RACING AND TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16736, 18 May 1922, Page 2

RACING AND TROTTING.

(By

ARGUS).

FIXTURES. May 19, 20—New Brighton Trotting Club. May 19, 20—North Otago Jockey Club. May SO—Wanganui Jockey Club. May 27—Methren Trotting Club. May 30, June 1. 3—Dunedin Jockey Club. June 1. 3—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. June 3, 6. 7—Auckland Racing Club. June s—South Wairarapa Trotting Club. HANDICAPS. May 30—Dunedin Jockey Club. May 22—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. Auckland Racing Club. ACCEPTANCES. May 18 —Sfathven Trotting Club. May 22 —South Wairarapa Trotting Club. May £4-*-I>u«tedm Jockey Club. May 20—Auokland Racing Club. May 29—Canterbury Park Trotting Club.

CONSERVATIVE ENGLAND.

The majority of English supporters of racing appear to be decidedly conferva tire and they take strong exception to every innovation that is proposed. Tears ago they objected to the introduction of a starting machine, add later to the numbered saddle-cloth, v-hile it is not so long agn that «* leading sporting writer bitterly opposed the suggestion of added money, on the ground that it might lower the standard of English raeing. The starting -machine ha*» been in operation in England for a long time and is now accepted as an essential part of the sport; numbered saddle-cloths are being used in some parts of England this year : and as added money is now attached to some big races for which owners formerly supplied the whole of the stake. English racing gradually becoming quite colonial in its methods. The latest, and somewhat amusing item, is that English bookmakers arc making a strong fight against concession betting, a form of speculation ■which was introduced to the Old Country last year by Mr Frank "Robinson of Melbourne. It has evidently been taking a deal of business away from the old brigade, who cannot get into of it. This is shown by an the Bookmakers* its influnot contemplate. For that reason, their objection to concession betting may prove to he ill-timed and dangeroil^.

Following on his race on the first day of th© Ashburton meeting. Sunny "Loch is to have a spell. The big Sunny Lake gelding has had a busy season and bis latest form suggests that he is going off. After a good rest he should come back better than ever next season. It is understood that the imported mare Glentruin, who has been trained up till now in Southland, will shortly be sent to Riccarton, where F. D. Jones will prepare her for next season's engagements. The Southland sportsman, Mr W. Stone, gave Primum away recently to Mr J. H. Marshall, owner of the -teeplecliaser Glonisla. The Nassau--Trim gelding will probably be tried later on as a jumper, and if he takes kindly to the game he should win good money, as he has already demonstrated the possession of pace. Bleus lias resumed work at Invercargill. He is reported to look well after his rest and Mr AY. Stone is hopeful that the Elysiau gelding will stand the necessary work to fit him for another campaign next season. The Wingatui trainer, C l . Christie, has gone to Ellerßlie with Loohella, General Advance, Strathglass and Cartoon, for the winter meeting of the Auckland Racing Club. Lochella in reported to he in great fettle. *,* The Auckland owner-trainer. -T. YTilliamson, contemplated sending No Sur render to Australia for the jumping seaaon, hut the horse is still working at EilerslieAccording to reports from Auckland. Myall King is expected to perform well in hunters’ steeplechases during the winter campaign. *♦* Royal Abbey is a much talked of candidate for the Great Northern Hurdle Handicap, and he will only require to show in training that he can jump hurdles fast for him to he one of thfc favourites. R. Hannon, his owner-trainer, had a lot to do with jumpers a few years ago. and Hautapu. Bellman, and Mocassin were three good performers. Besides Royal Abbey the "Waikato trainer has also Snake engaged at Eilerslie. In the past the, hack and hunters* steeplechases at the OtakL winter meeting have always filled well, but only eleven nominations have been received for next month’s races. On account of the large acceptance for the hack events at the June meeting at Eilerslie last year those races were run off in two divisions, and the same will probably happen again next month. It hag been decided to fill i n the ditches m front of tho sad and stone walls at Eilerslie, and there is not a difficult jump now in the Great Northern Steeplechase. The Hastings owned gelding Molvtieux, who was taken to Sydney by 7 M. Cameron some time ago, finished second in the Canterbury Handicap, early this month. Molyneux, who worried 9.5. started second favourite and ho was beaten easily by the favourite, I Janthon v.

