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Lady Clare and driver Jack Brankin

1911 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

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

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 The club received 14 nominations, but the early favourite, St Swithin, was injured and withdrawn.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

Loyal Nurse & trainer/driver Colin Berkett

1949 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

"That crabby old so-and-so..." "She only takes it into her head now and again to do her best" These are some of the uncharitable things we all used to say about Saturday's NZ Jubilee Cup winner, Loyal Nurse, during her patch-work racing career of past years.

One day at Ashburton she was the centre of a public demonstration that lasted for several minutes because she bolted in in a race after performing like a jaded Jezebel the day before. Official investigation confirmed what her connections told the stewards about her: she was something of an unpredictable flapper, she pleased herself whether she raced or not. All very true and confirmed time and again.

Which only goes to show that there must be something in heredity. Loyal Nurse's dam, War Maid, was as rattleheaded as they came. She could not be raced, and she drifted into the ownership of Mr T S Harrison something like this: he was on the look-out for a shepherd's hack for duty on his farm and one day in the Methven township he met Mr George Kelly, who promptly offered him War Maid for the paltry sum of £8.

To Logan Fraser, War Maid produced a useful winner in Trikkala, and her mating with Grattan Loyal resulted in Loyal Nurse, winner to date of £18,103, easily a record for a mare in New Zealand and Australia. Among her previous successes when trained by C V May, were the Ashburton All Aged Stakes, Auckland Cup, Auckland Champion Handicap, and she also performed with credit at the 1948 Inter-Dominion Championships at Auckland.

Loyal Nurse is just a plain black mare, nine years old; in a sale-ring she could scarcely aspire to be a top-priced lot on looks; but she is fleetly-built, light-fleshed, longer than most horses, constructed for speed rather than comfort, as evidence her last half-mile in a fraction better than 59secs on Saturday.

As we have already told you, Loyal Nurse was a bit of a character in some past seasons. Her inconsistency here and there earned for her the reputation of being moody, a 'sour old tart' on occasions. One day she just wouldn't or couldn't put her best foot forward; the following day she would put her long ewe neck in a different and more determined angle and win with lengths to spare.

On Saturday Loyal Nurse raced in mellow mood; age and a change of scenery up at Colin Berkett's stable coincided like a pair of rose-coloured glasses with Jubilee Cup day to such effect the Loyal Nurse lowered the existing world's race record for a mare, 4:13 3-5 (held jointly by Haughty and Loyal Nurse herself), by more than a second. Loyal Nurse's previous best two-mile figures, 4:13 3-5, were registered when she ran second to Emulous in the Grand Final of the Inter-Dominion Championship at Auckland in 1948.

Loyal Nurse was bred by her owner, Mr T S Harrison, a member of the executive of the NZ Trotting Conference and President of the Methven Trotting Club for many years. Until last season Loyal Nurse was held on lease and trained by C V May, of Methven, who won close on £13,000 in stakes with her. Last season Loyal Nurse started 16 times without getting in the money, but she had had only one race since going into C R Berkett's stable before her Cup success and she dead-heated for fourth place in that race, the Hannon Memorial Handicap at Oamaru just five days before the Cup. She certainly reached Addington on Saturday, October 29, rejuvenated and refreshed.

C R Berkett was having his second driving success in the NZ Cup; he drove Highland Fling in his first Cup success in 1947, as the year Highland Fling's trainer, L F Berkett, held Nyallo Scott on lease and had to Drive him in the Cup. Loyal Nurse's time, 4:12 1-5, is the second fastest in the long history of the race, only Highland Fling's world's race record of 4:10 3-5, put up last year bettering it. Loyal Nurse is the 10th mare to win the race, her predecessors among the 'weaker' sex having won 11 Cups between them as follows: Marian 1907, Lady Clare 1911, Winsoon 1914, Country Belle 1915, Adelaide Direct 1917, Trix Pointer 1919, Reta Peter, 1920 & 21, Marlene 1940 and Haughty, 1942 & 43.

Loyal Nurse is the second of the progeny of Grattan Loyal to take Cup honours, his previous representative being the all-in flyer Gold Bar, who disorganised the 1945 field from barrier rise. Grattan Loyal, who has passed his 29th birthday, is still a remarkably well-preserved stallion, and at the present time he has a good lead on the sires' list this season. One of our leading progenitors for many seasons, Grattan Loyal has yet to top the list for a complete season. He went very close in 1946-47, when U Scott headed him by only £404/10/-, and it would be a fitting climax to his stud life, a life that has greatly enriched breeding in this country, if he were to retain his present position on the list for the remainder of this season. Foals by him continue to arrive.

Captain Sandy, as gallant as ever in defeat, carried his total stake-winnings to £14,399, and when his great effort in the last Metropolitan free-for-all is recalled, he will be rated a first-class prospect for coming championship contests on later days of the Cup meeting. When Lady Averil dashed into the lead after the pacemaker, Dundee Sandy, wilted at the far turn, she did so with such a flourish that at one stage it looked as though she might not be caught. She put a daylight margin on her nearest attendant with a quarter to go and her third placing was a good deal better than anything she had done previously.

