RACING NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22004, 13 April 1935, Page 9

RACING NOTES

RACING. April 15.—Westport J.C. April 20.—Tuapeka J.C. April 20, 22.—Wairarapa J.C. April 20, 22.—feilding J.C. April 20, 22.—Auckland R.C. April 20, 22, 23.—Riverton R/J, April 22. Beaumont R.C. April 22 —Waipukurau J.C. April 22.—Knmara R.C. April 22, 23.—Canterbury J.C. April 24. 27.—Greymouth J.C. April 27. —Marton J.C. April 27, 29.—Avondale J.C. May I.—Reefton J.C.

HIS GREATEST THRILL. Gordon Millsom. well-known Goulburn veterinary surgeon and a prominent figure in the trotting ranks of Australia, is also well known, to many New Zealand trotting enthusiasts. He won a race at Sydney recently with Bonnie Globe. He tells ’ a sensational story regarding a horse which lie suspected was a “ ringer,” which he was forced to drive. To a writer of the Sydney ‘ Sportsman ’ he said it was his greatest thrill. And what a thrill! Read on. ■ Twenty years ago, he said, I received a wire to proceed to A 1 bury at once to perform some veterinary work upon horses located there. As I thought I would be back in a couple of days, I threw a pair of pyjamas, a clean shirt, some socks, and a toothbrush into a small port and caught the train. Upon arrival at Albury a man I did not know met me on the station, and after thanking me for making the trip at such short notice said: “I’m sorry to have to tell you, Mr Millsom, but the horses I wanted you to see arc not at Albury, but at Benalla.” Quite agreeably I boarded the Melbourne, express for Benalla, and upon entering a carriage 1 spotted an un-savoury-looking individual upon the seat opposite. “How are you, Gordon?” he asked. I replied; “I don’t think I know you.” “ Oh, yes, you do,” he said. “Anyhow, let me tell you this; you are not going to Benalla—you are going to Melbourne.” Like a shot he brought his hand out of his coat pocket, and in it was a revolver. Being a little fellow, I did not enter into a foolish struggle. I reached Mebourne, and with a burly man on either side of me we entered a taxi, which raced out to a hotel at Richmond.

I was shown to a room, and then the big fellow with the revolver slammed the door. “ Sit down,” he said, I did so, and then he told me his name was Frederick O’Neill. Immediately, he told me just why I was at Richmond. He said: “You’re Gordon Millsom, and I know your skill as a trotting driver. I want you to drive a trotter at Richmond to-morrow, and if you want to see Goulburn again, forget "all about any funny business. Just do as you're told, and you’ll have no complaints. “ While you’re at this hotel you will be confined"to this room, and there will be an armed guard on thp door.” With that he left, .1 In the room O’Neill’s offsider had two ports, and, looking through any window, I could see the Yarra flowing below. Immediately I recalled the Mabel Ambrose murder.

