SPORTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 October 1928, Page 11

SPORTING

GREY TROTTING CLUB. LARGE ENTRIES. The popularity of the Greymouth Trotting Club’s fixtures with outside owners is evidenced by the very fine nominations received for the forthcoming spring meeting on October 20 and 22. The entries constitute a quality record for the Club, no fewer than 118 horses being nominated, while entries number 340. The cream of New Zealand trotters figure in the principal event each day, and should provide material for the finest contests ever seen, in Greymouth. The list of nominations is as follows : —

FIRST DAY, OCTOBER 20. Introductory Handicap (harness), 121 furlongs.—Little Author, My idle Dillon, Ariki-toa, Jackie Logan, Du Mahrier, Allanora, Proud 1 omtei, Black Locanda, Dilworth, Bessie Dillon, Dillon Chimes, Lady Ree, Pedro, Betfu Sabreur, Lady Author, Liber y Hall, Kanieri —17. Petrie Handicap (harness), trotteis, 2.33 class, furlongs.— Rereta, Huon Bill, Scuttle, Repute, Sandy Wilkes, Nancy Bingen, Kitty Patch, Eva Reta Connie Audubon, Mernjigs, Logan, Royal Review, Royal Audubon, Chancellor Boy, Golden Spray, Greywood, Nelson Parish, Comfort, lona Bingen, Golden Girl, Brambean, Brent Boy, Elando, Ockley Wood, AccumuHandicap (harness), 2.24 class, furlongs.—Becky Mme Bingen Patch, Bankhead, Kreisler, Travis Axworthy, Dillon’s Pride 'Audience, Hackthorne, Beverley Audubon, Rollo, Lough Neagh, Thorpie, Great Logan, Wastewood, Smithfield, Bessie Dillon, Bingenwood, Rose Logan, Glen Rowan, Real Light, Royal Authoress 21. Blaketown Handicap (harness), 2.28 class, 10i furlongs.—Little Author Grand Light, Logan Princess, Myrtle Dillon, Bonnie Locanda, Waipuke, Jackie Logan, Du Maurier, Allanora, Sedmere, Reta Nelson, Black luocanda, Danny Boy, Dilworth, Insurance Dillon Cnimes, Lady Bee, Bingen Wilk , i Master Don, Olatrice, Liberty Hall, Harina, Prince Chimes, Meritor, Ecstasy, Vai Logan 26. Royal Oak Handicap (harness), tiotters 2.28 class, 14| furlongs.—Huon Bill, Scuttle, Repute, Nancy Bingen Silurian, Connie Audubon, Royal Audubon, Golden S[pray, Grey wood, Trampcrisp, Comfort, -Robert Guy, ‘Todd Bingen, Brambean, Elando—lo. Greymouth Handicap (harness), 2. class, 12?- furlongs.—Ahuriri, Imprint, Loganwood, Vesuvius, Golden Devon, Audacious, King Pointer, Great Bingen, Waitaki Girl, Peter Bingen, Cardinal Logan, Daphne De Oro, Harold Burwood, Logan Holm, Quality, Bonny Logan, Talaro—l7. Diggers’ Handicap (saddle), 2.26 class, 8£ furlongs.—Golden Dawn, Tommy Dillon, Great Abdallah, Beta Gay, Bonny Locanda, Waipuke, Auto Minto, Arikitoa, Lough Neagh, Great Logan, Wastewood, Fair Lad, b P ot 7 light. Sedmere, Reta Nelson, Red Comet, Insurance, Lady Bee, Bingen Wilkes, Pet Locanda, Spring Bingenwood, Master Don, Alexis, Harina, Prince Chimes, Ecstasy, Avon- » wood, Roger Lyon, Guide Rangi-30. Aviation Handicap (harness), 2.22 class, 8£ furlongs.—Becky Mine, Bingen Patch, Muriel De Oro, Bankhead, Kreisler, Dillon’s Pride, Audience, Hackthorne, Rollo, June De Oro, Direct Wave, Vesuvius, Ihorpie, Wastewood, Fair Lad, Springtime, < Rose Logan, Real Light Writer, JU Royal Authoress, Nipper, High Jinks —22.

