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Just as the horses were going out of the enclosure to warm up for the Cup, a lady leaned over the members' balcony and called out that the stand was on fire. At first it was thought to be a false alarm, but it was only too true and the whole building was soon blazing.
On account of a ridiculous regulation the fire brigade would not come to save the building for some time and when they did arrive it was a hopeless case. It is presumed that the cause of the outbreak was the same old thing, fused wires.

The officials stuck gamely to the programme and though a damper was put on everything the day's racing was finished as previously arranged. Our Thorpe was the only scratching for the Cup. The champion is not quite himself, so his people decided to pull him out. Cathedral Chimes ran up to his track form and won very easily, but an ugly accident at the beginning of the last lap made things much easier for him. At the beginning of the final round for the Cup the field bunched and things looked good for a fine termination of a grand race, but, unfortunately, Succeed put her foot through Eccentrics wheel and down she went with Erin's King and Brown Bell piled on top of her. Tommy C. and Jingle were saved by being swerved to the outside rails, but their chances were settled. Eccentric had to be pulled up on account of a bucked Wheel.

Ashburton backed Emilius as if he could not lose and, of course, saved their money through the stable's second leg, Evelyn, running into a minor but dividend paying place. They are still satisfied that, taking a line from Evelyn's performance, that her brother should have won the Cup. Writer is of the opinion that on the day nothing could have beaten Cathedral Chimes. Admiral Wood paced a great race and but for the accident certainly would have finished in front of Evelyn.

Wallace Wood, Frandocio, St. Ursula, Steel Bell, and Don Caesar never gave their supporters any reason to think they might get a dividend. W. R. Thomas's pair, Brown Bell and Succeed, were both going well when they fell and looked to have a chance of getting some of the money as they stay well. Thomas was unfortunate enough to break a collarbone.

Manderini got fourth money, but he fluked it. Eccentric made all the early running, but he was gone when the smash occurred. Hendricksen was driving a great race on Erin's King. This horse did not get going very smartly, but his driver got on the rails and never left them. Always creeping closer to the leaders he was on the fence just behind Thomas's pair when the smash occurred.

Writer was very pleased to see E. Berry turn out two wlnners in Miss Salisbury and Olive L. This young trainer until lately has always had to do with horses that other trainers could not do any good with, and such is not a profitable business. It is only during the last few months that there has been anything decent in his stables. Berry is delivering the goods with them . Erln's King got some skin knocked of when he fell.

Trotting In great style Olive L. never left the Middleton Handicap in doubt. The little mare got over the two miles in 4.44 3-5. which is much her best time to date. She was handicapped on something like 4.51. El Carbine might have won the Middleton Handicap if he had attended to his work properly. He would not go steadily for any distance and so had to remain content with second place. The bracketed pair, Woodchild and Commander Bell, did not get away properly and were never near the leading division. Once again Treasure Seeker and Norval King showed themselves to be poor stayers.

The pony Soda paced a great race in the Lyttelton Handicap. It was a fine performance for one of her inches to get to the end of two miles in 4.57 1-5. A protest was entered against her by the owner of Cappriccio for foul driving on Bryce's part but it was not sustained. Irvar, ran like a non-stayer or else he is a rank quitter. Sir Fulham is not to be relied upon at the start. He has got undoubted pace. The Whip is both looking and pacing well. Messervey deserves credit tor the condition he has the chestnut in and deserves to win shortly. As usual, Cappriccio went a great race, but the pony had too many guns for her. Huon Drift still has got a great objection to leaving the mark properly.

On account of a great go over twelve furlongs, Author Dillon was made a hot favorite for the Rlccarton Handicap. He broke at the start and lost a lot of ground. In consequence of which he could hot catch Sherwood. Persuader is getting over his cold and should be capable of showing very good form before long.

Ariadne, ridden by the hurdle rider, Redmond, made an exhibition of his field In the St. Alban's Handicap, getting to the end ot the mile in 2.14 2-5, a smart performance. Brown Nugget is not to be depended upon to leave the mark. Louie Drift was whispered about as a good thing for the mile harness, but she lost her chance at the start. Rose Dillon came out of her shell and paced the mile in 2.16 4-5. She never gave the back markers a look in.

Gold Bell was too sore to show his best form at this meeting, and he looked as if it will take some time for him to get right. Jessie's Dream is improving. Her effort m the Whiteleigh Handicap, when she went 4.53, was much the best she has ever gone. Hula was produced at the meeting, but he was much too lame to do anything properly. Albertoria has not improved a second during the last twelve months.

Andy Pringle has no superior as a relnsman or rider either with a pacer or trotter. Tom Annett was in far too great a hurry to hit the front on Commander Bell. It cost him the race, for she was too tired to struggle home. In Cappriccio, McDermott has got one of the most solid pacers in commission. As she has only got two legs and a bit it was good business for her to go 4.57 3-5 in the November Handicap. Golindo Lou gave Free Holmes a sickener in the early part of the meeting and her owner got up behind her on the last day. She is very sour and, would do nothing but try to buck.

The much boomed Moorland did not answer expectations. Grainger is not ready yet. George Hard was patched up and sent to the post for the Courtney Handicap, but he was far too sore to pace and finished last. He is to be blistered and spelled. Black Erie is a fine pacer. It was bad luck for his owner (who was over from Australia to see him run) that be should break down m the Courtney Handicap. Stanley's Child went an ugly "seven" when Black Erie swerved across her after he broke down. Sherwood and Emilius ran very bad races in the Courtney. Emiliuus does not shape as if he will ever stay.

Hal Zolock, like many horses that have done stud duties, does not race well at this season of the game. St. Ursula is looking in great buckle and she should make some money for her owner soon. This mare does not begin very well, but she stays like a boy in a lolly shop.

Notwithstanding the fact that the burning down of the stewards stand at Addington quite upset the totalisator turnover for the day, there was £335 10s more invested on the New Zealand Trotting Cup than there was on the Cup at Riccarton. As expected, Agathos failed to stay out twelve furlongs. Raeburn will be benefited by the racing he had at the meeting. He is a good class pacer. Nance O'Neil who hails from Qamaru, is said to be very fast. She may be at home, but her showings last week were nothing to boast about. Once again Ariadne showed himself to be speedy, but a very poor stayer. Teddy McCann produced his charges in good condition for the meeting, but they were not good enough to catch a race.

Eccentric made the pace very solid in the Free-For-All. Beginning very smartly he got to the half mile peg in 1.4. once round in 1.37 1-5. Then Cathedral Chimes took up the running and flashed past the mile post in 2.11 4-5 only to bo collared by Admiral Wood in the run home and beaten by a narrow margin 2.45 for the mile and a quarter.

Tommy C. was not in one of his happy moods during race week. His displays were not as good as we have seen him give. The Bronzewlng was turned out in great condition for the meeting. She is not nearly as good as report made her.

Irvar is not at all a generous horse. Truganini and Electrocute were trotting well before the meeting, but they must have gone off, as their showings with the colors up and the money down proved. Norval King was stopping to a walk at the end of the Sockburn Handicap, and lasted long enough to win from El Carbine, who but for repeated breaks must have won. Flamingo does not improve. He is a seasoned trotter now and should be showing something better.

Young Freeman Holmes has been very successful on Law Chimes. When he won the Railway Handicap last week he rode her with the greatest confidence and judgment and she just strolled home. Cromstall is not himself. When right he can keep our best pacers busy for a bit.

Someone queried Soda's height last week, when the trainer claimed that as a pony she should be allowed to carry 9.0 instead of 10.0, the officials measured her, the writer being present. She is not more than fourteen hands and half an inch.

When Ben Dillon fell in the Railway Handicap, Ben Jardin looked to get an ugly fall, but he just hit the ground, gave a roll and a bounce and was on his feet again. Bob Allen has Yarravllle pacing well, but the big chestnut does not like the standing starts, Young Tohu, who won the Empire Handicap, the two mile saddle race on the first day of the Metropolitan meeting m 4.43 2-5, was put up to auction last Monday, but did not brlng a bid.

Sal Tasker, Vanquish, O.M.Y. and Gianella are amongst the well-bred matrons who have foaled to Logan Pointer and are to visit the same sire again. Sinado and Calindo Low were turned out in a section for a spell at the end of the meeting. They quarrelled about something and kicked holes in each other.

Anyone would fancy that a three-year-old colt by Wildwood Jnr,— Myosotis would bring some money, but a youngster bred on those lines was passed in at twenty guineas last Monday. He was on the small side but was shapely enough.

Caretaker French had a strenuous time of it at the Metropolitan grounds last week. The place looked a wreck after the fire, but with the assistance of a gang of men he managed to have the building habitable for the two last days. The fire at Addington made a great difference to the totalisator turnover at Addington.

Andy Pringle rode a great race on Treasure Seeker when he won the Governor's Handicap on that gelding. It was a masterly piece of work. King Capitalist is very well, and he can go fast but he is not very solid when the pressure is on. Neither is Commander Bell. She is also a bad breaker. Eruption is not nearly at good as was supposed. Hardy Wllkes is a good trotter until be leaves his feet. Afterwards he cannot be depended upon for any distance. Mr. George Iles purchased him at auction for six hundred guineas last Saturday. It seems a lot of money.

The writer does not want to condemn the standing-start and yards handicapping until they have had a fair trial, but if they do not improve on last week's showing they will have to go out. To start with, to call the start standing was a joke, for in nearly every race some of the competitors were let away with a fly. In fact, in one or two oases contestants were racing when the flag dropped.

A regrettable incident which happened at the Metropolitan meeting was the disqualifying of Emilius for interfering with Cappricio in the Christchurch Handicap. The writer does not intend to express an opinion on the matter, but it seemed ridiculous to suggest that an experienced relnsman like Ranald McDonnell should interfere with a beaten opponent. McDermott, who drove Cappriclo was manly enough to do his best for McDonnell when giving his evidence to the stewards. It was on the stipendiary stewards' evidence that Emilius lost the race. Erin's King was one of the unlucky racers at the meeting. He got pocketed in the Christchurch Handicap and never got out until tho race was practically over.

Bellflower was a trotter amongst pacers in the Australasian Handicap, but she showed more speed over the first half mile than any of her opponents and was in front at the end of a mile. The race was never in doubt after that and she walked home in 4.38 2-6.

Red Heather gave a number of his supporters a severe heartache as he would not begin in the Dominion Trotting Cup. He finished a long way back in fourth place and could not have trotted much bettor than 4.50.

A. Fleming gave £1500 for Our Thorpe last week. This is the biggest price ever given in the Dominion for a pacer, and certainly the horse bought for it is the best we have produced. W. G. Abbott, the Auckland owner trainer, bought Brown's Nugget for £100 during the week. This pacer is on a mark from which he is quite capable of winning. Mr. G. S. Simpson arranged the sale of tho well-known sire, Harold Dillon, during the week. The Messrs Thorne Bros., who havo had a lease of the horse, have now purchased him right out, the price is said to have been £750.

Author Dillon did not race nearly up to his form during the week. He must have won the Enfield if he had gone the mile In 2.15. He did not manage to go 2.17. Desdemona is showing plenty of dash in her track essays but she is not staying on nearly as well as of yore.


Credit: The Looker On writing in NZ Truth 18 Nov 1916

1916 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER

The opening of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting of 1916, the most important trotting fixture of the season in the Dominion, will long be remembered by those who were present at Addington yesterday.

The Club's position as the premier organisation of its kind in New Zealand is unquestioned, and the Spring Meeting, which forms one of the strong attractions of Carnival week in Christchurch, helps to bring visitors from all parts of the Dominion. The attendance yesterday was thoroughly representative of both Islands, and though the weather was somewhat sultry at the start of proceedings, and a good deal of dust was flying, the enjoyment of the large crowd present did not seem to be materially affected. Everything promised well for a great day's sport. The appearance of the grounds spoke volumes for the care which had been bestowed upon them; the track was in capital order, and the fields engaged represented the best horses in commission.

