RECORD LOST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 190, 14 August 1939, Page 12

RECORD LOST.

GLOAMING'S HALF-MILE. DISTANCE FOUND SHORT. After 19 years, Gloaming's half-mile record of 45s ie not to be recognised by the Wellington Racing Club, on whose track at Trentham it was achieved. A recent survey of the track disclosed that the half-mile post was crooted cihort of that distance.

Inquiries have been made in Sydney by tlie c;lul) (savs the Sydney "Mbrning Herald'') to ascertain the holder of the record before (Moaming, in order that the record for the distance in Australia and Xow Zealand may be corrected.

Oloaming ran his time in the Kelburn I'late on January 22, 1021 carrying 9.1, and beating* Rational, 7.1, and Statuette, 8.12, by a head, after a great struggle. Before he recorded his time the previous best for the race stood to the credit of Surveyor, who ran half a mile in 45 3-5s at the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting at Riccartou on November fi, 1918. carrying (Mi. when he beat Torfride. 7.11, and Demos, 7.13, by half a length. The Xew Zealand half-mile record before that was held liy Conqueror, a sun of Medallion, who. as a two-year-old in 1597 carrying 5.5. won the Cinterbury J.C. Welcome Stakes in 4li l-ss. Conqueror was a remarkably brilliant two-vear-old, and did not race afterwards.

Half-mile races are now few and far between, and fur horses other than two-year-olds are the exception. The fastest time officially occepted in Australia is 47Js, which stands to the credit of Sun Clad and Waltzing Lily.