SPORTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 September 1928, Page 6

SPORTING

RACING FIXTURES. Sept. 27, 28—Geraldine R.C. Sept. 29 —Pakuranaga Hunt Club. Sept. 29—Hawke’s Bay J.C. Oct. G, B—Auckland8 —Auckland R.C. Oct. G —Carterton R.C. Oct. 6 —Kurow J.C. Oct. 11, 13 —Dunedin J.C. Oct. 13 —Masterton R.C. Oct. 20, 22— Wellington R.C. Oct. 20, 24—Waikato R.C. ' Oct. 20, 22—Gore R.C. Oct. 22— Waverley R.C. ■> Oct. 22 —Waipawa County R.C. Oct. 22 —North Canterbury R.C. Oct. 25, 27 —Poverty Bay Turf Club, uct. 27—Banks Peninsula R.C. Oct. 31 —Birchwood Hunt Club. TROTTING FIXTURES. Sept. 27, 28—Geraldine R.C. (four events). Oct. 6—Methven T.C. Oct. 13, 17—Auckland T.C. Oct. 22 —Oamaru T.C. Oct. 20, 22—Greymouth T.C. Nov. 6,8, 9—Metropolitan T.C. Nov. 17, 21 —Otahuhu T.C. Nov. 24 —Wellington T.C. Nov. 29, Dec. I—Forbury1—Forbury Park T.C. Dec. I—Waikato1 —Waikato T.C. Dec. B—Cheviot8 —Cheviot T.C. Dec. 15, 17—New Brighton T.C. Dec. 31—Inangahua T.C. KUROW ACCEPTAN CES. (Press Association.) OAMARU, September 26. The following acceptances have been received for the Kurow Jockey Club’s Meeting :— Waitangi Hurdles, 110 sovs., 1.1 miles. —Carinthia .10.5, Red Heather 10.2, Erin-go-Bragh 9.4, Antrim Boy 9.3, Mime 9.1, Taihaunui 9.0. Hakatarainea Handicap, 130 sovs., 1 mile.—Taboo 10.9, Miss Winkie 9.2, Beau Geste 8.11, Ronaki 8.5, Shandre 7.7.

Novice Plate, 6 furlongs (special weights). —Royal Flower, Miss Thespian, Potpid Note, Page Boy, Claret Cup, Whiffler, Bon Rose, Bridget, All Comnien't, Waving Corn, Tahanunui, Ahuriri, Battlescreen, Membo. Waitaki Handicap Trot, 123 sovs, 1? miles. —Onoto, Logan Fay, Princess Oro, Economy, Roddy, ’Wild Bingen, Nona Bingen, Nelson De Oro, Rose Queen, scr; Dan Logan 60, I ree Pointer 84.

