ROUND THE STALLS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 538, 15 December 1928, Page 11

ROUND THE STALLS

Busy Epsom Trainers ALL horses in excellent condition During the early part of the week, while the track was too soft for serious training- operations, owing- to the heavy rain, “Abaydos” paid a visit of inspection to the various Epsom stables, where everything was found to be in splendid order, and the excellent condition of the respective candidates proved that, whether winning or losing, Auckland trainers take great care of their charges.

A 3 a regular visitor throughout the ve:ir to Alexandra Park, The Sun representative wishes to pay a warm tribute to the general ability, courteousness and sterling characteristics of the many trainers who operate at the Auckland Club’s rendezvous. In rain or shine, dust or mud, the faithful band of enthusiasts are always to be found at headquarters, and while grumblings are heard on occasions, when climatic conditions preclude the use of the tracks, those who ply their calling at Epsom, whether training on a largo or small scale, or individual owners, are a happy-go-lucky contirvgent. Some of course meet with more smiles than others at the hands of Dame Fortune, but even in adversity there is always the cheerful appearance, and “luck must change soon” attitude. “Abaydos” wishes to express liis appreciation at the ready assistance and

drill. Another speedy square-gaiter under tlie same trainer’s care is Katalo, but so far lie has failed to make good since being taken up again. Nelson Dillon, who was formerly owned, trained and raced by the Mangere enthusiast, J. T. Paul, represents the pacing section in this establishment, but so far he fas failed to return his new, owner anything on his outlay, although misfortune has been his portion on a couple of occasions. His turn will come one of these days, however, and Golden Hope is also under “Togo’s” care and is making splendid strides toward a return to form. J. G. ROBERTSON Garth Robertson has had such an exasperating run of luck that he might be able to lay claim to having killed a coolie, but surely the turning stone cannot be far oft*. The Royal Oak trainer has a solid team under liis control, including Admiral Lock. Horizon, Van Rich, Great Ballin, Billy Carbine and that tough old character. The Tartar. That Robertson and.his genial assistant, G. (Yorkie) Mitchell know thei.r job so far as getting pacers and trotters into the pink is demonstrated by the healthy, bright and contented condition of the whole team, and although none of the Royal Oak representatives have “cracked” it for a win this season. Horizon, Van Rich, Billy Carbine and The Tartar have secured place money. Van Rich has been most consistent in gaining second certificates, and his day of promotion is not far away. Horizon is a useful sort that should do well on the country circuit, and Billy Carbine is improving and will be ready for a similar tour. Even The Tartar condescended to do it right recently for Garth, with the result a second place was earned, and if the self-willed old square-gaiter would decide to continue in this strain he would not be long in notching a victory. Robertson is optimistic regarding the future of the highly-bred trotter, although he admits there is no trick The Tartar does not know. Garth affirms there are certain days when the horse talks to himself, and if he would only speak up when intending to go right it would be handy for his party and Great Ballin, who never ran a bad race last year, and scored several minor placings, is not being bustled at present, but will undertake serious work after the Christmas carnival H. KINNIMONT Luck is playing anything but the correct game with the Royal Oak trainer, Harry Kinnimont, whose ability, attentiveness and general efficiency warrants a much better spin of fortune’s wheel. But Kinnimont is one of the old school, and his motto is “Never Despair,” and the turn of the tide is sure to come. Harry has a

co-operation received from owners and trainers during the year, and takes the opportunity of extending to all those connected with the sport the season’s greetings, and particularly a happy and prosperous New Year. J. S. SHAW There is no disputing the fact that trainer J. S. Shaw, whose stables are situated at Ellerslie, has the finest team, both as regards quality and quantity, that is operating at the Epsom tracks. In fact, one could go further and then not be wide of the mark by stating that Shaw’s contingent is one of the best in the Dominion. The chief patron (or patroness) is the woman enthusiast, whose quota comprises Warplane, Great Change, Bingen King, Native Prince, with another one, Torpedo Huon, to arrive next week from Australia. Then there is the Moodabe pair, Jewel Pointer and The Abbey, and the Wellington sportsman, J. Murphy’s, Jackie Audubon, while the Australian pacer Ribbonwood’s Last completes the bunch. Speed is strikingly represented in this lot, and with Jewel Pointer, Native Prince and Jackie Audubon, the local mentor has three pacers fit to take their place in the best society, and as they have already proved, will be able to hold their own in any company. The Abbey is another that lias risen in the ranks, and over a long course he Is a cut above the ordinary. The four-year-old Warplane up to 12 furlongs has shown marked ability, and as he matures will no doubt prove a stayer. Bingen King last season won a few races, but the handsome black does not appeal as a real horse, the speedy little trotter, Great Change, has proved a big disappointment. Being on a hard mark has not improved him, and the ex-Hawera trotter is now enjoying a holiday. Ribbonwood’s Last was not impressive on the track, but the grey has given better promise in his two races, and may soon come right. The appearance of Torpedo Huon will be awaited with interest. The Shaw contingent arc all forward and in excellent condition, a tribute to the able and attentive manner in which ♦hey are cared for. Wherever any of the horses go it is readily admitted nothing in the Dominion has anything oa Shaw’s team for good looks. C. G. LEE There is not a more popular trainer at Epsom than C. G. Lee, whose sign is hung out just inside the track gates at Market Road. “Togo,” as he is favourably called by all sporting enthusiasts. has a number of horses to attend to, but he finds time to assist other owners and trainers by attending to the shoeing requirements of their charges. On the dullest of days the sparks fly eheefully around the smithy, while the scene is further brightened with the shoer’s happy smile. The main performer of the squad at present is the trotter Tiger Salve, whose dual \’ictory at the Auckland spring carnival lias brought him Into the limelight for the Rowe Cup. The ox-Australian square-gaiter has improved out of recognition since signing on with the Epsom mentor, who has the happy knack of persuading Tiger to do his best in liis races. Another un-