Everything was going along swimmingly until after the second race, when it was discovered that the stewards' stand, the finest builing of its kind in the Dominion, was on fire, and as the services of the Fire Brigade could not be obtained until the position was hopeless, the stand was quite destroyed. The fire is referred to at length in another portion of this issue, and need not be dealt with here, but there were many expressions of regret at the destruction of a building which could easily have been saved had the Fire Board's regulations permitted the Brigade to be sent out earlier.

The building was still burning fiercely when the horses went out on the track for the big event of the year, the New Zealand Cup, but after consideration the stewards decided to postpone that event, which was set down to start at 1:50pm until 3:15pm by which time the fire had largely burnt itself out. The delay in the proceedings kept the last race back until just on 6:45pm, but the majority of the crowd stayed until the end, having had with their racing more excitement than they anticipated. Naturally, the business of the Meeting became somewhat disorganised, but the best possible was done under the circumstances, though the officials were at a disadvantage in having to carry out their duties in the weighing enclosure.

It was not surprising to find that the totalisator investments had been seriously affected, and the total at the end of the day was £37,433 10s, as compared with £48,278 10s on the first day last year. The racing generaly was full of interest, though once again the Cup race was largely spoilt by mishap. The distance system of starting came through the day's trial successfully.

****
...The totalisator investments at Addington on Tuesday did not show such a large falling-off as was at first thought. The total was £37,433 10s as compared with £40,251 10s on the first day last year, not £48,278 10s, the figure supplied to the Press representatives and published yesterday. The latter sum was the amount invested on the third day last year. The investments on the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday amounted to £10,529 10s, a record sum for that race.

The Press 9 Nov 1916

****

The Spring Handicap, which opened the proceedings, brought out a field of ten unhoppled trotters, Parkfield, Eruption and Albertoria being best backed. Parkfield was never dangerous, and though Eruption showed a lot of pace at different stages of the race, he could not reach the leading division. Albertoria began well, but found the distance a little beyond her, and Miss Salisbury, who went steadily throughout, won comfortably from Jessie's Dream, who, as usual, put in one or two breaks in the course of the race.

Hannah M was made favourite forthe Empire Handicap, a two-mile saddle race with Young Tohu and QuennnTracey next in demand. Young Tohu was quickly in a good position, and won with something to spare from Hannah M, who was ridden out to beat Irvingwood.

At this stage the racing was interrupted by the fire, and when the New Zealand Cup candidates took the field it was found that the back-marker, Our Thorpe, had been withdrawn. J Bryce's coupled pair, Cathedral Chimes and Admiral Wood, were made just a little better favourites than R McDonnell's bracket, Emilius and Evelyn, with Erin's King also solidly supported. St Ursula was fourth and Tommy C fifth in request, but there was a very big drop in the investments as compared with those on the three favourite selections. The field got away fairly well, though Frandocia did not begin kindly, and Emilius early spoilt his chance by breaking. Eccentric, always a qick beginner, made the most of the early running, and he was still in the leading division with a lap to go when he became concerned in the mishap that brought Succeed, Brown Bell and Erin's King to grief. The accident left Manderene momentarily in the lead, but he was soon overhauled by Cathedral Chimes, who, running out wide, had been lucky enough to escape the smash.

The Southland-owned horse quickly established a good lead and, after passing the half-mile post, had the result safe, winning comfortably in the fast time of 4min 31 1/5th sec. Evelyn left the mark well, and soon secured a good position but she was doing her best work at the finish to beat Admiral Wood, who was putting in solid work over the final stages, while Manderene ran a good race in fourth place. The accident robbed the race of a lot of it's interest, for just before he came to grief Erin's King was showing a fine turn of speed, and he would probably have kept the winner extended.

Cathedral Chimes scored a popular victory, and there was a good deal of cheering when the cup, given by the president of the club, Mr C Louisson, was presented to his driver, J Bryce. Cathedral Chimes, who was purchased at quite a moderate price by his present owner, Mr J B Thomson of Invercargill has proved a remarkably good investment for among his victories last season was the Auckland Cup, worth 700 sovs to the winner. He did not qualify for nomination for the New Zealand Cup until August last, whe he won the August Handicap at Addington in 4min 34sec. He was turned out in splendid condition by his trainer and driver, J Bryce, and the time registered for the two miles was only a fifth of a second outside the record for the race.

****

The extensive brick premises of Thompson and Co, wholesale merchants, were gutted by fire this morning. The bulk of the stock was destroyed, and only the walls remain. The insurance are £29,000, in the Guardian office. The loss is almost total.

Mr J B Thompson, owner of Cathedral Chimes, the winner of the New Zealand Cup, hurried through to Invercargill today, on account, on account of the fire which destroyed his firm's large premises.

The Press 9 Nov 1916

****

With the big race out of the way the Middleton Handicap, a two mile harness race for unhoppled trotters, claimed attention. Syrie and Eruption were withdrawn, and the coupled pair, Woodchild and Commander Bell received most support with El Carbine a good second favourite. The race was not a very exciting one for Olive L was quickly in front, and trotting very steadily throughout, she won nicely from El Carbine, who showed some great bursts of speed but lost ground by breaking at a critical time.

The Lyttelton Handicap furnished another victory for Mr J B Thomson, whose mare, Soda, paced solidly throughout, and beat Capriccio without much difficulty. Irvar ran a good race for over a mile and a half, but failed over the final stages and was beaten for third place by Oinako, who might have been closer up had he not broken in the straight. A protest entered by E McDermott, driver of Capriccio, against J Bryce, driver of Soda on the ground of interference was dimissed.

The smallest field of the day was that in th Riccarton Handicap, for which Author Dillon and Sir Fulham carried more than half the money invested. Sir Fulham quickly put himself out of court by breaking, and though Author Dillon, after beginning slowly, displayed a lot of speed over the last half-mile, he could not reach Sherwood, who had taken charge at the end of the first lap.

The mile races, which brought the programme to a close, were not particularly exciting events. In the saddle race, the St Albans Handicap, Ariadne was quickly out in front, and was never caught, winning easily from Quincey Maid. The Hagley Handicap, in harness, produced a similar result, for Rose Dillon led from the start, and lasted long enough to win by a couple of lengths from Colmena, who finished very well. The following are details of the racing:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from the stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 5.0 or better. Two miles.

Geo Paul's b m Miss Salisbury by Young Salisbury-Queenie, aged, 40yds (W Orange) 1
A Gallagher's b m Jessie's Dream, aged, scr (Owner) 2
Wickham Sister's b m Albertoria, 6yrs, 10yds (M Edwards)3

James Madison scr, Havana 10yds, Craibwood 30yds, Parkfield 40yds, Bow Bell 40yds, Mokau 70yds and Eruption 100yds also started

Havana would not leave the mark, but the others got away well. Jessie's Dream began smartly, and led for three furlongs, but at the stand Albertoria had taken charge, with Jessie's Dream, Miss Salisbury and James Madison next in order. Going along the back, Jessie's Dream and Miss Salisbury ran past Albertoria, and with a lap to go Miss Salisbury was in front, while Albertoria took second place from Jessie's Dream, who was not going very steadily. Over the final lap Miss Salisbury held her advantage, and won by six lengths from Jessie's Dream, who was four lengths in front of Albertoria. Bow Bell was fourth and James Madison fifth. Time, 4min 53 3/5th sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from the stake. 4.50 or better. Two miles.

E Thompson's b g Young Tohu by Tohu-Colema, aged, 20yds (E McDermott) 1
M Moran's ch m Hannah M, scr (C Tasker) 2
Black & Steele's blk g Irvingwood, 5yrs, scr (A Butterfield) 3

Irvwin scr, Huia scr, Gold Drift scr, Queen Tracey 10yds, Sceptre 30yds, Galindo Lou 30yds, Moorland 40yds, Granger 50yds, Submarine 120yds & Bellflower 120yds also started.

Irvwin and Irvingwood were quickest to begin, and at the end of half a mile they were followed by Young Tohu and Sceptre, with Queen Tracey at the head of the rest. Going along the back, Irvwin broke, and Young Tohu took charge. A lap from home he has Sceptre and Irvingwood as his nearest attendants. Over the last half-mile Young Tohu drew away from the field. Hannah M and Huia being second and third as they passed the tanks. In the run home Young Tohu held his lead, and won comfortably by three lengths from Hannah M, who was two lengths in front of Irvingwood. Bellflower was fourth and Huia fifth. Time, 4min 43 2/5th sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 2500 sovs and silver cup; second horse 500 sovs, third 300 sovs and fourth 200 sovs from the stake. For horses that have done 4.36 or better. Two miles.

J B Thomson's b h Cathedral Chimes by Four Chimes-Jean Armour, 5yrs, 36yds (J Bryce) 1
R McDonnell's b m Evelyn by Rothschild-Imperialism, 6yrs, 24yds (A Pringle) 2
Mrs A M Seymour's b h Admiral Wood, 6yrs, 72yds (F Holmes) 3
J G Lecky's b h Manderene by Norval-Eland, scr (J Clarke) 4

I M Thompson's br m Brown Bell, aged, scr (W R Thomas)
S Chambers's ch m Succeed, aged, scr (L O Thomas)
R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged, scr (J Brankin)
Hall & Black's br g Frandocia, aged, scr (N L Price)
J D Piper's b h Jewel Chimes, aged, scr (D Nyhan)
W H Young's b m St Ursula, 6yrs, scr (A Fleming)
R McDonnell's b h Emilius, 5yrs, 12yds (Owner)
M Edwards's b h Wallace Wood, aged, 12yds (Owner)
H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, aged, 24yds (H Gaskill)
T Roe's br m Steel Bell, aged, 24yds (H Kinnimont)
J D Parker's b h Erin's King, 5yrs, 24yds (A Hendricksen)
J Henderson's b g Tommy C, aged, 48yds (R Reay)
R Allen's br g Don Caesar, 6yrs, 84yds (Owner)
Manderene and Wallace Wood, Brown Bell and Succeed, Emilius and Evelyn, Catherdal Chimes and Admiral Wood were bracketed.

Frandocia did not begin well, and Eccentric, leaving the mark smartly, showed the way over the first two furlongs to Manderene, Succeed and Evelyn. Passing the stand the first time, Eccentric had a three lengths lead from Evelyn, after whom came Manderene, Succeed, St Ursula and Steel Bell, with Cathedral Chimes next, while Emilius broke badly and dropped to the rear. Turning to the back stretch, Eccentric was followed by Manderene, Evelyn, St Ursula, Steel Bell and then after a gap of three lengths came Catherdral Chimes, with Brown Bell and Erin's King next. Rounding the turn to the straight, there was not much change in positions, and entering the last lap Eccentric, Manderene, Cathedral Chimes, succeed, Evelyn and St Ursula were racing in close order, while Erin's King was putting in a good run on the rails. Just after passing the judge's box, Eccentric made a slight skip. Succeed ran into him, and Brown Bell and Erin's King also came down. This accident left Manderene in the lead, followed by Cathedral Chimes, Evelyn, and St Ursula, the quartette being well clear of the rest of the field. Half a mile from home Cathedral Chimes went to the front and won easily by six lengths from Evelyn who was two lengths in front of the fast-finishing Admiral Wood. Manderene was another two lengths away followed by Jewel Chimes, Frandocia, Wallace Wood and St Ursula. Time, 4min 31 1/5th sec

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second horse 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from the stake. 4.52 or better. for unhoppled trotters. Two miles.

