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1935 NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL

Excitement was at fever heat when the horses paraded for the Free-For-All but the public appeared to be well satisfied that the mighty Indianapolis, who was bracketed with Tempest, was next to unbeatable.

There was a little delay at the start through horses backing out, and when the barriers were released all went off smartly except Indianapolis, who lost several lengths through tangling. While Harold Logan hit the front and set a merry pace for the first furlong, J Fraser, jun, did not allow Indianapolis to waste any time once he had stuck his hopples, and when a quarter of a mile had been covered he was just behind Tempest, who was a length in the rear of Harold Logan.

As the stands were passed Indianapolis was running closer to the leader, and the margin was still further reduced going down the back. By the time the quarter mile post was reached Harold Logan was only half a length in front, and at the straight entrance his driver drew the whip. Harold Logan made a valiant fight, but the long-striding Wrack pacer wore him down, and 100 yards from home he held him safely.

Harold Logan, apparently beaten, also succumbed to the fast-finishing Tempest, who had all the best of the running, and Roi l'Or, who got up in time to deprive him of third money. Red Shadow was beaten for speed in the final stages, and Evicus tailed the field.

Indianapolis showed the speed and racing qualities of a champion, and possibly his lead at the finish might have been increased had his driver desired. Tempest is a brilliant pacer when conditions suit, and in this race he was admirably driven by D C Watts, a young driver, who does not receive all the chances his ability deserves. Roi l'Or, who tailed the field for the greater part of the journey, put in a characteristic burst over the final stages, and while Harold Logan was well beaten, Red Shadow had also had enough, and Evicus disappointed by her failure to run on at the end.

The first half mile was covered in 1min 6 4/5sec, six furlongs in 1min 39sec, a mile in 2min 8sec, and the full journey in 2min 39 2/5sec, the last half mile in 60 2/5sec.

Credit: THE PRESS 16 Nov 1935

1935 SPRING MEETING OVERVIEW

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was not in luck's way in the opening of the spring meeting yesterday, for heavy rain overnight and in the forenoon had badly affected the track, and trotting form generally is governed by performances in fine weather. The attendance in consequence was seriously affected, and the public did not show the usual confidence in supporting well known pacers on a treacherous track.

It was not a good opening for the leading trotting meeting in New Zealand, and perhaps the whole blame cannot be attributed to the weather. A drop of £5577 in the totalisator investments as compared with the opening day last year must give the Metropolitan Club food for serious thought, and some part of the reduced turnover may perhaps be attributed to lack of modern totalisator equipment. The sum of £36,786 10s was invested on the eight races, as compared with £42,363 10s on the opening day 12 months ago.

The racing was of the highest class although the heavy state of the track was all against fast times, and at least two performances were outstanding in the history of trotting in New Zealand. Indianapolis won the New Zealand Cup like a champion racehorse, for though the time he registered was more than 23 seconds slower than his last year's record, he gave a display of pacing seldom equalled. He did not begin with any show of brilliance and soon after the start Roi l'Or, who was conceding him 12 yards start, was on his wheel, and passed him long before the serious racing commenced, while the back marker hugged the rails and covered no extra ground, Indianapolis kept on the outside of the field, and the wisdom of his driver was proved.

When it came to sprinting over the last part the big stallion had a reasonably good footing, while the others struggled in sticky mud that materially hampered progress. No excuses were made for the other horses for Indianapolis proved himself a champion pacer and won with a good deal in hand. His trainer, F C Dunleavy, must be accorded full credit for the training of a horse that many believe to be a two-minute pacer, and like the best of trainers he has left a margin for improvement in his condition that will be shown as the meeting progresses.

Indianapolis has not won his last race, and if produced again at the meeting he may do even better. It is to be sincerely hoped that the weather during the week may be better than it was yesterday, in which case Indianapolis may be expected to make a new record. He is already the champion miler in New Zealand, and a two miles record is well within his compass.

While the performance of the six-year-old was great, credit must be given to M B Edwards, who produced War Buoy in condition to race for a kingdom. War Buoy has a long string of victories to his credit and in 20 starts he has not been out of a place. Unfortunately M B Edwards was not well enough to drive his favourite who was left in the capable hands of his brother S A, who exerted all his energy and skill to win the New Zealand Cup with a wonderful young racehorse.

The light harness enthusiast loves the unhoppled trotter, and a feast was provided in the great display given by Sea Gift, a mare who, by the sheer merit of her performances on the track, has risen from the maiden class to be now regarded as one of the best ever seen at Addington. Her finish in the Dominion Handicap was a remarkable one and the speed she exhibited over the later stages when apparently in a hopeless position had the crowd in a fever of excitement. Her win was a popular one, but not nearly as popular as it would have been had some of her earlier performances been more consistent.

It is a pity the track was not in order for Todd Lonzia to show his paces, for this horse was plainly all at sea on the tricky course and could not control his balance or speed for any distance.

The trotters and pacers of today are better than ever before, and especially pleasing is the great improvement made in the ranks of the trotters.

A most interesting race on the programme was the Riccarton Stakes, for maiden three-year-olds, and while Double Great won very comfortably, the race served to show a number of very promising youngsters who stood at the barrier like experienced race-horses and displayed the excellent training they had gone through.

The day's racing concluded with a most exciting finish in the Hagley Handicap, and only the judge could correctly place the leading horses, who flashed past the post almost in line.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 15 Nov 1935

DERBY DAY AT ADDINGTON

The racing at Addington yesterday provided as varied a programme as has been offered for many a day, and the uneven state of the track presented a problem that demanded the closest study by drivers. In the early part of the day the extreme outside provided the only good footing for horses, and as the afternoon wore on the course improved towards the centre, while in the closing stages the application of light harrows made a surface on which something like real speed could be shown.

The Addington course yesterday presented a problem. drivers with reputations for astuteness quite failed to realise the pitfalls of tricky going, and they failed rather badly while others enjoyed all the benefits. In the earlier contests division races seemed to be the order of the day, one section racing on the inside on heavy going and taking the shortest way to the winning post, while others preferred the more reliable footing on the outside of the course. The longest way round sometimes proved the shortest way home, and it was noticeable that horses were quickly slowed up when they attempted the inside going. Had the track been in good order from the start it is possible that several records would have been broken.

Indianapolis proved the star turn when he won the Clakson Memorial, a race named after the well-known sportsman and very live figure in framing the programmes for the Metropolitan Trotting Club.

Indianapolis was set to give away 48 yards in a mile race, and with the field racing well out from the rails he appeared to be set an impossible task. Harold Logan was on 72 yards behind, but before two furlongs had been covered he was in a nice position, just behind the big pacer. The latter, with a phenomenal burst of speed, left the little gelding well behind, and he carried on a sensational run round his field to win as he liked in 2min 9 1/5sec, which under the conditions was one of the greatest performances ever witnessed in New Zealand. Indianapolis is the pacer of the hour, a fine-mannered stallion who may be still further improved by the experience he will receive in his racing.

Not less impressive were the great performances of Sea Gift and Nell Volo in the Sockburn Handicap, yet both were defeated by First Wrack, who was admirably handled by M Holmes and came home in the manner of a true and tried racehorse. Had the track been in good order Sea Gift would probably have won in the fastest time registered by a trotter in New Zealand, but extra distance and the fortunes of the race told the inevitable tale.

The New Zealand Derby Stakes, the Blue Riband of the Dominion, was a race worthy of the occasion, and while Double Great won on his merits and proved himself a regular son of Great Bingen, one of the best horses of all times, there were others in Frisco Lady, Gaillard, and Casanova who contested with him a very serious race. As in the other races the state of the course was something to be reckoned with.

An ill-founded rumour circulated on Wednesday affected the attendance and the peculiar nature of the course naturally discouraged speculation, and to these two causes may be attributed a drop in the totalisator investments from £27,528 last year to £25,619 10s. The racing has not been better at any previous meeting, the management of the club staff and honorary officials was right up to standard, and generally the whole day's racing gave promise of great sport today.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 16 Nov 1935

BATTLE ROYAL BETWEEN FOUR-YEAR-OLDS

In the history of trotting at Addington it is doubtful whether any better sport has been witnessed than was provided yesterday. The weather, which had not been favourable on the two previous days, was ideal for light harness racing, and the attendance was reminiscent of show days of years ago. The track, which on the first two days was very heavy, was at its best for the sport, but, having receiveda thorough soaking, it was not so fast as on some previous occasions, and a strong easterly wind did not help in fast time making. The finishes were as close and the racing as exciting as the big crowd could have wished, and the perfomances of a number of horses were exceptional.

