ TROTTING CUP

Champion stayer beyond a shadow of a doubt, False Step won the New Zealand Trotting Cup for the second year in succession with a mighty effort over the final quarter - he raced clear of Caduceus and Gentry at the furlong and was increasing his eight-lengths advantage as the post was reached.

Cecil C Devine, who was driving his fourth New Zealand Cup winner, has also now trained four winners of the premier event in the last nine contests and is rapidly assuming the mantle of the late James Bryce as the wizard of a NZ Cup preparation.

This year's Cup contest will rank for many a day as one of the best races seen in this country, and the role played by False Step's stablemate Thunder - a sacrificial one as things turned out - was the main contributing factor in the pegging back of Caduceus. There was only one way to encompass the defeat of the brilliant Caduceus, and no doubt the master plan was C C Devine's. One or other of his two runners had to keep on Caduceus's girth at all costs and make doubly certain that stamina and not sheer brilliance would be the deciding factor in the result. And Thunder played his part magnificently and to perfection, ending in his complete exhaustion with two and a half furlongs to go.

It was when Showdown was attempting to set a slow pace with five furlongs covered that Caduceus set sail and ran right round the field within another furlong. And Thunder pursued him every inch of the way, parking one out from the rails, about half a length back from Caduceus, as the field sorted itself out under it's new pilot. Thunder kept up the relentless pressure all the way, and, his mission fulfilled, he collapsed crossing the top; but the duel had found out Caduceus, too, and False Step, who had been waiting to pounce at any stage of the last quarter, simply flew past the wilting backmarker as they straightened up.

The sectional times tell the vivid story of the cut-throat drama between Caduceus and Thunder. The first half mile was run by Showdown in 65 2-5secs. The first mile was run in 2:09 3-5, mile and a quarter in 2:42 3-5. The last half mile was paced in 61 1-5secs and the final quarter in 31secs. Cecil Devine would be the first to concede that Derek Jones, driver of Thunder, is entitled to equal praise with Devine himself as architect of False Step's victory. Cecil Devine first won the Cup in 1951, with Van Dieman. His next winner was Thunder in 1956, and False Step has won in 1958 and 1959.

The whole field moved off safely when the barriers were released and Showdown led past the stands the first time from Lady Shona. It momentarily appeared as though Showdown was going to slow the field up but racing round the showgrounds bend Caduceus moved smartly forward and was in front with six furlongs covered, with Thunder on his girth. At this stage False Step was almost last. With a round to go False Step made a forward move from the back and at the half mile the order was Caduceus, Thunder, Showdown, Lady Shona, False Step (wide out), Mayneen, Invicta, Scottish Command, Gentry, Lady Belmer and Macklin.

At the three furlongs False Step was showing up and the order into the straight was Caduceus, False Step, Thunder (who had had enough), Lady Shona and Gentry. False Step soon had the measure of Caduceus and continued on strongly for one of the easiest of wins. The full merit of False Step's victory is brought home sharply by the fact that except for the very early part, and near the finish, he was never closer than three sulky widths from the rails and was four wide rounding the bend into the straight. Gentry, once clear, finished well for second without ever looking a serious threat to the winner. Caduceus was a weakening third three lengths and a half behind Gentry and three lengths further back came Lady Shona.

The race was marred to some extent by a mix-up after the field turned for home, but when it occurred the race was virtually over. Seven horses finished, Mayneen, Macklin and Thunder following the first four home. The rest were involved in the accident.

Although beaten into third place, Caduceus made a game attempt to add the Dominion's premier two mile race to his outstanding list of success, and he was by no means disgraced in defeat. He was given little respite once Thunder moved up to him, and in the circumstances it was not surprising he was feeling the strain at the home turn. His share of the stake for third, £675, brings his total stake-winnings to £50,924 10s. Lady Shona was always thereabouts and battled on for her fourth placing and the other three to finish were beaten off.