Mrs J Lawrence's br m Olive L, by Wallace L-Cissie Wood, 6yrs, 10yds (E Berry) 1
J Porter's br h El Carbine, aged, 20yds (A Pringle) 2
A Quigley's b h Norval King, 6yrs, 20yds (E McDermott) 3

Paul Huon scr, Miss Vivian 10yds, Treasure Seeker 10yds, Wild Tree 10yds, Flamingo 20yds, Imperial Crown 20yds, Woodchild 30yds, Commander Bell 50yds, Auckland Girl 40yds, Truganini 60yds, Galician 70yds, Quincey 100yds and Electrocute 120 yds also started.
Woodchild & Commander Bell were bracketed.

Olive L, Wild Tree and Flamingo were the leaders over the early stages, and with half a mile gone Olive L was three lenghts clear of Flamingo and Norval King, with Wild Tree and Miss Vivian next. Along the back, Norval King took second place behind Olive L who was still in charge six furlongs from home, while El Carbine was making up his ground fast. A break in the back stretch lost El Carbine a lot of ground, and though he finished well he broke again near the post, and Olive L won by four lengths. Norval King was eight lengths back, and then came Miss Vivian and Imperial Crown. Time, 4min 44 3/5th sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second horse 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from the stake. 4.45 or better. Two miles.

J B Thomson's b m Soda by Harold Dillon-Franca, 6yrs, 10yds (J Bryce) 1
E McDermott's b m Capriccio, 5yrs, 20yds (Owner) 2
G Booker's ch h Oinako, 5yrs, 60yds (R W Franks) 3

Waitchie 10yds, The Bronzewing scr, The Whip scr, Gold Crest scr, Irvar scr, Lindetta 10yds, Reggie Huon 20yds, Red Mac 40yds, Sir Fulham 50yds and Huon Drift 50yds also started.

Irvar and Lindetta showed the way past the stand where Sir Fulham had run into third place, but broke, and lost a lot of ground. Soda was closing on the leaders fast, and in the second circuit was just behind Irvar, who was still in front six furlongs from home. Irvar led along the back stretch, but before reaching the tanks Soda and Capriccio had run past him and a little further on Oinako took third place. Soda was first into the straight, and won by six lengths from Capriccio, who was eight lengths in front of Oinako, the latter breaking at the finish. Irvar was fourth, Lindetta fifth and The Whip next. Time, 4min 37 3/5th sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness)of 350 sovs; second horse 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from the stake. 3.27 or better. One mile and a half.

W D Lemon's blk g Sherwood, by Kerrwood-Jessie B, 6yrs, 36yds (A Bright) 1
J Knight's b h Author Dillon, 4yrs, 30yds (B Jarden) 2
H Herrick's b g Persuader, aged, 48yds (J Bryce) 3

Sungod scr, Little Tib scr, Sir Fulham scr, Franzalena 12yds and Stanley's Child 36yds also started.

Sungod and Little Tib made the early running with Sir Fulham next, but the last-named, though showing a lot of pace, broke, and dropped right back. With half the distance covered, Sherwood had taken charge from Sungod, who was followed by Little Tib, Persuader and Author Dillon. Going along the back, Author Dillon put in a fast run, but though he cut down the others, he could not reach Sherwood, who won easily by six lengths. Persuader, who was eased up, was eight lengths back, just in front of Stanley's Child, with Sungod next. Time, 3min 26 1/5th sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from the stake. 2.20 or better. One mile.

Dalton & Forbes's b g Ariadne by Lord Althorpe-Sweedy, aged, scr (E Redman) 1
W D Lemon's b m Quincey Maid, 6yrs, scr (H Frost) 2
W E Simes's b m Law Chimes, aged, 24yds (F Holmes) 3

Quinaldine scr, Blackness scr, Rothanic scr, General Link scr, OIC 12yds, Dalwhinnie 48yds, Nance O'Neill scr, Bacchus 36yds, First Alarm scr, Seychelles 12yds, Promotion 12yds, Ottawa 12yds, Flora Tracey 12yds, Bellis 48yds also started.

Ariadne had a good lead before the field had gone a couple of furlongs, and he held his advantage throughout, winning by eight lengths from Quincey Maid, who was ten lengths in front of Law Chimes. Bellis was fourth and Ottawa fifth. Time 2min 14 3/5th sec

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second horse 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from the stake. 2.19 or better. One mile.

A Rice's ch m Rose Dillon by Harold Dillon, aged, scr (Owner) 1
F Johnston's ch g Colmena, aged, 12yds (R Dunn) 2
J Parkinson's b h Sungod, 5yrs, 12yds (E McCann) 3

Lady Theckla scr, The Whip scr, Seychelles scr, Louie Drift scr, Bright 12yds, Brown's Nugget 12yds, Mountain Rose 24yds, Ben Dillon 24yds and John Dillon 36yds also started.

Rose Dillon, beginning smartly, was four lengths clear of Seychelles as they passed the stand, Colmena being at the head of the others. Going along the back, Colmena moved up into second place, but Rose Dillon kept the lead, and won by a couple of lengths. Sungod was six lengths away third, just in front of Seychelles, with Mountain Rose next. Time, 2min 16 4/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 8 Nov 1916

1916 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting as continued at Addington yesterday in fine but windy weather. A strong nor'-west wind was blowing during the early part of the afternoon, raising an unpleasant amount of dust and though towards the close the breeze was veering towards the south-west and the atmosphere was somewhat cooler, the afternoon was not a particularly pleasant one.

Those who saw the wreckage of the steward's stand after Tuesday's fire were amazed to see what had been done in the brief interval to make the ground floor and balcony available for the officials and their guests, riders and drivers, and members of the Press. All the debris had been cleared away, temporary door and fittings erected, and screens of tarpaulin and canvas were used in place of walls and ceilings. The officers were enabled to proceed with their work with comparatively little inconvenience and as the balcony itself was prectically uninjured those entitled to use it had their customary good view of the racing. The transformation effected by the big gang of men who set to work on Wednesday at daylight, under the direction of Messrs Luttrell Bros, was little short of marvellous.

The attendance was very good, and the track was in capital order though naturally somewhat dusty. The totalisator investments were £36,109 10s. as compared with £36,813 on the second day last year. There was some very interesting racing, the Free For Allbeing an especially attractive feature of the programme.

The Whiteleigh Handicap which opened the proceedings, found backers somewhat at fault as the bracketed pair - Albertoria and Huia - who were made favourites, were never dangerous. Rummy was early in a good position and a lap from home had a useful lead, but he was tiring at the finish, and in the hands of a less capable horseman than A Pringle would probably have been beaten.

The November Handicap was responsible for a fine performance on the part of Capriccio, who had run into third place with a lap to go, and, finishing very well won nicely in the fast time of 4min 37 3/5sec. Irvingwood, whom as second, gave his best performance to date.

Oinako and Jewel Chimes were withdrawn from the Courtenay Handicap, for which the Australian-owned Black Eric was made favourite, with Hal Zolock and Moneymaker next in demand. Moneymaker led practically all the way, and won without any great difficulty from Hal Zolock and Frandocia. Black Eric was going exceedingly well when he broke down and had to be pulled up coming into the straight the second time. Emilius was showing a good turn of speed when he left his feet and dropped back into the ruck.

J Bryce's bracketed pair - Raeburn and Colmena - carried most money in the Metropolitan Handicap. Nordica was responsible for most of the pace but she was tiring at the finish, and Colmena, putting in a strong run over the last two furlongs caught her at the top of the straight and won rather comfortably, while in a punishing finish Sinoda beat Nordica for second place.

J Bryce supplied the favourites in the Free For All also, Admiral Wood and Cathedral Chimes being very solidly supported. Eccentric beginning very smartly, piloted the field in the early stages, but then dropped back and the finish was fought out between Admiral Wood and Cathedral Chimes, the former winning by three-parts of a length.

In a useful field of trotters that contested the Sockburn Handicap, Lord Roanchild was made favourite, but shaped disappointingly. Norval King settled to his work well and though he had had enough at the finish he beat El Carbine by a good three lengths. The latter showed a lot of pace, but a couple of breaks caused him to lose a good deal of ground, and probably cost him the race.

Law Chimes was one of the smartest to begin in the Railway Handicap, and she won comfortably from Quincey Maid, who was putting in good work at the finish. John Dillon owed his victory in the Royal Handicap to the fact that he began so well and had such a good lead in the early stages of the race, for he was stopping badly at the finish, while Mintson was running on well. The following are details of the racing:-

WHITELEIGH HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters. 5.58 or better. Two miles.

A Redcliff's b g Rummy by General Pet-Kentucky mare, aged, 70yds (A Pringle) 1
A Gallagher's b m Jessie's Dream, aged, scr (Owner) 2
W T Lowe's ch m Commander Bell, aged, 100yds, scr (T Annett) 3

Havana scr, Maungatui scr, Albertoria scr and Huia 70yds(coupled), Parkfield 20yds, Macwood 20yds, Bow Bell 20yds, Mokau 50yds, Miss Salisbury 60yds and Chub 60yds also started.

The front division were rather slow to begin and the back-markers soon closed on them. Passing the stand the first time, Jessie's Dream was leading from Macwood, Rummy, and Miss Salisbury, with Albertoria and Commander Bell at the head of the rest. Going along the back, Rummy and Jessie's Dream were together, with Commander Bell next. A lap from home Rummy had a good lead from Jessie's Dream and Commander Bell, the latter losing ground by breaking. These three had the race to themselves, and though Rummy was tiring at the finish, he lasted long enough to win by a length from Jessie's Dream, who beat Commander Bell by half a length. Macwood was some distance back fourth, with Bow Bell and Maungatui next. Time, 4min 45sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 4.48 or better. Two miles.

E McDermott's b m Capriccio by OYM-Cappadocia, 5yrs, 50yds (Owner) 1.
Black & Steele's blk g Irvingwood, aged, scr (A Butterfield) 2.
G Hunter's b g Moorland, 6yrs, 10yds (E Redmond) 3.

Galindo Lou scr and The Bronzewing 10yds(coupled), Waitchie 30yds(coupled with Moorland), Hannah M 10yds, Granger 20yds, Yarraville 30yds and Submarine 90yds also started.

Irvingwood, The Bronzewing and Moorland were the leaders passing the stand, with Galindo Lou next. There was not much change during the next circuit, and six furlongs from home, Moorland and Irvingwood were on terms, but Capricco had moved up into third place. The Bronzewing and Yarraville following. Along the back Moorland and Irvingwood were racing together about four lengths clear of Capriccio, but turning towards the straight, Capriccio closed on the leaders, and in a good race home drew away, and won by three lengths. Irvingwood was three-parts of a length in front of Moorland with The Bronzewing twelve lengths back fourth, and Yarraville and Granger next. Time, 4min 37 3/5th sec.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. 4.39 or better. Two miles.

J G S Holmes's b g Moneymaker by Rothschild-Cocoanut, 6yrs, 12yds (A Pringle) 1
B Shadbolt's br h Hal Zolock, aged, 36yds (A Hendricksen) 2
Hall & Black's b g Frandocia, aged, 36yds (N L Price) 3

R Tasker's ch g Gearge Hard, aged, scr (Owner)
R J Munro's ch g Huon Drift, aged, scr (Owner)
R Byer's b g Black Eric, aged, 36yds (Owner)
R G C Munro's b m Stanley's Child, aged, 36yds (Owner)
W H Young's b m St Ursula, 6yrs, 36yds (Owner)
W D Lemon's blk g Sherwood, 6yrs, 48yds (J Brankin)
J Lecky's blk h Manderene, aged, 48yds (Owner)
R McDonnell's b h Emilius, 5yrs, 48yds (Owner)
T Roe's gr m Steel Bell, aged, 60yds (H Kinnimont)

Huon Drift stood on the mark till his chance was hopeless, while Moneymaker, Black Eric, Hal Zolock and Emilius went away smartly. Passing the stand the first time Moneymaker was followed by Black Eric, Emilius and Manderene, with Frandocia and Sherwood next. In the back stretch Emilius headed Black Eric, who broke down, and had to be pulled up in the straight, where Stanley's Child fell. With a lap to go Moneymaker, Hal Zolock, Frandocia, Manderene and Sherwood was the order, Emilius having broken and lost his place. Over the final circuit Moneymaker held his advantage and won comfortably by six lengths from Hal Zolock, Frandocia was four lengths away, followed by St Ursula, Sherwood ans Emilius. Time, 4min 37sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP of 250 sovs; second horse 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from the stake. 3.33 or better. One mile and a half.