The favourite bracket, Globe Direct and Attack, were locked together next. Attack was securely pocketed for all but the last three fulongs and when he did get out he stood no earthly chance of giving the leaders several lengths when those leaders were travelling at well inside a two-minute clip. Attack did well enough allowing for the difficulties he encountered, because only an out-and-out champion could have won from his position at the distance. He may yet prove to be that calibre of horse, but not on Saturday's performance. Single Direct never got near the front and was ninth to finish. Commander Scott made a promising dash on the rails at the distance and drew almost up to the leaders, but he was only sixth to arrive. Knave of Diamonds was seventh, then Sprayman, Single Direct, Plunder Bar, Integrity (who lost ground at the start), Maudeen and Dundee Sandy.

Totalisator investments on the race were easily a record, the total topping the £40,000 mark for the first time. Saturday's figures were £40,717/10/- compared with the previous record of £39,283 put through in 1947.


Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 2Nov49

Win Soon & Andy Pringle

1914 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

The second favourite for the 1914 New Zealand Cup, Win Soon, despite an interrupted preparation after qualifying the previous August, began best from the front line and led all the way for an easy win. She was the third mare, after Marian and Lady Clare, to win the Cup and, significantly, all three led from start to finish.

Andy Pringle, Win Soon's trainer, had almost despaired of getting her to the post because she had been troubled with corns, but fortunately the problem cleared in time. The win signalled a change of luck for Pringle, who in his two previous New Zealand Cup drives had been tipped from his sulky.

The Cup stake was increased to 2500 sovereigns, and for the first time the race carried a valuable cup, in addition to the prizemoney. It was made in London for the club's president, Charles Louisson, who donated it. The trophy stood 26 inches without the pedestal and surmounting it was the representation of a trotting horse, complete with sulky and driver.

From the original acceptances, Dan Nyhan's Havoc, Red Mac and Lady Clare were withdrawn, leaving a field of 12, with the front four on six seconds. Denver Huon, on another New Zealand campaign, started from the back, with King Cole, who had not raced since the previous November because of sore feet, refused to leave the mark - in all four of his New Zealand Cup starts, he eliminated himself at the start.

Most pre-race interest centred on the favourite, Don Caesar, a Cup newcomer. Like Win Soon, Don Caesar was troubled some weeks before the race with soreness. But brilliant performances the previous season, plus good trackwork preceding the Cup, confirmed his readiness for a sound two-mile run.

However, he spoilt his chance at the start, as did third favourite Denver Huon. The latter headed a strong Australian contingent and had performed exceptionally well in New Zealand the previous season. After finishing second in the 1913 Cup, Denver Huon had won the New Brighton Cup Free-For-All and, in an exhibition against time, had clocked an Australasian record of 4:28.2 in Auckland.

Win Soon's time, 4:31, was a winning two-mile record. She covered the last half-mile in 1:08 and the first mile in 2:15. Over the last mile Win Soon was challenged by the other mare, Country Belle, who paced a fine race for second. They drew away from the rest, with Win Soon holding off Country Belle to win by four lengths. Eccentric was third, 12 lengths back, folowed by Emmeline, Ravenschild, Manderene, Don Caesar, Denver Huon and Adonis.

Win Soon, the first Southland-bred horse to win a New Zealand Cup, was by the Rothschild horse King Child, from Topsy, who was from a thoroughbred mare. Win Soon, King Child's only winner, had done little racing since winning the Lyttelton Handicap in November 1913. She did not appear after that win until August 3, when she ran third in the main event and qualified for her Cup start, registering 4:37.2.

With £1530, Win Soon was the season's leading money-winner, followed by Our Thorpe, Frandocia and Emmeline. Win Soon's owners, Stevenson and McMath, were the season's top owners, winning £1690, followed by Emmeline's owner, Randle McDonnell.

Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

1907 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Marian began a rich tradition of mares in the formative years of the Cup when she prevailed on a heavy track for James Tasker, who four years later trained another mare in Lady Clare to score.

Marian was a half-sister to the freak pacer Ribbonwood, who won the forerunner of the Cup in the New Zealand Handicap, but who had effectively won his way out of racing before the Cup was introduced.

Their dam was Dolly, who founded the family which led to other top performers such as Plunder Bar, Tactician, Twinkle Hanover, Stylish Major, Le Chant and Grades Singing and Roman Gladiator.

NZ HRWeekly 1Oct2003

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At her third attempt, Marian became the first of many fine mares to win the New Zealand Cup. Her win was all the more meritorious because she led all the way on a heavy track, taking 5:16.4 for the distance.

The 1907 meeting was held on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, November 4,6 and 7. The Cup race returned to the final day, Show Day, which was cold but fine overhead. The Cup stake remained at 400 sovereigns. Of the eight races, three were in saddle and five in harness. Three races were contested over a mile-and-a-half, two over two miles, two over a mile and one a mile-and-a-quarter. The three-mile race disappeared. The Show Day turnover of £18,193 was again a record.

Trainer James Tasker started Marian's new-season campaign in August and she ran unplaced in the Midwinter Handicap and the National Cup. Tasker did not start her on the first day of the New Zealand Cup meeting, when Boldrewood, at long odds, upset the Cup candidates in the Courtenay Handicap, beating Electrician and Darwin. Despite this win Boldrewood was not well-backed and started the Cup 11th favourite, and for the second successive year ran fourth.