In the principal event of the day, the Ollivier Memorial Handicap, the battle for four-year-old supremacy took place between Gamble and Graham Direct, and the public was treated to a battle royal over the last furlong between horses possibly the best of their age raced in New Zealand. It was a stirring contest, and long before the horses reached the straight, the excitement was intense. Great horses driven by expert reinsmen provided a test of gameness and stamina not often witnessed on a racecourse. Gamble won. In victory he proved himself a super horse, and in defeat Graham Direct showed the true fighting qualities of the standardbred pacer.

The true test of the Dominion's champions was provided in the Free-For-All in which there were only six starters - the best six that could be produced. Harold Logan who has reigned as the recognised champion, had his colours lowered by possibly the greatest pacer New Zealand has seen in Indianapolis, a horse with a record of 2min 1 2/5sec for a mile. It was not an easy victory for Harold Logan, beginning smartly, contested every inch of the long journey down the final stretch. He was beaten, and beaten out of a place, but it was only in the last 100 yards that he found age and hard racing telling on him and he faded in the challenge by younger horses. Harold Logan was not disgraced. He did everything a good horse should do, but he met a great horse that not only matched him for speed but showed better staying powers.

The real treat of the afternoon was provided by the unhoppled trotters in the Middleton Handicap, and Sea Gift's performance in covering two miles in 4min 24 3/5sec, better time than any pacer had registered at the meeting was one of the highlights of trotting. She was beaten into second place by another fine trotter in First Wrack, but while the latter had all the advantages of good pace-making and a handy position in the field, Sea Gift, from 84 yards behind, was forced to cover a lot of extra ground to get round a field that was well bunched from the start. What Sea Gift's performance meant can hardly be imagined, but it was possibly the greatest exhibition of trotting ever witnessed at Addington. At no stage of the race was she within 15 feet of the rails, and this, in a contest over two miles on a six furlong track, is a very severe handicap.

Flotsam defeated Airflow in the opening race after a fine display in fast time. Recess proved a good game pacer by winning the Sprinter's Handicap from a bunched field after she had had to concede a start over the last quarter mile.

Grand Mogul showed stamina when he led all the way to win the Australasian Handicap. Bingen Palm, who comes from Westport, scored a popular victory in the Hornby Handicap after a sterling performance and Rey Spec's victory in the Lyttelton Handicap may be credited to the expert reinsmanship of M Holmes.

The track, which was in splendid order, was a credit to the custodian, Mr J Highsted; the starting which was in the hands of Mr A J Hastings was excellently done; and altogether staff and honorary officials helped to provide an excellent day of entertainment.

The totalisator investments, which on the two previous days had shown a decrease on last years figures, went up from 1935 SPRING MEETING OVERVIEW

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was not in luck's way in the opening of the spring meeting yesterday, for heavy rain overnight and in the forenoon had badly affected the track, and trotting form generally is governed by performances in fine weather. The attendance in consequence was seriously affected, and the public did not show the usual confidence in supporting well known pacers on a treacherous track.

It was not a good opening for the leading trotting meeting in New Zealand, and perhaps the whole blame cannot be attributed to the weather. A drop of £5577 in the totalisator investments as compared with the opening day last year must give the Metropolitan Club food for serious thought, and some part of the reduced turnover may perhaps be attributed to lack of modern totalisator equipment. The sum of £36,786 10s was invested on the eight races, as compared with £42,363 10s on the opening day 12 months ago.

The racing was of the highest class although the heavy state of the track was all against fast times, and at least two performances were outstanding in the history of trotting in New Zealand. Indianapolis won the New Zealand Cup like a champion racehorse, for though the time he registered was more than 23 seconds slower than his last year's record, he gave a display of pacing seldom equalled. He did not begin with any show of brilliance and soon after the start Roi l'Or, who was conceding him 12 yards start, was on his wheel, and passed him long before the serious racing commenced, while the back marker hugged the rails and covered no extra ground, Indianapolis kept on the outside of the field, and the wisdom of his driver was proved.

When it came to sprinting over the last part the big stallion had a reasonably good footing, while the others struggled in sticky mud that materially hampered progress. No excuses were made for the other horses for Indianapolis proved himself a champion pacer and won with a good deal in hand. His trainer, F C Dunleavy, must be accorded full credit for the training of a horse that many believe to be a two-minute pacer, and like the best of trainers he has left a margin for improvement in his condition that will be shown as the meeting progresses.

Indianapolis has not won his last race, and if produced again at the meeting he may do even better. It is to be sincerely hoped that the weather during the week may be better than it was yesterday, in which case Indianapolis may be expected to make a new record. He is already the champion miler in New Zealand, and a two miles record is well within his compass.

While the performance of the six-year-old was great, credit must be given to M B Edwards, who produced War Buoy in condition to race for a kingdom. War Buoy has a long string of victories to his credit and in 20 starts he has not been out of a place. Unfortunately M B Edwards was not well enough to drive his favourite who was left in the capable hands of his brother S A, who exerted all his energy and skill to win the New Zealand Cup with a wonderful young racehorse.

The light harness enthusiast loves the unhoppled trotter, and a feast was provided in the great display given by Sea Gift, a mare who, by the sheer merit of her performances on the track, has risen from the maiden class to be now regarded as one of the best ever seen at Addington. Her finish in the Dominion Handicap was a remarkable one and the speed she exhibited over the later stages when apparently in a hopeless position had the crowd in a fever of excitement. Her win was a popular one, but not nearly as popular as it would have been had some of her earlier performances been more consistent.

It is a pity the track was not in order for Todd Lonzia to show his paces, for this horse was plainly all at sea on the tricky course and could not control his balance or speed for any distance.

The trotters and pacers of today are better than ever before, and especially pleasing is the great improvement made in the ranks of the trotters.

A most interesting race on the programme was the Riccarton Stakes, for maiden three-year-olds, and while Double Great won very comfortably, the race served to show a number of very promising youngsters who stood at the barrier like experienced race-horses and displayed the excellent training they had gone through.

The day's racing concluded with a most exciting finish in the Hagley Handicap, and only the judge could correctly place the leading horses, who flashed past the post almost in line.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 15 Nov 1935

DERBY DAY AT ADDINGTON

The racing at Addington yesterday provided as varied a programme as has been offered for many a day, and the uneven state of the track presented a problem that demanded the closest study by drivers. In the early part of the day the extreme outside provided the only good footing for horses, and as the afternoon wore on the course improved towards the centre, while in the closing stages the application of light harrows made a surface on which something like real speed could be shown.

The Addington course yesterday presented a problem. drivers with reputations for astuteness quite failed to realise the pitfalls of tricky going, and they failed rather badly while others enjoyed all the benefits. In the earlier contests division races seemed to be the order of the day, one section racing on the inside on heavy going and taking the shortest way to the winning post, while others preferred the more reliable footing on the outside of the course. The longest way round sometimes proved the shortest way home, and it was noticeable that horses were quickly slowed up when they attempted the inside going. Had the track been in good order from the start it is possible that several records would have been broken.

Indianapolis proved the star turn when he won the Clakson Memorial, a race named after the well-known sportsman and very live figure in framing the programmes for the Metropolitan Trotting Club.

Indianapolis was set to give away 48 yards in a mile race, and with the field racing well out from the rails he appeared to be set an impossible task. Harold Logan was on 72 yards behind, but before two furlongs had been covered he was in a nice position, just behind the big pacer. The latter, with a phenomenal burst of speed, left the little gelding well behind, and he carried on a sensational run round his field to win as he liked in 2min 9 1/5sec, which under the conditions was one of the greatest performances ever witnessed in New Zealand. Indianapolis is the pacer of the hour, a fine-mannered stallion who may be still further improved by the experience he will receive in his racing.

