Racing and Trotting

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18057, 18 January 1927, Page 2

Racing and Trotting

MOTES BY

RACING FIXTURES. January ]S, 20—Wairoa Racine Club. January 20, 22, 2-I—Wellington Racing Club. January 21. 22—Foxton Racing Club. January 22—Bay of Islands Racing Club. January 26, 27—Pahiatua Racing Club. January 29, 31—Takapuna Jockey Club. ACCEPTANCES. January 17—Pahiatua Racing Club. January 21—Takapuna Jockey Club.

TROTTING FIXTURES.

January 22—Hawke’s Bay Trotting Club. January 22—Te Aroha Trotting Club. January 27, 29—Forbury Park Trotting Club. January 29—Poverty Bay Trotting Club. February s—Cheviot Trotting Club. February 12—Metropolitan Trotting Club. NOMINATIONS. January 27—Metropolitan Trotting Club. HANDICAPS. January 22^—Cheviot Trotting Club. February I—Metropolitan Trotting Club. ACCEPTANCES. January 17—Hawkes Bay Trotting Club. January 17—Te Aroha Trotting Club. January 21—Forbury Park Trotting Club. February g—Metropolitan Trotting Club.

RACING NOTES.

F. D. Jones had several members of Jus team engaged at Trentham, but the trip has been cancelled. Jones hopes to take some horses South next month for the Dunedin Jockey Club’s meeting. Limerick is getting through plenty of useful work, principally strong pacing. varied with an occasional short sprint and he is gradually getting into racing shape. His injured foot, which affected his prospects in Australia in the. spring, is nearly right again, and he should be in good order for autumn engagements. He has been nominated for important events in Australia, but his autumn programme will not be decided on definitely for some time vet. * * * * Master Clarence was allowed to forfeit his Trentham engagements, but he is training on all right and he may be racing at, the Dunedin Jockey Club’s meeting next month. * * * * W. G. Hobbs has taken Scrip in hand again and the Paper Money filly looks well after a few weeks' rest. * * * $ Arikiwai, a two-year-old gelding by Paladin from Watersprav, the dam of Pilliewinkie, is a regular worker with P. D. Jones’s team at Riccarton. He is a well-grown youngster, with a good style oi galloping, and in the few short sprints he has been allotted he has already shown considerable promise, lie may have a couple of races in the autumn but it is unlikely that he will be seriously taxed until next season. Included in W. G. Hobbs’s team is a two-year-old filly by Thurnham from Boniform’s sister, Sunglow. She is a chestnut, with lop ears, reminiscent of Cruciform, a near relative of Boniform’s sire. Multiform. The filly, who has had the name Illuminate claimed for her, is shaping well in her work and it is hoped that she will be ready.to race at Easter. *& * v The Martian three-year-old Battlement is bowling along well in his work at Riccarton. He disappointed his connections at Auckland, but he looks in the best of health after his northern ttip and a good race over a journey may come his way before the season is * * * ❖ Couleur de Rose is to be turned out for a year’s spell. The Solferino filly has shown speed but so far she has not carried it on far enough to bring success. # ♦ 6 s The committees ot the Dunedin Jockey Club and the Forbury Trotting Club each held a meeting on Friday and among other things considered the appointment of a jornt secretary. No finalitv was reached in the matter. * * # * The Hawke's Bay sportsman. Mr S. M’Lcod. has a promising two-year-old in Rory Mor, by Lord Quex —Fair Rosamond’s Daughter. He is a big, loosely-built long-striding chap, and seems more likely to improve with age than most of the other two-year-olds. He looks like developing into a good handicap performer next season. * * * * Polydectes was easily the be**t two-year-old seen racing at the Hawke’s Bay holiday meetings. lie won at Waipukurau and .Hastings, and without having claims *0 top class, he is a very useful sort, likely to do further service for S. Waddell’s stable before the close of the season. * * * * The Waikato sprinter, Kingfield. was firoduced only once at the Auckland meeting, where he ran third in the Railway Handicap, which was a good performance. The King Lupin" gelding was drawn wide at the barrier, but his prompt beginning qualities enabled him to get a position early in the running, and he kept Limited busy to hold him out of second honours by a neck. One of Kingfield's legs filled after this gallop, and he could not be started again at the meeting. He is engaged at Takapuna. * * * * Hawke's Bav's two lady trainers. Miss Grace Maher and Mrs A. Gilmore, each turned out a double winner during the holidays. Calluna. one of Miss Maher's team, won a double at Hastings. and Moepai, owned and trained by Mrs Gilmore, scored in two races at Waipukurau on Boxing Day. According to an exchange. Mrs Gilmore had both her representatives. Moepai and Tongatotoa, in splendid order, but Tonga,totoa was favouring one of his forelegs when he went out to race against Father O’Flynn, and he pulled up sore. lie was evidently feeling the effects of his racing when he started at Hastings on New Year’s Day, for he was never going well at any part of his Si« * He sje At a sale of racing stock held at Randwick this month several New Zealand bred horses were offered. Bosh, by Absurd from Steinheil, realised 750 guineas, and a filly by Kilbroney from Martia went for 400 guineas. Father's Voice was passed in at 200 guineas, and Siaosi at 550 guineas. * * He * It is good news to learn from Melbourne that the Winkie gelding Pilliewinkie has resumed work at Flemington. He has been spelling since October, when he suffered an injury which prevented him from racing in the Melbourne Cup. Last autumn Pillie"'nn the Australian Cup, a re-

