G. T. C. OPENS MEETING

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 January 1934, Page 6

G. T. C. OPENS MEETING

DAY OF BIG DIVIDENDS WINNERS WELL CONCEALED Three large dividends, returned by tho winners in the first three races, at the opening day of the Greymouth Trotting Club’s Summer meeting, held at Victoria Park yesterday, set a serious handicap to the totalisator turnover. A large sum of money found its way into only a few pockets, and in possession of' the wise sportsman, only a small percentage found its way back to the totalisator. The outcome was a decrease in the turnover, in comparison with the figures rung up on the opening day last year. It was not a heavy decrease, however, and officials of the Club have every reason to feel satisfied with yesterday’s activities. There was not only the handicap of large dividends to be overcome, but that spoiler of sport, rain, which although it was not unpleasant until late in the programme, kept some of the public under shelter. In aiming to exceed the £8,289 handled on the opening day last year, the Club prepared an attractive programme, and was in the position to provide interesting racing. But there was no Harold Logan on hand to give a re-cord-breaking exhibition, and no high-class trotters’ race, with Olive Nelson as the champion, to swell the crowd, as was the case last ‘year. Neither were there any large dividends. It was, in fact, a meeting remarkable for strongly-fancied horses winning. There was a record crowd in attendance last year, much larger than yesterday, yet, in making a comparison of totalisator figures, yesterday’s fall amounted to only £609 10s short of those of January 5, 1933. On that day the totalisator handled £8,289, and yesterday the figures were£7679 10s. There is also the question of which system of betting the

public desire most. There has been strong evidence in the Dominion of late, that the public prefer the twodividend system. During the present racing carnival the two clubs operating under tho two-dividend system have recorded increased turnovers, namely Westland Racing Club, £712, and the Greymouth Jockey Club, £2112.- The Westland Trotting Club applied the three-dividend system, and showed a loss. The three-dividend system will not become popular. It was noticeable at the Greymouth Trotting Club’s meeting yesterday, that the win machine carried the bulk of the investments in five of the eight races, and when, in the final race, the public were after a ‘‘recovery,” the win machine had almost fifty per cent, more in investments than the place machine. It can, with reason, be said that a club operating under the win and place system to-day, is not in as good a position to attract investments, as it would be under what is now known as the “old system.” The public, and it is only natural with sportsmen, select a horse to win, not to finish in a minor place. The disparity between the win dividend, and the place dividend, is, in 90 per cent, of cases, too great, and brings dissatisfaction to those who “back” winners on the place machine. In commenting on i the racing witnessed yesterday, it has to be said that the high standard set at previous meetings of the Greymouth Trotting Club, was well maintained. Leaving out the unhoppled trotters’ races, which are usually an exhibition of “breaking,” the sport provided at Victoria Park yesterday was everything that could be desired. The condition of the track contributed largely to the inter- . csting contests. Although no better than usual, it was in excellent order,

the cafe bestowed upon it by the caretaker, Mr. C. Watson, being evident at a glance. Handicap times were shattered in the three opening events, and while the big race was run only a fraction of a second inside the handicap, the times were considerably bettered in the fifth, sixth and seventh races. With the track heavy for the final event, the winner took one second longer than the handicap at which, he was assessed. First favourites had an unsuccessful day, Warcss, winner of the chief event being the only horse to warrant the confidence placed in her. By arrangement, the first race was not started until fifteen minutes after schedule, but the following events were run well to time. The programme, and all other matters connected with •the racing, left nothing to be desired in the direction of efficient control. The President, ' Mr. H. W. Kitchingham, the Secretary, Mr. P. C. Heaphy, and other officials were attentive to detail, and to all enquiries; their assistance in this direction being appreciated by all who had occasion to approach them. The racing was free from -accident, and was clean sport throughout. Forgetting the slight inconvenience caused by rain, the day can be described as a pleasant one for all patrons, winners or losers, and the programme of music rendered by the Greymouth Municipal Band added to the' enjoyment. Results decided after the “Star” had gone to press, were: —