Not less impressive were the great performances of Sea Gift and Nell Volo in the Sockburn Handicap, yet both were defeated by First Wrack, who was admirably handled by M Holmes and came home in the manner of a true and tried racehorse. Had the track been in good order Sea Gift would probably have won in the fastest time registered by a trotter in New Zealand, but extra distance and the fortunes of the race told the inevitable tale.

The New Zealand Derby Stakes, the Blue Riband of the Dominion, was a race worthy of the occasion, and while Double Great won on his merits and proved himself a regular son of Great Bingen, one of the best horses of all times, there were others in Frisco Lady, Gaillard, and Casanova who contested with him a very serious race. As in the other races the state of the course was something to be reckoned with.

An ill-founded rumour circulated on Wednesday affected the attendance and the peculiar nature of the course naturally discouraged speculation, and to these two causes may be attributed a drop in the totalisator investments from £27,528 last year to £25,619 10s. The racing has not been better at any previous meeting, the management of the club staff and honorary officials was right up to standard, and generally the whole day's racing gave promise of great sport today.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 16 Nov 1935

BATTLE ROYAL BETWEEN FOUR-YEAR-OLDS

In the history of trotting at Addington it is doubtful whether any better sport has been witnessed than was provided yesterday. The weather, which had not been favourable on the two previous days, was ideal for light harness racing, and the attendance was reminiscent of show days of years ago. The track, which on the first two days was very heavy, was at its best for the sport, but, having receiveda thorough soaking, it was not so fast as on some previous occasions, and a strong easterly wind did not help in fast time making. The finishes were as close and the racing as exciting as the big crowd could have wished, and the perfomances of a number of horses were exceptional.

In the principal event of the day, the Ollivier Memorial Handicap, the battle for four-year-old supremacy took place between Gamble and Graham Direct, and the public was treated to a battle royal over the last furlong between horses possibly the best of their age raced in New Zealand. It was a stirring contest, and long before the horses reached the straight, the excitement was intense. Great horses driven by expert reinsmen provided a test of gameness and stamina not often witnessed on a racecourse. 1935 SPRING MEETING OVERVIEW

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was not in luck's way in the opening of the spring meeting yesterday, for heavy rain overnight and in the forenoon had badly affected the track, and trotting form generally is governed by performances in fine weather. The attendance in consequence was seriously affected, and the public did not show the usual confidence in supporting well known pacers on a treacherous track.

It was not a good opening for the leading trotting meeting in New Zealand, and perhaps the whole blame cannot be attributed to the weather. A drop of £5577 in the totalisator investments as compared with the opening day last year must give the Metropolitan Club food for serious thought, and some part of the reduced turnover may perhaps be attributed to lack of modern totalisator equipment. The sum of £36,786 10s was invested on the eight races, as compared with £42,363 10s on the opening day 12 months ago.

The racing was of the highest class although the heavy state of the track was all against fast times, and at least two performances were outstanding in the history of trotting in New Zealand. Indianapolis won the New Zealand Cup like a champion racehorse, for though the time he registered was more than 23 seconds slower than his last year's record, he gave a display of pacing seldom equalled. He did not begin with any show of brilliance and soon after the start Roi l'Or, who was conceding him 12 yards start, was on his wheel, and passed him long before the serious racing commenced, while the back marker hugged the rails and covered no extra ground, Indianapolis kept on the outside of the field, and the wisdom of his driver was proved.

When it came to sprinting over the last part the big stallion had a reasonably good footing, while the others struggled in sticky mud that materially hampered progress. No excuses were made for the other horses for Indianapolis proved himself a champion pacer and won with a good deal in hand. His trainer, F C Dunleavy, must be accorded full credit for the training of a horse that many believe to be a two-minute pacer, and like the best of trainers he has left a margin for improvement in his condition that will be shown as the meeting progresses.

Indianapolis has not won his last race, and if produced again at the meeting he may do even better. It is to be sincerely hoped that the weather during the week may be better than it was yesterday, in which case Indianapolis may be expected to make a new record. He is already the champion miler in New Zealand, and a two miles record is well within his compass.

While the performance of the six-year-old was great, credit must be given to M B Edwards, who produced War Buoy in condition to race for a kingdom. War Buoy has a long string of victories to his credit and in 20 starts he has not been out of a place. Unfortunately M B Edwards was not well enough to drive his favourite who was left in the capable hands of his brother S A, who exerted all his energy and skill to win the New Zealand Cup with a wonderful young racehorse.

The light harness enthusiast loves the unhoppled trotter, and a feast was provided in the great display given by Sea Gift, a mare who, by the sheer merit of her performances on the track, has risen from the maiden class to be now regarded as one of the best ever seen at Addington. Her finish in the Dominion Handicap was a remarkable one and the speed she exhibited over the later stages when apparently in a hopeless position had the crowd in a fever of excitement. Her win was a popular one, but not nearly as popular as it would have been had some of her earlier performances been more consistent.

It is a pity the track was not in order for Todd Lonzia to show his paces, for this horse was plainly all at sea on the tricky course and could not control his balance or speed for any distance.

The trotters and pacers of today are better than ever before, and especially pleasing is the great improvement made in the ranks of the trotters.

A most interesting race on the programme was the Riccarton Stakes, for maiden three-year-olds, and while Double Great won very comfortably, the race served to show a number of very promising youngsters who stood at the barrier like experienced race-horses and displayed the excellent training they had gone through.

The day's racing concluded with a most exciting finish in the Hagley Handicap, and only the judge could correctly place the leading horses, who flashed past the post almost in line.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 15 Nov 1935

DERBY DAY AT ADDINGTON

The racing at Addington yesterday provided as varied a programme as has been offered for many a day, and the uneven state of the track presented a problem that demanded the closest study by drivers. In the early part of the day the extreme outside provided the only good footing for horses, and as the afternoon wore on the course improved towards the centre, while in the closing stages the application of light harrows made a surface on which something like real speed could be shown.

The Addington course yesterday presented a problem. drivers with reputations for astuteness quite failed to realise the pitfalls of tricky going, and they failed rather badly while others enjoyed all the benefits. In the earlier contests division races seemed to be the order of the day, one section racing on the inside on heavy going and taking the shortest way to the winning post, while others preferred the more reliable footing on the outside of the course. The longest way round sometimes proved the shortest way home, and it was noticeable that horses were quickly slowed up when they attempted the inside going. Had the track been in good order from the start it is possible that several records would have been broken.

Indianapolis proved the star turn when he won the Clakson Memorial, a race named after the well-known sportsman and very live figure in framing the programmes for the Metropolitan Trotting Club.

Indianapolis was set to give away 48 yards in a mile race, and with the field racing well out from the rails he appeared to be set an impossible task. Harold Logan was on 72 yards behind, but before two furlongs had been covered he was in a nice position, just behind the big pacer. The latter, with a phenomenal burst of speed, left the little gelding well behind, and he carried on a sensational run round his field to win as he liked in 2min 9 1/5sec, which under the conditions was one of the greatest performances ever witnessed in New Zealand. Indianapolis is the pacer of the hour, a fine-mannered stallion who may be still further improved by the experience he will receive in his racing.

Not less impressive were the great performances of Sea Gift and Nell Volo in the Sockburn Handicap, yet both were defeated by First Wrack, who was admirably handled by M Holmes and came home in the manner of a true and tried racehorse. Had the track been in good order Sea Gift would probably have won in the fastest time registered by a trotter in New Zealand, but extra distance and the fortunes of the race told the inevitable tale.

The New Zealand Derby Stakes, the Blue Riband of the Dominion, was a race worthy of the occasion, and while Double Great won on his merits and proved himself a regular son of Great Bingen, one of the best horses of all times, there were others in Frisco Lady, Gaillard, and Casanova who contested with him a very serious race. As in the other races the state of the course was something to be reckoned with.

An ill-founded rumour circulated on Wednesday affected the attendance and the peculiar nature of the course naturally discouraged speculation, and to these two causes may be attributed a drop in the totalisator investments from £27,528 last year to £25,619 10s. The racing has not been better at any previous meeting, the management of the club staff and honorary officials was right up to standard, and generally the whole day's racing gave promise of great sport today.

