RACING AND TROTTING LATEST NEWS FROM FAR AND NEAR

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21727, 9 March 1936, Page 14

RACING AND TROTTING LATEST NEWS FROM FAR AND NEAR

RACING FIXTURES

March 13, 14—Cromwell J.C. March 14, 17—Ohinemuri J.C. March 14, 16, 17— Wellington R.C. March 18—Opotiki J.C. March 20, 21— Manawatu R.C. March 21, 23—Bay of Plenty J.C. March 21, 23—Oamaru J.C. March 28—South Canterbury J;C. March 28—Birchwood Hunt Club. March 31. April I—Pahiatua R.C. April 2, 4—Whangarei R.C. April 4—Hawke’s Bay J.C. April 4—Waimate R.C. April 4—Otautau R.C. , April 4, 6—Westport J.C. April 11—Greymouth J.C. April 11—Tuapeka County J.C, April 11, 13—Auckland R.C. April 11, 13—Feilding J.C. April 11, 13—Wairarapa R.C. April 11, 13, 14—Riverton R.C. April 13—Beaumont R.C. April 13—Waipukurau J.C. April 13—Kumara R.C. April 13, 14 —Canterbury J.C. April 15—Westland R.C. April 18—Hawke’s Bay J.C. April 18—Greymouth J.C. April 18, 20—Avondale J.C. April 22—Reefton J.C. April 29, 30—Dannevirke R.C. (at Woodville). (TROTTING FIXTURES March 9—Wellington T.C. (second day) March 14—Timaru T.C. March 18—Wyndham T.C. March 21—Taranaki T.C. March 23—Roxburgh T.C. March 28—Cheviot T.C. March 28—Wanganui T.C. April 4—Wanganui T.C. April 11, 13—Hawera T.C. April 11, 15—NA Metropolitan T.C. April IS—Rotorua T.C, April 18—Ashburton T.C. April 18, 22—Manawatu T.C. April 30, May 2—Forbury Park T.C. TURF GOSSIP emlnder Acceptances for the first day’s racing at Oamaru will close at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Racing at Trentham The acceptances received for the first day of the Wellington Racing Club’s autumn meeting are very satisfactory, and contain horses from every racing centre in New Zealand. Riccarton stables will be represented by the following:—Bereft, Impossible, Wild Chase, Gustos, Pelmet, Top Notch, Fracas, Davolo, Variant, Silver Jest, Roaming, Rival Shot, Knockfin, Invoice. Cranford, Dollar Bill, Riptide,. Sisterina, and Greek Shepherd. For Awapuni The Manawatu Racing Club’s autumn meeting, closely following on that of Trentham, will, as usual, attract some horses from Riccarton, including Fracas, Rival Shot, Top Notch, and Gustos, Wild Chase, who will be at Trentham, is not engaged in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, so will be sent home after the Wellington fixture. Team of Jumpers The Riccarton trainer D. O’Connor has another trip to the North Island in view with Royal Limond, who won the Great, Northern Steeplechase hist year. As was the case then, he will race before going north at the Otautau and Riverton steeplechase meetings next month, and Rasouli will probably accompany him, O’Connor’s other jumpers, Arctic Star and Lycidas, will be racing at the . South Canterbury meeting next month, and, present intentions are to take them also to the North Island Likes Soft Tracks Seafox was nominated for the Banks Peninsula meeting, but not being forward enough, had his engagement cancelled. He has never done much good, except on soft tracks, and with these conditions now being likely for some months to come, he should be soon found re-entering the winning list. A Good Class Hack Ponty won his race at Motukarara like a good horse. There was a doubt about starting him, as he was suffering from a cold, and on this account he was not paid up for on the ■ first day at Trentham. He, however, showed no effects during or after the race, and as his form was very encouraging, he may be taken north for the two final days of the Wellington fixture. Ponty comes from a jumping strain, his dam, Sporting Girl, dam also of Joppa, being by Kilrain from Sporting Lady (by All Red), dam of Dan Russell and Speakeasy, two high-class jumpers. Ponty is also built on the right lines, and no doubt he will later represent his two owners in jumping events. St. Leger Stakes Greek Shepherd ran a good enough race in the Peninsula Cup to suggest that he will be at the top of his form at Trentham. He had a big weight lor a three-year-old, but this would no doubt not have affected his prospects so much if the track had been firmer than it was. From a racegoer’s poifit of view, it ds unfortunate that Heritage will not be at Trentham to oppose the Riccarton colt over the mile and three-quarters journey in the St. Leger Stakes on Saturday next. On performances this season, Greek Shepherd should now have a comfortable task. Bright Prospects Riptide was somewhat unlucky during a serious part of the Peninsula Cup on Saturday, and his third placing in the circumstances was quite creditable. He will contest hack events at Trentham, and looks a good possibility for a race like the Champion Hack Cup, one mile and three furlongs, on the concluding day of the meeting. A Successful Apprentice When Emmeline Girl won at Motukarara on Saturday, her rider, H, Hibberd, recorded his eleventh win, and will henceforth be entitled to a 3ib allowance only instead of 51b. This lad, who is apprenticed to F. Christmas, has done well in his first season as a rider, and as he is never likely to be troubled by weight, he should have a most successful career. In Winning Form Tunneller has been a profitable investment 1 for his present owner, Mr D. McFarlane, of Christchurch, since he, purchased him from Sir Charles Clifford exactly 12 months ago, and. now that the period of soft tracks has set in he will earn further distinction. He was, not nominated for the first day’s programme at Trentham, but is in the list for the two concluding days, and is likely to make the trip. He is in the Autumn Handicap, one mile and three furlongs, on the second day, and in the President’s Handicap, one mile and a. quarter, on the third day. His First Mount Final Shot, who has had a spell, from; racing for several months, made ,a creditable showing in her race on Saturday, and at one stage of the rpn home she looked a likely place-getter. ohe was ridden by R. Hawkings, an apprentice in Mrs J. Campbell's stable. This was his first ride in a race, and he shaped very .well. Relatives Successful, Concertpitch and Execution, winners at Motukarara on Saturday, are closely related. The former is by Balboa, from High JJote, a half-sister by Mas-

