RACING ON AND OFF THE TRACK

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIV, Issue 22738, 12 November 1943, Page 6

RACING ON AND OFF THE TRACK

Melbourne Cup to-morrow. The Metropolitan meeting will be concluded to-morrow. The only racing fixture for the week is at Napier W. J. Broughton is to ride The Monarch in the New Zealand Cup. Expanse’s win in the Members’ Handicap encouraged Mr W. S. Goosman, M.P., to send him south for the New Zealand Derby. J. Skirse, who left Takanini in charge of Representative, picked up Expanse at Frankton Junction. New Zealand’s best year in the Melbourne Cup was 1929, when Nightmarch, Paquito and Phar Lap filled the three places. Outsiders have had a great run in the Melbourne Cup in recent times. White Nose was a 100 to 1 winner in 1931 and since then Wotan, Catalogue, Old Rowley and Skipton have started at long prices. Aucklanders are enthusiastic over the ability as well as the looks of High Caste’s two-year brother Nawab. The colt is unlikely to be seen in the South Island, as he is not in the Welcome or other juvenile races at Riccarton. Representative is to run in the New Zealand Cup. He started the journey south on Tuesday night, the idea being to give him time to become accustomed to the left-handed course at Riccarton. The attendance at Addington on Cup day is estimated at 30,000. Turnstile figures, 27,789, did not include men arid women of the Forces. The number of racebooks sold was 21,000. On a population basis, these figures are the most remarkable in the history of racing in New Zealand. To put a stop to undesirable practices, it was decreed some time ago that a reinsman who drove a horse on one day of a meeting must drive it on subsequent days unless the permission of the stewards is obtained. There should be no difficulty in securing a permit to steer Pacing Power in the Ollivier Handicap. In the Cup it was compulsory for Berry to handle Springfield Globe, as the Australian races in his name.

Although owners of 19 horses desired to start them in the Trotting Cup (4.27), there were only 18 entries and 15 acceptors for the Ollivier Handicap (4.28). Haughty was not nominated, and other Cup starters in Peter Smith, Springfield Globe, Bronze Eagle and Nelson Eddy dropped out. Countless is 12 yards further back in the Ollivier Handicap than in the Trotting Cup, but with Haughty out of the way he and Pacing Power should again account for most of those which finished behind them in the Cup. Shadow Maid is entitled to another chance, but the danger to the two prospective favourite is probably Gold Bar—always providing that the going is firm.

The Auckland contingent of half a dozen horses fared badly at Addington on Cup Day, not one finishing anywhere near the money. Parshall seriously prejudiced his chance by beginning badly, but his comparatively low position in the betting indicated that the public had not been impressed by the performances of the Aucklander in third-rate company. Of the contingent, however, he seems the most likely to pay expenses this week. Sandy Cape has been in the news again. After the last race at Hastings on October 2, an objection was lodged by Mr Thomas Howell, of Taneatua, claiming that he was the owner of the horse Sandy Cape which won the hurdle race. The horse was nominated by Mr P. Louis, and Mr Howell asked that the stake be impounded pending an inquiry into the ownership. At a meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club executive the chairman, Mr G. Ebbett, stated that Mr Howell had now asked to be allowed to withdraw the objection, but this could only be done with the consent of the committee. The conference records showed that Mr Louis had bought the horse from the sole registered owner, that he had paid for it in cash at a jockey club’s office, and had secured a transfer which was duly registered with the conference. He added that while Mr Howell might have a grievance as far as somebody else was concerned, it was not a matter for the committee, and as far as the racing authorities were interested, the transaction was quite in order. It was decided that Mr Howell be allowed to withdraw the objection, that the deposit be returned to him. and that the stake be paid to Mr Louis. The Joker was undoubtedly favourably handicapped in the Melbourne Cup, but more than a nice weight is required before success is assured. Gladynev got into the Caulfield Cup almost a stone and a half below his logical place, but failed to win, although he beat all except another New Zealander. The Joker, if Melbourne advices are to be believed, is below his best form, and has receded in favour. If New Zealand is to be credited with another Melbourne Cup, Taramoa seems most likely to turn the trick.

The opinion that the M.T.C. would have secured just as many starters and just as thrilling a Cup for £3OOO as it did for £5OOO cannot be contested, but it is only part of the story. It has long been proven that big prize money has an irresistible lure for the public, whether in racing, running, cycling or wood-chopping. In the days of the wheeling boom in Melbourne, the £lOOO Austral Wheel Race drew twice the crowds as when the same men pedalled just as strenuously for a smaller prize. The Easter Gift, a £5OO foot race at Stawell, attracts incomparably larger crowds than £lOO events in which the same men compete. In New Zealand big prize-money for cycling and running has been a magnetic attraction. It can easily be demonstrated that the M.T.C. made a profit on its increase in stakes. Acceptance fees brought in an extra £3OO, and gate receipts at least £7OOO more. The totalisator percentages were £2400 higher than a year ago and £l2OO in excess of the previous record for the course. On top of this the Club received an advertisement that has built up the second day in advance. From the day the £5OOO stake was announced interest commenced to quicken, and record attendances and turnovers were easily predictable.