Rain fell on the second day and the track suffered. Lord Elmo won the Christchurch Handicap over a mile-and-three-quarters from Marian and Terra Nova, in a slow 4:22, with sensational young pacer Advance a well-beaten seventh. Three-year-old Advance was the third favourite, and the most interesting competitor in the New Zealand Cup. He remains the only horse this young to contest the country's premier event. Advance was only two years and 10 months old when he won the National Cup the previous August, against top-class horses, qualifying for his start in the New Zealand Cup. He was a black colt by Prince Imperial from Rose, owned and trained by James McDonnell, of Ashburton.

Unfortunately, Advance went amiss the following season and was retired to the McDonnell stud, where the best of the progeny he produced was Vice-Admiral, who placed third in the 1921 New Zealand Cup.

Marian, ninth favourite in the 13-horse field, led from barrier rise, and at the end of the first lap was just ahead of The Needle, Cocoanut and Verax. There was little change until a mile had been completed, when Advance and Lord Elmo became prominent in the second group. Entering the last lap Marian led from Advance, who had made a big run, with the others, led by Verax, Sal Tasker and Boldrewood, a long way back. Marian pulled away and won by 12 lengths from Advance, with six lengths to Verax, Boldrewood and the backmarker, Sal Tasker, who had to concede an enormous start of 11 seconds to the first horse away, Prince Warbeck.

Marian was trained and driven by James Tasker, who had his stable at Spreydon. She was an eight-year-old chestnut mare by King George from Dolly, by Young Irvington from a thoroughbred mare. Dolly was also the dam of Ribbonwood. Tasker produced a second New Zealand Cup winner, Lady Clare, also a mare, who won in 1911.

Auckland trotter Albertorious was the race favourite, but was slow away, broke during the running and ruined his chance. He reappeared in the next race on the programme, in saddle, and won. Second favourite Durbar also broke during the race and finished well back.

Another innovation greeted patrons in 1907. A new totalisator house, described as being built on "up to date lines", had been constructed. For the first time, above the totals shown in front of the totalisator, was a clock, one hand of which was stationary and pointed to the time the totalisator closed, while the other gave the time of the day. When the latter hand reached the stationary hand a bell rang and the betting closed. Previously, races were started before the totalisator closed. Lord Elmo was the top stake-earner with a then record of £630.

Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

The New Zealand Trotting Cup meeting opened in beautiful weather. There was a very large holiday attendance. The course was fast and the racing of the highest class. Some fast times were registered and the public were rather astray in their selections. A very large sum went through the Totalisator and the Club must be well satisfied with the prospects for the concluding days.

Fancy Gantle was made an even money favorite in the Spring Handicap (2 miles, saddle) for trotters only. She refused to leave the mark. When she eventually got away she did not show exceptional pace. Lochiel got well away and trotted steadily the whole way, winning with something in hand from Frank Wilkes. Fiction was a poor third. Time, 6.3. Frank Wilkes showed some pace, but always broke when the pressure was on. Armamenter trotted well, but faded out in the last half mile.

A largo field saddled up for the Empire Handicap (2 miles). Wingatua hopped away smartly and led for well over a mile, and Sherwood took up the running. Disappear made a good run through tho field, attended by Stanley's Child. Disappear continued near the post. He then wavered. In an exciting finish Sherwood won by a head, Stanley's Child was third, two lengths away. Time, 4.48. Grandee was favorite but failed to run up to his form.

The New Zealand Trotting Cup brought out the best twelve horses that have ever raced together in the colonles. The scratchings were Havoc, Red Mac and Lady Clare. Don Caesar and King Cole lost time at the start. Win Soon took the lead from the start. Win Soon, Country Belle and Eccentric led in that order past the stand the first time round. They maintained their positions during the second round. Entering the last round Emmeline ran up into fourth place half a mile from home. Win Soon and Country Belle left the field and in a good finish Win Soon, won by four lengths. Eccentric was twelve lengths back third with Emmeline another six lengths distant in fourth place. The fast time of 4.31 was recorded. The race was rather uninteresting, as the leading horses kept their places throughout. Win Soon was all out to win, the only horse threatening danger being Country Belle. Emmeline ran right up to her best time. Denver Huon ran a good race and was timed to do 4.30. His task was an impossible one as he would have had to do 4.25 to get up to the winner. Don Caesar was favorite, Win Soon being next m demand.

Norval King took out the Middleton Handicap (2 miles, harness) for trotters only. He and Imperial Crown were in advance for a mile when the latter cried a go. Adventuress then ran up into second place, Olive L. following. They ran in this order to the finish, Norval King winning all out by a length, Olive L. two lengths behind Adventuress. Olive L. lost several seconds at the start, otherwise she would have won. Time, 4.35 2-5.

The Lyttelton Handicap (two miles, harness) was an exciting race. Antonio and Erlna wont away with a good lead. A mile saw the end of Erina. Our Thorpe and White House closed on Antonio six furlongs from home. At the distance, Our Thorpe passed Antonio and, in a stirring finish, won by a length. White House beat Antonio on the post for second money. The time was very fast — 4min. 38 4-5sec.

Kinetic was very warm for the St Albans Handicap (1 mile, saddle). He got away smartly, but was soon displaced by Qulnaldine. The latter went on with a good lead. Four furlongs from home, Frandocia worked his way through into third place, Caledon being second. Fifty yards from the post Frandocia caught Quinaldlno, and went on and won by a length. Rawene was placed third. Time, 2.17.