F Johnston's ch g Colmena by Dictator, aged, 50yds (R Dunn) 1
J C Whiteman's b m Sinoda, 5yrs, scr (F Holmes) 2
W B Masham's br m Nordica, 6yrs, scr (N L Price) 3

Nance O'Neil scr, Lucille scr, The Whip scr, Raeburn 10yds(coupled with Colmena), Irvar 10yds, General Link 10yds, Lindetta 20yds, Seychelles 20yds, Agathos 30yds and Ariadne 60yds also started.

Nordica and Irvar cut out the running for six furlongs, and entering the last lap Nordica was followed by Nance O'Neil, Irvar and Sinoda, with Raeburn moving up on the outside. Nordica led along the back and rounding the turn to the straight, but there the field closed up. Colmena, who put in a fast run from the tanks, drew out in the straight and won by four lengths, Sinoda beating Nordica by half a length for second place. Ariadne was fourth and Raeburn fifth. Time, 3min 28 2/5th sec.

FREE-FOR-ALL of 500 sovs; second horse 100 sovs and third 50 sovs from the stake. One mile and a quarter.

Mrs A Seymour's b h Admiral Wood by Wildwood Jnr-DIC, 6yrs (J Bryce) 1
J B Thomson's b h Cathedral Chimes, 5yrs (P Dunn) 2
J Henderson's b g Tommy C, aged (R Reay) 3

Eccentric, Don Caesar and Adelaide Direct also started.
(Admiral Wood and Cathedral Chimes were bracketed).

At the third attempt, the six starters were got away in a very fair line, but Adelaide Direct skipped almost at once and dropped back. Eccentric, as usual, began smartly, and over the first two furlongs was closely followed by Don Caesar and Cathedral Chimes. Eccentric still lead six furlongs from home, but Cathedral Chimes had run into second place, while Admiral Wood was moving up on the outside, and Don Caesar was in a rather awkward postion next to the rails. Eccentric showed the way round the turn to the back stretch, but there Cathedral Chimes ran to the front, and Admiral Wood took second place. This pair had the race to themselves. Admiral Wood outpacing Cathedral Chimes in the run home, and winning by three-parts of a length. Tommy C was three lengths away third, with Don Caesar fourth, Adelaide Direct next and Eccentric last. Time, 2min 45sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second horse 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. 4.48 of better. Two miles.

A Quigley's b h Norval King by Norval-Golden Mary, 6yrs, 10yds (E McDermott) 1
J Porter's br h El Carbine, aged, 30yds (A Pringle) 2
N L Price's b h Imperial Crown, aged, scr (Owner) 3

Paul Huon scr, Lord Roanchild scr, Flamingo scr Blackthorn 20yds, Truganini 20yds, Quincey 60yds, and Electrocute 80yds also started.

Flamingo, Norval King and Imperial Crown made the early running with Lord Roanchild and El Carbine next. At the end of a mile El Carbine had run into third place, and six furlongs from home he was in second place behind Norval King, but broke and lost ground. Norval King and El Carbine drew clear of the rest of the field over the last half-mile, and they were on terms turning for home, but El Carbine broke again, and Norval King beat him home by three lengths. Imperial Crown was six lengths away, followed by Flamingo, Quincey and Truganini. Time, 4min 49sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second horse 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. One mile

W E Simes's b m Law Chimes by Abbey Bells-Jewel's Heiress, aged, scr (F Holmes jun) 1
W D Lemon's b m Quincey Maid, 6yrs, 24yds (H Frost) 2
J Parkinson's b h Sungod, 5yrs, scr (E McCann) 3

Lady Theckla scr, Ben Dillon 12yds, Bellis 24yds, Soda 48yds, Red Mac 24yds, Yarraville 24yds, Glendalough 24yds, Stanley's Child 24yds, Cromstall 36yds and Frandocia 48yds also started. (Quincey Maid and Soda were bracketed)

Lady Theckla stood on the mark, and Law Chimes and Sungod went away very smartly, this pair, with Quincey Maid next, being well clear of the others. Going along the back Quincey Maid ran into second place, but she could not reach Law Chimes, who won by three lengths. Sungod was a similar distance away third, with Soda fourth and Red Mac fifth. Time, 2min 17 4/5th sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second horse 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from the stake. 2.17 or better. One mile.

A W Gordon's b h John Dillon by Harold Dillon-Lincoln Yet mare, 6yrs 12 yds (M Edwards) 1
Mrs A Seymour's b h Mintson, 5yrs, 36yds (J Bryce) 2
R Allan's br g Don Caesar, aged, 48yds (Owner) 3

Mountain Rose scr, Gold Bell scr, Havoc scr, Desdemona 12yds, Franzalena 12yds and Rena Pointer 36yds also started.(Mintson and Rena Pointer were bracketed)

John Dillon was quickly into his stride, and at the end of two furlongs was well clear of Havoc, Mintson, Rena Pointer and Don Caesar, who were racing in that order. Havoc dropped out before turning into the back stretch, and John Dillon went on with a commanding lead. He was tiring in the straight, but stayed on to win by three lengths from Mintson, who was a length in front of Don Caesar; Rena pointer ourth and Havoc fifth. Time, 2min 17 2/5th sec.




Credit: The Press 10 Nov 1916

1916 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting was concluded yesterday in fine weather, for after a dull morning the sun shone out before mid-day, and with a cool breeze blowing the conditions were much more pleasant than those experienced on Thursday.

The attendance was very good, though the totalisator investments showed a slight decrease, the figures for the day being £45,247, as compared with £48,278 10s, making the total for the three days £118,790, as against £125,342.

The racing yesterday was exceptionally interesting, and the management was in all respects in keeping with the high standard that has been so long associated with the Metropolitan Club's fixtures.

The most important race on the card yesterday was the Christchurch Handicap, which brought out a field of thirteen starters, Steel Bell being the only scratching. The bracketed pair, Prince Berlin and Admiral Wood, were very solidly backed, but the actual favourite was Erin's King. The race was an interesting one. Capriccio was responsible for the pace in the early stages, but found herself outpaced at the finish. She was passed by Emilius at the turn near the tanks, and after an investigation the stewards, acting on the report of the chief stipendiary steward, Mr T H Davey, came to the conclusion that R McDonnell, the driver of Emilius, had been at fault in crossing Capriccio before having the necessary lead. Emilius was therefore disqualified, and Erin's King was awarded first place with Capriccio second, and Admiral Wood third.

A feature of the day's racing was the form shown in the two-mile saddle races by A Pringle, who won the Governor's Handicap on Treasure Seeker, and the Australasian Handicap on Bellflower. The former event was confined to trotters, and Pringle rode a very well-judged race. In the Australasian Handicap he had to meet a field of very smart pacers, but had the result in safe keeping a good way from home.

Hardy Wilkes, the only trotter engaged in the Victoria Handicap, of two miles and a quarter, put up a very good performance in that event, as he took the lead early and won comfortably from Huon Drift. The form shown by Hardy Wilkes in this event gained him a lot of support for the Dominion Trotting Handicap, but in the latter race he refused to settle to his work properly. Lady Wilminton began well and trotted without a mistake, but Whispering Willie, who was well driven by J Bryce, had too much pace for her at the finish, and won in good style.

The Enfield Handicap, the mile saddle race, produced a very good finish between Mintson, St Ursula and Author Dillon, but in the Recovery Handicap, in harness, Dillon Bell was in front all the way, and stayed long enough to win by two lengths from Eccentric. The following are details of the racing:-

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second horse 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 4.55 or better. Two miles.

F Holmes's b g Treasure Seeker by Rothschild, aged, 30yds (A Pringle) 1
J H Power's blk g Wild Tree, aged, 30yds (E McDermott) 2
H A Lloyd's b g King Capitalist, aged, 60yds (M Edwards) 3

Macwood scr, Jessie's Dream 20yds, Mokau 20yds, Imperial Crown 40yds, Eruption 50yds, Commander Bell 110yds also started.

Treasure Seeker was quickly out in front, and at the end of half a mile was followed by Wild Tree, Jessie's Dream and King Capitalist, who were racing in close order. Going out of the straight Jessie's Dream dropped back and King Capitalist went on in third place. Treasure Seeker, Wild Tree and King Capitalist drew away from the rest of the field, and the first-named going without a mistake, while the other two broke, won by a couple of lengths. King Capitalist was a length away third, followed some lengths back by Commander Bell and Jessie's Dream. Time, 4min 47sec.

VICTORIA HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second horse 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. 5.24 or better. Two miles and a quarter.

J Fleming's b h Hardy Wilkes by Marvin Wilkes-Doris M, 6yrs 30yds (A Fleming) 1
R J Munro's ch g Huon Drift, aged 80yds (Owner) 2
N Edwards's b h Wallace Wood, aged, 120yds (Owner) 3

Paul Huon scr, Proud Girl 10yds, Galindo Lou 20yds, and The Bronzewing 20yds also started. (Galindo Lou and The Bronzewing were bracketed).

The front division were slow to begin, while Huon Drift got away well. Hardy Wilkes settled down quickly, and before a lap had been covered was in the lead, followed by The Bronzewing. Huon Drift was running third at the end of six fulongs, Hardy Wilkes then being well clear of The Bronzewing. There was no change in the order of this trio over the next lap, but six furlongs from home The Bronzewing was tiring, and a little further on Huon Drift ran into second place. Hardy Wilkes, however, was still going along comfortably in the lead, and Huon Drift could make no impression on him over the final stages, the favourite winning by eight lengths. Wallace Wood was about twenty yards away third, with Paul Huon fourth and The Bronzewing next. Time, 5min 19sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 750 sovs; second horse 150 sovs and third 75 sovs from the stake. 4.38 or better. Two miles.

J D Parker's b h Erin's King by Hal Zolock-BJN, 5yrs, 48yds (A Hendricksen) 1
E McDermott's b m Capriccio, 5yrs, 12yds (Owner) 2
Mrs A Seymour's b h Admiral Wood, 5yrs, 109yds (F Holmes) 3
R McDonnell's b h Emilius, 5yrs, 36yds (Owner) disq

G Booker's ch h Oinako, 5yrs, scr (R W Franks)
I M Thompson's br m Brown Bell, aged, 24yds (L O Thomas)
W H Young's b m St Ursula, 6yrs, 24yds (A Fleming)
J G S Holmes's b g Moneymaker, 6yrs, 36yds (A Pringle)
B Shadbolt's br h Hal Zolock, aged, 36yds (D Nyhan)
J Farrell's b h St Kevin, aged, 36yds (J Brankin)
H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, aged, (H Gaskell)
Holland Bros' br g Prince Berlin, aged, 48yds (J Bryce)
J Henderson's b g Tommy C, aged, 72yds (R Reay)
(Prince Berlin and Admiral Wood were bracketed)

Oinako refused to leave the mark, and St Kevin and Tommy C also lost their chances at the start. Capriccio went away well and at the end of half a mile she was showing the way to Emilius, Brown Bell, Erin's King, St Ursula and Moneymaker. They raced practically in that order over the next circuit, and with a lap to go Capriccio still held command from Emilius, after whom came Moneymaker, St Ursula, Brown Bell and Erin's King, with Admiral Wood moving up fast on the outside. Going along the back Emilius was closing on Capriccio and at the tanks he headed her and quickly took the inside running. Racing for the straight Erin's King passed Cappriccio, but could not reach Emilius, who beat him home by three lengths. Capriccio was a similiar distance back in third place, followed by Admiral Wood, Moneymaker, and Prince Berlin. Time, 4min 33 2/5th sec.
Subsequently Emilius was disqualified for crossing Capriccio at the turn near the tanks, and first place was awardsed to Erin's King, with Capriccio second and Admiral Wood third.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.45 or better. Two miles.