SECOND DAY—OCTOBER 22. Tradesman’s Handicap ( harness), 10A furlongs. —Little Author, Myrtle Dillon, Boniiie Locanda, Waipuke, Arikitoa, Jackie Logan, Du Manner, Allanora, Proud Pointer, Reta Nelson, Dilwortlh, Dillon Chimes, Lady Bee, Bingen Wilkes, Pedro, Beau Siibreur Lady Author, Liberty Hall, Robert Guy, Meritor, Ecstasy, Black Locanda 22 Gieseking Handicap (harness), trotters. 2.28 class, 16£ furlongs.—Huon Bell, Scuttle, Repute, Nancy Bingen, Silurian, Connie Audubon, Golden Spray, Greywood, Trampcrisp, Comfort, Brambeam, Accumulator 12. Hurricane Handicap (saddle). 2.24 class, 8i furlongs.—Golden Dawn, Tommy Dillon, Great Abdallah, Becky Mine, Audience, Reta Gay, Auto Minto, Wastewood, Fair Lad, Spotlight, Sedmere, Reta Nelson, Red Comet, Lady Bee, Bingen. Wilkes, Pet Locanda, Springtime, Bingenwood, Master Don, Alexis, Harina, Guide Rangi, Roger Lyon, Avonwood, Ecstasy—2s. Labour Day Handicap (harness), 2.25 class, 16| furlongs.—Becky Mme, Bankhead, Travis Axworthy, IBackathorne, Beverley Audubon, Rollo, Loilgh’ Neagh, Thorpie, Great Logan, Smithfield, Bessie Dillon, Pet Locanda, Olatrice, Rose Logan, Glen

Rowan, Real Light 16. Cobden Handicap (harness), 2.20 class, 121 furlongs.-Little Author, Grand Light, Logan Princess Myrtle Dillon, Bonnie Locanda Ankitoa, Jackie Logan, Du Manner, Spotlight, Allanora, Sedmere, Black Locanda, Dannyßoy, Insurance, Dillon Chimes, Lady Bee, Pedro, Master Don, Beau Sabreur, OJatrice, Liberty HalJ, Robert Guy, Kanieri, Prince Chimes, Meritor, Vai Logan—26. Hgahere Handicap (harness), trotters 2.33 class, 124, furlongs.—Rereta, Huon Bill, Scuttle, Repute, Sandy Wilkes, Nancy Bingen, Kitty Patch, Eva Reta, Connie Audubon, Merrijigs, Tot Logan, Royal Review, Royal Aridubon Chancellor Boy, Greywood, Nelson’ Parrish, Comfort, Todd Bingen, Golden Girl, Brambeam, Brent boy, Elando, Ockley .Wood, Accumulator--24. Jubilee Handicap (harness), 2.14 class, 10| furlongs.-Ahuriri, Imprint, Logan wood, Vesuvius, Golden Devon, Audacious, King Pointer, Great Bingen Waitaki Girl, Peter Bingen Cardinal Logan, Daphne De Oro, Harold Burwood, Loganholm, Quality, Lonnie Logan, Talaro—l7. . oOQ Whirlwind Handicap (harness), 2.22 class, 101- furlongs.—Becky Mine Bingen Patch, Muriel De Oro, Bankhead, Dillon’s Pride, Audience, Hackathorn©, Auto Minto, Beverley Audubon, Rollo, June De Oro, Direct Wave, Vesuvius, Thorpie, Wastewood, Red Comet, Lady Bee, Springtime, Bin gen wood, Rose Logan, Glenrowan, Writer, Royal Authoress, Nipper, High Jinks—2s.

