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1961 NZ FREE-FOR-ALL

Making his first appearance in free-for-all company, Cardigan Bay won his ninth consecutive race when he led practically throughout to win the NZ Free-For-All at Addington on Friday.

His performance was all the more meritorious as he paced a little roughly for the first two furlongs and then was challenged for the lead by Smokeaway, whom he quickly shook off. When tackled by Scottish Command in the run home it momentarily appeared as though Cardigan Bay was going to be hard pressed to win but 30 yards from the post trainer-driver, P T Wolfenden put his whip away and Cardigan Bay won comfortably.

Cardigan Bay's nine wins on end equals the winning sequence of Rupee, and the Hal Tryax pacer requires one more win at his next appearance to equal the winning run of War Bouy who won 10 races in a row before tasting defeat. Just how good Cardigan Bay might be is difficult to assess. He beat the best pacers in commission on Friday pointlessly, and he appears to be a foolproof pacer. He is already being discussed as a racecourse 'certainty' for the Auckland Cup next month.

Cardigan Bay was sent out a short priced favourite, paying £1 16s for a win and £1 6s for a place. No official time was taken but Cardigan Bay was privately timed to pace the mile and a quarter in 2:39. Scottish Command, although no match for the winner in the run home, paced a sound race, and there was some merit in Smokeaway's third placing after disputing the lead in the early stages. Lady Belmer finished fourth, just shading Lookaway who paced a grand race. Lookaway stood at the start and was checked later when Diamond Hanover broke. Another to be checked was Johnny Guitar. Teryman was right up sixth ahead of Earl Delta and Panui.

Bred by D Todd, Mataura, under whom he did his early racing, Cardigan Bay is a five year-old bay gelding by Hal Tryax from a capable pacer in Colwyn Bay who had her racing career cut short by unsoundness. Colwyn Bay is a half sister by Josedale Dictator to Scotch Girl, Snow Jane (dam of Slick Chick), Toucher, Scotch Pleasure and Dorstan. Cardigan Bay raced last season in the interest of Mr A Todd, Mataura, and was purchased before the present season by Mrs A D Dean. He has been trained and driven for all his engagements this term by the Pakuranga trainer, P T Wolfenden. Since he began racing as a three-year-old in the 1959-60 season Cardigan Bay has won 11 races and been placed twice for £5690 15s in stakes.


Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Harness Weekly 15Nov61

1961 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

Au Fait added further to a brilliant career when she prevailed over Dianthus Girl in a battling finish to the Dominion Handicap on Friday. She was driven a most patient race by her trainer, R Young, who followed Dianthus Girl round the home bend and did not pull Au Fait out to make her bid till well down the straight.

Both trotters were feeling the effects of a fast-run race and showed rare gameness towards the end of the gruelling contest. Au Fait beat Dianthus Girl by a length and a half with Coronet Lass six lengths further back, then came Moon Boy, Kennoway, Indianna, Mighty Hanover, When, Merry Nora, Supervise and Reprimand. Resistor, With You and Ordeal were pulled up.

Reprimand set a scorching pace out in front and it was a grand sight to see the trotters literally 'flat out' from barrier rise. They were all tired as they passed the post - not surprising in the circumstances. From 36 yards Au Fait trotted the two mile journey in 4:15.8 to equal the New Zealand record for the distance jointly held by Dictation and Moon Boy. Her time also beats Dictation's winning time of 4:16.4, made when he won the Dominion Handicap in 1950. Some idea of the torrid pace is given by the fact that the backmarker Ordeal, from post to post was privately timed to trot her first mile in 2:03.2 and mile and a quarter in 2:34.

Au Fait is a seven-year-old bay mare by Johnny Globe from Dauphine, who took a record as a pacer of 3:26.6 and 3:43.8 as a trotter for one mile and five furlongs. Au Fait was educated and did her early racing under D G Nyhan, for whom she won the New Zealand Trotting Stakes in 1958. Au Fait was also sent over a mile against time as a two-year-old, going 2:13.2, figures which still stand. To date Au Fait has won 14 races and been placed 20 times for £9677 in stakes.

