RACING NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 21708, 1 May 1934, Page 11

RACING NOTES

RACING. Hay 2, 3.—Egmont R.C. May 10, 12.—Wauganui J.C. May 11, 12.—Southland R.C. May 19. —Rangitikci R.C. May 19.—Ashburton C.R.C. March 19, 21.—Te Kuiii R.C. May 26.—South Canterbury J.C, June 2. 4.—Otaki Maori R.C. Juno 2,4, s.—Dunedin J.C. June 2,4, 6.—Auckland R.C. June 9.—Foxton R.C. June 14, 16.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. Juno 16.—South Canterbury J.C. June 21, 23.—Napier Park R.C. WALLA WALLA, Mr L. S. Martin, the owner of the Australian pacer Walla Walla, has been amongst horses for as long as he can remember, and, bred in Goulbnrn, New South Wales, his father before hint always had a few gallopers in his stable. Though his first love was the thoroughbred, increasing weight prevented him from taking advantage of all the opportunities offering in the galloping sporty and he naturally developed a leaning towards the horses that “ pulled the carts.” His first trotter was a mare named Nellie, a daughter of Viking, and with her. ho won a number of races on Melbourne and Sydney tracks. Viking Chief was oiic he secured soon afterwards, and this horse finished third in the Brisbane Thousand to Don Derby and Von Chief, the latter being none other than the well-known New Zealand pacer Don Caesar, who, with his connections, was later disqualified for life for “ ringing in.” Black Soldier, by Doit Pronto from Winsome Gold, by Golden Bobbie—Winsome, Tarula, who finished third in the Brisbane Thousand, Volant, a full-brother to Major Hi b bon wood and General Ribbonwood, Jimmy Volo, who was sent to Western Australia, mid Ayidious were other horses he raced with varying success. Ho bred and raced a good .horse in Galvanic, by Volant—Lady Barbara, and with Walla Will he won_ both the Victorian aiid New South Wales Derbies. Walla Will is by the present champion Walla Walla from Tarula, both parents having been raced successfully by Air Martin. Then* came Walla Walla, and he has rather an interesting history. Mr Martin always had a very high opinion cf Globe Derby, and he bought a number of mares for the solo purpose of mating with this old champion. Among the number was Princess Wenona, and in duo course a fine foal was produced. The youngster, which later became known as Walla Walla, was one of the host the owner had seen, but after reaching the ago of two .years he grew ungainly and was anything but the correct specimen of the standard-bred. Air Martin lost interest in what he at ono time thought might prove a young champion, and tho colt was allowed to run out until he was three years old. It was at this age that he was-broken and taught the first rudiments of racing, and to assist towards his education lie was taken to several country shows. Walla Walla was a 11 proper handful ” when being put through his paces and a hard fellow to master. He had a will of his own, hut very patient handling had good results, and eventually lie settled down to the serious work of a racing pacer. , Walla Walla wont to country shows for a year or two, am! he was rising six years old when he was first iutro-

[By St. Claie.]

June 23.—Ashburton C.R.C. June 50.—Oarnaru J.C. TROTTINB. May 3, 5. —Forbury Park T.C. May s.—Cambridge T.C. May 12.-Oamaru T.C. May 12, 14.—Waikato T. 6. May 19.—Wellington T.C. June 24.—Canterbury Park T.C; ' Juno 24.—Hawke’s Bay T.C. June 9.—Ashburton T.C. June 20, 23.—Auckland T.C. duced to serious track racing. His first start was in the Progress Handicap, of a mile, run in Melbourne. “He won all right,” said Air Martin. “If he had been beaten I would have had to go on the dole. His race was a 2min 34seo to the mile class, and lie had shown mo a trial of Brain 13sec. 1 had morn money on him that day than 1 have had on another horse in my life.” Ho won two races soon afterwards, one in Ale!bourne, the other in Sydney, and he then went on to win the Goulhurn Gold Cup, of SOOsovs. From a 3min 33sec mark he won in 3min 30sec. Three months later he won the Launceston Thousand, of a mile and a-half, in 3mm 30sec, and he followed this up with the Brisbane Thousand in 3min 30sec. Next he went to Hobart in anticipation of winning the Tasmanian Thousand. “ I threw tho race away,” remarked the Australian owner. _ ‘‘ 1 blame no one but myself. Bad driving was all that beat Walla Walla, who went 3min 27sec.” Walla Walla was now eight years old, and in October he won the Sydney Thousand from 24yds behind in 3miu 17sec, and later in Alelbournc M‘Kny drove him to win the Flying Handicap in 2min 12iscc. Ho then reduced the Show Grounds record lor a mile to 2min llsec, and in successive efforts be reduced Alinton Derby’s Sydney Show Ground' record from 2min 8 3-sseo to 2miu Tsec, to 2min 6 4-sscc, to 2mm 6soc. In AJay of last year ho was set against the mile record at Harold Park, which in circumference is 50yds short of half a mile. “ The truck, a cinder one, was specially prepared, and 1 had all the advantages of a galloping pacemaker and perfect atmosphere/ said Air Martin. “ Walla Walla did 2miu 2 2-ssec and established the Australian and New Zealand record, it was a good performance, I admit, and showed the speed Walla Walla possessed, but he had a lot in his favour.” AT WINGATUI THIS MORNING. An excellent strip of fresh going 30ft out from the rails on tho course proper was available lor fast work at Wiugatui this morning. A white frost after so much rain made the going holding and slow. Lady Kate was just , a little too good for Sungem over five furlongs in Imin lOsec. Ventrac, who has been withdrawn from all his engagements at the Southland Aleeting next week, ran half a mile by himself in 55sec Balance was going slightly bettei than Salmo Sular at the end of a mile, the last seven furlongs taking Imm 44 l-ssec. . r „ , Unseen ran half a mile m msec, and was better at the end of tho task "than at any other stage.