-o0o-

THE PRESS 16 Nov 1935

BATTLE ROYAL BETWEEN FOUR-YEAR-OLDS

In the history of trotting at Addington it is doubtful whether any better sport has been witnessed than was provided yesterday. The weather, which had not been favourable on the two previous days, was ideal for light harness racing, and the attendance was reminiscent of show days of years ago. The track, which on the first two days was very heavy, was at its best for the sport, but, having receiveda thorough soaking, it was not so fast as on some previous occasions, and a strong easterly wind did not help in fast time making. The finishes were as close and the racing as exciting as the big crowd could have wished, and the perfomances of a number of horses were exceptional.

In the principal event of the day, the Ollivier Memorial Handicap, the battle for four-year-old supremacy took place between Gamble and Graham Direct, and the public was treated to a battle royal over the last furlong between horses possibly the best of their age raced in New Zealand. It was a stirring contest, and long before the horses reached the straight, the excitement was intense. Great horses driven by expert reinsmen provided a test of gameness and stamina not often witnessed on a racecourse. Gamble won. In victory he proved himself a super horse, and in defeat Graham Direct showed the true fighting qualities of the standardbred pacer.

The true test of the Dominion's champions was provided in the Free-For-All in which there were only six starter - the best six that could be produced. Harold Logan who has reigned as the recognised champion, had his colours lowered by possibly the best pacer New Zealand has seen in Indianapolis, a horse with a record of 2min 1 2/5sec for a mile. It was not an easy victory fro Harold Logan, beginning smartly, contested every inch of the long journey down the final stretch. He was beaten and beaten out of a place, but it was only in the last 100 yards that he found age and hard racing telling on him, and he faded in the challenge by the younger horses. Harold Logan was not disgraced. He did everything a good horse should do, but he met a great horse that not only matched him for speed but showed better staying powers.

The real treat of the afternoon was provided by the unhoppled trotters in the Middleton Handicap, and Sea Gift's performance in covering two miles in 4min 24 3/5sec, better time than any pacer had registered at the meeting was one of the highlights of trotting. She was beaten into second place by another fine trotter in First Wrack, but while the latter had all the advantages of good pace-making and a handy position in the field, Sea Gift, from 84 yards behind, was forced to cover a lot of extra ground to get round the field that was well bunched from the start. What Sea Gift's performance meant can hardly be imagined, but it was possibly the greatest exhibition of trotting every witnessed at Addington. At no stage of the race was she within 15 feet of the rails and this, in a contest over two miles on a six furlong track, is a very severe handicap.

Flotsam defeated Airflow in the opening race after a fine display in fast time. Recess proved a good game pacer by winning the Sprinter's Handicap from a bunched field after she had had to concede a start over the last quarter mile. Grand Mogul showed stamina when he led all the way to win the Australasian Handicap. Bingen Palm, who comes from Westport, scored a popular victory in the Hornby Handicap after a sterling performance, and Rey Spec's victory in the Lyttleton Handicap may be credited to the expert reinsmanship of M Holmes.

The track, which was in splendid order, was a credit to the custodian, Mr J Highsted; the starting, which was in the hands of Mr A J Hastings, was excellently done; and altogether staff and hohorary officials helped to provide an excellent day of entertainment.

The totalisator investments, which on the two previous days had shown a decrease on last years figures, went up from £39,428 10s last year to £40,984 10s, an increase of £1556. The wet weather on the first two days was the chief cause of a substantial drop in the investments for the meeting.


Credit: THE PRESS 13 Nov 1935

1935 MIDDLETON HANDICAP

400 sovs: Two miles: Unhoppled Trotters: Wnr 4min 28 2/5sec

The Middleton Handicap produced another splendid exhibition of trotting and Sea Gift, after establishing the fastest time of the meeting for two miles, 4min 24 3/5sec, was beaten in a fine finish by the Durbar Lodge mare First Wrack.

Raclaim took up the early running from Fifa, New Metford, and Norma Bingen, and already in a nice position were First Wrack, Raima, and Bessie Parrish, while Nell Volo was tucked in on the rails and Sea Gift was doing her brilliant work several sulkies out from the rails.

When the last round was commenced Raclaim and New Metford were in front of First Wrack, Bessie Parrish, Stanley T (who had made a fast run), Raima, Nell Volo and Sea Gift.

In the straight New Metford, Raima, and First Wrack were almost on terms, while Sea Gift was some distance away. First Wrack then assued the lead and Sea Gift commenced a brilliant effort. First Wrack reached the post first, but she was all out and Sea Gift was gaining at every stride. Raima, Great Way, New Metford and Bessie Parrish followed the placed horses.

First Wrack had won the Sockburn Handicap on the second day after a fine exhibition, and, on this occasion the reinsmanship of M Holmes brought victory. He covered no extra ground and took full advantage of the fine pacemaking provided.

Sea Gift in defeat was subjected to a very severe test, for she covered much extra ground and registered 4min 24 3/5sec for the two miles. Raima trotted very solidly from start to finish, his best performance for a long time, and New Metford, Bessie Parrish and Great Way were always in the firing line.

Nell Volo had every chance and covered no extra ground, but a bad break in the straight spoiled her chance. The American-bred mare may not be quite at her best.

Credit: THE PRESS: 16 Nov 1935

1935 SOCKBURN HANDICAP

350 sovs: One mile & a half: Wnrs time 3min 25sec

The Sockburn Handicap provided a brilliant exhibition of trotting and a well deserved win for the Durbar Lodge mare First Wrack, whose 3min 25sec for a mile and a half under the conditions was a fine effort.

Don Chenault, Teviot Downs and Raclaim made the very early running and with a round to go the first-named pair were still in front, while Lough Guy and First Wrack, were in behind, followed by Fifa, Norma Bingen, Sea Gift(72 yds) and Nell Volo(48 yds). The last-named pair were trotting brilliantly, and three furlongs from home Sea Gift appeared likely to take a hand in the finish. Nell Volo tried a run on the rails, but the going troubled her, and First Wrack(24 yds), went away to win in very impressive style from Norma Bingen, who had too much speed for Nell Volo over the final stages.

First Wrack won like a true racehorse and was entitled to the honours, but Sea Gift's first mile was one of the greatest displays of trotting ever witnessed at Addington. She covered a lot of extra ground, trotting in fine style, and had passed the majority with half the journey covered. Bessie Parrish was solid all through, but the brilliance of the others was too much for her. After her early effort, Sea Gift attempted to make a run on the inside, and in this respect a mistake was made. The mare was trotting great guns on the outside, and kept there she would have caused trouble. Teviot Downs trotted a mile and little more. Nell Volo may be a much better mare in her race today. Norma Bingen showed speed over the concluding stages. It was her best effort to date.

Credit: THE PRESS 15 Nov 1935

JACK FRASER Jnr - INDIANAPOLIS

Stable driver for trainer, Claude Dunleavy, Fraser drove a tactically brilliant race to win the horses second Cup off 40 metres.

His highly touted young rival, War Buoy, was proven at 3200m and went six lengths clear on the turn in the wet conditions he loved. It looked curtains for the champ. But a super cool Fraser waited back in the field and then drove to be widest on the home turn where the old clay track was firmest on a damp day.

From six lengths behind and off the track, Indianapolis won by a staggering three lengths. What a horse he was.

In his historic third win from 40m it had rained also and Fraser kept a weather eye out for the dangerous War Bouy and James Bryce's Red Shadow. Bryce drove a mighty race making a run for it at the 600m and Fraser was the only one on alert. Even so it was a terrific battle up the straight, one of the great Cups.

TRIVIA FACT: Fraser later took over the famous stables at Addington but lost his licence for several years for taking advantage of an owner. He later assisted at Roydon Lodge in the George Noble era, still a bit grumpy but a veteran who had been there, done that.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed Oct 2016

George Barton receives the Cup from Sir Heaton Rhodes

1935 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Refer also 1934 Cup for comment.

