SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 21560, 25 November 1931, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED,

Forbury Park Trotting Club's Spring meeting opens to-morrow, to conclude on Saturday. ''

Next week will provide busy entry dates for owners of gallopers and light harness horses.

Labelled as under suspicion some months ago, Gustavo is now reported to be a sound galloper.

On Thursday and Saturday of the current week Forbury Park Trotting Club will furnish £2BOO in stakes.

With one exception, C. Emerson’s team failed at the N.Z. Cup meeting, but they will be heard of later.

Champion pacer Harold Logan will be on view at the Otago A. and P. Show to-day (People’s Day).

The Timaru Trotting Club’s Summer meeting will be held on January 23, with stakes totalling £lllO.

Veteran horseman, F. Holmes, of late years a trotting enthusiast, has applied for a galloping mentor’s permit.

The recent American trotting importat ion. Nell Gwyn, will probably race in Maori land as Volo Belle.

In the event of “Free” Holmes taking up the training of gallopers again, his first pupil will be Elude, by Night Raid.

Southland light harness stables will not be as strongly represented as usual at l*orbury Park meeting this week.

It is suggested that Phar Lap’s connections may receive financial considerations to show him in movie picture stunts.

It is said that in the event of Phar Lap racing in the rich Agua Caliente Handicap, he will not meet the best United States performers.

The chances favour F. B. McFarlane’s visiting Melbourne team including Huon Voyage, the best square trotter of the Victorian tracks.

When originally connected with gallopers, F. Holmes rode noted winners between the flags and across the flat, while he prepared many winners.

Melbourne trotting trainer, McFarlane, has Huon Voyage, Wilbur White, Nimble Direct, and other horses engaged at Waikato T.C. meeting on December 5.

Riccarton trainer A. E. Wormaid may race Hurlingham and Ranelagh at the holiday gatherings at Dunedin, Waikouaiti and Oamaru tracks.

The Agua Caliente Handicap, spoken of as one of Phar Lap's overseas missions, is run by the Mexico Jockey Club, by rail more than 500 miles from San Francisco.

F. P. Claridge, who has resumed training at Riccarton since his return from England, now- numbers Semper Paratus, Tautbow, and Starshooter in his string.

The Mexico Jockey Club, under whose control Phar Lap may race, is a proprietary concern, which runs racing, gambling, and a number of sports to make ends meet.

At the Warwick Farm (Sydney) meeting on Saturday, the Homebush Handicap (l}m.) was won by the “iron horse,” First Acre, who ran first to the judge by a head margin.

At the monthly meeting of the Reefton Jockey Chib last week it was decided that the club should print and sell race-cards on its own behalf, as was done last season.

Spear Lad, winner of the Levin Handicap (Ijm.) on Saturday, is a tough descendant of Greyspear—Bonrina. He started as seventh fancy and won stoutly as a four-year-old galloper.

The statement has been made that at country meetings in Victoria the bookmakers' wager so freely that in securing a £2O stake an owner can win enough money to do him for a year.

Interviewed recently as to the truth of the rumour that he was going to America to pilot Phar Lap, J. Pike states that, as yet at any rate, he knows nothing of any meh suggestion.

In the event of Harold Logan pacing against time at Forbury Park T.C. meeting to-inorrow, he will be up against Emmeline’s mile record of 2min 8 3-ssec set against time in 1912.

Knight of Australia, engaged in the Melrose Maiden Handicap at Takapuna, is a three-year-old gelding by Windbag and he is sheltered in J. Gray’s training quarters at Takanini.

Should H. R. Telford finally decide to visit America with Phar Lap, it is stated that his Melbourne team will be taken over by J. R. McDonald, whose father was well known in Levin.

A trainer of world-wide experience, Mr R. Wootton, points out that Phar Lap will be at a disadvantage with his .American rivals, who are seasoned to compete on the dirt courses of that country. Mr J. M. Samson’s galloper, Royal Limond, will act as pacemaker to Harold Logan in his time test at Forbury to-morrow, and will be ridden by jockey A. E. Didham, who has had experience in light harness races.

Puccarton mentor F. D. Jones, who has several very promising flat racers in his stable at present, will probably produce a limited string at the Auckland Racing Club’s Christmas gathering next month.

Christchurch Star says that at Oamaru on Labour Day Southland-bred square trotter, Arctotis, (Petereta —Bellflower) showed more pace than any other horse, but he threw away his chance of winning by going to two or three bad breaks.

