RAGING AND TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16641, 25 January 1922, Page 3

RAGING AND TROTTING.

(By ARGUS). FUTURE OF RACING. Those who take the precaution to study the position at all cannot fail to realise that the sport of racing in the Dominion is facing a serious situation The ware of depression has commenced to have a marked effect on the totalisator investments, and the decrease in the figures seems likely to continue for some \ time yet. Racing and trotting clubs base their stakes on the totalisntor revenue for the previous year, and the drop in this department means reduced prize money next season. Some clubs, in anticipation of the falling figures, are putting out programmes with smaller stakes for the present season. Apart from this, the Government has imposed an extra tax on the dividends of successful investors, and has largely increased the tax which owners are called on to pay from stakes. The sporting section of the community, therefore, is being hit hard in various directions. It is not easy to predict the final resnlt, hut it is probable that there will be considerable trouble all roiind before the silver lining makes its appearance. So far as backers are concerned, the increased taxation makes the amusement a little more expensive, for, to the average man, it could never be anything but a losing proposition. To owners the position is even more serious. The ten per cent tax on stakes means a big cut out of the winnings, especially with expenses increasing in various directions, and with the prospoet of stakes being severely curtailed, owners are faced with tbe problem whether they, too, are not paying too much for their pleasure. Fortunately, some of them are not compelled to take a commercial view of their racing, but many owners in the Dominion are finding the game very expensive under present conditions, and it seems probable that there will be retirements before the season ends. The reduction of the number of horses in training may be only temporary, hnt the effects will he far-reaching while they last.

There was a big muster of Christchurch sportsmen a.t the "Wellington Trotting Club’s meeting yesterday. Most of them left for home by last night’s steamer after witnessing a fair day’s sport. Canterbury horses played a very prominent part, winning seven races, while in most of the events they filled all the place*. It would have been a very tame day without the assistance of the Canterbury contingent. Locanda Dillon registered a fine performance in winning the 'Wellington Trotting Cup yesterday. He was up with the front division very early., and he drew away in the last half‘mile with Lord Lytton, whom he beat very easily at the finish. Locanda Dillon has rftced very consistently during the past month and he is gradually working his wr.y back to the best class, while he may be expected to improve still further. •jm The start of the Wellington Trotting Cup was spoilt bv Mako Mako unseating his driver, while Star Queen, Master Hal and Albert Wallace broke up. Taraire was interfered with and lost a lot of ground, after which he paced a solid race. *•* The West Coast gelding Lord Lytton, who is a half brother to Dincoin, registered two good performances at tbe Wellington Trotting Club’s meeting yesterday, when he finished second to Locanda Dillon in the principal event and later filled a similar place behind Master Hal over a mile and a quarter. Lord Lytton is a goou sort, -who would pay his way on Canterbury tracks. - Mr T.G. Fox’s four-year-old Dolly Dillon, by Harold Dillon from Rope Gauntlet, raced unluckily at the Wei-. lirigtoi> Trotting Club’s meeting, finishing in second pace twice, after pacing very consistently. Nelson Derby went on the track for the concluding event at the Wellington Trotting Club’s meeting, with J. Shaw driving him. As Shaw figured in the book as the trainer of Prinzora tho stipendiary steward intervened and Nelson Derby was handled in the race by his owner, Mr G. Craw. The position was a trifle peculiar. Prinzora won the Manawatu Trotting Cup last week and his owner presenteh the gelding to Shaw, his trainer. Shaw in turn sold him yesterday to R. Berry. Having done this he considered that his interest in the horse had ceased, and that he was at liberty to drive another horse in the race. V Ohapi wa» called off for anticipating his bell in the Petone Handicap at the Wellington Trottingb Club's meeting yesterday, and his rider, J. Armstrong, was fined £5. mm The well-known Canterbury horseman, D. Withers, had an unfortunate experience in the Stewards Handicap, the mile saddle race at the Wellington Trotting Club’s meeting yesterday. After going about a furlong the horse stumbled and fell, Withers breaking his left collarbone.

WELLINGTON TROTTING CLUB. A SUCCESSFUL, METTING. Following on a few showers of rain in the morning, the weather was fine yesterday for the Wellington Trotting Club’s meeting. There was a large attendance, Christchurch sportsmen being strongly in evidence, but the totalisator figures were much smaller than last year. Good fields contested most of the events and there was Rome fairly good sport, though it did not come up to the standard associated with Canterbury trotting fixtures. A start was made with the Hutt Park Trial Handicap, for which the field numbered eight. Proud Logan and Locanda Jack monopolised the betting, the former being a warm favourite. Locanda Jack began smartly, followed by Proud Logan, Turmoil and Bay Dillon. After going two furlongs Ban. Zolock put In a run, which carried him to third place, but he broke and a little further on Zolook Palm and Brent Junior joined the leaders, who were in close order at the end of six furlongs. Going out of the straight th<re was not much to choose between locanda Jack, Proud Logan and

