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1911 SPRING MEETING: Friday 10 Nov 1911

The Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting which was brought to a conclusion yesterday, may be regarded as one of the most successful gatherings yet held at Addington.

The weather was beautiful at the start of proceedings, and though a heavy shower fell just before the principal event of the day, the Christchurch Handicap, and there was another downpour a little later on, there was not sufficient rain to affect the attendance or to spoil the enjoyment of those present, nor was the track seriously affected.

The very large gathering of the public affording ample proof of the popularity of the sport, nor is this to be wondered at when the people are provided with such splendid racing as was furnished by yesterday's programme. The Meeting all through has been productive of some first-class trotting, but for all-round excellence that of yesterday stands first. There were capital fields engaged in most of the events, and the result was spirited speculation, with the investment of a record sum for a three-days' trotting meeting in the Dominion. The day's total was £29,456.10s, and this with £27,418 on the first day, and £21,431 10s on the second gives an aggregate of £78,329, as against £50,889 last year.

The Governor's Handicap, with which the card opened, saw Wallace Junior sent out first favourite, but he went rather unsteadily, and could only get third place behind Ripon Child and Kini, the former of whom was in a handy position throughout. The easiest win of the day was that achieved by Bell Car in the Sockburn Handicap, for unhoppled trotters, for the Bellman gelding was in front in the second circuit, and thereafter had the result safe.

The field of ten for the Christchurch Handicap included Lady Clare, Dick Fly and Al Franz, who had filled the places in the New Zealand Cup, in addition to Bright Medallion and Bribery who had also competed in that event. St Swithin, who was made a warm favourite, had been entered for the £1000 race, but was withdrawn shortly after the handicap appeared. Yesterday he showed that there was ample justification for the support accorded to him, for after losing considerable ground at the start, he was within striking distance of the leaders in the last lap, and having the measure of Emmeline in the concluding stages, won a good race by a length.

The Australasian Handicap produced a capital race between Redchild and Submarine, two of the finest two-mile saddle horses in the Dominion. A break just before entering the last circuit threatened to rob Submarine of his chance, but he settled down again quickly and outstayed Redchild in the run home.

For the Metropolitan Handicap, Galvanita was made first favourite, with Wallace Junior next in demand, this pair being much better supported than anything else in the race. Their backer were quickly put out of their anxiety, as Wallace Junior collided with Hue Elect almost immediately after the start, while before one round had been covered Galvanita broke badly and lost all possible chance. Fuseo led for a good portion of the journey, but could not see the distance out, and Maelstrom won handily from Andy Regan.

The Enfield Handicap was responsible for a brilliant performance by Aberfeldy, who, starting from scratch in a field of fourteen, came with a great burst of speed in the straight, and won by half a head from Florin, cutting out the mile in 2min 12 3/5 sec - a New Zealand race record. The Provincial Handicap was robbed of some of its interest by a mishap, which put out the favourite, Piecework and Imperial Polly, before half the journey had been covered. There was however, a capital finish between Emmeline and Havoc, and though the former had had a hard race in the Christchurch Handicap, she was able to stall off Havoc's final challenge.

The West Coaster, Jingle, was most in demand for the final event of the day, the Recovery Handicap, but he did not begin too well and Derringcotte, who got to the front early, kept his place to the finish. Wallace Junior was produced in this event for the third time during the afternoon, but again had to be content with third place. Details of the racing are:-

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. 3.42 Class One mile and a half.

W B Masham's blk c Ripon Child, by Proud Child-Verice, 4yrs, 6sec (N L Price) 1
W H Martyn's ch g Kini, 6yrs 8sec (F H Smith) 2
H H McLean's ch c Wallace Junr, 4yrs, 1sec (R McMillan) 3

Prince Rufus 3sec, Brown Bell 4sec, Solo 6sec, Lord Heathcote 7sec, Wild Arab 7sec, Wallace M 7sec and Clotah 8sec also started.

With half the journey gone Kini was showing the way to Solo, Ripon Child, Wild Arab and Brown Bell, with Wallace Junr making up his ground fast. A break a little further on settled the chance of the last named. Going along the back the second time Kini had Ripon Child as his nearest attendant. Rounding the turn Ripon Child closed on the leader, and drawing away, won by two lengths; Wallace Junr who finished fast, being three lengths further back, followed by Brown Bell and Wallace M. Time, 3min 38sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 45 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. 4.57 class. For unhoppled trotters only. Two miles.

