RACING AND TROTTING

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21404, 21 February 1935, Page 16

RACING AND TROTTING

LATEST NEWS FROM FAR AND NEAR

RACING FIXTURES February 21—Gore R.C. (second day). February 21—Tolaga Bay J.C. February 22, 23—Woodville D.J.C. February 23, 25—Te Aroha J.C. February 27—Opunake R.C. February 28—Waiapu R.C. March 2—Banks Peninsula R.C. March 2, 4—Franklin and Bay of Islands. March 2—Napier Park R.C. March 6—Rangitikei R.C. March 8, 9—Cromwell J.C. March 9—Napier Park R.C. March 9, 11—Waikato R.C. March 16—Kurow J.C. March 16—Clifden R.C. March 16, 18—Ohinemuri J.C March 16, 18—Wellington R.C. March 20—Opotiki J.C. March 21, 23—Oamaru J.C. March 22, 23—Manawatu R.C, March 23, 25—Bay of Plenty J.C. March 30—Hawke's Bay J.C. March 30—Birchwood H.C. TROTTING FIXTURES February 23—New Brighton T.C. March 1, 2—lnvercargill T.C. March 2—Wellington T.C. March 9—Timaru T.C. March 9—Marlborough T.C. March 13—Wyndham T.C. March 16—Cheviot T.C. March 23—Wairarapa T.C. March 23—Roxburgh T.C. March 23—Auckland T.C. March 30—Thames T.C. March 30—Manawatu T.C.

TURF GOSSIP Ee minder Acceptances for the Banks Peninsula Racing Club's summer meeting will Close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday next at the Canterbury Jockey Club's office. Holiday in Australia Mr K. Austin, managing director of the Elderslie Stud, Oamaru, will leave Wellington to-morrow on a month's holiday in Australia. Change of Abode Mr W. Quirke, well known in South. Island racing and trotting circles, has disposed of his hotel interest in Timaru, and will shortly take over Coker's Hotel in Christchurch. Doing Well Battle Queen, ridden by G. Barr, was jumped over four hurdles atßiccartcn yesterday, giving a very pleasing display. This mare should develop into a useful hurdler, but will take time to make good. Early Juveniles The Ashburton County Racing Club received a very satisfactory response to its call for entries for the John Grigg Stakes, for two-year-olds, to be decided on September 14. The following sires are represented in the list of 34 nominations:—Paper Money (six), Pink Coat (six), Iliad (three), Winning Hit (three), Polazel (two), Philamor (two), Rabbi (two), Lord Warden, Arausio, Limond, British Empire, Captain Bunsby, Siegfried, Rapier, Royden, Chief Ruler, and Hoylake (one each). Vacant Permits The Levin Racing Club has been granted the use of one of the vacant Marlborough permits, and the club will hold an additional meeting on June 29 next. The other permit not used by the Marlborough Club in the spring has been accepted by the Westland Racing Club, which will now hold a two-day meeting on May 4 and 6 instead of a single-day fixture on May 6. Successful Meeting It is understood that the Dunedin Cup meeting will result in a profit of sufficient strength to encourage the club to continue on progressive lines in providing attractive stakes (writes "Sentinel"). A pleasing feature of the recent meeting was the sporting atmosphere, which means far more towards success and enjoyment than the amount of money in circulation. When the crowd enjoys itself it paves the way to future success, and when the club has the luck to hold a few line-weather meetings at Wingatui the programme will command success. Nomenclature An Australian journal shows astounding mid-Victorian susceptibilities by objecting to the name of Synagogue for a racehorse. After mentioning that he is a son of Rabbi, this journal contends that it is not exactly edifying that a racehorse should be named after places of worship or church dignitaries. It adds that a watch should be observed by racing registrars to prevent the use of such names. Foaling Returns Breeders are reminded that foaling returns must be sent in to the keeper of the New Zealand Stud Book by February 28. It is unnecessary to emphasise the value attached to a stud book pedigree, and while in New Zealand the authorities have not gone to the lengths of the Australian Jockey Club and the Victoria Racing Club, which now refuse classic entries from yearlings not in the Stud Book, a penalty is provided for late returns. Evergreen Performer Prince Paladin, though now 10 years old, apparently continues to be capable of winning races in South Australia, for he was successful at the Adelaide Amateur Turf Club's meeting last Saturday. He is a son of Paladin and that great brood mare Lovelorn, whose pther progeny included Nones, Menelaus. Lovematch, Left (dam of Peter Jackson, Gaine Carrington, and Wotan), and Manetho. He failed to score in 25 starts last season, which 'would account for his descent in the weights. In Tasmania Argument, a winner in Tasmania last Saturday, has not been long in making a return for his new owner. This six-year-old son of Acre and Polmic was jow by Mr M. Millar, of Palmerston ISorth, about two months ago. In the