TROTTING NOTES

Reminders Nominations for the Wanganui Trotting Club’s annual meeting will close on Thursday. _' Nominations for the Cheviot Trotting Club’s annual meeting will close on March 16. . Acceptances for the Timaru meeting will close to-morrow. Auckland Trainer's Success F. J. Smith won the two principal events at the Hutt Park on Saturday with Francis Lincoln and King’s Warrior, and was unlucky not to score a third victory with Lynnworthy in the March Handicap. King’s Warrior put up a great performance to win the Telegraph Handicap, after losing a lot of ground at the start, and his win stamps him as one of the best horses in his class. He is a really good stayer, and the state of the going does not appear to trouble him. He is now getting on a tight mark, and unless there is a big tightening up of classes in Auckland, King’s Warrior’s racing will be mainly confined to South Island courses. Francis Lincoln caused a surprise, by winning over two miles, for he had been generally regarded as a sprinter. Smith has improved this horse a lot during the last few months, and the time, 4min 26sec, has not often been beaten at Hutt Park. Excellent Prospects An increase of nearly £4OOO in the totalisator investments, as compared with last year, and a substantial advance in the gate receipts, has given the Wellington Trotting Club a good start with its two-day meeting. It only needs fine weather to-day to make the meeting a big financial success. The club has experienced more than its share of ill-luck In the matter of weather for its meetings, and has done exceptionally well to provide even fair-sized stakes. The Wellington public is not so well educated in light harness racing as are Canterbury enthusiasts, but it appears to be quite ready to afford patronage to well-con-ducted meetings. The stewards of the club are enthusiasts and with one or two successful meetings, they may be expected to launch out with still richer prizes. A Change of Luck C..S. Donald’s run of bad luck seems to have taken a distinct change, and his two wins with Golden Miller and Plutus were well received. The latter, after his fprward running at Fosbury Park, paid a surprisingly good dividend. Plutus is a four-year-old son of Nelson Derby and Fanny Logan, the latter, also the dam of Avemus, being by Logan Pointer from a mare by Prince Imperial. Fanny Logan’s second and third dams are by the thoroughbred sires, Phaeton and Perkin Warbock 11., whose names appear in the pedigrees of a number of trotters and pacers. Long Overdue When Haopy Bird won the Wairewa. Trot Handicap at Motukarara on Saturday, he .returned a dividend of more san half a century. He was an aged horse when he commenced racing in 1932, and his initial victory was long overdue. A Disappointment Peter Silk let his many backers down badly when he failed to run into a place in the Wairewa Handicap at Motukarara on Saturday. His recent running at the New Brighton meeting was full of promise, and he will have a chance to make amends for his defeat at Timaru on Saturday next. Auckland Trotting Club The programme for the next meeting of the Auckland Trotting Club at Epsom on June 20 and 23 shows an increase in stakes of £540, as compared with last year. The total stakes amount to £2740. The executive of the club has also suggested the inauguration of a two-year-old race at the February meeting next year. It has been decided to increase the stake for the 1937 Great Northern Derby from £3OO to £350. Sea Gift’s Prospects Although the chances of unhoppled trotters when racing against hoppled pacers are not usually fancied, there will be many admirers of Sea Gift ready to support her in the Timaru Cup on Saturday next. She is one of the best trotters ever raced in New

Zealand, and she can begin very quickly. She has a placed record of 4min 24 3-ssac for two miles, and not many horses are capable of this speed. Back to Form Moana Tama showed something approaching his best form in the Waihora Park Handicap at the Banks Peninsula meeting on Saturday, and he did well to gain third money, after giving 24 yards start to a good-sized field. As a two-year-old, Moana Tama won the New Zealand Sapling Stakes, but for a considerable time he did not justify his early promise. Now that he is back to form he should win more than one race, and he may race prominently at the coming Timaru meeting. Pot Lack pot Luck is set to give away 36 yards to a big field of young, improving pacers in the Seadowiv Handicap at Timaru, and brilliant pacer that.he is he will find the task a big one. The nominations total 24, and include Cantata, Casanova, Hidden Charm, Moana Tama, Oversight, Purveyor, and Bed Plush all on the limit, while the handicapped horses include Loretta, Navy Blue, and Play On. terpiece to Execution, both claiming Sopra as their dam. Sopra, by Amphelion from Trebelli 11., dam oi Autopay, produced a good winner m Reo. nui. She was bred at Longbeach, but - some 10 years back was purchased by Mr J. Cracroft Wilson, who bred Execution, whom he sold shortly after she won a maiden event at Araberley four years ago. Execution had been off the scene since until, she appeared at Saturday’s meeting. She certainly had a decisive win, and had a lot in reserve at the finish, and although she is now eight years of age, she has never been subjected to much hard work, and there is no reason why she should not carry on as a winner.

BANKS PENINSULA R.C.

