RACING AND TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17217, 7 December 1923, Page 2

RACING AND TROTTING.

BY

"ARGUS."

■FIXTURES. T>ec«mher B —Methven Racing Club. December B—Bay of Plenty Racing Club. December 9 —Waikato Trotting Club. December 12—Dannevirke Racing Club. December 12—Taumaruntii Racing Club. December 15—Waipa Racing Club. December 15. 17 —New Brighton Trotting Club. December 26—Ashburton Trotting Club. December 26— Gore Trotting Club. December ‘26—Kaikoura Racing Club. December 26— Waipukurau Jockey Club. December 28 27—Dunedin Jockey Club December 36. 27—Weatland Racing Club. December K>. 27—Taranaki Jockey Club. December 26. 27—Weetport Trotting Club. December *26. 27. 29 Manawatu Racing Club. . .. . December -26. 28. January 1. 2—Auckland Racing Club. _ December 27. 29, 31—Auckland Trotting December ®—Winton Trotting Club. December 29. January 1. 3—Grermoutn Jockey Club. . December 31. January 2— Greymouth Trotting Club. January I—Waikouaiti Racing Club. January I—-Wyndham Racing CluTy. January 1,2 —Canterbury Park Trottmr Club. , January 1. 2—P*r»tford Racing Club. Jannary .1, 2— Wairarapa Racing club. January 1. 2—Hawke * Bay Club * Jannary 1. 2—Marton Jockey Club. Jannary 2. Z —Southland Racing Club. January 3—Bav of Island* Racing Club. January 4—Westland Trotting Club. January 5. 7—Reefton Jockey Club. January 5. 7—Vincent Jockev Club. January 19—Wellington Trotting Club. January 16—Mao&watu Trotting Club. NOMINATIONS. December 6—Ashburton Trotting Club. December 7—Gore Trotting Club. December 7—Waikouaiti Racing Club. December 7—Dunedin Jockey Club. December 7—Westland Racing Club. December 7—Hawke's Bay Jockev Club. December B— Wyndhani Racing Clnb. December 10—Stratford Racing Club. December 10—Marton Jockey Clnb. December 12—Westlaud Trotting Club. December 19—Wairarapa Racing Club. December 12—Vincent Jockey Club. December 19—Winton Trotting Club. December 13—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. December 15—Greymouth Jockey Club. December 15—Reefton Jockey Club. December 17—Southland Racing Clnb. December 17—Wairarapa Racing Club. December 19—Wellington Trotting Olnb. DectViber 21— Manawatu Trotting Club. HANDICAPS. December 7—Manawatu Racing Club. December S—Auckland Racing Club. December B—Kaikoura Racing Club. December 10—Westport Trotting Club. December 10—Taranaki Jockey Club. December !J—Weet'and Racing Club. December 12—Greymouth Jockey Club. December 13— Gore Trotting Club. December 13— Waipukurau Jockey Club. December 16—Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club. December 14—Dunedin Jockey Club. December 15—Waikouaiti Racing Olnb. December 15—Wyndham Racing Club. December 17—Stratford Racing Club. December 17—Marton Jockey Club. December 18--Canterbury Park Trotting

Clnb December 18—Ashburton Trotting Club. December 18—Winton Trotting Clnb. December 91.—Vincent Jockey Club. December 27—Greymouth Jockey Club. December 26—Southland Racing Club. January 2—Westland Trotting Club. January 3—Reefton Jockey Clnb. January 3—Wellington Trotting Clnb. January 4—Manawatu Trotting Club. ACCEPTANCES. December 7—Dannevirke Racing Club. December 10—Waipa Racing Club. Deoember 11 —New Brighton Trotting Club. December 14—Auckland Racing Club. December 14— Manawatu Racing Club. December 14—Auckland Trotting Club. December 15—Kaikoura Racing Club. Deoember 17—Waipukprau Jockey Club. December 17—Taranaki Jockey Club. Deoember 17—Westport Trotting Clnb. December 18 —Greymouth Trotting Cltib. December 19—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. December 19—Dunedin Jockey Club. December 19 —Waikouaiti Racing Club. Deoember 19—Westland Racing Club. Deoember 20—Ashburton Trotting Club. Deoember 20—Gore Trotting Club. December ‘2l—Winton Trotting Club. December 21 —Marton Jockey Club. December 22—Wyndham Racing Club. December 22 —Wairarapa Racing Club. December 27—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. December 27—Stratford Racing Club. December 28—Greymouth Jockey Club. December 2D—Southland Racing Club. January 2 —Vincent Jockey Club. January 3— Westland Trotting Club. Ja-nuary 4—Reafton Jockey Club. January B—Wellington Trotting Club. January 31— Manawatu Trotting Club.