A largo field started In the Rlccarton Handicap (1 ½ miles, harness). Tommy C. was favorite. He hung on the mark and Al Franz went away in front and stayed there for half the distance. With a milo to go, Jingle put in a great run and secured a good position. Entering the straight he had everything settled and went on and won comfortably from Mountain Rose and Muricata. Time, 3min. 27 4-5 sec. Marble Arch showed great pace during the early stages of the race, but failed to stay on.

The money was on Frank Tracy in the Hagley Handicap (1 mile, harness). He failed to got anywhere near the front. Bequest took the lead and bade good-bye to the others. Corbell and Child Beldon chased her the whole way. The order at the finish being Bequest, Child Beldon, Corbell. Time, 2.24


Credit: Brent Locanda writing in NZ Truth 14 Nov 1914

Albert H & A Hendriksen

1912 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

1910 NZ TROTTING CUP

The race of 1910 will be long remembered for the series of mishaps associated with it. Just after the field had been sent on its two mile journey Walnut swerved across the track and collided with Manderene, both horses losing their drivers. Then King Cole ran into El Franz, whose driver was thrown out of the sulky. In the meantime, Manderene had practically taken charge of the track. Careering around at a mad gallop he forced the other competitors to get out of the way as best they could. One of the few to escape trouble was the previous year's winner, Wildwood Junior. Cleverly driven by his owner-trainer, William Kerr, the handsome son of Wildwood got an almost uninterrupted passage and had no difficulty in defeating Bright and Ribbons.

Of all those early winners, Wildwood Junior stood out in a class by himself. Either he or another of Wildwood's progeny in the sensational Ribbonwood, would have equalled the performances of some subsequent winners had the track conditions and training methods under which they raced been equal to what they are nowdays.

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NZ Trotting Calendar 31 October 1945

In 1909 and the following year Wildwood Junior won the NZ Cup. Many experienced horsemen who sa Wildwood Junior's performances, and every Cup winner since, are still of the opinion that Wildwood Junior ranks with the greatest winners of the race. His dam was the Kentucky mare Thelma. Thelma is one of the gems of the Stud Book. Not a great deal is known about her ancestry, as the Stud Book states she was from the thoroughbred mare Pride Of Lincoln, by Touchstone, second dam Sally (imp), but if anything can be written regarding her progeny it must be acknowledged that, despite the fact of inability to prove many tabulated ancestors, her breeding could hardly have been anything but aristocratic. To further enlarge on the influence of Thelma's progeny, it need only be mentioned that her daughter Authoress was the dam of Author Dillon, who won the Cup in 1918, and he in turn was the sire of Auditress, who was the dam of Marlene, the 1940 Cup winner; further, Wildwood Junior was the sire of the dam of Lucky Jack, also a dual Cup winner.

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Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

Wildwood Junior set an Australasian record for two miles when he easily won his second NZ Cup. His time of 4.33 beat the record set by Ribbonwood seven years earlier. The Cup was again the only race Wildwood Junior contested during season. If he had stayed sound he might have been the country's second champion pacer, after Ribbonwood. The free-going son of Wildwood received a great ovation from the large crowd when he and owner-trainer-driver Bill Kerr returned to the enclosure.

His record run was remarkable because he had had to race through a disorganised field of 15, with a strong easterly wind and dust frm the front-runners hampering his progress. The stake for the Cup reached four figures for the first time and the club offered 6000 sovereigns over the three days. The time limit for the Cup was tightened to 4:44, and a capacity field of 16 made that mark, most of them pacers, though a few trotters were still able to make the top field.

Wildwood Junior was handicapped eight seconds behind the front line. Trackwork before the race suggested that Wildwood Junior, Al Franz, Manderene, Walnut (an Otago representative who came north with a big reputation), Ribbons and Aberfeldy would dispute the finish. The three-horse bracket of Manderene, Dick Fly and Albertorious, from the stable of Manny Edwards, were the favourites, with Albertorious the least popular of the three. Wildwood Junior, Walnut and Al Franz were the next-best supported.

Unfortunately, the race was a poor spectacle, spoiled by a series of mishaps. At the start Walnut swerved across the track and collided with Manderene, both horses losing their drivers, Robert Logan and Manny Edwards respectively. King Cole played up and ran into Al Franz, who dumped Charles Kerr on the track. Several others suffered interference, while Durbar refused to leave the mark. It was the second year in succession that King Cole and Durbar had failed to start.

Verax went to the front for Claude Piper and led from Bright, Fusee and Ribbons. For much of the race the driverless Manderene hampered the leaders. At the halfway stage Wildwood Junior got near and, passing the stands for the last time, Bill Kerr worked him in behind the leader, Verax. Once into the back straight Wildwood Junior went to the front and won by four lengths from the pony Bright, who ran an exceptional race for Tom Frost. Bright paid £21 15s for secod, a place dividend that has not been exceeded in the Cup's history. Ribbons (Free Holmes) was third 10 lengths back, then at considerable intervals came Aberfeldy, Terra Nova and Lady Clare.