False Step was bred by his owner, Mr J Smyth and is a seven-year-old brown horse by a New Zealand Derby winner in Fallacy from Dainty Direct, by Dan Direct-Queen Betty, by Four Chimes-Dot Robbins, by Frank Robins. Fallacy was an outstanding three-year-old and has distinguished himself as a sire of winners over the last few years, but False Step is undoubtedly his best. False Step took his total stake-winnings to £23,965. He has won 17 races and been in the minor places 27 times.

Interest had been mounting weeks before the event and tension was running high as the field was being called into line by the starter. The day could not have been better and the track was in perfect order. For the first time in several years there was an increase in the attendance at Addington on Cup Day. The crowd was approximately 19,000, which was about 600 more than last year. On-course investments on the race were down on those of last year and the off-course figures also show a decrease. This year the on-course figures were £20,925 compared with £21,199 last year and the amount invested off-course was £24,670 10s as against £26,811 last year. The on-course totalisator handled £160,348 10s compared with £164,834 10s last year.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 11Nov59

1959 NZ FREE-FOR-ALL

Caduceus won his third New Zealand Free-For-All at Addington on Friday to equal the records of Author Dillon and Harold Logan who both won the race three times. Caduceus was hard pressed by Gentry over the last furlong but he responded well and held off the Auckland pacer by a neck. His success brought his stake-winnings to £52,139 10s, the result of 41 wins and 41 placings.

The best to begin was Gentry, with Diamond Hanover and Robert Dillon tangling in the first furlong. Invicta and Thunder also lost some ground. Gentry led past the mile post from Caduceus, with Lady Belmer and False Step ahead of Ricochet, Invicta, Thunder and Diamond Hanover. Caduceus was fighting for his head racing through the straight and when pulled off the rails he soon took the lead off Gentry with less than six furlongs to go. False Step had improved with two and a half furlongs to run and was showing up wide out behind Caduceus racing to the straight, with Gentry, Invicta, Lady Belmer, Thunder, Ricochet and Robert Dillon next.

Shortly after straightening up Gentry tackled Caduceus and he momentarily looked very dangerous, but Caduceus fought back to gain a narrow decision. False Step had come to the end of his run just after turning for home, but his performance wa a grand one as he was hampered with a damaged sulky wheel for the major part of the journey. Lady Belmer finished fourth, and she was followed by Thunder, six lengths in front of Diamond Hanover. Then came Robert Dillon and Invicta, with Ricochet at the rear.

Caduceus paced one of the fastest quarters ever seen at Addington. He was privately timed to take 27 3-5secs. for his final two furlongs, the final half mile taking 59secs. The large crowd was quick to recognise a fine performance on the part of Caduceus and he was given a grand ovation on his return to the birdcage.

More than 21,000 people invested £162,674 on course during the day, compared with £152,432 15s last year. Off-course the investments amounted to £101,471 5s, as against £87,613 5s last year.



Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar

Jim Smyth receives the presentation from Barbara Davidson

1960 NZ TROTTING CUP

False Step, leaving the barrier with machine-like precision, had cut his handicap to ribbons within half a mile, and in a tense final dual with Sun Chief he gained the ascendency in the last 50 yards and won his third New Zealand Cup in a row with bulldog courage.

False Step was still at least two lengths behind Sun Chief with a furlong to go, and when False Step was inclined to hang in it momentarily looked like Sun Chief's day, but sheer grit and superlative staying power saw False Step gradually reduce the gap and draw alongside Sun Chief, with the last 50 yards all False Step's - his official margin was half a length; his last mile was run in a torrid 1:59 1-5, last half mile in 57 4-5secs. - a phenomenal effort - and his concluding quarter in 29 4-5. His full time, 4:09, has only once been bettered in the world, by Johnny Globe in his record-breaking 4:07 3-5 in the 1954 New Zealand Cup.

"The greatest horse in the world," declared a veteran sportsman who has seen all the Cup winners and legions of others before the Cup was established. Perhaps the finest stayer, anyway.