She had been carved up and put in two ports, and, not being a big man physically, I thought they would hare no difficulty in packing me in. After having been in the room about an hour I knocked on the door, and the guard opened it. I asked him for a brandy without water, and heard him convey my message to people downstairs. After having gulped' down the brandy I felt a little more composed, and opened one of the ports. To my intense surprise it was full of “ fiversj” hut I heard afterwards that they were all counterfeit. Later on O’Neill came in to see me and Said, “ Yon may not be aware of the fact. Millsom, but I’ve been warned off every course in the world. I made it too ‘ hot ’ in America and England ; that’s why I’m here. “Well, about to-morrow. I have a horse running in the £2OO Richmond Cup and you’re going to drive it. When you go over to work him to-morrow you will speak to nobody and see nobody.” There were no frills about this man, I can assure you. and I learned later he would have “popped” you off ns soon as look at you. It did not take me long to realise that 1 was to be behind a “ ring-tail,” But what was a man to do in the circumstances!’' I had been told that if I squealed 1 would get a wooden coat instead of the one I was wearing. First man 1 met on the track as 1 went round was the late Billy Tomkinson. “Well, how are you, Gordon?” he said. “ Fancy you being here.” . O’Neill was near and 1 didn’t reply, Later on Billy said, “ I wonder what’s up with Gordon? I didn’t think he’d treat a man that way.” After the exercise I found myself back m my room in company with O’Neill. I was again a prisoner. I hadn’t slept a wink the night before, and consequently didn’t feel too well. O’Neill was wearing the most wonderful coat I’ve ever seen. He said to me, “This is a minx. I didn’t buy it, as you can well guess. Not long ago I was standing outside the Casino at Monte Carlo when I spotted a prosperous German wearing it. I followed him in, and after ho left the cloakroom I tried it on and found it fitted me. 1 left him mine. “ This afternoon I’D be wearing this coat, and will be in the Leger, so you’ll have no difficulty in recognising me. I’ll give you instructions how to drive the horse. If you squeal you’ll never see Goulburn again. “ The only horse you need fear is Direct Dot.” I timidly ventured the opinion that County Antrim would be hardest. The race was four times round Richmond track, and he didn’t forget to give me instructions as I went past. “ Move him into second place.” he cried, and later on he shouted, “ Now, sir, ask him to race.’’ I was beaten a head by County Antrim. Upon returning to the hotel, O’Neil) said to me, “ I lost the race—not yon. But, never mind, what’s a beating! It’s nothing. So up and at ’em again.” He handed me £SO, and no man ever left a place quicker than 1 did. OBLIGATION OF JOCKEYS. The Victorian stipendiary stewards have been subjected to criticism in some quarters for having suspended D. Munro, who rode Arachnc in the Newmarket Handicap recently. Anybody fully acquainted with the facts of the case will agree that the stewards did not exceed their powers (says the Melbourne writer “Chiron”), and that

May 4, 6,—Hawke’* Bay J. C. May 4, 6.—Bgmont J.C. May 4, 6.—Westland R.C. May 6. —Dunedin J.C. TROTTING. April 17.—Rotorua T.C. April 20, 22,—Hawera T.C. April 20, 24.—N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. April 27.—Taranaki T.C. April 27.—Methven T.C. May 2, 4.—Forbury Park T.C. May 4.—Cambridge T.C. May Tl.—Waikato T.C. May 11.—Oamaru T.C.

