AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VIII, Issue 388, 30 December 1897, Page 11

AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

TBy

Atlas.]

The weather on Friday last, the first day of the Auckland Trotting Club’r Summer Meeting, was fine, but hot, and the journey out to the convincing ground had but little to.recommend it in the way of pleasure. One would have thought that there was not wind enough to stir the down of a Scotch thistle, but the dust fiend, nevertheless, was in evidence, and it curled up into the nostrils, eyes, ears, and mouths of travellers in a manner calculated to make them wonder if they were on pleasure bent; but it is surprising to see what the British public will endure to see racing in all its shapes and forms, and during the afternoon there must have been nearly three thousand people in Potter’s Paddock. As I strolled over the track before the first race I became imbued with what seems to be a prevailing feeling of sorrow concerning the poor feet of the noble thoroughbred engaged in gall op - ing or trotting for the entertainment of sports, because the ground was as hard as bell metal, and certainly not as even as a country road. I do not know who are responsible for the maintenance of the track at Potter’s Paddock, but if anybody is responsible there is not an ounce of credit attached to the responsibility. Potter’s Paddock is the convincing ground for trotters, and one would naturally expect if there are enthusiasts in our midst, that something would be done in the way of making a track suitable for trotters, but Potter’s Paddock at present is not. The hardness of the surface, possibly, cannot be avoided, but its uneven nature could, and a ramble round it will disclose unfilled foot-holes made in wet weather that must sadly interfere with the gait of a trotter, and multiply the troubles of the driver. It is not my intention or wish to discourage the efforts of gentlemen trying to promote trotting—on the contrary, I haye a sincere desire that straight, honest trotting should be encouraged, and the best way of foster ing the sport, I feel certain, is the maintenance of a proper track. In the management of the sport, too, I have an idea that we should have more class trots. Friday’s programme was devoid of anything approaching a class trot. Even the Maiden Trot, which in other parts of the world is competed for from the same mark, was a handicap. The results of this is that the merits of the horses are not rewarded, and anyone following up trotting as a means of living would be a fool to give more than a score for a trotter, because by the handicap system he would have just the same chance of winning as the man who paid £SOO for a standard-bred horse. It therefore cannot be argued that the handicap system encourages the investment of money in the purchase of a good horse. It has quite the contrary effect, and when writing I ain reminded that Albert Victor was purchased and brought from America by an Auckland resident at considerable expense, but after he had won a paltry race he was put on a prohibitive mark, and for the purpose of racing was worth no more than a crock in a baker’s cart. No wonder, then, that owners and drivers avoid showing form until they have what they consider a certainty. A close finish i'is what they skilfully seek to avoid, and hence it '.is that our handicap trots very frequently resolve themselves into a most uninteresting procession. In writing this I am making no attack on Friday’s racing, which was well managed, and only one race a day like that witnessed in the Epsom Trot wonld be sufficient to popularise the sport, but unfortunately such races are few and far betwaen. The totalisator results thow that more interest was manifested in the pony races than in the ti otting. Mr Marks was he courteous and attentive secretary that he

always is, Mr Cutts was fairly successful with the flag, Mr A. R. Harris’ decisions in the judge’s box were prompt and correct, while the excellent finishes were sufficient to shew that, despite many disadvantages Mr Knight had succeeded in getting a very good measure of the mixed fields. Seven contested the Pony Trot, but the somewhat unknown Crusty proved that he could trot at a better gait than Mr Knight had given him credit for, and he got home easily by six lengths from Little May, with Sandfly close up. The winner paid’the acceptable odds of 10 to 1 for the 10s tickets.