Au Fait is raced by Mr J McKay, of Wellington, whose wife is a daughter of the late Mr E X Le Lievre, of Akaroa, who imported Bertha Bell, the fourth dam of Au Fait, who is by Johnny Globe 4:07.6, from Dauphine, by Light Brigade from Belita, by Guy Parrish from Bell Bingen, by Bingen-Bertha Bell. Bell Bingen, also bred in America, came to New Zealand with her dam as a foal at foot. She was injured on the journey and never raced. R Young also drove Acclamation to win the Dominion Handicap in 1949. He has an impressive record with trotters, including the winning drive on Gay Belwin in the trotter's Grand Final of the Inter-Dominion Championships at Addington in 1951.

Dianthus Girl trotted a grand race and was gallant in defeat. She broke at the start and was second last in a fairly strung out field with a mile and a quarter to go. The outsider of the field, Coronet Lass battled on for third. Moon Boy was thereabouts all the way and appeared to be a little sore on returning to the birdcage. Ordeal began brilliantly from 54 yards and was given little respite. She soon raced up to be handy, but wide out, and as was stated earlier, was forced to develop speed that would have done Gold Bar proud in any of his lone runs in important races. It was hardly to be wondered at that she broke and collapsed with a round to go, dropping right out of the contest after switching to the pace. Mighty Hanover had every chance, but never really looked a serious threat.
Reprimand must be given credit for his part in this record-breaking contest. He raced clear just after the start and was in top gear from that stage till he reached the end of his tether racing into the home bend. His was a grand effort while it lasted.

Credit: 'Irvington'writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 15Nov61

Jim Smyth receives the presentation from Barbara Davidson

1960 NZ TROTTING CUP

False Step, leaving the barrier with machine-like precision, had cut his handicap to ribbons within half a mile, and in a tense final dual with Sun Chief he gained the ascendency in the last 50 yards and won his third New Zealand Cup in a row with bulldog courage.

False Step was still at least two lengths behind Sun Chief with a furlong to go, and when False Step was inclined to hang in it momentarily looked like Sun Chief's day, but sheer grit and superlative staying power saw False Step gradually reduce the gap and draw alongside Sun Chief, with the last 50 yards all False Step's - his official margin was half a length; his last mile was run in a torrid 1:59 1-5, last half mile in 57 4-5secs. - a phenomenal effort - and his concluding quarter in 29 4-5. His full time, 4:09, has only once been bettered in the world, by Johnny Globe in his record-breaking 4:07 3-5 in the 1954 New Zealand Cup.

"The greatest horse in the world," declared a veteran sportsman who has seen all the Cup winners and legions of others before the Cup was established. Perhaps the finest stayer, anyway.

The race was the best seen for years, and one of the cleanest. There were no incidents during the running apart from the bobble put in by Lookaway fairly early, and no excuses could be made for those who finished behind False Step.

Sun Chief lived right up to the high opinion held of him, paced a grand race, and was far from disgraced in going under to a pacer of the calibre of False Step. His driver, D Townley, who had him well placed all the way, said after the race, "I thought I had my first New Zealand Cup won half way up the straight, but the other horse was too good." Sun Chief just failed, in a game attempt, to do what Lookaway did, win the Cup at four years. Sun Chief's share of the stake, £1350, brings his total earnings in New Zealand to £8915. He has also won something over £3000 in Australia, a grand effort for one of his age. In his year, Lookaway won £10,285 in the Dominion. Lookaway, who bobbled during the journey, finished five lengths behind Sun Chief, beating Invicta by three quarters of a length. Lookaway stripped in good order and although well beaten by False Step and Sun Chief, paced a creditable race, his first at a totalisator meeting this season. He was given every assistance by driver M Holmes.