The race was the best seen for years, and one of the cleanest. There were no incidents during the running apart from the bobble put in by Lookaway fairly early, and no excuses could be made for those who finished behind False Step.

Sun Chief lived right up to the high opinion held of him, paced a grand race, and was far from disgraced in going under to a pacer of the calibre of False Step. His driver, D Townley, who had him well placed all the way, said after the race, "I thought I had my first New Zealand Cup won half way up the straight, but the other horse was too good." Sun Chief just failed, in a game attempt, to do what Lookaway did, win the Cup at four years. Sun Chief's share of the stake, £1350, brings his total earnings in New Zealand to £8915. He has also won something over £3000 in Australia, a grand effort for one of his age. In his year, Lookaway won £10,285 in the Dominion. Lookaway, who bobbled during the journey, finished five lengths behind Sun Chief, beating Invicta by three quarters of a length. Lookaway stripped in good order and although well beaten by False Step and Sun Chief, paced a creditable race, his first at a totalisator meeting this season. He was given every assistance by driver M Holmes.

Robert Dillon broke at the start, taking no serious part in the contest, and Lady Belmer was very slow. Lady Shona, Invicta, Blue Emperor and Fourth Edition were the most prominent early, and Con Scott, Sun Chief, Responsive, Auditor, Scottish Command, Lookaway, False Step and Thunder were next. At the mile and a quarter, Con Scott lead Invicta, Fourth Edition, Lady Shona, Sun Chief, Blue Emperor, Scottish Command, Auditor, Responsive, Lookaway, False Step, Thunder and Lady Belmer. With a round to go False Step made a forward move but was forced wide at the showgrounds bend. Going down the back straight False Step was following Sun Chief and when the last named hit the front shortly after turning for home, False Step was followed by Lookaway and Invicta. When pulled out to challenge it momentarily appeared as though False Step would not get Sun Chief, but his undoubted stamina combined with his perfect condition carried the day. After Invicta came Auditor and Fourth Edition with the rest beaten off. Invicta paced a sound race for fourth after being close up all the way. He turned for home in front but could not match the finishing runs of the first three. He was produced in first class order by trainer-driver S D Edge, and raced right up to his earlier form this season. Auditor's effort for fifth points to his being seen in a winning light before very long.

False Step, who with his bracketed mate, Thunder, was sent out favourite on both machines, received a wonderful reception on return to the birdcage. False Step paced the first half mile in 61secs, mile in 2:08 2-5, mile and a quarter in 2:39 3-5, mile and a half in 3:09 4-5, and full journey from post to post in 4:07 3-5. His success on Tuesday brought his record to 20 wins and 29 placings for £31,860 in stakes, including approximately £1000 won in Australia. False Step's win gave C C Devine his fifth training and driving success in the race. Only one trainer has turned out more winners, the late James Bryce, whose score was six, and Devine is still a mere lad as trainers go. False Step's next big mission will be the Inter-Dominion Championships at Addington, possibly followed by a visit to Yonkers Raceway in the United States later

False Step was bred by his owner, Mr J Smyth, is an eight-year-old horse by the Light Brigade horse Fallacy, a New Zealand Derby winner, from Dainty Direct, by Dan Direct-Queen Betty, by Four Chimes-Dot Robbins, by Frank Robins. As in previous years, False Step's Cup preparation was timed with his trainer's usual finesse, and on the day it is doubtful if False Step has ever looked better.

Interest had been mounting weeks before the event and tension was running high as the horses were called into line by the starter. One of the biggest crowds, 20,000, seen at Addington for years filled the lawns and stands on Tuesday to see False Step do what Indianapolis did - win his third New Zealand Cup. On-course investments on the race were up on those of last year as also were the off-course figures. This year the on-course total was £21,673 10s as against £20,925 last year. Off-course, £25,977 was wagered, compared with £24,670 10s last year.

