FRESH RECORD SET

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 43, 19 August 1944, Page 10

FRESH RECORD SET

AWAPUNI'S GREAT SEASON

By reason Of its central position Awapuni was. better favoured, under the existing conditions governing racing; than many of the other training centres at this end of the North Island, but it was surprising, nevertheless, to find horses trained there establishing a , fresh record in respect to stake-winnings for the term now behind us. In the 1938-39 season; the centre's stake-winnings amounted to £40,647 10s, which easily topped the previous best, but that figure could not be maintained. However, despite the restrictions placed on racing and the transportation of horses, Awapuni did well in the' 1942-43 term to top the £30,000 mark. But they went to stili greater heights last season, when the commanding figure of £45,641 5s was credited the centre. As Awapuni had supplied the leading trainer, jockey, and apprentice for the Dominion, the past season was a remarkableone. Actually, 115 winners, 105 second placegetters, and 114 thirds hailed from that centre.

Leading Trainer.— For the second occasion since taking up residence at Awapuni G. W. New headed the Dominion table with a tally of 27 firsts, 16 seconds, and 18 thirds, the stakemoney won by the membei-s of his team "amounting to no less than £14,990, a magnificent figure. His best winner/ was Don Quex, who contributed £5155, but other good winners were Rink (£2630), Subdued (£2145), Gladynev (£1055), Langue dOr (£825), Broiefield (£750), and TauUru (£645). ,

Good Totals.— There was a substantial drop to the next in order on the trainers' list, but both C. J. Thomson and J. J. Waller had good innings. The former won 16 races, was second 10 times, and third on 14 occasions, the stake-money amounting to £4502 10s. Of that "total Alethea supplied £1507 10s, but Te.Kawiti £3:)f>). Vivid Nisht (£700), and Young Charles (£400) were also good contributors. Waller saddled up 13 winners, 14 seconds, and 16 thirds for an aggregate of £4225. Lady Spiral contributing £1770, Nighean £930, and-Colonel'Rouge £540.

Won. Over £3000.— Although their winners were restricted to eight, the addition of minor prize-money coming from 19 seconds and 16 thirds en-: abled A. W. and Mrs. McDonald to carry their aggregate to the very satisfactory one of £3680; Of that total Theolateral furnished £1035, Taane Pango £735, and Alchemy £715. Then followed L. Knapp with an aggregate of £3390 from 14 wins, six seconds, and seven thirds. His top contributor was Kanui Te Pai, who won £920, with Park Light furnishing £745, and Omahina £645. Kanui Te Pai has started his trainer off the right foot this season, but Qmahina was unlucky in that she could not fulfil either her Brabazon Handicap or Winter Cup engagement at Riccarton. An excellent innings at the Wellington Winter Meeting with Borak and High Morale enabled A. W. Wright to materially improve his tally, his team winning nine races, being second 10 times, and third on nine occasions, for an aggregate of £3112 10s. A Late Entry-— H. Griffith, who took over the charge of Mr. T. A. Duncan's team, "from L. ■G. Morris after the season opened, did quite well to emerge with an aggregate of £2630 from five wins, eight seconds, and 11 thirds. His best 'winner was Flying Ace with £1515, of which £1050 came from the gelding's win in the W.R.C. Thompson Handicap last March. Pleasin? Outcome. —Per medium of Sir Bradbury, who won three races, was second once, and third once, L. A. Pine won £2265, and Mr. C. W. Boyd, the owner-trainer of Classform, won £2125. During the season Sir Bradbury made three trips to Trentham to win races, his success in the Metropolitan Handicap in January being his most fruitful effort, the prize being worth £1050. Classform's triumph in the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton in November produced a stake of £1875, and a cup valued at £75. Limited Team. —When B. Burgess found it impossible to continue the preparation of Happy Ending he lost a member who had been a great stakewinner for him. Two other members of his team. Some Sing and Te Awe Awe, were sold, and recently he lost the services of Moderate, who was his most. fruitful performer in the past term. Of the trainer's seven wins, eight seconds, and five thirds. Moderate was responsible for four of the successes and a like number of seconds. Further, of the aggregate of £1391 ss. the Ollatrim gelding furnished £1251 ss. At the moment the trainer appears to be starting off the new season from scratch, but without doubt will be found presenting winners in the near future.