Indianapolis, a son of imported parents in Wrack and Estella Amos, was bred at Durbar Lodge by Harry Nicoll's son Arthur and bought as an early 3-year-old by Dunedin's George Barton, the leading owner each year for a decade during this time, on the recommendation of Billie Tomkinson.

The entire was in 'star class' by the end of his 4-year-old season, but Tomkinson had died prior to the 1934 Cup and Indianapolis was prepared by his right-hand-man Claude Dunleavy for the remainder of his career.

His first Cup win was a mere formality from 12 yards over Blue Mountain(Fr) and Harlod Logan(72yds), but there was another star on the horizon at the meeting that year in the form of War Buoy, who was in the process of putting together an unbeaten career of 10 wins, a sequence that remained unmatched until Cardigan Bay eclipsed it some 30 years later.

War Buoy took his record to 15 wins from 17 starts when he won the August Handicap at the National Meeting as a 5-year-old, so as the Cup loomed with War Buoy off the front and Indianapolis off 48 yards, there was much anticipation. Particularly when War Buoy skipped six lengths clear turning for home for Stan Edwards, but Indianapolis was commencing his run at the same time six-wide and in the end had three lengths to spare.

It was no less exciting the following year when Indianapolis(48yds) became the first three-time winner after a great tussle with Red Shadow(24yds), War Buoy(Fr) and Harold Logan(48yds). A rejuvenated Red Shadow, back in the Bryce stable, had skipped clear at the three furlongs while Indianapolis appeared to be languishing in the rear. But with giant strides, Indianapolis drew level at the 100m for Jack Fraser and came away to confirm his status as one of the greatest stayers ever seen.


Credit: New Zealand HRWeekly 8Oct03

Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA MATCH RACES

What would you say to a match race between Lord Module and Popular Alm, on a nice roomy track like Addington, with Delightful Lady, Bonnie's Chance and Armalight thrown in for good measure? Obviously such an event would be virtually impossible, to frame or to imagine, but that's just what happened exactly 50 years ago.

It was early in 1934 when the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club completed arrangements for the glamour Australian pacer Walla Walla to compete in a series of match races throughout NZ, against the best pacers New Zealand could assemble. Considered worthy of taking on such an illustrious foe were dual NZ Cup winner Harold Logan, in the twilight of his magnificent career as an eleven-year-old, most recent NZ Cup winner Red Shadow, ten-year-old Roi l'Or and Jewel Pointer, the latter representing the North Island.

Trotting in NZ has seen many changes since the turn of the century and the days of Ribbonwood and Fritz. Growth was the key word, checked momentarily by events of World War I, trotting had made splendid progress in NZ. Addington Raceway, undoubtedly the mecca of the sport in this part of the world, had seen many personalities, horses and men. Names such as Monte Carlo, Wildwood Junior, Author Dillon, Trix Pointer, Reta Peter, Great Bingen and Wrackler, the Bryces, Holmes, and numerous others had well and truly carved their niche. The period was also significant for the importation of stallions who reshaped the industry - the likes of Nelson Bingen, Harold Dillon, Logan Pointer, Rey de Oro, Wrack and Jack Potts. While economies had plunged into the depths of depression, trotting in the 1930s was little short of spectacular, spurred on by great horses and packed grandstands.

One of those horses was Harold Logan, a gelded son of Logan Pointer and a non-standardbred mare in Ivy Cole, who was by King Cole (by Ribbonwood) from Wisconsin, she being out of a poorly performed thoroughbred mare. Harold Logan rose from total obscurity to become a household name in NZ, the idol of thousands. But it wasn't so much his perfect manners, devastating turn of speed nor undeniable will to win that saw him rise to such heights of popularity. It was his character. Harold Logan was virtually human, so intelligent he was known to train himself and run his own races. One famous instance was after one of his many wins at Addington, his driver commenting Harold Logan was into full stride before he realised the starter had let the field go.

Nobody had heard of Harold Logan when he began his first serious campaign as a seven-year-old, having just been purchased by Mr E Hinds for £100 and joined the stable of R J (Dick) Hunphreys. However, after a North Island campaign in the winter of 1930, where he was unbeaten in four starts at Wanganui, Hawera and Taranaki in the space of a fortnight, he was already among the stars. After winning at Addington, Harold Logan travelled to Auckland where he scored a double, his final start of the season resulting in a five length win in the featured Adams Memorial Cup.

He won his first three starts as an eight-year-old later finishing second in the Auckland Cup from 36 yards to Carmel (front) and winning the NZ Trotting Gold Cup at Wellington by four lengths. He was placed in his final three starts at Addington that season, including a third from 84 yards over two miles. Nobody could believe their eyes when his time of 4:13.4 was posted, the previous best being Peter Bingen's 4:18.8. He was timed from post to post in better than 4:11, figures unheard of and unequalled until Highland Fling appeared on the scene some 15 years later.

As a nine-year-old Harold Logan won his first NZ Cup, coming off a 48 yard handicap to easily beat Kingcraft (front), Free Advice (12) and Wrackler (36). The stake of 1500 sovereigns was half what the Cup had been run for in the mid 1920s. He also won the Free-For-All on the final day pointlessly. Harold Logan returned the following season to win the National Handicap from 60 yards, set new figures for a mile and a quarter in finishing third at Addington in 2:38.4, win the NZ Cup Trial at Wellington, and win his second NZ Cup from 60 yards, beating Glenrossie (12), Roi l'Or (24) and Red Shadow (12) by two lengths in 4:16.4, a race record.

Now trained by his owner at New Brighton, Harold Logan returned at the advanced age of 11 to win at Addington in August, beating Mountain Dell (front), and Red Shadow (36) from 60 yards over a mile and a quarter in 2:38 2/5. However, he was overshadowed by Red Shadow at the Cup meeting, finishing fifth from 72 yards in the Cup and being soundly beaten by that horse in the Free-For-All after uncharacteristically beaking in the run home. It seemed youth was about to be served, but Harold Logan still had other ideas.

Red Shadow was by no means a slouch himself, in fact trainer James "Scotty" Bryce, who prepared no less than five individual NZ Cup winners, considered him the best. The chestnut was a six-year-old when he beat Harold Logan in the Free-For-All and had already won 22 races, including nine and the Great Northern Derby as a three-year-old. Red Shadow's sire Travis Axworthy, a chestnut himself imported from America as a two-year-old in 1924, was a fine upstanding individual and a pacer of top class, actually beating Harold Logan on more than one occasion a few years earlier. Red Shadow was one of those great "lucky to be alive" stories.

Bryce had arrived from Scotland in 1913, presuming his two mares Our Aggie and Jenny Lind would be waiting for him. He had shipped them off two weeks before departing himself. However, their ship had soon gone aground, forcing it back to port, and the mares had to be transshipped to another vessel, the Nairnshire. Two months after Bryce had stepped on to the Wellington wharf, the Nairnshire arrived. It had been a particularly rough and hazardous journey and Bryce's mares were strapped to the deck, the mate having suggested they be thrown overboard. Bryce had already shifted to Christchurch and was soon making "Oakhampton Lodge" at Hornby the most modern training establishment seen up to that time. Only months after arriving, Our Aggie was winning races for Bryce and later she produced Red Shadow.

Only three years after his arrival in the Dominion, Bryce was the leading trainer, a position he retained for seven consequtive years, then again in the 1923-24 season. He was also leading reinsman on five occasions. Apart from his NZ Cup successes with Cathedral Chimes (1916), Great Hope (1923), Ahuriri (1925,1926), Kohara (1927) and Red Shadow, Bryce won six Auckland Cups, three Sapling Stakes, three NZ Derbies, four Great Northern Derbies, four Champion Stakes, four Dominion Handicaps and a Rowe Cup, a record unapproached to this day. Other top class performers shaped by him were Admiral Wood, Man o'War, Shadow Maid, Taurekareka (the first horse to win the Sapling Stakes, NZ and Great Northern Derby), Whispering Willie, Moneyspider, Matchlight, Alto Chimes, Taraire and Whist.

Bryce was meticulous in detail, his horses were always fit and healthy, inside and outside, and he was one of the first horsemen to introduce swimming as a regular part of training. Bryce had arrived in NZ with his wife and five children. Two of his sons, Andrew and James junior, were also noted horsemen for many years while his daughter Rona was an accomplished horsewoman at shows and gymkhanas and was associated with the training of several galloping winners.

