M. HOLMES HAS GOOD YEAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 29, 3 August 1939, Page 13

M. HOLMES HAS GOOD YEAR

Although having by no means a large team the Addington trainer M. Holmes was 31 times in the money last season. His representatives secured 11 firsts, eight seconds, and 11 thirds for a total stake-money of £3720. In the 1937-38 term his stable produced 24 winners. Aldershot was the leading contribution of the team, his two firsts and a third bringing in £1125. He won the Wellington Stakes and New Zealand Derby. In the early part of the past season he Replayed exceptional promise, so much so that a substantial four-figure sum was offered for him, but it was declined. However, he then had a lapse of form and to a certain extent lost caste. With age he should develop into a more than useful pacer. Since joining Holmes's stable a little over six months ago, Gerfalcon has raced prominently for four firsts, two seconds, and two thirds, which accounted for £775 in stakes. He is a most promising young trotter, yet to reach the peak of his form, and he should continue to improve his record in the future.

Renown's Best earned £670, as the result of one first and one third. She is a brilliant pacer, capable of graduating to the highest classes, and her achievement in winning the Louisson Handicap at Addington last bNovember in 4min 17 3-ssec is striking evidence of her ability. Her breeding suggests she is sure to do better with age. Attain registered two firsts, two seconds, and one third for £410, and Donor collected £290. . The latter showed exceptional speed early in the year but then lost form. He is engaged at Addington within the next week and hopes are held out that he will again. reveal his splendid pace. He is a big, rangy gelding who may be all the better for time.

Pot Luck failed to-do as well as expected and brought in only £180. It was a direct contrast to the 1937-38 season, when he won £2850 in stakes.