CATHEDRAL CHIMES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20221, 3 February 1934, Page 16

CATHEDRAL CHIMES.

Death of a Great Pacer. The famous pacer Cathedral Chimes died at Pukeuri, near Oamaru, on January 22 last. He contracted pneumonia, and got into such a low state that it was considered advisable to have him destroyed. The name of Cathedral Chimes is likely to remain fresh in the minds of all lovers of a great horse. And the numerous battles he fought on the racetrack and the eminence he attained in his day will embellish the pages of turf history. He was bred by Mr J. M’Ewan at Gore, and was sired by Four Chimes, a son of Abbey Bells, imported. The dam of Cathedral Chimes was Jean Armour. After winning his initial races in Southland, Cathedral Chimes eventually entered J. Bryce’s stable, and it was under the tutelage of Bryce that he reached the front rank of pacers in this country. At that time, Cathedral Chimes was the property of the Invercargill sportsman, Mr J. B Thomson, who has been prominent in the trotting sport for a number of years. Cathedral Chimes shares the honours with Indianapolis of being the only four-year-old to win the Auckland Trotting Cup. During his career, he won the Free-for-all, Otahuhu Cup, Auckland Cup, New Zealand Trotting Cup, Tainui Handicap, King George Handicap, Champion Handicap and numerous other races of lesser value. He was a 100 per cent racehorse, and a perfect horse in his stall. Since being retired to the stud Cathedral Chimes has been the medium of laying a foundation from which a famous line of pacers has been produced. Among his family are Ahuriri, winner of two New Zealand Trotting Cups, Auckland Trotting Cup and New Zealand Sapling Stakes; Kohara, winner New Zealand Sapling Stakes, New Zealand Derby Stakes and New Zealand Trotting Cup; Taurekareka, winner of Great Northern Derby, New Zealand Sapling Stakes, Champion Stakes, etc., and Matchlight, a winner of several important races. The big pacing mare Desert Maiden is a model of condition, and she is thriving on the judicious tasks that are being allotted her. She is an every-day sort—a real pacer and a real stayer. She will compete in suitable events during the autumn period. TROTTING FIXTURES. February 9, 10—Marl borough R.C. February 17, 21 Auckland T.C. February 24—New Brighton T.C. March 2, 3—lnvercargill T.C. March 3—Wellington T.C. March 10—Tirnaru T.C. March I.4—Manawatu T.C. March 14—Kaikoura T.C. March 17—Cheviot T.C.