On-course totalisator figures at Addington on Tuesday reached £189,199 5s as against £160,348 10s on Cup day last year, an increase of £28,771. Off-course figures also showed a substantial rise, investors wagering £182,914 compared with £139,038 10s last year.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 9Nov60

1960 NZ FREE-FOR-ALL

Produced again in the NZ Free-For-All, after running second in the Ollivier Handicap earlier in the day, False Step made a good beginning and when the field settled down was in third place behind the pacemaker, Diamond Hanover and Thunder. Diamond Hanover set a fast pace out in front and with six furlongs to go False Step appeared to be working hard to keep his position. False Step moved out to challenge at the two furlongs, was in front at the furlong and from that stage the race was his. His success advanced his stake winnings in New Zealand to £32,075 as a result of 21 wins and 30 placings. He has also won about £1000 in Australia.

Lookaway, after breaking at the start of the NZ Free-For-All and appeared to be out of the contest, made a remarkable recovery to beat all but False Step. He sustained a strong run over the last half mile and his effort in a fast-run race was an outstanding one.

Thunder, stablemate of False Step was responsible for a solid effort for third. He had to work hard from barrier rise to keep handy to Diamond Hanover but stuck to his task in grim fashion. Even when tackled by False Step and then Lookaway, Thunder gave of his best right to the post. He is a remarkable horse. Scottish Command, third in the Ollivier Handicap earlier in the day, paced another useful race to finish fourth in the FFA.

Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar

CHRISTCHURCH - MASSACRE
The glorious uncertainty of racing was seldom better illustrated than when Massacre landed the Grand Final at Addington in Christchurch 1961 - in one of the closest finishes on record. Massacre, a rugged sort of a 4-year-old but a virtual unknown, had won a mere four races before the Series. He was placed in two of the heats and scraped into the final.

But the merit of his performance could not be written down. He joined the select band to win the race as 4-year-olds when, after measuring strides with champion False Step through the telling home-stretch duel, he prevailed by the barest of margins over that great performer - to the dismay of thousands who were willing False Step to win and thought he had. False Step conceded Massacre 48yds, but had the race been run under ordinary handicap conditions the difference in Massacre's favour would have been 216yds.

What a finish it was. Massacre was declared the winner by a nose over False Step, and in fact the margin was a bare inch. Arania was a half-length back, third, and Lady Belmer was right up fourth. The outsider but one at 10-10 in the order of betting, Massacre paid £31/13/6 for £1 to win and £5/15/6 for £1 for a place.

It was the ultimate result for Massacre's amateur trainer, Duncan Campbell, who raced the gelding in partnership with Mr A Wilson on lease from Mr T E Prendergast, all of Ashburton, Mid-Canterbury. Campbell, a milk-bar proprietor, had served his time as an apprentice jockey before a stint as a coalminer on the West Coast of the South Island, and Wilson was a mechanic in a knit-wear factory. Neither had enjoyed anything out of the ordinary in the way of racing success, although a couple of years earlier, Campbell, treating trotting merely as a hobby, had raced the mudlark Bedivus for several wins in looser grades. He had leased Massacre as a weanling and driven him as a 3-year-old to win at the South Island country courses Reefton, Methven and Waikouaiti.

When Massacre was included in the line-up for the heats, experienced reinsman Doug Watts was engaged. Watts, a former jockey himself, and a driver with past Inter-Dominion experience, had achieved a record of some distinction when he drove the first seven winners on an eight-race card at Reefton in 1954. He had also won New Zealand Cups driving Integrity (1946) and Our Roger (1955), and the 1956 Auckland Cup with Unite.

Rather modest about the part he played in Massacre's Grand Final win, Watt gave a large slice of the credit to fellow reinsman Maurice Holmes. Said Doug "the horse was not going away at the start and Maurice told me not to let him begin but to wait for him." This amounted to not giving the horse his head immediately the barrier strand was released, and resulted in Watts getting Massacre away safely.