Kurow Cup, 220 sovs., I 4 miles. —- Taboo 8.9, Thorndale 8.2, Town Bank 8.1, Vaward 7.10, Lucy Locket 7.7, Miss Winkle 7.2. Publicans’ Handicap, 110 sovs., 6 furlongs.—Tripaway 9.2, Royal Tractor 8.10, Red Jazz B.‘l, Page Boy 7.11, Rina Maunga, Valves 7.10, Bonne 7.9, All Comment, Gay Bird, Royal 1 lower, The Missioner 7.7. Bash Handicap Trot (saddle), 123 sovs., I 4 miles. —Onoto, Bon Hazel, Economy, Wild Spur, Te Kara, Logan Fay, Belle Embrace, scr; Fairy Chimes, Sid Wilkes 12yds, Reta McKinney 24,. Red Shine 60, Ban Logan 36. Belfield Handicap, 135 sovs., 5 furlongs.—Rascal 8.2, Money Mine 7.11, Tripaway 7.9, Meadow Lark, Royal Tractor 7.4, Martis 7.3, Erne, First Raid 7.0. “BOB” WOOD’S MARRIAGE. POPULAR RACECOURSE FIGURE. “Bob” Wood, '“the village blacksmith,’ ” as he modestly describes himself, in reality the champion farrier of the racecourse, was married recently at a register office in London. The bride was Mrs Esther Jacobson, daughter of the proprietor of one of the oldest shops in the Strand, and a relation by her first marriage to the Marquis of Reading. The wedding was witnessed by a small circle of friends. A wedding breakfast and reception were held at the Savoy Hotel, to which invitations were accepted by Lord and Lady George Dundas, Major V. Beatty, .brother of Earl Beatty and the famous trainer, Major “Rattle” Barrett, the famous international polo player, Colonel Dansey, Colonel Johnson, the trainer, and many other people wellknown in racing circles. Lord Lonsdale; who was unable to be present, wired “Best wishes to Old Bob.” Lord Derby sent a telegram wishing “All the best.” Lord and Lady Stanley telegraphed their regrets at not being able to be present. Colonel Sofer Whitburn, Mr “Atty” Persee, Major Feather stonhaugh, manager of the King’s stud, Lord and Lady Astor, and many other racing celebrities sent congratulations and good wishes. Telegrams were received from all parts of the world—so many that it was impossible to read them. The wedding presents included two silver cigar cabinets, one from Earl Derby and one from Colonel Sofer Whitburn, a magnificent diamond and turquoise scarf-pin from another, famous owner whose name was not divulged, and a great many other gifts from racing people all over the world. One famous French owner sent a hundred bottles each of white and red wine. Silver horseshoes adorned the menu cards. Mr Wood, in his speech to the guests, said he had many times been offered heavy bribes to “dope” famous horses for great races, including the Derby, but that he.had always endeavoured to serve his patrons in a straightforward manner. He had decided to retire when he married, but ho had received so many invitations to remain at his work that he had given up that resolve. BIG GAMBLES. LEVIATHANS OF ENGLISH TURF. Among those “layers” who, through the magnitude of their transactions, have occupied a specially prominent position on the Turf, there is one quintet that has never been eclipsed. This was composed of Messrs Crockford, Davis, Gully, Ridsdale, and Swindell. They had points in common. Each was a man of integrity; each did a vast business; and each amassed a fortune. William Crockford, the first of the group, began life as a fishmonger, with a shop near Temple Bar. He soon dropped his fish business, and opened a gambling chib in St. James’s Street. It was a highly successful venture; for the evening “bank” was never less than .Cl0,00(1, practically all of which went into the. proprietor’s pocket. He thus made his debut on the Turf with the advantage of a. largo capital. This, added to luck and judgment, secured him an impregnable position in the “ring.” But perhaps his strongest point was his honesty; for he was never known to dispute a bet he had accepted; and, when he lost, ho paid ready money. There is a queer tale of Crockford and the Oaks of 1844. He had backed Princess for several thoucand pounds. On the previous night he was seized with paralysis, and died in his chair.

next morning Princess won. As, however, death cancels debts, those who “stood in” with him, propped the corpse up in a window, and returning race-goers were deceived into thinking him still alive, but “looking rather odd,” as some of them said. A very big figure to follow Crockford was that of Davis, to whom J vas first given the description of ‘ the Leviathan.” He, too, began in a small way, laying odds to the humble sixpences and shillings of his fellow workmen in the carpenter’s shop where he was employed. But the small sums mounted up; and from sixpences and shillings he soon advanced to sovereigns. His first hit was over the Two Thousand Guineas. In this event he backed the winner for himself, and also laid the odds against it for his clients. Following up this “safetyfirst” system, and scrupulous about settling’ his losses promptly, Davis soon had a big connection. Also, and unlike the majority of his competitors, ho was distinguished for keeping a civil tongue in his head. “Punctual payment, with a pleasant courtesy of words,” was his motto, and he adhered to its rigidly. But another of his assets was that he was always prepared to offer just a point better odds than anybody else. There is no getting over the fact that Chance played a big part in the successful Turf career of Davis. As a very young man ho was employed to help in building the Subscription Rooms at Newmarket. This brought him into close touch with jockeys and stablemen and trainers, and he picked up information from them which he knew how to turn to profit.* “It was. a fine thing,” he said, “for a small man, as I was in those days, to be able to handle the stick at both ends.” He also once dreamed (or ho said he did) the winner of the Derby. Still, although this turned out happily, he was wise enough to ignore all further visions, preferring his own 1 judgment. No bookmaker ever had a more remarkable career than John Gully. Beginning as a butcher, he developed first, into a prize-fighter, then into a publican, then into a bookmaker, and then into a Member of Parliament. As a pugilist, he had an historic “mill” with Henry Pearce (the “Game Chicken”), champion of England. After 64 rounds Gully was nearly killed; but he had shown such pluck and promise that he was taken up by the great Tom Cribb and others of “the fancy.” From the prize-ring to the betting-ring (with an interval of keeping a public house) was Gully’s next step. He prospered there tremendously and figured also as an owner. In 1832, in partnership with Robert Ridsdale, he won both the Derby and the St. Leger, thereby clearing £85,000. Later on, he won two more Derbys, as well as the Oaks and the Guineas. But he probably made most of his huge fortune by “working commissions” for important owners. His were the days of really heavy betting; and vast sums changed hands over every event on the card at quite small meetings. John Gully’s extraordinary luck followed him when ho left the Turf for politics, and he successfully contested Pontefract. He married twice, and, dying at the age of 80, left a quiverful of 24 sons and daughters.