ARGUS

Amongst the late Mr T A. Stirton’s horses to be sold at auction is the English horse Larkspur, who should not have been beaten in the Trial Stakes on Derby Day at Randwick. Larkspur has had a good spell, and has just made his reappearance on the track, lie should be a good winner at the autumn meetings in Australia. * * * According to news received in a private letter from Sydney it is by no means certain that Windbag will stand a preparation.

TROTTING NOTES.

The trotter Elzear has improved a good deal during the past few months. She has settled down to solid work, and her manners at the barrier show considerable improvement. Elzear can be marked off as a future winner. Tomkinson deserves all the success he can get with the trotter, as he has been most patient despite many previous failures. * * * * Epigram continues to go on the right way in his work, although he has not been asked to go fast. Jt will be some time before he is ready to race. * * * * The Australian trotter Tom Marvin is a handful on the training track. There is no doubt about his ability to go., fast, but he is likely to be troublesome at the barrier. Rose Pointer is getting Into good racing form. The Wellington-owned pacer has a fine turn of speed, but is not partial to a distance. Tomkinson has her pacing quite satisfactorily. sje He »J* H. Gaskell’s maiden pacer by Harold Dillon—Louvain Chimes is a useful sort, who looks as though he will be speedy over short courses. * # * He Exclusive is pacing well in her work at present. This useful pacer should not be long before winning a race. * * * *> The trotter Peter the First is again in work. Fie has been off the race track for some time. He is a good trotter in saddle but a difficult horse to manage at the barrier. * Hs * * The trotter Reverie, half-brother to Napland by Peter Moko. is being sent along faster in training, but it will be some time before, he is ready to be raced. * * * * Nimble Direct does not do a great amount of fast work in training. ite is a regular attendant at Addington, but is usually jogging or going halfspeed. * * * * The brother to Locanda Mac in N. Burgess’s stable is improving and premises to develop into a useful pacer. * * * * Beck\ r Logan seems to be sound again but it is noticeable that she now makes a noise when going fast. It is to be hoped she is not going in the wind. sic * 6c * King Dillon bears a well-trained appearance. and the pacer is right, on the top of his form at present. The Canterbury Owners’ and Breeders’ Association has been advised by the Railway Department that an unguaranteed special train will leave Christchurch for Dunedin on Tuesday, January 25. to convey horses engaged at the Forbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting on January 27 and 29. The train will leave Christchurch at 8.15 a.m. and will arrive at Dunedin at 5.14 p.m. It will, if required, pick up horses at Addington, Sockburn, Hornby, Rakaia. Ashburton and Timaru.

WANGANUI NOTES.

