TURF IN AUSTRALIA

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 19 November 1932, Page 3

TURF IN AUSTRALIA

HAWERA MAN’S IMPRESSIONS

TRAINING FACILITIES PRAISED J. FRYER, HOAIE AGAIN. (By “Limited.”) After an absence of 17 weeks in Australia, the Hawera trainer J. Fryer returned much improved in health as a result of the trip. Although it was not Fryer’s first journey to the other side, lie having taken Bright Glow across a couple of seasons ago, the Hawera trainer on this occasion had a much greater opportunity of studying the methods ol the famous mentors of the thoroughbred in the Commonwealth, an experience that should prove invaluable to him in the further pursuance of his profession in the Dominion. J. Fryer lias the distinction of being Taranaki’s leading trainer for four out of the last five seasons, and a couple of years ago was second on the list of winning trainers lor the Dominion.

Fryer talks interestingly of his experiences and displays a keen observance of ail matters pertaining to the racing game in Australia. His team consisted of Caine Carrington and Peter Jackson, belonging to Alessrs Smith Bros., and his own filly Splutter. During their spring racing campaign the two former won £IBOO in stake money, Gaine Carrington, who was distinctly unlucky, accounting lor £I7OO, and Peter Jackson, who failed to strike his true form, £IOO. Splutter, who shaped well in her trials, also failed to run truly on race days through sex troubles. After winning the Chelmsford Stakes in brilliant style Gaine Carrington was installed favourite for the A.J.C. Derby, but got badly bumped and, getting his tongue over the bit, was never prominent in the race. 11l luck still followed the chestnut colt, and though he won the Clibborn Stakes the race was taken from him and given to the second horse, whose jockey admitted that his mount was never touched by Gaine Carrington. In the V.R.C. Derby at Aleibourne the colt ran a great race and with a- little more luck in the running might have reversed, positions with the winner. Liberal. Gaine Carrington also ran a great race in the Aleibourne Cup, as, after being very badly placed, he was finishing on remarkably well.

There are a splendid lot of three-year-olds racing in Australia this season, of whom Peter Pan is, of course, outstanding; but the Hawera trainer is confident that later on Gaine Carrington will be found quite capable of holding his own until the best of them. Ho has been sold for £3060 and is now an inmate of G. T. Godby’s stable, so there is little chance of his racing in New Zealand again. Peter Jackson suffered a good bit from dental troubles, but as the season progresses and these are overcome this game little horse can be confidently expected to show his grit and capabilities.

Although trainer Fryer is naturally sorry to lose two such good horses, who rose to- their high standard under his able mentorship, he philosophically accepts it as “all in the game” and will be one of the most pleased to hear of their success across the water. Of the training facilities and con sideration and courtesy tendered bin during his stay the Hawera trainei speaks in high appreciation; also the clubs’ consideration for owners in the matter of transport of horsse to and from the meetings, the club paying for the horses to travel by special train running to a scheduled time to land the horses home again around six o’clock in the evening. A. nominal charge of Is 6d is made for attendants’ fares whether the distance be 20 or 40 miles. Fryer was the first in New Zealand to give Irwin Tucker his opportunity as a hurdle rider, and was highly pleased to see his protege rise to the position he has attained on the other side as a hurdle horseman. Tucker is assured of opportunities and liis services are in request by several trainers of liigh-class jumpers. • His" lightweight, G. Duncan, also made a. very favourable impression in Sydney and had he remained there lie would' have had every chance of showing his undoubted ability. Duncan is expected tp do some riding at the Waikato meeting to-day. The Hawera. trainer was highly impressed with the Australian jockeys, who take their job very seriously, never neglecting to work hard and keep themselves as fit as their mounts. The Australians are great punters, from the big man who bets in thousands to the humble half-dollar bettor —not too humble the latter one, as lie is the biggest spuealer if given what he considers a raw deal—and every t facility is given to back your fancy to win, for a place, or both ways. Even the schoolboy who cadges a New Zealand sack, for which lie receives sixpence, is accommodated. An interesting souvenir shown by Fryer is the official programme for Melbourne Cup day, replete with information regarding the rules of betting, registered bookmakers and general information, etc. In fact, about the only thing left out is the information as to where to find the money to bet with. During trainer Fryer’s absence his establishment has been under the care of “Dick” Fryer, seconded by Harry Stevens, and a pleasing feature is the condition of the horses handed over to the chief. Half-a-dozen horses are forward enough t-o be tuned up for immediate engagements and several will he racing at Feilding. Trainer Fryer has promising material to start on in attentive, Icier, March Alone and Green Linnet and should not be long iu signalising his return by leading in a winner.