RACING NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 20371, 31 December 1929, Page 5

RACING NOTES

[By Sx. Claik.]

RACING CLUBS January 1 and 2.—Auckland R.C. January I.—Greymouth J.C. January I.—Waikouaiti R.C. January I.—Wyndham R.C. January 1. 2.—Wairarapa R.C. January 1. 2.—Stratford R.C. January 1. 2.—Marlon J.C. January 2, 3.—Southland R.C. January 7, B.—Reef ton J.C. January 9, 11.—Thames J.C. ~ January 11. 13.—Vincent J.C. ' • January 15, 16. —Foxton Racing Club. January 18.—Cay of Islands R.C. January 18, 20, 22.—Wellington R.C. /

BREEDING ON A SYSTEM breeding horses by theory is an easy matter, but in practice it causes.many heartburnings, as breeders know to their cost (savs “Musket” in the Sydney ‘Mail’)- Because a really highclass horse lias certain strains in his pedigree it by no means follows that his brother or sister will be ot the same calibre. In this country wo have had such champions as Poseidon, Biplane, Gloaming, Manfred, Heroic, and others whose full-blooded relatives were not in the same class, and this disparity m form knocks the bottom out of all theories. The champion thoroughbred just “ happens along ” at certain periods in a way no one can understand, and then there are hundreds of others bred on similar lines who never rise above the mediocre. Probably one of the greatest horses of all time is the American horse Man o’ War, who created several records during his turf career, ami has now become a most successful sire. Tliis horse had four or five fullyrelated brothers and sisters, And his owner was reported to have said that he would not give one of Man o’ W ar s old shoes for the lot of them; and yet all were bred as was the champion! One of the most learned students of breeding in my experience is the contributor who uses the pen-name of “ Weatherbit,” and the following lines i from him will, I am sure, bo read with interest, for they entail a deal of research work, showing what a keen student of successful strains he is : A few years ago 1 read in an English publication an explanation, by a well-known authority, of a breeding system put forward by a French writer, M. Vuiller. it was based upon an analysis of the breeding of all the classic and other high-class winners, which led him to the conclusion that eleven strains in certain proportions—or might I say values, as placed upon them bv him?'—were responsible for all the best, horses. These strains and their proportions wore as follow: — Herod "50. Highflyer 570, Eclipse 540, Birdcatcher 000. Touchstone 300, Pocahontas 300, Voltaire 200, Pantaloon 200, Melbourne 150, Bay Middleton 120, Gladiator 120 (in twelve generations of ancestors, who make a total of 4,096). The theory is that where a stallion or marc is lacking or deficient in any of these strains a mate should be selected who will supply the necessary strain or make up the deficiency. As the writer of the article stated, if the last eight strains only are used Herod, Highflyer, and Eclipse will probably work out in their proper proportions. I have no recollection of having seen any notice of this system by Australian writers on breeding matters, but at the time i applied it to several winners. However sound in theory it may be, the search for the “ missing factor, as they were termed, is if interesting, rather tedious. One could tabulate ten live-remove pedigrees and apply the Bruce Lowe figure test while doing one under this system, with, I think, equally satisfactory "results. Since Nightmare!) won the Melbourne Cup I have applied this test to Night Raid and Marsa, and the following stables will show the result. 1 noticed your figured pedigree of Nightmarch in the 1 Mail,’ and have thought that the figures might be of some interest. Night Raid works out

It will be seen that Night Raid is short of the necessary supply of Birdcatcher, Touchstone (only slight), Voltaire, Bay Middleton, and Gladiator, while there is an excess of Pocahontas and Melbourne. Tho following is Marsa’s table;— Marsa’s Standard

Night Raid’s deficiency in Birdcatcher, Pantaloon, and Ray Middleton is made up, each of these being in_ excess of tbeir .standard figures. While there is an increase in Voltaire and Gladiator, Marsa’s deficiency in Melbourne is more than balanced by Night Raid’s excess of that strain. Nightmarch’s figures are more evenly balanced, as compared with his standard figures, than his sire’s or clam’s —there is no great excess or deficiency in any of them.