spring he was successful at the Rangitikei and Waikato meetings. Weatherwise, third in the Tasmanian event won- by Argument, is another former New Zealander. As a two-year-old here he showed a lot of promise, winning three races in five starts for Dr. W. C. Ring, and he was sent over to Victoria in charge of J. L. Gray, but he there failed to reproduce his form and was disposed of last season. He is a four-year-old son of Weathervane and Sennight, the half-sister to Pillow Fight. Gold Trail Well Before leaving Hastings for Australia last week, Gold Trail galloped exceptionally well, and is considered to be in as good form now as when she won the Auckland Cup. The Doncaster Handicap is said to be the special mission of Sir Nigel, who accompanies Gold Trail on the trip. Sir Nigel has galloped really well at times, but may find a race of that class a little beyond him. In Work Again Emotion has rejoined G. Greene's team at Hastings after a good spell. The holiday was thoroughly earned; few horses did as much racing as Emotion last season. He ran good races over hurdles as well as on the flat, and probably will do more hurdling this winter.

Down the Scale The former New Zealander, Pillow Fight, owned by D. J. Davis, of Phar Lap fame, was among the horses nominated for the Santa Anita Handicap, of £20,000. Little is thought of him in California, as he was one of the 27 weighted at the minimum of 7-2, against the 9-4 allotted Equipoise. Australian Cup In the last 20 years only four weighted above 8-0 have won the Australian Cup—Cherubini 8-1, Pilliewinkie 9-6, Spearfelt 9-13, and Heroic Prince 8-5. This time it may also pay backers to give preference to lightlyweighted horses, though Topical and Vintage are two of those well above the 8-0 mark that are bound to be in strong favour. Unusual Diet It is stated by an English paper that Golden Miller, favourite for the coming Grand National, has six raw eggs daily mixed up with his ordinary food. Evidently the diet agrees with him, as he' is four stone heavier than this time last year, weighing 11 hundredweight. For a gelding there is certainly plenty of Golden Miller. Surprising Decision Kellsboro' Jack, winner of the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase of 1933. was a non-entrant last season and again this year. After Kellsboro Jack's success his owner instructed Ivor Anthony that the horse must never again run in a Grand National. As Kellsboro' Jack runs in other steeplechases, his owner's decision not to run him in another Grand National is surprising. English Yearling Sales Fairway's progeny made the best average at last year's English yearling sales, eight averaging 3561gns. Nine youngsters by Blandford averaged 3283gns. 11 by Gainsborough 2142gns, 10 by Bosworth 1735gns, 11 by Solario 2350gns, eight by Tetratema- 2332gn5. eight by Sansovino 1698gns, 12 by Manna 1255gns, 19 by Winalot 1128gns, and seven by Son-in-Law 1681gns. Bulge:- (Bridge of Earn—Black Gem) was represented by 30 yearlings, their average at auction being 343gns. Knight of the Garter (Son-in-Law— Castelline) had 24 representatives, and they averaged 191gns. Profitable Purchases The failure of several high-priced horses bought within recent years to justify their purchase brings to mind recollections of four horses, all from the same stud, who won a lot of money for their fortunate owners (writes "Phaeton"). "It is related that the brilliant Malua was once bought for £42. His winning record included the Newmarket Handicap, Melbourne Cup, Adelaide Cup, Australian Cup, and Victorian Racing Club Grand National Hurdle Race. Sheet Anchor, who registered a sensational victory in the Melbourne Cup of 1885, changed hands for £4O. and Blink Bonny, ,vho won the Caulfield Cup in the same year, was bought for £BS. Ringwood, winner of the Australian Cup, was secured at two years old for £35. Malua, Sheet Anchor, Blink Bonny, and Ringwood were all the progeny of the Eng-lish-bred sire St. Albans, and they were all bred in Tasmania by the late Mr John Field." For Half a Crown In referring to the high prices paid for brood mares in England at the present time, a London writer remarks that a filly who subsequently won fame was once sold for 2s 6d. The incident is related as follows:—Atalanta, when a frail foal, was carried into the sale ring in a blanket, and was purchased by Lord Roslyn for 2s 6d. Atalanta, who was a highly-bred mare by Galopin from Feronia, won thousands in stakes for the Duke of Portland, but she was destined to win greater fame. Mated with Hampton, she threw a bay colt, who, known as Ayrshire, won the Derby under the Duke of Portland's colours, and when he retired from racing Ayrshire's earnings in prize money amounted to no less a sum than £35,915. As a sire Ayrshire also won a good place among successful parents. Student of Form At one time some Sydney papers devoted columns to the marked success of two lady backers, but as it is a long time since one read about their "wonderful judgment," presumably they fared no better in the long run than most heavy bettors. England, at latest, had a woman backer, Mrs J. Goldsmith, who was picking the totahsator "daily double" with such astounding accuracy that, in a month, she had cleared more than £3OOO in that fashion. Mrs Goldsmith, who has 14 horses of her own in training, says her success is not due to the employment of any system. She goes racing nearly every day, and is a careful student of form. Of course, she does not confine herself to one double on each race when making her selections. Still Riding.. Steve Donoghuc, who is to ride Mate in the £20,000 Santa Anita Handicap next month, is very hopeful of success. Mate, who is an American horse, was somewhat over-rated in handicaps during his recent stay in England, and consequently was not a success. In the Cambrideshire, Mate had 9-3 against Statesman's 8-9. The Santa Anifo handicapper made a difference of a stone in Mate's favour. Donoghue purposed doing as much riding as possible in America before the Santa Anita race, and he stated he intended making a close study of the Los Angeles track. Although Donoghue is 50 years of age, he does not yet suffer from "nerves," and he will not allow the fact of some American jockeys not being over-particular in their tactics to worry him. In England last year he did better than for several previous seasons, and though overtures were made to him to retire, and take up training, he declined. Donoghue evidently intends to continue riding while there is a possible chance of adding another Derby to his great record in that race.

