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1924 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Another New Zealand Trotting Cup has been decided and the spoils are with the Australian horse Sheik. The field paraded in the best of condition and nothing had it on the winner for looks. He was an absolute picture.

Acron was a hot favorite, but he whipped around at the start and took practically no part m the race. He had a cobber in First Carbine, who was very mulish and refused to go off. With half the journey covered Riddle took the lead with Sheik, and that, was the beginning of the end. Realm made a dab going out of tha straight the last time, but he was done with at the far turn. This left Taraire and Great Hope to chase the leader, but they had no chance, and Riddle landed his horse home a winner by a length and a quarter. It was a very popular win, and when Sheik took charge, with a mile to go, the huge crowd started to applaud.

What would have happened had Acron gone away with his field is hard to say, but he must, have made matters interesting. Onyx was not herself, and as a consequence did not run as well as she might have. Great Hope, last year's winner, made a fine effort in the straight, but he could not get to the winner. On the far bend Taraire appeared a possibility, but he could not sustain his run.

The time was exceptionally good, the full distance taking 4min 25 4/5sec. The first mile took 2min 14sec, and the mile and a half 3min 22sec. The last half was run in lmin 3 4/5sec, an extraordinarily fine time.

Credit: NZ Truth 15 Nov 1924

Owner, Trainer, Driver Peter Riddle with Mrs Riddle

1924 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

The 1924 Cup Meeting brought together a number of fine performances, with individual highlights being recorded by the likes of Acron, Great Bingen, Great Hope, the imported Jack Potts, the 3-year-old Kohara and the trotting mare Nikora, who downed a field of 17 in the Dominion.

The Cup itself was another triumph for Australia, with Sheik, owned, trained and driven by Sydney's Peter Riddle, stalling off the game bid of the little Great Hope and Andy Bryce, who was the third member of his family to drive in the race. Riddle was a fine horseman and had been competing with success for a decade at Addington, where he had a team of six at this time.

Sheik was among them, having arrived the previous season, and his form was such that he was favourite along with Acron, both appearing well handicapped on 36 yards.

Great Bingen, in his first attempt at the Cup, was given 72 yards however and owner John McKenzie was so unhappy that he withdrew him, only to then watch Acron go the wrong way at the start.

Acron, who won the Free-For-All on the second day in Australasian record time for the mile of 2:03 3/5, was to be the beginning of a long history of disappointments for the McKenzie family in the great race.

**Credit - New Zealand HRWeekly 8Oct 2003**

The seven-year-old stallion Sheik became the third Australian-bred horse, after Durbar(1908) and Adelaide Direct(1917), to win the New Zealand Cup. Only two more Stanley Rio(1976) and Steel Jaw(1983), have followed.

Sheik's victory was a popular one because he had shown himself to be a top-class horse. He was well supported, being the second favourite after Acron. Betting on the race reached £17,000, with Acron and Sheik carrying half of the invested sum.

Sheik's sire Bonnie Chief was by Chieftain from Clare, by Childe Harold. Francesca, his dam, was by Franz from Phoebe, both by Vancleve. John Cameron, of Moree in New South Wales, bred Sheik and was on the course to see the horse win. Sheik had been leased to trainer Peter Riddle, who in the previous year had bought the horse outright when Cameron disposed of his racing stock. Riddle was Sydney-based and had his first experience of Addington racing in 1914, when he unsuccessfully campaigned a team at the Cup meeting.

In the 1923-24 season Sheik was campaigned in New Zealand and from six starts had two wins, two seconds, a third and a fourth. Riddle had six horses in training at Addington for this meeting and Sheik, because of his good form the previous season, was always one of the favoured candidates after the handicapper had set h9im on 36 yards. One owner far from satisfied with the 60-yard handicap given his horse, Great Bingen, was J R McKenzie. McKenzie withdrew Great Bingen from the race. He was left with his other representative, race favourite Acron, but the horse whipped around at the start and was out of the race.

The outstanding mare Onyx was handicapped on the back mark of 84 yards in the 12-horse field. She had won the August Handicap and National Cup from 72 yards in August and earned her impostion. However, Onyx was always too far back in the fast-run race to have any chance. First Carbine, like Acron, lost his chance at the start. Paul Default, from the front, led out, and was followed by Blue Mountain King, Great Hope, Tatsy Dillon and Sheik. After a mile Sheik took the lead, and entered the last lap ahead of Realm, Great Hope, Taraire and Vilo. Taraire and Great Hope, the Bryce pair, closed on Sheik nearing the home bend and Taraire looked the likely winner. However, Sheik shook him off and then withstood a secod challenge, from Great Hope, eventually winning by a length from Great Hope, with two lengths to Taraire. Then came Realm (who went a fine race for Bill Tomkinson from 72 yards), Vilo, Tatsy Dillon, Paul Default, Alto Chimes, Blue Mountain King, Onyx, Acron and First Carbine. The Auckland pair, Blue Mountain King (who had won the 1923 Auckland Cup) and First Carbine, were disappointing. Blue Mountain King and Realm were by Ribbonwood and were bred in Australia.

Only one saddle race was programmed on the first day, with these events gradually being phased out in favour of sulky racing. Although Addington's betting had peaked, the club kept faith with it's many owners and trainers and offered £15,450 in stakes over the three days. Racing on the second and third days was exceptional, with Acron, Great Hope, Great Bingen, Jack Potts, Kohara and Nikora providing the highlights. Acron, who failed completely in the Cup, gave a great display of pacing, winning the Free-For-All in a record 2:03.6, beating the previous best Australasian time of 2:04.2, set by Happy Voyage against time. Realm was second and Logan Chief third. Great Hope won the Courtenay Handicap in a record race-winning time of 4:24.4 from Sheik, and capped a fine meeting when he won the final event, the Spring Handicap. Great Hope started from 60 yards and paced the mile in 2:07.8. From the three races at the meeting the Bryce star performer recorded two wins and a second.

Great Bingen, heavily backed, won the Hagley Handicap on Cup Day and Jack Kennerley reappeared with his budding champion in the Christchurch Handicap on the final day. Already on a 72-yard handicap, Great Bingen was just beaten into third by Vilo and Dolly Dillon.

Jack Potts won the Metropolitan Handicap and then the Victoria Handicap, recording his fourth victory in nine months. The American-bred stallion became one of New Zealand's most successful sires. For nine seasons in succession (1937-38 to 1945-46) he was leading sire.

In his first outing as a three-year-old, Kohara won the Australasian Handicap. The previous June, Kohara had won the 1923 Sapling Stakes at Ashburton. He proved his juvenile form was the promise of better things to come when he won the 1927 New Zealand Cup for James Bryce. Nikora, an aged mare, won the Dominion Handicap from 16 others.

