CLICK HERE TO GO BACK

Peter Bingen won the 1929 Cup in World Record Time

1929 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

HEATS

The two divisions of the New Zealand Trotting Cup were decided on a good track, but a stiff easterly wind affected times, which under the circumstances, were particularly good. Kingcraft won the first division like a champion, but the clever tactics adopted by Tomkinson behind Logan Park contributed considerably to that gelding's hollow win in the second division.

Though Kingcraft won the first division by two lengths, he would have had to go faster had Peter Bingen not suffered interference through Gold Jacket breaking. This cost Peter Bingen fully six lengths. When the barriers were let go the limit horses were slow to move, resulting in Terence Dillon from the 12 yards mark hitting the front and setting out to make the pace to Cardinal Logan, Kingcraft and Dundas Boy. Passing the stand Terence Dillon was still in charge, with Kingcraft, Cardinal Logan, Dundas Boy, Roi LOr, Prince Pointer, Jack Potts and Peter Bingen racing in that order.

The first four furlongs were run in 1.7 4-5. At the end of seven furlongs Prince Pointer was boxed in on the rails, There was no change till the mile peg was reached, where Terence Dillon was still making a good breakwind for Kingcraft, Cardinal Logan, Dundas Boy and the others. Terence Dillon got down to ten furlongs station in 2.46, where Kingcraft moved up to him. Prince Pointer dashed up on the outside to take third place with Dundas 3oy, Roi Lor, Peter Bingen and Jack Potts improving their positions.

Immediately the mile and a half was reached (in 3.17 2-5), Kingcraft flew to the front and Prince Pointer set after him going to the far turn. Kingcraft was four lengths clear of Prince Pointer with Terence Dillon beginning to drop back. When the top of the straight was reached only Kingcraft, Prince Pointer, Dundas Boy and Peter Bingen had any chance. A furlong from home, Kingcraft had the race in his keeping, but the phenomenal run that Peter Bingen made nearly paralysed the spectators. He collared Prince Pointer and no sooner had Prince Pointer accepted the knock for second money, than along came Dundas Boy to beat him by a head for third position.

In the second, division, Waitaki Girl and Author Jinks broke at the start. Imprint began fast and was followed closely by Logan Park, Daphne De Oro and Linkman. There was no change at the end of two furlongs. Passing the stand, Logan Park dashed to the front and slowed up the field, the watch reading 1.11 at that stage

The field was bunched, the order being Logan Park, Imprint, Daphne De Oro, Linkman, Kohara, Padlock, Quality and Ahuriri. As they whipped past the twelve furlongs station, Logan Park cleared out from the field, of which Imprint, Kohara, Ahuriri, Linkman and Padlock were going best. Logan Park came into the straight with a lead of eight lengths which he maintained to the winning past. He compassed his last two furlongs in 34 sees. Imprint beat Kohara by two lengths. At the distance Padlock had to be checked. He got clear, however, and got up in time to beat Linkman for fourth position, thus qualifying for the final.
Imprint's good effort was a surprise packet. He beat the others, as easily as Logan Park beat him. Ahuriri was done with a furlong from home.

The horses now eligible to start in the final are Kingcraft, Peter Bingen, Logan Park, Imprint, Kohara and Padlock. Peter Bingen's effort will bring him into favor for the final and along with Kingcraft they should carry more money than Tompkinson's representatives.

FINAL

Run under perfect conditions the final of the New Zealand Trotting Cup will go down as one of the most sensational contests recorded at Addington, for not only was the race full of thrills, but it produced a new world's race record for two miles. The big disappointment, of course, was Kingcraft's failure to leave the mark. In all probability his next mission will be the Auckland Trotting Cup.

About Peter Bingen's victory in the Trotting Cup all one can state is that he got away, had a beautiful passage, and had all his reserve canned for a final and mighty run down the straight. He travelled too fast for Dundas' Boy, Imprint and Padlock and after a short fight he beat Logan Park, which did not race so well as when he annexed the second division on the first day.