The Methven Racing Club’s meeting will l>e held to-morrow, and doubtless it will attract good patronage from Christchurch sportsmen, for whose benefit a opecial train has been arranged. It will leave the city at 7.40 a.m. i and is due back at 9.5 p.m. The course is likely to be hard, as a result of the dry season and for this reason some of the acceptors may not fulfil their engagements, but the meeting should provide sport well up to the average of past years. Frisco Mail 2nd Votiat are a couple of novice, hurdlers due to compete in the Mount Harding Hurdle Handicap The former may make a useful performl er when he has had a bit of racing experience. Judged on his recent form. Whipping Boy is not partial to a hard course, 1 such as he would probably find at Moth- • ran, and he may be allowed to forfeit his Methven Cup engagement. • Dutch Clock showed promising I I form early in the season and she j | should race well in the weak fields that I j will contest the Methven Cup. i Knocklyn shaped well at the South Canterbury meeting and may show tip again in the Electric Hack Handicap at Methven, where the oposition is not very strong. Clarion was placed each day at South Canterbury and on that form he should run well in hack company at Methven. Tinihanga has raced disappointingly in some of his recent engagements, but on her best form she would be very hard to beat in the Viewmont Welter Handicap. Likelihood is in two races at Methven but he will probably drop out of the hurdle race and take on the Viewmont Welter Handicap, in which he should show up prominently, as he has been galloping well on the trac-ke. Finora. has two engagements at Methuen and which ever race she runs in she wii] be bard to beat. She has a fine turn of speed and appears to be improving m stamina. *** The Reaver and Solferite had a great tussle over five furlongs at Riccartou on . Thursday morning. Solferite had a slight advantage at the finish and a repetition of that form will make him very dangerous in the Mount Hutt 4 Handicap at Metlivra.

Nominations for the Dunedin Jockey Club's summer meeting will close at five o'clock this evening.

Nominations for the Gore Trotting Club’s meeting will close at five o’clock this evening.

The North Island jockey, M. M’Carten. will he riding at the Methven meeting to-morrow.

At the sale of Mr J. Grigg’s yearlings last month the Gay Lad—Love-a-Duck colt, half brother to I,’Amour, was knocked down to Mr F. P. Claridge for 220 guineas. He was, however, purchased on behalf of Mr G. H. Grigg. Sine**. the 11 the youngster has been gelded and later in the season R. Alexander will break him in and get him ready to race.

Tha pacor Lord Rose has been in a bad' way for some time with an ailment which seems to be incurable. Although owned bv Mr K. H. Smith, of Belfast, Lord Rose did most of his racing in Auckland, when trained by S. Groat. As there is little chance of a recovery, Mr Smith has sent instructions to have the pacer destroyed.

The Australian pacer Silent Sign, who is owned by Mr R. Rutherford, of Dunedin, was brought here by J N. Clarke at the conclusion of the Forbury Park meeting. Silent Sign was trained when he first arrived at Dunedin by R. Dunn, and he started favourite in the Cavorsliam Handicap, in which he performed very badly. Harold Burwood does not look as well as when he raced at Oaraaru on Labour Day, but he is pacing excellently in his work at New Bngnton. J. N. Clarke’s Trotting Stakes candidate, the Nelson Bingen—Bertha Belle colt, has improved a. good deal during the last few months. He is not a big one, but he is well mannered and shows plenty of speed in action. If lie continues to improve till February he should show up prominently in the Forbury Park Trotting Club's classic event.

Gleaming appears to be quite sound again and is pacing with all his old brilliancy in his work at New Brighton. Ho should not be long before winning a race, especially if raced over a short course.