M Clarice's ch g Bell Car, by Bellman-Carmen, aged, 12sec (A Pringle) 1
G Clarkson's b g Redchild, aged, scr (M Edwards) 2
D Kennedy's rn m Muricata, 5yrs, 13sec (Owner) 3

Quincey scr, Electrocute 6sec, Clive 8sec, Coiner 12sec, Floranz 13sec, Havelock 15sec and Rothella 17sec also started. (Redchild and Havelock & Bell Car and Coiner were bracketed on the totalisator)

Rothella refused to settle down at the start and Floranz set out to make the running, being followed past the stand the first time by Bell Car and Muricata, with Coiner some distance back. Before the end of the next circuit Bell Car had taken charge and quickly established a good deal from Floranz, Muricata, and Coiner, while Clive was improving his position. A bad break in the back stretch put Floranz out of court, and Muricata and Clive closed on him. Bell Car, meanwhile, had been going along comfortably in front, and won easing up by forty yards from Redchild, who cut down Muricata in the final stages and beat her for second place by five lengths. Electrocute was fourth with Quincey almost on terms, and then came Floranz. Time, 4min 46sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 450 sovs; second 67 sovs and third 45 sovs from stake. 4.44 class. Two miles.

H F Nicoll's b h St Swithin, by Rothschild-Queen V, 5yrs, 3sec (A Pringle) 1
R McDonnell's br m Emmeline, 5yrs, 3sec (Owner) 2
D Spence's b g Little Tib, 6yrs, 7sec (J Messervey) 3

S Tapp's b g Dick Fly, aged, scr (M Edwards)
J Preece's b h Bright, 6yrs, 1sec (T Frost)
W F Clinton's b m Lady Clare, 6yrs, 1sec (J Tasker)
E Bowe's b h Al Franz, 6yrs, 3sec (C Kerr)
Quirk & Shaw's b h Medallion, aged, 3sec (E McKewen)
L Dorie's b h Bribery, 5yrs, 4sec (F Holmes)
W J Moreland's br m Curfew Bell, aged, 7sec (R Reay)

Curfew Bell began smartly and led round the turn into the straight, followed by Little Tib, Lady Clare and Emmeline. Passing the stand Curfew Bell was still in front, but Lady Clare had taken second place, and Little Tib was fourth behind Emmeline. The order was the same all the way along the back and into the straight the second time, where St Swithin, who had been slow getting going, was beginning to make up his ground on the outside. Going along the back Curfew Bell began to tire, and at the tanks was beaten, while St Swithin was now within striking distance of the leaders. Coming round the turn Emmeline was closely followed by St Swithin, but in the straight the latter had Emmeline's measure and won a good race by a length. Little Tib was twelve lengths away third, with Lady Clare fourth, Bright fifth, and Al Franz next. Time 4min 41sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. 4.52 class Two miles.

J Watson's b g Submarine, by Torpedo-Fitzjames mare, aged, 3sec (T Annett) 1
G Clarkson's b g Redchild, aged, scr (M Edwards) 2
E Bowes's ch g Dr Chutney, aged, 9sec (E McKewen) 3

Millwood 6sec, King Lynn 6sec,Prince Warbeck 8sec, Clive 8sec, Lady Richmond 8sec, Blackchild Boy 9sec, Viewmont 10sec, and Timoty 12sec also started.

Passing the stand the first time the order was Timoty, Viewmont and Blackchild Boy, with Dr Chutney and Lady Richmond close together next. By the end of the next lap Dr Chutney had taken charge from Timoty and Lady Richmond, with Redchild coming fast on the outside, while Submarine lost ground owing to a break in the straight. Submarine's rider got him going again quickly and going along the back he and Redchild closed on the leader. Turning into the straight Dr Chutney was beaten, and after a good race Submarine won by two lengths from Redchild, who was four lengths in front of Dr Chutney. Then some distance back came Lady Richmond and Timoty. Time, 4min 49 3/5 sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness), of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. 3.39 class. Ome mile and a half.

M Fiedlander's blk m Maelstrom, by Wildwood-Miss Poole, 6yrs, 3sec (C Kerr) 1
W Quirk gr g Andy Regan, 3yrs, 5sec (E McKewen) 2
B Edwards's b g Little Stranger, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 3

Ruby S scr, Hue Elect 1sec, Wallace Junr 2sec, Schoolgirl 2sec, Bonification 2sec, Fuseo 3sec, Galvanita 4sec,Troubadour 4sec and Ned Corbett 6sec also started.

Going out of the straight almost immediately after the start, Hue Elect and Wallace Jnr collided and the former's driver was thrown out. Going along the back Andy Regan had taken charge, while Galvanita lost her chance by a bad break. Coming into the straight Fuseo was showing the way to Andy Regan and Maelstrom, this being the order as they entered the last circuit and ran along the back. Rounding the turn Fuseo had had enough, and Maelstrom went on in front from Little Stranger and Andy Regan. Holding his advantage to the finish Maelstrom won by three lengths from Andy Regan, who in the final run cut down Little Stranger and beat him for second place by a length. Fuseo was fourth and Ruby S fifth. Time, 3min 36sec. Glendalough (4sec) went to the post, but owing to a mishap to the gear did not start and the totalisator investments were returned.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 220 sovs; second 33 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. 2.20 class. One mile.