Brent Junior. Three furlongs from homo Proud Logan ran up to Uoeanda Jack, and going on in the straight he won easily by three lengths, Brent Junior being a dozen lengths away, with Turmoil, Bay Dillon and Zolock Palm strung out. The winner, a t-'ee-year-old gelding by Logan Pointer Worn Proud Girl, showed a bit ot speed at Ashburton on Boxing Day. 110 is an even gaited pacer, who will lo a lot more winning. Locanda jfcck. a five-year-old by Brent ho canda from the speedy mare Alice Maud is just a moderate. Brent junior is only a three-year-old and he is likely to improve. Turmoil went fairly well but of the unplaced lot Day Dillon may turn out best. A field of fourteen lined up for tbe Handicap. Konmiwood was favourite but Olive Huon, Huinarik. end May Dorn also claimed plenty of support. Dolly Dillon was first to show' out, followed by Annie Black, Duskv Bov, Olive Huon, Konmiwood and Humariki. Before half a mU * ! bad been covered Dusky Boy dropped out and a little further on Konmiwood also Jost her place. At the end of six tuilongs Doily Dillon and Annie Black weve» showing the way to Olive Huon, Rtnmriki and May Dorn. Annie Bhick was in trouble half a mile from home, and a furlong further on Olive Eluon headed Dolly Dillon, wmle Humariki retired at the home turn. Once in the straight May Dorn closed up but Olive Huon won easily by two lengths from Dolly Dillon, who beat May Dorn by over a. length, with YVaitipopo, Axtell and Dusky EBay at the head of the others. The winnei, a) five-year-old mare by Wildwood Junior from Alice Huon, is trained at New Brighton by H. Frost, being owned by his father, who has not done much racing for a long time, though he was formerly closely identified, with the sport. Olive Huon is a speedy pacer, who looks capable of doing a lot better than she showed in this race. Dolly Dillon paced a sound race, showing a fine turn of speed, and she should pay her way. Mary Dorn finished on strongly to get third place. Waitipopo was not prominent till near ths end when, he came along very fast Koniniwood was prominent for half a mile but after that she never looked dangerous. Humariki showed a lot or speed for a mile and then retired. *•* The New Zealand Trotting Gold Clip attracted a field of twelve, Onyx being the only withdrawal. Taraire was a good deal better backed than Lord Lytton and Locanda Dillon, none of the others being supported with much confidence. Mako Mako played up at the start and lost his driver, wane Star Queen, Master Hal and Albert Wallace broke, Taraire being interfered with in the general mix up. Letitin went off smartly, but she was soon joined by Idris, Lord Lytton, Locanda Dillon and Rorke’s Drift, with Ouimet handy. These six were still m close order at the end of a mile, but starting op the last lap Locanda Dillon and Lord Lytto were in charge, followed by Idris, Rorke’s Drift, lietitia and Ouimet. Going out of the straight Locanda Dillon took charge, and soon opened out a break of several lengths from Lord Lytton, who in turn was well clear of the others. Locanda Dillon was never again troubled and he beat Lord Lytton very easily by five lengths. Rorke’s Drift was six lengths away, with Idris a poor fourth and Taraire The winner was a brilliant three-year-old but developed into a hard puller and defied the efforts of various trainers to control him in hi® races. Finally he got into the hands of S. J. Ga-llacher, who devised an ar. which keeps his head in position and makes him easier to hold, though he still pulls when racing. With the assistance of this patent, Locanda Dillon has run several good races dining the imdmt month, and from tho easy manner in which he won yestei • day, he looks certain to do much bet ter time before long. He looks, in fact, as if he would qualify for the very best company before the end of this season. The "West Coast horse. Lord Lj’tton, a half brother to Willie Lincoln, paced a solid race, and looked as if he might be improved a bit yet Rorke’s Drift was always in a handy position but he was stopping at the finish, though he stayed on than the others and got 'third money. Idris went well for a mile and a half but ho cannot stay. Taraire was unlucky at the start but afterwards paced a solid race and looked as if he would have been in the money had he missed interference.

Seven unhoppled trotters took p*trt in the President’s Handicap. Count Dee, on the strength of his form at Awapuni last week, was made a hot favourite. Ho began well, but soon had Matt Patch alongside him. These two were still together at the end of haif a mile, the rest of the field being in a bunch, just behind the leaders. Then Matt Patch broke, and a little further on Count Dee, Captain Wood, "Waiwera and Roi Alto went away in close company. Roi Alto joined Count Dee six furlongs from home, but going down the back Roi Alto broke. This appeared to settle his chance, but he came home very solidly, and catching Count Deo at the entrance to the straight, he went on to win easily. Roi Alto has raced with a good deal of had luck, and his win did not come out of turn. Count Dee trotted a fine race. He is a four-year-old by Petereta from Duchess of Rothschild, and he is one of the best young trotters who has beeff seen out for a long time. With a bit of age he will l>e competing with credit in much better company.