The horses did not take all the limelight at the 1924 carnival. Andrew Bryce became the third member of the Bryce family to sit behind a NZ Cup contender, taking the drive behind Great Hope. Owner George Barton had the pleasure of seeing his Bell Harold win the St Albans Handicap on Cup Day. Barton's name was to appear 10 times on top of the owners'list between the years 1927-28 and 1937-38 - unquestionably he was one of the most successful owners in New Zealand harness racing history.

The opening event on the third day was the Governor's Handicap for trotters. A youthful Maurice Holmes, then only 16, drove Wonder Why, from the 60-yard mark, into third place, but he had to wait a little longer for his first success.

**Credit - Bernie Wood writing in The Cup**

Great Hope with J Bryce Jnr after the 1923 NZ Cup

1923 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

As the first two decades of Cup competition closed there was a changing of the guards of sorts when Great Hope led home the unlucky Acron, the first 4-year-old to contest the race, in the hands of James Bryce Jnr, who at 21 remains the youngest reinsman to win the Cup, along with Allan Holmes.

In a fine field, they were followed in by Onyx, Willie Lincoln, Albert Cling, Trix Pointer and the winner's stablemate Taraire, the backmarker on 48 yards.

Initially raced by his breeder Robert McMillan and then Joe Corrigan, Great Hope had only been owned for three months by Dunedin sportsman J Trengrove.

He went on to be placed in the next two Cups and was also runner-up to stablemate Taraire in the forerunner to the Inter-Dominion Championship in Perth.

Credit: NZ HRWeekly 1Oct2003

-o0o-

Great Hope, always well-placed and well-driven by James Bryce junior, held out the four-year-old Acron after a great contest. Bryce, only 21 years nine months, was by far the youngest driver to win a New Zealand Cup, a record he held until 1932, when Allan Holmes, 21 years one month, piloted Harold Logan to victory.

Bracketmates Great Hope and Taraire were the race favourites. The latter, the top money-winner from the previous season, scored a dashing win in the King George Handicap at Addington in August, posting 4:29.6, and qualified within the limit of 4:30. But Taraire was badly treated by the handicapper and shared the back mark of 48 yards with Vilo. As it turned out, Taraire began badly and never showed up during the running.

Great Hope raced three times in August. Earlier in the three-day National meeting he raced prominently in the August and King George Handicaps, but failed to see out the distance, fading in the last 100 yards. In the National Cup on the final day he improved to run third behind Alto Chimes and Onyx.

From the start Bryce positioned Great Hope, from his 12-yard handicap, in behind the leader Paul Default, and they were followed most of the way by Trix Pointer, Vilo, Albert Cling and Willie Lincoln. Snowshoe fell when mixing her gait in the back straight the first time and dislodged Bill Tomkinson. In the back straight the last time Paul Default and Great Hope were driven clear, while Onyx made a forward move and Acron moved up fast on the rails. At the tanks Bryce sent Great Hope away in the lead, and he turned for home on his own, finally winning in 4:31.4 by a length from the fast-finishing and unlucky Acron. Then followed Onyx, Willie Lincoln, Albert Cling, Trix Pointer and Taraire.

Great Hope, a five-year-old, was by the American sire Great Audubon, from Sadie Dillon. He was raced early in his career by his breeder, Robert McMillan, of the Santa Rosa Stud, where Great Audubon stood at a fee of £15 15s. At three, Great Hope was the best of his age, winning the Great Northern Derby at Auckland and the New Zealand Derby at New Brighton. Between these winning runs, McMillan died and the horse passed to Joe Corrigan, a patron of the Bryce stable. After the August meeting, where Great Hope proved disappointing, he was sold again, this time to the Dunedin sportsman, J Trengrove. When presented with the Cup by the Governor-General, Lord Jellicoe, Trengrove expressed his jubilation and good fortune at having owned a horse for only three months and in that time having him win the country's most prestigious race.

Acron was the first four-year-old to contest the New Zealand Cup, but, like so many other extremely good four-year-olds who followed him into the race, the win eluded him. Acron possessed brilliant speed and stamina and for 10 years held the record mile time in New Zealand of 2:03.6. The outstanding youngster of his time, winning the Great Northern and New Zealand Derbies, Acron was the last qualifier for the 1923 New Zealand Cup, winning the Islington Handicap, the last race on the final day of the August meeting, with a superlative performance. He started from 72 yards and beat 17 others to record a time of 4:29.8.

Slow away in the Cup and a long way back early, Acron gradually improved and at the end of the first mile took a place on the inside, at the back of the first group. That proved to be a bad decision because Jack Kennerley could not clear Acron until the race was all but over, though he put in a tremendous run for second. Such bad luck was to dog owner J R McKenzie and his son Roy, who, despite every effort, have failed to land a New Zealand Cup. Yet, between them the McKenzie's have won every other important race on the harness racing calendar and have been leading owners 18 times. J R McKenzie headed the owners' list for the first time in the 1925-26 season.

Acron and Onyx (who ran her usual honest race for third) were by Free Holmes' imported stallion Logan Pointer, then standing alongside his other American import, Rey de Oro, at his Upper Riccarton Stud. Both were successful sires, but Logan Pointer more so. Logan Pointer, foaled in 1909 and imported in 1915, did not race in New Zealand and was first represented on the sires' list in 1918-19. For six seasons, from 1922-23 until 1927-28, and again in 1930-31, he was the country's top sire. Unfortunately, Logan Pointer met a premature end, in 1924, in the prime of his stud duty, when he was kicked by a pony and had to be destroyed. In all, he sired 187 individual winners. His greatest son, without doubt, was pacing idol Harold Logan. Other outstanding performers, in addition to Onyx and Acron, were Prince Pointer, Jewel Pointer, Logan Chief, Cardinal Logan, Logan Park, Native Chief and the trotter Trampfast.

On the second day of the 1923 meeting some excellent performances were recorded by several young horses, none more so than the victory by Logan Chief in the New Zealand Free-For-All, beating Great Hope and Happy Voyage. Logan Chief was one of the stars of the early part of the season, recording three wins and two minor placings from five starts.

Kennerley must have been the envy of most trainers at this time, with Logan Chief, Acron and rising champion Great Bingen in his Belfast stable. But even with this powerful trio, Kennerley trailed James Bryce at the end of the season. Bryce trained 24 winners and drove 28. Kennerley, with 16½ training and the same number of driving successes, was runner-up.

A cold easterly made the third day unpleasant. Don Wild, a free-legged pacer, won the Christchurch Handicap from Tatsy Dillon and Trix Pointer. Don Wild continued his good form after this meeting and by the end of the season was the top money-winner with £3202. Free-legged pacers have been a rarity on racetracks in New Zealand and few have made top company. There have been exceptions - Young Irvington, Don Wild, Lawn Derby, Robalan and Final Decision all raced 'without straps' and made it to the top level.

Native King, a son of Nelson Bingen and Norice, won the Dominion Handicap in race-record time of 4:37.2. Native King was a brother to Nelson Derby, sire of Haughty.

