DRIVER OF DAN PATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 156, 3 July 1940, Page 15

DRIVER OF DAN PATCH.

FAMOUS REINSMAN PASSES.

H.F »P F' Hcrs . e J"- for many years one of ™, m A' st Prominent reiosmen connected with the American harness racing sport died recently. Widely known as th? driver of the great pacer Dan Patch (1.551) ioafl* r «?* f « e worl(l ' s re *--or<l from 1005 to 1938. Mr Hersey rose to fame quickly as a driver following his engagement as trainer for the International Stock Food Farm Stables, owned by M. W. Savage, Minne-

Hersey started driving for Mr Savage m 1904 and the following year he drove Dan Tatch to his record mi,e. 1.551 at Lexington, likewise piloting the great pacer in many of his exhibitions over a widesl'.read area. For a number of years when with Mt. Savage he managed the exhibition tours of Dan Patch and the four pacing stars Minor Heir (1.5811. Lad" Maud C. (2.01). Hedgewood Bov (2!l) and George Gano (2.2). the latter quartet staging many extremely fast miles, prices well into five'figures were paid for these exhibitions In addition to Dan Patch (1 551) Mr. Hersey also drove Minor Heir (1 SSM to his best record. PROGENY OF LAWN DERBY. The rising three-T#nr-olds by Uwn Derbv being trained by K. A. McMillan have made a complete recovery from an attack of strangles, and are in light work. One is a Ally from a Copper King mare, and is owned by Mrs. L. N. Robertson, for whom Grattan Girl won races. The filly claims an engagement in the Great Northern Trotting Derby nest season. Mrs. Robertson also owns Sweet Aloes, who is held on lease by S. M. August. McMillan is also educating a youngster by Auto Machine from Cornelian, who is also entered for the 1941 Auckland Derby.