INTERMEDIATE HANDICAP! of £llO (3.3 class). One mile and aquarter (First division):— (2-1) D. R. Revell’s b.c. ATTORNEY (Judge Hancock —Bridget Galindo) 3yrs, scr (R. B. Berry) 1 (3-6) Mrs R. E. Gregory’s b.g. PAUL DRUSUS, syrs, 24yds (J. Bryce, Jr.) .. .. .. 2 (12-11) F. W. Archer’s cb.m. > CINEMA, aged, scr. (W. R. Pascoe) .. .. .. .. 3 Also started: (9-8) Athelney Lass (L. A. Maidens), (5-4) Thornworthy. (W. McLean), (10-12) Happy Bird (J. S. Shaw), (6-5) Tollgate (J. Davidson). Won by three-quarters of a length; lour lengths. Times: 2.52, 2.50 2-5, 2.53. Happy Bird was fourth. Winner trained by R. B. Berry, Addington. Fearless, Erin’s Beauty, Jockeen, Replica, Sky Wink, and Emmeline’s Last were withdrawn. Happy Bird was first out from Attorney, Cinema, Thornworthy, Paul Drusus, and Tollgate. Athelney Lass dwelt on the mark. At the end of six furlongs the order was much the same, but going down thq back Attorney took the lead from Happy Bird, with Paul Drusus and Cinema next. Tollgate here broke his hopples. Attorney was first into the straight from Paul Drusus, Cinema, and Happy Bird. They finished ill that order. Happy Bird was fourth. SECOND DIVISION. (9-11) Lorrimer and Crowe’s b.g. GARRY THORPE (Lee Thorpe—Mooney), aged, scr., (J. Bell Jr.) 1

(1-2) F. McKendry’s blk.m. ENCOUNTER, 4yrs., scr., (M. C. McTigue) .. • 2 (3-3) Mrs T. W. Williamson’s ch.g. CLEM DAWE, syrs, scr., (E. N. Kennerley) 3 Also started: (9-8) Tuscan (L. A. Maidens) (11-9) Iron Man (C. S. Donald), (8-10) Stella. Derby (G. S. Walton), (7-7) Yankeeland - (J. Bryce Jr.) scr. Won by half a length; ten lengths. Tinies 2.50 2-5, 2.50 3-5, 2.55 2-5. ’ Stella Derby was fourth. Winner trained by J. Bell Jr, Ashburton. Blandford, Travis Pringle, Red Flyer and Royal Ando were withdrawn. Yankeeland did not go away with the field. Garry Thorpe was first out from Encounter, and the pair opened a big break on the others. Next.- to follow were Tuscan, Iron Man, Clem Dawe and Stella Derb>\ The two leaders increased their' advantage going down the back and at. the end of six furlongs they were well clear of Clem Dawe, Ironman, Tuscan and Stella Derby. Encounter challenged Garry Thorpe, and headed him two furlongs from home, but the latter came again, and in a good finish won narrowly. Clem Dawe was ten lengths away, third, with a break to Stella Derby and Ironman. Tote: Win £445; £3804. PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP, of £llO, (2.58 class), one mile and a-quar-ter: — (3-3) F. G. Lynch’s ch.rn. QUEEN AUTHOR (Author Dillon—lndian Child), syrs, scr. (Owner) 1 (6-4) J. Moore’s b.g. GUYZIAH, 6yrs, 12yds, (L. A. Maidens) 2 (8-8) H. Briss’ b.g. COLLEGE BOY, aged, scr. (E. J. Smith) ... .. 3 Also started: (9-10) Finnebrogue (G. Cameron), (5-7) Goldworthy (A. Butterfield), (2-2) Grand Finale (J. Bryce Jr.), (10-9) Liberty Hall (L. Frost), (7-6) Nyallo Silk (L. F. Berkett), (4-5) Sunny Ducrow (J. Fraser Jr.), scr., (1-1) Gunmetal (C. S. Donald) 12yds. Won by a head; a neck. Times 2.52 2-5, 2.52 3-5, 2.53 4-5. Liberty Hall was fourth. Winner trained by owner, Westport.

Dawn Sonoma, Lena Thorpe, Mary de Oro, Plain Pearl, Lucky Guy, Ferflbrook Lass and Admiral Wrack were withdrawn. Liberty Hall and Queen Author were smartest to begin, and the pair raced together out in front from Guyziah, Grand Finale, and College Boy. Goldworthy stood on the mark, and Gunmetal, the favourite, was slow away. Sunny Ducrow would not hit his hopples, and was pulled up. At the end of six furlongs, Liberty Hall and Queen Author were still in front front Grand Finale, Guyziah, Finnebrogue and College Boy. Going down the back Liberty Hall and Queen Author opened up a break on the others, but Guyziah went after them and College Boy improved his position. Queen Author had Liberty Hall’s -measure when Guyziah ranged up alongside and College Boy came, within striking distance!. In a blanket finish, Queen Author prevailed by a head from Guyziah, who was i a neck in front of College Boy, with half a length to Liberty Hall. Then, dose up, came Goldworthy, which had made up a lot of ground, and Grand Finale. Tote: Win £49OS, Place £4671.