The betting at Addington over the three days was £210,436, a decrease of £11,000 on the previous year. The trend continued, as interest, it seemed, had peaked at Addington. Patrons at the track in 1923 were greeted with extentions to the steward's stand. However, the purchase by the club of a large property on Riccarton Road and the proposed transfer of operations away from Addington were much-discussed topics at this time. The Riccarton project never went ahead, although substantial plans were drawn up. Significantly, the track was designed to run clockwise, the opposite way to Addington. The Riccarton land was sold some years later, and it seems that harness racing in Christchurch will forever have its headquarters at Addington




Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

1923 NEW ZEALAND CUP

Another Cup has come and gone and this year it went to the favorite, Great Hope, who was sold some time back to the Dunedin owner, Sonny Trengrove, who made his first appearance as an owner of a light harness horse.

Ever since the National meeting Great Hope has been in the market, as the majority of people thought he would improve considerably on his August efforts. So he did, but this scribe is not going to suggest that the improvement was not the result of his races and there was nothing not all square about it. Right here let it be said that after seeing the Cup run and won by Great Hope, this scribe thinks that, though he was unplaced, the pony Taraire is to-day the best pacer in the Dominion. Well, what happened to him on Tuesday? Nothing more or less than that it failed to leave the mark and lost about three seconds. Afterwards he went a good race, but turned it up when pursuit was hopeless.

Now for the race. The bracket was a good favorite and both Great Hope and Tamaire stripped well; so did the second favorite, Acron, but he is a young horse and many were afraid of him at the peg. Early in the day his trainer told Owner J. R. McKcnzic that he had every hope that the bay would be tractable at the peg. but though he was not very bad, still he was on his toes and the assistant starter took hold of him after he had been giving trouble, but at Kennerley's request he let him go again.

When the word was given Great Hope was in his stride like a flash, whlle Paul Dufault dwelt and so did Acron, Whispering Willie and Turaire. Great Hope led to the stand, when he was steadied, and Paul Dufault led him and a bunched field, which was tailed by Taraire. Down the back stretch Paul Dufault was going very fast and tho driver of Great Hope was using him as a wind shield, while none of the rear rank could head them off. As they went into tho straight Vilo and Onyx were noticed putting in good work but the leading positions were unchanged. With half a mile to go Great Hope ran past Paul Dufault and down the back it looked like a stroll for the winner, but as they swept into the straight Acron who had been snowed in most of the way, Vito and Onyx started after the leader.

In a good finish ihe handsome chestnut held his own and won by a length from Acron with the consistent but unlucky Onyx in third p!ace. Then came Willie Lincoln and the Oamaru horse, Albert Cling. With five furlongs to go Snowshoe when well placed, left his feet and Tompkinson got a heavy fall but luckily, was not hurt. It was considered in some quarters that Acron was unlucky and he might have been, but this scribe will not have that the best horse did not win. He never put a toe wrong the whole way and young Bryce deserves every credit for the wry he drove the winner. It was a case of his father over again at his very best. Snowshoe has all along been giving trouble and probably he hit himself when he fell, as certainty nothing in the race interfered with the Aussie.


Credit: NZ Truth 10 Nov 1923

1922 NEW ZEALAND CUP

Realm and Reta Peter were the eleventh-hour withdrawals for the N.Z. Trotting Cup, leaving a dozen runners scheduled to compass two miles in 4.31 or faster. When the field filed out to do their preliminaries a nasty easterly was blowing, and clouds of dust were in evidence. Box Seat was subjected to a stiff preliminary. Tatsy Dillon moved scratchlly, but Onyx, Vllo, Agathos and Gold Boy hit out in determined fashion. When the spectators got to work Vilo was the early favorite, being entrusted with a few pounds more than the coupled horses, Trlx Pointer and Sherwood, while Box Seat, Onyx, Agathos and Tatsy Dillon were the next best fancied, with Moneymaker the outsider of the
party.

From a good despatch Locanda Dillon was the only one to jig. Box Seat also mixed it and was more or less tangled for the first furlong; Gold Boy was first to break the line, but before a furlong was covered Agathos rushed to the front. The first two furlongs were covered in 38sec, at which stage Agathos was just in front of Gold Boy, Vilo, Vlce-Admlral, Tatsy Dillon, General Link, Sherwood and Onyx, with Locanda Dillon, Moneymaker, Whispering Willie and Box Seat tailed off.

Going down tho back Vilo ranged alongside of Agathos. Passing the tanks Gold Boy broke. The first mile was negotiated in 2.21 1/2. With a round to go Agathos was still bowling along in front with Vilo, Vice-Admiral, Tatsy Dillon, Onyx, Sherwood, General Link and Trlx Pointer all in a bunch. Rounding the turn for home Vilo was under a hard drive and Onyx could be noticed making her run. Once into the home stretch Onyx challenged Agathos, but in a tight finish Agathos beat Onyx by a length. Three lengths further away came Vilo, then General Link and Vice-Admiral.

The Winner was accorded a rousing reception on returning to scale. He is the property of the well-known official who races as "Mr Channlng." For some time past the O.Y,M. gelding has been exhibiting his best form. His condition was a credit to his mentor, Nelson Price. He was driven by A. Butterfield, who has previously proved his worth as a reinsman.


Credit: NZ TRUTH 11 Nov 1922

1922 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

After three earlier attempts, perseverance paid off for a previously unruly sort in Agathos in his 100th career start.

He showed the way from the start and held off the grand mare Onyx (24 yards) and favourite Vilo, who carried more money than the Sherwood-Trix Pointer bracket.

The race was probably most notable however for the introduction of a distance handicapping system, rather than the messy method of using a stopwatch.

**NZ HRWeekly 1Oct 2003**

The 1922-23 season was notable for the re-introduction at Addington of the now-familiar distance system of starting from a stand, and the disappearance of the time method. The Metropolitan Club made the change at its August meeting and, because it had proved successful, the Cup meeting followed suit. The New Zealand Cup has been started the same way ever since, despite some agitation, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, for a mobile start.

A big crowd, a fast track and perseverance prevailed when the 11-year-old Agathos ran the race of his life for victory. Only Monte Carlo (14 years, 1904), Durbar (12 years, 1908) and Invicta (11 years, 1961) can match or better Agathos as the oldest winners in the country's premier event.

It was Agathos' fourth attempt to win the race, after he was unsuccessful in 1917, 1918 and 1919. Despite being fifth favourite in the 13-horse field, he was a popular winner for his listed owner, "C M Channing", who in fact was Cecil Ollivier, a prominent member of the Metropolitan Club. Agathos was the first horse he owned. Ollivier was a committee member and steward of the club for many years and vice-president, under Jim Williams, from 1925 to 1935. The prestigious Ollivier Handicap, later renamed the Ollivier free-For-All and raced on the club's November programme in more recent times, was named in his honour. His son, Walter Ollivier, was president from 1956 to 1960.