AUCKLAND R.C

(Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, "October 8

The balance of the programme of the Auckland Racing Club’s Spring meeting, postponed from Saturday, was concluded to-day, when the course was thrown open free to the public. The course was in excellent condition, and there was a large attendance without any untoward happenings. The receipts for Saturday and; to-day totalled £53,770, compared with £69,821?; for the first day of last year’s Spring meeting, a decrease of £16,051?-. The concluding results were: —

Gordon Handicap, of 400 sovs., one mile: —?, Royal Lineage 8.0, (E. Manson), and 8 Golden Wedding 7.5, a dead heat, 1; 1 Arikitoa 7.13, 3. Also started: 13 Micrometer 8.11, 1 Modest Boy 8.8, 14 Winsome Boy 8.7, 18 Bahama 8.0, 16 Respirator 8.0, 5 War Officer 7.10, 12 Tea Lady 7.7, 6 Luminary 7-5, 11 Kerry Dance 7.2, 20 Killute, 21 Master Lp, 17 Eager Rose, 10 Lunette, 15 Moil Star, 7 Metellus, 4 Nurjaliam, 9 Sports King, 19 Winnington, all 7.0. A dead heat. Arikitoa half a length away. Time 1.40. Flying Handicap, of 500 sovs., 7 furlongs;—s Branson 7.13 (Mclnally) 1; 2 Goshawk 7.9, 2; 3 White Fang 8.7, 3. Also started: 6 Awarere 9.5, 13 Kaiti 8.7, 14 High Pitch 8.7, 7 Flying Juliet 8.1, 10 Macrooni, 11 Stormy 8.11, 4 Ohinemuri 7.10, 15 Thursby, 11 Vivo, 7.9, 12 Tekoroke 7.8, 16 Hyde Park 7.7, 1 The Fox 7.4, 18 Eh Timi, 20 Cynthia N, 19 Loniint, all 7.0. Won by one and a-half lengths; three-quarters of a length. Flying Juliet fourth. Time 1.26 2-5. •

COMMENDATION’S STARTING.

(Special to “Star.”)

AUCKLAND, October 9. Free admission, yesterday, caused the main stand at Ellerslie to be packed to overflowing. The starter, C. O’Connor, officiated at the lever. First Money was badly left in the Welcome Stakes, but finished fifth. Bahama got left at the post in the Gordon Handicap, taking no part in the race. The successful jockeys were Metcalf on Supremacy, Green on Golden Wedding, E. Manson on Royal Lineage, and A. E. Ellis on Branson. After the last race yesterday, Commendation (L. G. Morris) yas taken to the barrier in company with two horses, ridden by Clerks of the Couise. At first he was disinclined to line up, but discipline administered by the whips of the trainer, George Jones, the assistant Clerk of the Course and Morris, caused him to mend his behaviour. Finally he stood up quietly to the tapes and O’Connor released them, to see him jump away in good style, much to the satisfaction of the owner, W. H. Gaisford, who was an interested spectator. Commendation is to race next at Masterton on Saturday, when he has the steadier of 10.13.

METHOD OF STARTING.

(Special to “Star. "I

CHRISTCHURCH, October 8. The pandemonium that reigned at Ellerslie on Saturday over the running of the Mitchelson Cup raises the question whether or not the present system of ‘flat-footed starting is a success. lor some considerable time, Southern racinr<- men have advocated the walk-up start After the two recent occurrences at Ellerslie, it is likely that something will be done to remedy the present state of affairs. In Australia, the walk-up start has proved a great success, and .the time is now opportune for this system to be given a thorough trial in the Dominion. Saturday’s episode at Ellerslie was one of the worst in turf history in the Dominion, but had the runners been despatched from a walk-up start, the field might have got away on terms. When interviewed on the question bv a reporter to-day, prominent men associated with the turf expressed themselves emphatically against the present system of flat-footed starting. They contend that with the walk-up start, none of the Mitchelson Cup starters would have been left at the post. They are also of opinion that a man should be posted some distance from the barrier, and if there is a false start, this man should recall the field under instructions by signal from the starter, by signalling to the riders.