Had Logan Park's leg not troubled him in the final he would have beaten Peter Bingen. Kohara's racing gave one the impression that his effort on Tuesday had knocked him, and Prince Pointer will be all the better. for more work.

Peter Bingen won the Cup in 1928, so now has two trophies to his credit.



Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 14 & 21 Nov 1929

1929 NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL

Never in the history of light harness racing has there ever been such a contest for Free-for- All Stakes as the recent one at Addington.

Eight of New Zealand's best pacers paraded, and while some were showing signs of previous hard efforts, others were, as fresh as daisies. Track conditions were the worst that prevailed during the three days function.

The club was wise in making the Free-for-All the last event of the three days' card, for in addition to holding the crowd, the fight among champions sent the people home happy. Quite eariy the betting indicated that several hard heads were prepared to "put in" to show that Peter Bingen was not invincible.

With his usual lightning beginning Padlock was first out and first home. His task was made easy by Logan Park and Prince Pointer also beating Peter Bingen out of the barrier. Kennerley cannot be handed a bouquet for the manner in which he handled Peter Bingen. He acted as though he were expecting trouble where none was in evidence. What beat him was his candidate's unusually slow jump out as compared with that of Padlock, Logan Park and Prince Pointer.

Padlock was having an easy passage in front and against the rails. Padlock reached the judge two lengths' clear of Peter Bingen, with Logan Park only haif a length behind Peter Bingen. The first two furlongs were run in 36secs. and the last mile in 2.6 3/5.


Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 21 Nov 1929

1929 NEW ZEALAND DERBY

Though recognised as the fastest of his age, few thought Purser capable of lowering all records, for three-year-olds over a mile and a-half in this country.

Early in the autumn as a two-year-old his speed was unfolded in a field of handicap horses at Ashburton, which he beat pointless in 3.31 2/5. After that performance he was hailed as invincible in the N.Z Sapling Stakes, but his good chance of success in that event was spoiled by an exhibition of bad manners. Since then, his trainer, L.O. Thomas, has been most patient in teaching him to go right. Like most colts by Man o' War he was big-hearted and tricky, but , when he gained confidence he would prove a bull-dog racehorse.

In winning the New Zealand Derby Stakes in much faster time than the existing record for twelve furlongs Purser did so with one arm tied to his back as it were. After pottering away from the mark and moving leisurely for half a mile, he joined the tail of the field. There he remained until his driver elected to push him along. In time, Purser will, develop into a Cup candidate.

The favorite, Great Parrish, hailed from Auckland. He is a half-brother to Great Bingen and Peter Bingen, and a nicely-shaped colt he is. He began fast, and trailed Royal Silk for six furlongs, where "Scotty" Bryce with Ngingongingo threatened to box him in, but it was only kid-stakes. As soon as "Scotty" made Great Parrish move up to Royal Silk, and thus cover more ground, Ngingongingo dropped in behind the pair. Ngingongingo then endeavored to overhaul them in the straight, but failed to get nearer than third. Great Parrish was hopelessly beaten a furlong from home after running the mile in 2.15 1/5. His people were very discouraged and maintain that Great Parrish is capable of better things.

In private Ngingongingo went twelve furlongs in 3.20, so in negotiating 3.22 3/5 in a race he showed that he was a consistent colt.Royal Silk, which finished second, promises to stay later on. The three place- fillers should have plenty up their sleeves in handicap races. That brings us to the fact that as no time is stipulated in Derby conditions regarding limit of Derby races, on what basis are the times registered to be computed from?


Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 21 Nov 1929

1929 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

THE Dominion Handicap of £1000 for trotters only was deprived of considerable interest due to Young Blake making a bad break at the start and stopping Trampfast. At the furlong Duke Bingen was leading Tamerlane, Native Star, Judge Hancock and the others. The mile and a-half post was reached in 3.29, where the field became bunched, Western Voyage now being in front from Native Star, Tamerlane, Sister Beatrice and Koro Peter, with Duke Bingen falling back.

On reaching the straight, Native Star skied the towel and Tamerlane drew out to fight Western Voyage for first prize, but after the stiff battle all through the last furlong J. Bryce landed Western Voyage a winner by half a length from Tamerlane, with Sister Beatrice three lengths farther away.


Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 14 Nov 1929

1928 NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL

From fifth position at the barrier, Peter Bingen took possession after going a furlong and a-half in the Free-For-All.

He showed his four classy opponents the way home in 2.38 4/5, which is a new record for a mile and a quarter for Australia and New Zealand. As in his finish in the New Zealand Trotting Cup, he commenced to tire, but notwithstanding he ran the last four furlongs in 1.0 4/5. He did the first two furlongs in 34 4/5, half-mile in 1.6 and the mile in 2.8. Jack Kennerley knows Peter from the bridle, to the end of the reins, and he handled him to perfection.

Native Chief cut up at the start, but Jewel Pointer, Peter Bingen, Great Bingen and Prince Pointer began smartly. After Peter Bingen had collared the lead from Jewel Pointer, the quartet settled down to race m single file, the order being; Peter Bingen, Jewel Pointer, Great Bingen and Prince Pointer.

Three and a-half furlongs from home Withers took Great Bingen up to Jewel Pointer and was in that position at the bend for home, where Jewel Pointer broke, and interfered with Great Bingen, whose sulky wheel went up in the air. For a moment it looked as though Great Bingen would fall. This settled his big chance of winning.

At the head of the lane Prince Pointer pulled out a great effort, and though finishing like an express, he just failed to reach Peter Bingen by a head. Prior to Peter Bingen's record, Minto Derby was the holder, his time being 2.40 1/5.


Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 15 Nov 1928

1928 NEW ZEALAND DERBY

The New Zealand Derby Stakes proved a soft victory for Wrackler. Maurice Holmes, took him to the front at the end of a furlong and after driving a heady race in front he brought H. F. Nicoll's candidate home an easy winner.

When the barrier was released Grandlight and Wrackler shot out, setting a 24 yards break on Sonoma Child and Muriel de Oro. Wrackler took them to the first quarter pole in 37 3/5 seconds, and was at the half -mile in 1.13 2/5. Though Grandlight drew level with him with a round to go Wrackler was going very, easily. Rounding the far turn Grandlight, Muriel de Oro, Sonoma Child and Lindbergh were racing in a bunch just behind Wrackler. The ten furlongs were accounted for in 2.53 1/5. As they wheeled for home F. Holmes gave Sonoma Child a tap with the whip, but the gelding could not respond and Muriel de Oro was beaten also. Grandlight made a game effort to reach Wrackler, but Wrackler simply shook his tail at his rival, and won very easily.

Wrackler is a fine advertisement for the American horse, Wrack, which gives evidence of developing into a high-class sire. Grandlight will develop into a good handicap performer, and Lindbergh has a bright future. Sonoma Child was not himself, but he will win good stakes when he strikes form.



Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 15 Nov 1928

1928 DOMINION HANDICAP

So "Scotty" Bryce broke evens after all! He collected the thick end of the purse m the Dominion Handicap for trotters. But the shrewd Bryce was dead lucky. After a mile and five furlongs had been covered, Engagement, which was running in second place, shot a foot through one of Trampfast's sulky wheels. Over went the carts and down went the drivers. Peter Swift, which was moving nicely, was upset by the mix-up, so over the last half-mile Young Blake, Native Star and Moneyspider were well clear of the field.

A hundred yards from the winning post Young Blake jumped in the air when he looked home, and dried. Young Edwards was compelled to jerk Native Star out to avoid an accident and, of course, unsteadied his charge in the process. "Scotty" Bryce, driving on the outside, saw a chance and he tapped Moneyspider. The bay stuck to his work and he shot home a comfortable winner.

The pace was slow over the first mile, Kempton then being in the lead. Donald's horse tired badly three furlongs from home and dropped out of the contest. Sister Beatrice spoilt any chance she had by breaking in the middle stages of the race. Elzear left the mark galloping and lost all her handicap.

Moneyspider trotted the last two furlongs in 33 4/5 sec.