G. F. Robinson is now working Elite but the pacer does not look at his best at present. Possibly his hard racing is beginning to tell the tale on his stamina.

Asturio is gradually getting int* racing condition, but with so many ypnng and improving horses in his class this pacer will have to show his best form to have much chance of success.

The pacer Saints’ Bell, who has been turned out for nearly nine months, is to be put into work again next week The pacing mare Rangitata Lass is due to foal to the Australian pacer Realm.

Very large fields nro engaged in the two trotting events at Methveh, there being forty acceptors in the Drayton Handicap, one mile and a quarter, and thirty in the Farmers’ Handicap, one mile and a half. Some really good performers have come from this district during the last few years and probably a few smart maidens will be seen in action at this meeting.

At the recent meeting of the Takapuna Jockey Club, E. Pope, the trainer of Queen of the Earth, was called before the stewards to explain a. transgressing of the rules by going to the starting post. Pope stated that Queen the Earth was kicked at the post prior to the start for the Melrose Handicap, and, under the impression that the maro was seriously hurt, he went to ascertain if such was the case. The committee overlooked the breach, but warned Pope against a repetition.

Two jockeys were dealt with for interference at, the recent Takapuna meeting. After the Alison Cup. H. Wiggins, rider of Musketoon. lodged a complaint that his horse was interfered wuth in going out of the straight, but be was unable to state whether it was caused by Gold Rain, ridden by Tremain, or by*Loyal Irish, ridden by JT. Goldfinch. After hearing evidence, the committee held that Wiggins’s complaint was justified. Goldfinch was held to have come over too quickly with Loyal Irish at the point named and he was suspended for the remainder of the day. On the second day, after the St Andrew's Handicap, A. Reed lodged n. complaint that bis mount. Queen March, had been interfered with by Pelham. Anderson, the rider of Pelham, said that his horse was boring at the time, and he was unable to check it. Anderson was stood down for the rest of the day.

The nominations received for the Ashburton Trotting Club’s meeting leave no doubt as to the success of the Boxing Dey fixture, which has grown in popularity in recent years. There are plenty of horses to ensure large, fields, while class is well represented. Among the horses engaged are several who have also been nominated at Auckland.

The Ashburton sportsman, Mr H. F. Nicholl, president of the New Zealand Trotting Conference, has returned from a six months’ trip abroad. It is understood he purchased a trotting stallion in America, a son of Peter the Great, with a 2min 2sec record. This blood has already been a success in the Dominion, and the importation of another of the family, with such a speed record, will to generally welcomed by breeders.

It was reported recently that Chimera was to go to the stud this season, but it looks now as if the Finland mare was to be kept in work a little longer, in the hope of picking up a stake or two during the holiday meetings.

Sir George Hunter’s gelding Crown Star, by Crown Imperial 11. from Tattle, by Mahaki from Whisper, was held in high regard by bis connections early in the season, but he raced so disappointingly at Trentham that his trip to Riccarton for the New Zealand Cup meeting was cancelled. Since then he has been freshened up and he showed good form when he Won the Woodville Handicap this week. He only has to go ou right now to pick up some better stakes during the holidays.

Royal Divorce, who followed up his second in th© Trial Place at "Woodville on Wednesday by winning on the second day, is an Engli3h-brcd three-year-old colt by King’s Proctor, a sou of Persimmon. Royal Divorce showed some speed when raced at Trentham in October and since then ho has come on a lot. On present appearances he will be in open company before long.

In several cases at Feilding the fields were too unwieldly for the track, and this did not permit of everything having, an equal chance in the race. Some of the runners who failed there will be doing better during the holiday meetings, writes “The Watcher.” This particuarly applies i.o 6lov beginners and long striding horses like Demand, Black Ciuiser and Pant*gruel.

