TROTTING PIONEERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 546, 26 December 1928, Page 12

TROTTING PIONEERS

AUCKLAND CLUB’S PROGRESS EVOLUTION OF THE HORSE Over 40 yaors ago trotting formed a popular phase of sports functions and picnics in the Auckland district, and so well did this branch of amusement take on with the public, it was not long before a number of enthusiasts decided to form a club for the promotion and advancement of the light-hiarness pastime in Auckland. In those days when the trotting sulky was unheard of, specially-pre-pared tracks undreamed of and fourfigure stakes beyond the imagination of the most fertile brain, the pioneers of the movement no doubt conceived the idea that a big improvement was possible in the general equipment of the sport, and they were undoubtedly impressed with the possibility of its growth to a certain degree. But even the most enthusiastic and ambitious member of the early organisation formed in Auckland as far back as 1890, could scarcely have dared to imagine or even hope to see the wonderful advancement and improvement that has taken place as the years rolled by. When the first Auckland Cup was contested over a three-mile course, it was a red-letter day for the promoters of the scheme, whose efforts met with such support and success that they were encouraged t.o continue the prosecution of a sport that was destined to become one of the most popular forms of recreation not only in Auckland but throughout the Dominion. When the distance of the principal event of the local body was reduced to two miles in 1895, and won by Ttid Sandal’s Old Judge in 5.31, very few, if any, of those connected with the government of the club’s affairs at that period would picture the day when an Auckland Cup would be run under four and a-half minutes for a stake representing as many thousands as it then did hundreds. WONDERFUL PROGRESS How many of the controlling officials, owners, trainers or onlookers who were present at the 1898 fixture, when H. Chatteris saluted the man in the box with Duke C., tramping 5.9^ — a fine essay in those days when the class of light-harness competitor was only very mediocre—could imagine that 30 years hence an Auckland Cup would be contested by a field of horses whose records ranged from 4.19 to 4.27 for two miles? Such a thing would be deemed impossible, yet such has been the progress achieved. While the evolution of the lightharness horse, due in a large measure to the importation of the best blood from America, where the breeding process has attained a high standard, must be credited with the remarkable growth of the game generally, present day enthusiasts cannot fail to cast a backward thought to the pioneers who paved the way for the ultimate success of the sporting business. Ever since the formation of the local club, almost four decades stgo, the trotting flag has been kept flying in the breeze to the delight of a large section of the community, who accord the game loyal support. Right, along the passage of years, progress has been the keynote, and the management of the later period has pushed forward in a manner that at times savours of too much advancement. Howeevr, as far as the main items on the Auckland Club's various schedules are concerned no one can find fault with a scheme that draws nothing but the best of pacers and trotters to the Epsom headquarters. Thrilling Pastime During the past 12 years some real quality horses have contested the main Christmas heats and splendid performances have been registered, and everything points to all records being eclipsed at this year’s function. The trotting sport, in its march of progress has become not only, an interesting pastime, but is one that is productive of real thrills. Horse-racing has become the ideal sport of the multitude, and the noble animal, who provides thrills for kings, is looked upon as the king of the animal world. A fine tribute to the horse in general is paid in the following lines from the pen of the American writer, Wal- \ ter Palmer:—* The Horse is the Thing; You may have the thrills That come with the gasolene; You may have the spills. And the pace that kills In your auto or flying machine. For the flyer that flies In the vaulted skies. Must come to earth if his engine dies; In the horse’s eyes Is the spark that lives and intensifies. So here’s to the Horse—The King!