It may bo that the figures which 1 have given Avill prove of some interest to those who take an interest in pedigrees, but have not hitherto seen any mention of this system. One objection which may be taken to it is that, whatever the influence in the past of the strains given, they are in some cases so remote (in Marsa one of the Bay Middleton strains is only worth two) that their influence, either individually or collectively, on modern pedigrees must be very slight. THE DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB The financial, sporting, and social successes of the two race meetings the Dunedin Jockey Club has held this season are pleasing not only to the executive and members of the club, but also to the business community in and around Dunedin. Collectively and individually the members of the committee of the club have never lost faith in Ihc future for Wingatui, and have

January 22.—Ashhuhst-Pohangina R.C. January 25.—Wairio Jockey Club. January 25.—Waipapakauri R.C. January 28 , 30.—Wairoa Racing Club. January 29, February I.—Takapuna J.C TB9TTIH6 CLUIS

January 1, 2.—Canterbury Park T.C. January t, 6.—Grejmouth'T.C. January ll.—Timaru T.C. January 25.—Wellington T.C. January 25.—T« Aroha T.C. January 30, February l.—Forbury Park T.C.

not only, borrowed money against the assets of the club to carry out improvements, but have also made themselves jointly and severally liable for a fairly large sum of money. Even when matters looked their blackest for the success of racing in the dominion, and particularly at Wingatui, the committee did not lose faith, and spent several thousands of pounds in carrying out what it considered essentially necessary improvements. Having now had four highly successful meetings in succession at Wingatui, the finances of the club are to-day in a better position than they have been for some years, and the prospects for the future very bright. There have been several- corlditions which have helped this club to recover some of the status it once held amongst the leading clubs in the dominion, but probably none.has counted more than the publicity given its meetings during the past year or so. There are many ways of advertising, but they all come back to the old adage “It pays to advertise.” Attention and hospitality to visiting owners and trainers has been carefully studied by the management recently, and they have been good broadcasters of the treatment they have received. Good training facilities have brought more horses to Wingatui, and, realising this, the executive is now busy extending these facilities, and when completed no club in the dominion will have more tracks available. The high positions held in the list of winning trainers during the past few seasons has provided ample proof that Wingatui is a good training centre, and owners are inclined to cither buy or breed good ones when such conveniences are provided. It has often been claimed that Christmas time is not a good season of the year to hold a race meeting in Dunedin, because so many of the townspeople go out of town at that time. But if they do leave town the railway returns show that just as many come as go, and if the club can fill its well-appointed lawns and stands with visitors so much the better for the town. Racing clubs cannot make big profits out of race meetings, for the rules of racing very properly make them only trustees of the funds they handle, and increased totalisator returns have to be spent in increased stakes. The State is the only profiteer out of race meetings, but there are others who indirectly do well wherever a race meet-, ing is held, and the more .successful the meeting the more money is spent with the business people in that centre. And it is visitors who these business people like to see in the streets. The recent successes of the Dunedin Jockey Club are only the just results of the good management of its fixtures, and under a continuation of its present policy success should follow success. There are still further improvements required, and should the remaining two meetings to be held this season, in February and June, be as successful as they were last year, up-to-date accommodation may be provided for members when the next racing season opens. THE WAIKOUAITI MEETING The Waikouaiti Meeting always provides a strong attraction on New Year’s Day, and the fixture to be held to-mor-row promises to bo an excellent one. Good acceptances have been secured, and the track, which has been improved since last year, should be in first-class order. The Railway Department has arranged a most convenient train service, trains leaving Dunedin at 9.55, 10.15, and 10.29 run right to the course, and the first race has been timed to start at 12.35, The programme will commence with the Trial Plate, and on the form shown at Wingatui last week Coupling, Solmuri, and Captivate should be the favourites. In the Bray Memorial Handicap Meadow Lark will not be a starter, and El Boa, Attract, and Wig Wag should run well. It is reported that Wingatui will go south for the Wyndham and Invercargill Meetings, which will leave Taboo, John Bradbury, and Stealth with the best chances in the Waikouaiti Cup. In the New Year Trot Ambition, the Lady Zephyr—Ka Ta Raura bracket and Great Scott appear to have the best chances. A good field is assured in the Highweight Handicap, and Master Clarence, Loyal Flower (if in the right mood), and Tardy should be the hardest to beat. Bon Rose has the best credentials of those engaged in the Hawkesbury Hack Handicap, and Mount Boa and Miss Marco read the best of the others. The I .st field of the day is engaged in the Oamaru Trot and Cytheria, Elite Bingen and- the Hadfield bracket will probably be the most popular with backers. A good clay’s sport will be concluded with the Orbell Stakes, and on recent form Thurso should go out favourie. El Boa and Sudden St. rm will probably be the hardest of the others. THE WYNDHAM FIXTURE With the best holiday of the year for a country race meeting at its disposal, the Wyndham Racing Club has responded to the demands of the public well, and not only is a very attractive programme provided, but the club has appointments second to no other oneday club ip the dominion. To-mor-row’s card is a specially attractive one, and the best horses that were racing at Wingatui last week are engaged, and will meet the best that Southland can produce. This year an excellent train service from Dunedin has been provided- A special train leaves Dunedin at 6.20 direct to the course, and returns after the last race, arriving .here at 10.10 p.m. Racing will commence with the New Year Hurdles, in which Red Heather, Dubious, and Maungamoa should run well. The Trial Plate has attracted a very large field, and Some Queen, Banner Boy, and Milliner are reported to have been showing pace in their work. Brain Wave, .Ellegro, and Sea Hawk have form to recommend them in the Diggers’ Trot, which has also drawn a big field.