■ “The sympathy of all racing men is with the'Auckland Racing Club over Saturday’s unfortunate occurrence at Ellerslie, more particularly as the club’s starter, Mr C. O’Connor, has the undoubted confidence of all others for his lengthy record and splendid services,” said Mr J. S. Barrett. “The walk-up start is very successful in Australia with a field of under ten runners, and I think it should be generally adopted. A walk-up start might have prevented the mess up at Auckland on Saturday.” The question of a recall flag in the case of a false start causes one to think whether, in view of the extreme rarity of false starts from under the barrier, it would be worth the expense and trouble, but the two occurrences at Auckland recently have certainly made it worth while considering the matter. A recall flag could be used a furlong

from the start, either by putting a man there or by a mechanical device operated by the starter. “After the riot at Ellerslie on Saturday,” said Mr A. H. Noall, “I think it would be safest if a man was posted say a chain or so from the starting point. Then if a false start happend the field could be recalled early. I don’t think a walk-up start won hl have prevented the occurrence that happened at Ellerslie on Saturday. Walkup starts are all right where small I fields are concerned, but my own candid opinion is that barrier starts are I most essential in big fields.'’ “I am a. great believer in walk-up starts,” remarked Mr IT. Ward, the well-known owner. “Horses are asked to stand too long at the start under the present system, with the result that they become fractious. In my opinon, walk-up starts would obviate all the trouble and lessen the risk of a false start.” “There is no doubt about the walkup start being the better system of starting,” replied Mr G. .1. Barton. “It cuts out trouble at the barrier, saves delay, and it would prevent I a Ise starts. I was in Australia last year and was greatly impressed ■with the walk-up start. Tn my opinion, it makes a horse well-mannered at the machine. The whole difficulty at pre-

sent arises from the flat-footed start It is not a success, and is out-of-date

That system of recalling the field from a barrier start is used in England by placing a man some distance from the barrier, in the event of a false start recalling the riders. It is a good idea, but it would be unnecessary with a walk-up start.” “I am greatly in favour of walk-up

starts,” said the trainer, H. Ellis. “In olden days flag starts were in vogue, but there is no doubting the advantages of a walk-up start. I think it would be a good innovation to have a man placed about - a furlong away to prevent jockeys from continuing on in case of a false start.

RICCARTON NOTES

(Special to “Star.”)

CHRISTCHURCH, October 8. Though there was a big defection from the New Zealand Cup on Friday evening, twenty-five still stand their ground in the big handicap. Fortunately, most of the best horses remain in, and with such proved stayers as Star Stranger, Footfall, Count Cavour, Rapier, Set Sail, Beacon Light, Oratrix and Hoylake, likely to see the post, there is the makings of a great race. Since her fine achievement in the A.J.C. Metropolitan Handicap, Oratrix has come into keen demand for'the Cup, and with only 7.1 to cArry, she must be given a rare chance, and the top weights will have to be at their very best to successfully make such a liberal concession to her and Hoylake.

Early last week, T. H. Gillett announced that lie would race Count Cavour, Money Order, and Amor at Trentham instead of at Wingatiii. Subsequently he changed his mind, and will now patronise the Dunedin fixture. Count Cavour has come on a. lot since racing at Ashburton, but even so, can have little chance of turning the tables on Hoylake, who is only meeting him on lOlbs worse

terms. „ . , , Both Childsplay and and Prickles Will be given a race on the opening day at Wingatui, to tune them up for their engagement in the Dunedin Guineas, though the former has been displaying great brilliancy in her track efforts, it would come as no surprise to see Prickles outstay hei in

the mile race. G. M. Aynsley has Footfall, Starshooter, Paper chase and Stately, well forward for their engagements at Wingatui. The first-named will be at a disadvantage in not having raced for so long, but a couple of outings should leave him almost at his best for. November racing. Stately, who is engaged in the McLean Stakes, is vey brilliant, and on Saturday morning electrified tracx watchers by casting four furlongs behind in 47 3-5 secs.