Robert Ridsdale, who was Gully’s partner for several years, was of similarly obscure origin. A Yorkshireman by birth, he began as a groom in the employment &f the Earl of Durham. On giving up this work, he had the luck to fall in with the Hon. Edward Petre, a well-known owner. He soon acquired many valuable secrets, “and won so much cash from the bookmakers that he was invited by Gully to “go in” with him. While the partnership lasted, the pair of them made an immense sum. But the partnership did not last long. There was a quarrel over the division of the spoils, and Gully, losing his temper, assaulted Ridsdale with a huntingcrop. As a result, there was an action at York Assizes, and Gully had to pay £5OO damages. Notwithstanding all the money he had made, Ridsdale came to grief. Ihs star set when he fell out with Gully, and although one year’s Derby and St. Leger brought him £70,000, he died in a ditch with three halfpence in his pocket. Frederick Swindell, the last of the “Leviathans” in this series, did not live up to his name. On the contrary, ho showed that he was much better than it. Swindell’s career followed the normal lines of all the big practitioners. Thus, he started by putting a humble shilling on a horse. But, as ho seemed to know by instinct on which one to pul his shillings, hi' soon found himself with enough cash in his pocket, to become the landlord of a London public-house where the customers combined drinking beer with “backing their fancy.” As Mine Host, ho laid liberal odds, and was careful to keep accurate accounts and to settle losses at once. Among his clients were a number of butlers and valets in the service of wealthy owners. From these, he secured a great deal of in-

formation that was worth having. Before long, Swindell was so well thought of that he was entrusted to execute commissions for several of the big West-end “plungers.” One of his best patrons was Sir Joseph Hawley, who won the Derby of 1853 and several other “('lassies.” Eortune smiled on him, and he was soon at the to]) of the tree in his particular business. Dying, full of years. Frederick Swim, dell left, a reputation for straight-deal-ing and a bank balance of £1(10,000. Some people do cilut rive to make money on the 'Turf . . . But these people are much more often layers than backers!

NEWS AND NOTES. (By “Whalebone.”) One of the disappointments of Hie . Longbeach Hack Handicap was the

three-year-old Star Raid. On the strength of several smart track gallops it was expected that he would give a really good account of himself in a weak class, but he was not galloping like a place-getter at any part, and was a long way behind the winner at the end. The son of Night Raid and Bendown looked a trifle above himself, though, but, even so, his effort fell a long way below expectations. The Viscount, full-brother to Count Cavour, easily accounted for his stablemate Amor in a gallop last week, and in the Trial Plate on Saturday at Ashburton he performed creditably, and was going strongly in fourth place at the end. Apparently he is improving with each race, and if he continues to do well in the next few weeks he may not be long in crediting Iris owner, Mr J. S. Barrett, with a win.