TUNNELLER WINS CUP SUCCESSES FOB'CRANFORD AND CONCERTPITCH The Banks Peninsula Racing Club tjvq,s favoured with excellent weather for its autumn meeting, held on the Motukarara racecourse on Saturday, and the attendance was the largest for many years. The course was holding after recent rains, and it cut up badly in places. The strange going affected the prospects of several wellfancied horses, but investors nevertheless fared well in their efforts to select dividend-payers. Speculation was very satisfactory, but the returns would have been much larger but for a good deal of money being closed out. and this in spite of the machine failing to cease operations according to any one race. The programme was in consequence, drawn out, and the last race was decided more than 40 minutes after the advertised time. The special train to Christchurch, timed to leave at 5.20 p.m., did not leave until 6 p.m. and arrived in Christchurch more than 40 minutes late. Inadequate

facilities for handling money at the totalisator no doubt had much to do with the delays. The sum of £12,496 10s was handled, as against £12,184 10s at last year’s autumn meeting. • The Peninsula Cup gave Tunneller another well-deserved win. As was the case when he won the Midsummer Handicap at Riccarton last month, he found a track to his liking, and was always in a commanding position. He was probably lucky in getting a better passage during the running than the win favourite, Argentic, who made a remarkable finishing effort, to meet a narrow defeat. The veteran Cranford, one of the few of the Solferino breed still carrying silk, outclassed the field in the Kinloch Handicap, and his stablemate, Concertpitch, registered a somewhat similar performance in winning the Ahuriri Hack Handicap from a strong field of hacks. Details ofthe racing are as follows: MOTUKARARA JUVENILE STAKES, Of 90 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 7J sovs from stake. Special weights. Five furlongs. 2.3 J. P. Low’s hr g EMMELINE GIRL by Backwood—Humorada 2yrs 6-13 .. •• H. Hibberd 1 1. I—Sir Charles Clifford’s b c Impersonator 2yrs 7-2 A. C. Messervy 2 5. 5 —J, Morrison’s b f Pink Polly 2yrs 6-13 car. 7-2 i ... W. Cotton 3 13, 14 Tarboe 8-8 M. Kirwan; 3, 2 Culotte 8-5 A. Messervy: 7, 6 Paper Note 8-5 J. Sheehan: 11, 12 Radio Star 8-5 car. 8-6 E. Ludlow: 9, 9 Saucy Sally 8-5 J. Jennings: 8, 7 Universe 8-5 M. Kearns; 10, 8 Coxcomb 7-2 car. 7-11 G. Humphries; 14, 13 Nulpai 7-2 car.’, 7-4J C. Wilson: 4, 4 Sir Hugh 7-2 W. Jones; 6, 10 Gay Lyric 6-13 M. Caddy; 12, 11 Silver Slipper 6-13 E. Pinn also started. Won by a length; half a length between second and third. Sir Hugh was fourth. Time, Imln 4 4-ssec. Winner trained by F. Christmas, Riccarton. TERAWERA HIGH-WEIGHT HACK HANDICAP, Of 100 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 7J sovs from stake. One mile. 4. 4—J. F. Cassln’s br m EXECUTION by Shambles—Sopra 7yrs 9-1 J. Veevers 1 2.2 J. Munro’s ch f Honour’s Lass 4yrs 9-6 .. H. Turner 2 3. 3—H. Rama’s blk f Horotiu 9-6 R. Beale 3 1, 1 Sky Pilot 9-13 D. O’Connor: 6. 6 Solwit 9-7 G. Murfltt; 5. 5 Cape Gabo 9-0 A. S. Ellis; 8, 8 Madge’s Coin 9-0 also started. Won by four -lengths; length between second and third. Madge’s Coin was fourth. Time, Imin 47 3-ssec, Winner trained by owner, Riccarton. WAIWEBA HANDICAP TROT, Of 100 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 7j sovs from stake. 3min ssec class. One mile and a quarter. 16. 14—Miss N. Ramsay’s b g HAPPY BIRD by Happy- Voyage—The Linnet aged scr .. W. Tatterson 1 2. 2—P. J. Lindsay’s b c King’s Drive 4yrs scr • • G. White 2 4. B—F. Holmes’s blk g Bill Grattan 3yrs scr ... .. F. G. Holmes 3 18. 18 Chateau scr; 6, 5 Chleftainess scr; 10, 7 Dollydora scr; 11, 10 Dolly Truman scr; 16, 12 Elite Rey scr; 13, 17 Moriori scr; 1, 1 Peter Silk scr; 5, 6 Pukeurl scr; 15, 11 Radiant Prince scr; 8, 9 Reymere scr; 12, 12 Rhinegold scr; 7, 4 Shrewdy scr; 14, 16 Silk King scr; 9, 15 Windsor Lass scr: 3, 3 Thomworthy 12 also started. Won by half a length; three lengths between second and third. Windsor Lass was fourth. Times —2min 57 ■ 3-ssec, 2min 57 4-ssec, 2min 58 3-scec. Winner trained by W. A. Murphy.

