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1974 NZ DERBY STAKES

There is little to be said about Noodlum's Derby win, except that is as achieved with a mnimum of effort. In front all the way, Noodlum set a moderate pace and when Freeman Holmes let his head go soon after straightening up, he went on to win by two lengths from Commissioner.

Noodlum's time for the 2600 metres was an unremarkable 3:27, Holmes rightly fulfilling his first obligations to himself and part-owner Mrs Anne Wilson by winning. A minor sprain during the week no doubt influenced Holmes to give Noodlum the easiest possible race in the Derby, rather than seek un-nessary glory by 'killing' the opposition, as he could have done.

Commisioner tracked Noodlum all the way and held second easily by a length and a quarter from the maiden In Or Out, who finished stoutly for third. Steven Stock, who raced without a trail all the way, battled on for fourth two and a half lengths back with a similar margin to Chief Eagle and four lengths to Corona Gold.

Noodlum has now won 20 races from 23 starts and his Derby victory took his winning sequence to 15. His stake earnings now stand at an amazing $39,732.50, $650 of this going to Mrs Wilson as nominator of the Derby winner. He has started eight times this season for as many wins, and his stake-earnings as a three-year-old stand at $16,570, the other $23,162.50 being earned last season.

Credit: 'Lookout' writing in NZ Trotguide

1974 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

Easton Light toyed with the opposition in winning his second Dominion Handicap by four and a half lengths from Darky Forbes, Edis Nova and last year's winner Philemon.

Easton Light's time of 4:13.1 from the 30 metre mark was a New Zealand record for the distance, and the 10-year-old East Tamaki owned and trained gelding also became the greatest stake-winning trotter in this country. He took his earnings from 24 wins and 51 placings. The previous record was held by Johnny Gee with $67,580 from 28 wins and 53 placings.

Easton Light is trained by Mr E W Running who races him in partnership with his wife, and he was driven as usual by their son Bruce.

Easton Light is out of the 1973 Broodmare of the Year, Beverley Light, who traces to a Southland-bred mare Evening Sun, by Sungod out of a Kentucky mare, and bred at Wyndham by the late Mr George Hunter back in 1925. Beverley Light who won three races as a trotter, left besides Easton Light - a fine double-gaited mare in Miss Debra, who won her way to the verge of New Zealand Cup class as a pacer and took open class rating as a trotter. Both Miss Debra and Easton Light were by the Bill B horse Great Evander, who has proved a highly successful NZ bred sire of both trotters and pacers. He has left such pacers as Vanderford (2:00.4), Wee Don (1:59.8), and star trotters besides Easton Light and Miss Debra, such as Paula (14 wins), Paulette, and a double-gaited star in Milford Boy who took a record of 2:02 as a pacer and 2:03.8 as a trotter and won a total of $140,778.

Beverley Light was also the dam of Double Duty, dam of a useful winner in Jack Robinson. Beverley Light was a half sister to Starshell (by Sandydale), dam of two 2:00 pacers - Hal Brunt (1:58.2, the fastest aged pacing gelding on a half mile track in America this season)and Hal Scott (1:59.4), both by Nephew Hal. The blood of Kentucky appears in the back removes of several successful Southland families.

Credit: NZ Trotguide

ADDINGTON'S GREATEST DAY

In what must be considered the greatest day's racing ever seen at Addington, Robalan, Noodlum, Easton Light and Game lad starred on the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Cup Meeting last Friday.

In a day marked by many outstanding performances, Robalan's world record time in the 2000-metre New Zealand Free-For-All must rank as the greatest most racegoers have been privileged to see. As if to set the seal on his brilliant New Zealand Cup win of three days previously, Robalan shattered any previous best time over 2000 metres, or it's old equivilent of one and a quarter miles.

The world mile and a quarter record stands to the credit of Irvin Paul who went 2:29 3-5 in 1962, but Robalan's time of 2:26 3-5 for 2000 metres is well inside this. Irin Paul rated just a shade under 2:00 in setting his record, but Robalan's rating for the journey was about 1:58.1, which shows just how brilliant that performance was.

In winning the New Zealand Free-For-All for the third successive year, Robalan took his stake earnings to $145,290, the result of 33 wins and 31 placings. The most eagerly awaited event now as for as trotting enthusiasts are concerned is the New Brighton Trotting Club's $26,500 Star's Travel Miracle Mile at Addington on December 7. In view of Denis Nyhan's statement after Robalan's win last Friday that his free-legged star could have gone even faster, his next race over a mile must surely be a landmark given the right conditions.