Robert Dillon broke at the start, taking no serious part in the contest, and Lady Belmer was very slow. Lady Shona, Invicta, Blue Emperor and Fourth Edition were the most prominent early, and Con Scott, Sun Chief, Responsive, Auditor, Scottish Command, Lookaway, False Step and Thunder were next. At the mile and a quarter, Con Scott lead Invicta, Fourth Edition, Lady Shona, Sun Chief, Blue Emperor, Scottish Command, Auditor, Responsive, Lookaway, False Step, Thunder and Lady Belmer. With a round to go False Step made a forward move but was forced wide at the showgrounds bend. Going down the back straight False Step was following Sun Chief and when the last named hit the front shortly after turning for home, False Step was followed by Lookaway and Invicta. When pulled out to challenge it momentarily appeared as though False Step would not get Sun Chief, but his undoubted stamina combined with his perfect condition carried the day. After Invicta came Auditor and Fourth Edition with the rest beaten off. Invicta paced a sound race for fourth after being close up all the way. He turned for home in front but could not match the finishing runs of the first three. He was produced in first class order by trainer-driver S D Edge, and raced right up to his earlier form this season. Auditor's effort for fifth points to his being seen in a winning light before very long.

False Step, who with his bracketed mate, Thunder, was sent out favourite on both machines, received a wonderful reception on return to the birdcage. False Step paced the first half mile in 61secs, mile in 2:08 2-5, mile and a quarter in 2:39 3-5, mile and a half in 3:09 4-5, and full journey from post to post in 4:07 3-5. His success on Tuesday brought his record to 20 wins and 29 placings for £31,860 in stakes, including approximately £1000 won in Australia. False Step's win gave C C Devine his fifth training and driving success in the race. Only one trainer has turned out more winners, the late James Bryce, whose score was six, and Devine is still a mere lad as trainers go. False Step's next big mission will be the Inter-Dominion Championships at Addington, possibly followed by a visit to Yonkers Raceway in the United States later

False Step was bred by his owner, Mr J Smyth, is an eight-year-old horse by the Light Brigade horse Fallacy, a New Zealand Derby winner, from Dainty Direct, by Dan Direct-Queen Betty, by Four Chimes-Dot Robbins, by Frank Robins. As in previous years, False Step's Cup preparation was timed with his trainer's usual finesse, and on the day it is doubtful if False Step has ever looked better.

Interest had been mounting weeks before the event and tension was running high as the horses were called into line by the starter. One of the biggest crowds, 20,000, seen at Addington for years filled the lawns and stands on Tuesday to see False Step do what Indianapolis did - win his third New Zealand Cup. On-course investments on the race were up on those of last year as also were the off-course figures. This year the on-course total was £21,673 10s as against £20,925 last year. Off-course, £25,977 was wagered, compared with £24,670 10s last year.

On-course totalisator figures at Addington on Tuesday reached £189,199 5s as against £160,348 10s on Cup day last year, an increase of £28,771. Off-course figures also showed a substantial rise, investors wagering £182,914 compared with £139,038 10s last year.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 9Nov60

Ordeal & part-owner Bill Bradley

1960 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

One of the finest exhibitions of trotting seen for some time was returned by Ordeal when she succeeded in leading from the two and a half furlongs in the Dominion Handicap on Friday. She was driven a masterly race out in front by F G Holmes who appeared to be fully aware that the best method of defence was in attack with trotters of the calibre of Moon Boy, Au Fait and Supervise behind him.

Ordeal was given a couple of breathers during the running and approaching the straight for the run home her supporters could be forgiven if they momentarily thought that Ordeal had come to the end of her tether when Moon Boy was closing on her. However, Ordeal came on again and was doing better than Moon Boy half a furlong out. She only required a flick of the whip to have the result in safe keeping. Her official winning margin was two lengths and she returned a very good time of 4:17 2-5 for the two miles journey.

The tactics adopted by F G Holmes of making those further back in the handicaps 'do it' from the word go were fully justified as was brought home clearly when Moon Boy's time of 4:15 4-5 for the two miles from 36 yards was posted. This time equalled the Australasian record for the distance returned by Dictation in 1952. Moon Boy trotted a magnificent race and was far from disgraced in defeat. He drifted a good deal in the early stages which made his task harder. Au Fait also recorded a sound effort as did Supervise, although the latter was well beaten by Au Fait. The rest were well beaten.