PENINSULA CUP, Of 165 sovs, Including silver cup value 20 sovs presented by Mr A. Loulsson: second horse 20 sovs. and third horse 10 sovs from, stake. One mile and a quarter. 3 2—D. McFarlane's fa g TUNNELLEB by Winning Hit—Counterscarp 4vrs 8-2 •• C. Wilson 1 1. 3-Miss M. C. Wilson’s b g Argentic 6yrs 7-12 .. G. Humphries 2 4. 4—H. Ream’s b g Riptide syrs 7-2 car> 7-7 .. A. .Messervy 3 2, 1 Greek Shepherd 9-0 A. E. Ellis; 6, 6 Tout le Monde 7-10 car. 7-123 L. J. Ellis: 5, 5 Fair Weather 7-10 H. Hibberd also started Won by a head; two lengths between second and third. Tout le Monde was fourth. Time, 2min 13 3-ssec. Winner trained by Mrs J. Campbell, Riccarton. ABURIRI HACK HANDICAP, Of 100 sovs: second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 7i sovs from stake. Six furlongs. 1, I—J. H. Grigg’s b g CONCERT-* PITCH by Balboa— High Note 3yrs 0-13 .. A. E. Ellis 1 5. 5—H. Rama’s b g Tooley Street 4yrs 8-4 car. 7-13 . . M. Kearns 2 2. 3—P. F. Campbell’s blk g Colombo 4yrs 8-9 .. G. Humphries 3 4, 4 Roaming 8-5 A. Messervy; 3, 2 Sovereign Lady 8-4 M. Kirwan; 7, 10 Impossible 8-3 A. S.-Ellis; 6. 7 Princess Rawene 7-10 W. Cotton; 9, 9 Malvasla 7-8 E. Finn; 10, 8 Penny Wise 7-5 J. Jennings; 8, 6 Bereft 7-5 C. Wilson also started. . . ... , . Won by a length and a half; neck between second and third. Impossible was fourth. Time, Imin 17 2-ssec. Winner trained by T. H. Gillett, Riccarton. KINLOCH HANDICAP, Of 120 sovs; second horse 15 sovs,. and third horse 7J sovs from stake. Seven furlongs. 1. I—Mrs J. H. Miller’s ch g CRANFORD by Solferino—Collnette aged 8-5 L. J. Ellis 1 . 4, 5—H. Archer’s br g Capital 4yrs 7-7 .. A. Messervy 2 9. B—A. Ferguson’s b m Cheap Money syrs 7-7 car. 7-4 .. E. Finn 3 7, 6 Horowhemia 8-13 car. 8-8 M. Kearns; 3, 3 Great Star 8-8 car. 8-5 H. Bibherd; 8, 9 Rebel Chief 8-8 M. Kirwan; 5, 4 Dollar Bill 7-13 G. Humphries; 10, 10

Hororata 7-13 car. 7-8 A. C. Messeryy; 2, 2 Golden Dart 75-12 car. 7-7 M, Caddy; 6, 7 Orris 7-10 J. Jennings; 11. lirinal Snot 7-7 car. 7-2 R. Hawkings; 12, 12 Arena 7-7 W..Cotton, also started. Wdn by three lengths; two lengths between second and third. Golden Dart wasfourth. ■ Time, Imin- ■ 31,3r5sec.' ..-Winner trained by T. H. GiUett, Rlccarton. WAIHORA PARK TROT, Of 105 sovs; second horse 15 sovs, and third horse 7J sovs from stake. 3mln 39sec class. One mile and a half. 3 3-1-T. H. McGlrr’s b g OUR WARby Man o' War—Our Thorpe mare 6yrs scr •• Owner 1 10 10— B. F. Hinds’s br f Glorietta 4yrs . ■ scr .R. Townley, Jun. 2 6. 6—Mrs G. Bills's b g Moaitk Tama 4yrs 24 * * R* Motz 3 4. 4 Alpine Prince scr; 5, 5 Carrageen scr - 1, 2 Cruiser scr; 7. 8 Dual scr; 11, 12 Hermes scr;-9. 9 Lottie Guy scr; 8,. 7 Boltaire scr; 12, 11 Wheat Pool scr; 2, 1 Big Nelson 12 also started. Won by a length; half a length between second and third. Carrageen was fourth. Times —3min 33 l-ssec, 3min 33 4-ssec, 3mln 32sec. Winner trained by owner, Methven. FORSYTH HACK HANDICAP, Of 100 sovs: second ■ horse 15 sovs, and third horse 7J sovs from stake. Seven furlongs. 1. I_E. and N. Rutherford’s b g PONTY by Rosenor —Sporting Girl 4yrs 8-0 .. G. Humphries 1 2. s—Dr. M. G. Louisson’s ch g Silver Jest syrs 9-0 L. J. Ellis 2 4 e—j. Adamson’s br f Free Rose 4yrs 8-9 •• M. Kirwan 3 8, 7 Nocturnus 8-2 car. 7-11 M. Caddy; 5 4 Horotiu 7-9 car. 7-4 M. Kearns; 6, 8 Sisterina 7-9 W. Jones; 3. 2 Maroha 7-9 A. Messervy; 7, 5 Dark Rose 7-9 E. Finn also started. , • .. , • Won by two lengths; half a length between second and third. Horotiu was fourth. Time, Imin 31sec. Winner trained by M. B. Edwards, Yaldhurst. NOTES ON THE RACING Emmeline Girl Impresses Impersonator was made a shortpriced favourite for the Motukarara Juvenile Stakes, and his supporters were probably unlucky in not collecting a win dividend. He drew No. 4 at the barrier, but through kicking Coxcomb when lining up he was sent to the outside. He was slow to move off, and with half the journey covered was in eighth place. Pink Polly was the early leader from Gay Lyric, Emmeline Girl, Culotte, and Sir Hugh. This was the order into the straight,, but inside the distance Emmeline Girl drew awav. and won comfortably. Impersonator made a solid finishing run, and got up to beat Pink Polly, but had no chance with Emmeline Girl. Sir Hugh was close up next, in front of Gay Lyric, Radio Star, Culotte, Paper Note, and Nuipai. Emmeline Girl won well, and in any case would have made the favourite’s task difficult if the latter had got away on favourable terms. Pink Polly and Sir Hugh were always well uo, and both should improve with age. Gay Lyric showed a turn of speed for half a mile, and Nuipai also shaped well in his second public appearance. Silver Slipper, Universe, and Tarboe were slow to move off,, and were always in the rear division. Execution Reappears Another Chokebore representative in Sky Pilot let his large army of supporters down in the Terawera Highweight Handicap. He was never closer than fourth place, and finished with only one horse behind him. Horotiu and Execution disputed the lead for most of the journey, and the latter led round the home turn and into the straight from Honour’s Lass, Horotiu. and Sky Pilot. Execution drew right away from these when the run home was started, art’d outclassed the field to win by four lengths from Honour’s Lass, who outstayed Horotiu. Madge’s Coin always one of the leaders, was fourth. This was Execution’s first race for about four years. She won a race when in F. D. Jones’s stable as a three-year-old, and although she has been in work for many months at P.iccarton, she has not appeared in public.' although 'she has figured as an acceptor on occasions. Honour’s Lass was well back early, but made a fast run up to the leaders rounding the home turn, Horotiu, having her first race since the spring, shaped well, while Madge’s Coin made her best effort to date. A Surprise Win In a big field for the Wairewa Trot, Peter Silk was the third first choice to get beaten. He failed to move off correctly, and was always near the rear. The race resulted in a surprise victory for Happy Bird, who was in a leading position throughout. King s Drive made a game attempt to bridge the gap to the leader in the run home, but was unable to get and Happy Bird won by half a length. Bill Grattan was a good third in front of