Though well beaten by Robalan, the performance of Hi Foyle (second) and Young Quinn (third) should not be allowed to pass without notice. Hi Foyle turned in a remarkable effort to take second three and a half lengths back being forced to race without a trail from the 1500 metres while Young Quinn, who dropped to the rear at the start, put in a very good run to get third though more than eight lengths from the winner.

Noodlum, as expected, made the Second Riccarton Stakes a procession once he hit the front with 1000 metres to run, winning on his ear by 14 lengths in the New Zealand record time for 2600 metres for a three-year-old of 3:21. Noodlum was never at top in turning in another world-class time for one of his age, taking his record of 19 wins (14 of these in succession), one second, one fourth and one fall from 22 starts. His stake earnings stand at $30,632.50 a record he should substantially improve in the Derby on Saturday night.

On any other day, the performances of Easton Light in winning the Dominion Handicap and Game Lad in taking the Smithson would have grabbed the headlines, yet on Friday, they were somewhat over-shadowed by Robalan and Noodlum.

Easton Light toyed with the opposition in winning his second Dominion Handicap by four and a half lengths from Darky Forbes, Edis Nova and last year's winner Philemon. Easton Light's time of 4:13.1 from the 30-metre mark was a New Zealand record for the distance, and the 10-year-old East Tamaki owned and trained gelding also became the greatest stake-winning trotter in ths county.

He took his earnings to $72,605 from 24 wins and 51 placings. The previous record was held by Johnny Gee with $67,580 from 28 wins and 53 placings. Easton Light is trained by Mr E W Running who races him in partnership with his wife, and he was driven as usual by their son Bruce.

In adding the Smithson to his first day Canterbury Free-For-All win, Game Lad went within one tenth of Robalan's track record for 2600 metres. Game Lad, from the 20-metre mark, was left in the open from the 1400 metres but still held on after taking the lead at the 400 metres. He won by nearly two lengths in 3:20.5 and showed his great staying qualities in doing so.

Credit: NZ Trotguide 21 Nov 1974

1973 NZ TROTTING CUP

Doubts that Arapaho would see out a solidly run 3200 metres against such talented opposition were completely dispelled when he raced away with the $40,000 NZ Cup.

Not only did Arapaho win the Cup, but he did so by five lengths in the brilliant time of 4:08.6 for the 3200 metres, which compares favourably with False Step's 4:09 recorded in winning his third NZ Cup in 1960 when the distance was two miles. The fastest time recorded in the Cup over two miles was Johnny Globe's 4:07.6 in 1954. This was a world record which stood until 1969 when Dainty's Daughter recorded 4:07 in Western Australia.

Arapaho, who at the start of the season was under option to an American buyer for $100,000 but remained in New Zealand when the sale fell through, proved by far the best stayer in the field. Dunsandel owner Mr Laurie Forde has now won 23 races both here and in Australia with Arapaho who took his stake earnings to $90,270 with the $24,000 first prize.

Arapaho was given a dream run by trainer-driver Jack Smolenski. Sixth early he had a turn in front at the 2100 metre mark as the early lead changed frequently, and was then three back on the rails when first Vanadium then Rauka Lad took the lead. Rauka Lad made the pace from the 1800 metres when Young Quinn was shot into a handy lead by Bob Cameron. Vanadium and Arapaho moved to be second and third on the home turn, but Arapaho proved too strong for Young Quinn and went on to win by five lengths.

Last year's Cup winner Globe Bay went another good race for second. He improved along the rails to be in fifth place on the turn and finished determinedly to edge Young Quinn out of second by half a neck. Young Quinn, the youngest horse in the race at four, made a game attempt to beat his older rivals. He was one of several to have a turn in front early when he led briefly at the 2600 metre mark, but at the 1600 he was well placed in the fourth line on the outside of Fab. Cameron sent him passed the tiring Rauka Lad at the 600 metre mark and he turned for home with a handy advantage. He could not maintain it, but his third in such a fast-run race was a good effort for a young horse.

Robalan third in the race last year, gained another placing when he battled on for fourth though four lengths back. He drifted to the rear after 800 metres and then had to go very wide when improving from the 700 metre mark. He was sixth, but very wide out turning for home. Royal Ascot did best of the three horse bracket which include Manaroa and Manawaru. He finished fifth, but never looked like paying a dividend. He had only Manaroa and Robalan behind him at the 800 metre mark and then had to go three, then four wide round Noble Lord at the 400 metres. He was a length back fifth at the line. Vanadium, who trailed Rauka Lad from the 1800 metres, wilted to sixth a length back and a nose in front of Lightsey who ran on well after breaking at the start.