Agathos' form after a comeback had been good. After a second placing in the International Handicap, he won the National Cup at the August meeting. He was described as a good, but moody pacer, unreliable at the start. He was by the defunct American sire O.Y.M. from an unraced mare by HaHa. His winning time of 4:33.4 was the slowest since 1915, owing, it is thought, to a strong wind blowing down the track.

Agathos had a varied racing career, passing through a number of trainers before being taken into Nelson Price's Sockburn stable, where his barrier manners were improved. He first raced as a four-year-old, winning at Canterbury Park and recording one placing. His best season came at five years, when he won five races. At six he was placed seven times, but he raced 11 times unplaced as a seven-year-old, before winning at Ashburton. He had three wins as an eight-year-old, but just one the following season. The Cup race was his 100th start, from which he had recorded 13 wins, 10 seconds and four thirds, for earnings of £6699. He had been unplaced 73 times.

The Cup stake remained at 3000 sovereigns, but the qualifying mark was restricted to horses capable of running 4:31 or faster. Originally 18 horses had been nominated, but five - Reta Peter, Gleaming, Realm, Albert Cling and Dean Dillon - were withdrawn. Reta Peter had come to hand well for Alf Wilson and her trackwork had been closely watched, but four days before the race she broke down. Her presence in the field would have given the trotters an unprecedented representation of three, with Gold Boy, Auckland's top trotter, and Whispering Willie both starting.

Artie Butterfield had Agathos first out from the 12-yard mark. The front four - Moneymaker, Vice-Admiral, General Link and Gold Boy - were either slow away or broke. Agathos led all the way and in the back straight the last time was followed by Vilo, Vice-Admiral, Tatsy Dillon, General Link, Onyx, Sherwood and Trix Pointer. Onyx made a big run to follow Agathos into the straight, but was still a length behind the winner at the post. Vilo was two lengths back in third, followed by General Link, Vice-Admiral, Trix Pointer, Tatsy Dillon, Gold Boy, Sherwood, Whispering Willie and Moneymaker. Box Seat(James Bryce) and Locanda Dillon (Ben Jarden) failed to finish. The Logan Pointer-Cameos mare Onyx, the youngest horse in the race at six years, showed plenty of speed in the final lap and Vilo, always handy, was a good third. The Waimate-trained Vilo, the race favourite, carried 500 units more than the Free Holmes bracket of Trix Pointer and Sherwood.

The two Cup favourites fared much better on the second day, when Trix Pointer won the Free-For-All from Onyx and Tatsy Dillon, while Vilo, never far from the leaders, stayed on best in the Courtenay Handicap to win from General Link and Gold Boy. However, the outstanding performance of ther day came from John McKenzie's three-year-old colt, Acron. The Logan Pointer-Millie C colt, who had shown great form the previous August, started a firm favorite to win the Metropolitan Handicap, but he lost 100 yards at the start, recovered, and just missed a place. Acron demonstrated that he was a colt of the highest order, and was to develop into one of the best of his era. But for tardy beginnings, he might have been a champion. McKenzie, always known simply as J R, made an everlasting contribution to the harness racing scene in New Zealand. He had his first Cup representative, Vice-Admiral (then past his best), placed fifth.

The 1922 carnival also marked the appearance of two Australians, Bill Tomkinson and Jack Kennerley, both of whom became outstanding horsemen in New Zealand. Kennerley produced Peter Bingen, a dual Cup winner and for a time the two-mile world record-holder. Tomkinson produced many top class pacers and trotters, but a New Zealand Cup win eluded him. Tomkinson, while still a public trainer in Sydney in 1922, moved to Addington with a team that included Realm, Happy Voyage and Snowshoe. Realm, by Ribbonwood, broke down on the eve of the Cup and was withdrawn. Tomkinson then took the drive behind General Link, but his bad luck did not end with Realm. Happy Voyage reared during training the day before Cup Day, dislodged Tomkinson, and bolted. The horse, the son of Direct Voyage and Honest Meg, escaped serious injury but was unable to race at the meeting.

It was an unfortunate start for Tomkinson and without his stars he was unable to produce a winner at the meeting. Happy Voyage proved how good he was the following year by lowering the Australasian mile record. Assisted by two galloping pacemakers , he sped over a mile on the grass at New Brighton in 2:04.2. Later, at stud, Happy Voyage left Regal Voyage, who, when mated with Nelson Derby, left the great mare Haughty, a dual Cup winner.

Kennerley had better luck than Tomkinson in 1922 and produced four winners at the meeting.

Free Holmes trained the most winners in the season(19). James Bryce managed 17, and next on the list were Tomkinson and Kennerley. The expatriate Australians also figured prominently on the reinsman's list, which Bryce topped with 23 wins. Then came John McLennan and Dave Bennett with 20, followed by Kennerley and Tomkinson. Taraire, from the Bryce stable, was the season's top money-winner with £2700.


**Bernie Wood wrtiting in The Cup**

Reta Peter winner of the 1920 & 1921 NZ Cups

1921 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

If Reta Peter's first win was popular, the second was controversial.

She was second past the post to Sherwood and F G Holmes, but a protest was lodged and officials deemed the interference at the top of the straight serious enough to reverse the placings.

It was serious enough for Reta Peter to return to the birdcage bleeding from her front legs anyway.

In this way, Reta Peter went into the records as the second and last trotter to win the Cup, and one of only two mares to win it twice, the other being Haughty.

**Credit: NZ HRWeekly 1Oct 2003**

The 1921 New Zealand Cup had an unprecedented climax when Sherwood, driven by F G Holmes, was first past the post but was relegated to second for crossing in front of Reta Peter at the straight entrance. The finish was an exciting one, and it was unfortunate that the race had to won on protest.

The interference in the final stages was obvious and the protest lodged by the mare's owner did not surprise the Addington public. The Judicial Committee, after considering the matter, resolved under part 25 of the Rules of Trotting, "as to keeping positions", that Holmes, the driver of Sherwood, had seriously interfered with Reta Peter. It placed Reta Peter first and Sherwood second, In addition, Holmes was fined £25. Reta Peter returned to the birdcage after the race with skin off her front legs, which were bleeding.

An appeal against the decision was immediately lodged by Holmes and accepted by the stewards. The Appeal Committee of the New Zealand Trotting Association decision met and, after studying the evidence, decided that the Judicial Committee decision was correct. Holmes never agreed with that decision, and took the opportunity when Adorian won for him in 1953 to remind officials of the grave injustice he alleged had been done to him 32 years previously.

The crowd around the birdcage in 1921 did not show much enthusiasm after the protest, and conjecture remains as to whether the interference was serious enough to warrant relegation. In the history of the race the only other disqualification from first place came in 1969, when Stella Frost, driven by Doodey Townley, was deemed to have caused a serious spill, which cost several horses their chances.