ENGLISH NOTES. (Special to “ Star.”) 'LONDON, October 18. This has been, perhaps, the most thrilling week of the season, for not only have we had the decision of the C-esare witch and the Duke of York Handicap, but also the first defeat of the Aga Khan’e filly. Mamtaz Mahal. The latter’s phenomenal speed had so captured popular imagination that the majority of those who braved the avrful weather at Kempton Park saw in her downfall much that was pathetic. She had won her five previous races in the easiest possible fashion, but in the going such as it was for the Imperial Produce Plate it was obvious that her stamina', more than her speed, would be put to the test. She was certainly racing under conditions which were, to .say the least, foreign to her. Rain had fallen so persistently for twenty-four hours that parts of the course were waterlogged. Hoofss unk deeply into the mud; it was no day for the sprinter, however exceptional. In my opinion the simple explanation of the fall of the flying grey was that her powers of endurance had not been developed to the same extent as her Bpeed. The fact that seven other, owners threw down the gauntlet might be taken as an indication that they did not regard the chance of beating Mumtaa Mahal as so remote as some people chose to think. Admiral of the Fleet Sir Hedworth Meux had reasons for believing that his filly Tilphossa, who was in receipt of would be capable of making something of a race. It is probable that there was even more confidence associated with the Tracery colt Arcade, belonging to Mr Anthony de Rothschild. As far as it. was possible to see through the mist and the rain, the start wa s fairly good. One searched in vain, however, for the show of speed by which “ Mumty ” had literally paralysed the opposition in the first furlong of her previous races. Her jockey. George Hulme, must have been surprised when he found that she could do no more than merely hold her own in the first quarter mile. The sea green jacket of Sir Hedworth Meux occupied the prominent- position and about a furlong from the finish Tilphossa appeared to be ahead of all the rest-. Mumtaa Mahal threw up o sheet of water as though she were racing through a miniature river just at a time when she seemed to bo going as well as any of her opponents, and this no doubt temporarily retarded her progress. Hulme, however, judiciously gave her ample time in which to -settle down again, but it was now apparent that the Aga Khan's filly would have to make a tremendous light to retain her unbeaten record. George Smith was riding with every confidence on Tilphossa. but Mumtaz Mahal, putting in an extra sprint at the end of the fifth furlong, had settled the issue so

far as these two were concerned. Then it was that Arcade came upon the scene, ridden vigorously by Jeo Childs. For a few seconds it appeared likely that “Mumty” would hang on just long enough to squeeze home. Hulme rode as strongly as he could with his hands—at no time did he resort to the whip—but the filly, though game to the end, could not- cope with the superior finishing powers of Arcade, who did not seem to resent the pressure exerted by his jockey, and won by half a length. The winner had been well tried prior to running for the Buckenham Stakes at Newmarket, where liis failure cam© as a great disappointment to his owner. The victory over “ Mumty ” however, more than atones for that lapse. An eloquent illustration of how quickly the book of form can be turned upside down is afforded by the fact that at Newmarket Sir R. Jardine’s Obliterate finished in front of Arcade, and at Doncaster “Mumty” simply cantered away from Obliterate!

Contrary to expectation, instead of being reserved for the Cesarewitch, which he won a year ago at long odds, Light Dragoon was sent to contest the Duke of York Handicap, of one mile and a quarter, at Kempton, and so highly was his chance appraised that he was made favourite. The horse was greatly admired in the paddock—his healthy appearance satisfied the mostexacting critic —and after a rather slow beginning in the race he secured a reasonably good position before reaching the turn. But from that point, however, all excitement evaporated because Poisoned Arrow, ridden by the notorious jockey on Arcade the previous afternoon, simply came away on his own and thereafter was never seriously challenged.

The field was really a high-class one, but so easily did Poisoned Arrow win that his opponents, who included Sobriquet, who won th© race twelve months ago. Roman Bachelor, a stable companion of “ The Arrow,” Verdict and Moabite, two good three-year-old winners during the season, and the Aga Khan’s Ascot winner, Paola, were made to look third-raters. It was apparent immediately the straight was reached that Poisoned Arrow had the race at his merev. He was running comfortably alongside of Sun Charmer and DryToast, and then favoured by the inside berth, at once drew well ahead. It was unusual to see Childs being carried along so far in front of the field so long before the finish. His speciality is waiting as late as possible and coming with a rush—as he had done on Arcade. Poisoned Arrow, however, revelled in the conditions under toot and was so full of running that it would have been the height of folly for the jockey not to have allowed him to gallop along to his heart’s content. The policy was abundantly justified, and it was quite pathetic to see the vain efforts some of the others made to get within striking distance. Roman Bachelor eventually managed to secure second place and without being unduly pressed Light Dragoon deprived Verdict of third position. As a result of the victory, Poinsoned Arrow incurred a penalty of 101 b for tlio Cambridgeshire, brining his weight up to 9st, that is 21b less than Epinard was allotted.

