SPORTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 November 1930, Page 11

SPORTING

METRQPOLITAN TROTS. SECOND DAY’S RESULTS. / — [PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, November 13. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s Spring meeting was continued to-day in fine but overcast yyeather. The attendance was good. The in excellent order. The tote investments were £51,189, compared with £70,808 on the second day of last year. Concluding results: — November Handicap, r 2 miles. —(2) Sunny Bob 1, (6) Steel All 2, (1) Nelson de Oro 3. Also started —(5) Aleron, (4) Sunchild, (7) Whakataua, (10) John Noble, (12) Huon Denver, (3) Wrackeen, (8) Avenger, (9) Arikitoa, (13) Pageant, (11) Torpedo Huon. Won by half a length, three lengths. Whakataua was fourth Time 4.28. Metropolitan Handicap, 2 miles. —(7) Proud Dillon 1, (1) Sir Guy 2, (10) Enin’s Lynn 3. Also started—(B) Curfew Boy, (5) Our George, (9) Ngingongingo, (12) Bay Nut, (2) Hostess, (3) John Jinks, (6) Mac Dillon, (11) Apex, (7) Sonoma (coupled with Proud Dillon), (13) Fair Wave, (4) Tarndale. Won by half a length; five lengths. Ngingongingo was fourth. Time 4.29.

Sockburn Handicap, for trotters; 2 miles. —(1) Tonic 1, (5) Rose Audo 2, (3) Ukelele Lady 3. Also started—(lo) Dipnoi, .(9) Great Change, (2) Jock Bingen and Peter Lin (coupled), (4) New Metford, (6) Quickfire, (8) Engagement, (1) Writer (coupled with Tonic), (7) Western Voyage. Won by half a length; four lengths. Dipnoi was fourth.* Time 4.33 1-5.

Sprinters’ Handicap, 1 mile. — (1) Great Logan 1, (8) Avonwood 2, (4) Bonny Logan 3. Also started—(6) Final McKinney, (2) Morning Sun, (10) Pageant, (9) Talent, (3) Nelson Tasker, (7) Epigram, (5) Native Prince Won by a length; three lengths. Pageant was fourth. Time 2.9 4-5. HOW THEY RAN. [special to "stab.”] CHRISTCHURCH, November 13. Though threatening, the weather kept fine for the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting meeting, and the attendance was well up to the standard of previous years. The track has seldom been in better order, but a strong wind slowed competitors up in the back straight. Both big events, the Trotting Cup and the Herby, went to horses owned and bred by Mr. H. F. Nicoll, President of the New Zealand Trotting Conference, whose successes were well received. There was again a big falling off in the tote investments, which only amounted to £51,189, compared with £70,808 last year. Ohly Surprise Journey and White Satin were backed with any confidence for the Whiteleigh Handicap, and both went solid races. When a circuit had been completed, Olive Nelson raced to the front from Scuttle, with Surprise Journey putting in good work. Easily holding her advantage in the run home, the West Coast-owned mare won very nicely by three lengths from White Satin. Only for a couple of mistakes, the other would probably have won. Surprise Journey showed a torrent of speed all through the first mile, but failed to sustain his effort One of the finest fields of three-year-olds ever assembled at Addington lined up for the Trotting Derby, and on het past performances, 4 rethusa was backed down to a Gloaming price. She waa the quickest to begin, but with a circuit covered, Bingen Junior, Rawhitiroa and Chenaway had run past her. At this stage the favourite’s prospects did hot look too good, for she was well boxed in on the rails. Bingen Junior was the first beaten, and then Rawhitlroa drew away from Chenaway, with Arethusa still in a bad position. Once they straigthened up fox’ the run'home, Arethusa put in a phenomenal run and soon placed the issue beyond doubt. She was not asked to do her best to defeat Rawhitiroa by three lengths, in th.e smart time of 3.25 1-5. Chenaway went a fine race, and gave every promise of developing into a high-class performer. Though on the small side, Arethusa is a perfect filly, and already is acclaimed as a future Cup winner. She was bred by her owner, Mr. H. F. Nicoll, and is a full sister to Wrackler. Five furlongs from home, Location broke and in doing so brought down Klying Cloud, Royal Chenault and Checkers. Fortunately, none of the hors.es nor their drivers were much the worse for what looked like a nasty smash. Harold Logan was made a good favourite for the Courtenay Handicap, and by winning easily in 4.22 4-5, put up a performance that has seldom been bettered on the course. Neeoro made the early running from Great Logan, Omaha and Free Advice, with Harold Logan a long way back, covering a lot of ground. It was not till well into the concluding circuit that there was much change in the running. Neeoro was beaten tw.o furlongs from home, where Harold Logan was in fourth place. Drawing right away at the outer stand, Harold Logan scored very easily by two lengths from Vendome, who finished on particularly well. Erin’s Fortune broke up at the start, and fell a furlong from’ the post Quite the best field of horses ever seen on the Addington course lined up to contest the final heat of the New Zealand Trotting Cup. Nothing looked in better-order than Wrackler, who was made a better favourite than Logan Park and Kohara. Getting to work smartly, Jewel Pointer was the early leader from Kohara and Wrackler. So they raced all through the first mile, and then Terence Dillon just headed the leaders. A little farther on, Kohara lost his place and Jewel Pointer was first into line for home, from Wrackler, with Authox- Jinks handy. Once called on for a final effort Wrackler drew away and won ■vyith the geratest ease by four lengths from Author Jinks, with Jewel Pointer a similar distance back. It was one of the most decisive wins in the history of the Trotting Cup, and stamps Wrackler as probably the best pacer ever bred in the Dominion. Logan Park refused to strike a gait at the start and took practically no part in the race. King Pointer was slow to begin, but then looked to have a fair chance till he went to a break three furlongs from home. Aftei’ losing several lengths in the first furlong, Author Jinks did well to finish up a creditable second. Terence Dillon and , Kohara were both found wanting over the last two furlongs.