For trainer-driver Alf Wilson and Reta Peter, the 1921 victory was a triumph. Reta Peter had not raced earlier in the season, as she had been pin-fired, so her effort without lead-up races was a good one. She remains the only trotter to have won the NZ Cup twice and, along with Haughty, the only mare to have had double success.

The Cup stake was raised to 3000 sovereigns and the class tightened to 4:32. Reta Peter was opposed by 11 others, but a short limit of six seconds was set, with the Australian import Man O'War - for several weeks the race favourite - on the back mark. There was great controversy at the time about this handicap, because, by comparison with Reta Peter, he seemed badly off. Man O'War's best two-mile time was 4:29.4, yet Reta Peter, who had a best time of 4:28.6, had an advantage of five seconds over him at the start.

Trainer James Bryce was not pleased with Man O'War's trackwork and stated publicly before the race that his horse was not fit enough to run a gruelling two miles. And so it proved. Man O'War was slow away and always toiled in the rear of the field in a cloud of dust. His display was the subject of an official inquiry, at which Bryce stated he had not wanted to start Man O'War, because the horse had gone from bad to unmanageable in training the week before the race. He further stated that Man O'War bored badly during the race and struck a post coming into the straight, almost falling. Owner Joe Corrigan was bitterly disappointed with the display. "The horse will not race again at the meeting," he said.

Man O'War, a black stallion born in Australia in 1914, was a good horse, adept in bad going. Brought to New Zealand in 1920 as a six-year-old, he won the Auckland Cup for Bryce, from 84 yards. He won a second Auckland Cup the following year, from 96 yards, and was a good winner on New Zealand tracks, ending the 1921-1922 season as leading money-winner with £2935. At stud he produced the top-class mare Navy Blue, who included the 1938 Auckland Cup among her 14 wins. Man O'War's best son was Happy Man, who reached Cup class and later, as a 17-year-old, won a free-for-all in Western Australia. Man O'War mares produced Loyal Nurse, who won the Auckland Cup in 1946 and the NZ Cup in 1949, Soangetaha, who won the Auckland Cup in 1951 and 1952, and Parawa Derby.

Man O'War started second favourite behind Albert Cling, who again let down his supporters. John McLennan had him well placed all the way but he faded to sixth. the race start was not the best recommendation for the time system - there were two false starts and, on the second ocession, several horses were at top speed for three furlongs before they were pulled up. Reta Peter was first out both times. Eventually, the field was sent away at their correct bells, with the exception of Asturio, who broke, and Man O'War, who was slow away.

Gleaming (Bill Warren) and Vice-Admiral (Dil Edwards) led out from John Dillon, Sherwood, Trix Pointer, Albert Cling and Reta Peter. There was little change until the last lap, at which stage Gleaming began to tire and Vice-Admiral opened a lead of four lengths on Reta Peter, with Trix Pointer and her bracketmate, Sherwood, starting good runs. Sherwood passed Vice-Admiral and Reta Peter just as the straight was reached and, driven with great vigour by F G Holmes, appeared to have won a good race by a length from Reta Peter.

Vice-Admiral, a black gelded son of the three-year-old Cup starter of 1907, Advance, and the best of his offspring, held on for third, just ahead of Willie Lincoln, Trix Pointer and Albert Cling. Manvers Edwards, known as Dil, was a son of Manny Edwards, and had his first Cup drive behind Vice-Admiral.

Surprisingly - even for those early days at Addington - Asturio ran again on Cup Day, finishing third in the final race, the Recovery Handicap. Just as significant on this occasion was his driver, Ossie Hooper, soon to leave an indelible mark on the Addington scene. Drum Withers was also prominent among the successful new drivers at this Cup meeting.

Albert Cling, who disappointed for a second consecutive time in the Cup, ran a New Zealand race record for the mile of 2:09.6 when winning the Free-For-All from three others, Trix Pointer, Willie Lincoln and Marie Tempest. The final day of the meeting belonged to Trix Pointer, who showed why Free Holmes held her in such high regard. She won the Christchurch Handicap over two miles, her first winning run since April 1920, and later in the day ran third to Ena Bell and Chid over one mile. In the process she registered 2:08.6, breaking the race record that had been set by Albert Cling the previous day. Ena Bell was trained and driven by Gisborne's Bob Fisken, who also produced the Dominion Handicap winner Wild Moor.

The only dual winner at the meeting was the trotter Whispering Willie, who beat the pacers in the Courtenay Handicap to win in 4:29.4 and the trotters in the Middleton Handicap.

**Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup**

Credit: NZ HRWeekly 1Oct03

1921 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

The weather was dull for the opening day at Addington, but the attendance was quite up to that of previous years. Agathos's number was missing when the scratching board was brought into evidence announcing the starters for the N.Z. Trotting Cup. This left a dozen runners. They were a well-conditioned lot, but while doing their preliminaries it was noticeable that Willie Lincoln and John Dillon were a trifle sore. Once warmed up, they raced along in good 3tyle. It is doubtful if Albert Cling has ever stripped better, and Man o' War looked a picture. Immediately the machine was opened Albert Cling and Man o' War divided favoritism,- the pair being entrusted with over a thousand tickets more than the third favorite, Gleaming.

After a false start, on which the field scarcely went more than a hundred yards, the candidates were again marshalled, but again the starter's efforts were frustrated due to Rangitata Lass dancing all over the course. On this occasion Vice Admiral, Sherwood, Trix Pointer, Reta Peter, John Dillon, General Link and Albert Cling raced for three furlongs before receiving the signal "no start." At the third attempt the field moved away to their bells with the exception of Asturio, who jibbed and took no part in the race.

Gleaming rushed to the front and raced to the four furlong distance in 1.8 1-5s., with Vice Admiral, John Dillon, Sherwood, Reta Peter, Trix Pointer. General Link and Willie Lincoln in close attendance, and Albert Cling making up his ground fast. At this stage it was obvious that Man o' War would never be in the picture, for he was boring badly and losing several lengths at every bend.

With a mile and a quarter covered in 2.41, Gleaming compounded, and Vice Admiral rushed to the head of affairs with Reta Peter, Sherwood, Willie Lincoln, Trix Pointer and John Dillon in hot pursuit. Going to the mile and a half post, which was negotiated in 3.23 2- 5s., Vice Admiral was hitting out in determined fashion, but Reta Peter, Sherwood and Trix Pointer were asserting themselves in bold style.

Entering the home stretch, Edwards drew the whip on Vice Admiral. Half way down the running Sherwood and Reta Peter headed Vice Admiral, and while the pair were engaged in a hot tussle, F. Holmes, Junr., driver of Sherwood, appeared to cross Reta Peter as they flashed past the judge. Sherwood had two lengths advantage of Reta Peter, who was three lengths in front of Vice Admiral. A neck away came Willie Lincoln, then Trix Pointer and Albert Cling.