A total of 29 bookmakers operated on Cup Day and brought the club £560 in fees. Totalisator investments were £17,036, of which the Cup attracted £4205. The three-day turnover reached a record £50,889. A new grandstand, with a seting capacity of 2500 and reported to be the finest in New Zealand, was in use for the first time. The outside patrons were given the use of the old grandstand, so altogether 6000 could be seated at Addington. After the second race the New Zealand Trotting Conference president, Phineas Selig, officially opened the new stand.

The weather on the second day was again perfect. Of great significance was the appearance on the programme of the Dominion Handicap, later to become major race for trotters. However, in 1910 the race was open to maiden performers assessed at 5:10 or faster. Two Australian records were broken on the third day. Redchild recorded 4:40 for two miles, the fastest ever in saddle; and Dillon Bell, a three-year-old, ran 4:41.4, a time never previously recorded by one of his age, when he beat Terra Nova, Aberfeldy and the other top-class horses in the Christchurch Handicap.

Credit: 'Veteran' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 13Nov63

1911 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER

In the history of sport in New Zealand nothing has been more remarkable than the wonderful development of trotting within recent years, both as regards the quality of the racing and also its increasing popularity with the public. Nowhere has that development been more marked than in Canterbury, and more particularly in Christchurch, where the leading Club, the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, has firmly established itself as the leading institution of the kind in Australasia. Since that Club established itself at Addington it has never looked back, and at its headquarters there it boasts of a course and appointments that challenge comparison with the best in the Dominion.

Its Spring Meeting has for a number of years past held a very important place in the programme of Carnival Week in Christchurch, but last year it was decided to take a bold step and endow the leading event of the Meeting with a stake of £1000, the first occasion on which such an amount had been offered for a trotting race in the colonies. At the time there were those who were doubtful as to the wisdom of such a forward policy, but the interest aroused by the race showed that the Club's committee was more than justified in its decision, so the stake for this year's New Zealand Cup was fixed at the four-figure sum, and the handicap limit was reduced.

The race was the chief event on the card for yesterday, the opening day of the 1911 November Meeting, and favoured by beautiful weather at the start the Club's officials had the pleasure of seeing a very large attendance. Towards the close of the day a fierce nor'-wester sprang up, but those who remained to the close of the proceedings were evidently too much engrossed with the interesting sport provided to trouble much about minor discomforts.

The gathering of spectators was a very representative one, visitors being present from all parts of the Dominion, and commodious as is the grandstand which did duty for the first time twelve months ago, it was more than filled during the afternoon. Among those present were Sir Robert Lockhart, of Auckland; the Hon J D Ormond, MLC; Major-General Godley, Lieutenant-Colonel Burnett-Stuart, Lieutenant-Colonel Heard, Messrs J B Harcourt, J W Abbott, A Duncan, J E Henrys and J H Pollock, of Wellington; Mr C F Mark, of Auckland, Mr P Miller of Dunedin; Messrs G King, W and G Callender, Bruce Christie, T H Davey, MP, G Witty MP, and G W Russell MP.

The grounds have never looked better, the various parts of the enclosure giving evidence of the care bestowed on them, while the track was in capital order, as was proved by the times registered during the afternoon. That the people had come determined to support their fancies freely was soon made apparent, the totalisator investments for the day reaching the large sum of £27,418, as against £17,036 10s on the corresponding day last year, when a large number of bookmakers were doing business. Of the sum invested yesterday, the New Zealand Cup was responsible for the record sum of £6096 10s, easily the largest yet invested on a trotting event in the Dominion.

The most notable of the improvements effected since the last Meeting at Addington, has been thev building of a new totalisator house to meet the requirements of the ten-shilling investors, both inside and outside the building is one of the most complete and conveniently-arranged strustures of its kind in New Zealand, but the staff working in it did not handle all the money that apparently was available for investment, though this was mainly due to the dilatoriness of the backers themselves.

The feature of the day's racing was, of course, the contest for the New Zealand Cup, of 1000 sovs, for which there were eleven starters out of the original entry of fourteen. Al Franz, who was reported to have shown some remarkable trials, was made a solid first favourite, with the bracketed pair, Dick Fly and Redchild, both trained by M Edwards, second in demand. Next in favour was another bracket, Aberfeldy and Lady Clare, hailing from J Tasker's stable, and then came Bribery, Medallion, Bright and Havoc, the outsiders of the party being Wilkie, who ran fairly well for a good portion of the journey, and Imperial Polly.

So far as the winner is concerned, the story of the race is soon told, for Lady Clare was quickest to begin of the limit division, and at once going to the front, never lost her place, and lasted long enough to win by a bare length from the fast-finishing Dick Fly, whe beat Al Franz by a neck. The favourite was given a good chance of justifying his reputation, but failed in the final pinch. Redchild finished close up behind Al Franz and was followed by Aberfeldy. Medallion stood on the mark, and took no part in the race, while Bribery only went about once round and came in very lame.

From a monetary point of view, the next most important event was the Middleton Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, which, after looking at one stage as if it would be an easily won race, produced an interesting finish between Coiner and Muricata. The latter might have reversed positions with the winner had she not been kept so wide out when runninng in the lead.

The Spring Handicap, with which proceedings opened, was won easily by The Next, who, handicapped on 5.15, cut out the two miles in 4 57 2/5 sec. The Ladies' Bracelet produced the usual large field, but it was not a very interesting race, for Aotearoa and Lady Rattoo had the finish to themselves, drawing right away from the rest of the field.

