| FEATURE RACE COMMENT |
YEAR: 1967
 |
| French Pass Wins from Scotleigh(rails) and Mountain Pride |
French Pass gave North Island stables another major success when he won the Dominion Handicap in clear cut style. French Pass was always well placed in the race, which was run on a slushy track. Conditions were so bad that many of the reinsmen were driving "blind" for a good part of the race. French Pass was making his first appearance in a race since he took part in the Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup several weeks ago.
French Pass took over the running after two furlongs but later gave way to Mighty Chief. French Pass raced past Mighty Chief at the straight entrance and was not seriously tested in the run home. The outsider of the field, Scotleigh trotted a grand race for second from 42 yards. He was still at the rear of the field nearing the half mile. Mountain Pride did well to finish third. He had a buckled sulky wheel for the last two furlongs. Mountain Pride finished just ahead of Stylish Major, who was followed by bracketed mate, Le Chant, who met trouble near the three furlongs. She finished fast for fifth. Mighty Chief, who had every chance, was next, followed by Russell, Logan Count and Highland Flight. Break Through, Tronso and Russell broke at the start and Scotleigh drifted.
French Pass gave C S Hunter his second driving success in the race, he having driven Min Scott to win in 1963. Min Scott was trained by C S Hunter's father, J S Hunter, but C S Hunter trains French Pass. A six-year-old bay gelding by Stormyway, French Pass is out of the Gallant Knight mare, Officious, who also produced Highland Host, Captain Bob and Officious Piper. French Pass was bred by the well known stud-master and breeder, Mr J M Connolly, Geraldine.
Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar
YEAR: 1976
FRANK SCOTT
Mr F F (Frank) Scott who enjoyed a long and successful career as a trainer in Blenheim died in his home town last week at the age of 84. Frank Scott trained up until seven or eight years ago and enjoyed good health after his retirement until a short time before his death.
The best horse trained by Mr Scott was Buchanan, a gelding by Captain Adios out of Bonny Heather. Mr Scott Prepared Buchanan for Mr W J Murray and took him to within one win of NZ Cup company on the mid 1960s. Buchanan's best win was in the flying mile at the Canterbury Park meeting on February 11 when he beat Friendly Tom, Adorato and Happy Song in the mobile start event. His time for the mile was 2:00.6, a very good time considering 2:00 miles were a rarity in those days.
Another top horse to receive his early education from Mr Scott's stable was French Pass who did his early racing for Mr C Pateman from Mr Scott's stable. French Pass was then purchased by Mr Roy McKenzie of Wellington and under the guidance of Charlie Hunter went on to win the Dominion Handicap at Addington.
Mr Scott also trained the good performers Land Ahoy and Te Hana and in 1963, he prepared Milngarvie and Great Mystery to finish first and second in the Marlborough Cup at Waterlea.
Mr Scott also produced Royal Victory at his local meeting at Waterlea and when he finished in a place he returned a dividend of £112, and this is a record that still stands.
Credit: Tony Williams writing in NZ Trotguide 24Nov76