Holmes had driven Massacre in his other win before the Championship, a dead heat with Kingsdown Patch in the Templeton Handicap at Addington in August 1960. And Holmes was on the sideline during the 1961 Series with injuries he received in a race fall at the inaugural night meeting at Forbury Park, Dunedin, a month earlier. He had been driving star 4-year-old Sun Chief, who was also forced to miss the Series. Earlier that season, Sun Chief had won the Louisson Handicap at Addington and the Hannon Memorial at Oamaru and pushed False Step to the brink in that outstanding pacer's third New Zealand Cup win.

The absence of Holmes and Sun Chief prefaced a series of setbacks for the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club in staging the 1961 Inter-Dominion carnival. Another came when prominent pacers Rustic Lad (third top points scorer), Invicta and Lookaway were barred from starting in the £10,000 Final because their connections had not obtained the special permission of the Championship Programme Committee to withdraw their horses on the first day.

Trainer Jim Ferguson had left the scratching of Rustic Lad as late as possible in the hope that his good pacer would recover from a bruised foot, and had overlooked the relevant clause. While it was acknowledged that the onus was on the owner or his agent to observe the conditions, it was claimed that the club should have drawn the attention of the trainers to the clause when the scratchings were made, giving them a chance to seek the required special permission to 'pass'. The condition had applied to Inter-Dominion programmes in New Zealand and Australia for some years. It was introduced because trainers of horses who had gained sufficient points to earn a start in the Final had scratched from the last set of Heats. The condition decreed that, unless a veterinary certificate could be produced saying the horse was not fit to start, the three Heats had to be contested.

False Step stole the limelight on the first day when runner-up to Diamond Hanover (Doody Townley) in the world record time of 3:21.4 for 13 furlongs. False Step had added to his 48yd handicap by galloping at the start, then improved to join the leader near the half-mile, fighting back in his best style. Scottich Command, given every chance, was third, NSW rep Redwin fourth.

Teryman, stablemate of False Step, and by Cecil Devine's 1951 NZ Cup winner, the U Scott horse Van Dieman, won his heat well from Smokeaway, with Massacre making up ground for a creditable third. Robert Dillon, driven by F G (Freeman) Holmes, took his heat in clear-cut style from Guiseppe (who had been forced by a shoulder abcess to miss the Grand Final in Sydney a year earlier) and the NSW visitor First Kiss.

USA horseman Delvin Miller provided a sidelight on that first day when he piloted the Jack Litten trained Lavengro to win the Sydney Handicap under a vigorous drive. Miller, the man who bought and developed as a sire the immortal Adios, three days later guided trotter Jewel Derby home at Alexandra Park in Auckland from 66yds. New York trainer Eddie Cobb also drove the same day at Addington as Miller, without success, but showed his worth driving Stormymaid to win at Hutt Park, Wellington, the same week.

Rustic Lad buried his rivals for speed in the first heat, at a mile and a quarter, on the second day, clocking 2:35.6, a 2:04 mile rate. It was after this that the announcement came that although he would be allotted any points he should earn on the third night to add to his then equal top score of seven, he would be ineligible for the final.

Before False Step lined up for his heat on the second day, it was revealed that Devine had raced him in illegal gear when he set his world record on the first day. Chief Stipendiary Steward Len Butterfield ordered Devine to remove a neck pricker from False Step. The pricker consisted of a few tacks with points blunted, protuding through the inside of the neck-band. It was used with the object of preventing the horse veering out at the start of his races. A pricker of a type approved by the NZ Trotting Conference is a leather disc, about 2 1/2 inches in diameter, fitting between the bit and the jaw.