A big field of sixteen started in the Maiden Pony Handicap, and Stenson was fortunate in getting a break on his opponents. He was never headed, and won by about three lengths. Sweetheart bolted aftei’ the finish, and is evidently a bad lady to manage, as in the last pony race of the day she again got the bit between her teeth and took possession of the boy, who, after a couple of rounds, became completely exhausted. Young Russell, who rode Waiuku in the Auckland Cup, got on a horse and cleverly took possession of the runaway, for which feat he deservedly obtained more applause than was bestowed upon him when he rode his unsuccessful race in the Cup. The Epsom Trot brought out a field of seven, and was certainly one of the most exciting Time Trots witnessed at Potter’s Paddock. The favourite was Duke 0, who was on scratch, but La Rue with an advantage of 19sec, and Tip Top 35sec, were also well supported. Golden King was the first to take the lead, but his driver took him off his legs, and after breaking he seemed to be tiring at the end of a mile, and soon after La Rue cut him down, while the scratch horse commenced to make up ground. The task appeared a difficult one, but Chatteris drove with excellent judgment, and after threading his way through the ruck be ,rapidly overhauled the leaders La Rue, Golden King, and Tip Top. La Rue seemed to have the race in hand just after entering the straight, but he broke and Chatteris brought Duke C up on the outside, and a most exciting finish resulted in favour of Duke C by two lengths, Golden King and Tip Top, both of whom trotted well at the finish, being close up second and third. The time of the race was smin 42sec, but the winner’s time was smin 7|sec. To travel at a 2min 33|sec gait on such a track is a performance full of merit, and proves that Duke C is a trotter of a high order. On a. prepared track he would probably clip ten seconds off that time. As it is, the performance was a splendid one, and one calculated to materially improve the popularity of trotting in New Zealand. In the Pony Cup Handicap there were thirteen starters, and the speculation was pretty evenly divided, Norina, Sneak, Bit of Eashion, and Lady Howitzer being fancied -in the order named. After a lot of breaks away, which demonstrated the necessity of a starting machine, the field was despatched to a straggling start. Lady Howitzer and Bit of Fashion got the best away, and the former led the field to the straight, after entering which Bit of Fashion got to the front and won by, nearly two lengths. The Electric Trot Handicap brought out a field of eight. Slim Jim on 25sec, Miss Graham 45sec, and Hordern.scratch were the best supported, but they were neyer in it with Cobweb, who won easily .from Charlie and Old Judge. Eight started,for the Handicap Pony Hurdles. Somehow these, events always create a lot of interest;at Potter’s Paddock, and Friday’s race was no exception !© the rule. Thar old warrior, The Dbve, was made favorite, but she was never dangerbus. -Effie;.fell at the first hurdle, and brOiight Little Raven with her, After that the race was devoid of. accident , and was well contested to the straight, where the top weight, Fauntleroy, ran to'the front and won with some-, thing in hand by three lengths. put of the fifteen.which started .for the Maiden Trot Handicap, Golden King started favorite, but he disappointed his backers, and people

Photos by A. J. Slack, Auckland.

groaned when he finished second to Uric, who was getting ssec from him, and finished in 3min 3sec actual time. This made Golden King’s gait not better than 2min 58sec, and after his display with Duke 0. in the Epsom Trot it is not surprising that his backers were disappointed, because in that event he trotted his first mile almost as fast as Duke C.

The Telephone Handicap was won nicely by Cupid, and the day’s sport was brought to a close with the victory of La Rue in the December Handicap, the horses who filled the places being the same as in the Epsom Trot. The following are the results :—

Pony Trot Handicap (.in saddle) of 25 sovs; second pony 5 sovs from the stake. One mile. Mr J, Mitchell's ch g Crusty, 30sec, Nelson .. . 1 Mr W. Matthew's gr m Little Ma\, 30sec, Matthew .. 2 Mrs K. Winter’s b g Sandfly. 14sec, King 3 Other starters—Ladybird, Msec ; Topsy 11, 30sec ; Disraeli, 30sec ; Bugler, 30sec. Won by half a dozen lengths. Time, 4min 50sec. Dividend, £5 10s.

Maiden Pony Trot of 20 sovs : second pony, 3 sovs from the stake. Five furlongs. Mr E. Gunning’s b g Stenson, 7.0, owner .. .. .. 1 Mr C. Hannigan's b m Sweetheart, 7.0, Wilson .. .. -2 Mr C. Higgins’ b g Playboy,B.o, Sharp .. .. .. 3 Other starters—Exes, 8.4 ; Miss Roy, 8.4 ; La Rose, 8.4 ! Miss Rose. 84; Tom Williams, 8.4; My Boy, 8.4; Piako, 8.4; Luck-at-Last, 8.0; Little Wonder, 80; Vera, 80; Eric, 8.0 ; Lulu, 7.0 ; and Pet, 7.0. Won by three lengths. On machine, 493. Time, Imin 7Jsec. Dividend, £1 Ils.