Last year, it may be recalled, Poisoned Arrow ran second at Kempton to Sobriquet, and then filled a similar position behind Re-Echo in the Cambridgeshire. The Duke of York Handicap is usually regarded as furnishing a pointer for the more important affair at Newmarket at the end of October, and it was only natural. therefore, after his runaway win this year, he shonld be immediately backed to carry off the “double,” which he just failed to bring off in 1922. The Cesarewitch provided another surprise, for the French horse. Rose Prince, belonging to Mr A. MacKonibor, th© American who now owns Partli. beat the Aga Khan’s Teresina and the favourite, Kir Abe Bailey's Ceylonese. This rac© deserves a special article all to itself, and I shall, therefore, relate the chief incidents connected with it in my next letter.

NOMINATIONS. ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB. The following nominations have been received : ADVANCE HANDICAP (in harness), of 200 sots; one mile and a hall’—Annerley, Jimmy Bingen, Erin's Royal, Direct ‘led, Haunui, Logan Maid, Colonel Mac, Hustler, Beau Nash, Waiuoni, Sprig of Heather, Searchlight Lad, Rapier, Big Bill. King Sandy, Winnie Dillon. Verey Light, Paradox. Rebel, Roifc, Talent, Kelmau, Herd Laddio, Danebury, Ella Locanda, Me gal a, Erva, Imperial Pointer, Bessie Logan. Lyonwood, Betty’s Boy, Logic, Homestead, Admiral Pointer, Lady Mint©. Inch Bonny, Wairau, Audacious, Billy Bells, Bill Rich, Loganwood, Queen's Ferry, Lee Beil. Lady Brenda, Olive Logan, Wyndham, Nelson ilac, Mjso Dorothy, Nagol Pointer, Medallion Boy. Bruce, Kate. Thorpe.

MITCHAM HANDICAP (in saddle), of 200 sovs; one mile and a half—Rose Peters, Judge Hancock, General Grant, Effort. Lucy

Patch, Gheaterohild, Peter's Pet. To-night. James Maddison. Brandale, Cabin Girl, Patard. Marvin Drift. Snowstorm. Wonder Why, Greywood. Merry Peters, Lord Tracey, Llano, Golddigger, Corwar, Rockland, Fairton. Grand Dillon, Freeman, Randolph, Dillon S.. Gioyd.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CUP (in harness), of 760 sovs; two miles—Princess Zof. Sympathy, Emperor, Coldwater, Coil, Landlord. Hayseed, Earl Derby, Dalnahine, Flora Golding, Childe Pointer. Star Queen, Realm, Linden. Event, Locanda Mao. Afittrrio, Logan Chief, Willie Logan, Lady

Joan, Gleaming, Vilo, Tenerifle, Vice Admiral, Dixie Mac, Wild Thyme, Elite. M'LEAN HANDICAP (in saddle), of 225 sovs; one mile and a Quarter —Crusader. Erin's Logan, Diamond Child, Glenn ray, Irish Eyes, Waitaki Girl, Grandee, Prince Qwithin, Rex Coronado, Locanda Jack. Lady Embrace, Royal Chance. Prospect, Friendship, Reta’s Greeting, Energetic, War Bond. Swift Pointer. MIDSUMMER HANDICAP (in harness!, of 275 sovs; one mi’o and a half —Transport, Waitaki Girl, Diamond Child, Leading Lady, Malachy, John Pointer, Royal Chance. Waetewood, Colchester, Prospect, Plywood. Prince Athol, Olive Huon, Copa de Ora Jr.. Harold Burwood, DolJy Doyle. Swift Pointer, Fernmoor. BOXING DAY HANDICAP (in harness), of 850 sovs; ono mile and a quarter— Princess Zoe, Emperor, Coil, Landlord, Hayseed, Guynomer, Earl Derby, Cammie, Latona. Albert- Cling. Star Queen, Bon Ohau. Linden, locanda Mac. Rorko’s Drift, Asturio, Lady Joan. Betrayer, Nancy Stair. Fancy Boy. Teneriffe. Idris. PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP (in harness), of 250 sovs; two raile6—Rose Peters, Echo, Bon Sonty, Woodlass, Diameter, Brigand. EfTort. Lottie Direct, Lucy Patch, Nelson Bell. James Maddison, Evandale, Wire, Patard, Marvin Drift, Kean John, Snowstorm, Wonder Why. Lee Todd. Wild Hebe. Llano. Arcadian. Kelman, Fairton, Bay Boy, Freeman. Okuti. FINAL HANDICAP (in saddle), of 250 sovs; one mile—Laokiewood. Dalnahine. Ducky Dillon. Irish Eyes, Cammie. Glen Boy, Flora- Golding. Rex Coronada-. Ben Ohau, Prospect, Beta's Greeting. Logan Lou, Energetic. Copa de Ora Jr., Betrayer, War Bond, Lady Mauritius.