Braw Lad and lines took Imin llsec to cover fivo furlongs, both stopping badly over the last half-furlong. Osculate was not fully extended over half a mile, taking SOsec for the last two furlongs. This horse has improved since he raced at Riverton a month ago, but is not engaged at Invercargill next week. Tippling and Palmary finished together at the end of six furlongs, the last five taking Imin 12 l-ssec, and the latter appeared to be doing best over the final stages. Red Lance (H. Andertou) jumped the two schooling fences along the back well, jumping very high over the brush, blit flying the post and, rails. He was taken back and jumped the latter fence a second time and equally well. Uintali (.1. Walker) was sent a full round of the schooling fences, travelling fast and jumping cleanly, as usual. He is a much improved horse since he raced at Riverton, and looks a likely winner at the Southland Racing Club’s Meeting next week. The first day’s race may be too short for him, blit he will be staying on at the end of tho two and a-half miles on the second day. Tizzy just headed the full sister to Assemble in H. A. M'Donald’s stable at the end of half a mile in 58sec. Royal Pal, who is showing good jumping form in his qualifying tasks behind tho Otago hounds, beat Great Weather over five furlongs in Imin 9 3-ssec. Master Anomaly ran five furlongs in Imin 9scc, and will be ridden in the Flying Handicap at Invercargill next Friday by G. Humphries. Jacobin ran five furlongs by himself in Imin 9 3-ssec.

THE RITCHIE MEMORIAL HANDICAP. The Ritchie Alemorial Handicap, to bo decided on the first day of the Forhury Park Meeting, is likely to provide a groat contest (says the ‘Press’), and while Gold Tinge, who does not always show her best form, is set a big task in being asked to give away 60yds, the rest of the field will start off a short limit of 36yds. Royal Again has disappointed his trainer and backers on so many occasions that though a win for his owner (Air G. 'J. Barton) would be popular, the Dunedin sportsman may be prepared to allow the Australian horse to run for the stake alone. Ayrmont Chimes showed his true form at Ashburton in acting as runner-up to Impromptu, and now at the top of his form he. will beat most of the handicapped horses. Probationer is as honest as they are made, and at Ashburton she finished fourth in the principal event. Brin’s Fortune has yet to reproduce the form that made her a horse to .he reckoned with a couple of years back, and until she does this she cannot be seriously considered ; and Raydus, who has done a fair amount of racing this season, may not be quite good enough. Peter Locanda is a true and tried racehorse. Ho has not enjoyed the best of luck m his races, but, only 12yds behind the limit horses, he will have every chance on this occasion. Avermis previously shown his ability on the Forbury Park course over a shorter distance, hut he may not prove a stayer in the company ho is now set to meet. Worthy Queen, * the champion trotter, would have onlv to strike her gait smartly to have a ‘royal chance, and though a trotter is not often preferred m a race against the pacers, Worthy Queen is such an outstanding performer at her gait that she must command the greatest respect. Her last race against the pacers was in the Timaru Cup, and in this race she began smartly, and with half a mile gone was close behind the leaders. At this stage she was badly interfered with, and dropped out ol the race. She has shown that she can begin smartly, and once on the journey it will take a good one to keep in front of her. Wares* is a good stayer with several two-milc victories to her credit,