Epsom Trot Handicap (in harness) of 100 sovs; second horse 10 sovs, and third horse 5 sovs from the stake, Two miles. Mr R. Mcßride’s b g Duke 0. scratch. Chatteris .. 1 ‘Mr W. G. Greenwood’s b h La Rue, 19sec, Greenwood 2 Mr R. 8. Hehdry’s b g Golden King, 32sec, Henry .. 3 Other starters—Cleveland, 4 secs ; Lusitania, 9sec; Ingar, 32secs ; and Tiptop. 35sec. Won by two lengths Time, smin 42Jsec. Dividend, £1 ss. The winner’s time was smin 7£sec.

Pony Cup Handicap of 502 sovs; second pony 5 sovs from the stakes. One mile. Mr J. Gordon’s br m Bit-o’-Pashion, 9.1, Donovan .. 1 Mr J. Moore’s ch m Kit, 7.12, D. Wright .. .. .. 2 Mr H. C. Greenwood’s ch m Norina, 8.12.. .. .. 3 Other starters —Romeo, 10.1; Silkworm, 9.2 ; Lena, 8.13 ; Sneak, 8.12 : Fauntleroy, 8.8 ; Lady Howitzer, 8.3 ; New Boy, 7.10 ; Robin, 6.12 ; Maria, 6.7 ; and Effie, 6.7. Won by ailength. Dividend, £2 14s. Time, Imin 49sec. Electric Trot Handicap (saddle) of 30 soys ; second horse 5 sovs from the stakes. One mile, Mr j. R. Corrigan’s ch g Cobweb, 22sec, Murflt.. .. 1 Mr J. W. Martin’s ch g Charlie, 7sec, Martin .. ..2 Mr S. Baker’s b g Old Judge, ssec, Linton .. .. 3 Other starters—Hordern, scr; The Judge, 16sec; Ingar, 18sec ; Slim Jim, 25sec ; and Miss Graham, 25sec. Won by two lengths. Dividend, £7 12s. Time, 3min OJsec. Handicap Hurdles of 25 sovs ; second horse 3 sovs from the stakes. One mile and a half. Mr T. J. Greenwoodjs br g Fauntleroy, owner .. ..1 Mr P. V. Flaxman’s b g New Boy, 10.0, Geacli, ... .. 2 Mr JJ Lindsay’s b g Little Tom, 10.2, Johnston.. .. 3 Other starters —Little Raven, 10.2 ; The Dove, 10.0; Certain, 9.12 ; Sneak, 912 ; and Effie. 9.4. Won by two lengths. Dividend, £3 ss. Time, 3min. Maiden Trot Handicap (saddle) of 25 sovs ; second horse 5 sovs from the : stakes. One mile. Mr J. C. Barry’s b g Uric. 21sec, May .. .. .. 1 Mr R. S. Henry’s b g Golden King, 16sec. Henry .. 2 Mr J. Mitchell’s c g Crusty, 15sec, including ssec penalty. Nelson .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Other starters—Lusitania; scr; New Year, lOsec; Mihangi, 16sec ;’ Empress, 1 6sec ; Popinjay, 16sec ; (Barbette, 16sec. ; Victress. 16sec ; Bugler. 16sec : Tommy V., IGsec ; Imperial Prince, 20sec ; Lady Retford, 20sec , and Morning Star, 22sec. Won easily. Time, 3min 2sec. Dividend, £4 ss. Telephone Handicap of 25 sovs: second horse 5 sovs from the stake. Five furlongs. Mr H. C. Greenwoods b m Cupid, 7.12, Sharpe .. .. 1 Mr G. Lovett’s b m Lena; 9.0, Long _ .. .. ..2 Mr G. Webbe's gg : Robin, 7.0, Gillespie .. .. .. 3 i Other starters—Romeo, 10 6; Partan Jennie, 9.0; Repeat, 8.4; Coleman, 8.0 ; Exes, 7.6 ; Sweetheart. 6 7. Won by a neck. Time, Imin Dividend, £5 19s.

For Letterpresss see page 12.