J G McConochie's br g Aberfeldy, by Prince Imperial-Miss Kate, aged, scr (J Brankin) 1
W Henry's br g Florin, aged, 5sec (J Bridges) 2
J Smith's blk g Silver Black, aged, 5sec (E McKewen) 3

Miss Florrie C 1sec, Lopp 2sec, Curfew Bell 3sec, Lord Chancellor 4sec, Millwood 4sec, Mains 4sec, Vibon 4sec, Agesemos 4sec, Rosebery 4sec, Little Arthur 5sec, Bellis 5sec, and Scottish Mac 5sec also started.

After some delay caused by a couple of false starts, the field was sent away, Silver Black and Scottish Mac making the running past the stand and out of the straight. These two were in front along the back, but at the tanks the field closed up, Mains being third. Turning into the straight Florin took charge, but Aberfeldy put in a great run, and just got up in the last stride to win by half a head. Silver Black was half a length behind Florin, with Mains fourth and Curfew Bell fifth. Time, 2min 12 3/5th sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness), of 300 sovs; second 45 sovs, and third 30 sovs from stake. 2.55 class. One mile and a quarter.

R McDonnell's b m Emmeline, by Rothschild-Imperialism, 5yrs, 2sec (Owner) 1
D Nyhan's b h Havoc, 6yrs, 2sec (A Pringle) 2
S Tapp's b g Dick Fly, aged, 1sec (M Edwards) 3

Wilkie 1sec, Bright 2sec, Imperial Polly 2sec, Al Franz 3sec, Agesemos 3sec, Piecework 4sec and Verax 4sec also started.

Agesemos was smartest to begin, and led to the turn, where, as the result of a mix-up, Pieccework broke badly and Imperial Polly lost her driver. Passing the stand Emmeline had taken charge from Agesemos, Al Franz and Havoc. Going along the back Emmeline was still in front, while Havoc had run into second place. The latter put in a good run in the straight, but was unable to reach Emmeline who won by a couple of lengths. Dick Fly was six lengths back, followed by Al Franz and Bright. Time, 2min 46sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second 27 sovs and third 18 sovs from stake. 2.25 class. One mile

R W Mannings's ch g Derringcotte, by Prince Imperial-Victor mare, 5sec (J Tasker) 1
H W Kitchingham's b c Jingle, 4yrs, 5sec (H Gaskell) 2
H H McLean's ch c Wallace Jr, 4yrs, 3sec (R McMillan) 3

Gianella 3sec, TFC 3sec, Troubadour 5sec, Onward 5sec, Elsa Huon 5sec, Little Stranger 6sec and Grey Echo 6sec also started.

Passing the stand Derringcotte was showing the way to Grey Echo, Little Stranger and Wallace Junr, the last named going well. Derringcote held his lead throughout and won by a length from Jingle, who lost ground at the start. Wallace Junr was five lengths away third, with Little Stranger fourth, and Gianella fifth, close together. Time, 2min 20sec.

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1911

In the NZ REFEREE of 15th November 1911 it was reported that Mr A I Rattray, Secretary of the NZMTC bred Cleveland, the sire of Clive which dead-heated with Quincy in the Dominion Handicap at Addington.


Credit: NZMTC: Historical Notes compiled by D C Parker

1910 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 8 NOVEMBER

Commodious as are the grounds of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club as now constituted, they proved none too large to accommodate the record crowd that gathered from all parts of the Dominion yesterday to participate in the first day's racing.

Both enclosures were liberally patronised, as was the centre of the course, and it is estimated that fully twelve thousand spectators were present by the time the big event of the afternoon came on for decision. Every sporting centre of note, both in the North and South Islands, was strongly represented, and amongst the many prominent visitors were plenty to whom the sport was practically an unknown quantity. That one and all of these must have been favourably impressed with the enormous strides made by trotting in Canterbury is certain, for few racing clubs can offer the same accommodation or up-to-date conveniences as that now provided at Addington.

On all sides were to be heard encomiums regarding the completeness and beauty of the new stand, which was in use for the first time. This magnificent structure provides seating accommodation for 2500 people. The steps are of easy grade, and the seats broad, with ample room between each row. The building is 240ft in length, and the four pillars that support the roof are of specially imported mild steel shafting. This gives a practically uninterrupted view of the course, while the ends of the structure are enclosed with plate-glass. The ceiling is of Wunderlich metal, giving a handsome appearance to the upper portion of the building, which is particularly well lighted. On the ground floor of the stand is a well-appointed kitchen, with a large public luncheon room, replete with every convenience. On the next floor are the member's room, to which access is gained by a double flight of steps leading to a handsome portico.