Huntique's Broken Leg It was sensationally reported from Blenheim on Monday that Huntique, the winner of the last Grand National Hurdles, had been found in a paddock with his leg shattered by a bullet, but according to further information the broken leg that has resulted in his destruction was a clean fracture caused probably by a kick and not by a bullet, says "Rangatira," in the Wellington "Post." In a conversation with Trentham by telephone, the Blenheim trainer, P, Reardcn, stated that Hun-

tique had been found with a hind leg broken, but, when questioned, he said that the gelding had certainly not been shot in the leg, accidentally or intentionally. The break was one that looked to have been caused by a kick. The two cartridge shells alleged to have been found nearby were probably those of the bullets.with which Huntique was destroyed. The idea is completely scouted that he was shot in the leg. The paddock in which he was turned out is alongside the Waterlea racecourse, and no one ever does any shooting there. It would be inconceivable that he was deliberately maimed. Huntique was a seven-year-old bay gelding by Hunting Song from the Gazeley mare, Gazelia, and he was owned by Mr L. Field, who bought him cheaply a year ago from A. D. Webster, who had raced him in Australia for a single minor success. He was turned to hurdling and his ascent to fame was very rapid in this role, culminating in his victory in the Grand National Hurdles last August. In that race he broke down badly near the post, but he had a substantial lead at the time and continued on to win by three lengths from Pahu and Free Air. His case since has always appeared a hopeless one, and as it is very doubtful if he would ever have raced again his destruction is not so serious a loss to his owner as it might have been.

High Class Breeding In a reference to Emissary, winner of the Middle Park Plate, a Sydney writer states that he was bred at the Kia Ora stud, New South Wales, and was one of the cheap lots at the yearling sales, being bought for 120 guineas. He belongs to the same family as Limerick and Ballymena, winner of the Australian Jockey Club Derby, and one of the best stayers of his day. Emissary is a half-brother to Highbroney (winner of the Tasmanian Guineas and Derby). Emissary is by imported Legionnaire (son of Phalaris and Spean Bridge, by Spearmint out of Santa Brigida, by St. Simon) out of the stoutly bred mare Lahinch. She is a member of the No. 14 family, by Kilbroney (a great stayer and sire of stayers) out of Vanna, by Charlemagne 11. Vanna is bred on much the same lines as the dam of Windbag, Charleville, who was by Charlemagne 11. out of Nithsevo, by Stepniak. also the sire of Savanna, dam of Vanna.

Savanna was out of SeashelJ by Chainshot out of Nautilius, a sister to Natator (New Zealand Derby) and Watersprite, second dam of Grand Rapids (New Zealand Cup) and third dam of Aborigine, Danube (New Zealond Derby), and Medley, dam of the two great racehorses. Limerick and Ballymena.