J Hamilton's br m Bellflower by Bellman, aged, 70yds (A Pringle) 1
J B Thomson's b m Soda, 6yrs, 90yds (F E Jones) 2
Black & Steele's blk g Irvingwood, 10yds (A Butterfield) 3

OIC 20yds, Lindetta 20yds, Young Tohu 30yds, Agathos 30yds, Disappear 30yds, Submarine 70yds, Ariadne 70yds and Stanley's Child 90yds also started.

Irvingwood, Lindetta and Agathos made the early running, but at the end of half a mile Bellflower was in front, with Agathos, Irvingwood, Lindetta and Ariadne next. In the second mile Ariadne made up his ground fast, and at the tanks had taken second place behind Bellflower. With a lap to go Bellflower was leading from Ariadne, Irvingwood and Soda. Ariadne dropped out over the last half mile, and Soda and Irvingwood raced on terms half a dozen lengths behind Bellflower. The favourite was not seriously troubled in the run home, and won by four lengths from Soda, who was a neck in front of Irvingwood. Stanley's Child was a poor fourth, and then came Submarine and Ariadne. Time 4min 38 2/5th sec.

DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second horse 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from the stake. For unhoppled trotters. 4.46 or better. Two miles.

C Allington's b g Whispering Willie by Woodland Whistere-Gossip, 6yrs, scr (J Bryce) 1
F J McCammon's b m Lady Wilmington, aged, scr (M Edwards) 2
E E Cuneen's br g Galician, aged, 10yds (A Hendricksen) 3

Truganini scr, Blackthorn scr, Red Heather 10yds, Hardy Wilkes 10yds & 40yds penalty, Rummy 10yds, Olive L 20yds, Commander Bell 30yds, Quincey 40yds, Master Raymond 50yds and Electrocute 60yds also started.
(Blackthorn and Lady Wilmington were bracketed)

Galician, Lady Wilmington, Whispering Willie, Truganini and Red Heather was the order passing the stand the first time, and there was little change on the next lap. Lady Wilmington was well clear of the others six furlongs from home, and in the back stretch she had a good lead from Galician and Whispering Willie. The last-named broke and lost a good deal of ground, Lady Wilmington apparently having the race in her keeping. Whispering Willie, however, was soon into his stride again, and finishing with a great burst of speed, beat Lady Wilmington by a couple of lengths. Galician was ten lengths away, followed by Red Heather, Truganini an Quincey. Time, 4min 45 2/5th sec.

HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second horse 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from the stake. 2.55 or better. One mile and a quarter.

J Brankin's b g General Link by General Mac-Imperialwood, 6yrs, scr (Owner) 1
M Edward's b m Adelaide Direct, aged, 84yds (Owner) 2
J Parkinson's b h Sungod, 5yrs, 24yds (E McCann) 3

Sinoda scr, Louie Drift scr, Nance O'Neill scr, Brown's Nuggett 24yds, Sir Fulham 24yds, Bright 24yds, Mountain Rose 36yds, Havoc 36yds, Ben Dillon 36yds, Childsdale 48yds and Succeed 48yds also started. (Brown's Nugget and Sir Fulham were bracketed)

Of the limit division General Link was quickest to begin, and at the end of half a mile he had Sinoda and Sir Fulham as his nearest attendants. General Link was out with a big lead in the back stretch, where Adelaide Direct was improving her position fast. Turning for home Adelaide Direct had run into second place, but could not reach General Link, who won by three lengths. Sungod was six lengths away third followed by Sir Fulham, Nance O'Neill and Succeed. Time, 2min 54 4/5th sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 300 sovs; second horse 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from the stake. 2.16 or better. One mile.

Mrs A Seymour's b h Mintson by Papanui-Mint, 5yrs, 36yds (H Frost) 1
W H Young's br m St Ursula, 6yrs, 12yds (R W Franks) 2
J Knight's b h Author Dillon, 4yrs, 12yds (B Jarden) 3

Franzalena scr, Little Tib scr, Cromstall 12yds, Dalwhinnie scr, Desdemona scr, Red Mac scr, Frandocia 24yds, St Kevin 48yds, Solo 48yds also started. (Little Tib and Cromstall were bracketed)

Desdemona began smartly, and passing the stand had Author Dillon and Red Mac in close attendance. Going out of the straight St Kevin was closing on the leaders, and in the back stretch had taken fourth place, but soon dropped back beaten. Author Dillon, St Ursula and Desdemona were racing in close order when the straight was reached, but over the last hundred yards Mintson came with a strong run, and won by a bare length from St Ursula, who was three-parts of a length in front of Author Dillon. Desdemona was fourth, Little Tib fifth, Solo sixth and Cronstall next. Time, 2min 15 1/5th sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from the stake. 2.15 or better. One mile.

M Edwards's b h Dillon Bell by Harold Dillon-Wild Belle, aged, scr (Owner) 1
R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged, 24yds (J Brankin) 2
J D Piper's b h Jewel Chimes, aged, scr (D Nyhan) 3

Steel Bell scr, Author Dillon scr, Frank Tracey 12yds, Rena Pointer 12yds, Sherwood 12yds and Don Caesar 24yds also started.

Dillon Bell jumped away smartly, being followed past the stand by Frank Tracey, Eccentric and Jewel Chimes. Dillon Bell kept the lead, and though he was tiring at the finish, won by two lengths from Eccentric, who was the same distance in front of Jewel Chimes. Sherwood was fourth, and Frank Tracey fifth. Time, 2min 17sec.

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1916

JAMES BRYCE - CATHEDRAL CHIMES 1916

The new public stand caught fire, the Fire Brigade initially refused to come. Then there was the track drama.

In front of the burnt out stand on the last round Eccentric shied and Succeed put a foot through his wheel. Both fell. Five others lost all chance.

James Bryce and Cathedral Chimes were out in the middle of the track at the time and missed the crash. From there it was easy. Maybe they were there by accident or just avoiding the dust. But Jimmy might also have seen a very tight bunch, some of them with "history" and decided to take no risks.

That's our theory anyway.

TRIVIA FACT:
J Bruce Thompson, the Invercargill based merchant who owned the Gore-bred Cathedral Chimes, left Addington with a stand burned to the ground and arrived home to find his large warehouse in Invercargill had suffered the same fate. Not a nice home-coming even with a NZ Cup in hand.



Credit: David McCarthy writing in Harnessed Oct 2016

Cathedral Chimes & Scotty Bryce

1916 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Since 14-year-old trotter Monte Carlo won the first running of the NZ Trotting Cup at Addington in 1904, this time-honoured and prestigious event has invariably provided devotees of the sport with great excitement.

Seldom more so than in 1916, when fire completely destroyed the 18-month-old steward's and member's stand overlooking the birdcage, where today stands the course's plush new edifice, completed last year to replace the one built when the first structure was razed. So vital was the Cup to the 20,000 fans on course that day 74 years ago that there was no thought of abandonment of the race.

Its start was delayed for an hour and a half, and with the crowd evacuated from the stand to watch from ground level or alternative vantage points, the Cup was run through a thick pall of smoke which swarthed part of the track and led to a three-horse spill with a lap to travel

Said "The Press" on the morning after:
"About 1:15 pm, a gentleman upstairs in the stand remarked to a friend that it seemed to be getting warm, and, being of an enquiring nature, he prodded the floor with his walking stick in several places, ceasing his inquisitiveness when his stick went through the floor and smoke and flames were seen through the hole made. Officials were notified, and several got to work with a small hose and buckets. Those persons still in the stand were quietly told to leave.

More drastic action followed. The floor-boards were torn up, and a call went to the Christchurch Fire Brigade, who did not turn up at once, owing to the racecourse being outside the fire district. Superintendent Warner, the Fire Chief, was on the course, and, when made aware of the situation, called the brigade on his own authority. The well-intentioned efforts of those who tore up the floor-boards to get at the seat of the fire misfired, as the strong draught spread the flames.

The fire took a strong hold, and soon the large glass panels at the ends of the stand cracked and fell out. Saving the building became hopeless. Shortly before 3pm, the fire had practically burnt itself out. The roof and all the big iron girders had fallen in, and only the shell of the lower story remained."

The fire had first been noticed after the second race. As the field for the Cup paraded in the bircage for the Cup (the third race on the programme), it became obvious that the fire was serious, and the horses were sent straight out on to the track. On Fire Chief Warner's observation, "the stand is doomed," the word to evacuate was given. For a time it appeared the fire might also spread to the nearby public stand, which was already blackening with the heat. At 1:45pm, not long after the last members left their stand, the roof collapsed.

While the public had an extra hour in which to place bets on the Cup race, this, according to one report was not much use, as there was so much smoke around that no one could see the tote indicators.

A capacity field of 17 contested this Cup. Eccentric (Jack Brankin) made the pace. When still in front in thick smoke with a lap to run, he skipped and brought down Succeed (Lou Thomas), Brown Bell (W R Thomas) and Erin's King (Albert Hendricksen). Cathedral Chimes, who won the race, was a top pacer of his day and later a successful sire. He gave outstanding horseman James Bryce his first win in the Cup, and was a bargain buy, having been secured by his Southland owner, J B Thomson, for a few pounds. The previous season he had won the Auckland Cup. Evelyn, driven by Andy Pringle, was second, and Admiral Wood (Free Holmes) was third. Off 36 yards, Cathedral Chimes scored by six lengths and clocked 4:31 1/5 for the two miles.

Arguments about the stand continued for days. The fact that the band employed by the club had played throughout the day, uninterrupted by the fire, was a amusing sideline. Fusing of an electric cable in the building was said to be the source of the fire. The stand had been completed at Easter, 1915. It was generally considered it could have been saved had the fire regulations permitted the brigade to be sent to Addington when the first call went out. Built at a cost of £8000, the structure was insured for £8500 to cover improvements.

Apart from all that, the event was notable for the record number of 17 starters and Cathedral Chimes providing Scotty Bryce with the first of six training wins in the race. Bryce was the leading trainer in New Zealand that season after arriving only a few years earlier. His horses on an accompanying boat had been shipwrecked, but arrived later and set him on the way to a career a one of our greatest horsemen.

Credit: Ron Bisman writing in HRWeekly 31Oct90

1915 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Despite a fine second the previous year and a win in the New Brighton Cup in 4:32 2/5, which made her a backmarker and gave her a reputation as the best stayer in the land, Country Belle was one of the outsiders when she wore down fancied leader Don Caesar and fought off Our Thorpe.

She became the fourth mare in eight years to prevail and through her daughter Rustic Maid established a quite outstanding family.

**Credit: NZ HRWeekly 1Oct2003**

-o0o-

In the 1915 Cup Country Belle, urged on by Albert Hendricksen, went in pursuit of the leader Don Caesar and, after taking control two furlongs from the finish, fought off the challenges of newcomers Our Thorpe and Jingle. Don Caesar was fourth, and then followed Admiral Wood, Tommy C, Win Soon, Frandocia and Manderene. Country Belle's winning time was 4:35.6.

It was Hendricksen's second success, having won with Albert H in 1912. A seven-year-old mare by Wild Moor from Bonnie Bell, by Lincoln Yet, Country Belle was bred by Rakaia owner Bill Morland. After her fine second in the New Zealand Cup the previous year, she won the New Brighton Cup a month later in 4:32.4, which stamped her as one of the best stayers in the country.