Scottish Charm just battled away in the middle of the field two lengths back with a gap of five lengths back to Noble Lord who made a brief forward move at the 800 metres, but was struggling at the 400 metre mark. Manawaru, who was under pressure to maintain his position at the 800 metres, was a further four lengths back ahead of Bomber Bill, Fab, Manaroa, who broke badly at the start, and Rauka Lad. Rauka Lad stopped badly after going up fast to lead at the 1800 metre mark.


Credit: 'Lookout' writing in NZ Trotguide

1973 NZ FREE-FOR-ALL

Robalan won his second successive New Zealand Free-For-All and gave driver Denis Nyhan his fourth win in the event when he raced away for a five and a half lengths win. Robalan strode to the lead after 450 metres and from then on he was travelling too well. He cracked the pace on at the 800 metres and drew right away in the straight.

New Zealand Cup winner Arapaho, after breaking at the start, had a battle with Globe Bay before working off the fence with 1200 metres to go and though he ran on determinedly, he had to be content with second, half a head in front of Bomber Bill, who tracked Robalan all the way.

Young Quinn finished brilliantly but late to get fourth, only another half-head back, with a neck to Young Cardigan, who fought on well from three back on the fence and looked as though he may pay a dividend at the 100 metres mark. Rauka Lad, who ran wide in the straight, was next ahead of Royal Ascot and Lightsey.

Credit: 'Lookout' writing in NZ Trotguide

1973 NZ DERBY STAKES

Koarakau will go down in the record books as the 1973 New Zealand Derby winner, but for those at Addington it will be remembered as the race Eclipse lost.

The 1973 field was one of the most talent packed to contest a Derby and the sensations predicted by many were forthcoming. But it was a tragic race for Eclipse's owner Mr E C Ockwell and trainer-driver Doug Donaldson. The classy Johnny Globe colt worked hard to head off Golden Moose after 1000 metres and from then on always seemed to be pacing comfortably. Donaldson still had him under a good hold passing the 800 then had the rest struggling as he gave him more rein at the 500 metres. Nicely clear at the 400, Eclipse looked to have the race in safe keeping but then came the sensation. For the first time in his career, Eclipse raced erratically and ran off on the home turn. Donaldson got him straightened up for a renewed bid as Al's Holiday dived through to the lead but Eclipse attempted to run off again and it was a disappointed Donaldson who brought him home in sixth place.

While all this was going on, Al's Holiday looked set to give Maurice Holmes his thirteenth winning drive in the Derby as he took a handy lead inside the 200 metres. But then the surprisingly warm favourite Koarakau appeared on the scene and he stormed home to beat Al's Holiday by threequarters of a length. Al's Holiday must have made Koarakau's task harder but for his inexperience. He was having only his third start, having finished second at Kaikoura and winning the First Riccarton Stakes on Cup day. When he hit the front early in the run home, Al's Holiday seemed to loaf a bit and could not match the fast finishing Koarakau.

While Eclipse must be regarded as the unlucky runner in the Derby, this does not detract from the very notable performance by Koarakau who added to a great record trainer Don Nyhan has in the Derby. Koarakau, owned by Mr C Wood, of Papatoetoe, is a son of 1961 Derby winner Lordship, who in turn was sired by the 1950 Derby winner Johnny Globe. Lordship, who stands at stud at Nyhan's Templeton property, was raced by his wife, Mrs Doris Nyhan, while he himself owned, trained and drove Johnny Globe. Don Nyhan also drove Lordship to win the 1961 Derby and but for an accident prior to the Cup meeting would have driven Koarakau. However, a broodmare savaged Nyhan's hand and Koarakau was handled in his three starts at the meeting by his son Barry. The Derby win was the fifth from six starts for Koarakau and he is unlucky not to be unbeaten. The previous Tuesday night, he met trouble at the straight entrance and broke, this incident looking to cost him a winning chance.

Koarakau's time for the 2600 metres was 3:23, a time which compares favourably with Willie Win's record of 3:25 for 13 furlongs set last year. The New Zealand record for 13 furlongs for a three-year-old from a standing start was also set last season by Why Bill at 3:23.8 at Easter.

Though six lengths further back, there was much merit in Kawarau Gold's third placing. He broke twice in the first two hundred metres and finally settled five places back on the fence behind Al's Holiday. He did not get the best of runs from then on but put in a great finishing run for his third placing and looks to have a big future in major staying events.

