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Just as the horses were going out of the enclosure to warm up for the Cup, a lady leaned over the members' balcony and called out that the stand was on fire. At first it was thought to be a false alarm, but it was only too true and the whole building was soon blazing.
On account of a ridiculous regulation the fire brigade would not come to save the building for some time and when they did arrive it was a hopeless case. It is presumed that the cause of the outbreak was the same old thing, fused wires.

The officials stuck gamely to the programme and though a damper was put on everything the day's racing was finished as previously arranged. Our Thorpe was the only scratching for the Cup. The champion is not quite himself, so his people decided to pull him out. Cathedral Chimes ran up to his track form and won very easily, but an ugly accident at the beginning of the last lap made things much easier for him. At the beginning of the final round for the Cup the field bunched and things looked good for a fine termination of a grand race, but, unfortunately, Succeed put her foot through Eccentrics wheel and down she went with Erin's King and Brown Bell piled on top of her. Tommy C. and Jingle were saved by being swerved to the outside rails, but their chances were settled. Eccentric had to be pulled up on account of a bucked Wheel.

Ashburton backed Emilius as if he could not lose and, of course, saved their money through the stable's second leg, Evelyn, running into a minor but dividend paying place. They are still satisfied that, taking a line from Evelyn's performance, that her brother should have won the Cup. Writer is of the opinion that on the day nothing could have beaten Cathedral Chimes. Admiral Wood paced a great race and but for the accident certainly would have finished in front of Evelyn.

Wallace Wood, Frandocio, St. Ursula, Steel Bell, and Don Caesar never gave their supporters any reason to think they might get a dividend. W. R. Thomas's pair, Brown Bell and Succeed, were both going well when they fell and looked to have a chance of getting some of the money as they stay well. Thomas was unfortunate enough to break a collarbone.

Manderini got fourth money, but he fluked it. Eccentric made all the early running, but he was gone when the smash occurred. Hendricksen was driving a great race on Erin's King. This horse did not get going very smartly, but his driver got on the rails and never left them. Always creeping closer to the leaders he was on the fence just behind Thomas's pair when the smash occurred.

Writer was very pleased to see E. Berry turn out two wlnners in Miss Salisbury and Olive L. This young trainer until lately has always had to do with horses that other trainers could not do any good with, and such is not a profitable business. It is only during the last few months that there has been anything decent in his stables. Berry is delivering the goods with them . Erln's King got some skin knocked of when he fell.

Trotting In great style Olive L. never left the Middleton Handicap in doubt. The little mare got over the two miles in 4.44 3-5. which is much her best time to date. She was handicapped on something like 4.51. El Carbine might have won the Middleton Handicap if he had attended to his work properly. He would not go steadily for any distance and so had to remain content with second place. The bracketed pair, Woodchild and Commander Bell, did not get away properly and were never near the leading division. Once again Treasure Seeker and Norval King showed themselves to be poor stayers.

The pony Soda paced a great race in the Lyttelton Handicap. It was a fine performance for one of her inches to get to the end of two miles in 4.57 1-5. A protest was entered against her by the owner of Cappriccio for foul driving on Bryce's part but it was not sustained. Irvar, ran like a non-stayer or else he is a rank quitter. Sir Fulham is not to be relied upon at the start. He has got undoubted pace. The Whip is both looking and pacing well. Messervey deserves credit tor the condition he has the chestnut in and deserves to win shortly. As usual, Cappriccio went a great race, but the pony had too many guns for her. Huon Drift still has got a great objection to leaving the mark properly.

On account of a great go over twelve furlongs, Author Dillon was made a hot favorite for the Rlccarton Handicap. He broke at the start and lost a lot of ground. In consequence of which he could hot catch Sherwood. Persuader is getting over his cold and should be capable of showing very good form before long.

Ariadne, ridden by the hurdle rider, Redmond, made an exhibition of his field In the St. Alban's Handicap, getting to the end ot the mile in 2.14 2-5, a smart performance. Brown Nugget is not to be depended upon to leave the mark. Louie Drift was whispered about as a good thing for the mile harness, but she lost her chance at the start. Rose Dillon came out of her shell and paced the mile in 2.16 4-5. She never gave the back markers a look in.

Gold Bell was too sore to show his best form at this meeting, and he looked as if it will take some time for him to get right. Jessie's Dream is improving. Her effort m the Whiteleigh Handicap, when she went 4.53, was much the best she has ever gone. Hula was produced at the meeting, but he was much too lame to do anything properly. Albertoria has not improved a second during the last twelve months.