The 1930s saw a succession of champion performers and the 1933 NZ Cup meeting was no exception. In the event before the Cup, top four-year-old Indianapolis had come from a 36 yard back mark to win the mile and a quarter Empire Handicap by four lengths, while later in the day Huon Voyage won the Dominion Handicap from 60 yards. The Cup itself went pretty much as expected, with Mrs M Harrall's Red Shadow and Royal Silk finishing comfortably clear of the rest. This is the only occasion an owner has quinellaed the Cup. Red Shadow also won the final event of the day over a mile and a quarter. The meeting was also significant for the success of the six-year-old are Worthy Queen, who won twice on the second day and again on the third, beating top trotters Todd Lonzia and Huon Voyage. The NZ Derby was won by the unbeaten Man o'War youngster in War Buoy. The M B "Dil" Edwards trained gelding was out by six and twelve lengths over subsequent NZ Cup winner Morello and Gay Junior, the only other pacers that bothered entering the event. War Buoy who went on to win his first ten races, set a new race record for the mile and a half of 3:16.2.

So devastating had Red Shadow been at the meeting, winning all four principle races, that he was installed favourite over Walla Walla and Harold Logan for the first round of match races on March 31. However, everyone knew Red Shadow would be produced in his usual immaculate condition, so most of the attention was focused on the "veterans", Walla Walla and Harold Logan, who were both virtually twice Red Shadow's age. Roi l'Or and Free Holmes had beaten Harold Logan on his merits in their younger days, but his form was indifferent now and he was thought to be past his best. Twelve-year-old Jewel Pointer had been one of the north's best performers for many years, but with advancing years was only given a runner's chance.

Walla Walla was really something of a mystery, in fact most had not even heard of him, paying little attention to events across the Tasman. However, when some of his performances around the tiny Harold Park circuit were related, suddenly he took on awesome stature. Walla Walla's career had been along parallel lines to Harold Logan. He made his first appearances as a five-year-old in Sydney in 1928, winning the Gunning Show Cup and the Tooth's K B Lager Handicap. Hopples or no hopples, it made no difference to Walla Walla, and in July of 1928 he won his first registered start in Melbourne, unhoppled. It was the start of a record breaking career, culminating in his 2:02.4 mile at Harold Park in May of 1933, a time which was easily the fastest outside America. The NZ record for a mile was Acron's ten-year-old mark of 2:03.6 at Addington, while Harold Logan's best mile time was a 2:04.4 effort at Forbury Park, a track considered seconds faster than Harold Park.

Walla Walla was bred, owned and trained throughout his career by Les Martin, a grazier and storekeeper of Dalton, New South Wales. Martin had been a great admirer of an outstanding pacer of the 1910s in Globe Derby, and when that horse was embarking on a stud career, purchased two mares in Princess Winona and Purple Ribbon to breed to him. Princess Winona, an unraced trotting mare by imported parents in Dixie Alto and Winona, duly produced a particularly handsome colt. However, as a two-year-old the colt was "all head and legs" and Martin lost interest in him. He was untouched until a late three-year-old and for a while fiercely resisted being handled. However, Walla Walla was soon proving himself a class above anything else in Australia and often so long were his handicaps, he was to become immortalised by the saying "further back than Walla Walla." Among his numerous successes were wins over 12 furlongs at Goulburn from 168 yards and at Harold Park from 180 yards, while his longest handicap was 288 yards in the 1929 Goulburn Cup when he finished third.

Thus when Walla Walla stepped into the Addington birdcage to do battle with New Zealand's best, the scene was unprecedented, or at least for 30 years when Fritz and Ribbonwood had set the trotting world alight. It is impossible to recapture the excitement of the day in words now, so for a while we will step back into history, remembering we are 50 years in the past, and let the noted scribe of those years, "Ribbonwood" (or Karl Scott as he was better known) recall the events.

(Published April 5, 1934, NZ Referee).
"From a very early hour the trams and taxis did a roaring trade. People were seen walking to the course from 9:30am and by 11:30 traffic control at the course entrances was a most difficult task. They continued to arrive in thousands until the appointed hour of the Invitation Match, and by this time grandstand accommodation was at a premium. Inside and outside the course every possible vantage point was taken. The Showgrounds fence, and the back fence of the course, cattle trucks and carriages in the railway yard, the workshops roof, and the roofs of private houses adjacent to the course were loaded with humanity. From the crowd covering the lawns came a steady drone that could be likened to the roar of an Eastern market place.

"But the crowd round the totalisator dispersed much earlier than usual, and five minutes before closing time the totalisator was being patronised by only a few stragglers who were probably imbued with purely gambling instincts, and who were not particularly desirous of obtaining the best possible view of the race. It is safe to say that many thousands did not make any investment on the race. They went solely to see the champions in action, and monetary interests became a secondary consideration with many of the 22,000 present.

"The CJC as well as retailers, hotel keepers and bording house keepers have benefitted by the enterprise of the Metropolitan Trotting Club in arranging the match races. One incident will give some idea of the tremendous interest it has engended. Of nine men staying at one hotel, six admitted that it was the first trotting meeting they had attended. That is a large percentage and does not hold good in all cases. But one can safely assume that the increase of £11,985 in the totalisator investments on the first day was represented by the drawing influence of the Invitation Match.

Walla Walla was the first horse to enter the birdcage and when he was driven round by his owner, unstinted applause came from the dense crowd around the birdcage. It had an unsettling effect on Walla Walla, who got on his toes immediately and showed nervousness during the preliminary that his owner stated was due to the surroundings and a multitude his champion had never seen before. When Harold Logan appeared, prancing along to the plaudits that only a public idol receives, the hero of 'ten thousand' fights was given the warmest reception of all the contestants. He has gained a place in the estimation of the sporting public that will never be surpassed, even when his memory is dimmed with time. Red Shadow, the best conditioned horse of the field, made a marvellous impression in his 'Sunday waistcoat' as he was enthusiastically received. Roi l'Or, who, perhaps, did not look as though he had all his medals on, also came in for a tremendous round of applause, and little Jewel Pointer was received as a battle-scarred old veteran with a runner's chance.

"Walla Walla and Roi l'Or were both restive at the start, and they held up the despatch for nearly two minutes. Harold Logan stood like a statue, and Red Shadow and Jewel Pointer gave little trouble. Walla Walla continued to rear up and back out, but eventually they were all caught nearly in line. Walla Walla began ver fast and was soon showing out from Harold Logan and Red Shadow, while Roi l'Or and Jewel Pointer were slow to muster their speed. Walla Walla drew out by two lengths clear of Harold Logan at the end of a quarter, and Red Shadow was about the same distance back, and then Jewel Pointer and Roi l'Or at close intervals. Jewel Pointer moved up to be almost on terms with Red Shadow three furlongs from home, but from this stage the race was a duel between Walla Walla and Harold Logan. Walla Walla reached the straight with Harold Logan challenging on the outside of him.

"The crowd had cheered wildly from the outset, but when Harold Logan drew up to Walla Walla a furlong from the post, the mingled advice and exhortations were deafening. 'Harold Logan wins' came from thousands of throats and halfway down the straight the New Zealander certainly appeared to have the measure of the
Australian. About 50 yards from the post they drew level again, but Walla Walla had a little in reserve, and gradually drew out from Harold Logan, and passed the post a neck in front. Red Shadow, flat out, was three lengths away, Jewel Pointer four lengths farther back, and Roi l'Or about two lengths away.

"The crowd literally went mad with delight. They would have liked to see our champion beat Walla Walla, but the fact that the Australian came again when apparently beaten, and won the most hair raising duel ever witnessed at Addington, left them hoarse but satisfied. It took the police all their time to prevent a section of the crowd from mobbing the winner when he was returning to the birdcage, but more was to follow. On their way back to the sheds, Walla Walla and Mr Martin were effectively mobbed. Police protection had to be availed of, and, before the crowd dispersed, several volunteers had to be called upon to protect the police, or assist them. 'My greatest hope has been realised,' stated Mr Martin. 'The demonstration fairly staggered me.' 'The best horse won,' said Mr E F C Hinds, owner of Harold Logan. 'I am quite satisfied.'"