Windsor Lad, Chieftainess, and Rey- > mere. 1 Tunneller’s Cap 2 There was a fairly wide distribution of speculation in the Peninsula Cup, and a good contest was seen. Fair , Weather acted as pacemaker for the early stages, and led through the back i stretch from Greek Shepherd and Riptide together, with Tunneller and 5 Argentic together next, and Tout le 5 Monde bringing up the rear. Greek ■- Shepherd ran up to Fair Weather 3 rounding the home turn, and was first , to enter the straight from Fair I Weather, Tunneller, Riptide, and Arr gentic. Greek Shepherd was in trouble a furlong from home, and Tunneller forged to the front from Riptide, with Argentic making a fast l move on the outside. Argentic made c a gallant effort, but although overhauling Tunneller at every stride, he suffered defeat by a neck. Riptide was two lengths away, a similar disi tance in front of Tout le Monde and Greek Shepherd together. * Tunneller followed up his Midsum- . mer Handicap win by another impres--5 sive success, but there was no doubt ! his task was made easier by Argeni tic’s unfavourable passage from the l half-mile home. The latter appeared • to be hemmed in on the rails until > well into the run home, and when he got a run he reeled off a telling burst 1 of speed. Riptide ran a fair race I and would have done better but for striking a bad patch of ground rounding the home turn and losing his position. Tout let Monde did.his best 1 work in the last two furlongs. Greek i Shepherd was asked a big question under his solid weight in being sent to the front with more than two furlongs to go. His effort was attractive in view of his engagement in the St Leger Stakes at Trentham next Sat- ! urday. Fair Weather only lasted for a mile., A Good Performance The first favourite of the day, Cohcertpitch, made good in the Ahuriri Hack. He quickly went to the front,

and led round the top and into the straight from Tooley Sweet, Colombo, Princess Rawene, mid toportance. Concertpitch had no difficulty in holding off all challengers, and won. convincingly from Tooley Street, who held on to beat Colombo by a neck. Impossible was close up next, with a gap to Roaming, Princess Rawene, Sovereign Lady, and Penny Wise. Concertpitch put up a sterling performance for a three-year-old. recording his third successive victory and •his fourth in his limited opportunities. Tooley Street, like his stablemate, Horotiu, did well for his first time up after a spelL Colombo executed some solid work in the straight, and will be in good order for. Trentham. Impossible made a good showing in her first race this year. Sovereign Lady lost her chance by heme chopped out" when the field moved off, and Roaming had an interrupted passage during the middle stages. , Never in Doubt Cranford justified his favouritism for the Kinloch Handicap by one of the easiest wins of the day’s programme. He was never further back than fourth, and rounding the home turn ran up to the leaders, Dollar BUI and Arena, and followed Dollar Bill into the straight, with Capital and Cheap Money handy. The run home had not long been in progress before Cranford assumed command# and without any pressure had over three lengths to spare at the post from Capital, who almost as easily beat Cheap Money. Golden Dart, who had a bad run early, finished fast into fourth place, with Arena and Final Shot next Nothing had a chance with Cranford over the last furlong, and his win was very popular. Capital ran his best race this year, and hung on well, while Cheap Money gave a very satisfactory display after being near the rear of the field entering the straight. Golden Dart was unlucky in getting squeezed back over the first furlong. Both Rebel Chief and Orris were always in the rear. Our War Prevails The two favourites, Cruiser and Big Nelson in the Waihora Trot failed badly—the former finishing in, fifth place, while Big Nelson broke up with half the journey covered, and was pulled up. Boltaire was the early leader, but Glorietta had taken up the role going out of the straight the first time and, under a pull, opened up a gan through the back stretch from Boltaire, Hermes, Alpine Prince, and Carrageen. This gap was considerably reduced rounding the top, but Glorietta still had charge entering the straight from Boltaire. Alpine, Prince Carrageen, and Our War, with Moana Tama putting in an appearance. A, close tussle from the top of the straight ensued between those mentioned. and the issue was in doubt until 100 yards from the post, where Our War drew out to win by a length from Glorietta, who Held on to beat Moana Tama by half a length. Carrageen was another half length away, with Cruiser, Alpine Prince, and Boltaire next. A Well-deserved Success Ponty recorded a creditable win in the Forsyth Hack Handicap. He missed the jump out. and was the last to get going, but when the straight was entered he was within easy reach of the leaders, Free Rose and Horotiu. Free Rose was in charge at the distance, but Ponty soon had her measure, and going on won easily. Silver Jest finished fast from a rear position to cut out Free Rose for second money. Horotiu, Sisterina, Maroha, and Dark Rose followed in that order. Ponty gave an impressive display, and had the race won nearly a furlong from home. Silver Jest was well back at the turn, and did well to take part in the finish. Free Rose, having her first race since being trained at Riccarton, just failed to see the ordeal through, and will be useful later. None of the others made any showing.