Emissary has two strains of Musket, two of St. Simon, and two of Bend Or. The dam of Nautilus was Waterwitch, a half-sitser to Le Loup (winner of the Canterbury and New Zealand Cups) and the fine stayer, Lurline, dam of the famous horse, Darebin, who did so well at the stud in America.

TROTTING NOTES Reminders Nominations for the 1936 New Zealand Sapling Stakes will close with the secretary of the Ashburton Trotting Club on Monday. Nominations for the Wyndham Trotting Club's annual meeting will close on Monday. Nominations for the Marlborough Trotting Club's annual meetii ■* will close on Monday. Nominations for the Timaru Trotting Club's autumn meeting will close on February 26. Acceptances for light harness events at the Banks Peninsula meeting will close on February 26.

Directum Directum is a horse of moods, but since he has been under the care of L. Davidson at New Brighton he nas not shown any waywardness at the barrier, a very material consideration for racing. Once on the journey the black pacer has shown plenty of speed, and if he only mends his ways with the colours up he may win good races.

An Interesting Race There is a good deal of speculation over the result of the Eclipse Handicap at New Brighton on Saturday, a class race that was evidently intended to attract the nominations of Harold Logan and other good horses. The New Brighton champion, however, was not nominated and so the race lost much of its attraction. The field that will parade is small but very select and the 24 yards handicap is not beyond Silver de Oro, one of the most brilliant pacers in the country when the race is run to suit her. A small field and a short limit should suit G. McKendry's pacer, and the Addington pony may soon make amends for several disappointments. This appears to be the easiest task she has been set for some time, and if form is considered, she should go out at a very short price. Vesuvius on 12 yards, Great Logan 12 yards, Gold Country 12 yards, and Tempest scratch are «11 good performers in their class, but Silver de Oro seems to hold command of the position.

Improving Facers Gamble, Racketeer, Chechahco, Recess, and Wise Guy, all receiving starts from Coldwood and Wilbur White, old stagers in the racing business, should produce a great contest in the Flying Handicap at New Brighton. While Gamble, who is only a baby, may find himself out of this class, the others are all improving pacers, and if fancied by their connexions they should establish time that will show some improvement on their previous best. Chechacho comes from Southland with a reputation for solidity, and in R. B. Berry's hands he will have every advantage. Racketeer, a recent arrival from the West Coast, has the reputation of being a regular speed king because of his doings on the small Greymouth track; Real Burton's second to Bingen Palm at the Royal meeting gives her a royal chance, and while Wise Guy's form on occasions has not been altogether consistent, he may be the fly in the ointment this time. Recess may be the safest to'follow. L. Davidson's mare has run only one poor race in the last 12 months, and she is apparently prepared to take on all comers. A mile and a half will prove her favourite distance, and it may be interesting to watch the form shown by one or two other horses in the race. Concessions While the New Zealand handicapping system in:poses a penalty on horses that are brought from Australia to New Zealand, the South Australian Trotting Association encourages visitors by granting concessions. In the case of a visiting horse a full concession is granted when the owner signs a declaration that the horse will remain in South Australia for 12 months. If the declaration is not made only half the usual concessions are granted.

Trotters at New Brighton One of the quickest beginners amongst the unhoppled trotters is Gyrate, and if he could be depended upon to run a solid two miles his chances in the Autumn Handicap at New Brighton would be second to none. Unfortunately he does not stay, and while he may be in front over the early part, the chances of Kotinga, Sandy N., and Real Boy will appeal to speculators. Kotinga is a very solid trotter, a good beginner, and one who has proved herself capable of going two miles. Real Boy is unsteady at the start of his races and has not usually performed well at New Brighton. L. Davidson, however, is very patient, and the improvement that he has made in the racing temperament of the big gelding will not be realised until proof is provided on the race track. Gyrate has speed but steadiness of gait and staying powers count in a two miles race, and in this matter Kotinga and Real Boy may be preferred.

