TROTTING AT FORBURY PARK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23805, 11 May 1939, Page 18

TROTTING AT FORBURY PARK

- WINTER MEETING OPENS TO-DAY EXCELLENT FIELDS ENGAGED INTEREST IN VAN DERBY’S APPEARANCE

RACING NEWS

By Sentinel

FIXTURES May 13.—Otakl Maori R.C. May 13.—Ashburton County H.C. (at Rlccarton). May 13.—Southland R.C. May 13, 15.—Poverty Bay R.C. May 18. 20.—South Canterbury J.C. May 19, 20.—Manawatu R.C. May 20, 22.—Waikato R.C. May 27.—Foxton R.C. June 3, s.—Wanganui J.C. June 3. s.—Napier Park R.C. June 3,5, 7.—Auckland R.C. June 3,5, 10.--Dunedin J.C. June 10.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. June 17.—Bay of Plenty R.C. June 17.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. June 17.—Greymouth J.C. June 24.—Otaki Maori R.C. June 24.—Ashburton C.R.C. June 24.—Waipa R.C, July I.—Dannevirkc R.C. July I.—Oamaru J.C. _ „ July 4. 6. 8.— Wellington R.C

answer to correspondent T C Mosgicl.—After searching through 12 years’ records, (he best appear to be Cuddle, Silver Scorn, Fast Passage, Glentrum, Gold Iran and Queen of Song. I am not prepared to venture an opinion about Australia.

At Wyndham A southern report states that it is Intended to make extensive improvements to the Wyndham grand stand. Ashburton An excellent field has been secured for the Ashburton Cup, and the acceptances make a very attractive card. The Favourites j Thermidor and Dictate have been | elected favourites for the Ashburton Cup, and Nightcalm for the Flying Handicap. Success Twenty-five trainers racing horses in Australia won £ISOO or over during the first nine months of the season. On the Ground L J. Ellis has decided not to accept any mounts for the Ashburton meeting. He is making a satisfactory recovery, but; for some little time intends to play the part of a si»ectator of sport. Wexford Bridge On Tuesday Wexford Bridge was schooled over 10 fences at Riccarton. His last winning performance was at Timaru in IS'36. when he wen over hurdles with 9.13 in 2min 47sec. He followed with a third at Wellington and an unplaced performance. His next appearance was at the- Riccarton Easter meeting. Evidence of Ability Three trainers hailing from New Zealand are sit present first, third and fourth in the list of winning trainers. G. Price is on top with 25 wins worth £987 F. D. Jones third with three wins worth £5673, and J. T Jamieson fourth with 12J wins worth £5380. F. A. Roberts; trainer of Defaulter, is eleventh on the list with £2575, gathered by Defaulter. A Favourable Opportunity The fact that the Ashburton meeting is to be held at Riccarton will save owners and the majority of patrons a considerable amount of expense. Apart from the trotting events, the fields are almost entirely composed of Riccarton horses, and hence a considerable saving in travelling expenses. The special train from Christchurch to Ashburton is always very well patronised, and so the patrons of the meeting will have something extra to play up over the card.

Spear Chief Spear Chief, winner of the Brisbane Cup in Australasian record time, is to be treated to a spell, and will leave for Sydney, where he will have two months’ rest, after which he will be prepared for the spring meeting, His stake winnings to date now are £11,530. J. Charlton, part owner, claims Spear Chief is the best horse in Australia, and he will not part with him at any price. Defaulter should never have beaten him. Neither owner won much over the horse’s success.

Interference The main reason for interference in races is not the carelessness of older jockeys or the inexperience of apprentices, declares one of Sydney’s veteran trainers. The trouble lies in the desire for jockeys drawn wide at the barrier to get across to the rails as quickly as possible. “By that move, they lose instead of gain ground,” says the trainer. "Were they to take a straight line from the outside of the starting barrier to the first turn, they would take the shortest cut possible, and also would prevent the horses inside them from being forced Into a scrimmage.”

A Loss to Sport Mr M. Steinberg, owner of Fidelis, died at Auckland on Saturday morning, a few hours before Fidelis won his first race for Mr Steinberg in the South Island. Advice of the death was received by his trainer, C. McCarthy, on the Hawera racecourse, but it was then too late to make any change in the programme made at Amberley for Fidelis. Mr Steinberg was well known both in Australia and New Zealand as an owner of some good horses, including Elanage in Australia, and the speedy two-year-old Konetta in Auckland this year. He visited Riccarton at Easter to see Fidelis in action, and enjoyed good health until a few days ago. Mr Steinberg was unfortunate in not securing Defaulter at the Trentham yearling sales. The colt was knocked down to him, but Mr Steinberg disputed the amount of his final bid, and although he bid again when the colt was reoffered, he retired in favour of Mr H. D. Greenwood.