Andy Pringle has no superior as a relnsman or rider either with a pacer or trotter. Tom Annett was in far too great a hurry to hit the front on Commander Bell. It cost him the race, for she was too tired to struggle home. In Cappriccio, McDermott has got one of the most solid pacers in commission. As she has only got two legs and a bit it was good business for her to go 4.57 3-5 in the November Handicap. Golindo Lou gave Free Holmes a sickener in the early part of the meeting and her owner got up behind her on the last day. She is very sour and, would do nothing but try to buck.

The much boomed Moorland did not answer expectations. Grainger is not ready yet. George Hard was patched up and sent to the post for the Courtney Handicap, but he was far too sore to pace and finished last. He is to be blistered and spelled. Black Erie is a fine pacer. It was bad luck for his owner (who was over from Australia to see him run) that be should break down m the Courtney Handicap. Stanley's Child went an ugly "seven" when Black Erie swerved across her after he broke down. Sherwood and Emilius ran very bad races in the Courtney. Emiliuus does not shape as if he will ever stay.

Hal Zolock, like many horses that have done stud duties, does not race well at this season of the game. St. Ursula is looking in great buckle and she should make some money for her owner soon. This mare does not begin very well, but she stays like a boy in a lolly shop.

Notwithstanding the fact that the burning down of the stewards stand at Addington quite upset the totalisator turnover for the day, there was £335 10s more invested on the New Zealand Trotting Cup than there was on the Cup at Riccarton. As expected, Agathos failed to stay out twelve furlongs. Raeburn will be benefited by the racing he had at the meeting. He is a good class pacer. Nance O'Neil who hails from Qamaru, is said to be very fast. She may be at home, but her showings last week were nothing to boast about. Once again Ariadne showed himself to be speedy, but a very poor stayer. Teddy McCann produced his charges in good condition for the meeting, but they were not good enough to catch a race.

Eccentric made the pace very solid in the Free-For-All. Beginning very smartly he got to the half mile peg in 1.4. once round in 1.37 1-5. Then Cathedral Chimes took up the running and flashed past the mile post in 2.11 4-5 only to bo collared by Admiral Wood in the run home and beaten by a narrow margin 2.45 for the mile and a quarter.

Tommy C. was not in one of his happy moods during race week. His displays were not as good as we have seen him give. The Bronzewlng was turned out in great condition for the meeting. She is not nearly as good as report made her.

Irvar is not at all a generous horse. Truganini and Electrocute were trotting well before the meeting, but they must have gone off, as their showings with the colors up and the money down proved. Norval King was stopping to a walk at the end of the Sockburn Handicap, and lasted long enough to win from El Carbine, who but for repeated breaks must have won. Flamingo does not improve. He is a seasoned trotter now and should be showing something better.

Young Freeman Holmes has been very successful on Law Chimes. When he won the Railway Handicap last week he rode her with the greatest confidence and judgment and she just strolled home. Cromstall is not himself. When right he can keep our best pacers busy for a bit.

Someone queried Soda's height last week, when the trainer claimed that as a pony she should be allowed to carry 9.0 instead of 10.0, the officials measured her, the writer being present. She is not more than fourteen hands and half an inch.

When Ben Dillon fell in the Railway Handicap, Ben Jardin looked to get an ugly fall, but he just hit the ground, gave a roll and a bounce and was on his feet again. Bob Allen has Yarravllle pacing well, but the big chestnut does not like the standing starts, Young Tohu, who won the Empire Handicap, the two mile saddle race on the first day of the Metropolitan meeting m 4.43 2-5, was put up to auction last Monday, but did not brlng a bid.

Sal Tasker, Vanquish, O.M.Y. and Gianella are amongst the well-bred matrons who have foaled to Logan Pointer and are to visit the same sire again. Sinado and Calindo Low were turned out in a section for a spell at the end of the meeting. They quarrelled about something and kicked holes in each other.

Anyone would fancy that a three-year-old colt by Wildwood Jnr,— Myosotis would bring some money, but a youngster bred on those lines was passed in at twenty guineas last Monday. He was on the small side but was shapely enough.

Caretaker French had a strenuous time of it at the Metropolitan grounds last week. The place looked a wreck after the fire, but with the assistance of a gang of men he managed to have the building habitable for the two last days. The fire at Addington made a great difference to the totalisator turnover at Addington.

Andy Pringle rode a great race on Treasure Seeker when he won the Governor's Handicap on that gelding. It was a masterly piece of work. King Capitalist is very well, and he can go fast but he is not very solid when the pressure is on. Neither is Commander Bell. She is also a bad breaker. Eruption is not nearly at good as was supposed. Hardy Wllkes is a good trotter until be leaves his feet. Afterwards he cannot be depended upon for any distance. Mr. George Iles purchased him at auction for six hundred guineas last Saturday. It seems a lot of money.