MELBOURNE CUP TRAINER OF THE JOKER NOT SANGUINE MELBOURNE, Nov. 11. Although the field for the Melbourne Cup Is considered by racing men to be a weak one, connections of the two New Zealand representatives. The Joker and Dominate, are not sanguine Mr Frank Fay, owner of The Joker, said: “I wish there had been a field big enough to ballot him out. That is the way I feel after his run in the Hotham Handicap last Saturday (The Joker finished third last in the Hotham) . but there is an obligation to run him now because he has been so heavily backed for the cup. I hope his form in the Hotham Handicap was too bad to be true, but I am not optimistic.” The Joker, who has not run a good race in Melbourne, is one of many considered to have weak chances of the 24 acceptors. Dominate, too. has shown poor form in his races at Melbourne although in a gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday he kept with the Cup favourite. Skipton. all the way over nine furlongs in 1.581. At Mentone The Joker ran a mile and a half in 2.49. Popular choices for the cup are Skipton, Dark Felt. Precept and Counsel. Two of the runners. Ortolan and Philander, are maiden performers. RICCARTON NOTES (Special) CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 11. The weather was fine and the trial grass track was in good order this morning. There was some useful work by horses due to race at the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting, though little in the way of serious trials. Lord Advocate and John Gay, both in the Stewards’ Handicap, were among those who did sprints. They arc to gallop together on Saturday. I Scottish Dale strode over nine fur-

longs in good style. She has raced disappointingly for more than a year, but she is very well at present. Kevin is going on steadily in his work and he should be a fit horse for the New Zealand Cup, in which C. T. Wilson will ride him. All Night has joined the three-year-old, Authentic, by Nightly-Seventh Heaven, in A. B. Stove’s stable. Ah Night will have his New Zealand Cup engagement continued, according to present plans, but he does not look as if he would stand up to much fast galloping. Arustra is going on well in her work and she may be a useful Oaks candidate, as she shapes like staying. Bascule has run badly in the starts he has had this season, but he is on the improve in his work. The Southland-bred Saldowa, has got through some good work lately and she can be kept in mind for nack engagements. Two horses arrived from she north this morning. They were Representative, a fancied Cup candidate, and the three-year-old, Expanse.

NAPIER PARK R.C. ACCEPTANCES The following are the acceptances for the Napier Park Racing Club's meeting to be held to-morrow: — OMAHU HACK HURDLES, Of £125; 11 miles

SOUTHLAND R.C. HANDICAPS Following are the handicaps for the Southland Racing Club’s meeting on Saturday week:— SOUTHLAND HIGHWEIGHT,

Flying Spy 10 13 Lucullus Boy 9 2 Epping 10 8 Blue Title 0 Opal town 10 4 Mynet 9 0 Sandy Cape 9 11 King Fern 9 0 Circular Note 9 9 Tideover 9 0 Crispin 9 3 Faultless 9 0 Monmouth 9 3 NOVICE STAKES. Of £100: 5 furlongs Royal Greek 8 10 Ska tea wav 8 5 Smart Bay 8 10 Ladv Pombal 8 5 Waiata 8 5 Aristocrat 8 5 Dark Morning 8 5 Tucker Box 8 Gold Quest 8 5 Toa-iti 8 5 Mount Battock 8 5 Cardonian 8 0 Dashup 8 5 Genean 8 0 Master Gain 8 5 Note Raid 8 0 Sandy Cape 8 5 Fosse way 8 0 Capron el la 8 5 Silver Crest 8 0 Irish Chance 8 5 Martarma Rose 8 0 Campanella 8 5 Pink Bonnet 8 0 Gallant Son 8 5 Haughty Queen 8 0 Timor thy 8 5 Kincrop 8 0 Sir Winston 8 5 Findon 8 0 Hula Chief 8 5 Marram 8 0 Exit 8 5 MAREWA HANDICAP, Of £100: 4 furlongs Sorrell 8 9 Trick 8 Sunny Rosa 8 0 Bold Raid 7 7 Theiolight 7 12 Theiodessa 7 7 Ritz 7 12 Seropuri 7 7 Langdale 7 12 Ring Velvet 7 7 Benny’s Gift 7 12 Lady Lustre 7 7 Firm Lass 7 11 WAIOHIKI STAKES, Of £275; 9 furlongs Rakanui 10 4 Pompit 2 Yogi 9 5 Travancore 7 0 Lambourn 8 0 Lastik 7 0 Flying Hawk 8 0 Joseph Conrad 7 0 Indian Sport 7 10 La Serena 7 0 MEEANEE HANDICAP, Of £125; 1 mile Ozel 8 8 Gav Falcon 7 7 Carnforth 7 12 Kinconda 7 7 Interrogation 7 11 Oisuara 7 7 Lastik .7 7 Taihula 7 7 Silver Coin 7 7 Griffin 7 7 Lord Reay 7 7 NAPIER HANDICAP. Of £150; 7 furlongs Koi Ragi 9 2 Lowrv Bay 7 5 Boulder Dam 8 0 Mr Valiant 7 2 Kinneff 7 7 Tiger Tan 7 0 Coronace 7 5 TARADALE HANDICAP, Of £125; 6 furlongs Kinneff 9 9 Arai 7 7 Mr Valiant 8 9 Master Gain 7 7 Theatre 8 4 Caelus 7 7 St. Bill 8 2 Lady Nahleen 7 7 Walk Off 7 13 Martarma Rose i j Darag 7 12 Lady Pombal 7 7 High Ideal 7 11 GJneriess 7 7 Magnus Lux 7 11 Tawhainui 7 7 Piko Piko 7 10 Note Raid 7 7 Barrosa 7 9 Sports Flash 7 7

