ABOUT GLOAMING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 87, 4 July 1927, Page 6

ABOUT GLOAMING

WILL RACE AGAIN MRS. GREENWOOD’S VAIN HOPE MAY WRITE A BOOK On a visit to Sydney is Mrs. G. D. Greenwood, whose husband is the owner of Australasia’s outstanding turf champion, Gloaming. She talks of two great projects, one that Gloaming would be sound enough bo race again, and might possibly try. The other is an intention to write a book telling the inside history of the great thoroughbred's career, says the "Sydney Guardian.” Racegoers would like to see both reach fulfilment. But Mrs. Greenwood’s hopes that Gloaming will again face the barrier are likely to be disappointed. UP IN YEARS. Next August 1, when all thoroughbreds have their birthday, Gloaming’s age will be increased to 12, and although numbers of horses have raced on until that age over jumps and a few on the flat, none has ever retained really notable form. And realising that even if he attained racing condition again, Gloaming would be on the decline, it would seem almost a pity that the attempt should be made to train him. Where Gloaming is concerned, Mrs. Greenwood is an ultra-enthusiast, and this enthusiasm has led her to declare that Gloaming could still beat many of the best horses. Probably he could if he trained. But the attempt may never be made to test the point. He will be 12 years old in a few weeks, and though his legs may look sound enough in the spelling paddock that he now occupies, it would probably take more than appearance to convince the shrewd R. J. Mason, his trainer, that they would stand the severe winding up preparation to succeed again at this age. HIS LAST RAGE Gloaming finished racing two years ago, in May, 1925, with a win in the J. D. Ormond Gold Cup at Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. He was then nine years old. He retired a sound horse, but R. J. Mason realised the risk of putting him into training for another racing period when the new season dawned. The “Book of Gloaming” should be interesting. But there will be no intriguing betting coups recounted in it. Mr. Greenwood rarely bet on the horse and Mrs. Greenwood ventured only an occasional half-sovereign on the tote. Dick Mason, his trainer, backed him only once in all his career. That was when he won his first race, the Chelmsford Stakes, at Randwick, by eight lengths. Mason’s investment was £IOO at 3£ to 1. Gloaming won 56 races after that, so what a chance they all missed. PROMISING JUMPER ABERFELDY PLEASES TO RACE AT TRENTHAM When Aberfeldy first raced as a youngster, he created a good impression with most followers of racing, and it was thought at the time that with a little age he would develop good form on the flat. At two years he won two races—one at Takapuna and the other at Hamilton—and among those he defeated were Le Choucas, Letter of Credit, and several other smart youngsters. After his successful outing at Hamilton he was retired for the remainder of the season, but when he came on the scene again at three years he seemed to race without luck. However, the chestnut son of Quin Abbey was subsequently sold to R. W. King, and was sent to Australia to do his future racing there. Aberfeldy raced well at his first few starts at Sydney, and it was decided to school him over the small hurdles, with the result that he showed a lot of promise in his new sphere. WENT OFF BADLY In fact, so impressed were trackwatchers with his efforts that he was solidly supported at his initial start over hurdles. He ran fourth in that race, and just when his future appeared bright he lost all form and was later brought back to the Dominion. He has built up nicely since his return to Riccarton, and though he has no watch-breaking efforts to his credit he has impressed the critics. Last week he was again tried over the schooling hurdles, and his performance was good. He Was inclined to jump a little high, but with practice he will become a proficient lepper. Under the care of A. Wormald, he should soon show up in his races, and the fact of him being a full-brother to the Great Northern winner, Wedding March, and Royal Abbey is enough to indicate that his connections hold out hopes of him becoming a good jumper. Aberfeldy is endowed with more pace than the average hurdler, and his performances at Trentham next week should throw some light on his prospects for the minor races at the Grand National meeting, which comes up for decision at Riccarton in August.