Nelson de Oro and Sunny Bob were the best backed candidates in the November Handicap, and both went soi|d races. ‘ Taking charge soon after the start, Nelson de Oro acted as

pacemaker all through the first two circuits from Aleron, Sunny Bob and Whakataua. The leader held his position till within two furlongs off the post, where Sunny Bob had his measure. Coming along with a great finishing effort, Steel All got to within half a length of the winner as the post was reached. It was a solidly run race, the winner having to cut seven seconds off his handicap time. Only Sir Guy and Hostess were backed with any confidence for the Metropolitan Handicap, and the former put up the best race of his career. Our Georgie, who was making his first appearance since arriving from Scotland, made play for two circuits, and then faded out in favour of Sir Guy, Tarndale, and Erin’s Lynn. As the distance post, Sir Guy looked a winner, but he just failed to stall off a late run by Proud Dillon- ho got his head in front as the post was reached. For a first effort, Our Georgie shaped so well as to suggest him as an early winner, while Tarndale and Erin’s Lynn both raced creditably. , Donald’s bracketed pair, Tonic and Writer, went out at a short price for the Sockburn Handicap, which provided an interesting contest. Rose Audo was the early leader, and she held charge from New Metford, Dipnoi and Jock Bingen all through the first mile. Half-way through the final circuit, Tonic and Ukelele Lady put in strong claims, but under pressure the latter went to a bad break. Staying on better than Rose Audo, Tonic got up in time to win by .half a length.

M. HOLMES SUSPENDED CHRISTCHURUH, November 13, A bad' smash occurred to-day in the running of the New Zealand Trotting Derby. Two horses fell, and a third lost its driver. The Judicial Committee to-night found that M. Holmes, driver of Arethusa, caused the accident by crossing over too quickly. Holmes was suspended for six weeks. TROTTING ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF THE BOARD. The board of the New Zealand Trotting Association met last night. There were present—Messrs J. H. Williams (president), J. R. M’Kenzie, S. W. Kelly, G. M’Millan, H. W. Kitchingham, J. W. Thomson, R. A. Armstrong,and W. Hayward. After a period in committee, the board reported that J. Nohra (West Coast) had been disqualified for life for alleged corrupt practice. The decision of the Methven Trotting Club to take no action regarding the alleged inconsistent running of Wah in the Riverbank Handicap on October 4 was endorsed. W. J. Tomkinson, driver of Wah, stated that the horse was a fast unreliable trotter. He had had the horse for years and had never won a race.