In South Australia "Amazing" is the oniy word adequate to describe the growth in the popularity of trotting in Adelaide, •writes Robert Allan in the Melbourne "Globe." A little more than 12 months ago, when bookmakers first operated there, proceedings were dull. There was little animation in the ring, the racing was uninteresting, and the few lights which illuminated the showgrounds added to the dullness of the place. Now all that is changed. The handful of pepole present on the opening night at the Wayville showgrounds found little to occupy their attention. All told, there were 25 bookmakers operating—five in the grandstand, five in the Derby enclosure, and the other 15 on the flat. Their combined voices did not produce much more than a whisper, and on no occasion did they begin to bet until a few minutes before thestart of a race. It is certain that the number of people interested in trotting in Adelaide to-day is 10 times greater than a year ago. Reasons for this increased interest are the cheapness of the sport, the brightness of the place, and the confidence of the people gained bv the stewards. Led by the chairman (Mr J. C. Skull, of Western Australia) the stewards are determined that the racing will be clean. A resume of the stewards' enquiries and findings is printed in the race book for the following Saturday night. Jewel Pointer to Retire By securing £25 for third in the Olahuhu Handicap on Saturday Jewel Pointer brought his total winnings close to the £IO,OOO mark, but it is very doubtful whether the great performer will add much more to his earnings, as Mr D. Brideson states this will be the last meeting at which Jewel Pointer will compete, says the Auckland "Herald." Jewel Pointer has proved himself a courageous racehorse, and since he commenced racing in 1924 he has won for each of the various owners who have raced him. Jewel Pointer has been a most consistent performer, and has taken grass track records of 2min 7 4-ssec and 2min 40sec for a mile and a mile and a quarter respectively at Epsom, while on the dirt track at Addington several years ago he recorded 4min 22 l-ssec for two miles. During the last three seasons he has been doing stud duty as well as racing, and has some attractive young stock coming on.

WESTLAND R.C. EXTRA DAY'S RACING The old established racing club at Hokitika appears to be taking on a new lease of life. At Christmas the club held a very successful and well conducted J race meeting at the time of the seventieth jubilee of the town of Hokitika. Encouraged by that success, the club applied for an extra permit in order to run a two-days' meeting in the autumn. The Racing Conference has granted the extra permit for this season only, and the club will soon be issuing its programme. The meeting is to be held at the end of the West Coast racing circuit which opens at Westport on April 13 and 15. The Kumara Club follows on Easter Monday, and in the same week Greymouth Jockey Club will race on April 24 and 27. The Rcefton meeting is set down for May 1, and the Wcstland Racing Club concludes the circuit on May 4 and 6, a week-end gathering, May 6 has been selected, as it will be a public holiday in honour of the King's jubilee, which opens on that day in celebration of his 25 years' reign. The club in late years has encountered trouble, and even disaster with adverse weather, and two serious visitations of fire, the work of incendiarists. However, the club has survived, and at the Christmas meeting above referred to showed every sign of vitality. The fortunes of the Coast, and of the Hokitika district in particular, are said to be brightening considerably. There is something of a mild timber boom; mining is more active and extra gold being won; the farmers are having a much brighter time with stock, lambs particularly, and the present tourist season is the busiest the glacier district of South Westland has enjoyed for several years. In addition a large public work at Humphreys is now under way for important mining development. More than 100 men are now engaged on the job, and 50 more will soon be placed on tunnelling. By Easter the full complement of 200 men for the work will be absorbed, and as the undertaking is close to Hokitika, this extra activity will reflect itself throughout the local community. With the prospects of the district brightened so greatly, progress should be general, and the sport of racing will receive its share of the improved conditions and enhanced spending power. It is intended to make a special effort to popularise the race meeting with both owners and the public. A special appeal is to be made to the Canterbury racing public for support for the meeting, and it is hoped to induce a fair contingent of Riccarton trained horses to visit the meeting. The Railway Department is to be approached for special train concessions to induce a liberal patronage from the East Coast, and assist in making the meeting something of a record for the club. TWENTY GRAND STAGES COMEBACK DEFEAT OF FAMOUS RIVAL (UNITED MESS ASSOCIATION—BY ELECTRIO TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) LOS ANGELES, February 19. In one of the most sensational comebacks in the history of the turf, Twenty Grand beat his famous rival Equipoise in the final preliminary for the 100,000 dollars Santa Anita Handicap, to be run next Saturday. Twenty Grand has been at the stud for four years since he won the Kentucky Derby. Twenty Grand led throughout. Equipoise was third until 20 lengths from the post. Equipoise then charged, and bore toward the rails, winning by a length, but he was disqualified for crowding. A NEW BARRIER SAFETY DEVICE ADOPTED (Received February 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 19. The "Daily Mail" says that the Jockey Club has adopted a new starting gate in which a net is extended over the webbing in order to prevent joekeys and horses being caught in the strands when attempting to get off speedily. This has been a common occurrence since the sturdier gate was installed in 1929, and has caused several riders to be thrown and severely injured.