December Harness trot handicap of 30 sous; second horse 5 sovs from the stake. One mile. Mr W. J. Greenwood’s bh La Rue, lOsec, Greenwood.. 1 Mr R. S. Henry’s b g Golden King, 16sec, Henry .. ' 3 Mr R. Mcßride’s b g Duke C, scratch, Chatteris .. 3 Other starters —Marion, 4sec ; Little Ben, 4sec; and Sandfly, 16sec. Won by a couple of lengths, with- Duke C, who trotted, in good style, third, Time, 2min 38sec. Dividend, 16s, Second Day—Tuesday, Dec. 28. Splendid weather favoured the second day of the Auckland Trotting Club’s Summer Meeting, and as a consequence there was an excellent attendance, fully 3,000 people passing through th© gates. The programme was got through in a style that reflected credit on the arrangements of the secretary, while the starter, Mr Cutts, got his fields well away, and the decisions of Mr Harris as usual gave every satisfaction. Mr Blom field’s staff on the totalisator were kept pretty busy, as the sum of £3,28810s in 10s tickets passed through he machine. The pony racing events were well contested, and some fair trotting was exhibited. The Glasgow Haridicapjwas won by the favourite, Alice, but La Rue would probably have scored had he not repeatedly broken. Sneak was made the favourite among the half dozen in the Hurdles, and led from start to finish, New Boy and Little Tom filling the places. The leading trotting event of the afternoon was the Auckland’ Trotting Cup Handicap, for which seven faced the starser, ana Awahuri arid Bellman were made first and second favorites, and they finished as the betting indicated. Nothing in the race had a chance with Awahuri, and some of the drivers seemed to; be imbued with that notion from the start. ' Partan Jeannie and Kit were each made better favourites for the Christmas Handicap than Cupid; but the latter won after a good finish with the unlucky Partan’Jeannie. Rosebud made a show of her opponents in the Harness Trot, and could < have beaten La Rue, who finished second, by amiich longer distance than she did. Six ran in' the Handicap Steeples, and the little fellows fenced in capital style. However, Little Tom left his field in the last round, and won very easily at the finish from Fauntleroy. The latter started a warm favorite. A complete outsider, Charlie, won the Electric Trot very easily, but was protested against on the ground of inconsistent running. The protest was dismissed. There was a lot of speculation over the Stewards’ Handicap, Norina and Partan Jeannie being accorded most support, but the race was a complete boil over, the outsider, Certain, getting home after a good race with i artan Jeannie. The latter must now have a big record of seconds. The sport was brought to a close with the Lightning Handicap Trot, in which Golden King, who was made favorite, at last scored a win, although he did not finish first, as Lusitania just got there. The mare, however, had broken very badly during the race, and she was therefore disqualified, Golden King getting first prize and Lord Harold second. Following are the results : — Glasgow Trot Hafdicap (in harness) of 50 sovsr second horse to receive 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles. Mr P, Williams’ b m Alice, aged, 4sec, owner .. ..1 Mr W. J. Greenwood’s bh La Rue, aged, scratch, owner 2 Mr E. C. Murray McGregor’s br h Tip Top, syrs, 3asec. owner .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3’ Other starters —Golden King, 20sec ; Sandfly, 34sec; Morning Star, 45sec. Won on the post. Time, smin 32sec. Dividend, £1 145.. Second Handicap Hurdles of 25 sovs ; second pony to receive 3 sovs from the stake. One mile and a quarter. Mr F. William]’ g g Sneak, aged, 94, Wright .. .. 1 Mr P. V. Flexman’s b g New Boy, aged, 10.2, owner .. 2 Mr J, Lindsay’s b g Little Tommy, aged, 9.10, Long .. 3 Other starters—The Dove, 9.10 : Red Rose, 9.7 ; Effie, 9.0. Won by a length and a half somewhat easily. Time,. 2min 32sec. Dividend, £1 7s. Auckland Trotting Club Handicap (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second horse to receive 19 sovs and third horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles. Mr C. C Miles’ ch g Awahuri, aged, 36sec, G. Murfitt .. 1 Mr R. S. Henry’s ch h Bellman, aged. 28sec, owner ... 2 Mrs P. Carr’s br m Vulture, aged. 44sec. McLeod , .. J Other starters —Duke C, 6yrs, scratch; Lusitania, aged, 22sec ; Claret, aged, 34sec ; Cigar, 30sec ; Lord Harold,, aged. 42sec Won easily. Time, smin 32sec. Dividend, £1 6s.