The stake for the Cup remained at 2500 sovereigns, but the overall stakes at the meeting reached 10,000 sovereigns for the first time.

Country Belle and Emmeline trialled well on the Sunday morning before the Cup, yet the Morland mare went out 10th favourite, with only three others less supported in the 15-strong field. There were two bracketed pairs - Wallace Wood and Adelaide Direct, and Admiral Wood and Manderene. Country Belle had been a consistent performer early on. She started racing as a three-year-old and won twice from five starts. At four years she won at each of her three starts. The current season, however, was her best, and her Cup victory enabled her to end the season the leading earner, with £1930, followed by Our Thorpe. Morland, with £2635, was the season's top owner.

Country Belle and the previous year's winner, Win Soon, were the scratch markers in the Cup, giving a start of six seconds to Manderene. Win Soon, who had not raced since August, did not go well and finished a long way behind the placed horses.

The rising star from the previous season, Admiral Wood (then in the James Bryce stable, having changed hands for a record sum), was race favourite and shared the one-second mark with Emmeline. But he too raced below his best. Because of his outstanding achievements, Admiral Wood was asked even then to race from long marks, and was another victim of a less-than-satisfactory handicap system. He did win more good races, including the 1916 New Zealand Free-For-All and the Auckland Cup the same year, and when retired at the end of the 1919-20 season had a two-mile record of 4:26.6.

Our Thorpe, a five-year-old by O.Y.M. from Lady Thorpe, whose dam was a Young Irvington mare, received solid support, as did Adonis(Free Holmes) and Frandocia(Artie Butterfield), the latter another son of Franz. Our Thorpe was slow away and was left behind by the scratch pair. He made a forward move, with Jingle, in the back straight on the last lap to follow Don Caesar and Country Belle. Our Thorpe ran past Don Caesar in the straight but could not match Country Belle. Adonis collided with Manderene at the start and lost his chance, while Frandonia, slow away, plugged on without ever looking likely to fill a place.

Third placed Jingle - owned by Greymouth solicitor Harry Kitchingham, for many years a great patron of trotting - was by Capitalist from Merry Bell, from Silver Bell, a Blackwood Abdallah mare. Robert Wilkin imported Blackwood Abdallah, foaled in 1878 at Lexington, Kentucky, to New Zealand. He stood at the Fendalton Stud and later at Ashburton, and in all sired 57 winners. Among his descendants were the racing idol of the 1930's, Harold Logan, outstanding trotter Ripcord, and Gold Chief, the sire of Rupee. Kitchingham set up a stud in Russley Road, Upper Riccarton. Jingle was the best horse he raced.

Country Belle, after her impressive Cup victory, earned favouritism for the Free-For-All, along with Our Thorpe and Emmeline. After one false start, the seven-horse field was sent away, with Our Thorpe last to settle, while Adelaide Direct broke stride at the starting post. Our Thorpe made up his lost ground and finished brilliantly to beat Country Belle, with Emmeline third, 40 yards away. Our Thorpe recorded 2:41.4, a mile rate of 2:09, the fastest winning rate paced in New Zealand to that stage.

On the third day of the meeting the outstanding performance came from Solo, in the Enfield Handicap. Driven by Eugene McDermott, he registered 2:10.8, a mile winning record. Michael Galindo (Cliff Tasker) won the Dominion Handicap from Galacian and Master Raymond, and in so doing became the first double winner of the country's prestigious trotting event, having recorded his initial success in 1913.

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

1915 AUGUST MEETING: FIRST DAY

The opening of the New Zealand Trotting Club's August Meeting at Addington yesterday, gave Grand National Week a highly successful inauguration. In spite of dull and cold weather, with a light shower or two during the afternoon, there was a capital attendance representative of all parts of the Dominion. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Liverpool were present and evidently took a keen interest in the racing.

Since the Easter Meeting, the Club has carried out a most extensive scheme of alterations and improvements, which have made the grounds thoroughly equipped in every way to meet the requirements of the public, and also of the owners and trainers whose horses are competing at the Club's fixtures. The completion of the new stand for stewards and officials makes that building the best of its kind in the Dominion, and the accommodation provided on the top storey for the members of the Club affords more room in the grandstand for the general public. The enlargement of the space available for the public in the outside enclosure was much appreciated by the people there.

The track was in really good order, and although the rain had taken away its keenness, no fault could be found with the going. There was some really interesting racing during the day and the public evidently found it sufficiently exciting to promote speculation, for the investments for the day amounted to £26,126 as compared with £19,045 10s on the corresponding day last year.

The management of the Meeting was of the high standard that has always characterised gatherings at Addington.

The Introductory Handicap opened the programme, and for this the public made the Southland-owned mare Queen's Drive, a pronounced favourite with Cromstall, another Southlander, next in demand. The result showed that the public were right, for Queen's Drive led all the way, and won with something to spare from Cromstall.

The Belgium Handicap, a mile and a half race, in saddle, for unhoppled trotters, brought out a field of twenty-three, and Whisht, ridden by A Pringle, who had driven Queen's Drive in the previous event, was very strongly supported. At the finish he won without any trouble, but his task would have been made more difficult had Parkfield and Chub trotted without any breaks.

The August Handicap, the principal event of the day, was spoilt to some extent by the fact that Lord Heathcote, Stanley's Child, and Win Soon began badly. The race was really confined to Calm, Tommy C and Jewel Chimes, and after Tommy C had been responsible for a good deal of the running, he was beaten in the race up the straight by Calm, who scored his first win since he was successful at Addington two years ago. Calm registered 4min 36sec for the two miles, and Tommy C 4min 35 2/5sec, both horses thus qualifying for nomination for this year's New Zealand Cup.

The Queen Mary Handicap, a two-mile saddle event, was not a very exciting race, for Hesitation was in front all the way, and although at one or two stages, his position seemed to be threatened, he drew away at the finish and won comfortably. Specification Junr, who was going strongly, at the end of a mile and a half, tired badly over the final stages, and The Bronzewing beat him for second place.

Theseus was made favourite for the Stewards' Handicap, a two-mile harness race for trotters. He showed a lot of speed, but went very unsteadily, and Auckland Girl taking the lead six furlongs from home, won comfortably from Truganini, who beat Theseus for second place.

The Selwyn Handicap provided one of the most interesting races of the day. Sungod was with the leading division practically all the way, but three furlongs from home Waitchie threw out a very strong challenge, and in the straight he wore down Sungod and won a good race by half a length. Harold Direct was solidly backed for this event, but he was in a bad position early in the race, and this settled his chance.

The Speedway Handicap, a mile race in harness, had only seven acceptors as seven of those nominated were ineligible to compete. Waterlog was in front all the way, and won by two lengths from Bacchus, who was followed by Desdemona.

The Electric Handicap, which brought the day's racing to a close, had a field of twenty-three, and May Dillon, the first favourite, won nicely from Soda, who was two lengths in front of the trotter Treasure Seeker.

The following are detail of the racing:-

Credit: The Press 10Aug1915

1915 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER

The rain that set in on Monday caused many misgivings in regard to the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting which opened yesterday at Addington. The weather had cleared up beautifully yesterday morning and the track at the opening of the day's programme was in much better order than might have been expected after the soaking it had received, and it was improving with each race, though it was still heavy when the most important event of the year, the New Zealand Cup, was decided.

The weather then had become very threatening but fortunately the rain held off until after the big race had been contested. Then there was a very heavy downpour, and the track was soon at its worst, the muddy going being altogether against good racing. The rain did not last long, but though the track was drying a little before the end of the day, it was still very heavy, and the times registered will give some idea of the state of the track.

The Metropolitan Club's Spring Meeting is recognised as quite the most important fixture of its kind in Australasia, and the large attendance at Addington yesterday included representatives from all parts of the Dominion. The fields engaged were of a very good class, and although the state of the going did not tend to improve the racing, the sport was generally of an interesting character.

The management of the Meeting was quite in keeping with the high standard that has been set at Addington. Considering the unsettled weather speculation on the totalisator was brisk, the total for the day being £40,254 10s as compared with £42,869 10s last year. The sum invested on the New Zealand Cup was £9319 which was only £2 less than the total on that race last year. The war tax on dividends gave a return of £905 15s 6d.

The Spring Handicap, the opening event, drew a field of eighteen unhoppled trotters. Tika and Huia, who were almost evenly backed, carrying much more money than any of the others engaged. Tika did not give his backers any encouragement, but Huia was always in a handy position, and was never further back than third. Albertoria began very smartly, and in the early part of the race looked to have a good chance but a break put her out of court, and six furlongs from home Huia had taken charge. Rummy challenged Huia rounding the turn into the straight, but the latter drew away, and won comfortably, while Rummy, who was all out at the finish, had to do his best to beat Mushroom for second place. The latter broke in the straight, otherwise he might have been closer up. The winner was trained in Auckland, and was ridden by his trainer, so that the first score of the Meeting went to the North Island.

The Empire Handicap was anything but an exciting event. Gold Crest, whose previous form had not been at all impressive left the mark in good style, and leading all the way won very easily from Vermont, with Carretta in third place. Carretta was prominent for most of the journey, but Vermont did not appear on the scene until the last half-mile was begun. She then showed a lot of pace, but was stopping badly at the finish. George Hard, who was the first favourite, was never prominent and The Bronzewing, who was second favourite, lost her chance by breaking early in the race.

The New Zealand Cup next claimed the attention of the public, and the fifteen horses for whom the final payment had been made all went to the post. Admiral Wood, who was coupled on the totalisator with his stable companion, Manderene, was made favourite, but Our Thorpe received almost as much support, while Adonis and Frandocia were also very solidly backed. Frandocia's track work had been done in most convincing style, while both he and Adonis have shown themselves useful performers in heavy going. There was no actual mishap at the start, but several of the competitors were quickly out of court. Manderene collided with Adonis before they had gone a chain: St Ursula, Frandocia and Wallace Wood would not settle down to their work properly, and Our Thorpe lost a lot of ground by beginning slowly, leaving the mark after the scratch horses. Eccentric, always a good beginner, at once set out to make the pace with Don Caesar next. Eccentric led for a little over a mile and a quarter but then retired beaten, and Don Caesar was left in charge. Country Belle, who had begun in brilliant style, went in pursuit of the leader, and quickly had his measure. She was in front two furlongs from home, and though Our Thorpe and Jingle finished well, they had no chance with the scratch mare, who won very decisively. Our Thorpe stayed on very well, but he was beaten by a pacer of exceptionally good class and Jingle, although finishing well, had no chance with either of those in front of him. Don Caesar ran a very good race for a mile and three quarters, but evidently found the distance just a little beyond him. Admiral Wood, who finished fifth, showed a lot of pace in patches, but she did not settle kindly to his work, and a race such as the New Zealand Cup, is not one in which a horse can afford to make mistakes. Country Belle, who was bred by her owner, finished second in last year's New Zealand Cup, and her performance a month later in the New Brighton Cup, a free-for-all race, which she won in 4min 32 2/5th sec stamped her as one of the best mares the Dominion has produced. She was driven a capital race by A Hendricksen, who was behind Albert H the winner of the race in 1912.

The Middleton Handicap, a two mile race in harness for unhoppled trotters brought about the defeat of a solid favourite in Galician, who was going well in the first mile, but spoilt his chance by breaking. Chub made the early running, but Olive L had taken charge at the end of a mile, and she stayed on well and beat Wild Tree by a length and a half. Michael Galindo was going well six furlongs from home, but his condition failed him over the final stages. Olive L, scored her first victory in the Dominion in this race. Last season she raced very consistently, but very unluckily, as in twelve starts she was second six times and third twice.

There was not a large field for the Lyttelton Handicap for which Bright Alice, Emilius and Waitchie were backed in that order. Emilius was in front at the end of half a mile, and won easily by six lengths from Succeed, with Bright Alice a dozen lengths away third. The winner, who is a four-year-old full-brother to Emmeline, gave a much better showing than he has done in his recent races, in several of which he has refused to leave the mark. Waitchie, who was fourth, was never dangerous.

