Sporting TWO-YEAR-OLD EVENTS

Southland Times, Issue 25548, 16 December 1944, Page 7

Sporting TWO-YEAR-OLD EVENTS

No Opportunities In Southland By HAMPTON. “Reference is made to the success of Southland as a two-year-old breeding centre in recent years as exploding the north’s opinion that cold temperatures are no deterrent to two-year-old breeding,” states Mr T. M. Timpany, of Woodlands, in a letter to the New Zealand Racing Calendar. “The impression that Southland suffers from perpetual winter as compared with the north is quite erroneous. Southlands climate and the physical propensities of her soil are incentive to breeding not only bloodstock, but the highest class of all farming and utility animals. “The lack of opportunities supplied by racing clubs in Southland has been the main deterrent against two-year-old performers. Our nearest two-year-old racing centre is Dunedin and then'Christchurch. Breeders and owners suffer from lack of encouragement and now that sires capable of producing early winners are available to breeders, the future of two-year-old racing (if given the necessary support from the local racing authorities) will be assured. “Whereas the north produces yearlings practically full-grown from grass all the year round, our young horses grow till practically four years old and improve with age. If the climates of England and Ireland produce (as these countries are reputed to do) the best thoroughbreds in the world, and their winter climates are severe in comparison with ours, where all stock can run unhoused, why should not Southland with its oats and grasses produce good thoroughbreds of all classes? Southland has done so, and is doing it now.” First In It is anticipated that First In will contest the Publicans’ Handicap at Wingatui. Put Aside Branxholm has gone amiss, and the brother -to Sal and Psalm has had to be put aside. Date In June

The Dunedin Jockey Club has applied for June 9 as the date for the extra day’s racing granted the club. Gore Cup Favourite Dundee Sandy is the early favourite for the Gore Trotting Cup with J. Walsh’s pair, Quite Happy and Loyal Winner, next in demand. Reminders Dunedin Jockey Club acceptances close on Tuesday. Acceptances for the Winton Trotting Club’s meeting close on Monday at 8 p.m. Overlooked The Dillon Hall—Debenture filly, who was not withdrawn from the Winton Juvenile Stakes when the final forfeit was made last week, has been dead for two years. Billy Peach One northern writer considers Billy Peach’s recent track work gives him a great chance in the Te Awamutu Cup today. In six starts this season he has won once and been four times placed. Will Be Tested Certainty’s first race in Canterbury will be against good company, because Bel Hamed, Native Scott and Nola Scott are among those he will meet in the Midsummer Handicap at Ashburton on Boxing Day. Winton J.C. The programme for the Winton Jockey Club’s annual meeting on February 3 has been issued. The Winton Cup is worth £420 (including a £2O trophy); the Flying Handicap £260 and the Winton Steeplechase £250. The trotting events are 3.43 and 3.39 classes. Pensacola Before, leaving for Ellerslie, Pensacola was worked the reverse way at Riccarton and he came through his final trials in grand style. There is good reason to view his Great Northern Derby prospects with optimism. Starting Times At Gore The first race, the Introductory Handicap (a non-totalizator race) at the Gore Trotting Club’s Boxing Day meeting will start at 11.50 a.m. Starting times for the programme are: 12.30 p.m., Croydon Handicap; 1.10 p.m., Trial Handicap (First Division); 1.55 p.m., Gore Trotting Club Handicap; 2.40 p.m., E. A. Pigeon Memorial Handicap, 3.20 p.m., Mataura Handicap; 4 p.m,, Trial Handicap (Second Division); 4.45 p.m., President's Handicap; 5.30 p.m., F. Wallis Memorial Handicap. Juvenile Candidates Candidates for the Winton Juvenile Stakes yet to race are: Casalona, a bay filly by Casanova from Cusha; Lady Averil, a bay filly by Dillon Hall from Winning Wave; Locksley Hall, a bay gelding by Dillon Hall from Southern Bond; Quite Certain, a bay gelding by Quite Sure from Tuxedo Chimes; Merton, a bay filly by Jack Potts from Regal Lady; Mandrake, a gelding by Dillon Hall from Fortunate. Premier Pointer will not be a starter in the Winton classic. Patriotic Meeting The Invercargill Trotting Club will hold a patriotic meeting on February 24. The programme, with certain amendments, will be the same as for the patriotic meeting in April last. Stakes totalling £l5OO will be provided. Advice has been received by the Southland Racing Club that February 17 has been approved as the date for its patriotic meeting. With the Winton Jockey Club’s meeting on February 3 and the Gore Racing Club’s meeting on February 10, an excellent circuit will be available for both northern and local horses.