With You was the quickest to begin and Gay Flame broke at the end of a furlong. Lenvin and Ordeal were next and at the end of two furlongs and a half Holmes sent Ordeal clear. She raced away to a lead of about four lengths going to the mile post and was given a breather at the six furlongs. After racing to the half mile Moon Boy began a fast forward move with Au Fait doing her best to follow him. Ordeal raced to the straight five lengths clear of With You with Lenvin and Supervise next. Moon Boy was now putting in telling work and at the furlong looked like troubling Ordeal, but the last named had too much in reserve and did not really have to do her best to hold off Moon Boy by two lengths. The large crowd was quick to recognise the merit of her performance and Ordeal and her driver were given a fine reception on their return to the birdcage.

A nine-year-old bay mare by Light Brigade, Ordeal is out of Arizona, by U Scott from a New Zealand Sapling Stakes and New Zealand Derby Stakes winner in Arethusa, a daughter of Wrack and the imported mare Trix Pointer, winner of the New Zealand Cup in 1919. Other members of this family include Wrackler, Aldershot and Acclaimation, also a Dominion Handicap winner.

Bred by Mr A J Nicoll, Ashburton, Ordeal was purchased at the National Yearling Sales, when a three-year-old, by Mr W A Bradley for 310 quineas. Ordeal is raced in partnership by Mrs L M and W A Bradley and trained at West Eyreton by F G Holmes. Ordeal was trained earlier in her career by C F Murcott, Reefton, who enjoyed a fair measure of success with her, training and driving her to win five races and gain several places. For a time last season, Ordeal, who produced a foal (later destroyed), was trained by her part-owner, Mr W A Bradley, and was later transferred to F G Holmes who has been responsible for bringing her back to her present peak fitness.

After her winning run, negotiations were opened with Mr Noel Simpson, of Auckland, for Ordeal to race in the United States next year. Mrs L M and Mr W A Bradley are considering the proposition.

Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar

1960 NZ FREE-FOR-ALL

Produced again in the NZ Free-For-All, after running second in the Ollivier Handicap earlier in the day, False Step made a good beginning and when the field settled down was in third place behind the pacemaker, Diamond Hanover and Thunder. Diamond Hanover set a fast pace out in front and with six furlongs to go False Step appeared to be working hard to keep his position. False Step moved out to challenge at the two furlongs, was in front at the furlong and from that stage the race was his. His success advanced his stake winnings in New Zealand to £32,075 as a result of 21 wins and 30 placings. He has also won about £1000 in Australia.

Lookaway, after breaking at the start of the NZ Free-For-All and appeared to be out of the contest, made a remarkable recovery to beat all but False Step. He sustained a strong run over the last half mile and his effort in a fast-run race was an outstanding one.

Thunder, stablemate of False Step was responsible for a solid effort for third. He had to work hard from barrier rise to keep handy to Diamond Hanover but stuck to his task in grim fashion. Even when tackled by False Step and then Lookaway, Thunder gave of his best right to the post. He is a remarkable horse. Scottish Command, third in the Ollivier Handicap earlier in the day, paced another useful race to finish fourth in the FFA.

Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar

1960 NZ OAKS

The Southland filly, Robin Dundee, returned an outstanding performance to win the NZ Oaks at New Brighton on Saturday from Gold Globe, Lyrical and Morsel. Robin Dundee started from the outside barrier draw (19) and overcame a slow beginning and a check at the six furlongs for her success. She still races very greenly and attempted to run in the birdcage gate nearing the winning post.

She is a fine type of filly who completed a notable siring double for the season for her sire, Hal Tryax, who also sired the NZ Derby Stakes winner, Student Prince. Gold Globe made most of the pace and her closest attendant at the straight entrance was Adios Heather who tired shortly afterwards. Terrace Dale, Morsel, Lyrical, Vitane and Anterior were also handy at this stage with Robin Dundee improving rapidly. Robin Dundee sustained her run down the outside, and despite her greenness won very easily by a length and a half without even being really knocked about.