The West Australian Trotting Association reported its endorsement of the disqualification of R. L. Kearns. Removal of the disqualification o M. C. Wise, W. E. C. Wise, A. Tyson and B. Symmons was reported by the Northern Tasmanian Trotting Club. The action of the Auckland Trotting Club in fining C. Fairman £5 for allegedly breaking his engagement, and fining T. Grimmond, rider of Kingsclere, £2O for alleged boring in the Orakei Handicap, was endorsed by th© board. Correspondence was received from the Vincent Trotting Club concerning the classes in the club’s programme, and the board decided to reply that the programme would be passed if the classes were tightened tip in accordance with the rules of trotting. The next meeting was fixed for Friday, December 12, at 10 a.m. NAMING TROTTERS. ORIGINALITY DESIRED. CHRISTCHURCH, November 13. Nomenclature was a subject of lengthy discussion at'Wednesday evening’s meeting of the board of the New Zealand Trotting Association, when, the majority of the members of the board seemed agreed that it was high time to put a stop to the perpetuation of such foundations as “Logan,” “Bingen,” “Locanda,” “de Oro,” and the threatening preponderance of “Guys” and other family names. Finally it was decided to take steps to institute a scheme to encourage originality in the naming of horses. The discussion started when Mr W. Hayward objected to the name of “Guy Travis” for a three-year-old by Travis Axworthy from Maggie D. With Real Guy and Guy Parrish standing at the stud, the use of Guy where it gave no indication of the parent, should not be allowed, he said. It would prove very misleading to the public. Mr R. A. Armstrong went a step farther by declaring that the continuation of sires’ names was becoming very laboured and overdone. For instance, he said, when something like Maggie, Lizzie or Bill was attached to any one of the popular foundation names, many past and present racehorses could be identified. He was of the opinion that when a horse was unsexed there could be no real advantake in attempting to indicate its parentage. Mr J. R. McKenzie claimed that the perpetuation of sires’ names in part was an advantage to a young ■gire in the way of advertising. ( He quoted Wrackler.

Mr Hayward said his idea was to prevent the passing of misleading names such as the “Guy Travis” referred to. If he had his way, single names would be adopted wherever possible, in an endeavour to do away with the hackneyed foundations which were becoming so prevalent. Mr H. W. Kitehingham suggested that the association should offer a prize for the best name offered each year, thus encouraging originality. Preference should be given to oneword names. This would also help to create public interest. After further discussion, it was decided that it be left to Mr Kitchingham to bring down some scheme on the lines advocated.

The naming of horses in New Zealand is becoming a perplexing problem, what with the never-ending tribe of “Logans,” “Pointers,” Bingens,” “Dillons” and many others. The fashion of choosing names nowadays appears to be a method of affixing one or more syllables of the sire’s and dam’s names, with sometimes the sires in front, sometimes the dams, until our race cards and acceptance lists have become an example of confusion worse confounded. As exhibits there may be offered “Dillon Logan” and “Logan Dillon,” “Denver Huon” and “Huon Denver,” and hosts of “Muriels,” “Biddys,”