Provided he keps to the gait to which he was bred —trotting—Arctotis may be a hard horse to beat on the opening day at Forbury Park. His engagement to-morrow is in the Dominion Handicap for unhoppled performers. The Otautau light harness trainer and reinsman, J. M. Maconnell, went through to Dunedin yesterday afternoon to be on hand with Blue Mountain at the Forbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting this week. Consistent, but not a champion, describes the Western District performer at present. The Wairio Jockey Club will give £5OO in stakes at its annual fixture on January 23, the Wairio Cup being worth £lOO. A Highweight Handicap has been substituted on the programme for the steeplechase, and all events will be confined to hacks. Heavy rain overnight improved the Forbury Park T.C. track and on Tuesday afternoon the Dunedin dirt circuit was in the best of order. Should favourable weather prevail in the meantime the path will be in fast condition for Harold Logan to-morrow. It is officially anounced that Messrs H. A. Pierce (handicapper), A. D. Mclvor (starter) and H. B. Ireland (judge) have been appointed to act in the capacities named for the Wairio Jockey Club’s Annual fixture in January next. Dunedin Star reports that Master Anomaly and Fair Money have been taken in hand again at Wingatdi after lengthy spells. There is still some doubt as to whether the latter, a five-year-old gelding by Paper MoneyJFair Fight, will stand a searching preparation. The annual report of the Ohinemuri J.C.

states that for the first time for some years the season’s operations resulted in a loss. The net totalisator revenue decreased by £1220, and the gate receipts by £4OO, as compared with the previous year. It was reported on the Dunedin J.C. tracks on Tuesday morning (reports Dunedin Star) that Mr C. White of Oinakau, has leased Silver Paper from Mr J. Faulks, and is now training him with Greenaway and other members of his team on the Oinakau course. Apart from his inheritance of stoutness from his sire. Greyspear, the Levin winner of Saturday, Spear Lad, is of staying blood on the female side, as his dam, Bonrina, is by Boniform (half-brother to Martian), introducing another strain of Musket. Bonrina herself is from Desrina, by Desmond (St. Simon line). The Vincent Jockey Club, which is giving £l2OO in stakes and trophies at its annual fixture in January, has announced that it will contribute 25 per cent, of the cost of transport of competitors to and from its forthcoming fixture. Wingatui owner-trainer R. McDonald (says Dunedin Star) has recommissioned Flying Amy, by Shambles —Subterfuge. Since racing as a two-year-old last season, she has filled out into a good looking mare, and has an attractive style of galloping. After a successful stud career in Australia Carbine was sold to the Duke of Portland for 13,000 guineas-—on the turf he won £29,626 in stakes —and was shipped from Melbourne to England in April 1895. He died in the Old Country at Welbeck Abbey in June, 1914, leaving Spearmint and other good representatives. Olive Nelson, who won three races at the New Zealand Metropolitan meeting, (reports Christchurch Star) is trained by her owner, Mr J. Simpson, about forty miles from Karainea. He has taken a great interest in trotting for many years, having his own private track on his farm. It is stated that it has been one of his life's ambitions to own a good trotter, and he purchased Olive Nelson and several relatives. Olive Nelson is the only one to race so far, but two others, whose names are stated to be Great Palm and Nelson Palm, are said to be most promising sorts. Olive Nelson, on the occasion when she raced at Auckland, had to travel through a long bush track to reach Karainea. and she was taken by scow from Karainea to Nelson and put aboard the Tamahino for Wellington. On arrival at Wellington she was put on the train and arrived at Auckland the morning of the day she was to race, so that she was not in a condition to show her best. Miss Magdalen Gordon of Adelaide, believes that she is the only woman turf handicapper in the world. In association with her brother, Miss Gordon conducts a race-club agency, and handicaps for country race clubs in South Australia. Her love for horses dates from the days when as a child her father carried her round the stalls of hLs racehorses. When she left school her parents objected to her doing any work, but eventually when Mr Gordon gave up racing and established a race club agency they allowed her to go into the office with him, and after his death she and her brother took over the agency. She has to study the performances and pedigrees of every horse entered for races in South Australia, and often takes on the duties of assistant secretary at country club meetings. As a hobby she runs a poultry farm with English game birds among the stock . If Phar Lap is paraded at Christchurch, as is stated to be intended (says Christchurch Star), he will return a courtesy paid to Melbourne lovers of a great racehorse by a South Island owner and his trainer in 1924. Gloaming, then aged, had never raced in Victoria, where he was bred, until that spring. The Victorian public were very keen to see him. Mr Greenwood and R. J. Mason arranged to run Gloaming in the Melbourne Stakes on Derby day. The week before that, however, was Moonee Valley Cup day. A suggestion was made that Gloaming should parade and be given a gallop with the colous up at the Valley, where the public would get an excellent view of him. The connections courteously fell in with the plan. Gloaming did his gallop and received a great reception, which was repeated when he won the Melbourne Stakes a week later. Phar Lap is to have a brief spell at Teviotdale, the property of Mr Greenwood. PHAR LAP ARRIVES. . A GREAT WELCOME. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, November 24. At exactly 1.10 p.m. the mighty Phar Lap set- foot again on his native soil when he was unloaded from the Ulimaroa. There was a great crowd to greet him and he walked along the wharf to great cheering before finally being loaded into a float and transported to his temporary Dominion quarters at Trentham. UNEVENTFUL TRIP. THE CHAMPION ADMIRED. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, November 24. Phar Lap was immediately taken into the float, but at the request of the crowd was led round the wharf again, the people stroking and patting him. The parade did not give him noticeable concern, though he looked about him with a somewhat puzzled air. His attendant, T. Woodcock, said the trip had been wholly uneventful. It was the first time Phar Lap had been on a ship since his racing career began, but he seemed to enjoy the change and ate well. His companions were a troupe of circus animals, bronchos, mules and donkeys. A broncho, also a chestnut in colour, was on one side of him and a donkey on the other. Mr Neilson, the veterinary surgeon and the apprentice, McTin, will join Woodcock later if the trip to America is continued. Woodcock said he had nothing to add to what had already been cabled regarding the American venture. RACING CONFERENCE. APPEAL BY PRESIDENT. SPORT TO BE KEPT OUT OF POLITICS. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, November 24. In an interview to-day, the president of the New Zealand Racing Conference, Mr O. S. Watkins, made the following statement : It has been the custom at past elections for racing organizations (other than the conference itself) in common with the bodies controlling other activities to place their respective cases before the candidates