The St Albans Handicap, a mile race in saddle, gave Rawene a very easy victory, for she led from start to finish, and won easing up from Dot Robbins, with Mountain Rose and Ludski next.

Childsdale was made a very strong favourite for the Riccarton Handicap, but The King's General, who has previously shown himself partial to soft going made the most of his handicap and led all the way. He seemed to be in trouble when he skipped just before reaching the straight, but soon got into his stride again, and won comfortably.

The Hagley Handicap, the last race of the day, brought out a field of eleven, and OIC who has proved herself a particularly good "mud-lark" was a little better backed than John Dillon. The latter began very smartly and appeared to have the race safe when he broke going along the back. OIC finished well, and won by two lengths from Disappear, who was a similar distance in front of John Dillon. The latter was running on again at the finish, but his effort came too late. The following are details of the racing:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

A W Gordon's ch h Huia, by King George, aged, 15sec (W Orange) 1
A Redcliffe's b g Rummy, aged, 16sec (A Smith) 2
R J Munro's b g Mushroom, aged, 17sec (Owner) 3

Gladsome scr, Parkfield 11sec, Whisht 12sec, Tika 13sec, Havana 14sec, Parole Bells 15sec, Verawood 16sec, Bellwind 16sec and Te Kuiti 17sec(coupled), Imperial Victor 17sec, Matilda 17sec, Albertoria 17sec, Able Boy 17sec, Arcadian 17sec and General Grant 17sec also started.

Albertoria began better than any of the other limit horses, and passing the stand was showing the way to Able Boy, Huia and Mushroom. In the back stretch Albertoria broke, and Huia took charge. Albertoria was got going again, but broke once more in the straight, and six furlongs from home the order of the leaders was - Huia, Mushroom, and Rummy. Going along the back stretch Rummy displaced Mushroom, and turning into the straight closed on Huia, but the latter drew away again and won comfortably by six lengths. Rummy, Mushroom and Albertoria were stopping in the final stages, and they were separated by about a length in each case. Whisht was fifth and Gladsome sixth. Time, 5min 4 2/5th sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 4.52 or better. Two miles.

W R Thomas's b c Gold Crest, by Rothschild-Gold Dust, 4yrs, 8sec (Owner) 1
C T Langdon's b m Vermont, aged, 3sec (J McLannan) 2
T Bryant's b m Carretta, aged, 8sec (Owner) 3

Yarraville scr, The Bronzewing 2sec, Treasure Seeker 4sec, Bermaline 6sec and Gee Whizz 8sec(coupled), Young Tohu 7sec, George Hard 8sec and General Wylie 8sec also started.

Gold Crest at once took charge, and at the end of half a mile was well clear of General Wylie, Bermaline and Carretta, with Treasure Seeker next. The last-named broke turning into the back stretch, and a little further on Bermaline did the same. Gold Crest was still out by himself when the last lap was entered and though Vermont put in a good run along the back stretch that took her into second place, she could make no impression on Gold Crest, who won easily by a dozen lengths. Carretta was six lengths away third, and then came Treasure Seeker, Yarraville and General Wylie. Time, 4min 55 2/5th sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 2500 sovs and silver cup presented by Mr C Louisson; second 500 sovs, third 300 sovs and fourth 200 sovs from stake. For horses that have done 4.37 or better. Two miles.

W J Morland's br m Country Belle, by Wild Moor-Bonnie Bell, aged, scr (A Hendricksen) 1
J Fleming's b h Our Thorpe, 5yrs, 2sec (A Fleming) 2
H W Kitchingham's b h Jingle, aged, 3sec (H Gaskill) 3
R Allan's b g Don Caesar, 6yrs, 4sec (Owner) 4

Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, aged, scr (A Pringle)
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, aged, 1sec (Owner)
T Sheen's b h Admiral Wood, 5yrs 1sec (J Bryce)
J G Lecky's blk h Manderene, aged, 5sec (R Dunn)
W G Abbott's br m St Ursula, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner)
J Henderson's b g Tommy C, 6yrs, 3sec (R Reay)
Hall & Black's b g Frandocia, aged, 3sec (A Butterfield)
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged, 3sec (Owner)
M edwards's b h Wallace Wood, aged, 4sec (N L Price)
R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged, 4sec (J Brankin)
J C Whiteman's b h Adonis, aged, 5sec (F Holmes)
(Winner bred and trained by Owner)
Manderene and Admiral Wood and Adelaide Direct and Wallace Wood were coupled on the totalisator.

Adonis and Manderene collided before they had gone a chain and St Ursula, Frandocia and Wallace Wood would not begin properly, while Our Thorpe was slow to find his feet and left behind the scratch horses. Eccentric at once rushed to the front and at the end of half a mile was showing the way to Don Caesar, Country Belle, Tommy C, Admiral Wood and Emmiline. There was little change in the order as they turned out of the straight and ran down the back, but Our Thorpe was beginning to improve his position, and six furlongs from home Eccentric was still leading from Don Caesar with Tommy C and Country Belle almost on terms, Our Thorpe, Admiral Wood and Emmeline next. A little further on Eccentric retired beaten and Country Belle ran into second place behind Don Caesar. Along the back stretch Country Belle was on terms with Don Caesar, while Our Thorpe and Jingle were moving up fast. Rounding the turn to the straight Country Belle drew away from Don Caesar and a little further on Our Thorpe ran past him. Country Belle landed into the straight with a comfortable lead and won in good style by three lengths from Our Thorpe. Jingle, who was two lengths back, just beat Don Caesar for third place, and then came Admiral Wood, Tommy C and some distance back, Emmeline, Win Soon, Frandocia ans Manderene. Time 4min 35 3/5th sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 4.54 or better. Two miles.

Mrs J Lawrence's br m Olive L, by Wallace L-Cissie Wood, 5yrs, 8sec (M Edwards) 1
J H Power's blk g Wild Tree, aged, 9sec (Owner) 2
Houston & Wilson's br g Galician, aged, 5sec (A Butterfield) 3

Electrocute scr, Michael Galindo 5sec, Annie K 6sec, Auckland Girl 8sec, Truganini 8sec, Hardy Wilkes 9sec, Rosalie 10sec, Chub 10sec, Syrie 11sec and Kelso 11sec also started.

A heavy shower fell just after the Cup had been run and the track was very muddy and greasy for this race. Chub and Olive L were on terms at the end of half a mile with Wild Tree, Annie K and Galician next. The last named broke turning into the back stretch, and Michael Galindo closed on the leaders. With a lap to go, Chub was beaten and Olive L had taken charge from Wild Tree, while Michael Galindo was going well in third place. Michael Galindo failed to see the distance out and Olive L staying on well, won by a length and a half from Wild Tree, who was forty yards in front of Galician, who just beat Michael Galindo for third place. Auckland Girl and Electrocute were next. Time, 5min 11 3/5th sec.

LYTTLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.45 or better. Two miles.

R McDonnell's b c Emilius, by Rothschild-Imperialism, 4yrs, 7sec (Owner) 10 3
S Chambers's ch m Succeed, 6yrs, 8sec (W R Thomas) 2
R M Morten's b m Bright Alice, 6yrs, 7sec (J Bryce) 3

Little Kauri 4sec, Phingari 7sec, Antonio 8sec, Waitchie 8sec, Ariadne 9sec, Al Franz 9sec and Princess Sherwood 9sec also started.

Emilius was in front before they had gone half a mile, with Al Franz, Succeed and Bright Alice following in that order. With a lap to go Succeed had taken second place and Bright Alice third, but Emilius kept his place in front and won easily by six lengths from Succeed, who beat Bright Alice by a dozen lengths. Waitchie was fourth and Al Franz fifth. Time, 5min 5 4/5th sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 2.21 or better. One mile.

B Shadbolt's b m Rawene, by Albert Victor-Judge Beldon mare, aged, 5sec (B Shadbolt, jun) 1
T Bryant's b m Dot Robbins, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner) 2
F Hickinbottom's b m Mountain Rose, aged, 1sec (A Butterfield) 3

Ludski 1sec, Prince Poole 2sec, Barmaguie 2sec, Dalwhinnie 3sec, Miss Advocate 3sec, Stanley's Child 3sec, Radiant Morn 4sec, Bequest 4sec, Andy Regan 4sec, Caledon 5sec, Sir Elmo5sec and Rosebery 5sec also started.

Rawene at once went to the front and led past the stand from Bequest and Miss Advocate. Dot Robbins went up to the leader at the tanks, but Rawene drew away again to win by ten lengths. Mountain Rose was another ten lengths away just in front of Ludski, Prince Poole and Andy Regan. Time, 2min 22 5/5th sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 3.30 or better. One mile and a half.

E Harris's b h The King's General, by General Pet-King Harold mare, 6yrs, 5sec (E McCann) 1
Mrs E Blair & H L Kettle's b h Childsdale, 6yrs, 3sec (A Hendricksen) 2
F A Piper's b h Bingana, aged, 4sec (J Messervey) 3

Bell Metal 1sec, Breeze 3sec, Fashionwood 4sec and Bonny Jenny 3sec also started.

The King's General began smartly, and with half the journey gone was well clear of Breeze, Bingana and Childsdale. Going along the back Childsdale ran into second place, but The King's General held his advantage, and won easily by six lengths. Bingara was four lengths away third, with Fashionwood fourth, the rest pulling up. Time, 3min 53 2/5th sec.

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 2.24 to 2.21. One mile.

J H Olliver's b m OIC, by OYM-DIC, 6yrs, 2sec (F Holmes) 1
W J Doyle's b h Disappear, 5yrs, 2sec (R Logan) 2
S Humphrey's b h John Dillon, 5yrs, 1sec (M Edwards) 3

Child Beldon 1sec, Prince Toronto 1sec, Corbell 2sec, Icicle 2sec, Rema Rosa 3sec, Lady Rattoo 3sec, Annie Dillon 3sec and Ottawa 3sec also started.

John Dillon was very quickly into his stride, and at the end of two furlongs was three lengths in front of Ottawa, with Disappear next. John Dillon broke going along the back, and Disappear took charge, but in the straight was challenged by OIC, who won by two lengths. John Dillon was two lengths further back third, with Child Beldon fourth, the rest pulling up. Time, 2min 32 1/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 10 Nov 1915

1915 SPRING MEETING: 11 NOVEMBER

The weather was rather oppressive yesterday for the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting, and a light north-west breeze was blowing during most of the afternoon, but it was not sufficiently strong to cause the spectators any discomfort.

There was a very good attendance, and it was evident that the Free-For-All race was an event that aroused widespread interest. The track was in first-class order; it must have received a lot of attention after the soaking it received on Tuesday, and for its condition yesterday the club's caretaker is entitled to a good deal of credit.

The racing was of a good class all through, and the management of the business details of the fixture was quite in keeping with the standard that has been established by Mr A I Rattray at Addington, while the totalisator business, under Mr W H Macdougall's superintendance, was conducted in most satisfactory fashion. The investments for the day showed an increase, the sum handled being £36,813, as compared with £32,353 10s on the corresponding day last year, and the war tax on dividends gave a return £828 8s.

The Whiteleigh Handicap, which opened the programme, found Whisht, Tika and Frank Wilkes receiving most support. Tika trotted well in the early stages, but a break six furlongs from home settled his chance, and Mushroom was left in charge. The latter was challenged very strongly by Huia over the last half-mile, but staying on in more determined fashion than he has hitherto done, won by half a length.