The two-year-old Lady Lois, who made a name for herself by beating the speedy Epitaph in the Avondale Stakes, has been turned out for $ lengthy spell. After her initial success, Lady Lois lost all form, and could not get a place in her subsequent engagements. The four-year-old Chrysastom, by Demosthenes, was a competitor in a hurdle race at Williamstowu, Melthis month. Tie was ridden by StJan Reid and started at an,outside price. A table of wining sires in Australia for the first nine months of this season shows The YV elkin to be easily in the lend, twenty-seven of his progeny having won sixty-nine races, of tho value of £35.794. Linacre is co cond with £23,520 and Comedy King third with £23,4-98. The list is headed by six imported horses, the next three being Cool trim. Fbdoins and Sh Anton, while YYoornk and Beau Soult. are tho leading Colonial bred sires in the first dozen. “ Pilot ” of the “ Referee.” thinks that of the horse* taken to Sydney by the Hastings trainer J. M. Cameron, Tigrinia will prove the best. New Zealand sportsmen will mostly pin their faith to Molyneaux, who has started a couple of times in Sydney, but so far has failed to win a race. The Sydney Sportsman ”is responsible for the statement that an offer in tho neighbourhood of £17.000 has been made for Eurythmic for stud purposes in the Argentine. It is pointed out that Kurythmic will rate as a seven-year-old next spring, and. although there have been notable exceptions. it is unusual for stallions to retain their speed and race generously after six years. The fields were so numeecuis at Victoria Park, Sydney, on May 3 that no fewer than sixteen races were run. Some English racing clubs are not so happily situated as the proprietary clubs in Sydney. One club in the Old Country pays owners £lO for each horse going to the post. The problem in Sydney, however, which will have to be faced sooner or later by raising entrance fees or by other means. is to limit fields, so that a lot of animals will bo eliminated from races in which they only hamper better horses' chances. *.* A Sydney writer says: “ Sydnc/v is about to become the happy hunting ground of more than one prominent New Zealand owner in the, near futureNegotiations arc on fo&t with two prominent trainers, to handle tho fairly extensive strings' of two of the Dominion a wealthy owners. Others are sure to fall/jnto line.” YYarriiambool races on May an d bred tbrc*e-yo« ra li;ill-nr<>ther in Rohin 11 to Trial lie carried VTt. 10.7'. FnJs«- Alarm 011 a );»co. though lie . MacDonald o\ or four ing. the "Spoiling Tim vs” Gray is to he associated with Felix Loach’s stable, of which Sir Hugo Curiliffc-Owen is the principal patron. It has been decided to train Orpheus for yet another season. Tlie same writer also states that, although Donoghuc is an alleged free-lance this year, ho will probably he found riding the horses trained by IT. Is. Oottrill for Mr., James "W hite, when tho weights permit. Donoglvue’s fellow-countryman, M. Beary, has decided to ride regularly in England this season, in preference to tho land of deferred peace, and has accepted retainers from the Duke of Portland and Sir William Nelson. Local talent does not receive a groat deal of encouragement in England, as practically all tho best retainers arc held bv Australasians. Carslake. Bullock, and Gray, the American A'rchibold, and the two Irishmen. T H HWitt made a eooci inor~. when lie decided to give India, n trial. Many people had an idea that as i jockey lie was practically finished, but the Indian climate enabled him to take off a lot of weight, and with a departure of flesh there wn.s . a return of a deal of his old-time ability. The result was that he rode his full shore of winners, and made such a good impression that before the close of the recent season in Bombay he was retained for the coming one at a fee approaching four figures. In the circumstances it is not surprising that Hew itt is well satisfied with India.

WILLOWBANK FARM.

A SOUTHLAND TROTTING STUD. During the last tow years T hare had invitations to visit the stud farm of -Messrs Stevenson and M’Math in th» Gore district, but until recently I nave not. had the opportunity of arailmg myself of the proprietors' kind request. At the conclusion of'tho recent meeting of the Forbury Park Trot*Mub. a well-known trainer stated that he was going to visit the farm, so. accompanied by a brother scribe, ■we set out on our journey. Tearing good and early cm an almost perfect morning, the twenty mile drive through splendid country brought us to t lie favourably situated spot. It appears to lie some of the very best, land in the district and it was not long before the party was on its way to the paddocks. where the horses were kept. Mr Stevenson was away at the time, as lie had expected us later in the day, hut one of his workmen who, by the way, had little knowledge of the trotting stock, kindly acted as pilot. One of the first features that struck the visitors was the splendid condition of all the stock. At this time of the year horses in Southland are naturallv not looking their best, but every animal on the farm was evidence that they received extra careful attention. The paddocks were very much on the largo size and had the stock been at all difficult to approach our trip would have occupied some extra time- But. every horse on the Establishment had evidently been handled and no trouble was experienced ou this score. After a general inspection the ear was set going for Riversdale. the home of the other partner. Mr M’Math. When about half the five mile journey had been covered Mr Stevenson was met. hurrying home, and after giving him an assurance that we would return we went on to meet Mr M’Math. Soon after our arrival our host had n capital dinner ready for us, wild duck being the chief item of the menu. Tt soon comrpenoed to rain and amici heavy showers the three-year-old Dalnaliine was geared up and put into a jogger. so that the* trainer, who, I