and where possible to obtain from them promises which to their own embarrassment and the annoyance (to use a mild term) of those to whom the promises were given, were not always kept. During the past twelve months it- has been many times my duty as president of the Racing Conference to place before the Government, not only’ very’ plain statements of the really desperate plight of racing clubs, but also practical suggestions for the relief to which, in my considered opinion, effect could have been given but which the Government could not see its way to grant. At the same time,' the increase in the amount of refund of totalisator duty provided for in the last Finance Act is in itself recognition (for which we are really’ grateful) of the principle that the clubs are entitled to help. I myself realise to the full the financial difficulties with which the present Government are being faced to-day and the fact that day to day changes are creating fresh causes of concern for whatever Government may be returned at the General Election. Important as is racing not only to the conference, clubs and thousands whose living is derived from it but also to the Government. which draws from it half a million annual revenue, it is only one of the many activities of national life that is fighting for a bare existence. In my opinion it is important that attention to the general issue of the country’s welfare as a whole should not at this particular election be distracted by’ any side issues, however important, and I most sincerely appeal to all racing organizations connected with the New Zealand Racing Conference, to refrain from making our claims a matter of public questioning of any candidate of any party. I strongly feel that the cause of racing in this present crisis will be served by making our representations after the elections to the Government and to the then members of Parliament instead of Io candidates for the election. Nothing can be done to help racing or any’ other activity until the new Parliament meets and our case will be best considered by the men with the knowledge that is gained and with the sense of responsibility tha’ is imI>osed by membership of the legislature. Such an attitude on our part will, I am convinced, pave the way for that calm consideration of our claims on their merits from which we have nothing to fear, but which in the past has been so often prevented by prejudices aroused through public controversy in the heated atmosphere of the election arena. _ TENNIS. ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE MEETS. At a meeting of the executive of the Southland Tennis Association held last evening it was decided to admit to the C Grade competition teams from the Makarewa, Kennington and Waikiwi Clubs. A new draw will be made for the second round, points gained by the teams competing in the first round to stand. BILLIARDS. McCONACHY v. DAVIS. (United Press Assn. —By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 7.25 p.m.) London, November 24. Clark McConachy is playing a fortnight’s billiards match for £5O against Joe Davis. Scores: McConachy (in play) 2341, including breaks of 530, 401 and 579 (unfinished) ; Davis 861. CRICKET. THE LBW RULE. Wellington, November 24. The Wellington Cricket Association hud decided that the rule by which a batsman can be given out lbw after the ball has hit the bat is not in force, but has now decided- to ask the New Zealand Council if the rule is in force in Plunket Shield matches. HIGH SCHOOLS' MATCH. Dunedin, November 24, The annual matches between Otago and Waitaki Boys’ High Schools commenced today. The wickets were slow’ after heavy rain the previous night. In the senior match Waitaki scored 247 in the first innings (Kent 92) and Otago were disposed of for 51. In the junior game, Otago in the first innings made 227 (Kindley 80, Macassey 62). Waitaki in the first innings made 109. The games will be completed to morrow. “SHORTY’S” TESTIMONIAL. “I guess you’d call this a testimonial all right, but I don’t expect anyone will pay me a hundred pounds, for it like they do those society women,” writes “Shorty,” a shepherd on a South Island sheep station. “After all, it’s only a story about the peculiar way I first discovered that there was such a tobacco as Edgeworth. I was fording a deep river, when a small blue tin caught in an eddy against the horse’s flank. Out of curiosity’, I stopped and picked it up. It was a vacuum sealed tin of Edgeworth. Some fisherman must have dropped it. Anyway, I opened it and smoked the tobacco. Sufficient now to say that since then I have smoked 185 tins of Edgeworth and like it better every tin.—Advt.