TROTTING NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 182, 2 July 1938, Page 14

TROTTING NOTES

WELL-BRED YOUNGSTER.

(By “Square-Gaiter.”)

A rising two-year-old Australian pacer in F. J. Smith's stable is an attractive colt of good breeding. Ho is by Robert Derby, sire of Lawn Derby, from Ella Huon, by Rock Huon. The last-named was one of Australia’s leading sires, while Cijobe Derby, sire of Robert; Derby, has been at tho head of tho list for several seasons. A Record.

In Germany, Hans Froemrning has driven 239 winners in the so far unfinished season, and broke tho previous record (205) of Charles Mills.

An Age Limit. At the annual conference of trotting clubs the Manawatu Club will propose a new rule “that no driver’s or rider’s license shall ho granted or issued to any person over -the ago of 60 years.” Making a Change.

A move has been made, in Auckland to dcloto tho rule which boars on tho question of changing riders or drivers. The existing rulo states that the stowards can allow a change to be made if good and sufficient reason can be shown, hence very littc grounds exist for desiring a change. Vesuvius.

Vesuvius, one of the most popular horses raced at Addington, is still holding his own in West Australia, and at tho Gloucester Park meeting on May 28, he won the Parliamentary Handicap, of 13 furlongs, at a rate of 2min 13-4 sec to the mile. The next week he ran a dead-heat with Marble Ridge for first place on the same course. Vesuvius is now owned by Mr J. R. Hallam, who recently purchased Cloudy Range and Tempest. Unlucky Year. Although representatives of F. J. Smith’s stables won only one important race this season they annexed £7785 in stakes. In many ways, it lias been an unlucky year for Smith, whose horses have been runners-up in more big events since August 1 than those of any other trotting' establishment. For instance, King’s Warrior was second in tho National Handicap to Lucky Jack; second in tho Auckland Cup; third in the New Zealand Gold Cup; second in tho Dominion Handicap; third in the Second Qualifying race in the intcr-Dominion championship;, and second in the Third Qualifying event. Another unlucky horso was Sandusky, who vas second in the Wellington Stakos, New Zealand Derby, Grand National Derby and Futurity Stakes. The Draw.

The lack of information given in the official race book in tho draw for barrier positions is a sore point with many racegoers, who prefer to study the chances before they arrive at a racecourse. At present the rule provides for “horses on the same mark being drawn up in an order to bo determined by lot by a stipendiary steward and a steward of the club or by two stowards of the club not more than 24 hours before the proper time for weighing out.” This rulo naturally debars the draw being published in the racebook and the public being denied valuable information. Tho Winton and Gore Trotting Clubs at the annual conference will endeavour to have the rulo altered so that tho draw, might be published. For Australia.

Mataunga is the latest New Zealand horse to be purchased for Perth and ho is to be shipped as soon as arrangements can bo completed. The Travis Axworthy trotter was purchased through the same agency as Rustle, who recorded a recent success in the west. According to reports, there is a good market in. Perth for unhopplcd trotters which have not taken too tight a mark in New Zealand, especially if they are smart beginners like Rustle and Mataunga. Mataunga should bo a good proposition on tho small Perth track, for while lie is not a really good stayer he is a quidk beginner and a good steady trotter.

Mr G, J. Barton’s Success. In sixteen yoarca Mr G. J. Barton’s trotters and pacers have won £74,819 in stakes. Since August last, the. team has contributed £4648 towards the upkeop of tho establishment, which, until recontly, comprised twolvo horses. The stable’s record year was in 1936-37, when the total winnings amounted to £8269. During that period, the team won twenty-four contests and were thirty-two times in the money. This season, they have been first past, the post on twelve occasions, and have been ten times second, and soventeon times third. Since J. Fraser, junr., took charge of the establishment in November last he has secured nine victories, nine seconds and fifteen thirds. Under his supervision, tho stable has amassed £3798 in stakes, says the Star-Sun. From August 1 to November 8, when F. C. Duijievey presided over the stable, tho horses won three races and were three times placed, the earnings being £BSO. While the present team has not been as lucrative to Mr Barton as many of its predecessors, it should be a satisfactory one.