Writing in the Melbourne 'Sun', Jack McPherson commented: "the False Step scandal rocked Australians in Christchurch, but this city of horse-lovers took the cruelty quite placidly. Chief Stipeniary Steward Mr L A Butterfield, while admitting the use of neck-band prickers is absolutely forbidden, said 'often the use of unauthorised gear will provoke a fine, but in this case Devine won't be penalised." Cecil Devine, trainer/driver of False Step, did not consider the use of prickers made 'all that difference'. Earlier McPherson expressed the discontent of his fellow countrymen driving in the Series: "Australian drivers, after trying to observe the NZ rules, said that in the three-heat Series they would drive hub to hub in Australian fashion and take the consequences. Western Australian driver Bob Johnson said that he did not want to drive in New Zealand again, because he would be tempted to 'flatten NZ driver Bill Doyle'."

The second sensation concerning False Step on the second day came when he fell at the start. He paced off the mark, became unbalanced and tipped Devine from the sulky. False Step did not attempt to bolt, and Devine jogged him back to the enclosure, the horse minus some skin and a little stiff. That heat resulted in an all-the-way win for Damian, owned and trained by Aucklander Les Barrett (for whom he was driven by Doug Watts) and one of three progeny of the grand producer Bashful (Grattan Loyal-Bonny Logan by Logan Pointer) in the Series. Her two other sons, Guiseppe (also owned by Les) and Diamond Hanover (raced by J H G Peterson), along with Damian, qualified for the final. It was a unique distinction for the broodmare Bashful. Queen Ngaio (Felix Newfield)and Redwin (Pere Hall) followed Damian in.

A win in the other second-day heat for Arania sparked off a rowdy demonstration, as she had raced poorly on the first day. At an inquiry into her form reversal, an explanation that she had been left in the open on the first day was accepted.

Misfortune, which seemed to be doing the rounds, carried over to the Australian camp. Filling developed in the foreleg of Sultana and Kiwi Dillon failed to settle to his surroundings. The West Australian pair were forced to withdraw from the third and final days.

The third day, however, belonged to Australia. Redwin and Three Aces (SA, Rex Robinson)won two-mile heats, in each case having to fight off all challengers in the run home for narrow verdicts. The grand mare Arania, then a 4-year-old and seven months later to become the fastest mare bred outside of America with a 1:57 mile on Lexington's Big Red Mile in Kentucky, wound up leading point scorer when she annexed the other two-mile heat.

Trainer George Noble had one regret about Roy McKenzie's Arania:"in my opinion she went to America too soon; before she really had an opportunity, to show her real worth in New Zealand," he said. Noble, long-time trainer for Sir John McKenzie and then Roy, had been a top horseman in his own right in Australia before immigrating to New Zealand, where he was also to be to the top of his profession. Arania, by U Scott, was from Local Gold, a daughter of one of New Zealand's first 2:00 horse, Gold Bar. After her American campaigning, Arania returned to New Zealand to prove a successful broodmare.

With points awarded on the basis of 4,2 and 1 for the first three placegetters and 2 for the fastest time among the first four, the final table read: Arania(11), Damian(10), Rustic Lad, Three Aces(7), Diamond Hanover(6), Robert Dillon(5 1/2), False Step, Teryman, Redwin, Invicta(5), Guiseppe(4), Massacre, Gentry(3), Queen Ngaio, Smokeaway, Maestro's Melody, Samantha, Lady Belmer(2 1/2), First Kiss, Scottish Command, Fourth Edition(1).

With Rustic Lad and Invicta ineligible, Victoria's Maestro's Melody (third behind Caduceus and Apmat in Sydney a year earlier and fourth and second in the Addington heats) and Lady Belmer were chosen from the five with two and a half points to make a field of 13 for the Final. Cecil Devine had wound up with Jim Smyth's False Step and Teryman, whom he owned himself, in the Final. He applied though his solicitor to drive False Step. When the Executive endorsed the Rule of Trotting stating that no licensed person having an interest in any horse competing in a race shall drive any other horse not owned by him, Devine solved his own problem by scratching Teryman.