When pulling up after doing a iemarkable fine gallop over six furlongs run in 1.13 3-5, c? Saturday morning, Quaccee snapped one ot her fore legs below the fetlock, and had to be destroyed. It was particularly bad luck for her owner-trainer, G. M. Aynsley, as there were great possibilities in front of the daughter of Paladin and Disdainful. Only recently Aynsley turned down a big offer for the filly,*of whose future he had a big opinion. . > n . Despite his poor showings at Goialdine, Chickwheat continues to do well in his schooling tasks. If the Australian bred gelding would only repeat his track efforts in public, he would be a hard proposition in any company. After a long run without success, C. Emerson showed a glimpse of his old form in the saddle by scoringthree wins at the Kurow meeting on Saturday. Front Rank is looking all the better for her two races at Geraldine, and she must be a tough proposition in the October Handicap at Wingatui. Consequent on her two wins at Kurow, Tripaway’s weight in the Electric Handicap at Wingatui has been increased from 7.0 to 7.12. Even so, such a brilliant beginner must be given a chance even though the company is much more select than that she encountered on Saturday. Following up his Geraldine success Thorndale made short work .of the poor lot that opposed him in the Kurow Cup. After Taboo and Vaward had made most of the running, Thorndale drew to the front and scored with a lot in reserve from Lucy Lockett. The winner is not engaged at Wingatui. His next outing will probably be in the Rangiora Cup on Labour

A New Zealand Cup candidate, in Beau Geste, managed to get on the winning list at Kurow, but there was not sufficient merit in his peifoimance to bring his prospects in the big handicap in to favour. . Amongst the horses engaged in the big event at Rangiora on Labour Day, are the New Zealand Cup candidates ’ Footfall, Count Cavour, Hoylake, and Rotor. Unfortunately, the meeting clashes with Wellington, so it is doubtful if many of them will start. Martarma’s recent breakdown is oi 1 such a. serious nature as to make it very doubtful if he will ever race ■ again.

LIMERICK’S RIDER. (Special to "Star.") AUCKLAND, October 9. ‘‘But for a misunderstanding, I would probably have been in Sydney riding Limerick,” said A. E. Ellis before leaving with B. 11. Morris last night to ride at Dunedin, “when McCcii’ten was suspended, I expected a cablegram from Mr Knight, but he was also expecting me to cable him. When he did not get word from me he thought I had engagements to fulfil here and so cabled to Roy Reed.”

LIMERICK RETURNING. SYDNEY, October 8. Reonui has been scratched for all engagements at the V.A.T.C. meeting, and Limerick for all at the V.R.C. and V.A.T.C. meetings; and Amplifier for

the Novice Handicap at the City Tattersails meeting. Limerick sails for New Zealand on Friday. V.

bankrupt jockey.

STEVE DONOGHUE’S DEBTS.

LONDON, September 26

A meeting of the creditors of Steve Donoghue, the famous jockey, revealed debts totalling £4626, including money-lenders’ claims for £1735 and £2536. The remainder included tailor’s, saddler’s and hatter’s bills. Donoghue attributed his insolvency to guaranteeing advances to others, for which he received little or no consideration.

Donoghue was not present, his solicitor explaining that he had two mounts at Leicester, and thought he pught to fulfil his engagements, because he proposed to hand over half his earnings to his creditors. The statement showed bankrupt’s assets at £5OO, including two brood mares, valued at £lOO. Another £lO,OOO may be added to his liabilities under a guarantee for a friend. At present Donoghue is a freelance, receiving three guineas for a mount and two more if he wins. NEWS AND NOTES. (By “Whalebone.”)