the punishment they imposed was merited. < , , Before the horses went to the post for the Newmarket Handicap all the jockeys were addressed by the .chairman of the stipendiary stewards and informed that the committee of the Victoria Racing Club had decided that in all races up the straight riders would be expected to keep a straight course, and that the practice ot the riders of horses drawn near the centie of the course edging over toward either the inner or the outer rail would not be tolerated. Every horse would be expected to pursue a straight course irom start to finish. As Arachne was to liave started several horses out from the outside rail, Munro was specifically warned that he must not cross over to the rail when Aracbno took the lead, as she was expected to do. In spite or the warning Munro allowed Arachne to cross to the rail, and, therefore, disobeyed an instruction by the stewards. The Australian rule that permits a horse to cross another in a race, providing it is two lengths in front when it crosses, is identical with the English rule. It is obvious, however, that the rule is intended to apply only to races run on circular courses, because in England, although there is no specific rule on the subject, it is strongly insisted that in all races on straight courses riders must not deviate from the straight line. Some years ago theio was an accident in the Stewards Cup, run over the straight course at Goodwood. The stewards held an inquiry, and decided the accident was caused mainly by the Crowding of the jockeys drawn on the stand side of the course towards the far rails. “ This practice, they added, “ which had become increasingly prevalent at Goodwood, was a dangerous one, and must be stopped iu the interest of safety and of fair racing.” They warned jockeys that they would deal severely with anyone who disregarded the instruction. JOTTINGS. Acceptances for the minor events on the first day of the C.J.C. Autumn Meeting close at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The Southland ‘ Times ! says: I ailing L. J. Ellis being available, A. E. Bidham may ride All Humbug at Riverton R.C. Meeting. Mr A. Chisholm, of Southland, Iws sold the three-year-old gelding by Woodend Freni Glentrum to Mr J. B. MacGregor, who races Stceton. Ihe brother to Lochlaggaii is well grown and is a quality-looking chestnut. He lias gone into T. E. Paukhurst s stable. Mr Norman Rutherford has had the ill-fortune to lose a valuable yearling tillv by Hoylake from Ghukka, dam of Ra'nolagh, and Hurlinghanj. She died from injuries received through getting cast in a drain when running iu a paddock. At Riccarton on Thursday morning Red Dance easily accounted foe Cleaner. The former will be worth following during the Easter racing. , 1 ]Press.* Phnr Lap’s sister. To Uira, who was purchased for 2,ooogus, and recently arrived in England, will commence at the stud in England next year, when she will bo three years to Australian, and four years to English, time. It 13 definite she is not to be raced. Bimilla, who realised SOOgns, has proved the plum of last year’s Randwick sales, though Young Idea (500gns) also represents a prize. When the Australian Jockey Club’s meeting is over it may be possible to include one or two more youngsters sold in Sydney last year in that division. The art union conducted by the Cromwell Jockey' Club in connection with its recept race meeting netted the club £47. The first prize, a gold nugget, was won by Messrs J. T. N. Grant, and Alf. Johnson, in a partnership ticket, of Cromwell. Both of the townsmen were generous contributors to the race funds. Rebel Chief was cantered a round at Riccarton on Thursday on the sand, and then galloped seven furlongs in Imin 35sec. coming home his last half in 53 2-sscc. He appeared to pull up more satisfactorily than on some previous occasions, and is expected to be able to give of his best iu the Great Easter Handicap, in which lie will be ridden by liis usual pilot, L, J. Ellis. A notable feature in regard to the Timaru Cup is that it is the only race in the tabulated lists in the Turf Register in which a winner raced without bearing a name, this occurring in 1882, when the conqueror figured on the race cards ns Mr H P. Lance’s Envy filly. She afterwards competed in the name of Envious. Her sire was the imported Cassivalanus. The Wellington ‘ Post ’ states that although Cuddle may now be regarded as a certain starter for the Great Autumn Handicap, there is a doubt about her running in the Great Easter as Roy Reed, although available, Jins not been engaged for her in the shorter race. It is still possible that she will have a race in the North Island on Easter Saturday. M. 13. Edwards took advantage of the matinee meeting at Addington on Thursday to give the Australian pacer Auburn Lad a thorough test over a mile and a-half. The Globe Derby gelding conceded a good start to the majority, and though he is rather big, he gave a good display. He was narrowly beaten by Gold Tinge, and the work-out should assist in his preparations > for engagements at the Easter meeting. One hundred and ten three-year-olds —seventy-three colts, twenty-eight geldings, and nine fillies—have been nominated for the sixty-first running of the Kentucky Derby, a mile and a-quarter. at historical Churchill Downs, Louisville (Kentucky), on May 4 next. Colts and geldings will carry 9.0 and fillies 8.9 The value of the event this year will be 40,000 dollars added, a rise of 10.000 dollars over that of last year. Yet the increase in no wise influenced the_ entry. This j; evidenced by a falling-off of fourteen nominations. Four yearlings, all colts, have arrived at Riccarton from Sir Charles Clifford’s Stonylmrst stud. They are Trench Fight (Winning Hit—Scrimmage), a brother to Fracas and Bunfight: Impersonator (Winning Hit-Miss Mimic), a brother to Cnnvist: Wild Chase (Paper Money —Wild Hind), a half-brother to Fleeting Glance and Paper Slipper (Paper Money—Shuffle). The lastnamed was bred by Mr G. N. M'Lean, who then sold Shuffle to Sir Charles. Shuffle is by Solferino from Tinihanga, and thus a half-sister to Elude.

The V.R.C. raised the Melbourne Cup stake to £IO,OOO for the centenary meeting, but it has reduced it to £B,OOO for next year. The big race is not as valuable as it used to be when nomination and acceptance fees were added to the stake. When Bitalli won the £IO,OOO added monev was increased to £13,288, of which the winner received £10,288. Carbine’s cup was worth £13.230, ami £10,230 to the winner; while Windbag took £10,215 of a prize of £13,215. Night Club’s appearance in the Great Western Steeplechase will be her first in open company. The Nightgqard mare won the Aylesbury Steeplechase at Riccarton, when in receipt of 281 b from Arcade, who ran off; and followed up with a win in the Otago Hunt Cup. in the last-named race she was getting weight from the runner-up, Uintah, and she is faced with a more formidable task at Riverton. She has it in her favour that she is a fine fencer, and is at home in soft going. Racketeer does not figure among the acceptances for the Ashburton Meeting, and rumour has it (says the ‘ Sun ’) that some interesting developments regarding this pacer can be expected within a short time. Ever since be came to Canterbury Racketeer has been the subject of many discussions and conjectures, and it is on the cards that these will be definitely settled shortly. His running at Mnnawatu did not stamp Racketeer as a great horse, and it is doubtful if he will ever rise to greatness. There is no doubt that he has speed when once on the journey or when sent off from a moving start, but his looks and action are all against him being a champion under race conditions. In addition to its £20,000 handicap, Santa Anita had a Derby, which carried £4,000 added money, with the addition of a sweepstake for starters. It was run on February 16. and was won by Mrs Helen Hay Whitney’s .Gillie (Victorian—My Tide), who beat sixteen other runners, in Imin 3-ss.ee for eight and a-half furlongs, fllio winner s share of the stake was £3.930, while £BOO went to second. £4OO to third, and £2OO to fourth. Prior to this win Gillie wag a poor performer. In

