To-day’s Racing News

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 March 1936, Page 11

To-day’s Racing News

Galloping MEETINGS TO, COME. March 14, 16, 17-— Wellington R.C. March 14, 17—Ohinemuri J.C. . March 18—Opotiki J.C. March 20, 21— Manawatu R.C. March 21, 23—Bay of Plenty JC. March 21, 23—Oam, aru J.C. March 28—South Canterbury J.C. March 28—Birchwood Hunt Club. March 31, April 1: Pahiatua R.C. April 13—Kumara R.C. April 11, 18—Greymouth J.C. April 22—Reefton J.C.

Ran a Good Race: Nun Nicer, after Ij.is success at Te Arolia, was installed fayourite for the Franklin' Cup. He was, burdened with f).O and ran a really good race. He was well in the limelight all the way till the straight was reached,' but then faded out. Nun Nicer is a good horse and he should make his presence felt again at the autumn meetings in Auckland.

Has Plenty of Speed: Gappy, after his success at Te Rapa, was well supported • for the Waiuku Handicap at Pukekohe on Saturday last. He was one of the first out and cai'Hed ori'the lead till the straight, hue he failed 'to hold his position, and in the run home Gay Defence soon went past him and Enlightenment got up to beat him for second money. Gappy is one of the Race.ful tribe and has not done much racing, but his turn will come again before long, for he possesses plenty of speed.

Beaten Both Starts: The hurdler, Prince of Orange had two defeats recorded against him at the Te Aroha meeting. He was never in a winning position on the first day and was a tired horse when the post was reached. In the Manawaiu Hurdles on the second day he was lying third as the field raced across the back, but gradually dropped back, to fiiiish some' lengths behind the placed horses. Prince of Orange will need to ‘show marked improvement on his Te Aroha form in order to pay his way in the future.

Finished Very Fast: Vera Acre made, amends for her iailt ures at Te Aroha when she accounted for the Dynes Fulton Memorial at the Franklin meeting. She was at the rear of the' field half a mile,- from home, and when they straightened up for the judge there were about a dozen horses in front of her. From then on she finished very fast, and, cutting down the leaders over the last half furlong, won going away by over a length. She appeared a. trifle sore after the race. Vera. Acre has been entered for the principal events at tne Bay of Plenty meeting.

Form Was Encouraging: By finishing second to Cheval de Colee in the Tuakau Stakes at ■Franklin, the Spear Dance filly Hohana was responsible for an encouraging performance. It was her first a PDP aI ance in public* and as a couple of the "horses that finished behind her had won earlier in the season, it made' form the more impressive H° llaaa ’ who ranks as a half-sister to the. defunct Mahkill and My Money is a sturdily-built filly, and one that .looks certain to do better when she has had more racing experience..

Should Pay His Way: . Although beaten into second place in tlie Waiuku Handicap-at Pukekohe, Enlightenment ran a good race, though he had no chance with Gay Defence, the winner, over the final stages. When the son of Delightment won over seven furlongs at Thames and finished second to Valrent in the ' Hack Cup at the same meeting, to future prospects,appeared blight, out he has been beaten in each race that he has contested since then. .Theie is nb doubt regarding Enlightenments speed, and if taken to the Bay of Plenty meeting, he should be capable of paying his way.

Hard To Follow: Lagoon won the Vercoe Handicap on the second day of the Waikato meeting, but at Te Aroha f-ailec get into the money. Howevei, in the Franklin Cup at Pukekohe she 3 a ™P‘ edaway in front and was never a~te wards headed. Her form has been most patchy this season and is hard to follow. However, when at her best, she is a capable galloper over a mile and a quarter. If taken to Tauranga, where she is engaged in the Cup, one mile and a quarter, and the Hemes Memorial Handicap, she should again be hard to beat if she produces anything like her Te Rapa and Franklin form.