Immediately on returning to scale the owner of Reta Peter lodged a protest against Sherwood for crossing fifty yards from the winning-post. After lengthy deliberation the stewards awarded the race to Reta Peter, and placed Sherwood second, and fined F. Holmes, Junr., driver of Sherwood, £25.

This places the second Cup to the credit of Reta Peter. She is owned by Mr. P. H. Robson, who bred her. Her , sire, Petereta, is a son of the world's greatest sire, Peter the Great, while her dam is Tot Huon, a daughter of the famous Huon. Reta Peter is trained at New Brighton by A. G. Wilson, who deserves credit for the manner in which he not only prepared the mare, but handled her in the race. Reta Peter, was the only trotter in the contest.

An appeal was lodged by the owner of Sherwood, but the Appeal Committee, which happened to be on the course, met immediately and decided that no appeal could lie.


Credit: NZ Truth 12 Nov 1921

1920 NEW ZEALAND CUP

By the time the big event came on for decision the whole of the stands and enclosures were packed with, a gaily dressed throng. Speculation was very heavy, over £20,000 being invested on the race. Albert Cling was the actual favorite, then came Bryce's bracket, Author Dillon, and Holme's bracket, in that order.

The start was a perfect one and all went off well but the scratch horse,- who lost a second at the start. Minston took charge followed by Erln's Queen and Willie Lincoln. Going down the back stretch Erin's Queen went to the front and General Link, Dean Dillon and Reta Peter had improved their positions. At the six furlongs Willie Lincoln was still in front with the field close up.

When the last lap started Willie Lincoln was still in charge, whilst General Link had taken second place followed by Erin's Queen. Six lengths away came Trlx Pointer, Reta Peter, Sherwood and Author Dillon. In the back stretch General Link headed Willie Lincoln with the scratch horse moving up fast on the outside.

Rounding the turn for home General Link was still in charge, while Willie Lincoln had retired beaten. Author Dillon challenged General Link with Reta Peter coming fast. In a great struggle the trio crossed the line together, Reta Peter winning by half a length from General Link, who was a neck in front of Author Dilion. Four lengths away came Sherwood followed by Erin's Queen with the rest of the field strung out.

Then followed a scene of excitement, the crowd mobbed the winner and accorded her a reception the likes of which has never been seen on a racecourse. Neither were the placed horses forgotten. Author Dillon was cheered to the echo. The honors of the race were undoubtedly with him, as he was checked once through Steel Bell breaking, and in addition, he had the wind and dust to contend with.

His effort produced a world's record and still it could not win. He went the first quarter mile in 32sec, the half mile in lmin. 5sec, six furlongs in lmin. 38sec, mile in 2min. lOsec, twelve furlongs in 3min. 15sec, and the full distance in 4min. 21 4-5sec. His achievement is all the more meritorious by reason of the fact of giving away 10 l-5sec, instead of 9sec., and thus his actual time was 4min. 20 2-5sec.

Reta Peter is an aged mare by the imported Petereta from Tot Huon. She was bred by her owner, Mr. F. R. Robson, and has been trained and driven by A. G. Wilson for a long time past. She was the only trotter in the field and her success marked the first occasion on which a trotter has won the valuable stake for a number of years. Reta Peter, by compassing two miles in 4.30 4-5 established a fresh world's record for trotting over that distance. Matchlight's chance was ruined through Steel Bell breaking and interfering with him at the end of two furlongs. Albert Cling, the favorite, failed to begin correctly and was in the rear the way.


Credit: 'Spearmint' writing in NZ Truth 13 Nov 1920

1920 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER

Addington has never been seen to better advantage than it was yesterday, when the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was commenced under almost ideal conditions. The weather was fine and warm all day, and though a nor'-west breeze raised some dust towards the close of the afternoon, this was but a minor discomfort that did not seriously affect the pleasure of the thousands of people who were present.

Judging by appearances, the attendance must have been a record one. Not only were both the inside and outside enclosures densely crowded, but there were some hundreds of people in the centre of the course, and it is quite evident that the growing popularity of the light harness sport has made even the extensive stand accommodation at Addington quite unable to cope with the crowds.

The attendance was representative of all parts of the Dominion, and those who were for the first time witnessing a high class trotting meeting could not fail to be impressed by the attractiveness of the sport, while the club's regular patrons were agreed that the racing provided was of an exceptionally high standard. The horses engaged included the best pacers and trotters in commission in the Dominion, and there were several high class performers fron Australia as well. The track was at its best, and except for the Riccarton Handicap, which was spoilt by a series of accidents, the majority of the placed horses improved considerably on their handicap times.

With such a big attendance, it was only natural to find the totalisator investments showing a large increase, the total for the day being £90,296 10s as compared with £76,291 on the first day last year. The total invested on the New Zealand Trotting Cup was £20,506, the largest sum yet registered on any event in the South Island. There were one or two matters during the day that called for the attention of the stewards, but in all respects the management of the meeting was up to the efficient standard that is characteristic of gatherings at Addington.

The Spring Handicap, a harness event for unhoppled trotters over a mile and five furlongs, gave backers a good start, for Effie Bingen, who was made a solid favourite, scored in nice sytle from Overrate, who finished well. Corwar quickly opened up a useful lead, but he was unable to see the distance out, and was stopping badly over the last two furlongs. Waiwera played up at the start, and interfered with some of the other competitors. Succory, the second favourite, showed a good deal of pace, but went unsteadily.

Hayseed, who was well backed for the St Albans Handicap, endeavoured to win all the way, but he was never able to shake off Greta, and when she had him beaten, Xavier came along and cut him out of second place.

This cleared the way for the big event of the year, the New Zealand Cup, which with its stake of 2500 sovs, in addition to a silver cup, is easily the most valuable light harness race in Australasia. Of the sixteen horses that made the final payment, Cello Sydney Wilkes, Moneymaker, John Dillon and Hal Junior were withdrawn. Albert Cling was made favourite, with J Bryce's bracket, Matchlight and Erin's Queen, almost as well backed, and Author Dillon, Trix Pointer and Sherwood bracketed, Willie Lincoln and General Link supported in that order, there being a considerable difference between them and the rest of the field.

The start was a good one, but the supporters of Albert Cling were soon out of their trouble, for the favourite would not leave the mark properly, and meeting with some interference in the first half mile was never afterwards dangerous. Steel Bell broke soon after the start, and again before they had gone six furlongs, and she never got near the firing line. Author Dillon lost a little ground at the start, but settled to his work in determined style, and when he had reached his field before they entered the last lap, he looked to have a royal chance. Willie Lincoln showed a fine turn of speed, as long as his condition lasted and when he was done with General Link went on in the lead.

