NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1400, 22 February 1917, Page 27

NOTES.

There was joy here in the ranks of the punting brigade on Saturday evening last (wr'tes our Southland correspondent), when the results of the N.Z. Metropolitan Trotting Club’s

February meeting in Christchurch came to hand, and it was found that Soda had accounted for the principal event, a race for which she was solidly supported on the totalisator by home backers, who in many instances also coupled her up with another winner from J. Bryce’s stable, viz., General Wilkes. Late investors took a short price about the combination, their only trouble being that they could not get all the mcney they were willing to take. It was very appropriate (remarks our Invercargill correspondent) that the pony pacing mare Soda should win a big race and accompish a notable performance from a time point of view prior to her owner, Mr. J. B. Thomson, taking up military duties, as the little daughter of Harold Dillon is his favourite over a team of good and valuable horses. It was a great feat, and probably a world’s record for such a diminutive pacer to cover two miles in 4min. 35sec., time which makes her eligible for the next New Zealand Trotting Cup. Since Mr. Thomson purchased her at about £5O some time back, Soda has won five races of a value of about £9OO. Her trainer (Bryce) contends that there is no other pony mare of her inches in the world to compare with this liliputian, and he is probably correct. When she is at her home quarters, if by any chance the lower door of her box is left open the Parliamentary Handicap heroine can walk out if she pleases. She stands 13.2%. is good to look upon, and is possessed of perfect manners.

It will be remembered that the fine stewards' stand at the New Zealand Trotting Club’s grounds at Addington was almost completely burned down a short while back during the pro-

gress of a day's racing there. The stand cost somewhere in the region of £ll,OOO, and differences with the insurance companies having been adjusted it is to be re-built without delay.