If .Celerity 11. Is s f arted in the Wyndham. Gup she will robably go out at a very short price, and Circulation and Capiisader read, the best of the others. Tile Mimihau Hack Race should provide the race of the day, and Flyipg Binge, Jack, a Dandy, and Inevitable are likely to bo the best backed. Quantum ran so well at Wingatui that he is sure to be regarded with favour in the President’s Handicap, biit be will be meeting Royal Saxon on much worse terms, and the lightweights Blue Metal and Red Boa may be troublesome. Anothcer big field will go to the post in the Victory Harness Trot, and Sunbell, Luah, and Liberal should be near at the finish. The Visitors’ Hack Handicap will conclude an interesting day’s racing, and bn their recent form Salmo Salar, Impertinence, and Jock o’ Hazeldean should be the most fancied. JOTTINGS Mr Norman M’Lean, of Amberley, will act as stipendiary steward at the Waikouaiti Races to-morrow. High Gear struck himself in his race on Thursday, ,and is not likely to be a starter at the Waikouaiti Meeting tomorrow. Owners arc reminded that acceptances for the first day of the-South-land, Racing Club’s Meeting close at 5 o’clock this afternoon. It pays to advertise all right, even in sport. The excellent nominations received for the Vincent Jockey Club’s Meeting to be held on January 11 and 13 are another proof. There will be racing and trotting tomorrow on eight different courses. The alteration in the date of the Wairio Jockey Club from the second to fourth Saturday in January does not appear to have adversely affected the meeting, as 157 nominations have been received for the eight races. The gate receipts of the recent meeting at Wingatui totalled £1,678 6s Gd. an increase of over £320 on last year’s takings. The sale of ladies’ tickets amounted to £175 on the two days. The sales of race cards during the two days was more than £6O better than at this meeting a year ago. After be bad won the Milburn Hurdles on Saturday Mr J. Lindsay bought back Heather Lad, and intends steeplechasing him. With that end in view, Heather Lad will be given a run in the Wairio Steeplechase, and as the country is small on that course it should serve as an excellent schooling for the Gay Lad gelding. Limerick’s two-year-old brother. Dunraven, ran a creditable race in a handicap field on the opening day of the Auckland meeting. He should lie benefited by the experience, and he may do better at his next start, probably on New Year’s Day, when a six-furlong journey will suit him, as ho is not a brilliant beginner, this being a characteristic be shares with others of the breed.

The English thoroughbred is the finest racehorse- in the world. The reason is that the great owner tests and culls and always keeps the best. Many good English horses are exported, but the fact that America was refused the aged sire Phalaris, although £200,000 was offered for him, a fabulous price considering his sixteen years, demonstrates how jealously the best are guarded and kept “English.” As long as there are owners who display such a spirit England will remain the true home of the thoroughbred:

Referring to the use of. whips in races, a writer in the ‘ Auckland Herald ’ says:—Certainly the whips commonly come out in the straight, but they are not the thin, stinging whalebone whips of former days. As a matter of fact, racing is much more humane to-day than it ever was. Not only is there less use of the whip, but also much less use of the spur. The modern spur cannot rip the flanks even if the rider tried. It is blunt, and if by any chance a horse was brought in bleeding from being cruelly rowelled the rider would have little chance of escaping punishment from the racing authorities.

