SPORTING HIGHLAND FLING OUTSPED CHAMPIONS OF THE PAST

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 September 1949, Page 7

SPORTING HIGHLAND FLING OUTSPED CHAMPIONS OF THE PAST

“There will never be another Highland Fling.” The trotting enthusiast who spoke those words following the announcement that Highland Fling, greatest pacer in the history of the sport in New Zealand, would not race again, was echoing the sentiments of probably thousands Who saw in the brilliant. U, Scott horse the paragon of pacing perfection. And, Highland Fling was all champion of champions.

During his spectacular career, “the Fling” hung up times that, a decade ago, would have seemed impossible; won stake-money far in excess of that earned by either harness horse .or galloper (whose activities were solely confined to New Zealand) and captured the imagination of sports lovers more than any other pacer, since, and possibly including, the great Harold Logan. Just to refresh your memory, here are some of Highland Fling’s records:—

1 mile (two-year-old): 2.10 (1945). 1 mile (against time): 1.57.4-5 (1948). 1 mile (grass track): 2.0 (1949). (race-winning record): 3.9 4-5 (1948). 2 miles (world record): 4.10 3-5. Stake-winnings: Just over £34,000 (including exhibitions). There is little doubt that his stakeearnings would have been considerably increased but for the broken bone in his near foreleg which brought about his retirement. His assessed marks of 2.5 for one mile, 2.39 one mile and a quarter, and 4.14, two miles, are the tightest ever awarded a New Zealand pacer. Highland Fling’s rise, unlike so many great horses, was by no means meteoric. His Auckland owner, Mr A. T. Kemble, who purchased him from his breeder, Mr K. Bare, for a mere 100 gns, knew, early in the piece, that, in Highland Fling, he had something right “out of the top drawer.” Memorable Workout In a trial before the Great Northern Trotting Stakes —his first race — Highland Fling paced a mile at Epsom in 2.12. lie just walked away with the two-year-old classic. But all was not well with “the Fling” in. those early days. That he had phenomenal speed was undoubted, but he used to break up very badly at the start of the majority of his races. Victories were coming his way, but not nearly as frequently as should have been the case considering his outstanding ability.. All sorts of equipment, even to eye protectors which resembled lampshades, were tried in an effort to correct Highland Fling’s unreliability. But he became worse instead of better, and was regarded as a problem horse plus when he was handed to L. F. Berkett to train in February, 1947. Berkett immediately disposed of all fancy rigging, and put an open bridle on him. Since then, Highland Fling never locked back. Success after success, record after record, came the way of this pacer, who has been variously described as the “acme of pacing perfection,” “greatest pacer in the world” and the like. Carlton E. Richardson in The Horseman. America’s leading trotting publication, almost ran out of superlatives when reviewing Highland Fling’s career recently. He referred to “the monumental esteem in which this famous horse is held by authoritative writers of harness racing. The ordinary spectators are completely thrilled by his rousing finishes, and hail his victories with triumphant acclaim.” And this: “Highland Fling's competitive spirit is tremendous, and Berkett rarely has to put any pressure on him.” Richardson wound up his article on this note: “The national appeal of Highland Fling is truly extra-ordinary. This darling of the New Zealand sports lovers is, to all who have seen his amazing victories, a real superhorse.” 1 Deceptive Action A striking, rather than handsome, seven-year-old horse, Highland Fling possessed an astonishingly deceptive action. This, however, did not disguise the remarkable rate at which he fairly ate up the ground. His almost loping style contrasted oddly with the seemingly quicker and more “down-to-earth” actions of his opponents. Highland Fling’s record is studded with some wonderful performances, and over all distances. None w r as better than his breath-taking victory in last year’s New Zealand Trotting Cup. Set to concede starts ranging up to. 60 yards to the finest pacers in the land, he, indeed, appeared to be faced with a well-nigh impossible task; more so, when it was generally agreed that his slowness at the barrier would cost him at least another 12 yards. Trainer Berkett would not hear of defeat. “If necessary,” said Berkett, “Highland Fling will clock 4.6.” And he meant it.

“4.6! Berkett is crazy,” declared the

wiseacres. They were, prepared to admit that “the Fling” was a champion, but 4.6! “Impossible.” Highland Fling did not have to return better than 4.10 3-5 to win, but the ease with which he won (by a mere six lengths) suggested that Berkett was not overrating his champion unduly. But for the race itself. There was a gasp from the huge crowd when the favourite broke at the start, but he recovered fairly quickly and he did not lose much extra ground. Plunder Bar set out to make the pace a cracker. Highland Fling had made up little of his leeway with half the journey covered, and this was hardly surprising in view of the fact that the first mile had been cut out in 2.4 4-5. Five furlongs from home and Plunder Bar was maintaining his strong pace from the northern hope, Single Direct, with the others starting to string out, and Highland Fling still well back. Setting History But passing the half-mile pole, Highland Fling commenced to race in earnest. One by one he gathered his rivals in with the result that, as the field swung round the bend for the final sprint, he was right on the heels of the two leaders. Not once did he falter in his stride. Berkett- then asked him for his big effort. The rest is a matter for the history books. Highland Fling just raced past Plunder Bar and Single Direct as though they were standing still to go on and win by six lengths. Then ensued a scene of the wildest possible excitement. Never has such enthusiasm been witnessed on a racecourse in New Zealand, and never has a horse been given a greater reception. After the usual ceremony—decoration of the winner with a garland of flowers and presentation of the Cup to Highland Fling’s owner—the crowd, which had swarmed over the track, called for a reappearance of the champion. Berkett acceded to their request, and there was renewed cheering and handclapping as Highland Fling paced past the stands and back to the enclosure. That day, Highland Fling returned sectional times that were just about unbelievable. He was timed to run the two miles from post to post in 4.7 2-5, the last mile and a half in 3.2 3-5, and the last mile in 1.59 4-5.

The “horse of the century” will face no more; but. his influence on New Zealand trotting will not be lost. He should prove a first-class acquisition to the sires’ ranks, and. if the best of his progeny are only half as good as himself. they will be good enough.