Golden Moose was a length and a half back fourth after having his chance. Driver Robin Butt said after the race he did not want to give the lead away to Eclipse but was being pressed all the way and had little choice. Gliding Light ran on from the middle for fifth, a nose back, ahead of Eclipse and Bonheur. Bonheur who raced third on the rails behind Golden Moose, shot through on the inside of the runner at the 600 but started to weaken soon after. Mighty Gay, one of the favoured runners, broke and lost a lot of ground at the start. He had made up the leeway coming through the straight with a round to go but could not improve from there and finished ninth.


Credit: 'Lookout' writing in NZ Trotguide

1973 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

Backmarker Philemon gave driver Jack Smolenski a notable double for the meeting when he carried off the Dominion Handicap in decisive fashion. On the first day of the meeting Smolenski won the NZ Cup with Arapaho and his win behind the brilliant Oamaru-trained trotter gave him victory in two of the feature events.

Smolenski sent Philemon up from the back when the pace slackened after 600 metres and he was in front with 2400 metres to go. Though tackled in the middle stages by Able Adios and Aronmot (three wide), Philemon remained in front and passing the 800 metres was travelling well.

Easton Light was the first to lodge a serious challenge in the straight from his trailing position on the outer but last year's winner could not catch Philemon and it was left to the unlucky Bachelor Tom to get up for second, a length and a quarter back. Bachelor Tom was travelling well as he improved on the home turn but then jumped some manure lying on the track and was lucky not to lose more groud than he did. He was closing fast at the finished and edged Easton Light out by a nose.

Bambi, who trailed Philemon all the way, was a length and a half back fourth but could have been closer had he taken the gaps which opened for him. Tunza Time fought on for fifth ahead of Able Adios, Mighty Dollar and Le Char.


Credit: 'Lookout' writing in NZ Trotguide

1973 NZ OAKS

"There's no backpedalling now, I'll have to take it up full time," said Rakaia agricultural contractor Noel Edge after his good filly Loyal Drift won the $9000 New Zealand Oaks.

For Edge, who only renewed his licence two years ago after a layoff of ten years, the Oaks was the biggest success of his career. Barrine was the first horse he prepared after his break away from trotting and he was a winner last season while this season Loyal Drift and Kentucky Hanover have shown very good form in each winning three races.

Loyal Drift, by the New Zealand bred stallion Bye Bye Bill, himself a fine pacer, is out of Gancia and was bred by her owner. Mr Edge had since had two foals from Gancia, a two-year-old colt by Nephew Hal and a yearling filly by Play Bill. Last year Gancia missed to Jersey Hanover but has gone back to him this season.

Noel Edge is a brother to Steve Edge and until he gave up trotting for ten years to concentrate on his business Noel edge assisted his brother in his training activities.

There could be few excuses for the beaten lot behind Loyal Drift as she was sent to the lead with a mile to run and held off all the challenges in the straight. Not even a brilliant drive from Maurice Holmes could do better than earn Armbro Jodie second money behind a very well rated winner whose victory was thoroughly deserved. Holmes got Armbro Jodie away brilliantly from the second line and she was lying in third place at the end of a furlong. When Loyal Drift succeeded Hill Crest in front at the mile, Armbro Jodie was switched off the rails to trail on the outer then sent forward three wide past the weakening Connie Francis at the two furlongs. Armbro Jodie looked to be a big threat when she turned for home in second place but she only battled over the final half-furlong and just lasted to hold second, a length from Loyal Drift and half a head in front of Scottish Joy.

Scottish Joy raced in the fourth line on the outer but moved up closer to the lead from the two furlongs and though under pressure, got up to take third off the North Islander and favourite Hill Crest. Lady Hodgen, the early pacemaker, battled on for fifth from three back on the fence then there was a gap of seven lengths to Beedeecee with a nose to Marie Gibbins. Her effort was a good one as she was one of the worst breakers in a straggling start and had only two behind her with six furlongs to run.

Credit: 'Lookout' writing in NZ Trotting

1972 NZ TROTTING CUP

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club received little value for its $40,600 stake when Tuesday's New Zealand Trotting Cup turned into a disappointing affair.

The race was robbed of a tremendous amount of interest when Arapaho, Bella's Command, Royal Ascot and Wag broke at the start, then when the favourite Rauka Lad was sent into a gallop at the 12 furlongs and went right back to the rear.