Every experienced horseman when in the mood will wax enthusiastic over the intelligence of horses (says the ‘Auckland Herald’). One former trainer who mentioned the case of a horse who became excited as soon as his racing plates were nailed on mentioned a horse which would not eat any more feed until night as soon as he heard a band playing Christmas carols on Christinas morning. It is hardly contended that he was aware that a horse must not eat before a race, but presumably he associated the Salvation Army band’s music with the music which he was accustomed on the racecourse. He just made bis own deductions, said the trainer. Band music—racing. At once temperament took charge, and he simply could not eat for excitement. Another horse in the same stable was a hunter. Pie came from New Plymouth, and had been in the stable for three months, but did not thrive at all. One night a gate was left open and he got out. A search discovered him down on the Onehunga wharf, a place where he had not been since he landed from the boat. The old fellow had just decided to go home. WAIRIO NOMINATIONS The following nominations have been received for the Wairio Jockey Club’s annual meeting on January 25: Maiden Handicap, lOOsovs, 6f.— Anahera, Baby Bliss, Bachelor Boy, Baffin Bay. Banner Boy, Barn Door, Birdwood, Blue China, Bridget, C'ortor, High Speed, Lady Winton, Leading Boy, Miss Redowa, Night Rose, Ohai, Polling Day, Poor Bov, Sentinel Lad, Some Glen, Some Maid, Some Queen, Statice, West Dome, Wincettc, Some Boy ll.—Topsy Knight filly. Nightcaps Harness Trot Handicap, lOOsovs. Class 3.42. 14m.—Arabis, Baker Girl, Black Lion, Cheap Money, Chiming Billy, Chiming Dale, Eiffel Tower, Ellegro, Erinola, Evening Sun, Four Ways, Glen Wilkes, Godetia, PTaerera, Honest Nell, John Logan, Knight Commander, Lady Direct, Princess Pointer, Leo Chimes, Slump, Sunbloom. Southern Don, Tennis. Wairio Gold Cup Handicap, 200sov£. lira. —Celerity PL, Equerry, Evening, John Bradbury, King Balboa, Money Mine, Red Racer, Red Sea, Rin Tin Tin, Some Rose, Sparkling Eyes, Wingatui. Woocllaw Hack Handicap, lOOsovs. 6pf-—Abbeville, Ace of Hearts, Anahera, Attractive Lady, Barn Door, Banner Boy, Battle Maid, Birdwood. Cetchehy High Sped, Insolence, Lucky Maid, Night Maid, Paris. Pukcmaori. Some P'orm, Stalice, Takaka, Vinegrove. Aparima Handicap Steeplechase. 140 sovs. About 24m.—Balvasco, Blazing Light Clarenson. French Fleet, Heather Lad, Nagambie, Nyanza, Parader, Snowfall, Toa Taua. Birchwood Saddle Trot Handicap, 105 *-,r , s lim. —Arabis, Baker Girl, Black Friar, Bright Mark, Bright Sun, Cheap Money, Chiming Billy, Chiming Dale, Evening Sun, Four 5 a u S . Wilkes, Godetia, Honest t i Hushahye, John Logan, Kilcoona. Lady Direct, Lady Voison, Marvin Dillon, Master Jack, Prairie King. Reseryoir Sunbloom, Tennis, Toby Lvllum, Woodburn Direct, Zepp. _.^ a ’ ra ki Hack Handicap, lOOsovs. 01. Ace of Hearts, Attract, Attractive

Lady, Baby Bliss, Bachelor Boy, Battle Maid, Blue China, Crubcnmorc. Full Fling, Jack a Dandy, Milliner, Miss Redowa, Poor Boy, Rombeau, Sentinel Lad, Some Glen. Some Maid, Wincette, Some Boy ll.—Martian Nell marc, Some Boy 11.—Spanish Princess ingWrcy’s Bush Handicap, 120sovs. Ini. —Abbeyicllc, Apache, Carnot, Cupid’;# Dart, Otchela, Equerry, Coomassio, Evening, John Bradbury, Pjucky Maid, Money Mine, Red Boa, Red Racer, Red Sea. Some Rose, Sparkling Eyes, Takaka, Vincgrove, West Dome. VINCENT NOMINATIONS OMAKAU, December 31. The following nominations have been received for the Vincent J.C. Club’s annual meeting:— Ophir Hack Handicap, oosovs. 6f.— Wild Berry, Joybridgc, Silver Thread, Malolo, Lady Lizzie, Gay Fashion, Glass Jug. Matakanui Handicap, 75sovs. 6f.— Wig W’ag, Martis, Dry Area, Miss Marco, Attract, Nanette, Wingatui. Clare Memorial Handicap, lOOsovs and gold cup 200sovs. Im.—Crossbow, Impertinence, Meitni, High Speed, Insolence, Battlo Screen, Captain’s Gift, Wild Berry, Green Cloth, Pink Sunrise, Miss Marco. Felony. Royal Flower, Battle Maid, Town Major, Gay Fashion, Glass Jug. Spottis Hack Handicap, 55sovs. Im. —High Speed, Nonchalant, Stringbow, Wise Choice, Captain’s Gift, Broadfield, Sea Gay, Dark Spot, Silver Thread, Captivate, Lady Lizzie, Gay Fashion, Glass Jug, Malolo, Crossbow. Omakau Hack Handicap, 75sovs. fit'. —lmpertinence, Wig Wag, Meitni, Strongbow, Insolence, Battle Scre.en, Wise Choice, Broadfield, Dry Area, Sea Gay. Miss Marco, Felony, Nonchalant, Court Jester, Royal Flower, Captivate, Battlo Maid Nanette, Lady Lizzie. Lochella Cup Handicap. 60sovs. IJm. —Wild Berry, Green Cloth, Silver Thread, Felony, Malolo, Town Major,. Gay Fashion. Glass Jug. Valley Hack Handicap, 7nsovs. (if. —Crossbow, impertinence, Wig Wag, High Speed, Nonchalant, Stringbow,