TROTTING NOTES

By Sentinel

FIXTURES May 11. 13.—Forbury Park T.C May 27 —Canterbury Park T.C, May 27, 31.—Auckland T.C. June s.—Ashburton T.C

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT Inquirer.—Admiral Bingen 2min llsec, Revenue 2min 11 4-Siiec. J McLellan.

A Change

R. Townley. jun„ has transferred his headquarters from Wyndhain to Orari On Good Mark

SOUTHLAND NOTES

VETERINARY SCIENCE

Lightning Lady, who is on ton 30sec in the Ritchie Memorial. Handicap, went 4min '2l l-ssec at Addington Good Work

It is reported that Coherto has been doing good work and that Hatrack has also been shaping pleasingly.

Same Pilot L. Frost, who handled (he linos over Worthy Cross at Oamaru. will pilot the Worthy Bond gelding at Forbury Park, The Front Row At present nine are on the front row for the Flying Handicap, and as the track will just about be fully occupied, those behind may be lucky to get a clear run. Coquette The three-year-old filly Coquette who fell in a scramble at her last appearance at Forbury Park, is in Christchurch selected to start favourite for the Victory Handicap. Real Trotters Some real trotters are likely to be seen in action at Forbury Park if Sea Gift (amongst the pacers) and Peggotty and Captain Bolt appear on the track Worthy Cross The Worthy Bond gelding Worthy Cross, who won all the way at Oamaru and finished in 3min 29 2-ssec. is on a 3min 38sec mark in the Domain Plan dicap. Interesting Field A couple of smart foreigners in Van Derby and Fremont are engaged in the Flying Handicap, and the field represents New Zealand. Australia and the United States. Windsor Lass Although Windsor Lass failed at Oamaru. she will not be neglected at Forbury Park. She went 2min 41 4-sseo at Oamaru, and is on a 2mir. 47sec mark for the Flying Handicap In Christchurch In Christchurch Marlene is the early favourite for the Ritchie Memorial Handicap, while Privateer, Dan McGrew, Attain and Nelson Eddy have all been supported for the Beach Handicap. Lonely Van Derby occupies a lonely position on his mark for the Renown Handicap, but he may have a better chance of moving off than of starting amongst a small crowd. Dan McGrew The Sungod gelding Dan McGrew, who is on tne front in the Beach Handicap. won comfortably at Riverton in 4min 39 4-ssec~a 3min 30sec gait—and a mark on which he starts to-day. Dan McGrew should step faster on the clay at Forbury Park than on the turf at Riverton.

NOVICE HURDLERS SCHOOLED WILD CAREER IN GOOD ORDER (Special ro Dailv Times) INVERCARGILL. May 10. At Invercargill this morning Galleon (E. Baker) and Bow Street (Preston) were three times schooled over a couple of hurdles in the plumpton enclosure. Bow Street ran off at the first obstacle, but apart from this the pair gave sound displays for noyices Bow Street was inclined to jump more smartly, but Galleon measured his fences well. Both are to appear as hurdlers at the South Canterbury meeting next week. _ . „ Liberate (Boyle) and El Cabano (Taylor) were schooled over four fences of the steeplechase course. The pair kept together right through, and although El Caballo was able to outjump his mate, Liberate’s display was a good one for a novice. Liberate was also schooled over a couple of hurdles in the plumpton enclosure before tackling the bigger timber. Riding engagements for Saturday include the following:— J. L. Strathern—Amehta. Sparkle, Astral Flash. C. A. Ward—Wild Career T. J. Boyle—Baltruin, El Caballo. c! Low—Ocean Singer. Pandine. W. Shand—Faculties. G. Barclay—Peony Rose. The track at Invercargill is likely to be in good order for Saturday s meeting, although it will be on the dead side. The rain which fell earlier in the week had not affected.it greatly, as a breeze yesterday morning had a drying effect. If the weather remains as at present excellent winter conditions will prevail. Boaform has been pul aside tor the remainder of the season. The Balboa mare showed fine form earlier in the year, and, although she raced well enough at Riverton, she did not exhibit the same dash. She will be given a chance to build up during the winter. Silkwood is also spelling. Wild Career, who promises to be one of the favourites for the Awarua Handicap on Saturday, has not looked back since racing at Easter. The Balboa gelding has come through a sound preparation, and he has seldom stripped better. There is an idea that he cannot handle winter tracks, but he has worked well enough to suggest the going will not trouble him Viking is credited with having schooled well at Riverton, and someinterest will be shown in his first race over hurdles on Saturday. The three-year-old Colonel French did not have his hurdle engagement continued at the Southland meeting, but there is nothing amiss with him. and he is down to race at the South Canterbury meeting next week.