There were some disgruntled drivers after the event, which went to the outsider Globe Bay. Bob Nyhan, the driver of Rauka Lad, rated the favourite a certainty beaten after the event though he said it was no good complaining afterwards. "I thought something like this might happen with no recognised pacemaker in the field," Nyhan said. "Everybody wanted to be handy but nobody wanted to lead. He was pulling very hard at the rear and I had no option to go at the five and a half," Nyhan said. Rauka Lad swept quickly round the field to hit the front on the home turn but Globe Bay was right with him and, not surprisingly, Rauka Lad was weakening inside the furlong and faded to fifth at the finish.

Globe Bay was favoured with a good run four places on the outer and moved forward with Rauka Lad on the home turn. He was clear at the furlong and under a hard drive, held off the game challenge from the free-legged Robalan who came at him first, then Scottish Charm, who burst through inside the final 100 yards to take second only three quarters of a length from the winner.

There was a New Zealand Cup background to Globe Bay. He is the third son of the 1954 Cup winner, Johnny Globe, to win the Cup. But Globe Bay has also a New Zealand Cup background on his dam's side. He is out of the Light Brigade mare Baylight, bred at the Roydon Lodge Stud and purchased in 1965 by Mr S J Wheatley, who bred and races Globe Bay, for 465 guineas. Globe Bay has now won 15 races and been 21 times placed for $57,825 in stakes. Globe Bay was first trained by D G Nyhan, but it has been for J A Carmichael, who drove him at Addington, that he has developed his best form. Baylight, the dam of Globe Bay, is out of Pleasure Bay, a half sister to Colwyn Bay, dam of the million dollar pacer Cardigan Bay (1:56.2) winner of the 1963 New Zealand Cup

Scottish Charm led out but was then steadied to trail Robalan with 12 and a half furlongs to run and then moved up on the outer in the open from the mile when Hundred Pipers went to the front at the 10 furlongs. She was handy into the straight and finished very well when clear. Robalan enjoyed a perfect trail when Hundred Pipers took the lead off him at the 10 furlongs and turning for home looked a big danger to Globe Bay. He was under pressure to do better however and was weakening a shade at the finish. Royal Belmer was a length and a half back fourth after racing in the third line on the rails from the 10 furlongs. She fought on gamely in the straight and was not disgraced. Rauka Lad was half a length back fifth, a mighty effort considering his run.

Berkleigh, who lost ground in the incident at the 12 furlongs, battled on for sixth ahead of Hoover who had a good run three back on the outside but could not come on. Royal Ascot, who was slow away and became badly placed on the rail after and battled on. Wag, who broke early, was beaten off nine lengths back ninth ahead of Arapaho, who went away in a hopeless gallop and was a long way from the leaders when they settled. He tried to follow Rauka Lad when he moved but could not muster the pace and was a well beaten horse two furlongs from home. Manaroa, who also attempted to go with Rauka Lad, was next ahead of Bella's Command and the very tired pacemaker Hunder Pipers. Jacquinot Bay was last.

The time for the race, 4:11.6, is the seventh fastest in the history of the race which accounts for he failure of those who were back in the running to make any ground over the last half mile when th pace really went on.

Following the running of the race, an enquiry was held into the incident at the 12 furlongs and as a result, I M Behrns, the driver of Hundred Pipers, was suspended for causing interference to Berkleigh who in turn checked Rauka Lad.


Credit: NZ Totting

1972 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

Aucklander Easton Light proved the star trotter at the NZ Cup carnival, his Dominion Handicap success confirming his staying worth and it justified the confidence and judgement of his owners Messrs E W & T R Running who had had opportunities to sell him overseas before this. However, now on a tight mark his opportunities will be restricted.

Easton Light is by Great Evander (a son of Bill B from the U Scott mare Ayrshire Scott, a member of the Muricata family), who has a wonderful siring record, particularly in the field of trotters with others including Paula (2:03.4), Paulette, Light Evander and Salvander to his credit. Great Evander, a top pacer at two and three years, sired one of the best pacers of his time in Vanderford (2:00.4), Wee Don (1:59.8) and so on.

Easton Light is out of the Light Brigade mare Beverley Light, dam also of Miss Debra (2:05.6), who has won seven races including a Franklin Cup. Beverley Light was a half sister to Hew Shell, the dam of Hal Scott (1:59.4) and Hal Brunt (2:01.2). Hew Shell and Beverley Light were out of the Sandydale mare Starshell who was exported to Australia in 1960.

Credit: 'Stopwatch' writing in NZ Trotting