hoppled exponent in the stable is the Say deceiver. Colonel Thorpe, and while he will do practically anything on the training track for his trainer, consistently refused to repeat the work in a race. Lee is a Job when it comes to Patience, and he sticks religiously to his task of teaching the Colonel his

batch of novices that are very promising, and while two of the number in Great Way and Chrystal have sported silk without success, there is every indication they will "be good stake-earn-ers later on. Great Way is an unlucky youngster, and in several of his races has gone in the air just when victory seemed within his grasp. Chrystal has a good turn of speed, but has not yet acquired the knack of using it in iiis races. When the going ‘becomes more experienced and solid he will do well. Peter Lloyd, an unraced son of Peterwah, is a pacer of rare promise, and his track essays, suggest that he will bring grist to the mill when his turn comes to take part in the contest. Roma Bingen last season gave a hint of becoming solid, and scored a couple of good successes, besides gaining several lots of place money. She has been unlucky this year, through meeting with an injury to her leg, which put her out of commission for a period. and this saw her backward when the time came to sport silk. The trotting mare is rapidly striking form, and her turn is not going to be much longer delayed. Maid of the Mountains, a speedy mare, who can if she will, is also an inmate of the stable, and although on past displays she does not look a very bright proposition, the change of venue may play its part. A. J. JULIAN Everybody interested in the racing or trotting business lor years past knows of “Tartar” Julian and his prowess as a rider over country, a trainer of gallopers and as a rider, driver and trainer of pacers and trot- ! ters. Many good light-harness horses j have passed through J ulian’s hands and | his records are of the best. To-day he is recognised as one of the ablest ! reinsmen in the Dominion, while his patience and ability with young horses is a strong factor toward his run of success. liis present team is more than useful, as has been so recently demonstrated when Medusa and Rolfe Audubon were returned winners, and 1 Luvan annexed a good share of place money. This mare has a great burst of speed, andj while she is difficult to train, “Tartar’s” treatment acts in the light direction. The younger pair are the progeny of Miss Rolfe, an Australian mare, brought to this country by that fine old sportsman Martin Taylor. Her first production was Medusa, a daughter of Man-o’-War, and the following year her union with Great Audubon resulted in Rolfe Audubon. The pair were educated, gaited and repared for racing by A. Julian, and the success achieved is a warm testimonial to his ability. Medusa has raced on six occasions, and, after being unplaced first time our. has a record of four wins and a third, her last three starts being victories. Rolfe Audubon has faced the music on three occasions for a first, second and once unplaced, the second berth being gained in the Great Northern Derby, where he was close up to that crack youngster Wrackler. Julian also has another offshoot from Miss Rolfe by Worthy Bond, that looks the goods, and should later emulate the deeds of the other members of the family. The trotter Carberley is also under the care of the Green Lane mentor, and tho trotter may do all right later on. W. CLIFTON “Bill” Clifton, who stables his quadrupeds at Onehunga and fits them for |

the races at the Alexandra Park training urea, is not afraid to spend plenty of time in the care of his charges and. they certainly repay him for his trouble as far as general appearances go. Three pacers, Halgana, Dad’s Hope and Uncle Bert, keep Clifton busily engaged in the light-harness occupation. and while the trio have not got much money this season, old Uncle being the only one to pay a dividend—and a good one at that —Bill’s charges display form on the track that encourages uieir connections to keep going with the game. Halgana is a promising mare, a little delicate, perhaps, but possessed of a good quantity of speed, and she has put up some pleasing race runs lately without getting any money, but the purse is only delayed a little longer. Dad’s Hope, the disappointing Kibbonwood gelding from Australia, has the Onehunga mentor puzzled, and his few constant followers in a cold sweat. As a track horse, Dad’s Hope is a rare pacer, but