Gold Globe, a bay filly by Johnny Globe from Gold Reign, a daughter of a NZ Derby Stakes winner in Gold Chief and Rainstorm (dam also of Horatio Nelson, Gay Note, Wairau Princess and Marcina), was responsible for a most promising effort and looks certain to develop fine winning form. Lyrical, by Brahman from a fast pacer in Petro Star, was in the picture all the way and finished in resolute style. Morsel finished a useful fourth, then came Terrace Dale, Moose, Golden Rule, Vitane, Adios Duenna and Anterior. Adios Heather gave ground at the start and tangled later. She was handy enough approaching the straight for the run home, but did not finish on.

Robin Dundee is owned by Mr J W Hewitt, for whom she is trained at Gore by J Walsh. She was driven on Saturday by F A Franks, who had the misfortune recently to lose the services of his promising pacer, Congruent. Cherry Blossom, dam of Robin Dundee, left a good winner in Dundee, who was a top three-year-old in Southland in his year. Cherry Blossom was got by Dillon Hall from Cutty Sark, dam also of a Cup class pacer in Dundee Sandy.

Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar

1960 NZ DERBY STAKES

The Auckland owned and trained three-year-old, Student Prince, caused a minor surprise when he finished too well for King Hal in the NZ Derby Stakes to give his owner, Mr H S Barry, his most important classic success to date. He beat King Hal by two lengths with Jay Ar a similiar distance away third and Flying Note fourth. Student Prince had paced useful races in his earlier appearances at the meeting and received a fine trail behind his stablemate, Paysan Bleu, and later behind Moose. Driver, M Holmes, pulled Student Prince out inside the furlong and after collaring King Hal, soon had the result in safe keeping.

The start was marred to some extent when Southern Cross, Jar Ar, Flying Note and Wekin all gave ground, and King Hal was also slow to become balanced. Paysan Bleu made a quick beginning and he was followed early by Student Prince, then came Morsel, with gaps to Moose, Master Alan (who broke), King Hal, Wekin, Flying Note, Southern Cross, Jay Ar, Adios Heather and Summit Road. The whole field was strung out at this stage. At the end of six furlongs Paysan Bleu began to feel the strain and Moose raced clear. King Hal had improved at this stage and was doing slightly better than Moose racing to the straight, with Student Prince just behind. Jay Ar, Summit Road, Flying Note and Southern Cross were all handy.

King Hal soon worked clear once into the straight, but Student Prince was not done with by any means and set out after King Hal at the furlong. These two were together half a furlong out but Student Prince did best. After the four placed horses came Summit Road, Adios Heather, Morsel, Southern Cross, Wekin and Paysan Bleu last.

Student Prince's success would no doubt be most heartening to Mr H S Barry, who has spent a lot of money on the sport, paying big prices for handicap horses and younger stock and he has also built an up-to-date training and breeding establishment at Mangere. Student Prince is trained by R Stockdale, private trainer to Mr Barry, and was at one time attached to M Holmes's stable at Yaldhurst when Holmes was public training. He drove several winners for Holmes, including champion trotter Recruit and Lookaway.

Student Prince is a bay colt by Hal Tryax from Little Toff, a winner herself, and the 1947 foal of the prolific broodmare, Rustic Maid, dam of the NZ Cup winner Chamfer, and others. Little Toff was got by Dillon Hall. Bred at Gore by Mr G Youngson, Student Prince was purchased at the 1959 yearling sales for 625 gns when offered on account of Mr J W G Irving, Oamaru. Student Prince's win gave M Holmes his 11th driving success in the classic.

King Hal made a gallant attempt to add this classic to his already fine record and was far from disgraced in defeat. He had a fair stretch of ground to make up to reach the lead and the effort to do so told when it came to the concluding stages. Jay Ar also paced a fine race after being towards the rear in the early stages and the same could be said of Flying Note.


Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 23Nov60

CECIL DEVINE - FALSE STEP 1960

Some exceptional trainer/drivers in earlier eras always seemed to get the job done when the chips were down (often literally). Cecil Devine's third Cup with False Step was one.

From 40m behind, False Step lost another 30m, had to chase very wide and at the home turn the brilliant Sun Chief had three lengths on the big stayer and was going better. False Step just could not catch the flying youngster.

Then, a stroke of genius. Devine lowered his whip and within 100m of the finish of a potentially history making New Zealand Cup, he stopped driving. A huge gamble became Cecil's ace in the hole. When he resumed his urgings, that bravest of stayers found a little more to get up by a narrow margin.

Many a Cup has been lost by impatient horsemen. This was patience with a capital P. But nobody has tried it since.

TRIVIA FACT: Devine had first shown his talent with stayers way back in 1945. Making ends meet with the faithful Teddy Gregg at Coast meetings, he was handed former top mare Shadow Maid to train by local George Chesmar. She had been unplaced in 20 starts before running third in the 1945 Cup behind Gold Bar and was the rank outsider of the field. That never happened to the black with white stars again.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed 2016

1959 DOMINION HANDICAP

A good winner last season in Annual Report returned to the winning list in the Dominion Handicap at Addington on Friday with a solid performance.

The race was a fine one from any angle and the winner's time of 4:19 2-5 from 12 yards shows that there was little loitering on the journey. Annual Report is big, long-striding trotter, and he did not appear a possibility till the latter stages, but once trainer-driver A Purdon asked him to do his best he got over the ground in fine style to gradually reduce the gap to Moon Boy, who broke under pressure. Moon Boy was actually second to pass the post but he was later disqualified, Hazel Grattan being promoted to second, Supervise to third and Cabra to fourth.

Dan's Choice, Lenvin and Rodger lost ground at the start and Ordeal broke at the end of two furlongs. Silver Son was then sent clear and he lead at the end of half a mile from Serenelli, Highland Glen, Mighty Brigade, With You, Moon Boy, Hazel Grattan, Supervise, Annual Report and Cabra, with three lengths to Ordeal, Dan's Choice and Recruit. With nine furlongs left to run, Serenelli had worked to the lead, but Moon Boy had taken over at the seven furlongs.

Trotting in his best style, Moon Boy led Supervise by three lengths approaching the straight, and it was obvious at the stage that he was going to be difficult to beat. However, Annual Report loomed up and he was not to be denied. It was unfortunate for Moon Boy that he left his feet as he had trotted a fine race to that stage. The winner deserves full marks and his performance was that of a true stayer. Full credit must also be given to A Purdon for the manner in which he has brought Annual Report back to his best.

Supervise was handy all the way but she was feeling the strain at the home turn. Hazel Grattan raced right up to her earlier efforts this season, and Cabra battled on for fourth. At one stage it looked as though Recruit would take part at the finish, but he had had enough shortly after turning for home. The rest were a tired lot.


Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar

False Step three time winner of the NZ Cup

1959 NZ TROTTING CUP

Champion stayer beyond a shadow of a doubt, False Step won the New Zealand Trotting Cup for the second year in succession with a mighty effort over the final quarter - he raced clear of Caduceus and Gentry at the furlong and was increasing his eight-lengths advantage as the post was reached.

Cecil C Devine, who was driving his fourth New Zealand Cup winner, has also now trained four winners of the premier event in the last nine contests and is rapidly assuming the mantle of the late James Bryce as the wizard of a NZ Cup preparation.

This year's Cup contest will rank for many a day as one of the best races seen in this country, and the role played by False Step's stablemate Thunder - a sacrificial one as things turned out - was the main contributing factor in the pegging back of Caduceus. There was only one way to encompass the defeat of the brilliant Caduceus, and no doubt the master plan was C C Devine's. One or other of his two runners had to keep on Caduceus's girth at all costs and make doubly certain that stamina and not sheer brilliance would be the deciding factor in the result. And Thunder played his part magnificently and to perfection, ending in his complete exhaustion with two and a half furlongs to go.