. Insolence. Wise Choice, Captain’s Gift, Dry Area, Sea- Gay, Pink Sunrise, Miss Marco, Felony, Court Jester, Royal Flower, Captivate, Battle Maid, Nanette, Lady Lizzie. Lauder Handicap, 7osovs. Of.—Wig Wag, Moitui. Martis Miss Marco, Attract, Royal Flower, Town Major, Nanette, Glass Jug, Wingatui. Cambrian Hack Handicap, 5-jsovs. (If.— High Speed. Nonchalant. Stringbow. Rattle Screen, Captain's Gilt, Broadfiekl, Son Gay. Joy Bridge, Dark Spot. Silver Thread. Cay Fashion. Dunstan Hade Handicap. GOsovs. sf. —Captivate, Lady Lizzie, Gay Fashion, Glass Jug. Malolo. Crossbow. Impertinence, Wig Way, Meitui, Stringbow. Insolence, Battle Screen. Who Choice. Rroadfi-ohl Dry Area. Sea Gay, Wild Berry. Joy Bridge. Miss Marco. Nonchalant. Attract. Roval Flower, Canti'•ato. Rattle Maid. Nanette, Lady Lizzie. : New Year Harness Trot. TOsovs. Class 5.3. 2m.—Marvin Raich. Treviltinn, Luckv Star, Thelma Wilkes. Sehisken. Radio. Silver Jack. Erin’s King filly. Aim l Logan. Sedate. Waitiiki Bov, Erin’s Own, Black Raven. Slin Along, Gold Thread. Vincent Trotting Stakes (saddle). Aa.sovs. Class 3.5. 1 Jin. —Overture. Marvin Patch, Treviliian, Bene Logan. Aaron. Edith THUnn, Sunr'ncs. Laracor, Knowledge, West Star. Free Pointer. Sedate. Erin’s Own. Black Raven. Dodo. Manuhcrikia Harness Trot. GOsovs. Class 4.5. 1m 51.-—Marvin Patch, Luckv- Star. Trevillia.ii. Thelma Wilkes. Serisken. Black Raven. Radio, fillv by Nelson Bingen—Nellie Scott. Silver •T"ck. Laraeor, KiimvDdg'’. Erin’s King filly. Arvy Logan. West Star. Box On. Free Pointer, Rpdo-f-n vr-Hal.-i Env Erin’s Own, Dcste, Slip Along, Gold Thread. Ponßnrn Saddle Trot. GOsovs. Class 3.45. Hm.—Overture, Marvin Patch, Lucky Star, Trevillian. Bene Logan. Aaron, Wher Bingen. Black Raven, Edith Dißon. Radio, Siß'cr Jack. Sunranes, Knowledge, Free Pointer. Erin’s Own. Dosto.

as follows; — Night Paid' Standard figures. figures. Pirdcatcher ... -MO 300 Touchstone ... 288 300 Pocahontas ... 4US 300 Voltaire ... 112 20U Pantaloon ... ... 168 200 Melbourne ... ... 282 150 flay Middleton ... 104 120 Gladiator ... 80 120

figures. figures. Birdcatcher ... : .m 300 Touchstone ... 250 300 Pocahontas ... yu4 300 Voltaire ... ... 88 200 1’antalooii ... ... 220 200 Melbourne ... ... 112 150 Bay Middleton ... 154 120 Gladiator ... 112 120

Tsightinarclrs Standard figures. figures. Ilirdcatchor ;.. 2s-i 300 Touchstone ... 262 300 Poahontas ... .‘156 300 Voltaire ... 100 200 Pantaloon ... ... 194 20" Melbourne ... ... 172 TuO JJay Middleton ... 128 120 Gladiator ... 96 120