Following a gallop on Thursday last at Riccarton, the Great Northern Derby winner. Martarma, displayed distinct signs of unsoundnesA, and it is not likely that he will be persevered with for racing purposes. The four-year-old son of Martian has had a doubtful leg for some considerable time, and for this reason his trainer gave him a course of galloping the reverse way round the course. But it was all of no avail, for the colt has failed to stand up to his training, and it is likely that the Turf has seen the last of this good galloper. He may be given a light season at the stud, but that has not been decided yet. A horse that will need little racing to keep him right this season is David Garrick. He is fine in condition and should be right as the result of the race he had at Hastings last week. On that occasion he went particularly well and was not beaten by much. Less than a length separated him from the winner.

Vigilance is a likely mare for middledistance races on small courses. She is a free galoper with a handy turn of speed, and as she sticks on nicely she is going to be hard for the wellweighted slower beginners to catch as she swings round the corners. No one knows what to make of the running of .Star God. His relationship to Star Stranger ensures that he is kept under notice by racegoers, and after his win at Napier Park in open company he was expected to do well among the hacks at Hastings, but he ran a poor race. On the other hand he does not look a bad sort; so it might be unwise to condemn him yet. The Mug is running fair races among the hacks, and should be a possibility soon.

Moorgas still goes along the right way, and he is going to be very useful in fair company this season. One who failed at Hastings, but ran a better race than he has been generaly credited with, is Kinross. The Psychology gelding is no slug, and if placed to advantage will win races. There is only one reason why Lucky Light failed at Hastings in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas; she failed to stay. Her speed made her one of the leaders all the way to the straight, but over the last furlong she made a very disappointing showing —so disappointing that it would be hardly safe to accept it as correct. One who is going to be a useful sprinter this season is Arrow Lad. He had every chance at Hastings when Lipsol beat him by a head, but he will be better for the race, as he suffered a slight indisposition recently, and that would not help him in a hard finish. AMONG THE TROTTERS. F. G. Holmes look like accounting for some good races with Laplander this season. No surprise will be felt if Ariki comes home at the next time of asking. C. Tasker has him in nice buckle. Seven American trotters, purchased by Mr. J. R. McKenzie on his tour, were' landed on Quail Island on Wednesday, for quarantine. Cathedral Chimes has a worthy son, Prince Chimes, a winner at Geraldine. Ho is out of Princess Perfection, who was by Prince Imperial. No matter how heavy the task Talent always comes up in good condition. He should be well sought after in the Spring Handicap at Auckland. With a reasonable chance of getting a. few rousing runs before the Auckland meeting, Peter Grattan is expected to make things brisk for the opposition. Logan Park is asking for a race just now. The Logan Pointer gelding is very fit. A two-mile run does not trouble him the least.

Belle Axworthy is a beautiful filly in the Northern Derby. She is by Travis Axworthy from Bertha Belle (dam of Great Bingen, etc.)

A remarkable event at the Flers de Gorme track, Paris, recently, was a trotting race with women drivers, for which 12 entries were received. Proud Ata will not be long hi winning a stake. It was not until the end of last season that he struck form. But that is not this season. Present track work suggests a good time ahead for him. Crisp and clean! That’s the way Peter Lloyd and Great Way, both bj' Peterwah, have been doing their tasks of late.

Koro Peter has been amusing the fans at Auckland, where, it is claimed, he is one of the best young trotters yet seen.

The Free-for-All at Addington should provide something out of the ordinary. Acron, Great Bingen, and Native Chief will be there, and so will Padlock and Jewel Pointer.

Well-known trainer N. C. Price, late of New Brighton, has purchased a property in the North Canterbury district, where he has a mixed team of gallopers and trotters to train. The trotters include Taurekareka, Countryman and High Jinks. , Although he is not considered among the best of stayers. Fight Ever has a winning record of 4.29 1-5 for two miles. Ho will start off 4.32 in the Stewards’ Handicap at the Auckland spring meeting. Auckland trainer S. August returned from Sydney this week, with the three horses Hori Dillon, Lord Lu, and Alice Axworthy. The team met with Ino success to talk of on the tour. I August said that trotting in Sydney is at a fairly low ebb, and that he is glad to get back where trotting is staged on a bigger and better scale.