America most of the “ big money ” is for two and tbree-year-old races. Another Derby, the Florida Derby, carrying £3,000 added money, was down for decision at Hialeah Park (Miami) on March 9. For this late entries were permissible at £SO, and another £SO to start, up to February 27. The Oamaru Trotting Club has compiled an attractive programme for its Winter Meeting, winch is set down for Saturday, May 11. The principal twomile contest will be worth £3OO, and is lor horses than can do 4min 33sec or better for two miles. . The fastest sprint event is endowed with £2OO, and is for horses that can cover a mile and a-quarter in 2min 46sec or faster. There is another mile and a-quarter race for horses that can do 2min 55sec or better, and a milo race for horses that can do 3min ISsec or faster. The improvers have a mile and a-half race to compete in. It is a 3min 36sec class. The two trotter races will be decided over a mile and a-half, and are for horses than can do 3min 49sec and 3min 44sec respectively. The other event will be for novice pacers. . Commenting on the Lincolnshire Handicap result, the London Daily Telegraph’ says: “Flamenco’s win in the Lincolnshire Handicap was a. severe blow to the bookmakers, out their position might have become worse_if Golden Miller. Tbomond 11., or Tapmois had won the Grand National owing to the extent of the doubles they have laid with Flamenco. One Tattersfielcl bookmaker, had laid doubles amount: ine to £82,000 about Flamenco and. Golden Miller. £51.000 about Flamenco and.Tnpinois. An unusual step was taken when a special call-oyer ot the card on the Grand National took place at the Victoria Club, with the object of allowing bookmakers to lay oft some of their commitments. This step had not been taken since St. GaUahati 111,, who was favourite, won the Lincolnshire Handicap in 1924. A few seasons ago it seemed possible that tbe thousand mark would be reached in the number of yearlings offered at the Randwick sales (says the ‘Referee’). It has. however, brought home to many people who ventured into, the business in a small way that

breeders as well as buyers of yearlings need luck, and returns were so much below expectations that they decided the best thing to do was to get out. This year the total catalogued is 522, and while that number still leaves would-be buyers a wide choice, the reduction, as compared with a few years ago, should assist in maintaining prices, As usual, the odds are against the man who pays the highest price getting the yearling that turns out best. It is as well it is 60, as otherwise the men with most money would eventually have a monopoly of the best horses. Nevertheless, a buyer is justified n» going to a high price for a yearling he fancies. If he is fortunate a win in one of the principal two-year-old races or a Derby is alone likely to return him Pinch more than his expenRerepai directed further attention to his Great Easter prospects by his easy success in the Newmarket Handicap, 7f. at Pahiatua on Wednesday. His successes this season’ include the Railway Handicap at Trentham last month and the Metropolitan Handicap on the same course m January. Both of these races are run over six furlongs. In the Railway Rerepai had 7.9. and he was followed home by Emissary 7-8. Kemal Pasha 7.4, and Trivet 7.0. In November Rerepai won the Champion Hack Plate. 7f. at Avondale. in Imin 26sec. He also finished second to Gay Blonde in the Avondale Guineas. He is trained by K. E. Hatch for Mr C. A. Boles and is a colt bv Paper Money from Killena bv Ku* b'ronev. from Ena by Royal Artillery, from Stresa by Oryieto. Rereatu and Rerepai, who are in the same ownership were both nominated for Easter events at Ellerslie and Riccarton. While Rerepai was a first acceptor for the Great Easter. Rereatu was allowed to drop out of that event. .. ..