Engaged at Tauranga: Professional, who was formerly trained by R- W. McTavish at Ellerslie, and in J. W. Cathro’s stable at Takan'ini, had his first race foi bis present trainer at Pukekohe. He was always in the picture and looked a likely winner at the .turn, but he failed to stay on. Professional fli’st came into prominence when he won the ' Trial Handicap at Thames in January, and on the second day of the same meeting was runner-up to Abbey | in the Farewell Handicap. Professional is engaged in hack sprint events at the Bay of Plenty meeting, and may do better there. Was Well Supported: Mainland was strongly supported for the Bombay Handicap at Pukekohe on Saturday. She got away well and she and Sebrof were the leaders over the last half-mile. Once in the straight she .found Sebrof too good for her and she had to be content with second place. This mare made her first appearance at the last Takapuna meeting, when she ran unplaced on the first day and third on the second day. She was only having her third start last week, so that she is promising. Mainland is a full-sister to Landlubber, and is trained by R. W. McTavish at Ellerslie.

Had Every Chance: It is a long time since Knight of Australia won a race, but his latest track efforts suggested that he would run prominently in the Franklin Cup. He had every chance, for half a mile, from home Lagoon and Nun Nicer’ were the only ones in front of him. However, he was not quite seasoned enough to maintain his position and was fifth at the finish. Knight of Australia when at his best is a good stayer, and the autumn meetings should not be far advanced before he is found a winner. His next outings will probably be at Ellerslie at Easter time. At Ellerslie last Easter he was second to Gay Marigold in the President’s Handicap, and occupied a similar position in the Nolan Handicap to Monanui on the second day.

Racing Consistently: Gay Defence has come very solid recently and he has performed most consistently. After he won the Sylvia Park Handicap at the Pakuranga Hunt meeting at Ellerslie last August, good things ’ were predicted for him, but he seemed to go off. However, during the last, few weeks he has raced well. He was third on the first day at Te Rapa, which was his best effort for some time, and the next day he accounted for the Te Here Hack Handicap, six furlongs. Going--011 to Te Aroha, he was again successful, blit’ was beaten out. of a place on the second, day. His next start was at Pukekohe last Saturday, in the. Waiuku Handicap, in which he carried 8.10, his rider claiming an allowance of 31b. He did not begin as smartly as some of the others, but across the top he was *' in fourth place. Once heads were turned for home, lie ran through and easily held off the opposition. Gay Defence is a very fit horse at present and it should not be long before lie is out of hack company.

The Schooling List: There would be no. necessity for a schooling list if starters used the power at their disposal and placed recognised kickers and fractious horses behind the rest of a field and not under any circumstances allow them to line up to the barrier. Starters will, however, persist in allowing fractious •horses. tQ make an attempt to line up with the others and so practically hope to achieve an impossibility. It is almost a certainty that they will up-, set the rest of the field, but still they receive more consideration than the well-behaved horses. A more unsatisfactory state of affairs could not be imagined. Sending fractious horses to the outside and placing them in a pen is not a solution of how to deal with them, as some starters release the barrier only. when the “rogues” are set after holding up the rest of the field. The late Sir George Clifford once strongly condemned the “rogues’ pen” at a Racing Conference because in his opinion, those placed there generally got‘all the best of the start. S. J. Reid’s New Team:

Formerly private trainer to the late Mr. V. Riddiford, and now setting up as a public trainer after a spell of two years from active participation in the racing'game, S. J. (“Sid”) Reid has taken over the “Coalition Lodge” stable, recently occupied by Mr. W. R. Kemball’s horses, and the team on which he has commenced comprises three yearlings. One of the youngsters is a bpy' colt by Lackham from the All Black—Westella mare Cleasanta, an excellent performer of a decade or so back in the colours of Mr R. A. McKenzie, her victories including the Marton and Woodvjlle Cups, besides 'seconds in the two Oaks. It is the familv to which the New Zealand Cup winner Halberdier, Tip Tree, Monaghan, etc., belonged. 'The colt, who was bred by Mr. S. ,T. Barley, of Ashliurst, was purchased by Reid at the recent sales for 200gns' on behalf of a patron. The remaining two youngsters are fillies. One is a bay daughter of Siegfried and the Demonsthenes —Queen Kora mare Speechless, belonging to the same family as Surveyor, Elusive, Delusive, etc., and she is being trained for’her breeder, Mr. R. H. W. Holder, of Poukawa, near Hastings. The other is a bay daughter of Iliad and the Paper. Money—Kilberry mare Countersign, winner of the Dunedin Guineas and the Hazlett Plate, and a close relative of Tommy Dodd, Fair Weather, Chakwana, etc., and she is owned by Mr. J. Ferrin, of Carterton, who bought her at the recent sales for 60gns.