and Master Roy has raced prominently without suggesting that he is quite good enough for this company; but Lilian Bond is genuine and a rapidly improving filly. Great Author, a speedy pacer on his day, is not always reliable. In what promises to be a fine contest the early favourites are Worthy Queen, Peter Locanda, Lilian Bond, and Ayrmont Chimes. JOTTINGS. Rex Beale has almost completely recovered from the injury he sustained at Otautau five weeks ago, and will be riding at the Invercargill Meeting next week. Palautua, looking big and healthy, was given a light task. She has completely thrown off any signs of soreness. The two-year old Dismiss is being hacked about again, and has done well daring the spell he has had from the The’ full-brother to Ventrac, for whom Mr Herlihy gave 500 gs at the Dunedin Cup Meeting, has grown into a very sturdy horse. So far his tasks have been light, but he is now improving in his action. Kemal Pasha has been thrown out of work, and will be given an easy time during the next three months. He has never raced well on soft tracks. When Mr L. S. Martin, the owner and trainer of Walla Walla, arrived in New Zealand he said his trip was something of an experiment, and he could not truthfully express an opinion on his horse’s chances. “ I have brought over a good horse as we know him. I know you have some great horses, and I take it as an honour that you have elected to parade your best against my fellow'. I am here to race best and a good race and the best horse the w'inner will find me well satisfied.” And that is the spirit in which Saturday’s mile match with Harold Logan will be run, and which will ensure an interesting contest. • , , , It was thought that the turf had seen the last of the American champion, Equipoise, when it w r as announced toward the end of last year that he would be retired. However, it was decided to race him again this season to give him a chance of supplanting Sun Beau as the world’s largest money winner. Sun Beau’s winnings amounted to £75,349, and at the end of last season in America Equipoise’s winnings were given as £64.594. . . _ . The Australian pacer Auburn Lad is a well-bred horse, being by the successful sire Globe Derby, who is also the sire of the champion horse Walla Walla, from Velocity. Globe Derby was got by Mambrino Derby from Springheel, who was the dam of Lord Nepean and Buz Buz, two imported pacers who won races at Epsom for F. Young, some years ago. Lord Nepean was by Ribbonwood, ivho defeated the Australian horse Fritz in match races in Christchurch just over 30 years ago. and took a mile record of 2min 9scc, which stood for eight years, until reduced to 'Jinin 8 3-sscc by King Cole, a son of Ribbomvood, and sire of Ivy Cole, dam of Harold Logan. Magna Charta, who would have been a champion hurdle horse had he remained sound, broke down easily, and failing to stand: up to another preparation, has been destroyed. The first of the southern horses engaged at the Forbury Park Trotting Club’s Meeting arrived by this morning’s express. They were Vologda, in charge of J. C. Burke, Grey Girl, in charge of L. Abernethy, Bingen Wrack, in charge of A. J. Scott, and Chechaheo, in charge of J. Welsh. _ Mr H- H. Fisher has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the committee of the South Canterbury Jockey Club. He replaces Mr W. Morrison, who has been transferred to Dunedin. The Riccarton horseman, G. Barr, who was suspended for a month at the recent Waimate fixture, gave notice of appealing to the District Committee, but has since decided not to proceed with the matter. H. Mackinnon rode Ins tenth winner when he steered Star Raider to victory at Amberlcy on Saturday, and his'apprentice allowance is now down to 31b. Maddnnon is one of the most promising young horsemen riding in the South Island for many years _ Steve Donoghue had the satisfaction of ridiim the first winner of the flat season in England, his mount, Mara-

than, the favourite, easily heating Gordon Richards’s mount Antiquary in the Trial Selling Plate at Lincoln on March 19. Richards was second again in the next race, and that was the best he could do on the opening day of the term. . , " . , . „ Indications point to Riccarton bcinft strongly represented by jumpers this winter, the latest recruits being Yerden and the three-year-old gelding Top Rank, in C. Emerson’s stable. Verden was given his first lesson in the schooling ring on Saturday, and will be tried over the bigger hurdles to-morrow. Top Rank is to be given some schooling with the idea of making him more solid than he has been in his racing efforts. H. Turner has been engaged to educate this pair, and he will also ride Rational 11. in his initial attempt over the steeplechase fences to-morrow. Mate, who finished third in the City and Suburban Handicap at Epsom (England), on Wednesday, is the American challenger for Ascot Gold Cup honours this season. He is a six-year-old horse bred in the States by his owner, Mr A. C. Bostwick, and, in addition to being the crack youngster of his year, he has won several of America’s leading events. Mate’s forward showing so early points to him being in good form for the real object of his visit. Mr Bostwick is the holder of an amateur rider’s license in England, and has ridden with success under National Hunt rules. There may not have been _ a great deal of merit in the double win scored by Lone Derby at Cheviot a few weeks back, but he won very easily in time a lot better than he was handicapped to do. In the Trial Handicap of a mile and a-quartcr he outclassed the field in 2rain 51 2 : ssec. and nothing had a chance with him in the Mina Handicap of a mile in 2mm 18 ; 2-ssec. These performances may not ’ he good enough to encourage support ; in the Domain Handicap at Forbury Park against horses like Dundee. Blondie. and Summit, but if M. Holmes is again in the sulky Lone Derby may surprise some of the budding champions,' Bv Nelson Derby—Alone, ho has not clone much racing, and tlm Cheviot Sleeting marked his first success.