Christmas Handicap of 25 sovs ; second pony to receive 5 sovs from the stake. Five furlongs. Mr H. C. Greenwood’s bni Cupid, aged, 8.10, Sharp .. 1 Mr S. Murphy’s ir m Partan Jeannie, 4yrs, 8.7, Quinton f Mr R. Moore’s ch ni Kit, aged, 82, Wright .. .. t Other starters —Little Wonder. 6.12; Sweetheart, 6.7. Won by a length and a half from Partan Jeannie and Kit, who dead-htated for second place. Time, lmin 6Jsee. Dividend, £2 10s. HAbness Trot Handicap of 30 sovs ; second horse to receive 5 sovs from the stake. One mile and a-half. Mr A. Hughes’ ch m Rosebud, aged, 3sec, owner .. 1 Mr J. W. Greenwood’s bh La Rue, aged, scr, owner .. 2 Mr W. Douglas Henry’s ch h Bellman, aged, lOsec, Henry .. .. .. •• •• -.3 Other; starters—Little Ben, lOsec; Woodbine, 19sec ; Sandfly, 25sec ; Uric, 25sec. .Won easily. Time, 4min 16sec. Dividend, £1 10s. Handicap Steeplechase of 30 sovs ; second pony to receive 5 sovs from the stake. About two and a-half miles. Mr J. Lindsay’s b g Little Tom, aged, 9.10, Johnston.. 1 Mr T. Brain’s blk g Little Raven, aged, 10.12, Dixon.. 2 Mr T. J. Greenwood’s b r Fauntleroy, aged, 12.2, owner 3 Other starters—Butterfly, 9.8 ; The Dove, 9.8 ; Effie, 9.7. Won easily. Time, smin 51sec. Dividend, £3 5. Electric Tbot Handicap (in saddle) of 30 sovs ; second horse to receive 5 sovs from the stake. One mile. Mr J. W. Martin’s ch g Charlie, aged, scr, owner ... 1 Mr J. R. Corrigan’s br g Mihangi, aged, 20sec, 2 Murfltt .. .. .. .- •• •• Mr Herd's br g Pioke, aged, 14sec, owner .. .. 3 Other starters—Old Judge, 3sec ; Claret, 9sec ; The Judge, llsec ; Ingar, 14sec ; Minnie, ISsec ; Uric, 15sec ; Miss Graham, 20sec. Won by ten lengths from Mihangi, Pioke being third. Time, 2miu 36sec. Dividend, £9 19s. A protest entered against Charlie by the owner of Mihangi, for inconsistent running, was dismissed. Epsom Handicap of 30 sovs; second pony to receive 5 sovs from the stake. Six furlongs and a half. Mr L. Coleman’s br m Certain, syrs, 7.0. Simpson .. 1 Mr S. Murphy’s br m Partan Jeannie. 4yrs. 7.9, Quinton 2 Mr H. C. Greenwood’s ch in Norina, 6yrs. 9.9, Sharp .. 3 Other s arters—l’ororua. 9.10; Silkworm, 8.10; Red Rose. 8.01; New Bov, 7.6 ; Sweetheart, 6.7. Won by two lengths. Time, lmin 2gissc. Dividend, £2l 9s. Lightning Handicap Trot (in harness) of 30 sovs > second horse to receive 5 sovs from the stake. One mile. Mr R. S. Henry’s b 5 Golden King, aged, lOsec, owner 1 Mr W. J. Greenwood’s ch g Lo d Harold, aged, 22sec, owner .. .. .. • • • • " Other starters —Cleveland, Ssec ; Alice, 9sec ; Lusitania, llsec ; Mihangi, 25sec. Breaking every few strides, Lusitania was the first to show into the straight, and eventually won by half a length from Golden King ; Lord Harold third. A protest was entered by the owner of Golden King against the stake going to the first horse, on the grounds of gaining an undue advantage by galloping, and was sustained. The time c f the first horse past the post was 2min 45sec, and that of the declared winner 2min 52sec. Dividend, £1 Is.