The writer does not want to condemn the standing-start and yards handicapping until they have had a fair trial, but if they do not improve on last week's showing they will have to go out. To start with, to call the start standing was a joke, for in nearly every race some of the competitors were let away with a fly. In fact, in one or two oases contestants were racing when the flag dropped.

A regrettable incident which happened at the Metropolitan meeting was the disqualifying of Emilius for interfering with Cappricio in the Christchurch Handicap. The writer does not intend to express an opinion on the matter, but it seemed ridiculous to suggest that an experienced relnsman like Ranald McDonnell should interfere with a beaten opponent. McDermott, who drove Cappriclo was manly enough to do his best for McDonnell when giving his evidence to the stewards. It was on the stipendiary stewards' evidence that Emilius lost the race. Erin's King was one of the unlucky racers at the meeting. He got pocketed in the Christchurch Handicap and never got out until tho race was practically over.

Bellflower was a trotter amongst pacers in the Australasian Handicap, but she showed more speed over the first half mile than any of her opponents and was in front at the end of a mile. The race was never in doubt after that and she walked home in 4.38 2-6.

Red Heather gave a number of his supporters a severe heartache as he would not begin in the Dominion Trotting Cup. He finished a long way back in fourth place and could not have trotted much bettor than 4.50.

A. Fleming gave £1500 for Our Thorpe last week. This is the biggest price ever given in the Dominion for a pacer, and certainly the horse bought for it is the best we have produced. W. G. Abbott, the Auckland owner trainer, bought Brown's Nugget for £100 during the week. This pacer is on a mark from which he is quite capable of winning. Mr. G. S. Simpson arranged the sale of tho well-known sire, Harold Dillon, during the week. The Messrs Thorne Bros., who havo had a lease of the horse, have now purchased him right out, the price is said to have been £750.

Author Dillon did not race nearly up to his form during the week. He must have won the Enfield if he had gone the mile In 2.15. He did not manage to go 2.17. Desdemona is showing plenty of dash in her track essays but she is not staying on nearly as well as of yore.


Credit: The Looker On writing in NZ Truth 18 Nov 1916

The New Zealand Metropolitan Club should be well satisfied with the result of the Cup meeting of 1914. The weather throughout was fine, and the attendance large. The racing was of the highest class and the management all that could be desired. For the three days, the large sum of £117,999 10/- went through the totalisator, as against £124,362 10/- last year. The decrease was probably due to the fact that a large number of races were won by "outsiders," the money from the machine thus going into fewer hands for reinvestment. Of the twenty-four races run, only four were won by first favorites. The Australian contingent were but fairly successful, only two races going, to them. The horses showed, plenty of pace but did not appear to be tuned up for hard racing.

Stipendiary Stewards opened for the first time in the history of trotting m the Dominion. Their duties were not arduous, but they attended to a number of minor matters which were not made public. No doubt their presence had the effect of lessening irregularities.

The second day's racing opened with the Whlteleigh Handicap (2 miles, saddle), for trotters only. Fancy Gantle was again made favorite, she trotted very well but was not quite good enough and had to be content with third place behind Armamenter and Fiction. Armamenter won easily and by doing 4.54, greatly improved upon any previous effort.

The November Handicap (2 miles, saddle), was remarkable on account of a great performance on the part of the Australian owned Spot. Starting slowly, he appeared to be right out of the race with Breeze winning easily. With a lap, to go he commenced a great run and gradually closed on Breeze. With fifty yards to go Breeze tired and Spot passed him and won by three lengths in the fast time of 4.34 2.-5. Spot now holds the record for the paced two mile saddle event.

Admiral Wood went out very hot for the Courtenay Handicap (2 miles, harness). At the finish he was the only one in it. Adelaide Direct was leading half a mile from home. Admiral Wood then passed her and went away and won with the greatest of ease in 4.34. Jingle cut out Adelaide Direct on the post for second money. Admiral Wood's performance was most impressive and he is probably the best horse m training.

The American-bred mare Bonista carried off the Metropolitan Handicap (1% mile, harness). Bonista and Kokomoer had the race to themselves. The former took the lead early and won nicely by two lengths in 3.33 4-5. Bonny Jenny, the dam of Bonista, occupied third place.

There was a great finish in the Sockburn Handicap (2. mile, harness), for trotters only. Mystic made nearly all the running but tired in the final stretch. Norval King and Olive L. then came along and the verdict went to the former by a head. Muricata was close up third. Time, 4.49 3-5. Muricata ran a great race. She trotted 4.38 and was most unlucky in being beaten in such greatly improved time.