WESTPORT PROGRAMME The Westport Jockey Club’s Autumn meeting takes place on Saturday and Monday, April 4 and 6. The programme includes six galloping and two trotting events each day and owners will find the programme in full in the Referee of February 20. Stakes total £1,250. A gold mounted whip will be presented to the rider of the winner of the -big event each day, and a goldmounted whip to the driver of the Granity Handicap Trot (first day) and the Denniston Trot (second day). The Morley Handicap, one mile, first day, carries 100 sovereigns and a solid silver cup valued at £25 presented by Mrs. B. L. Morley. The Westport Cup, second day, one mile and a-quarter, is endowed with 100 sovereigns and a silver tea and coffee service valued at £25 presented by James Buchanan and Co. Ltd., and manufactured by Walker and Hall. The two trotting events each day carry 70 sovereigns each. The Club are meeting owners on transport expenses by contributing £1 per horse towards the cost of Motor Float or Shipping Freight. For the Westport Club’s meeting, which opens the Coast circuit, .nominations close with the secretary, W. T. Slee, Westport, at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

KUMARA MEETING. A meeting of the Committee of the Kumara Racing Club was held on Thursday evening, to finalise matteis in connection with the Jubilee meeting which will take place on Eastei Monday next. The programme submitted is the most attractive yet issued by the Club, and should ensure more attention from own ts over a wide area, than for yea' s past, Ihe course is now being p t in thorough order, and the appoiP'"ients have not been overlooked, so • u.it the comtoit of visitors is assur: d. Suitable tram arrangements haw been made foi the convenience •>! country lolk, whilst ample j-u vision will be provided for the carriage of visitors from the train to and from the course. Favoured with fine weather, a record ati tendance is expected.

CROMWELL RESULTS. MARY PRATT WINS. CROMWELL. March 13. The first day of the Cromwell Jockey Club’s meeting wa-s held in fine weather, the track being in good 1 order. There was a fair attendance, , the tote handling £2027, as against ; £2,174 .last year. Results: — Goldfields Hack Hdp. 6 furlongs.—l> 'Henry Dawson 1; 3 Gambler’s -Luck 2; 1 Aro Arc 3. Also started: Fire- . guard, Pink Del, Obilgement, Sir Rosenor. Won by two lengths. Time 1.15 3-5. Upper Clutha Trot (4.3 class), 1 5-8 miles:—B Queensberry Wilkes 1; 7 .Wynross 2; 4 Daphne Queen 3. Also started: Betty Drusus, Hoyle, Moradine, Colleen Derby, Jolly Queen. Won by three lengths. Time 3.55 3-5. Cromwell Handicap, 1 mile: —1 Mary Pratt 1; 2 Rin Tin Tin 2; 3

Toreador 3. Only starters. Won by a head. Time 1.43. Mt Pisa Hack Handicap, 6 furlongs. —2 Linguist 1; 1 Surge 2; if To Ahuarangi 3. Also started: Colleen Ougue, Illora. Won by a head. Time 1.15 3-5. Kawarau Trot (3.43 class, saddle), miles.—3 Tawny 1; 1 Moradine 2; 2 Auburn Wrack 3. Also started. Janet Gaynor, Master Garry, Chimeaway, Daphne Queen (coupled with Autumn Wrack), Slipalong, Dick Swithin. Won by a length, lime 3 33 4-5. Queensberry Handicap, 6 furlongs. — 1 Song Boy 1: 3 Rin Tin Tin 2; 2 Arden’s Beauty 3. Only starters. Mon by two lengths. Time 1.15 2-5. Lewburn Hack Handicap, 1 mile.— 1 Stratosphere It 3 Te Ahuarangi 2, 3 Aro Arc 3. Only starters. Won by a Short length. Time 1.42. WIGGINS’ APPEAL. • ,AUCKLAND, March 13. The appeal of the jockey IT. N. Wiggins, to the Auckland District Committee, against the three months suspension imposed upon him by the Judicial Committee of the Te Aroha Jockey Club, for interference to Gay Broney, shortly after, the start of the Herries Memorial Cup, was heard tips evening and dismissed. The suspension was confirmed, and Wiggins’ deposit of £5 was ordered to be forfeited.