Windsor Lad. winner of the 1934 English Derby, who became ill last August, underwent an operation at Newmarket for a tumour on the brain. The operation, a most delicate one, was performed by Professor J J. O'Connor, principal of the Veterinary College of Ireland, Dublin. The treatmen' accorded Windsor Lad since hi£ illness developed has cost so far £IOOO, Windsor Lad cost his owner, Mr Martin H. Benson, £50,000. When he first retired to the stud, at the close of the 1935 season he commanded a fee of 400 guineas and had a full list for 1936. 1937 and 1938 There were suggestions late last year that he should be destroyed on account of his trouble; but, owing to a clause in the insurance policy under which he was covered preventing any claim in the event of his death by other than natural causes, it was decided to await developments and endeavour to operate at a later date. Windsor Lad who wa« raced in his early career b> the Maharaja of Raipipla was foaled in 1931 He Is by Blandford from Resendent. by St. George. He won in addition to the Derby, the bt Leger Newmarket Stakes Chester Vase, Great Yorkshire Stakes the Eclipse Slakes and Coronation Cup. His earnings totalled £36.257

HUIA HANDICAP, Ol £2OO Seven furlongs

WAITOH'J HANDICAP, Of £125 Six furlongs

MAIDEN RACE. 01 £IOO, Six furlongs.

THE FINAL FIXTURE

FORBURY PARK MEETING The curtail, will be rung down this week on the final meeting of the local light-harness racing season. The first act will be staged to-day, with a card of high-class performers, and the final act on Saturday, when an equally strong attraction will be on the scene The fields for the final meeting of the season leave little or nothing to be desired in the way of numerical strength and quality, and all that is required to complete success rests with the very necessary auxiliary of favourable weather. If the existing fine weather continues during the rest o’ the week, then a most enjoyable meeting seems assured. There is a wide range of opinion being expressed in connection with the principal event the Ritchie Memorial Handicap and it should be a good race if ante-post opinions are correct. Everything bar Sea Gift, Silver Guy, and Waipahi is amongst the prophets picks, and the balance of the card docs not contain any “one-horse” fields from a betting point of view. This state of affairs seems to predict some good spectacular racing, providing a fairly wide market and adding zest to efforts towards locating winners and placegetters, The fields were reviewed in yesterday’s issue. The first race L timed to start at noon.

AUCKLAND HANDICAPS

HURDLES AND STEEPLECHASE (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 10. Following are the weights for the Auckland Racing Club’s Great Northern Steeplechase meeting:— GREAT NORTHERN HURDLES. Of £ISOO. Two miles and a-halt.

GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE, Of £1750. About three miles and threequarters.

CORNWALL HANDICAP, Of £6OO. One mile and a-quarter,

OTAKI ACCEPTANCES

(Per United Press Association) OTAKI, May 10, Acceptances for the Otaki Maori Racing Club’s winter meeting, to be held on May 13. are as undcr:TARARUA HURDLES, Of £l3O One mile and a-half.

st lb st lb

RAUKAWA HANDICAP. Of £3OO One mile and a-quartei

HACK AND HUNTERS STEEPLECHASE. Of £l3O Two miles and a-quartcr

TE HORO HANDICAP, Ot £123 One mile and 55 yards

COMPUTING DIVIDENDS

SEQUEL TO DEAD-HEAT MISTAKE MADE AT HAWERA INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES In the allocation of place dividend* to supporters of the four norses concerned in the result of the Shorts Handicap at Hawera on Saturday, the con ditions of the totalisator regulations were not carried out, so that the favourite. Rehearsal, returned several shillings more than Little Ruse. fifth fancy on the place pool, while Te Takina, sixth favourite, returned very little loss than the ninth favourite Dawn Star.

The regulations governing the distribution states that the amount ol the place pool available for dividendcomputing purposes shall be divided into as many equal parts as there are horses placed in the dividend-bearing places and allotted accordingly, notwithstanding that, by reason ol any dead-heat, the number of such horses may exceed the number of such places Bracketed horses placed shall be counted separately and the amount to be divided among investors on bracketed horses shall be the sum of the several amounts.

What happened at Hawera was that the place dividends were computed as one-third to the first two horses, Te Takina and Rehearsal, and one-sixth each to the horses who dead-heated for third place. Dawn Star and Little Ruse, instead of each horse being allotted one-fourth of the pool When questioned by the Herald’s correspondent regarding the procedure the totalisator supervisor stated that the method adopted was their interpretation of the rule, and that no complaints had been received from investors.

