DEATH OF ENGLISH PACER

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1077, 15 September 1930, Page 12

DEATH OF ENGLISH PACER

OWNER F. SMITH’S MISFORTUNE ANT WHO DIRECTS PROMISE The English light harnest enthusiast, F. J. Smith, experienced a severe loss on Saturday by the death of his recent importation, Antonio Direct (late Mussolini). On Thursday morning, when the writer visited Smith’s stabling- quarters, the trainer was having an anxious time with the roan, which suffering from some internal complaint. lie was doing all possible for his charge and from the condition of the pacer after treatment the owner felt satisfied he had caught the trouble just in time. However, veterinary surgeons Dr. W. <\ Ring and T. O’Halloran were called in. but the little pacer, despite every care, died on Saturday. It was found on examination that a hard growth, causing inflammation and stoppage, was the root of the trouble. Antonio Direct was a sturdy-looking son of Wellington Direct and Antonio Stout, and prior to taking up his residence in the Dominion in June won many races in the Old Country as Mussolini, having a winning record of

2.20. while he ran second in 2.16. The red roan had not raced in New Zealand, but was handicapped in June at a. 2.22 gait. Trainer Smith was not in any hurry to speed his charge along, but the natty fellow was geting into trim for October fixtures, and on a couple of occasions lately demonstrated ms ability over a few furlongs. There was no doubt about the Wellington Direct horse’s speed and when tuned up he would undoubtedly have won good money for the ex-Greenford Park sportsman. One of the Gamest The London “Trotting News,” commenting on the pacer going to New Zealand, said “ho was the gamest horse ever seen at Greenford Park and when acclimatised should reach a high standard in the land of his adoption.” Shortly after arrival in the Dominion F. Smith had an offer of £SOO for his young pacer, but did not feel disposed to part with him. Bred on the best lines. Antonio Direct would also have proved valuable as a sire, which the loss doublv hard for Fred Srr f ». Since his arrival in New Zealand reinsman from the Mother Country has proved his ability both as a trainer and driver, while his quiet, unassuming disposition won him readily a firm circle of friends. He has not had the best spin here from Fortune’s wheel, but the loss of such a promising stake-earner and sire is one of the worst blows that could have overtaken him. The Auckland light harness fraterniay genuinely regret the Epsom trainer’s misfortune.