TROTTING NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 16

TROTTING NOTES

By Sentinel Sister to Indianapolis One Of the most attractive young pacers seen but at Ashburton was Imperial Jade, a two-year-old sister to Indianapolis. In her work she has some of the mannerisms of the old champion, and in her race she displayed rare speed. Bred at Durbar Lodge, she was recently purchased by Messrs McFarlane and Scott, patrons of M. Holmes. Imperial Jade gives every promise of developing into a good stake winner. Sir Julian

The successful yolmg pacer Sir Julian was got by Jack Potts from Olive Turmoil, by Peter Chenault—Turmoil, by Great Audubon—from Nearette. a mare imported.from America. Nearette produced Turmoil, Bingenette, Ingle Bingen, Glenelg, Neerson, Neero and a filly by Guy Parrish. Olive Turmoil does not figure in the Stud Book.

A Doubtful Claim In the All-Aged Stakes at Ashburton, Colonel Grattan, in running third, registered 3min 12 l-ssec for a mile and a-half, equalling the record established by Fine Art in the Winter Handicap at the recent Canterbury Park meeting. In certain quarters Fine Art’s performance was claimed as a world’s record; but this is disputed (says the Press) in a cable message received m Christchurch from the Snowtown Trotting Club, in South Australia. The message is as follows: “Snowtown Trotting Cup, 12 furlongs, run February 7, Barney Doolan winning from 30yds bhd, actual rate 3min 11 9-lOsec barrier start. Does Fine Art hold world’s record? ” A reference to the Australian Trotting Record of February 15 shows that Barney Doolan. a six-year-old gelding by Cobber o’ Mine—Something Honest, owned by Mr L. B Horton, won the Snowtown Trotting Cup in 3min 14 2-ssec. The handicap was on a 2min 18sec basis, and the time is given as 3min 14 2-ssec. Apparently handicapping in Adelaide is based on 10 yards to the second, and not on 12 yards, as in New Zealand, in which case, allowing three seconds for the 30 yards handicap) Barney Doolan registered 3min 11 2-ssec. Barney Doolan is evidently a good pacer, for, including the Snowtown Cup of £SOO, he has won eight races this season. Ringing the Bel!

For many years the New South Wales Trotting Club, by ringing the bell, has warned drivers in races at Harold Park that they are entering on the last lap. The official responsible rang the bell a lap too soon during the running of the Harold Park Handicap The result was remarkable. Drivers rushed their horses up to the leaders for the final run, only to find that the bell was rung again as they neared the '/inning post. Confusion reigned and spectators yelled to their particular fancies to “go on,” Drivers were so upset that some pulled up and some went on Luckily the leader, War Step, was kept going by Sutton McMillan, who registered an easy win. In fret, he won the race twice. The club is not compelled to warn the drivers by ringing a bell. It is merely a courtesy action. Loud cries of “no race.” ‘ run it again.” and so on were unheeded. The weight sign was displayed. The official finding of the stewards is correct War Step would have won in any case but what of those who pulled up, particularly the heavily-backed Gay Blonde, driven by lack Watts (says the Sydney Referee)? Patrons were considerably upset and did not hesitate to voice their opinions. After a conference and inquiry, the stewards issued the following statement:—” In the Harold Park Handicap the bell warning the competitors that they were entering the last lap was inadvertently struck twice at the end of the second lap instead of the third. After holding an inquiry, the stewards found that the happening was due to an error on the part of the official responsible for the ringing of the bell. They were satisfied that the result was in no way affected, and decided to take no further action."