A prominent racing official in Auckland expressed the view that the rule was plain to read and did not admit of more than one interpretation; that nil placed horses were entitled to share equally in the distribution. He understood that the Government authorities had circularised clubs on this point.

ADDINGTON NOTES

SMART TRIALS (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH. May 10. Some smart trials were recorded at Addington prior to the departure of candidates for the Forbury Park Trolling Club’s meeting. Royal Romance and Van Derby went brilliantly over a mile and a-quarter They were on the centre of the course and began from a moving start Van Derby gave Royal Romance 3 2-ssec start. Royal Romance trotted the first two furlongs in 36sec half a mile in Imin 10 2-ssec, six furlongs in Imin 45sec, a mile in 2min 16 2-sscc. and the full journey in 2min 49 3-ssec. Van Derby followed her until the straight was reached, where he dashed up to Royal Romance, and was a neck in front of his companion at the winning post. His time was 2min 46sec. Royal Romance covered the last four furlongs in Irnin 4 3-ssec. and Van Derby did Imin Isec. In view of the extra ground they covered, which was equivalent to three seconds to the mile, their trials were outstanding Both horses are engaged at Forbury.

Bittersweet was given strong work on the outside of the course. She is a genuine trotter and always has a chance of winning when the course is dry.

Graham Direct gave Becky Direct five seconds and Coquette four seconds slart in a bout over a mile and a-half. They travelled wide out on the course Becky Direct and Coquette were on terms at the wire, with Graham Direct two lengths away. Coquette completed her preparation for the Forbury meeting where she should be led in a winner.

Ivy Petersen and Stambou! were companions over a mile and a-quarter in 2min 50 3-ssec. Response accompanied them over the last six furlongs Ivy Petersen easily beat Stamboul.

Guy Hugo gave Royal Thread and Lord Brent three seconds start in a spin over a mile and a-half They raced on the centre of the course Royal Thread led all the way to register 3min 39 2-ssec. Guy Hugo gave a good exhibition of trotting, and was only two length? behind Royal Thread at the finish. He prefers the ?ling out of the ground, and if he gels conditions to suit him at Forbury he ma v effect a surprise

DEATH IN LONDON

RICCARTON NOTES

NOVICE JUMPERS (Special ro Daily Times) CHRISTCHURCH, May 10. Although more rain would have been very welcome, the tracks at Riccarton have benefited by the showers in the last few days, and the course should be in excellent order for the Ashburton meeting on Saturday Good fields have been attracted, and the racing should be more than usually interesting, as the best horses in training from Riccarton stables will be op-

posed by a number of visitors of useful class. All the local candidates were out this morning doing steady work. The barrier at the mile and a-quarter post was at the disposal of the trainers and a number of young horses were given some education at starting. Several novice jumpers were out for practice over the obstacles. Dropped Catch (A. Stove) baulked in his first try over the big hurdles. He was then sent a couple of times over the pony hurdles, after which he jumped a round of the big hurdles in attractive style. Gayspear (M. P. Reilly) and Garonne (S Anderson) had several turns over the pony hurdles. Both jumped well the first time round, but in two subsequent runs Garonne went off the second flight Gayspear shaped attractively , ... M Conza arrived home last night from a successful trip on the West Coast. Nelson and Marlborough circuit He had the misfortune to lose Rebel Rank, but his horses won 13 races The two-year-old filly. Winning Rival, has rejoined the active team of H. and A. Cutts She has been off the scene for several months, after showing smart form early in the season, and she looks in good health to start a preparation for spring engagements

RACEHORSE OWNER MR WILLIAM HIGGINS (.Special to Daily Times) WELLINGTON, May 10. Private advice has been received by cablegram of the death in London after a long illness of Mr William Higgins, managing director of the Empire Printing and Box Manufacturing Company, Wellington, aged 55. Mr Higgins was a well-known figure in business and sporting circles, and took a prominent part in numerous organisations. . , Mr Hiegins was born in London in 1884. and was educated at Walthamstow He entered the printing and box manufacturing business of his father in London in 1898, and then served in the Boer war. after which he resumed his position in London He spent 1906 and 1907 as a plantation overseer in Fiji, and came to New Zealand in 1908. taking over the Empire Printing and Box Manufacturing Company in 1910. After serving in the Great War, Mr Higgins began his active interest m racing by purenasing two horses —Callaghan and Joybird—winning a £IOOO race at Birmingham with the former. In 1919 h- brought these horses to New Zealand, and took up breeding, as well as racing achieving a fair measure of success in ooth ventures. His first classh success came per medium of Deficit ’n the Wanganui Guineas three years ago This season he was successful with two juveniles of his own breeding—Beaulivre, which won on six occasions, and Globe Trotter.