Trotting MEETINGS TO COME. March 18—Wyndham- T.C. March 21—Taranaki T.C. March 28— Wanganui T.C. March 28—Cheviot T.C. April 4: Wanganui TC. April 11, 13—Hawera T.C. April 11, 15 —N.Z. Met. T.C. April 14 —Westland T.C. (at Greymouth). •

Gallant Knight: It is said that'the imported horse Gallant Knight cost around 3000gns to land in New Zealand.

A Mudlark: Autumn Lou was .finishing well over two miles on the last day at Wellington, and her ability in the slush should be remembered.

Useful: If Dusky Chum is taken on the North Island circuit this season he is going to make his, presence felt in the maiden division. Although not as solid" as he might be, he has an abundance of speed, and has been knocking once or twice. He failed badly in the heavy going at Hutt Park, but was quite fair on top of the ground. Has a Future:

Ma Ward’s two wins at the Invercargill Trotting Club’s meeting drew flattering comment from southern judges. Ma Waro is in Mr. J. Henderson’s stable at Oamaru, and is a four-year-old gelding by Man o' War from Erenestina. According to southern performances. Ma Waro is destined to win again this season.

Starting Machine: The Savage Electric Release starting barrier will be used at the Manawatu Trotting Club’s Annual Meeting. This barrier is a very simple contrivance, and can be worked by the starter from any position. A demonstration recently given by Mr. Savage to the stewards of the Manawatu Trotting Club on the Awapuni course was most satisfactory. 7 A Big Fee:

The fact that a payment of 20sovs sweepstake is payable at entry for the Ashburton All-aged Stakes is a reversal of the usual order, as it is generally paid half an hour before starting time. Such a high payment may be a bar to the success of a race, as owners are not keen on paying big fees until they know the strength of the opposition. ' z

Worthy Nor: Worthy Nor has not won this season, but, with the exception of the last Auckland Meeting, when she marred good prospects by breaking badly, she has not been out of a place in her races at Epsom. She has yet to race over two miles, but, as she is improving in staying ability, should have prospects at Wanganui. If successful there she will be eligible for the tighter two-mile classes at Hawera. She.has joined the Te Rapa stable of L. N. Vernail, who is also working on Our McKinney for the big race at Wanganui.

Night Racing: An attendance of 35,000 and a totalisator investment of £8,848 broke all records at Wayville (South Australia) trots on February 29. The main attraction was the £4OO invitation race, in which all the champions competed. David Belmont got the lead early, and, with Speedy Boy breaking, David Belmont easily held his position, and beat Logan Derby nicely.. The winner broke his hopples, and recorded a rate of 2mln 15 4-ssecs, the last lap in 2min 8 3-ssecs. Logan Derby secured the fastest time of 2min 13 4-ssecs. It was a great night for H. Shinn, for he also won with Amy Cole and Lulu’s 'Best. The latter afterwards started at odds on in the last race, but missed a plaxie. A Pace-maker:

Mr. J. P. Stratton, president of the Western Australian Trotting Association, has a couple of horses racing in his name at • galloping meetings in Perth. One is the New Zealand-bred three-year-old Whirlette, and the other is a locally-bred gelding named Ballidu Boy. When New Derby and Evicus tackled the mile State, pacingrecord recently at - Gloucester Park, Ballidu Boy was utilised as pacemaker. Ridden by the State’s leadingjockey, R. Morley, .Ballidu Boy could not be held back close enough to be of real assistance as a pacemaker. A minimum marker in the lowest grade of galloping races in Perth, Ballidu Boy, though a six-year-old, has not yet won a race. There was a humorous sidelight to the attack by New Derby and Evicus on the pacing record when a spectator called to Morley, on Ballidu Boy, “Keep him going, Bob; it’ll be the onl.v time he’ll ever be in front.”