(Special to the “ Star”) WANGANUI, January 17. Wanganui horses engaged at Trentham left to-day. W. Dwyer, with Paleta. Great Day and Limsa, left this morning, when F. Lind also got away with Civility and L. G. Paul with Allowav. W. Rayner left by the express with Lysander, Mask, Deluge and Thaw. On the local tracks on Saturday Thaw finished slightly in front of Paleta at the end of four furlongs run in 51 3-ssec. Thaw is engaged in the Fitzherbert Handicap on Thursday, and if he leaves the mark well will be ' in the picture at the end. Paleta was allowed to drop out of his engagement on the first day at Trentham, but will probably be seen out on the second and third days. Great Day is to be submitted for sale at Trentham on Friday. He was associated with The Thorn on Saturday in a spin over five furlongs, the pair being together at the end in Imin 5 3-ssec, and they’ could have done better. Civility, with J. Barry in the saddle, was sent seven furlongs, which she cut out in Imin 27 ’3-ssec. running the first five furlongs in Imin 1 4-ssec. She fin ished on strongly and it will not be surprising to see her well in the fighting line at the finish of the Wellington Cup race, in which she will have nearly a stone less to carry’ than she had on her back on Saturday. Lysander ran half a mile very comfortably on Saturday in 51 3-ssec. He is in great fettle. Deluge is sprinting as well as ever, and such a brilliant customer will only need to be favoured with a bit of luck to run prominently in the Telegraph Handicap. He ran half a mile on Saturday in 49. 3-ssec. the first furlong being done in 11 4-ssec. Break o’ Day had a flutter with Whenuanui, to whom he was conceding weight, and they finished together Alloway covered six furlongs nicely in Imin 18see, running the first half in 50 2-ssec. The son of Limond—Admyra appears to be ail the better for his recent racing. Great disappointment was expressed in Hawera sporting circles when it was learnt that Seatown had gone slightly amiss and would not fulfil his Wellington engagements. This was unfortunate for the trainer. Pine, who had the horse at the top of his form. Seatown will probably be all right for the Ilawera meeting. On the Hawera tracks on Saturday Silvermine and Gaiilard jumped off at the five furlong peg, and the youngster went straight to the front, running the first three furlongs in 36see. and finishing the five furlongs in Imin 3scc. Silvermine never gave the older horse a “look in.” and finished up his task in good style. He went through to Trentham to-day. Benzora was sent six furlongs, accompanied by Lethal. The first fur-

Imin 3sec, making Imin 16sec for the full journey, which must be accounted good, as Benzora finished full of running. Grand Lupin and Subjection did a good gallop, running out the five furlongs in lmn 3 3-sscc. Sovena and Sea Star together worked five furlongs in Imin ssec. Bonogne. Partaga and The Lamb set out for a six furlong gallop. Bonogne and Partaga finished together in front of The Lamb in Imin 16 2-ssec. Reremoana and Lady Cavendish did the best gallop of the morning, running out five furlongs in Imin 2sec, Reremoana doing the better of the pair.

VICTORIA RACING CLUB.

A HUGE ORGANISATION*. ITS FAR-SEEING CHAIRMAN. No man has played a greater part in the development of racing in Victoria than Mr L. K. S. Mackinnon. And his influence has spread throughout the length and breadth of the Commonwealth. savs a writer in the “Sporting Globe.” It was in 1906 that Mr Mackinnon took his seat at the V.R.C. committee table. Almost immediately his knowledge of racing, his foresight, and his ideas commanded the attention, not only of fellow-committeemen, but the experienced follower of racing. All recognised that in him they had a worthy advocate for the expansion of racing. It was not long before the committee placed Mr Mackinnon in the position of vice-chairman. That was when the late Mr R. G. Casey occupied the chair. It was in 1916 that he was elected chairman of the club. There were troublous times for racing clubs just, after the war. and it is easy to imagine that the feeling of anxiety by the senior club was greater than that felt by other bodies. It was then that the strength, ability and foresight of committeemen were tested, and it was here that Mr Mackinnon rose to the occasion. He foresaw the prosperity that since has come to the racing clubs, and his progressive policy, when many were in fear of failure, has culminated in wonderful success for the club whose footsteps he guides. Not only is Mr Mackinnon a keen administrator in turf affairs, but he always takes an active interest in racing. He has owned many good horses, and he has bred many good ones. With Kingsbtirgh he won the Melbourne Cup in 1914, and the flying Woorak carried his smart-looking livery to victory in some big races. .At one time Mr Mackinnon raced his horses under the nom de plume of Mr "K. S. M'Leod.” For some months during which he made a health trip to