so far as a race proposal he is hopeless. But Clifton is like the girl coming out of church with a soul full of hope, and perhaps the chestnut will “take it on” one of these days and prove his Avorth. Uncle Bert, now that he is returning - to his best form, will keep his end up and his trainerdriver should secure more victories for the stable. Master Councillor, who until recently was also an occupant of the Clifton establishment, has gone to owner Evan’s place at sunny Waiwera. GEORGE PHIPPS Although his team is now confined to three, and they have not been very prominent in the public gaze of late, the Mount Roskill enthusiast, George Phipps, is still, like Johnny Walker, going strong at the Epsom trial ground. Rey de Quest, which comprises one of the trio in active service, has not yet left the camp for the racing front, and the son of Rey de Ora— Bequest is taking a long time to get into racecourse form. He grew too fast in his young days, and now his trainer is forced to play a waiting game while his candidate develops pace. The four-year-old Haerangi Bui, a daughter of Happy Voyage and Wee Enid, has not been bustled along tiiis season; but although she has gone to tho post a couiole of times, her displays have not been anything to write home about. Last season in her later essays the filly showed a disinclination to leave the barrier for J. T. Paul, in whose hands she was receiving a preparation, and her vagaries were on at least two occasions costly to her admirers. In some respects Haerangi Bai resembles that good mare Black Lila, which George brought from Aussio and who, after putting up several smart performances, has returned to the Commonwealth for breeding purposes. If the Happy Voyage filly turns out as good as Black Lila the Mount Roskill mentor will have no cause for regret. The other member of the string is the aged Dick Dillon, who on recent showings must be counted with those that have lost their punch. As far as his handicap is concerned, Richard does not get the same consideration as some of the older generation at present racing, and a let-up would appear to be Dick Dillon’s only chance of winning over a journey. F. GILCHRIST To all appearances Fred. Gilchrist, well and favourably known to the galloping fraternity, has only been in the trotting business five minutes, but his mushroom-like growth has been fraught with wonderful success. While tlie Ellerslie sportsman’s initial success in a trotting sulky was achieved only last October, he is no stranger to tho light harness sport. Prior to coming North, Freddy resided in the Manawatu province, and gained some trotting experience with that pastmaster at the business, Skipper Price. At that period trotting events were very popular at sports fixtures, agricultural and pastoral shows, and Gilchrist threw his leg over a saddle about nine times for a stake and landed each start. So well did he perform in the pig-skin, good judges predicted a big future for Gilchrist at the game. But the call of the galloper was stronger, and it was not till the end of last season that F. J. Docherty, owner of that fine young trotter Etta Cole, persuaded Fred to take up the troting for a side line. After a dual success with the Peterwah filly the Ellerslie trainer tried his hand with Direct Action, and again success was his por-

tion. Then H. Hedley secured the successful reinsman to ride Goldman, and a first and second was his portion. This was followed by a second and third at Hamilton with Nelson Tasker and Trustworthy, but the run of placings was broken by two drives behind Moko Chief. Gilchrist is now attending to the preparation of Betty Moko for the Rowe Cup, and the mare is showing signs of coming back to form under his guidance. With Etta Cole and Direct Action as well as the Penrose mare, the new trainer has a solid team of square-gaiters that should keep him in the limelight for some time to come. AN INTERESTING LOT There are several other trainers operating at the Park with smaller teams or even in single file, but in every instance the condition of the horses seen on the tracks is proof positive that those in charge know how to put the polish on. Two with a brace of useful performers are L. McMahon and W. Head, the popular Hastings mentor. The former has

come well into the picture through his association with Gold Jacket, and should the local representative win the Cup this month Lauder will be a proud mentor. He is also caring for Peter Grattan and may have some success with this pacer. Bill Head has The Shrew in fine form, as was evidenced by her victory at Claudelands on Saturday, and she will be heard from again. That good little trotter Raima is also In excellent condition, and his turn should soon bo at hand. The veteran Ted Sandal has ’Tradesman and the promising Margaret Wallace in hand, and the day either break it for a win, there will be great jubilation among the boys. The genial Joe Gee, whose smile is one of the assets at Epsom, is keeping Anseline up to the mark, while two novices in Gold Rain and Playboy (a half-brother to Gold Jacket) are also receiving a sound education. Bob Saunders with Lord Haldane, and G. T. Mitchell, jun. (Sebisca) are regular callers at Alexandra Park, and both are shaping satisfactorily. The optimist, George Stubbs, is keeping Speed King jogging along, but he still shows signs of leg trouble. The Our Thorpe—Lady Stepney maiden in the same stable is showing promise. George Webb has Patricia Bell, Sparkling Pronto and Royal Arcade to prepare later for country fixtures, while H. Mitchell (Mountain Dell), A. Allan (Moko Chief), T. Robertson (Nella Dillon), T. Aitkenhead (Bonanza), and J. Nicholson (Koniniwood) are getting ready for the same route. The Hedley brothers have Goldman and a Gold Bell maiden trotter in work, and A. McGarry is busy on Stanmoor. R. Millen has the trotters Marble Star, Wimmera King and Lady Stepney to claim attention, and W. J.

Morgan and G. Lovegrove are keeping Golden Gate and Golden Huia up to the collar. B. Dyer (Glandore) and F. Brady (Trustworthy and a filly by The Triumph) are also regular callers. Several promising youngsters are regularly seen on the track, J. McKendrick, G. Tatley, A- Sheppherd, A. Allen, J. Pettie and Ken Morris being busy in this direction. Surely, with such a big contingent to do battle for the rest of the season. Auckland will secure some of the good things on offer by various North Island clubs.