SUMMER HANDICAP, of £l2O (5.4 class for 2 miles), unhoppled trotters, fourteen furlongs: —

3-4) T. Smith’s b.m. SEA GIFT, (Wrack — Paul Huon mare) 4yrs, scr., (E. J. Smith) .. 1 '7-7) Mrs E. Berryman’s ch.g. WAHNOOKA, syrs, scr. (C. S. Donald) 2 5-5) C. M. Corne’s WORTHY STAR, aged,, scr. (J. Durnin) 3

Also started: 10-10 Billy Sundy (E. F. C. Hinds), 8-8 Real Money (W. R. L. Pascoe), 9-9 Silk Bell (W. Coburn) scr, 1-2 Mataunga (W. J. Doyle), 2-1 Isabel Patch (N. L. Price), 4-3 Tasman Flight (L. F. Berkett) 24yds, 6-6 Esther (F. R. Bust) 48yds. Won by three lengths, a length. Times 4.14 4-5, 4.15 2-5, 4.16. Mataunga was fourth. Winner trained by owner, Addington. Great Wood and Arran Lad were withdrawn. Worthy Star broke badly at the start, and Tasman Flight was slow away. Real Money set a fast clip from Sea Gift, Mataunga, Wahnooka and Isabel Patch. Sea Gift broke after going two furlongs, but did not lose much ground. With six furlongs covered, Real Money, Mataunga, and Isabel Patch had a big lead on the others, the field being strung out over a hundred yards. In fourth place was Sea Gift, then Wahnooka. At the mile and a-quarter, with a round to go, Mataunga was two lengths in front of Real Money, with Isabel Patch and Sea Gift close

up next. These four were well in front of the next bunch which comprised Wahnooka, Worthy Star and Esther. Real Money broke when trying to overhaul Mataunga, going down the back. It was plain that Mataunga was a tired bor.se two furlongs from home, and Sea Gift went to the lead. She was not troubled to win from Wahnooka, who held off Worthy Star’s fast finishing run. Isabel Patch was fourth, then Mataunga. Tote: Win £605?-, Place £4821.

DASH HANDICAP, of £l2O, (2.19 class), one mile:— (2-3) A. G. Kearn’s ch.g. ADMIRAL WRACK (Wrack — Belgian Rose), syrs, scr., (L. F. Berkett) .. .. 1 (4-2) J. Black’s b.g. ASTRAL, aged scr., (C. S. Donald) 2 (1-1) W. J. Doyle’s br.m. WAR CHANCE, 6yrs, scr. (Owner) 3 Also started: 3-4 Marviin Bingen (J. P. McNeill), 5-5 Rare Pronto (E. N. Kennerley) scr., G-G Lord Leslie (R. B. Berry) 36yds. Won by a neck, a neck. Times 2.20, 2.20 1-5, 2.20 2-5. Marvin Bingen was fourth. Winner trained by owner. 'Westport. ■ Oro’s Pride. Black Jester, Grand Finale, and Ration wore withdrawn. War Chance was first away, followed next by Astral, Marvin Bingen, Rare Pronto, Admiral Wrack. At the half mile Lord Leslie had displaced Admiral Wrack, but the field was racing in close order. Admiral Wrack made his run going down the back, and was on the outside almost on terms with War Chance and Astral, as they straightened for home. The field here had a great set-to, every horse having a chance. It was the best finish of the day, a length separating the first and last horse, as they flashed past Hie post. Admiral Wrack won by a short neck, with a similar distance separating Astral and War Chance, and necks between Marvin Bingen, Rare Pronto and Lord Leslie. Tote: Win £709, Place £425,