Credit: 'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 8 Nov 1928

JACK KENNERLEY - PETER BINGEN 1928/29

Peter Bingen has to be the first and only New Zealand Cup winner who placed in the Trotting Stakes as a three-year-old. His first Cup was notable for Kennerley's front running skills under extraordinary pressure and the second for extreme patience from the back.

Peter Bingen had raced like a goose at Greymouth in October and was a 25/1 but Kennerley was foxing. His Cup tactic was to suddenly dash clear 1000m out and catch everyone napping. Chasing hardest was public idol (and Peter's full brother) Great Bingen and Ahuriri who had already won two Cups. Both of them were lengths better than Peter Bingen. But not this day.

Kennerley had given his front runner short breathers in the last round and sat quiet as a mouse while whips were cracking all around him. Even then the finish was too close to call for the public who were willing Great Bingen on. Kennerley's coolness won the day and in world record time. It was one of the finest Cup races.

In 1929 Kennerley headed straight to the rail at the back of the field, edged up, moved off at the 600m and won going away, breaking the 1928 record by seconds.

Two entirely different drives , the same result. Colourful Jack Kennerley was one of the best and on successive New Zealand Cup days when it counted, he showed why.

TRIVIA FACT: Even the best have bad days. Acron was the first four-year-old to run in the Cup(1923) and should have been the first to win. Kennerley buried him on the rail but was blockedand flashed home for second. With a clear run he must have won. Sadly, it was also the beginning of over 70 years of some cruel luck for Acron's owner Sir John McKenzie and later his son, Sir Roy in the Cup.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed 2016

Joan Williams presents the Cup to Etienne Le Lievre

1928 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

The 1928 Cup was remembered as not only the finest race seen at Addington up to that time, but also the most controversial.

Peter Bingen along the fence and Great Bingen and Ahuriri in the middle of the track hit the line together, and without the aid of a photo finish the result was in doubt until the numbers went up. The judge was not in line with the post however and those that were, remained adamant to their last breath that Great Bingen had got up, and Peter Bingen was actually third. Officially, the 8-year-old Peter Bingen is recorded as a half-length winner however, in a two mile record of 4:22 1/5.

With the qualifying time being further tightened to 4:26, Great Bingen moved up to a backmark of 48 yards and for all intents and purposes was 'gifted' the Cup in his fourth attempt. He remains one of the greatest horses not to win the Cup.

Peter Bingen, a year younger brother to Great Bingen and the second foal of the imported Berthabell, had been bred by Akaroa's Etienne Le Lievre after he also imported his sire Nelson Bingen. He began life as a trotter for trainer/driver Jack Kennerley, who raced him on lease, and his form in the spring had been the subject of a judicial enquiry.

There was no questioning his repeat win the next year when Peter Bingen won easily from 36 yards in another record of 4:18 4/5, although just eight starters and five ahead of him at the start no doubt helped. The reduced field was due to the introduction of a qualifying heats and final format, which only lasted a few years.

-o0o-

'The Toff' writing in NZ Truth 8 Nov 1928

Peter Bingen's dash in the back stretch the last time round won him the New Zealand Cup, though he was all through a hundred yards from the judge. JJ. Kennerley sat as still as a lamb over the last bit until he reached the post half a length in front of his famous brother, Great Bingen.

When Starter Hastings gave them the word, Black Admiral hopped into his work quick and busy and carried the would-be stake-earners to the quarter pole in 36 4/5 sec. Peter Bingen trailed Edwards' black, with Padlock, Talaro, Dalnahine, Kohara, Queen's Own, Imprint, Prince Pointer and Ahuriri racing in that order. They flashed past the mile peg in two-twelve and a fraction, young Edwards still piloting the bunch. There were no material changes as they swept into the straight with a round to go.

The field pounded past the crowded stands all in order, but the strain was beginning to tell. As they turned the corner from the outside stand, Padlock compounded and Imprint cried enough. The great little trotter Peterwah made a break going into the back circuit, and Black Admiral commenced to drift back on the field. It was at this crucial point that Jack Kennerley realized it was a case of home for the doctor or no feed for a while. He gave Peter a tap and the brown, still with something in reserve, responded to the urge. Five lengths he opened out on the rest of the field, and Jack knew, that the big rake-off of the purse was his could Peter but stay in front.