England he went out of racing as an owner. Recently, however, he has returned to the fold. He gave 3200 guineas for Star d'Or a few weeks ago, .and word came from England that Mr Mackinnon has purchased in England the two-year-old Ronsard, by Son-in-Law. The colt has won in 'England. For some years JNIr Mackinnon bred thoroughbreds at “Chatsworth Park.” but he disposed of that property. His enthusiasm for the industry, however, did not die with the sale, and some time ago he established a stud at Maribvrnong, famous in the days of old for the production of some great horses. There Mr Mackinnon has the sire Poitrel and a select band of brood mares. Poitrel has made his mark as a sire of stayers, having got the triple St beger winner Belgamba. By profession, Mr Mackninon is a lawyer. An hour spent with Mr Mackinnon revealed some interesting facts concerning the work that committeemen, especially those associated with the V.R.C., perform in the interests of racing. Even racing men have no conception of the work that is entailed in carrying on this great industry. Not only do the members of 1113' committee deal with the duties of their own club, but they have to keep their fingers on the pulse of the whole organisation of the Victorian turf,” said Mr Mackinnon. “V.R.C. committeemen must be ever ready to obey the call of duty, and in addition to the usual monthly meeting they often are called together for emergency business. There are many subcommittees which meet regularly. These are W orks, Licensing (trainers and jockeys), Programme, Rules and Finance and Insurance Fund, and I am chairman of the lot. The work entailed is enormous, but we are fortunate in the possession of a splendid secretary in Mr A. V. Kewney, a man of great ability and pereonalit)*. I was in England when Mr Kewney was appointed, but a short survey of his work convinced me that we have the right man in the right place. “The works sub-committee has much to do. Just remember that for two and a half years we considered the question of remodelling Flemington. Every angle of the matter and suggestions were carefully considered. “I quote this to give an indication of the worry that comes to a committee man. Now we have another big scheme on hand. It is proposed to alter the big sand track at Flemington. The idea is to minimise the hard foundation that now exists. We intend to take out the sand, lay a bed of clinkers, to a certain depth, then a binding of cla}' rolled, then screened cinders to a depth of three inches, followed by another clay binding. On top of that will come an even layer of tan, two inches thick. This will be constantly rolled, and the result will be. a firm track, wit heushion-like effect \ipon which the horses will make no hoof marks. “Referring to the control of racing, T would like to say that valuable work is being done by the association's in advocate of these bodies, and I pushed on with the. idea. J was looking ahead. Here we were in town sitting as a board to hear appeals against stipendiary stewards’ decisions without knowing any of the local conditions. Men made statements, and we had to accept them. No doubt we were wrong on occasions, but on the evidence tendered, and in fairness to all, we simply had to accept anything that was placed before us. We hadn't the knowledge that local racing men had to size up the witnesses. “I felt that in time the right men would rise in each of these country centres to take charge of their own districts, and make it what it should be, so far as the turf is concerned. Centralisation was needed. Now we ha\;e splendid associations run by splendid men working in the best interests of the sport. We rarely get an appeal against an association’s decision unless fresh evidence is the cause.” Giving away more than £IOO.OOO in stakes in the year, and controlling 233 racing clubs, the V.R.C. is a huge organisation. To control such a club entails a tremendous amount of woik and organisation. The associations that have been

Eastern, Northern, Ballarat. Gippsland and Western. The associations receive financial assistance from the premier club, and last year a sum of £IOSO was divided between them. As the fountain head of the turf, the V.R.C. keeps in close touch with all racing in the State. All programmes must be submitted to the club, and results of all meetings arc furnished by secretaries within a certain date of the Many activities fall to the lot of the RC. office staff. One of the biggest outside the actual details of the club's race meeting is the control of the Benevolent Fund. This is provided to give assistance to old-time trainers and jockeys who have fallen on bad times or suffered ill-health, and for the widows and orphans of former racing men. Each case is dealt with by the subcommittee. Several old-time jockeys are now on the lists, each receiving an allowance of £2 5s a week. Last financial year, which ended in June, the sum of £2282 was paid out in this way. The fund is dependant upon the race meeting which is held at Moonee Valley each year; upon the revenue trainers pay yearly for the privilege of having a badge which admits them to all racecourses; upon the interest on fund money invested; and upon donations. Each year the demand on the fund is increasing. The Distressed Jockeys’ Fund has been merged into the Accident Insurance Fund. To begin this, the V.R.C. had to deposit £7500 with the Government in order to obtain official sanction to run its own insurance fund. This fund is on the same lines as the Workmen's Compensation Act. If a jockey is killed on a racecourse his dependents receive £6OO. The same applies to a jockey permanently disabled. Last year —ending June- a sum of £8245 was paid out by the fund to claimants. In addition, a sum of £BO4 was donated to jockeys who were in distress, but not through accident. If a rider is “down on his luck" through ill-health, or is injured in some wayother than in a race, he is given financial assistance by the club. The cost to owners and trainers for the Accident Insurance Fund is considered to be very light. Under the scheme a trainer or an owner-trainer pays a foe of £2 2s a year and £1 for each horse a year. This relieves the person concerned of all claims under the Workmen's Compensation Act. It brought about a big reduction in the cost to trainers of large establishments. Another worthy cause financially controlled by the V.R.C. is the scholarships scheme for children of

club finds, the funds —£2880 last finanmen who served with the A.I.F. The cial year—and the scheme is administered by the Minister for Education.