Galloping MEETINGS TO COME. Jan. 6, B—Reefton.8 —Reefton. REEFTON RACE TO-MORROW. THE FIELDS AND PROSPECTS. The Reefton Jockey Club’s meeting, for which acceptances closed last night, will be held to-morrow, and next Monday. It will conclude'" the galloping circuit for the West Coast Carnival. The fixture, always last in the galloping programme, is popular with West Coasters. Sportsmen welcome Reefton, for its affords the punters an opportunity of “breaking level.” on the circuit, and knowing that it is the end of the holiday term, the people set out to enjoy themselves. The Club has usually been fortunate in the direction of securing large fields, but a slight decrease in the accepted list, is shown for tomorrow. Yet there are sufficient horses in each field to provide a problem for backers, and stage a successful meeting. The picturesque racecourse at Reefton, is an attraction in itself, and under fine weather conditions, the attendance on both days should be large. The public will have the benefit of form shown by horses at the Westland and Greymouth Club’s meetings, both in regard to gallopers and trotters. Form has been well disclosed, yet there is always that unexpected improvement shown by some of the performers that make wagering almost as uncertain at the close of a circuit as at the commencement. The fields, with starting times, and a. review of prospects are here given. 12.15.

Imasurvey .. 7 5 Sky Lass .. 7 2 Gold Sand has yet to score, but his second on the concluding day at Greymouth, suggests that he has been gradually improving. He has 31bs less to carry here, and this is his chance. Sam Smith has 51bs more than he won with at Greymouth. He is a smart performer, and with a vigorous rider, will again take some beating. Arrowmid is not preferred over a mile, and she is more favourably placed in the Maruia Handicap. Monipere will see out the distance, but he will have to do better than at Hokitika where he ran poorly in the Hack Cup. The race he had on the second day at Hokitika showed him in improved form, and he should come up fresh for this event. He looks to be the best of the lightweights. Imasurvey has had only one outing, at Hokitika. He will be racing on his home track, and that will be to his advantage. Cinders, Star Raider, and Sky Lass, do not appeal. The best-supported may be: — Gold Sand, Sam Smith. Monipere. 1.0. FIRST HIGHWEIGHT HANDICAP,

Juniper, after scoring a decisive win at Omoto on the opening day could not raise a. gallop in the concluding event on Tuesday. That form was all wrong, and can be disregarded. Rothen will be better suited over seven furlongs than he was in racing over a mile at Omoto, where he finished in third place twice. He is not the best of gallopers, however. Tip Tree filled second place in a muddling race, at Omoto on Tuesday, and too much notice should not be taken of that performance. He is in his twelfth year. Forceful showed fair form at Hokitika, but disappointed in his two races at Omoto. He is not over-brilliant. Coll is the best handicapped horse in the race. He was twice third at Hokitika, and filled a similar position in the Greymouth Cup. In the W. R. Kettle Memorial he finished fifth. Over seven furlongs he is at. his best distance, and with 8.5, is the likely favourite. Booster will re-appear after an absence of eighteen months. He is rising thirteen years. Lady Rene finished strongly to get second place in the County Handicap, six and a-half furlongs at Omoto on New Year’s Day, and she is a. possibility. Ben Hur cannot be recommended. Sky Rover likes a distance, and is wellolaced here. The best look to be Coll, Juniper, Sky Rover. 1.40. JUNCTION TROT, 3.6 class, 1J miles: — Atarau King .. scr Superb .. scr Awa Dillon .. scr Town Crier .. scr Cling Clang .. scr Victoreen .. scr Blandford .. scr Beverley .. 24 Cracksman .. scr Golden Dollar .. 21 Marie Louise .. scr Real Burton .. 24 Midsliipmaid .. scr Silver Whip .. 24 Real Pal .. scr Harvestin .. 24 Star Vale .. scr

Atarau King, Awa Dillon, and Cling Clang will not be expected here. Blandford should be one of the first chosen. He is smart over the distance, and if started at Greymouth 1 0-day, should give a guide to his prospects. Marie Louise is another worthy of consideration. Superb failed at Hokitika, but was beaten by a promising pacer in Fearless. Superb will be well-fancied here, and can be looked to for a good race. Victoreen showed up favourably at Hokitika on Wednesday, and is a possibility. Those on 24yds are all possibilities, and the race is a difficult one to analyse. Three with prospects are: Blandford, Superb, Golden Dollar. 2.20. PEROTTI MEMORIAL 1.1 miles: —

Ravine has a big weight to carry over a mile and a-quarter, but the opposition is weak. He won this race last year, from Eaton Hall, and carried 9.0. He is a better horse now, and the weight should not be too great a handicap. In the Greymouth Cup he narrowly defeated Giggleswick at q difference of Sihs, and the difference to-morrow will be lllbs as