The best horse had won and in world record time for a standing start mile of 2:04.2.

The subsequent invitation races at Addington, Alexandra Park, Forbury Park, Oamaru and Wellington were understandably anti-climatic, with Walla Walla failing to reproduce his best.

The second day of Addington's Easter meeting saw Walla Walla, Harold Logan, Red Shadow, Jewel Pointer and Ces Donald's Lindbergh return for a clash over a mile and a half. Harold Logan won easily after Walla Walla had put his foot through Jewel Pointer's cart with about a mile to run. Walla Walla had begun slowly and was trying to get out of a pocket on the rails when the incident occurred. A youthful Maurice Holmes who drove Harold Logan throughout the series, received some criticism for "walking" the field in the early stages. With Harold Logan reeling of his last half mile in close to 59 seconds, he gave nobody a show, beating Red Shadow by a length with Lindbergh and Walla Walla six lengths away. Harold Logan recorded 3:16.4 for the journey, more than two seconds slower than Worthy Queen took in the main trot later in the day, recording 3:14.2 from 60 yards. Worthy Queen's time was to stand as a record for almost 20 years, Dictation reducing it in the early 1950s.

A few days later Walla Walla, along with stablemate Auburn Lad and Worthy Queen, was back at Addington for a special attack on a 2:00 mile. Auburn Lad, also by Globe Derby, was owned, trained and driven by Bill McKay, who had accompanied Martin to NZ to drive Walla Walla. Auburn Lad had won well on the second day of the Easter meeting, beating Roi l'Or and Kingcraft over two miles. Several thousand enthusiasts were on hand to witnessthe time trials, but any chance of Australasia's first 2:00 mile were extinguished when one of those infamous Canterbury easterlies blew up. Walla Walla was the first to trial and sensationally raced up the Addington straight, into the wind, to pass the first quarter in 28 seconds, carrying on to the half in 58.4. Not surprisingly, he tired noticeably over the final quarter, taking over 34 seconds to complete the mile in 2:03.8. More sensibly handled by McKay, Auburn Lad went through the sections in 29.6, 60.8, amd 1:30.6 and stopping the clock at 2:02.4, equalling Walla Walla's Australasian mile record.

However the star of the show was Jack Shaw's sleek little trotting mare Worthy Queen. Trotting in the style she had become so admired for, Worthy Queen passed each quarter in close to even time, and although tiring as she completed the journey, recorded 2:03.6, a mark which stood as the fastest in NZ for no less than 30 years. Worthy Queen failed to win a race afterwards, being handicapped out of most events and more often than not competing against pacers, where she was placed three times, including a third to Indianapolis at Wellington later in the season. She had her last start in the 1934 Dominion Handicap over a mile and a half, finishing fourth after sharing the back mark of 36 yards with the winner Trampfast, Huon Voyage, Olive Nelson and Wrackler, the latter three being past winners of the event.

The third and fourth rounds of the invitation races were held at Alexandra Park. Harold Logan was an easy winner of the first, leading throughout to beat Auburn Lad and Red Shadow, but in the second he drifted off the rails at a vital stage and allowed Impromptu and Red Shadow through to beat him narrowly. Walla Walla had not travelled north but he and Harold Logan clashed at Forbury Park where the track was so bad they were forced to race in the centre of the course. Walla Walla set a strong pace in the early stages but had no answer when challenged by Harold Logan in the straight. The concluding invitation events at Oamaru and Wellington also fell easy prey to Harold Logan, with Walla Walla struggling. However it was later revealed that the stallion had been suffering from a severe cold.

Walla Walla returned to Australia to enjoy a long and successful stud career at the property of his owner, dying in 1952 at the age of 30. He sired numerous top class performers, including Radiant Walla, Wirra Walla (grandsire of Apmat), Bruce Walla and the dam of Ribands, but unfortunately nothing anywhere near his own class.



Credit: Frank Marrion writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 8Feb84

1934 NEW ZEALAND CUP

1500 sovs: 4min 26sec class: Two miles

The Addington trotting course was never in better order than it was yesterday, when the Metropolitan Trotting Club held the thirty-first race for the New Zealand Cup and a programme of the best racing seen at Addington in many years. From 10 o'clock visitors commenced to arrive at the course, and the scene on Lincoln Road from 11 o'clock onwards was one that brought to trotting enthusiasts memories of the bustle and excitement of Addington in more prosperous days.

The crowd was the biggest seen at Addington for a number of years, with perhaps the Walla Walla meeting held at Easter time and the enthusiasm displayed was in marked contrast to that exhibited a year or two ago. Seldom has a day's racing provided such capital racing and the star item, the New Zealand Cup, had the crowd at a high pitch of excitment. The track was in perfect racing order, and as atmospheric conditions were favourable the day was one for fast times.

The most ardent followers of the light harness sport, however, were hardly prepared for the thrills provided in the Cup, in which two world's records were broken by horses the equal of any ever raced in New Zealand.

The parade of horses for the New Zealand Cup was one to be remembered. It is doubtful whether a better-looking field of horses has ever paraded for this race. Though Indianapolis and Mountain Dell, who were bracketed on the totalisator, carried more investments than any other horse in the race, it was plain to everyone that Harold Logan was the popular horse. Mr E F C Hinds's pacer looked a picture of contentment and good condition as he walked to the birdcage carring the blue and cerise cover presented to him by the New Brighton Trotting Club. He received a cheer as soon as he appeared, and another from the enclosures as he paraded for the race. A perfect-tempered horse, he looked every inch a champion, and his racing proved it.

Roi l'Or, another of the back-markers looked as fresh and well as ever he has been - a jaunty little pacer whose very conformation suggests extreme speed. Red Shadow, a dark chestnut in colour, had plainly come through a good preparation, and it was not condition that failed him.

Lindbergh, a lightly fleshed gelding, of rather delicate constitution, was perhaps the least prepossessing of the strong field, but, Sir Guy, a good-looking stallion by Real Guy, was full of fire and anxiuos to race. Next came the somewhat heavily-timbered Rollo, who carried the bright polish of the R B Berry stable, and Auckland's representative was Impromptu, big and angular, with a reputation for speed in keeping with his size.

Indianapolis, who had been under veterinary treatment for an injury to a foot, had not missed a workout, and he confounded those critics who had doubts about his soundness. He appeared tender when being brought to the birdcage, but on the softer track he was better when warmed up. His stable connections were a little pertubed, however, over his condition. His stable-mate, Mountain Dell, not generally regarded as quite good enough, looked bright and well and the two ponies, Blue Mountain and Silver de Oro, were dwarfed by the other horses. Blue Mountain, one of the lathy greyhound type, did not carry condition, as he did in August, but he races best when trained fine. Silver de Oro looked more like a child's pony than a competitor in the highest class race in New Zealand, but she is a very well put together pony, and she carried the good wishes of many regular racegoers.

Sunny Morn, who helped to make most of the running, was not generally regarded as good enough for such a race, but he carried a sheen on his coat that he had not known before, and his running proved that his trainer had spent a lot of time on his preparation.

Altogether it was as good-looking a field - and as well performed a field - as has ever contested a race on a New Zealand track - each horse a credit to its trainer and the standard breed.

When the horses were at the post every point of vantage was occupied, the stands were filled to overflowing, the back fence, the railway trucks on the neighbouring line, and even the trees near the track each supporting ardent enthusiasts to see the race for the New Zealand Cup. It was a race in which only a champion could be expected to succeed. A thrilling pace was set from the start, and as the pacemakers felt the strain the true and tried pacers came into the picture.

When Indianapolis shot away from the field three furlongs from home excitement grew, and then from the ruck of horses emerged the little grey pacer Blue Mountain, who was followed by Harold Logan, both making valiant attempts to catch the flying leader. They failed, but they were not disgraced. They helped to provide one of the most exciting races on record.