The Free-for- All (1 ¼ mile, harness) was a fiasco as of the seven starters, only three got away to the bell. These were Dillon Bell, Eccentric and King Cole. Emmeline was nearly 3secs back and the others still further. The three that got away ran together for well over half the distance. Dillon Bell then broke. A little further on King Cole broke and Eccentric went on. In the meantime Emmeline had been putting in great work. She chased Eccentric up the straight and just failed to reach him and he won all out by half a length. Time, 2.48 4-5. The bad start was quite inexcusable, as the starter was not pressed for time. The start reminded one of tne good old days when the horse with the money on always got a good start. On the whole, the starting, was good and I cannot understand the starter's lapse in this instance. The bad start un- doubtedly robbed Emmeline of the race.

The double bettors wanted Nan to win the Railway Handicap (1 mile saddle). It looked any odds on her up the straight. Ripon Child, however, came with a great rattle and just cut her out on the post. Time, 2.17. Ripon Child's win was unexpected and he paid a large dividend.

Owing to her. good showing in the big event, Adelaide Direct was made a solid choice for the Royal Handicap (1 mile harness). Frank Tracey secured a big lead. He tired badly near the end and the favorite came along and won easily, with Andy Regan third. Time, 2.15 "2-5.

The Governor's Handicap,(2mile saddle) was the first event of the final day's racing. The race was for trotters only. Whispering Lad was favorite, the public going right off Fancy Gantle. A little backed one in Fiction led the whole way and won in 4.53. Miss Dexter trotted well, but found the handicap too great. She tired to nothing up the home stretch and Benmore beat her for second place. The favorite broke up badly.

Our Thorpe ran a sterling race in the Victoria Handicap (2% miles harness). Childsdale was favorite, but started badly. Wallace Wood and Antonio made nearly all the running. A quarter of a mile from home Antonio had had enough and Wallace Wood went on and had a lead entering the straight with Our Thorpe close up. In the final run Our Thorpe passed Wallace Wood and won an exciting race by two lengths. Time, 5.12. In running the race at a 2.19 gait the winner put up one of the best efforts of the meeting.

The Christchurch Handicap (2 miles harness) produced the best finish of the meeting. As usual St. Swithin was made favorite with Emmeline and Jewel Chimes well supported. Jewel Chimes went away well, St. Swithin losing several lengths. The former continued in the lead, the other positions changing. St. Swithin was always handy and Emmeline was making ground in good style. Jewel Chimes still led at the home turn, with Emmeline and St. Swithin close up. Here Adonis put in a streak and got second. He tried to pass Jewel Chimes on the Inside but got blocked. Jewel Chimes led to within a few yards of the post, but the honest little chap tired and Emmeline and St. Swithin both got up to him and the three passed the post together. Emmeline won by a bead, with St. Swithin another head in front of Jewel Chimes. Time, 4-34. The champion mare came in for a great reception and her win somewhat atoned for her misfortune in the Free-for-All.

Favoritism rested between Frandocia, Breeze, and Spot in the Australasian Handicap (2 miles saddle). Miss Florrie C and Lady Rattoo were in the van for a mile, with Breeze closing up. A little further on Breeze went to the front and got a solid lead from Frandocia, who began to tire. Breeze continued on with Persuader, and Disappear showing up. In the straight run home Breeze held his own and won all out by a length from Persuader, with Disappear another half length away. Time, 4.39.

A rank outsider won the Dominion Trotting Handicap (2 miles harness). Muricata was installed favorite. Olive L. was quickest to begin and led from Treasure Seeker and Norval King. At the end of a mile the latter two found the pace too warm and Electrocute ran into second place. All through the last round these two held command. In the home run Electrocute ran past Olive L. and won by three lengths. Master Raymond came up at a gallop and got his head in front of Olive L. on the post. Time, 4.44. Olive L. was the most unlucky horse at the meeting. She was placed in her three starts and failed to get a win. As she is but four years old she should have a great future, always providing she is not worked too hard.

By winning the Hornby Handicap (1% miles harness) that fine mare Bonista scored her second success. Lord Rlbbonwood was put about as being the best horse the Australians had brought over and the money went on accordingly. He ran a good race for a mile and then tired away. With half the diatance gone Bonista rushed to the front and stayed on to the end. She won comfortably from Wallace Wood and Brown Belle. Time, 3.29.

Cameos was the order for the Enfleld Handicap (1 mile saddle). She failed to strike a proper gait and never showed up Sir Solo soon had the measure of the field and won With ridiculous ease in the fast time of 2.13 2-5. Nan and Clingschild filled the places.

Country Belle was favored for the Recovery Handicap (1 mile harness). Marble Arch rushed away in front, with Mandarene and Rlpon Child handy. Marble Arch led to within thirty yards from the finish. Mandarene then came strongly and won by half a length. Little Tib was third. Time, 2.15.


Credit: Brent Locanda writing in NZ Truth 21 Nov 1914

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