RE-HANDICAPS. DANNEVIRKE RACING CLUB. Prat Prsss Association. PALMERSTON NORTH. Dec. 6. The following rehandicaps for the Dannevirke summer meeting have been declared by Mr J. E. Henryß:—Tiratu, Juvenile Handicap—Tana3.ees Bst 111 b; Tamaki Handicap—Mangawhero 9st 51b, Neagle Memorial Handicap—Crown Star 7st 81b; Ruahine Welter Handicap—"Mangawhero 10at 6lb. Empyrean 9st 41b; Otanga Handicap—lsland 761 Sib. RACE RESULTS. WOODVILLE JOCKEY CLUB. WOODVILLE, December 6. JUVENILE HANDICAP, of 110 sovs; five furlongs. Kings Folly, sst 6lb (Waddell) 1 Lady Isinglass, Sst 81b .... 2 Bonideer, 7st 61b 8 Paula Bst lib, Tutankhamen 7st 121 b, Bright Sol 76t 9lb. Royal Diadem 7st 9lb, Peradeniya 7st 7lb, Dark Rosaleen 7st, Twink 6et 121 b and Pcut-etre 6et 121 b also started. Won easily, a length between second and third. Time—lmin lseo. GOTHARD MEMORIAL HANDICAP, of 225 sovs; one mil© and a dietanoe. Mangawhero. €3t 7lb (Pine) 1 Admiral Codrington, Sst Blb (France) 2 Little River. 7st 71b (Stowe), Cold Steel (A. Reid), dead heat . . S Counter Attack 7*t 13lb, Crown Star 7at 12lb, Zircon 7*t Blb, Bagdad 7st 71b. Mountain Crag 7st olb, Kahikatea 7st lib. Beloved 7st and Merrimas 6st 71b also started. Won easily, a length between second and third. Time—lmin 59sec. TELEGRAPH HACK HANDICAP. of 100 sovs; five furlongs. Civility, 9st 61b (Ravner) ! Kilcoo, 6st 121 b ...... 2 Stymie. 7st 51b ...... 8 Treadwell 7st- lllb, Awangawanea 7«; t lllb.Merry Tmp 7st 7lb, Redlogue 76t 51b, Solrino . 6st 13ib and Grace 6st 131 b also started. Won easily. Time—lmin lsec. RUAWHATA HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; seven furlongs. Royal Divorce, 7Bt 101 b (R. Reid) 1 Fleeting. Set Vib 2 Hall Mark, Bst 71b 3 Empyrean Sst 61b. Swallow-flight Bst 51b, Good Mark 6sfc 21b, Sensible Tst lolb. Stream 7st Olb, Manchester Tst lib. Lady Waimangu 6st 121 b, Arizona 6at 12lb, Ngapaenga 6st 91b, Tatrina 6st 9lb, Deborah 6st nib. Pridea-ux 6at 9lb and Fire Brigade 66t 9lb also started. Won easily, two lengths between second and third. Time—lmin 29sec. GORGE HANDICAP, of 130 sovs; one mile and 180 yards. Quest, Ost Sib __ (O’Shea) 1 Happy Days, Sst 2lb .... .2 First Salute, Sst 131 b 3 The only starters. Won by a nose, two lengths between second and third. Time—lmin 633ec.