Adonis, a half-brother to Wildwood Junr, last year's New Zealand Cup winner, was sent out a strong favourite for the Empire Handicap, the principal saddle race of the day, and he gave his backers very little anxiety, winning with a good deal in hand from the consistent Miss Florrie C. The Riccarton Handicap brought about the downfall of a strong favourite in Andy Regan, the winner, Schoolgirl, paying the best dividend of the day.

In the Au Revoir Handicap, Princess Tracey was staunchly supported, and though she had to be shaken up at the finish to stall off Little Tib's final run, she won in fast time. The final event, the St Albans Handicap, was, next to the New Zealand Cup, the best betting race of the day, but the public were somewhat astray, as the first favourite, Dayspring, was never really dangerous, and Iola, the second selection, could not see the journey out, being outstayed by Blue Rose. Details of the racing are:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. 5.15 Class. Two miles.

Fanning and Wilson's b g The Next, by Robin Hood-Rothschild mare, 3yrs, 11sec (A Wilson) 1
E E Lelievre's ch g Moa Dillon, 5yrs, 3sec (A Butterfield) 2
J A August's b g Link, aged, 4sec (Owner) 3.

Te Kuiti scr, Treasure Seeker scr, Nancy Marley 1sec, Lord Cardigan 5sec, Francita 7sec, Armamenter 7sec, Dorothy D 11sec, Clinton 11sec, Lucky Child 11sec, Irvy Woodburn 11sec and General Black 11sec also started.

Irvy Woodburn, The Next, and Fancita made the early running, and led past the stand, with Moa Dillon at the head of the others. In the last lap Irvy Woodburn was beaten, and The Next came away, and won easily by 10 lengths from Moa Dillon, who was eight lengths in front of Link, with Irvy Woodburn next. Time 4min 57 2/5th sec.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness) 0f 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 3 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs W S Wootton's blk m Aotearoa, by Mauritius-Ivy Dean, 5yrs, 6sec (Mr W S Wootton) 1
Mrs D J Clarke's b f Lady Ratoo, 3yrs, (Mr J Cass) 2
Miss I Wright's br m Merry May, aged, 10sec (Mr E S Harper) 3.

Lincoln Junr 1sec, Posie G 2sec, Prince Raynard 3sec, Welcome Jack 3sec, Eunice 3sec, Innisfail 6sec, Belle Elmore 6sec, Corbell 6sec, Wallet 6sec, Blooming Heather 6sec, Black Link 6sec, Gee Whiz 7sec, Winter Rose 7sec, Royal Child 6sec (coupled with Posie G), Cynisca 8sec, Pleasant Child 8sec, Yellow Ribbon 8sec and Bessie Child 10sec (coupled), Maggie Wylie 109sec and Lincolnette 10sec (coupled with Merry May) also started.

Aotearoa ran to the front after going half a mile, and, with Lady Ratoo, cleared right out from the remainder of the field. Aotearoa held her place throughout, and was never troubled, winning easily by twelve lengths from Lady Ratoo, who was four lengths clear of Merry May, with Maggie Wylie next. Time 3min 47sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness), of 1000 sovs; second 200 sovs and third 100 sovs from stake. 4.40 class. Two miles.

W F Clinton's b m Lady Clare, by Prince Imperial, 6yrs, 4sec (J Brankin) 1
S Tapp's b g Dick Fly, aged, 2sec (M Edwards) 2
E Bowes's b h Al Franz, 6yrs, 4sec (C Kerr) 3

J Preece's b h Bright, 6yrs, scr (T Frost)
D Nyhan's b h Havoc, 6yrs, 1sec (Owner)
J Jeff's b g Wilkie, aged, 1sec (R McMillan)
J G McConochie's br g Aberfeldy, aged, 2sec (J Tasker)
G Clarkson's b g Redchild, aged, 3sec (B Edwards)
L Dorie's br h Bribery, 6yrs, 4sec (F Holmes)
Quirk & Shaw's b h Medallion, aged, 4sec (E McKewen)
G Hood's b m Imperial Polly, aged, 4sec (Owner)
(Aberfeldy and Lady Clare, and Dick Fly and Redchild were coupled).

The field did not get away at the first attempt, owing to Bribery's driver being over-anxious. When they were sent away, Medallion refused to leave the mark. Lady Clare at once took the inside running, with Imperial Polly, Al Franz and Dick Fly next. This was the order running round the turn and into the straight. Passing the stand the first time Lady Clare was showing the way to Imperial Polly, Dick Fly and Wilkie, while Bright, Aberfeldy and Havoc were at the head of the rest of the field, which was at this stage very much strung out. There was practically no change going out of the straight and along the back, but at the tanks Al Franz had run into second place. Rounding the turn into the straight for the second time Lady Clare still held her place in front, with Al Franz, Dick Fly, Imperial Polly and Aberfeldy next in order, while Havoc and Redchild were coming fast on the outside. Going round the turn out of the straight and along the back, Lady Clare had as her nearest attendants Al Franz, Dick Fly and Redchild, close together, with Havoc and Aberfeldy next, the field now being well bunched. Turning into the straight for the final round, Al Franz was in second place behind Lady Clare, with Dick Fly, Aberfeldy, Bright and Havoc close up next. Dick Fly put in a strong run in the final stages, but though he cut down Al Franz, he could not reach Lady Clare who won by a length. Al Franz was a neck behind Dick Fly, with Redchild a similar distance away fourth. Then came Aberfeldy, Bright and Havoc. Time, 4min 38sec.
Bribery was pulled up after going a round, and walked in very lame.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle), of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. 5min class. Two miles.