thought, was a probable buyer, could .see the young pacer in action. Tho private track was too wet to be used, but Dalnahine. who had not been worked since last January, paced along the road in a. manner that was evidently quite satisfactory to the probable buyer. Naturallv. when the northern and southern trainers met they got busy with their tongues on the trotting sport and the listeners were well entertained. Later in the afternoon the party returned to YViliowhank Farm, accompanied by Mr M'Mnth, and a second inspection of* the horses took place. This time both partners were in the party and no possible mistake could be made regarding the identity of any of the horses. When night closed on us an adjournament was made to the house, where, after partaking of our hosts’ hospitality, a general talk followed, naturally on the trotting industry- A splendid display of trophies won by the partners vras shown with pride, the handsome New Zealand Trotting Cup. dated 1914, having tho pride of position. Air Stevenson iF also an extensive breeder of other stock, and a sideboard is covered with trophies giving evidence of his ability to raise horses and cattle on his farm. Incidentally, it might be mentioned that during the progress through the paddocks one fat bullock was shown which is easily the largest I have ever seen, and Air Stevenson stated that it was almost certain, when sold in August, that the monster would tip the beam at 30cwt. With reference to the trotting an 1 breeding department, in which Messrs Stevenson and M’Mnth arc associated, it has been in existence for about thirty years, and seems likely to continue in definitely. Mr Stevenson, used, prior to the partnership, to breed a few horses and have them trained, but it was not altogether satisfactory. A mutual arrangement between the part nors has cemented a friendship which is too solid to break. Very few trotters are bred there, and like Wildwood Farm, in Christchurch, all the young stock arc Worked at the pacing gait. For good many years tho stallion Ha Void Rothschild was used for most of the mares, hut some time fjgo tho stallion was sold and went to Central Otago. Several have been used since, includi"g Hogan Pointer. Harold Dillon, Our 1 ho,vpp. Four Chimes, Great Audubon. a ml Brent Loccnda. in fact, all the best she lines are being experimented witli in t lie hope of producing champions. J learned, however, that it is more than probable a stallion will ho purchased in the near future for exclusive use at the stud. The racing season, as far as South land is concerned, finished with the I' or bury Park Trotting Club’s meeting early this month, and nothing will be done with any of the horses in the southern district -until early next spring. As already mentioned, the gaiting, gearing, educating and training of the stock is Mr YFMath’s deportment , and that lie has made a success is shown by the number of winners turned out and the good prices obtained for young stock. The yearlings and two year-olds have all been handled by Mr M’Math. who finds the distance from the farm to his home at Riversdale no obstacle to his work. In explaining his operations he stated that lie went to the farm, took the youngster he wanted, put him through his education and drove hack with him. returning with another until the batch was got through. The place was not seen under its most favourable conditions, on account of the near approach of winter, hut all the horses were particularly well cared for and looked in the best of health. T expressed the wish that the farm could be visited at the height of summer, and had only to say so when a hearty ► invitation was extended to come at any time. It was one of Ihe most enjoyable days T have spent on similar missions and the partners did all in their power to make one anxious to renew the trip. A list, of the young stock at AYillowhank Farm at the present time, together with' the matings of the brood mares, will he found of interest. Two-year-olds. Filly by Our Thorpe—Too Soon. Filly by Our Thorpe—Lady Rothsoon. Filly by Our Thorpe—Queen’s Drive. The three fillies first named are engaged in Ashburton Juvenile Stakes. Gelding by Our Thorpe—Harold Roths child—Topsy man#. Gelding by Harold Rothschild—" Win Soon. Gelding by Harold Rothschild—Red Diamond. Yearlings. Gelding hv Brent Locanda—Queen’s Drive. Colt by Brent Locanda—Pleasant Drive (brother to Dalnahine and halfbrother to Logan's Drive, winners at Winton this season). Gelding by Harold .Rothschild—Red Diamond (brother to Red Star). Gelding by Four Chimes—Too Soon (half-hrcrther to YVairongca. Lady Rothsoon and Harold Soon). Gelding by Brent Locanda—Lady Rothsoon. Gelding by Harold Rothschild—TV in Soon. Foals. Filly by Great Audubon—Queen’s Drive. Filly by Harold Rothschild—Pleasant Drive. Filly by Harold Rothschild—Red Diamond. Gelding by Harold Rothschild—Too Soon. Filly by Great Audubon—Lady Rothsoon died. Filly (one o[ twins) by Harold Roths child King Harold mare. This season Win Soon missed to H a rol d Ro t hsch i Id. Matrons Mated. Pleasant Drive (King C-ole—Queen’s Drive)'to Sungod. Red Diamond (Prince Imperial—thoroughbred mare) to St S within (three-quarter brother to Harold Rothschild). Win Soon (King Child—-Topsy, and half-sister to Too Soon and Go Soon) to Harold Dillon. Lady Rothsoon (Harold Rothschild--Too Soon) to T/ogan Pointer. Harold R othschild —Topsy marc to i Logan Pointer. Too Soon (The Gossoon—Topsy) to Author Dillon. Queen’s Drive (General Pet—Harold’s Rest) to Author Dillon. In addition to the above Dalnahine is at Air M’Math’s place, while Winning Point (Logan Pointer—" Win Soon) and Logan’s Drive (Logan Pointer— Pleasant Drive) have been turned out for the winter. It may bo interesting to know that Win Soon i- not in foal this season. She looks wonderfully well and she was used as one of the harness hor-es to round on our second visit oi