TROTTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 33, 8 February 1934, Page 16

TROTTING.

A WORLD'S RECORD. INDIANAPOLIS THE GREAT. REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE, COMPARISON WITH AMERICAN RECORD. When Mr. G. J. Barton's four-year-old pacer, Indianapolis, romped home in the Craven Handicap at Addington on Saturday he established a world's race record for a mile and a quarter from a standing start. His time was 2.37.

The phrase, world's record, is used in full recognition of the term, and in pegging Indianapolis as a world's record-holder one is justified on the grounds that America is the home of records, and the best pacers and trotters, and it is only from the standards set in the United States that Xew Zealand can make comparisons. The i milo and a quarter record in America is ' 2.333$ from a flying start. This honour is held by Phil O'Neill. He made his effort on a mile track in 1925, whereas Indianapolis went on a circuit that is barely six furlongs. Instead of having to negotiate only four turns as the American horses did, Indianapolis had six bends to negotiate. Then, again, it is recognised that the difference between a flying start and a standing start is 3s, go on that basis Indianapolis is close on the heels of the world's retold holder from a flying start. To win the Craven Handicap at Addington on Saturday by three lengths in the manner that ho did sets aside any doubt as to his real greatness. Despite the fact that he is a big overgrown four-year-old, he toyed with a field of the best sprinters of all ages in commission and won, with his ears pricked, by. three lengths, and established a new world's race record for one milo and a quarter. He paced the first mile in 2.6 from a standing start, and coasted home over the next two furlongs in 31s. That the crowd waited to accord him a hearty reception on returning to scale was only fitting. Indianapolis was bred'by Mr. H. I' , . Nicoll, at Durbar Lodge. Mr. Robert A. Smith, of Los Angeles, was associated with the selection for this country of both Wrack and Estella Amos, the sire and dam of Indianapolis. Of the eight candidates listed only Sir Guy was withdrawn. From an excellent start Roddy rushed away in front and at the end of a furlong he was five lengths clear of Indianapolis. Then came Gold Country, Kingcraft, Royal Silk and Lindbergh. Approaching the half-mile post the field began to close up, and leaving the straight Indianapolis was handy to Roddy, with the others now rac : ing iii close formation. Three and a halt furlongs from home Indianapolis went to the front, and drawing right away from his opponents he won as he liked.. The previous record holder was Roi l'Or, who won in 2.37 1-5, last Easter. Kingcraft gave a further taste of his quality by filling second place in 2.37. Indianapolis was purchased when a three-year-old by Mr. G. J. Barton for £600 and certain contingencies. He is trained by W. J. Tomkinson, who drove in Saturday's race.

THE AUCKLAND MEETING. ACCEPTANCES TO-MORROW. A reminder is given owners that acceptances for the opening day of the Auckland Trotting Club's meeting close to-morrow an 5 p.m. with the secretary, Mr. A. G. Mabee. THAMES PROGRAMME. The programme for the annual meeting of. the Thames Trotting Club to be held on April 14, has been approved; and over the eight events the amount of prize money totils £910. The events are Parawai Handicap (for trotters) of £70, limit 3.50; Hikv.taio Handicap of £75, limit 3.45; Kerepcehi Handicap of £100, limit 2.54; Thames Cup of £215 (including silver cup valued at £1"'). limit 4.37; Turua Bracelet Handicap of £100 and bracelet donated by Messrs. McKendvick Bros., limit 4.55; President's Handicap (for trotters) of £115, limit 5.2; Punri Handicap of £100. limit 4.44; .Kopu Handicap of £130, limit 2.49. All events arc in harness.