TROTTING AT ADDINGTON

CLUB MEMBER’S CRITICISM LACK OP INTEREST SUGGESTED Mr A. A. Penfold, a member of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club, has written to the Editor of “The Press" a letter in which he comments on the lack of progress shown by the Christchurch clubs, and the out of date totalisator arrangements at Addington to which he attributes the waning

popularity of the light harness sport. Mr Penfold writes as follows: “At a special meeting of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club, held last Wednesday, a member asked for information about the new totalisator. The chairman was like the proverbial oyster, but after several requests he gave the information that the matter was still under consideration. It had not been lost sight of, he said, but he gave nothing definite about whether it would be installed in our life-time or for the next generation. It is now more than seven months since the annual meetings, and we do not seem much further ahead The reason of trotting slipping in Christchurch is easily understood. In conversation with an official of the Dunedin Club, of 20 years standing, at the club’s January meeting, he informed me he had only seen one committeeman of either Christchurch Club at the Dunedin meetings for years, and our secretary only twice. No matter what line of business a person is engaged in he will always gain fresh and beneficial ideas by visiting other businesses; and the same applies to sport. But it appears that our committeemen of both trotting clubs never attend a race meeting' outside, of Christchurch to gain fresh methods. “It was a small country racing club at Waipukurau that inaugurated the putting up of jockeys’ names under the horses on the totalisator, and it was soon copied by all the clubs in New Zealand. "Greymouth at its last meeting had a manual indicator working, showing both win and place dividend as displayed at our Canterbury Jockey Club and Wellington Racing Club meetings. Totalisator Arrangements "It is no wonder,” continues Mr Penfold, “the public are • dissatisfied with our present totalisator arrangements. I will give you a few figures of our February 15 meeting.