Author Dillon was in hot pursuit over the last half mile, and entering the straight it looked as if the issue would be between this pair, but in the run home Reta Peter, the only unhoppled trotter in the race, came with a brilliant finish and staying on in fine style, while the other two were tiring, won a great race by half a length from Generl Link with Author Dillon close up third and Sherwood next. Trix Pointer, last year's winner, went well for over a mile and a half, but after putting in a good run in the back stretch was blocked and could not get clear again. Mintson was prominent in the early stages, and though Erin's Queen went well for a good part of the journey, she showed no dash at the finish.

Although Reta Peter was one of the outsiders of the field, and paid a handsome dividend, her victory was greeted with round after round of applause, for the public were quick to recognise the merit of her performance in defeating such a strong field of pacers. The daughter of Petereta may be classed as the most brilliant trotter the Dominion has seen, one whose performances have made her deservedly popular. General Link paced his best race to date, while Author Dillon was unlucky in being beaten after establishing an Australasian race record of 4m 21 4/5th sec for the two miles. The Trotting Cup of 1920 will long be remembered as one of the most exciting in the club's history.

Coil, who was made favourite for the Empire Handicap, gave a disappointing display, but the race itself was very interesting. Mara was quickly out in front, but could not see the journey out, and Rewanui, staying on well, beat Silver Shoe, with Prince Burlington close up in third place. After the race an enquiry was held regarding alleged interference by the winner with Prince Burlington, but the stewards decided to take no action.

The Riccarton Handicap was marked by an extraordinary series of mishaps. Going out of the straight the first time, Maoriland and Mako Mako collided and came down, and Irvar ran into them, and his driver, W Warren, was shot out of his sulky, but quickly regained his seat and continued in the race, though his chance was hopeless. The two fallen horses had not been got off the track when the remaining competitors came round again, and Emperor, who was then leading, failed to get clear, and his driver, F Holmes, was thrown out on the track in front of Capriccio, who went over him. Luckily, all the horses and drivers escaped uninjured. The second mishap left Bundong well out in front, but Legacy outstayed him and beat him home, with All Bell third.

The Middleton Handicap brought out a good field of sixteen unhoppled trotters, the bracketed pair, Whisht and Paul Huon, being best backed. Bon Patch was earliy out in front and never lost his place, though he had to be driven out to stall off Red Heather, who put in a fine run over the last half-mile.

The Victoria Handicap was another fast run race. Jack Arrah was always prominent, and, finishing strongly, won in good style from G M Dillon, with Man o' War close up third. The last-named, who is one of the Australian horses in J Bryce's stable, showed a great turn of speed, as his time of 4min 27 3/5th sec proves, but he was boring badly all through the race, and his driver had a difficult task in trying to keep him straight. J Bryce's stable supplied the favourites for the concluding event, the Hagley Handicap, in the bracketed pair, Emilius and Chid, but the Australian-bred Dillonwood was in front from the start, and, pacing well, held off Gleaming in the home run. The following are details of the racing:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60, third 40. For unhoppled trotters only. 4.40 class. 1m 5m.

J Hardy's b m Effie Bingen by Nelson Bingen-Effiewood, 5yrs, 8sec J McLennan 1.
J R Corrigan's b g Overrate, aged, 4sec, J Bryce 2.
N L Price's b g Corwar, 6yrs, 8sec, Owner 3.

Eruption scr, Marvin Junr 2sec, Parkfield 3sec, Rosalie 3sec, Rothmoor 4sec, Patard 5sec, Succory 5sec, Pieter Timmerman 6sec, Lady Linwood 7sec, To-night 8sec, Wahinepai 8sec, Waiwera 8sec, and Blazer Wilson 8sec also started.

Waiwera broke at the start and interfered with several of the competitors. Corwar commenced very quickly, and at the stand he had a lead of several lengths, an advantage he increased to one hundred yards down the back stretch. At this stage his nearest attendants were Effie Bingen, Blazer Wilson, Wahinepai and Saccory. Going down the back the second time Corwar tired, and Effie Bingen went to the front. The latter easily held the lead, and won comfortably by three lengths. Overrate finishing fast, beat Corwar by half a length. Petard and Eruption were the next to finish. Times - 4m 0 3/5s, 3m 57 1/5s, 3m 1 2/5s.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60, third 40. 2.18 class. 1m.

W H Norton's br m Greta by Wildwood junr-Prince Imperial mare, aged, 5sec, F Holmes jun. 1.
J R Corrigan's b g Xavier, aged, 2sec, J Bryce, jun 2.
J Cheeseman's b g Hayseed, 6yrs, 3sec, E McDermott 3.

Captain Stanley 2sec, Birdwood 2sec, Lord Dillon 3sec, Granger 3sec, Idris 3sec coupled with Xavier, Bill Brown 4sec, King Kari 4sec, Proudspring 4sec, Pleasant Mount 4sec and Pax 4sec also started.

Pax did not leave the mark, and Greta and Hayseed, beginning very smartly, soon had a good lead. The pair led past the tankstand into the straight, where Xavier put in a great run. He passed Hayseed, but could not reach Greta, who won by two lengths, Hayseed being a similar distance away third. Times - 2m 15 4/5s, 2m 13 3/5s, 2m 17 1/5s.

NEW ZEALAND CUP (in harness) of 2500 sovs, and silver cup presented by Hon C Louisson; second 500, third 300, fourth 200. 4.33 class. 2m.

F H Robson's b m Reta Peter by Petereta-Tot Huon, aged, 9sec, A G Wilson 1.
Miss N Gunn's b g General Link by General Mac-Imperialwood, aged, 6sec, A Butterfield 2.
Exors J Knight's b h Author Dillon by Harold Dillon-Authoress, aged, scr, B Jarden 3.
S G Lemon,s blk g Sherwood by Kerwood-Jessie B, aged, 7sec, F Holmes Jun 4.

Cross Bros and J Bryce's br h Matchlight, aged, 4sec, J Bryce.
W H Norton's b m Trix Pointer, aged, 5sec coupled with Sherwood, F Holmes.
Fleming & Wootton's b g Dean Dillon, aged, 7sec, A Fleming.
Iles & Young's b g Willie Lincoln, aged, 8sec, A Hendricksen.
M J Hanna's br g Albert Cling, 6yrs, 8sec, J McLennan
A Finlayson's b h Mintson, aged, 9sec, N L Price.
T Roe's gr m Steel Bell, aged, 9sec, S J Roe.
J D Parker's ch m Erin's Queen, aged, 9sec coupled with Matchlight, J Bryce jun.

Dean Dillon failed to strike a gait as quickly as he might have done, and Albert Cling broke badly. The remainder went off to their correct bells. Erin's Queen and Mintson hit out in a rare race, and the trotter Reta Peter began surprisingly well. Willie Lincoln followed the trio over the first furlong, but then improved his position, racing to the head of affairs entering the straight, and carrying on the running past the stand, with Erin's Queen. At this stage Mintson and General Link were running third and fourth respectively, and Sherwood, Dean Dillon and Reta Peter were close handy, while Author Dillon pacing faultlessly, had not been asked for an effort. Willie Lincoln went off by himself going down the back stretch and General Link passed Erin's Queen.