The pace was on from the start in the Final, with Guiseppe (Fred Smith) going for the doctor. It was apparent that False Step, who had added 12yds to his 48yd handicap when he swung out at the start, was faced with a stupendous task. Throughout the race all eyes were on False Step as he steadily whittled down the deficit. Recovering like the great horse he was, he straightened up for home wide outside and almost on terms with Diamond Hanover and Robert Dillon, who had drawn past the tiring Guiseppe. Massacre was coming fast into the picture wider out than False Step; Arania was diving for a wide gap on the inside; Lady Belmer was just in behind in the middle of the track and back on her outer was Redwin, making a remarkable recovery after tangling twice in the early running. Arania drew up to False Step and Massacre, and the three fought out a battle royal. False Step and Massacre flashed past the post locked together and only a neck ahead of Arania. Most, including the drivers, were sure that False Step had won and capped a remarkable New Zealand career in his last start before departing for the United States.

There were incredulous mutterings when judge Harry Spicer called Massacre first before calling for the photo, adding that "it was close for first and second". Doug Watts congratulated Cecil Devine on his success as they returned to the birdcage. Recounts Watts: "I finished a wheel behind Cecil, and we thought he had won by half a length." But the camera had the last say, and False Step, though he had won three NZ Cups, had been denied the triumph that would have capped his great 'Down Under' career.

Devine, who had come confidently back to the birdcage at the head of the field, was dumbfounded by the result of the photo-finish. "I would have been prepared to wager any amount at all that I had won. I have driven a lot of winners at Addington and have never made that mistake before," said the former Tasmanian, who had in his great New Zealand career won five NZ Cups and a Royal Cup. False Step was for all that credited with a world record for the 13 furlongs, of 3:21, cutting .4 sec from the record he clocked when second in his heat on the opening day. Lady Belmer had got up for a good fourth, a long neck from Arania, while Redwin headed the others.

The 1957 NZ Cup winner Lookaway, owned by Clarry Rhodes and now trained at Invercargill by veterinarian Cliff Irvine, emerged to win a consolation race. He had missed the second day after injuring a shoulder in a fall the first day. Scottish Command (the Auckland Cup winner of 1959) took the other consolation in a close finish with Invicta (who was to win the NZ Cup the following November) and Queen Ngaio.

Massacre's sire Whipster had been a good racehorse before being injured and retired to stud, and among his other progeny was Overdrive, the dam of an Australian champion, Lucky Creed. Whipster was by the imported Peter Volo horse Quite Sure, eight times leading sire of straightout trotters in New Zealand. Whipster's dam Bantam was by Jack Potts, sire of the first Grand Final winner at Addington, Pot Luck. Terrace Lass, the dam of Massacre, was by Nelso Derby, a son of Nelson Bingen and Norice, imported American-bred parents. A good winner herself in New Zealand, and runner-up to Monte Carlo in the first NZ Cup in 1904, Norice became ancestress of a prolific winning family.

Credit: Ron Bisman & Taylor Strong writing in 'The Inter-Dominions

CECIL DEVINE - FALSE STEP 1960

Some exceptional trainer/drivers in earlier eras always seemed to get the job done when the chips were down (often literally). Cecil Devine's third Cup with False Step was one.

From 40m behind, False Step lost another 30m, had to chase very wide and at the home turn the brilliant Sun Chief had three lengths on the big stayer and was going better. False Step just could not catch the flying youngster.

Then, a stroke of genius. Devine lowered his whip and within 100m of the finish of a potentially history making New Zealand Cup, he stopped driving. A huge gamble became Cecil's ace in the hole. When he resumed his urgings, that bravest of stayers found a little more to get up by a narrow margin.

Many a Cup has been lost by impatient horsemen. This was patience with a capital P. But nobody has tried it since.

TRIVIA FACT: Devine had first shown his talent with stayers way back in 1945. Making ends meet with the faithful Teddy Gregg at Coast meetings, he was handed former top mare Shadow Maid to train by local George Chesmar. She had been unplaced in 20 starts before running third in the 1945 Cup behind Gold Bar and was the rank outsider of the field. That never happened to the black with white stars again.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed 2016