• “Bonnys,” “Kittys,” Bobs” and so on. Trotters and pacers who race their ’ way through life under the handicap ' of ill-sounding nomenclature, no mat- ' ter how great their feats never attain the place in the popular fancy they would, had the laws of good taste been applied at their christening. “WHAT THEY ARE MADE” CHRISTCHURCH, November 13. “One regrets to read of the death of such a brilliant horse as Loganwood,” stated Mr. W. Hayward, when the list of deaths was read, to the board of the New Zealand Trotting Association last night. “Loganwood was a real good honest horse,” added Mr. Hayward. Mr. H. W. Kitchingham: “Do you insinuate that there are dishonest horses.” Mr. Hayward: “I often think that horses are what they are made. They were not originally dishonest.” Another member. remarked that there were plenty of dishonest ones. TROTTING MEETINGS TO COME. November 19, 20—Winton J.C. Annual (two events each day). November 19, 22 — Auckland T.C. November. November 21, 22—Nelson T.C. Annual. November 27, 29 —Forbury Park T.C. Spring. December 6 —Ashburton County R.C. Summer. December 13 —New Brighton T.C. Summer. Decembei’ 26, 27 —South Wairarapa T.C. Annual. December 26, 27 —Westport T.C. Annual. December 26 —Gore T.C. Annual. December 27, 30, 31 —Auckland T.C. Summer. December 31, January I—Greymouth J.C. Midsummer ‘(two events each day).

LIGHT HARNESS PERFORMERS Death of the following horses was reported to the meeting of the board of the New Zealand Trotting Association held on Wednesday night: Bill Hoult (owner, Mr. E. Monk, Kaikoura); Irish Eyes (Mr. E. Hughes, Greendale); Loganwood (Mr. G. W. Dransfield, Blackball), Solon Dillon [(Mr. W. C. O’Htjarn, Gisborne), and Vimalia (Mr. F. Monk, Kaikoura).

“Roarers” “As your board is no doubt aware, there are at the present time racing quite a number of gallopers and trotters, affected with vocal cords (roarers),” wrote Mr. H. E. Martin, veterinary surgeon, in a letter received at last evening’s meeting of the Board of the New Zealand Trotting Association, in reply to a request from t,he board for an opinion on the condition of the horse Erie Dazzle, whose distress after racing at the New Brighton spring meeting was the subject of a complaint by the secretary to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “In my opinion,” the letter continued, “if the paralysis is such' that the horse does not get sufficient air to allow it to finish its race without becoming unduly distressed, it would certainly be cruel.” It was decided to thank Mr. Martin for his letter. RACING. MEETINGS TO COME. November 15 —C.J.C. Cup. November 13, 15. —Dargaville R.C. November 15, 17 —Waikato R.C. November 19, 20 —Winton J.C. November 22—Levin R.C. TO-DAY’S NEWS A Battle Royal: It is understood that Cylinder, winner of this year’s Derby, will oppose Nightmarch in the Stead- Gold Cup.

Pangolin: Proke a stirrup leather while in the lead in the Suburban Handicap on Wednesday and he had to drop out half a mile from home. Cape Gold: Was unlucky in the Spring Nursery Handicap as Royal Baby hampered him by boring put. Cape Gold is engaged in the Pioneer Handicap to-mor-row. Lady Pam: May have found the Oaks distance a trifle too far. She should win plenty of races up to a mile.. Habit: Had an accident to her gear in the Avon Handicap on Wednesday, and after finishing second, she looks to be well placed in the Cressy Handicap to-morrow. Compris: Shapes like making a good horse, up to a mile and a quarter. Beau Geste: Now that he has struck form, is likely to be returned a winner before long. Closely Related: It is interesting to note that Praise and Cylinder, besides being by Limond are both from a mare by a Cyllene horse. PHAR LAP’S PRESTIGE LONDON PRESS “STUNT” SYDNEY, November 13. Mr. S. Davis, the owner of Phar Lap, received a cablegram from the London “Daily Express” stating that the opinion in England is that Phar Lap is a better horse than Carbine, and asking w’ould Mr. Davis issue a challenge to race for the world s championship, or would he run the horse at Ascot, as English sportsmen desire to see him in action ? MY. Davis said that he would not entertain the idea of sending Phar Lap out of Australia. He stated; “If they care to send the best horse here I am prepared to back Phar Lap, and they can name the distance. Mr. Davis has cabled the “Daily Express” to that effect.