The success of the favourite pleased the crowd, a great performance that demanded of the winner a world's winning race record and from the champion, Harold Logan, something better than he had ever shown his admiring public. The New Zealand Cup race showed plainly that trotting is a very popular sport, and that the champions will attract the crowds.

Nor were all the plums in one basket, for while the Cup was a spectacle in itself, other races provided the thrills. The brilliant War Buoy, who had started eight times for as many wins, added another victory to the credit of his trainer, M B Edmonds, and the manner of his win proved himself one of the greatest young pacers of all time. Sir Guy and Blue Mountain staged a thrilling finish in the Hagley Handicap, the little grey gelding, Blue Mountain, again having to fill the position of runner-up.

Auckland was represented by a team of horses that included a truly brilliant trotter in Nell Volo, Wellington sent Glenrossie, the West Coast was represented by a useful team, Waimate sent Roi l'Or, and though Dunedin-trained horses were absent, Mr G J Barton who lives there, was the proud owner of Indianapolis. It was a truly representative gathering of horses and sportsmen from all parts of New Zealand.

While the attendance showed a big increase on last year, the totalisator investments dropped from £43,783 10s last year to £42,383 10s, a decrease that may be attributed to the change from the win and place system of betting to the old style of first and second dividends.

Altogether it was a most satisfactory opening to the carnival trotting, capably managed by staff and honorary officials of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club.

-o0o-

The betting on Indianapolis, Red Shadow, and Harold Logan was surprisingly even in the New Zealand Cup, and excitement was intense as the horses lined up at the start.

Blue Mountain faltered the slightest bit when the barriers were released and Silver de Oro went to a bad break and did not recover till after the field had gone some distance and she was hopelessly out of the race.
Sunny Morn soon took up the running with Blue Mountain, Mountain Dell, Impromptu, and Indianapolis the most prominent, while the crowd also watched the fortunes of the back-marker Harold Logan, who had made his usual quick beginning. At the half mile post Sunny Morn faltered and Mountain Dell, followed by Indianapolis, took the lead, while Blue Mountain and Rollo made a fast burst and Harold Logan, who had headed Red Shadow, also set out in pursuit. At this stage Indianapolis shot right away from the field with Blue Mountain and Harold Logan at three length intervals following. Roi l'Or at this stage also emerged from the ruck in a somewhat hopeless chase.

A furlong from home Blue Mountain issued his challenge and at one stage appeared to have the measure of the younger horse. Under the whip, however, Indianapolis stuck to his work like a good game racehorse and was still a length to the good as the post was reached.

It was a very fine race from start to finish, with the pace fast over the final mile. Indianapolis was driven a very well-judged race by E C McDermott. After lying in a handy position throughout he used his great burst of speed to establish a commanding lead. His win was all the more meritorious in view of his interrupted preparation, and F C Dunleavy, the trainer, is to be congratulated on getting him to the post in such great order under difficulties.

The time registered, 4min 15 4/5sec, establishes a new world's race record, displacing the 4min 16sec registered by Satin King in the Courtenay Handicap on the second day of the spring meeting 12 months ago.

Blue Mountain again showed himself a great and game pacer. He registered 4min 17sec, a great performance only surpassed by the sterling effort of the winner and the record-breaking run of Harold Logan, who finished third in the phenomenal time of 4min 12 2/5sec. The little champion did not enjoy the best of the running, for in the last three furlongs he had to go round the field several sulkies out and at no stage of the race was he running on the inside. His performance must go down as the greatest in history and proved him the ideal racehorse.

The winner received the reception such a victory deserved and there were cheers for Blue Mountain and many more for Harold Logan. Roi l'Or paced one of his best races and finished at a great rate. He put in a great burst over the last two furlongs. Red Shadow disappointed his backers badly but he lost his chance three furlongs from home, when he attempted to follow Harold Logan on the outside of the field. At this stage Free Holmes behind Roi l'Or also started to move fast and Red Shadow was sent a long way out. It did not appear that J Bryce persevered after this and Red Shadow finished well down the track. In any circumstances he could not have won.

Silver de Oro also caused a stir when she tangled and almost fell at the start, a remarkable accident for a filly of her excellent manners. Sunny Morn played his part well by carrying on his role of pacemaker for a mile and a half, after which he was done with. Mountain Dell also assisted to make the pace with Sunny Morn and went a good race until the three furlong post. Impromptu raced steadily and better that expected and Rollo had every chance but was not quite good enough in a very select field. Lindbergh was never dangerous.

Indianapolis is only five years old and the youngest horse to win the Cup. He was bred at Durbar Lodge by Mr H F Nicoll and is by Wrack - Estella Amos, both imported from America.

Credit: THE PRESS 7 Nov 1934

1934 HAGLEY HANDICAP

300 sovs: 2min 41sec class: One mile & a Quarter

The bracketed pair, Sunny Morn and Satin King, was a warm favourite for the Hagley Handicap, and with half the journey covered both horses had a good chance. Pegaway made the early running, but at the end of six furlongs Satin King made a fast move, and with Pegaway carried on the pace from a close running field.

Both the leaders were beaten at the straight entrance where Sir Guy and Glenrossie issued their challenges. In a great finish Sir Guy won by the narrowest of margins from Blue Mountain, who made a late run on the rails. The winner fought out the issue in the gamest manner possible and won on his merits.

He was well handled by C King, who had driven him in the Cup earlier in the day. Blue Mountain was unlucky enough to run up against another horse at the top of his form, and he was also unlucky after a good beginning, to be forced to drift back in the field, and at the top of the straight his chance looked hopeless. Then again luck favoured him when an opening did come on the rails and through it Blue Mountain shot. A few more strides and he would have won.

Glenrossie had every chance, and at the straight entrance he was with the leaders. He gained third money, but Kingcraft finished much the faster in fourth place. Satin King went for a mile when he failed, and he was lame on returning to the birdcage. Pegaway did not stay well and Wrackler found the company beyond him.

Credit: THE PRESS 7 Nov 1934

1934 NEW ZEALAND DERBY

500 sovs: 3 Year-Olds: One mile & a half

The New Zealand Derby attracted the best field of pacers that has ever contested the three-year-old classic, and each one of the 13 horses was turned out well. As it was only to be expected in a field of baby pacers, there was some delay at the start, Donalda and Graham Direst breaking their overchecks, while Red Ranger also proved fractious. The majority were slow to begin, and even Red Ranger, Subsidy, and Gamble, who were first away, did not show much dash in leaving the barrier.

Gamble always appeared likely to take a hand in the finish, and while Subsidy and Red Ranger were in front of him over the early part, only three furlongs had been covered when M B Edwards shot the favourite to the front and held a lead of two lengths until half a mile from home, when with a great burst of speed he went right away from the field to establish a break of six lengths. With Subsidy in pursuit Gamble easily held his own and won by six lengths, with three lengths to Drag Harlan, who finished very fast. Then followed Ironside, Lord Axworthy, Graham Direct, Grace McElwyn, and Moana Tama.

Gamble won like a true racehorse, and was plainly better class than the rest. On this occasion he paced straight and true, and never appeared in danger of defeat. He is a quality looking colt, a good chestnut in colour, and though in some of his races he has performed in a coltish manner, it seems he only needs racing experience to make him into the ideal racehorse. His driver, Edwards, took no risks, and wisely got out of all trouble early in the race. Another race or two and Gamble may proceed to emulate the deeds of War Buoy, who won the race for Edwards last year.

Subsidy went a very good race, and though outclassed by the winner, he is likely to win good races before he is much older. He is well-mannered and honest. Drag Harlan was not among the leaders at the start, but his finishing run was one that should not be forgotten. He came with a great rattle of the last furlong, and showed the greatest promise. Lord Axworthy displayed a lot of speed, and is bound to be even more successful before the season is far advanced. Grace McElwyn, only a pony, showed a burst of speed half a mile from home, and her turn will come later. Donalda went away fairly well and showed speed, while the erratic Graham Direct exhibited all his well-known pace and bad-manners. Moana Tama disappointed his supporters; he tangled soon after the start and, losing ground, did not get near the leaders.

It was a race full of interest, and showed Gamble to be the outstanding colt of his age.

Credit: THE PRESS 9 Nov 1934