Rey l>e Oro: Rey De Oro, who has now practically outdistanced all other sires, for the leadership this season, is under offer to the Tasmanian studmaster Mr. E. Tatlow. who evidently means him to take the place of the aged stallion Globe Derby, sire of a string of champions. Rey de Oro, who has been stationed in Southland for the past two seasons, will probably leave New Zealand before August, unless the negotiations have not been brought to finality. Rey de Oro stood for several years in Canterbury, and later in Auckland. Among his many winners are Roi I’Or, 2min 36 2-ssec and 4min 14 l-ssec, Silver de Oro,

2min 7 l-ssec and 4min 19 4-ssec, Gold Country, 2min 39 4-ssec and 4min 21sec, Graham Direct, 4min 21 2-ssec and now the very promising Blair Athol. Rey de Oro, who is eighteen years old, was imported from America by Free Holmes in 1922. Rey de Oro is one of the most successful sires to come*to this country, and to date his progeny have won approximately 3375,000 in stakes. Last season his get established a record for one season by winning 96 races, thereby exceeding the great Logan Pointer’s previous record total by nine. WYNDHAM ACCEPTANCES. INVERCARGILL, March 13. Wyndham Trotting Club acceptane'es for March 18, are: — 12.15: Ferry Handicap (unhoppled trotters), ".49 class. 11 miles.—Klliotvale, Choice Goods, Harebell, Petty Drusus, Appomattox. Hatrack, Halesia scr., Bob Wilkes 24, Blue Blood 36, Imperial Wave, Clipped Wings 48. Paul Bingen 60, Long Island 72, Bell Norris 84.

12.50: Trial Handicap, 3.43 class, li miles: Margaret King, Power Chief, U. Scott, Sea Lord, Red Pigeon, Jean Dewey, Sunny Drive', Loyalist, Seaward de Oro, Walter Guy, Reconnoitre, Red Sun, Guy View, Huia Chimes, Night Voyage, Moradine, Lady Ita, Vinola, Riddlemaree scr. , 1.25: Edendale Handicap, 3.56 class, 1 mile and 5 furlongs.—Dusky, Mishap, Stalwart, Royal Drive, Leitrim, College Boy scr., Picotee, Blue Spark, Chief Drusus, Belle Grattan 12, Erin’s Chief, Embark 24, War Betty, Monty Chimes 36,'*Vologda 48.

2.5: Wyndham Trotting Club Handicap, 4.46 class, 2 miles. —Harold Guy, Vologda, Pot Luck, Moko Child, Stirling Lady scr., Valdor, Tricliff 12, Fairhaven, Happy Knight, Full Hand, Erin’s Fair 24, Gallant Knight, Eighteen Carat 36, Blue Mountain Queen 48.

2.40: Toi Toi’s Handicap, 3.5 class, 1J miles.—Bondholder, Abel, Carver Doone, U Scott, Grand Meteor, Shining Sun, Jean Dew ( ey, Direct Thorpe, Master Garry, Happy Star, Loyalist, Peter Wrack, Seaward de Oro, Reconnoitre, Tour, Loyal Sun,' Antarctic Sun, Night Voyage, Glenacre, Moradine scr.; Pola Negri, McGlusky 48. 3.15: Menzies Handicap (unhoppled trotters), 5.4 class, 2 miles. —Elliotvale, Choice Goods, Snow Peak, Sandy Drusus, Molly King, Betty Drusus, Appomattox, Jenny’s Guy, Happy Peter, Texaco, Gipsy Lee, Fair Voyage scr., Blue Blood 12, Anna’s Voyage, Imperial' Wave, Anne Moko 24, Paul Bingen 48, Long Island 60, Parrish Chimes 96, Leeway 156. 3.50: President’s Handicap, 3.39 class, li miles. —Autogo, Red Glow, Master Lee, Roan Duke, Worthy Claire, Norma Grattan, Park Drive, McGlusky scr., Mishap, Silver Guy, Leitrim, Sunny Southland 12, Stalwart 24, Belle Grattan 36, Sir Gowan 4S, Vologda 72. 4.25: Final Handicap, 2.56 class, li miles: —Weary Voyage, Pot. Luck, Erin’s Boy, Stirling Lady, Royal Guy, Ready Money scr., Valdor, Tricliff, Frank Mac 12, Erin’s Fair, Full Biand, Happy Knight, Fairhaven, Bingen Wrack 24, Gallant Knight, Eighteen Carat 36.