It was when Showdown was attempting to set a slow pace with five furlongs covered that Caduceus set sail and ran right round the field within another furlong. And Thunder pursued him every inch of the way, parking one out from the rails, about half a length back from Caduceus, as the field sorted itself out under it's new pilot. Thunder kept up the relentless pressure all the way, and, his mission fulfilled, he collapsed crossing the top; but the duel had found out Caduceus, too, and False Step, who had been waiting to pounce at any stage of the last quarter, simply flew past the wilting backmarker as they straightened up.

The sectional times tell the vivid story of the cut-throat drama between Caduceus and Thunder. The first half mile was run by Showdown in 65 2-5secs. The first mile was run in 2:09 3-5, mile and a quarter in 2:42 3-5. The last half mile was paced in 61 1-5secs and the final quarter in 31secs. Cecil Devine would be the first to concede that Derek Jones, driver of Thunder, is entitled to equal praise with Devine himself as architect of False Step's victory. Cecil Devine first won the Cup in 1951, with Van Dieman. His next winner was Thunder in 1956, and False Step has won in 1958 and 1959.

The whole field moved off safely when the barriers were released and Showdown led past the stands the first time from Lady Shona. It momentarily appeared as though Showdown was going to slow the field up but racing round the showgrounds bend Caduceus moved smartly forward and was in front with six furlongs covered, with Thunder on his girth. At this stage False Step was almost last. With a round to go False Step made a forward move from the back and at the half mile the order was Caduceus, Thunder, Showdown, Lady Shona, False Step (wide out), Mayneen, Invicta, Scottish Command, Gentry, Lady Belmer and Macklin.

At the three furlongs False Step was showing up and the order into the straight was Caduceus, False Step, Thunder (who had had enough), Lady Shona and Gentry. False Step soon had the measure of Caduceus and continued on strongly for one of the easiest of wins. The full merit of False Step's victory is brought home sharply by the fact that except for the very early part, and near the finish, he was never closer than three sulky widths from the rails and was four wide rounding the bend into the straight. Gentry, once clear, finished well for second without ever looking a serious threat to the winner. Caduceus was a weakening third three lengths and a half behind Gentry and three lengths further back came Lady Shona.

The race was marred to some extent by a mix-up after the field turned for home, but when it occurred the race was virtually over. Seven horses finished, Mayneen, Macklin and Thunder following the first four home. The rest were involved in the accident.

Although beaten into third place, Caduceus made a game attempt to add the Dominion's premier two mile race to his outstanding list of success, and he was by no means disgraced in defeat. He was given little respite once Thunder moved up to him, and in the circumstances it was not surprising he was feeling the strain at the home turn. His share of the stake for third, £675, brings his total stake-winnings to £50,924 10s. Lady Shona was always thereabouts and battled on for her fourth placing and the other three to finish were beaten off.

False Step was bred by his owner, Mr J Smyth and is a seven-year-old brown horse by a New Zealand Derby winner in Fallacy from Dainty Direct, by Dan Direct-Queen Betty, by Four Chimes-Dot Robbins, by Frank Robins. Fallacy was an outstanding three-year-old and has distinguished himself as a sire of winners over the last few years, but False Step is undoubtedly his best. False Step took his total stake-winnings to £23,965. He has won 17 races and been in the minor places 27 times.

Interest had been mounting weeks before the event and tension was running high as the field was being called into line by the starter. The day could not have been better and the track was in perfect order. For the first time in several years there was an increase in the attendance at Addington on Cup Day. The crowd was approximately 19,000, which was about 600 more than last year. On-course investments on the race were down on those of last year and the off-course figures also show a decrease. This year the on-course figures were £20,925 compared with £21,199 last year and the amount invested off-course was £24,670 10s as against £26,811 last year. The on-course totalisator handled £160,348 10s compared with £164,834 10s last year.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 11Nov59