He drove the speedy pacer skilfully past the mile and a half peg in 3.18 4/5. Then they came at him. All down the back stretch, Queen's Own, Prince Pointer, Great Bingen, Ahuriri and Jack Potts tore into it like express trains. But Kennerley had done the trick. The gap was too much to bridge. But was it all over?! No. As they wheeled for home the public idol, Great Bingen, came at Peter Bingen, followed by Ahuriri, Prince Pointer and Jack Potts. Roar upon roar came from the stands as they approached the winning-post, Peter Bingen yard by yard losing his leading margin. Peter Bingen was dying in Jack Kennerley's hands and the driver did the only thing under the circumstances he sat tight and never moved.

Peter flashed past the post half a length in front of his famous rival, while Great Bingen in turn was only a neck in front of Ahuriri. Prince Pointer and Jack Potts were close up behind the placed horses. Peter Bingen did his last half-mile in 1.3 2/5 sec. and the total distance in 4.22 1/5 sec.

Great Bingen's wonderful effort in 4.19 and a fraction points to success in the Free-for-All. Both he and the winner were bred by E. E. Lelievre, of Akaroa.

Waitaki Girl was the only candidate which failed to leave the mark. And, so another New Zealand Cup is finished.


Credit: New Zealand HRWeekly 8Oct03

Lady Rhodes presents the Cup to Kohara's owner J L Webb

1927 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

James Bryce was back again with another Cathedral Chimes stallion in Kohara to win for the fourth time in five years.

Ahuriri had to be withdrawn with an injury, but with McKenzie adding Acron and Great Bingen to Bryce's bracket of Kohara and Great Hope, the stable practically had it won before the start. Bryce opted to handle Great Hope and gifted the plum drive of Kohara, from 24 yards, to his son Andy to emulate the feat of his brother James junior with Great Hope.

Rain had made track conditions difficult that year, but with a lap to go most in the 17-horse field still had a chance with Kohara leading. Kohara stayed on too well however for the fast finishing Cardinal Logan, noted 13-year-old mudlark Man O'War and Great Bingen, who from 84 yards was making a great run at the three furlongs only to be yanked to the outside fence to avoid the breaking Imprint.

Kohara had also been bred and raced by R M Morten until a year prior to his Cup win, when he was bought by Auckland's J L Webb and thus became the first North Island owned winner.

-o0o-

The Toff writing in NZ Truth 10 Nov 1927

J L Webb's black horse Kohara won the NZ Trotting Cup in an airey manner from Cardinal Logan which suffered two inconveniences on the trip.

Kohara began fast and was early in a handy position. With a round to go he was head and head with the leader, Logan Chief, the pair going to the ten-furlong disc in 3.4 2/5. Going out of ther straight, Kohara had Logan Chief doing his best. As they flew past the twelve-furlong peg in 3.39 4/5, Kohara drew out from Logan Chief, Peter Bingen, Man o' War, Prince Pointer, Cardinal Logan, Black Admiral, Loganwood, Great Hope, Audacious, Talaro and Great Bingen.

As they negotiated the mile and three-quaters, the watch read 4.14 3/5. Kohara was just at the head of Peter Bingen, Man o' War, Prince Pointer, Logan Chief, Cardinal Logan, Loganwood and Great Bingen. In the race to the judge, Kohara held his advantage to win by two lengths from Cardinal Logan, which finished in great style. Man o' War was a similar distance away third and Great Bingen fourth.

Acron, Sea Pearl and Queen's Own failed to move off properly. With five and a half furlongs to go, Cardinal Logan suffered interference, which he unintentionaly passed on to Sea Pearl, causing Imprint and Great Bingen to go very wide to avoid a smash. The incident cost Great Bingen fully six lengths.

The winner was driven by A Bryce, son of J Bryce, and is by Cathedral Times from Bright Alice.

Credit: New Zealand HRWeekly