Giggleswick’s rider will claim an allowance of 31bs. Ravine should again beat Giggleswick. With 9.0 which will be reduced to 8.11, Giggleswick will have all the weight he can handle but. be is sure to run well. He scored a double at Reefton -last year, and is now at the top of his form. Buoyant could not foot it with the opposition in the Greymouth Cup, and although he won over a. mile at Hokitika, he cannot be strongly recommended. Gold Pit should be an improved galloper, and with 7.9 is a possibility. Coll is better suited in his earlier engagement. Gold Arrow is not preferred over the distance. Eaton Hall has been disappointing.

yet such a good galloper is capable of reaching his best form to-morrow. Ben Hur can be passed over. The preference is for Ravine, Giggleswick, Eaton Hall. 3.0. MEMBERS’ HANDICAP, 5 furlongs: Hatilbowllnp .. 9 1 Solitaire 11. .. S 0 Animated ..9ft Margaret Rose 7 X Knocklong .. X 7 Imasurvey .. 7 X Kull Crop .. X 5 Sundancer .. 7 5 Awamutu .. 8 1 Copena ..75 Bon Tray .: 8 1 Haulbowline is a newcomer from the North Island. He will find smart gallopers pitted against him, but over the sprint course, he is very fast. Animated should run well, but Knocklong will probably finish in front of her. Awamutq will be making' a return to the track, but will be improved after a race. Full Crop is another can cut out a merry five furlongs, and he is worthy of notice, as he is in good form just now. Bon Tray, Margaret Rose, and Solitaire 11, are other smart sprinters. This is the best-balanced race on the card, and a half dozen horses hold good prospects. Three that will be heavily supported are Margaret Rose, Haulbowline, Knocklong. 3.40.

Solvear scored well at Omoto on Tuesday, and is in good order for here. Arrowmid has been a consistent performer, and with 8.5 she soould make Solvear go fast all the way. Tip Tree has an earlier engagement, but this field would' be the most suitable for him. Miss Mercia does not seem capable of raising a gallop, and cannot be recommended. She may finish first, or she' may finish last? It

depends on the mood she is in. Imasurvey will probably start here in preference to the mile journey, and is a possibility. Knpckbain won well at Omoto on Tuesday, and was staying on, so she may get the distance. Her speed is fast, if she can stay on. Rhea’s form has been disappointing, but she was on the big side at' the commencement of the circuit, and is much improved now. Her chance is here. Rose Vai ha.s shown nothing that would recommend' her. The vote is for ARROWMID SOLVEAR RHEA.

4.20. SOLDIERS? TROT HANDICAP, 3.36 class, la miles: — Attorney .. scr Paul Drusus .. scr Avaunt .. scr Anthum .. 12 Golden Dollar .. scr Plain Silk .. 48 Olive Rey .. scr Attorney should be a warm favourite for this race, and is sure to run well. It is a gmall field on which two dividends will be paid for a place. The pair making most appeal are: ATTORNEY PLAIN PEARL. 5.0. PROGRESS HANDICAP, 7 furlongs:

With the exception of White Doe, the others here have a prior engagement. The distance will be too far for Haulbowline. Form will be disclosed earlier, bu,t there is reason to expect good races from: WHITE ROE GOLD PIT GOLD ARROW.

TRIAL HACK, 1 mile: — Gold Sand ..89 Monipere . 7 4 Sam Smith . . 8 7 Cinders i Arrowmid ..82 Star Balder .' 7 2

furlongs: — Juniper .. 9 10 Booster . 8 4 Rothen .. 8 11 Lady Rene . 8 3 Tip Tree . . 8 10 Ben Hur . 8 2 Forceful ..89 Sky Rover . 8 0 Coll ..85

Ravine . 9 8 Coll Y 8 Giggleswick . 9 0 Gold Arrow . ’ 7 7 Buoyant . X 10 Eaton Hall Gold Pit 7 9 Ben Hur . 7 4

MARUIA HANDICAP, furlongs: Solvear . s 9 Imasurvey y 8 Arrovvmid . 8 rt Knockbain . . 7 8 Tip Tree . 8 1 Rhea . . 7 6 Miss Mercia 7 8 Rose Vai .. 7

Giggleswick 9 6 Eaton Hall .. 7 13 White Doe 9 1 Gold Pit y 12 Animated 9 0 Gold Arrow y 12 Haulbowline . . 8 413 Lady Rene 7 7 Full Crop 8 9 Monipcre y Rothen 8 1