J Dennett's b h Adonis, by Harold Dillon-Thelma, 4yrs, 10sec (R Reay) 1
J H Olliver's b m Miss Florrie C, aged, scr (A Pringle) 2
M J Groat's br h Ferira, 6yrs, 16sec (E S Groat) 3

Electrocute 2sec, Bonification 5sec, Prince Wilkin 6sec, Wild Tree 8sec, Havelock 11sec, Esma 12sec, Gladsome 12sec, Rolf Boldrewood 14sec, Bellwind 15sec, and Wild Victor 16sec also started. (Miss Florrie
C and Havelock were coupled)

Havelock and Ferira led past the stand the first time, with Adonis next, but in the second round Adonis took charge, and showed the way in the straight to Ferira, with Gladsome and Prince Wilkin next, with Miss Florrie C closing on the leaders. In the last lap Miss Florrie C took second place, but though hard ridden she was unable to trouble Adonis, who won comfortably by two lengths. Ferira was a dozen lengths away third, followed by Gladsome and Prince Wilkin. Time 4min 47 1/5 sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness), of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. 3.48 Class. One mile and a half.

A Smith's b m Schoolgirl, by Mambrino King-Factory Girl, aged, 8sec (Owner) 1
W Quirk's gr g Andy Regan, 3yrs, 10sec (J Rainey) 2
N Clegg's b m Childe Beldon, 5yrs, 10sec (R H Wright) 3

Fuseo scr, TFC 1sec, Prince Rufus 2sec, Pinewood 4sec, Onawa 7sec, Hazelfield 8sec, Lord Heathcote 10sec, Nancy Marley 10sec, Kini 10sec, Lady Disdain 10sec, Wallace M 10sec, Lyonette 11sec, Idaho 12sec and Delia 12sec also started.

Childe Beldon quickly ran to the front, and at the end of a lap was showing the way to Schoolgirl, Lady Disdain and Idaho, with Andy Regan coming fast on the outside. Going along the back Andy Regan overhauled Lady Disdain and Idaho, and rounding the turn started to close on Schoolgirl, who had displaced Childe Beldon. Schoolgirl, however, stalled off his challenge, and won by two lengths. Childe Beldon was a dozen lengths away third, with Idaho fourth and Kini next. Time, 3min 34 3/5th sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in saddle), of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. 5.15 Class. Two miles.

Quincey scr, Rothville 5sec, Violet M 11sec, Lignite 11sec, Treasure Seeker 11sec, Sir Joe 14sec, Lord Cardigan 16sec, Lula Child 16sec, Clevewood 16sec, Miss Ngapara 16sec, Woodbell 17sec, Salt Air 19sec, Prince Gift 19sec and JCH 22sec also started.

Muricata began well, and passing the stand was well clear of Lula Child, with Coiner at the head of the next bunch. There was very little change in the order for the first mile, but starting the second half of the journey Coiner had taken charge from Muricata, who covered an unnecessary lot of ground, Lula Child being in third place, and JCH next. Turning into the straight Muricata challenged Coiner, but the latter lasted long enough to win by a length; Ngarata was fifty yards back third, with Lula Child and JCH next. Time, 4min 52sec.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22sovs, and third 15 sovs from stake. 2.27 Class. One mile.

M Edwards's b f Princess Tracey, by Prince Imperial-Traceywood, 3yrs, 8sec (Owner) 1
D Spence's b g Little Tib, 6yrs, 5sec (J Messervey) 2
Mrs J Austen's b f Clotah, 4yrs, 8sec (T G Fox) 3

Piecework scr, Troubadour 5sec, Elsa Huon 5sec and Ripon Child 6sec also started.

Princess Tracey at once went to the front and passing the stand was well clear of Clotah and Ripon Child. Going out of the straight and along the back Princess Tracey established a commanding lead. In the last half-mile Little Tib took second place, and set out in pursuit of Princess Tracey, who, however, won by a couple of lengths. Clotah was fifty yards away fourth, with Ripon Child fourth and Piecework next. Time, 2min 21sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs, and third 15 sovs from the stake. 2.27 Class. One mile.

J Preece's b m Blue Rose, by Rothschild-Wild Rose, 6yrs, 6sec (H Frost) 1
J Bernard's br m Iola, 5yrs, 6sec (R Reay) 2
J A Buckland's ch m Dayspring, 5yrs, 5sec (J McLennan) 3

Bellis scr, Millie C scr, Ianto 3sec, Prince Randle 3sec, Ashwood 4sec, Pinewood 4sec, Dollar Princess 6 sec, Ned Corbett 6sec and Viewmont 6sec also started.