J f -, . *,* ... -J. ■■ HAPPY KNIGHT WINS BIG EVENT (PBKSB ASBOCUXIOV TXUEOBAK.')INVERCARGILL, March 7. The annual meeting of the _ Inver cargill Trotting Club concluded to day in dull weather. .Showers -ft** during the day, but the attendapc* was good. The track was holding The totalisator handled £ 10,492 10s compared with £10,158 10s on ; th< second day last year. The total fo: the meeting was £19,281 10s, com pared with £19,'446 last year. Re suits:— TRIAL HANDICAP, Of 100 sovs. 3min 43sec class. One mil and a half, i. I—NELL GRATTAN scr .. Todd 9. s—Night Voyage scr ~ Creegan 4. 4—Walter Gay scr .. Langford 20, 16 Red Sun scr; 11, 12 Red Pigeo: i scr; 18, 13 Carver Doone scr; 14, 14 Bon nie Brydone scr; 8, 7 Sea Lord scr; 2, i Peter Wrack scr and Seaward de Oro sc [coupled; 16, 17 Lady Alwyn scr; 20. 1 I Shining Sun scr; 19, 20 Loyal Embler scr; 14, 11 Kentucky Sun scr; 12, 9 Direc Thorpe scr; 11, 15 Iron Duke scr; *lO, Master Garry scr; 7, 10 Loyalist scr; 3, Moradine scr; 12, 15 Bright Logan sci 22, 18 Fortune King scr; 21, 19 Reconnoltr scr; 5, 6 Ruru scr; 6, 8 Lady Ita scr als started. Won by three-quarters of a length; si lengths second and third. Ruru wa fourth. Times—3min 31sec, 3min 31 l-sse< 3min 32 3-ssec. MURIHIKU HANDICAP, Of 100 sovs. 3mln 49sec class. One mil and a half. 1. 2—LONG ISLAND 48 .. McGregor 2. I—Blue Blood 36 .. .. Watts 4. 4—Paul Bingen 60 .. .. Todd 8. 10 Appomatox scr; .9, 9 Elliotval scr; 12, 11 Choice Goods scr; 6, 6 Moll King scr; 10, 8 Hatrack scr; 10, 9 Bo Wilkes 24; 3, 5 Imperial Wave 48; 5, Bell Norris 84; 7, 7 Minstrel 84 ala started. Won by four lengths; three length second and third. Elliotvale was fourtl Times—3min 38 3-ssec, 3min 41sec, 3ml 39 4-ssec. JELLICOE HANDICAP, Of 125 sovs. 3min 35sec class. One mil and a half. 2. 2—STIRLING LADY scr Cosgrove 3. 3—Embark scr . . McDonald 4. 4—Wrachfette 24 ~ J. Bryce, jun. 7. 6 Real Go4d scr; 1, 1 Golden Mi: scr; 10, 10 Peter Mitchell scr; 5, 8 Bide a-Wee 12; 8, 7 Monty Chimes 12; 6, Desert Cloud 12; 9, 9 Sergeant Dallas i also started. Won by three lengths; three lengths an a half second and third. Real Gold we fourth. Times—3min 24 2-ssec, 3mln S 2- Smln 24 4-ssec. The form of the winner compared wit the first day’s performance was ques tioned, but an explanation was accepted SOUTHLAND HANDICAP, Of 200 sovs. 4mln 47sec class. Two milei 1. 2—HAPPY KNIGHT scr .. Walsh 9. 9—Erin’s Fair 12 .. Cruickshank 1. 2—Eighteen Carat 48 .. Frost Happy Knight and Eighteen Carat wer coupled. 7. 8 Jolly Queen scr; 8, 7 Ready Mone scr; 10, 10 General Wrack scr; 6, 4 Vologd scr; 3, 5 Moko Child 12; 2, 1 Falrhave 36; 4, 6 Full Hand 36; 5, 3 Blue Moun tain Queen 60 also started. Won by three-quarters of a length: on length and a half second and thlrc Vologda was fourth. Times—4min S 3- 4min 36sec, 4min 34 3-ssec. COLDSTREAM HANDICAP, Of 125 sovs. 3min 39sec class. One mil and a half. 1. I—BELLE GRATTAN scr Cosgrove 2. 2—Pol a Negri scr .. Didham 4. 4—McGlusky scr .. 3, 4 Red Glow scr; 7. 3 Park Drive set 5, 5 Silver Guy 12; 8, 6 Guywln 12; 9, Stalwart 24; 6, 8 Erin's Chief 48 als started. I Won by half a length: four length > second and third. Stalwart was fourtl; Times—3min 25sec, 3min 25 l-ssec, 3ml; 125 2-ssec. WAIKIWI HANDICAP. Of 100 sovs. Smln 4sec class. Two milec 4. S—BELLERINA scr .. Townley 3. 2—Patty Todd scr .. Farquharson : 10. 9r-Annie Moko 24 .. Budge 14i 13 Benjamin scr; 13,12 Choice Good scr; 11, 11 Molly King scr; tf, 10 Gips; Lee scr; 12, 11 Happy Peter scr; 6, ■ Fair Voyage scr; 1, 1 Paul Bingen 48; 8, Kilbirnie Dan 72; 7, 6 Parrish Chimes. 96 2, 3 Nelson’s /Fortune 108; 4, 8 Leewa; 156 also started. Won by four lengths; two lengths secom and third. Fair Voyage was fourth Times—4min 57sec, 4min 58sec, 4min 5 VISITORS’ HANDICAP, Of 125 sovs. Smln 37sec class. One mill and a half. 1. I—HAROLD GUY 24 .. Maconnell 2. 2—Ma Waro 12 .. ... Watts : 7. 4—Picotee 12 ~ .. Walsh ; 10, 8 Erin’s Star scr; 9, 9 Chevalier scr 4, 3 College. Boy scr; 12, 12 Dusky scr 5, 7 Royal Drive Scr; 3, 6 Blue Spark 12 5, 5 Chief Drusus 12; 11, 11 Sir Gowai 24; 8, 10 Vologda 48 also started. Won by a length; half a length secom and third. Chevalier was fourth. Tlmes3min 25 4-ssec, 3min 27sec, 3min 27 l-ssec AU REVOIR HANDICAP, Of 125 sovs. 2min 56sec class. One mill and a quarter. 1. I—RADIANT GOLD scr Townley : 3. 4—Royal Guy scr .. .. Dynes : 2. 2—Bingen Wrack 24 J. Bryce, Jun. ; 8, 8 Erin’s Boy scr; 6, 7 Sun Wor shipper scr; 7, 5 Weary Voyage scr; 4, ; Frank Mack 12; 9, 9 Liberal 24 alsi started. Won by half a length; eight length second and third. Erin’s Boy was fourth Times—2min 49sec, 2mln 49 l-ssec, 2mh 49 3-ssec. NOTES ON THE RACING i (SPECIAL TO TUB PRESS.) INVERCARGILL, March 7. I A Decisive Win The Trial Handicap was won deci sively by Nell Grattan, who tool i charge six furlongs from home an< stayed on too well for Night Voyage

INVERCARGILL T.C.

When the machine closed for the first race there were 1850 tickets,on both machines, and when balanced, the total was 2800, an increase of 950, The increase on the second race was 100?, on the third 1220, on the fourth 951. on the fifth 1240, on the sixth 1239. on the seventh 1631, and on the eighth 1105, making a total of 9339. After closing the machine had an average of 1167 on etch race of an average of 12 horses. I also noticed on. more than one occasion that the number of tickets on some horses was far fewer when the machine was balanced as compared with closing numbers. It takes nearly 10 minutes to balance after closing, while at Dunedin, with more money, it averages about three minutes to balance, and the racing is concluded at the advertised time. It clearly shows that the Dunedin proprietor must have a better and more up-to-date system of running his machine. With these long delays for balancing, it is impossible to keep the races up to schedule, our last meeting being 50 minutes late. No doubt the clubs must act immediately to give the investing public confidence in the-totalisa-tor,” . The Chairman’s Reply , Mr H. J. Otley, chairman of the totalisator committee, commenting on this letter,- said that at the annual meeting of members a recommendation that the matter xjf improved totalisator facilities be considered was carried. The matter, as stated at the general meeting held recently, was still under consideration. The' committees had held conferences on several occasions. It would be unreasonable, he said, for members of sub-committees at present to give any information to Mr Penfold or to the press until a full report had been made. As the installation of a new totalisator would mean the expenditure of a big sum of money, every care was being taken to guard the interests of the clubs which represented' the public. All possible information would be secured before the club was committed to any • expenditure,. The running of the present totalisator, Mr Otley said, was under Government supervision, and the inspector was expected to guard, and docs guard, the interests of the public.