Mt Higgir. was _ steward o» the Wellington Racing Club and a member and past president of the Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen’s Association. He is survived by his»wife. a son. and two daughters.

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Erlnatlon 11 13 Smllin Thru 9 0 All Irish 10 12 Allegretto .. 9 0 Stansted 10 12 Pyrenees 9 0 Silver Sight 10 12 Count Valpeen 10 8 Rousillion 9 0 Santoft 10 6 Baldric 9 0 Hanover 10 5 Car 9 0 Red Sun 10 5 Survey 9 0 Sky Pilot 10 0 Mana ,. 9 0 Mio Lume 10 0 Gascyne 9 0 En Tour 10 0 London 9 0 John Charles 10 0 Race Whip .. 9 0 Black Marlin 10 0 King ? od .. 9 0 Don Erma .. 10 0 Adsiim 9 0 Bryce Street 10 0 Electric Sporting Flash 9 0 Song 9 a Bells of Bow 9 0 Simint 9 5 Roxy 9 0 Irish Comet 9 5 Kinkle 9 0 Power Chlel 9 3

Round Up 10 3 Du Manner 7 1 Catalogue 9 6 Dark Shadow 7 0 Golden Sheila 8 13 Silvanus 7 0 Valamito 8 12 Gay Rebel 7 0 King Rey 8 9 High Tea 7 0 Cheval de Jewelled Voice 8 5 Girdle 7 0 Gold Vaals 8 5 ivy Wilionyx 7 0 Sly Fox 8 5 Sieg? 7 0 Balinavar 8 2 Lord Galilee 8 1 Cavendish 7 0 Master Miss Brierly 8 0 Appellant 7 0 Royal El Moynell 7 0 Appellant 8 0 Tybalt 7 0 Tooley Street 7 13 High Sea 7 0 Enge .. .. 7 10 Invet 7 0 Te Hai 7 8 Barrister 7 0 Jonathan 7 6 Calorie 7 0 Royevrus 7 6 General De Friend 7 5 Ruse 7 0 Tidewalter 7 Prince Brazilian 7 4 Colossus 7 0 Jack Tar 7 2 Poland 7 0 Philcourt 7 2 The Cardinal 7 0 Gay Rose 7 2 King Theo 7 0 k'aimint 7 1 Inquisitor 7 0 Notium 7 1 Bonstar 7 0 Black Musk 7 1

Conveyor .. 10 4 Prlmak . 9 0 Tauir.au .. 9 13 Tycoon 9 0 Strolling .. 9 6 Gascon . 9 0 Sunder .. 9 0 AH Blood . 9 0

Lady Montana b 0 Wai Lap 7 6 Export 8 7 Beau Gallante 7 5 Old Surrey 7 9 Solaria 7 2 Aureus 7 7 Silv“i Riyer 7 2 Lord Ruling Snl 7 0 Cavendish 7 « Rotoina 7 0

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Power Chlet 10 U Muster Hector 9 3 Southern Air Flow 9 0 Blood 10 - i>lBait;jhu 9 0 Redolent 10 0

Htnerawe B 1! Golden Flylm Acre 8 10 Orchid 7 11 ,ed Chiei .. 8 7 Ft/el 7 11 Topei 8 7 Wheluina 7 11 Screen Star a 4 Titter 7 11 Danclne Gascon 7 11 Flame B 2 Great Sunbeam 7 1! Bramble .. 7 n

Saki 0 , Wakarara 7 7 Jeanne 8 6 Gay Hunting 7 7 Toper . . 8 0 Renascor 7 7 Guiding Pursuit 7 7 Light 8 5 Miss Conversion 8 ' Waltarere 7 7 Stella Lux 8 I Jorak 7 7 War Cloud ' 7

Coronado 8 10 Parlnui 8 10 Charmate 8 10 Peach King 8 10 Etzel .. 8 10 Regicide 8 10 Gothic 8 10 Royal Lassie 8 in Golden Royal Show 8 10 Memory .. 8 10 Speedfasf 8 10 Girl Pat 8 10 re Ore 8 10 Haupongl 8 10 Yed Prior .. 8 10 Little Robin 8 10 Bounnond .. 8 10 Lady Baron 8 10 Sir Crusoe ,. 8 0 Master Te Maarl 8 0 Solway 8 10 Wings of Song 8 0 Maturity 8 10