Iola was quickest to begin and led past the stand followed by Blue Rose, Ianto and Dayspring. Iola showed the way all along the back, but turning into the straight Blue Rose closed on her, and having the leader's measure a furlong from home, won by three lengths. Dayspring was a length behind Iola, with Pinewood fourth, the rest of the field a long way back. Time 2min 21 1/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 8Nov1911

1911 SPRING MEETING: Friday 10 Nov 1911

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1911

WILLIAM CLINTON

A court case involving a New Zealand Trotting Cup winner, a leading trainer and a well-known Canterbury owner was guaranteed to be a headliner.

The 1911 New Zealand Cup winner, Lady Clare, raced by Darfield farmer, William F Clinton, and trained at Addington by Jim Tasker was the centre of a suit for £600 damages (about half the stake of a NZ Cup in those days) against Clinton, money Tasker considered he had been denied in stake earnings by the owner's drastic actions.

Clinton had paid a hefty 165 quineas to buy Lady Clare at an Ashburton sale only a year before her Cup win. She had ability but had only won a few races. Tasker agreed to train her for 10 shillings a week (for race expenses and shoeing) the stakes evenly divided. He had trained and driven Marian to become the first mare to win the NZ Cup in 1907 and make his wife, Sarah, the first female owner though that seems a well kept secret. Tasker also bred and sold Sal Tasker, named after his daughter, an Australasian champion mare.

He imported the stallion Galindo and others from America. Tasker drove the fancied stablemate Aberfeldy in the 1911 Cup and Ashburton's Jack Brankin handled Lady Clare. She led most of the way landing big bets for Clinton. In court Tasker took exception to Clinton's lawyer Oscar Alpers claiming that he had driven Aberfeldy "on a tight rein". Justice Dennison reminded Alpers that it was not a trial for fraud. Aberfeldy started in four Cups from the stable.

Set all year for a 1912 repeat Lady Clare suffered a minor knock on a leg in October. Tasker wrote to Clinton saying he would aim at supporting features and withdraw from the Cup. Clinton, who had backed the mare heavily for the Cup threw Tasker's letter in the fire, rang the club and scratched her from all her engagements in Cup week. Tasker was furious and sued. The mare had recovered well and the club's vet passed her fit to race. Another, Dr Charlton, praised Tasker's professional approach to the mare's injury at the hearing.

The colourful Clinton was the star of the courtroom drama but destroyed his own case along the way. Described as "a bewhiskered and somewhat rustic looking figure" he confided to the judge that "of course I had had a whiskey by then" when Tasker's lawyer questioned his refusal to discuss the mare's programme with Tasker after the latter made a special trip to Tattersalls hotel to meet him. "Are you sure it was not a double?" the normally humourless Justice Dennison asked.

Clinton, one of the most successful farmers in Canterbury whose stock sales attracted buyers from all over the province, claimed the right to scratch even though the agreement with Tasker was registered. He then whispered loudly to the judge that as there were no ladies in the court he could say the words Tasker had used telling Clinton what he could do with the mare if he did not accept the terms. "That would be rather a large undertaking" Dennison dryly commented on hearing them, telling the typist to replace them with a row of stars. Clinton then made the damaging admission to the judge that the cost of his actions to Tasker was "no more than he had cost me by scratching from the Cup" - referring to his Cup bets. "Such a statement made the reason for the action of Clinton very plain indeed" the Judge told the jury in the summing up.

Tasker's lawyer Mr Stringer, questioned Clinton about incidents caused by drinking on past visits to the city in his Cadillac and whether this was another example. Clinton had appeared unsteady making his way to the witness box.
Clinton: "That is a personal question and I refuse to answer"
Stringer: "Haven't you in fact had a glass too much this morning?"
Cliton: "That is a very personal question and I won't answer"

At the end of the show the jury absolved Tasker of any Blame ans awarded him £350 in damages. Another sensation passed into history.

Jim Tasker is still the only trainer to win NZ Cups with two different mares. In a bizarre coincidence the 1944 winner, Bronze Eagle from a family Tasker had had for 40 years, was bred, owned and trained by his son, Cliff, until a few months before the race. Tasker lost possession of the horse in a marriage settlement. His former wife gave it to her son, William Suttie, of Springston, the official owner. In another coincidence George Noble, like Brankin, only got the drive because trainer Roy Berry opted for inform stablemate, Pacing Power. Bronze Eagle had several Cup starts and sired the near champion filly, Vivanti, an early star for Cecil Devine.

Tasker retained Bronze Eagle's half-brother, Sir Michael, which won the NZ Free-For-All and NZ Derby for him some years later. The Tasker maternal line starting with Mavourneen were shy breeders and the Group 1 winners were Lady Bridget's only foals over many years.

William Clinton, whose family remains prominent in West Canterbury, died suddenly in 1915 triggering the biggest farming sale in Canterbury for years. He had also bought and raced the high class little roan trotter Muricata, good enough to be nominated for a NZ Cup against the pacers. Adding insult to injury she was run down late in the 1913 Dominion Handicap by the Tasker-owned Michael Galindo. Sold in 1917 Muricata left the dual NZ Cup winner, Ahuriri, and another top class pacer, the pony roan Taraire, later winner of the Pacing Championship in Perth which preceded the Inter-Dominion.

The NZ Cup association did not end there. Luxury Liner the record breaking 1987 winner had as his fifth dam none other than William Francis Clinton's fine staying mare, Lady Clare.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in HRWeekly 26Jun1911