The November Handicap, a two-mile race in saddle, was not at all exciting. Hesitation and The Bronzewing were made favourites, but the former lost his chance by beginning badly. The Bronzewing was never dangerous. Princess Sherwood, who was third in demand, was in front all the way and, pacing without a mistake won very easily from Vermont, who showed a lot of pace over the last five furlongs. Princess Sherwood's performance proves that her reputation for speed is not without justification.

The Courtenay Handicap, the principal handicap of the Meeting, brought out a field of ten good class pacers, Admiral Wood being withdrawn. Eminent, the Australian representative, who had shown very good form in his track work, was made a solid favourite, and showed himself to be possessed of more than ordinary credentials. He was in second place behind Jewel Chimes until the straight was reached, and then put in a very convincing run which landed him a winner by three lengths. Jewel Chimes paced very solidly all through, and for his size is undoubtedly a high-class performer. Frandocia refused to leave the mark properly, and was left with a lot of ground to make up over the last lap, but then showed a lot of speed.

Ngaraima and Soda were best backed in the Metropolitan Handicap, and the former made the running until the turn for home, where Galvanita, who had always been handy, drew clear ans won in nice style by three lengths. The winner, who was driven by A Fredricksen, scored the first win registered by Mrs R O Duncan for a long time past.

The Sockburn Handicap, a two-mile race in harness for unhoppled trotters, brought about the defeat of a very hot favourite in Norval King, who was backed down to a very short price. The favourite began well enough, but broke several times, and Mystic went on in front and, leading over the last mile, won comfortably, paying much the biggest dividend of the Meeting. Hardy Wilkes showed great pace, but went very unsteadily, while Galician just failed to see the distance out.

The attraction of the day's card was the Free-For-All, and the scratching of Jewel Chimes and Admiral Wood left a field of seven to go to the post. Country Belle, the winner of the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday, was made favourite, with Our Thorpe, the runner-up in the big race, and Emmeline next in request. There was one false start, and then the field was sent away with Our Thorpe in the rear, though Adelaide Direct broke at the starting post and there was little to choose between this pair for last place. Eccentric was, as usual, quickest to begin, and he showed the way to Emmeline, Win Soon and Country Belle over the early stages, but he was gone three furlongs from home, and Country Belle took charge. She appeared to have the race won, when Our Thorpe, who had made up his ground in brilliant style, challenged her in the straight and beat her home by three lengths. Emmeline was forty yards away, with the rest beaten off. Both Our Thorpe and Country Belle put up performances of exceptional merit for the time registered, 2min 41 2/5th sec for the mile and a-quarter, represents a gait of 2min 9sec to the mile, and each of them paced a faster mile than has ever been done in New Zealand before. Yesterday's result indicates that Our Thorpe would have been very much harder to beat in the New Zealand Cup had he got away to his proper time.

The Railway Handicap brought about a good finish, but Ludski, the favourite, faded out and Bright Alice, who was always in a good position, won by a length from Little Tib, with the favourite third.

The Royal Handicap was won easily by Dot Robbins, who ran past Bonny Jenny in the back stretch and scored in very convincing style.

WHITELEIGH HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 5min or better. Two miles.

R J Munro's b g Mushroom, by Electioneer colt, aged, 11sec (Owner) 1
A W Gordon's ch h Huia, aged, 7sec (W Orange) 2
W T Lowe's gr g Bushranger, aged, 5sec (T Annett) 3

Craibwood 1sec, Chub 4sec, Ohapi 5sec, Parkfield 8sec, Whisht 9sec, Tika 10sec, Verawood 11sec, Frank Wilkes 11sec, Matilda 11sec, Havana 11sec, Parole Bells 11sec, and Te Kuiti 11sec and Bellwind 11sec also started.

Tika, Mushroom and Bellwind were the leading division at the end of half a mile, with Frank Wilkes at the head of the next bunch. Before the next round had been completed Bushranger took third place. Tika was in front six furlongs from home, but then broke and lost his place, and Mushroom took charge. Going along the back Huia closed on the leader, but Mushroom, though hard ridden over the last two furlongs, stayed on to win by half a length. Bushranger was four lengths away, and then came Whisht, Frank Wilkes and Parkfield. Time, 4min 52sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 4.48 or better. Two miles.

N Burgess & R A Stewart's blk m Princess Sherwood, by Kerrwood-My Idea, 5yrs, 7sec (R Franks) 1
C T Langdon's b m Vermont, aged, 6sec (J McLennan) 2
J H Olliver's b m OIC, 6yrs, 7sec (H Donovan) 3

Gladsome 5sec, Waitchie 5sec, Wallace Junior 6sec, The Bronzewing 7sec, Carretta 9sec, Hesitation 9sec and Lady Rattoo 9sec also started.

Hesitation would not settle to his work properly at the start, and Princess Sherwood at once established a good lead, being followed at the end of half a mile by Lady Rattoo, Hesitation, Wallace Junior and OIC. With a lap to go Hesitation had run into second place, but along the back he gave way to Vermont, and at the tanks the favourite broke and OIC ran into third place. Princess Sherwood held her advantage and won easily by ten lengths. OIC was two lengths away third, with Waitchie and Wallace Junior together next. Time, 4min 43sec.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 600 sovs; second 120 sovs and third 60 sovs from stake. 4.40 or better. Two miles.

J J Kennerley's b g Eminent, by Emulater-Honesty mare, 6yrs, 8sec (Owner) 1
J D Piper's b h Jewel Chimes, aged, 6sec (A Hendricksen) 2
M Edwards's b h Wallace Wood, aged, 4sec (Owner) 3

Manderene 5sec, Frandocia 3sec, Adonis 5sec, Red Mac 6sec, Persuader 6sec, Pearlchild 8sec & Stanley's Child 8sec also started.

Stanley's Child broke at the start, and Frandocia refused to begin until his chance was hopeless. Jewel Chimes went away very smartly, and though he broke before reaching the tanks he settled into his stride again quickly. At the end of half a mile Jewel Chimes was showing the way to Eminent, Manderene and Wallace Wood, but Manderene was called off for starting before his time. Jewel Chimes led along the back stretch, with Eminent in close attendance and Wallace Wood and Stanley's Child next. This was the order of the leading division with a lap to go, and in the back stretch Jewel Chimes and Eminent drew right away from the others. Jewel Chimes was still in front when the straight was reached, but in the run home Eminent wore him down and won by three lengths. Wallace Wood was ten lengths away third, with Stanley's Child fourth, and Adonis and Persuader next. Time, 4min 35 3/5th sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 3.36 or better. One mile and a half.

Mrs R O Duncan's b m Galvanita, by Galindo-Vanquish, aged, 4sec (A Hendricksen) 1
J H Lloyd's ch m Ngaraima, aged, 6sec (L Frost) 2
W B Clarkson's b m Soda, 5yrs, 4sec (N L Price) 3

Aotea Roa 2sec, Antonio 3sec, Cello Sydney Wilkes 3sec, Disappear 3sec, OIC 4sec & Gee Whizz 6sec(coupled), Baron Franz 5sec, Icicle 5sec, Young Tohu 6sec, Law Chimes 6sec, La Franz 6sec and Bonification 6sec also started.

Law Chimes took charge at the start from Ngaraima and Galvanita, but at the tanks Ngaraima went to the front, and with half the journey gone she was showing the way to Galvanita and La Franz, with Soda and Law Chimes together next. Galvanita closed on Ngaraima rounding the turn for home, and in the straight drew away, to win by three lengths. Soda was a length away third, followed by Disappear, Law Chimes and La Franz. Time, 3min 29sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 70 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. For unhoppled trotters only. 4.50 or better. Two miles.

M Clarice's b m Mystic, by albert Victor-little wonder II, aged, 10sec (W E Simes) 1
W H Hargreaves's b m Truganini, aged, 10sec (J McKewen) 2
Houston & Wilson's br g Galician, aged, 6sec (A Butterfield) 3

Electrocute 2sec, Olive L 6sec, Michael Galindo 7sec, Annie X 8sec, Treasure Seeker 8sec Lord Roanchild 8sec, Auckland Girl 10sec, Hardy Wilkes 10sec, Norval King 10sec and Adventuress 10sec also started.

Norval King went away well from Mystic, Adventuress and Truganini with Hardy Wilkes breaking badly. Truganini broke at the tanks and Galician who had got through quickly, displaced her. Passing the stand the order was Norval King, Mystic, Galician and Hardy Wilkes. The latter again broke, as did Norval King, when entering the back stretch, leaving Mystic in charge from Galician and Hardy Wilkes. The latter had shown a great turn of speed, but again breaking lost his position. Mystic was well clear going up the back for the last time, and though Galician, Truganini and Hardy Wilkes made strenuous efforts, she maintained her advantage, winning pulling up by over two lengths. The same distance separated second and third, with Hardy Wilkes, Michael Galindo and Olive L close up. Time, 4min 52 2/5th sec.

FREE-FOR-ALL (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 100 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. One mile and a quarter.

J Fleming's b h Our Thorpe, by OYM-Lady Thorpe, 5yrs (A Fleming) 1
W J Morland's br m Country Belle, aged (A Hendricksen) 2
R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, aged (Owner) 3

R T Reid's gr g Eccentric, aged (J Brankin)
M Edwards's b m Adelaide Direct, aged (Owner)
Stevenson & McMath's ch m Win Soon, aged (A Pringle)
J Henderson's br g Tommy C, 6yrs (R Reay)

After one false start, the seven competitors were sent away, though they were in rather straggling order, Our Thorpe being last to move, while Adelaide Direct broke at the starting post. Eccentric was quickest to begin, with Win Soon, Emmeline and Country Belle next. With half a mile gone Eccentric was showing the way to Emmeline, Country Belle, Win Soon and Tommy C, but the last-named broke going out of the straight. Our Thorpe was then showing a lot of pace, and improving his position fast. Turning towards the back stretch Country Belle ran past Emmeline, and three furlongs from home she had the measure of Eccentric. Country Belle drew out rounding the turn to the straight, but then Our Thorpe had taken second place, and, putting in a brilliant run, he beat the favourite by three lengths. Emmeline was forty yards away third, and then came Win Soon, Eccentric and Tommy C. Time, 2min 41 2/5th sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 250 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. 2.18 or better. One mile.

R M Morten's b m Bright Alice, by Rothschild-General Livcoln mare, 6yrs, 3sec (J Wilson) 1
D Spence's b g Little Tib, aged, 1sec (A Butterfield) 2
F C Hande's blk g Ludski, aged, 1sec (A Julian) 3

Bell Metal scr, Bellis 1sec, Yarraville 1sec, Franzalena 2sec, Breeze 2sec, and Prince Poole 3sec also started.

Breeze refused to leave the mark at his bell, and passing the stand Prince Poole, Bright Alice and Ludski were in close order, with Bellis next. Going along the back Prince Poole was beaten, and Bright Alice and Ludski went on in front. Bright Alice led into the straight, where Little Tib joined in and in a good finish Bright Alice won by a length. Ludski was six lengths away, followed by Franzalene and Bellis. Time, 2min 14 3/5th sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 60 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 2.10 or better. One mile.

T Bryant's b m Dot Robbins, by Frank Robbins-Geo M Patchen mare, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner) 1
J Porter's br m Bonny Jenny, aged, 4sec (A Pringle) 2
A J Talbot's blk m Desdemona, 6yrs, 5sec (A Hendricksen) 3

Eminent sec (3sec pen), Mountain Rose 2sc, Persuader 3sec, Phingari 3sec and Lodi 5sec slso started.

Desdemona and Lodi broke at the start and Phingari stood on the mark. When the first quarter had been covered Bonny Jenny was leading Dot Robbins and Mountain Rose. The positions remained unchanged round the bend, where Eminent broke. Bonny Jenny mixed her gait along the back stretch, and Dot Robbins quickly ran past her and stayed on long enough to win by three lengths. Desdemona was about fout lengths further back, with Eminent and Mountain Rose at the head of the others. Time, 2min 14sec.

Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1915