A field of nine lined up for the Wellington Handicap, Maydorn being a little better fancied than Lord Denver, while Brent Junior, Betty Wild and Turmoil wore also well backed. Betty Wild took charge at the start, followed by Turmoil, Pearl Coronado and Dolly Dillon, but at the end of three furlongs Pearl Coronado took charge, with Turmoil, Brent Junir ami Dolly Dillon next, just clear of Lord Denver and Betty Wild. After going six furlongs Brent Junior and Pearl Coronado drew away together, and they kept close company for a full round, when BrentJunior went on by himself. Dolly Dillon challenged at the home turn, but Brent Junior easily held his lead and won by half a dozen lengths. Turmoil was eight lengths away, just in front of Lord Denver, with Pearl Coronado next. The winner showed vastly improved form compared with his effort earlier in the day, and he is capable of better yet. Dolly Dillon paced another sound race and was a trifle unlucky. Turmoil went solidly, and may make a useful mare when she has had some more racing. Lord Dillon shaped fairly well, but May Dorn, the favourite, was never dangerous. The Stewards’ Handicap, one mile, in saddle, attracted a dozen competitors. Sedd-el-Bahr was a hot favourite, with. Bill Todd, Koniniwood and Kate Zolock best backed among the others. Bill Todd began fast, and was soon out in

front, followed by Placid and Koniniwood, but the last named only lasted a little over a furlong, when she was replaced by Kate Zolock. Half a mile from home Kate Zolock was with Bill Todd and Placid in the lead, but a furlong later on Kate Zolock broke, while Bingen Wilkes moved up. Bill Todd was done with at the home turn, and Placid went on to win easily from Bingen Wilkes, with Moon Drift a fair thifcd, and the others strung out badly. Placid and Bingen Wilkes started earlier in the day, in the race won by Alice Huon, but neither of them made any show in that event. Placid, who is a five-year-old by Calm, is a speedy pacer when she settles down, and she carries the colours of Mr A. J. Wilson, best known on galloping courses through the deeds of Royal Mac. Bingen Wilkes is a five-year-old by Nelson Bingen from Mary Lincoln, the dam of Willie Lincoln and Lord Lytton. Sedd-el-Bahr let his backers down badly, as he was never near the front, but from the manner in which he was supported he must be given another chance.

The Petone Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, in saddle, drew a field of tenVictor Hova and Some Day carried more than half the total investments. Tho race provided a sorry exhibition, so far as the majority of the competitors were concerned. Lynx took charge at the start and at the end of six furlongs she had Victor Hova and Rothmoor in close attendance, the others having all broken up hopelessly long before going this distance. Going along the back Victor Hova and Rothmoor broke, leaving Lynx well clear, hut she left her feet a little further on, the other pair passing her. Rothmoor led into the straight, hut in a desperate finish Victor Hova got up to beat her by a neck. Lynx was six lengths away, with Lady Tory (by Albertorious) a long way back. The winner is a five-year-old gelding by Hova and he may develop into a. useful horse.

The concluding event, the Electric Handicap, attracted a. field of twelve, all but three of them from Canterbury stables. Tobermory and Lord Lytton were both well backed. Jimmy Richmond led for a furlong and then broke, Gladeye going on from Master Hal, with Pnnzora and Lord Lytton handy. At the end of half a mile Master Hal was in charge, but two furlongs further on Lord Lytton joined him, Gladeye, Tobermory and Rorke’s Drift following in that order. Over the last part of the journey the leading pair more than held their own. They were both doing their best at the entrance to the straight, but Master Hal had a bit in reserve and he beat the West Coast horse comfortably. Prinzora was a fair third, with Rorke’s Drift, Gladeye and Idris next. The winner paced a very sound race and has earned a place among the best sprinters. /

RE-HANDICAPS. In connection with the Forbury Park Trotting: Club’s meeting: the following rehandicaps have been declared:— Trial Handioap—Olive Huon 60yds behind. Dunedin Trotting Cup—Locanda Dillon 12yds behind. Kensington Handicap—Placid 48yds behind. King George Handicap—Locanda Dillon 48yds behind. / A DECISION REVERSED. (Per Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, January 24. At a meeting of the committee of the Gore Trotting Club, further evidence was considered in connection with the disqualification of Wild Thyme, winner of the Final Handicap at the club’s Boxing Day meeting. By six votes to four it was decided to reverse the former decision, Wild Thyme being reinstated as winner and Norma Dillon as second. HORSE SALE. WAIKANAE YEARLINGS. [From Our Correspondent.} WELLINQToS. January 24. The sale of yearlings from I. G. Duncan's Waikanae stud was held to-day. There was a good attendance of visiting sportsmen, but bidding was slack and prices v/ere not up to expectations. The following are the details of the sale: — Gs. Filly, by Boniform —Vice-Reine, Mr W. Shannon 250 Filly, by Martian—Favourita, Mr J. M. Findlay 300 Filly, by Martian —Violetta. Mr W. Shannon 100 Filly, by Kilbroney—Glen Helen, Mr H. Lake . 160 Colt, by Kilbroney—Sunbird, Mr B. L. Joll 650 Filly, by Kilbroney—Pot Pourri, Mr J. J. Corry 100 Filly, by Kilbroney—Vierene, Mr G. D. Greenwood u ... . 130