I i 1 ► I I t I ( > I 5 5 r > 8 > 3 I 1 2 3 t i 3 1 3 3 1 1 2 3 r i i f L j I i » > i The winner is a four-year-old flllyhy Grattan Loyal, whose stock, have been much in the limelight in Southland lately, from First Water, and is a promising sort Night Voyage had a lot >' of grouhd to make up over the last half mile, and although she got up to Nell Grattan at the distance she could not sustain her run. These two had the finish to themselves. The Addington representative, Sea Lord, ran poorly. A Fine Display Apart from one mistake, Long Island gave a brilliant display of trotting to win the Murihiku Handicap. The Oamaru-trained Blue Blood and Long Island were soon out by themselves, and when Long Island broke ; at the end of six furlongs Blue Blood was left with such a commanding lead that he looked a certainty for honours. However, he began to tire three furlongs from home, and Long Island caught him , before reaching the ; straight and won as he liked. Blue Blood lasted long enough to beat the : consistent Paul Bingen for second money. An Easy Win Stirling Lady romped home in the Jellicod Handicap, but had to run the gauntlet of an enquiry into her improved font# compared with the previous day. Over two miles on the first day she could only finish sixth when the winner took 4min 43 2-Ssec, but on a slower track on Saturday she carved out the mile and a half at a gait equal to 4min 82sec for two miles. She'ran to the front half-way through the race, and had the opposition beaten a long way from home. The explanation of ' the owner and driver that the mare got her tongue over the bit and practically choked on the first day was accepted. Embark ran another good race, but had no chance with the winner. sod Wrackette w as soundly beaten into third place. The hot favourite, Golden Mist, broke badly at the start. >■ Happy Knight Improves By winning the Southland Handicap > Happy Knight made amends for his i unlucky experience in the Invercargill ■ ,Cup, when he struck trouble at > the start and. came from a hopeless : position to finish brilliantly in fourth , place. Getting a way smartly this time, . he was in charge at the end of five ; furlongs and was .never .headed. Erin’s ; Fair threw out a strong challenge from ; the top of the straight, but had no . chance with the winner, who was going away. Eighteen Carat, who. was ; bracketed with the winner, finished > fast in third place, and his was a solid ; performance. It was a great meeting for J. Walsh, who trains Happy Knight and Eighteen. Carat. The latter’s time 1 in the Cup, on the first day* was a rej cord for the race. Vologda and Fairi i i i i i i r 5 I

i i“ " 1 w - ' ’-SiStj haven followed the winner info the straight and then stopped. Full Band; stopped badly at the aid of a mm and a half, and Jolly Queen failed tf run on. Promising FSflf-; f '|. r -'ip Belle Grattan, who was making In first appearance at the meeting. sn|| Pola Negri had the finish-of the Colds stream Handicap to themselves. Negri took the lead off Belle Gratot three furlongs from and Beepied] assured of an easy win. hut tan came again under punishment, spE got the verdict by a neck. The trims ner is another Grattan Loyai stock, ahw comes from the same stable asStmhM! Lady. Pola Negri is only a,pockfS edition of a horse, but is very None of the others could foot irwHli these two when it came to bwdaMß The winner won her first race aft (Mm last October. ■ A Big Improvement Bellerina failed to show up aa ||M first, day, but mtheWaikiwi Handkw she never put a foot wrong. 't«| took charge at the end of a milft'«i| from then on die was the cdy mgii the picture. She is trained Wallis at Washdyke, and was ddfa| by R. Townley. who had an aiimplffi ride, Patty Todd went his bert'raw lor some time to finish second. BnE Bingen stopped over the last half mfel and the first day winner. Nelson ]« tune, broke at the start ■T^i A Close flniaii ' ' r l9 Harold Guy and Ua Waro moncm lised the betting in the Visitors* Han; dicap. and they fought out the ran Harold Guy was for&d to'cowl lot of extra ground over the last, baa mile, and finished brilliantly to' trial in an exciting fiinsh. Ha Waro pocketed in third position, and -dll not get out until well into the He finished strongly; and was a h&Sm lucky, but the -honours of foe rani were with the winner, who was dilwl With better judgment than n the fiSSfi day, Ma mg was two wifos and a second, an he is more thaii useful Kcofoe S| Chevalier did best of the others. Confidence IbHM . Radiant Gold was all the rage for foi Au A ewott Handicap, and justified foi confidence placed m her tar atSI from end to end. She had tobelosß up to her work at the ftniA to frjSj Royal Guy, who a good vM over the last half inland fast ened over the last' lOOyaids. wfapl Wrack did not -finish with foe sml determination she displayed on foe first day. Frank Mac wgs second inW the straight and faded Into fifth ptoal - * ~ ■‘■"ia r ■ —8»

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