The order was the same to the stand, but Willie Lincoln appeared to be feeling the effects of the fast pace. General Link made a forward move, and Author Dillon considerably improved his position. When General Link drew clear there was great excitement, and when Author Dillon was seen coming at a great rate the excitement became intense. Author Dillon came into the straight a length behind General Link, and Jarden and Butterfield commenced a vigorous battle. The great effort appeared to have taken a lot out of Author Dillon, and General Link travelled with him. Fifty yards from the post Reta Peter appeared on the scene, and with a brilliant finishing effort she got up in time to beat General Link by half a length. Author Dillon being a neck away third, two lengths in front of Sherwood. Erin's Queen, Willie Lincoln and Matchlight were next to finish. Times - 4m 30 2/5s, 4m 27 3/5s, 4m 21 4/5s, 4m 32 2/5s.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60, third 40. 4.48 class. 2m.

J Crowe's blk m Rewanui by Lord Chancellor-Princess Minnie, aged, 9sec, D Withers 1.
G Reed's b g Silver Shoe, aged, 7sec, Owner 2.
J C Wallace's br g Prince Burlington, aged, 9sec, A Butterfield 3.

Dandy Chimes scr, Goldstream 3sec and Bridgewood 5sec coupled, Marie Lloyd 5sec, Wild Pedo 6sec, Watchman 6sec, Marie Tempest 7sec, The Dingo 8sec, Maud Wilkes 8sec, Coil 8sec, Guy Dillon 9sec, Energy 9sec, Mara 9sec, Lindetta 9sec also started.

Mara commenced very smartly and led from Prince Burlington, Marie Tempest, and Silver Shoe. Mara carried on the running for a mile when she tired, and Rewanui went on in front. The latter held her own to the finish and won easily by two lengths from Silver Shoe, who, in spite of a bad break in the straight, got up in time to beat Prince Burlington by half a length. Marie Lloyd was fourth and Maud Wilkes fifth. Times - 4m 42 1/5s,4m 41 3/5s, 4m 43 4/5s

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 125, third 75. 3.44 class. 1m5f.

R McLeod's b g Legacy by Rothschild-The Gift, aged, 5sec, J McLennan 1.
E L McKeon's br g Bundong, aged, 6sec, R E Mills 2.
Paton & Flemings blk g All Bell, aged, 5sec, A Fleming 3.

Capriccio 2sec, Rangitata Lass 4sec, Emperor 5sec, Paul Dufault 9sec, Maoriland 5sec, Makomako 6sec and Irvar 6sec also started.

Emperor was quickest to begin, and passing the stand was racing just in front of Maoriland, who was travelling fast, and Makomako. Going out of the straight Maoriland came down and Makomako fell over him, interfering with practically the whole field except Emperor, who went away with a long lead, Bundong caught Emperor in the back stretch and the pair came past the stand together, a large crowd having in the meantime gathered at the point where Makomako lay prostrate. Holmes behind Emperor, did not notice the fact, and the wheel of his sulky struck Makomako, and he received a nasty spill. This left Bundong in charge, bu in the straight Legacy came fast and won by two lengths, with the third horse three lengths away. Times - 3m 49 3/5s, 3m 50 4/5s, 3m 51s.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 125, third 75. For unhoppled trotters only. 2m.

J Porter's blk m Bon Patch by Bon Voyage-Floradon, aged, 15sec, J McLennan 1.
Watkins & Cox's b g Red Heather, aged, 8sec, A Cox 2.
J C Whiteman's Billy Parole, aged, 14sec, F Holmes 3.

Whispering Willie scr, Whisht 6sec and Paul Huon 14sec coupled, Theseus 8sec coupled with Red Heather, Olive L 9sec, Gold Boy 11sec, Michael Galindo 11sec, Wild Pedo 12sec, Harold Child 12sec, Electrocute 12sec, Koraki 13sec, Winn All 14sec and Eruption 15sec also started.

Bon Patch was quickest away, and led from Eruption, Harold Child, Michael Galindo and Winn All. Electrocute stumbled and fell at the tanks. Bon Patch led over the next curcuit, and in the final round Red Heather put in a good run and was almost on terms at the straight entrance. A good race to the post ended in Bon Patch winning by half a length from Red Heather, Billy Parole being four lengths away just in front of Winn All and Gold Boy. Times - 4m 43 2/5s, 4m 36 3/5s, 4m 45 2/5s.

VICTORIA HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 125, third 75. 4.40 class. 2m.

J Richardson's b g Jack Arrah by Starchild-Mambrino Girl, aged, 6sec, N L Price 1.
R J Crossan's ch h G M Dillon, aged, 7sec R Robinson 2.
W J Carter's blk h Man o'War, aged, scr J Bryce 3.

Silver Nut 1sec, Sympathy 2sec, Nancy Stair 2sec and Asturio 2sec coupled, Partner 2sec, Royal Step 4sec, Brown's nugget 5sec, Ouimet 5sec and Rorke's Drift 7sec also started.

Rorke's Drift went off in the lead, followed by Jack Arrah, G M Dillon, Ouimet, Partner and Brown's Nugget. This was the order going past the stand and down the back stretch, where Rorke's Drift gave way to Jack Arrah. Going past the stand the last time Man o' War was within striking distance, and down the back stretch he put in a good run. Jack Arrah led into the straight with G M Dillon in second place. A good race to the post ended with Jack Arrah winning by two lengths from G M Dillon, who was half a length in front of Man o' War. Partner was fourth and Brown's Nugget next. Times - 4m 33s, 4m 34 2/5s, 4m 27 2/5s

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 125, third 75. 2.49 class. 1 1/4m.

J C Whiteman's b g Dillonwood by Ribbonwood Junr-Kitty Dillon, aged, 5sec, F Holmes Jun 1.
R J Stone's ch g Gleaming, 6yrs, 3sec, W Warren 2.
J Jarden's blk h Birdwood, 6yrs, 5sec, B Jarden 3.

Lord Minto 1sec, Sengod 2sec, Emilius 2sec snd Chid 2sec coupled, Our Girl 3sec, Gold Girl 4sec and All Bell 4sec also started.

Dillonwood started very smartly and led by several lengths from Gleaming, Birdwood, Gold Girl and Sungod. Passing the stand the field closed on the leader, and going down the back Gleaming took second place. In the straight Gleaming was almost on terms with Dillonwood, but in a great finish the latter won by a length, the third horse being four lengths away. Lord Minto was fourth. Times - 2m 46, 2m 44 1/5s, 2m 47 4/5s

Credit: The Press 10 November 1920