Of £225; 1 mile Lady Don 11 6 Standby 9 0 Phalanx 10 10 Red Hope 9 0 Invincible 9 13 Lady Friend 9 0 Silver Mask 9 12 Mimetical 9 0 Boolamskee 9 12 Filibuster 9 0 Black Bard 9 11 Pocket Flask 9 0 Elvena 9 10 Scottish Glens 9 0 Royal Rae 9 9 Branxholm 9 0 Kohara 9 8 Lancewing 9 0 Georgia 9 4 Red Prize 9 0 Divorced 9 2 Peel Tower , 9 0 Cross-Question 9 0 Bannockburn 9 0 Ramp On 9 0 FLYING HANDICAP, Of £275; 6 furlongs Royal Chorus 9 5 Gold Flight 8 2 Fleet Street 9 4 Night Lancer 8 0 Hearth 8 11 Lady Don 7 9 Monetary 8 7 Filibeg 7 0 Grilse 8 4 Marquee 7 0 Invulnerable 8 4 Prince Ruenalf ’7 0 TRIAL HANDICAP, Of £200; 6 furlongs Hurry Home 9 0 Notary 8 7 Sailor’s Pal 8 10 Parnell 8 7 Green Note 8 9 Peel Tower 8 7 Pink Dart 8 8 Pride Aurora o’ Mossburn 8 7 Australis 8 7 Radiant Morn 8 7 Benbecula 8 7 Ramp On 8 7 Branxholm 8 7 Regatta 8 7 Bridgehead 8 7 Royal Cerne Minster 8 7 Sovereign 8 7 Depth Charge 8 7 Siegform 8 7 Inscrutable 8 7 Signal Red 8 7 Kentucky Silver Sal 8 7 Minstrel 8 7 Some Coon 8 7 Killarney 8 7 Standby 8 7 Lady Friend 8 7 Salmagundi f. 8 7 Lindy Lou 8 7 Toccato 8 7 Unlock 8 7 Young Bob 8 7 Lisheen 8 7 Salabond 8 6 Nigger Lad 8 7 True Form 8 5 Norwcster 8 7 Latest Song 8 4 SOUTHLAND CUP, Of £400; 1.1 miles Royal Lancer 10 3 Gulf Stream 7 4 Macedoine 9 0 Dark Olga 7 3 Minority 8 13 Fidelis 7 0 Platform 8 4 Gnohlll 7 0 Southern Sail 7 4 Sascha 7 0 John o’ London 7 4 Georgia 7 0 STEWART ISLAND HACK HANDICAP, Of £200; 7 furlongs Sister Sal 9 0 Wise Girl 7 13 Riding Home 9 0 High Play 7 10 Court Dress 8 13 Divorced 7 9 Royal Brief 8 11 Dark Colleen 7 9 Salmi 8 11 Carpos 7 8 Filibeg 8 9 Cross-Question 7 8 Fair Trial 8 7 Girl Friend 7 7 Boolamskee 8 7 Pink Dart 7 7 Dash o’ Dink 8 6 Silver Sal 7 7 Silver Mask 8 6 Crinkle 7 7 Black Bard 8 6 Standby 7 7 Elvena 8 4 Sir Percy 7 7 Royal Rae 8 4 Bannockburn 7 7 Kohara 8 1 Trueform 7 7 TRADESMEN’S HANDICAP, Of £250; 1 mile Minority 9 10 John Macedoine 9 7 o’ London 8 0 Royal Chorus 9 5 Gulf Stream 8 0 Hearth 9 0 Lady Don 7 12 Platform 9 0 Nightcalm 7 *9 The Raker 8 13 Southern Wave 7 7 Invulnerable 8 6 Sascha 7 7 Gold Flight 8 4 Gnohlll 7 7 Dark Olga 8 3 Invincible 7 7 Sing Sing 8 2 Fair Trial 7 7 Night Lancer 8 2 Marquee 7 7