Supremacy, who walked away from his opponents in the Avondale Stakes, is a bay gelding by Chief Ruler from Lucella. Backed down to favouritism for the classic race, he gave his backers little cauise for anxiety, for he was always handy, to the leaders. Once straightened up for home he drew right out from his rivals, and passing the judge he held a ten-length advantage from his nearest opponent. Star God, by Martian —Star Lady, and thus a ’ full-brother ’to Star Stranger, opened his winning account when he annexed the Park Stakes, the chief event of the day, at the Napier Park races on Saturday, from the hurdler Cohesion and the New Zealand Cup candidate Tresham. In the early stages he was not placed very well, but in the straight he came through fast and finally defeated Cohesion by the best part of two lengths. Last season Star God was hailed as a very promising performer, but in seven starts his best effort was a third place to First Sight and Historic in the Wallaceville High-Weight Handicap at the Wellington Racing Club’s Summer Meeting. But, like most of the progeny‘of defunct Martian, Star God is improving with age, and, judging by liis recent victory, it will take some weight to stop him in hack events now that he has struck form.

The Clarenceaux gelding Beaming, who claims the distinction of being a full-brother to the well-performed Sir Roy, has failed repeatedly in public, when expected to show up, but on Saturday he ran a fairly good race into fourth place in the Fairfield Hack Handicap at Ashburton, won by Beau Geste. During the past few 7 weeks he has been doing well in his work, and, judiciously placed, he may . atone soon for recent failures.

Hoariri, who won the Flying Stakes Handicap on the opening day of the Avondale Jockey Club’s Spring Meeting,. and again accounted for his opponents in the President’s Handicap on Monday, is a seven-year-old horse by Antagonist from Country Picnic. Though not oversound, he has proved his excellence as a sprinter, and on a heavy track there are few better gallopers in the Dominion than he is. On Saturday he decisively defeated the Catmint gelding Silvermine for first honours, and Silvermine again followed the Antagonist horse home on Monday.

The withdrawal of Episode from the Avondale Guineas field was not unexpected after the report that all was not well with the daughter of Limond, but had she been a starter in the Northern classic, and been at her best, she might have had trouble in warding off the Catmint filly Prodice. A great galloper in heavy going, Prodice showed a clean pair of heels to her rivals in Monday’s and she finally defeated. Gold Money by five lengths, for first place. As a two-year-old Prodice won the Avondale Stakes from Freehold and Prince Humphrey, and though her subsequent form was not first-class she left the impression at the end of last season that she would be served best by time. Prodice is bound to improve with racing, and her easy victory on Monday indicates that she is going to be a tough, opponent in the Great Northern Guineas at Ellerslie next month. As a two-year-old Amourette earned a reputation as a particularly good track-worker but a poor galloper on race-day. Her effort in the Trial Plate on Saturday, though, was sufficient to indicate that her winning turn may not be far away. She did not have the best of runs in the five-furlong race, 'but was right up behind the placed horses at the end. Amourete, who is a daughter of imported Psychology and Love Lock, is a very attractive filly, and though a disappointment last season, she may yet live up to expectations. No doubt if she trains on well between now and November she will be allowed to fulfil her engagement in the New Zealand Oaks. Inoe, who is trained by N. C. Price at New Brighton, showed plenty of speed in the Fairfield Hack Handicap at Ashburton, and when she becomes seasoned she should pay her way. A daughter of Kilbroney and Bebe (dam of tile A.J.C. winner, Cupidon) she has breeding good enough, and she should not fail to get a distance. Fairy Herald was not fancied by the public for his engagement in the Farewell Handicap at Ashburton, and he was at a- long price on the machine. The Clarenceux gelding did -not look to have a chance at any stage, and he was well back at the end.

Public performances count a good deal more than track-doings, and for that reason racing at Ashburton and at Avondale on Saturday had important developments in the prospects for the New Zealand Cup. HoyTake’s win in the Ashburton Handicap was a fivelength decision from Malmsley, but that advantage hardly represented his superiority, so easily did he win the ten-furlong handicap. Bisox, winner of the Avondale Cup, put up such a fine performance in the big northern race that since Saturday she has i;i])idlv advanced in favour for the more important Riccarton event. Others who did well at - the week-end were Beau Geste and Oratrix.

Perhaps Bisox is one of the most im proved gallopers racing in the North Island at present. After two sterling performances at the Wellington Racing Club’s Winter Meeting, she won the Winter Cup attractively, and, as if to prove that she thrives on continual hard work and racing, she followed up her previous victories with a fine win at Avondale.