Other improvements, too numerous to particularise, have also been effected, and as it now stands the club's appointments are complete in every particular. The convenience of outside patrons has also been added to by placing the old grandstand at their disposal, and altogether there is stand accommodation provided for close to 6000 people. As a result of the building operations the grounds have suffered to some extent, while the long spell of dry weather has retarded the newly-sown grass on the lawns. Consequently the strong easterly wind that blew yesterday added to its other discomfits by raising clouds of dust, both on the lawns and along the racing track. To minimise the latter difficulty a lot of water had to be put on the course between the races, and this made the going rather holding, militating somewhat against fast times.

After the second race the stewards entertained a number of prominent visitors in the official's luncheon room. Mr P Selig, president of the New Zealand Trotting Association, proposed the health of the stewards, and on behalf of the visitors wished those connected with the club's welfare every success in their endeavours to further the interest of light harness racing. The toast was responded to by Mr G B Ritchie, acting president. The health of the president, the Hon C Louisson, who is returning from a visit to England, was also drunk, being responded to by Mr Cecil Louisson, jun.

That those present were in a speculative mood was evinced by the brisk business done at the totalisator, no less than £17,036 being handled, as against £16,291 on the corresponding day last year. On several of the races a lot of money was shut out, only for which the day's total would have been much larger. Twenty-eight bookmakers were doing business in the two enclosures, their fees swelling the club's revenue to the extent of £560.

Great interest was evinced in the decision of the New Zealand Trotting Cup, not only from the fact that it had the richest stake attached to it ever offered by any club in Australasia, but also because the field of sixteen competitors included many of the best horses ever attracted to the Addington track. No less than three of the starters, in Dick Fly, Albertorious and Manderene, came from M Edwards's stable, which necessitated their being coupled on the machine. This trio received the most attention at the hands of backers, but there was also plenty of support for the scratch horse, Wildwood Junior, who won the same race twelve months ago. A Dunedin visitor, in Walnut, had a strong following, as did Al Franz, and altogether it was the most spirited betting race ever held on the course. In all respects the field was thoroughly representative of the best light harness horses the Dominion can produce.

They were a well-conditioned lot, those showing to most advantage in this respect being Wildwood Junior, Manderene, Terra Nova, Albertorious, and Al Franz. Unfortunately, from a spectacular point of view, the race was spoilt by a series of mishaps. No sooner had the signal been given than Walnut, one of the limit horses, swerved across the track, colliding with Manderene, the impact throwing the drivers of both horses out of their sulkies. Nor did trouble end here, for King Cole repeated Walnut's performance when he got the signal, and running into Al Franz he unshipped that horse's reinsman. These mishaps completely spoilt the prospects of the four competitors named, besides interfering with several of those that started behind them. Verax, Fusee, and Bright formed the vanguard for over a mile and a half, but they were all hampered by the presence of the uncontrolled Manderene in their midst. Even before the concluding round was started on it was quite evident that Wildwood Junr held the opposition safe, and getting to the front in the back straight, he was not afterwards troubled, though little Bright, by a game effort, caused the winner to do his best right to the finish.

Wildwood Junr's achievement of establishing a new Australasian race record was, under the circumstances, a remarkable one. He had a disorganised field of fifteen horses to pass, besides which the strong wind and its attendant dust must have hampered even such a free goer as the handsome son of Wildwood and Thelma. That the public recognised the merits of his win was evidenced by the applause that greeted him on returning to the enclosure. Bright, who is only of pony stature, also put up a fine performance, while Verax and Fusee had their efforts discounted by the interference they suffered from Manderene.

M Edwards's bad luck in this event received some compensation by the victories he achieved in the Spring Handicap and Au Revoir Handicap. His representative, Armamenter, showed greatly improved form in the first-named race, for though strongly challenged by Onawa and Bold Maid in the early stages, he outstayed the opposition all through the last circuit. Ripon Child was served up a strong order for the Au Revoir Handicap and though under pressure all through the last half Edwards landed him home a comfortable winner from Little Tib and Ariel, both of whom at various stages seemed to have his measure.

Saddle races seldom attract large fields at Addington, and the Empire Handicap was no exception to the rule in this respect. Of the ten competitors Combine and Ivy Dean, both hailing from M Edwards's stable, were most in demand, but though the former put up a good fight, he had not sufficient pace to stall of the final efforts of Laudervale, whose great staying powers stood him in good stead at the finish.

An Ashburton representative in Silver Princess was supported for the Riccarton Handicap as if the issue was beyond doubt. Unfortunately for her many backers, she did not start any too well, and after making up most of her lost ground, spoilt her chance by a couple of bad breaks. Victory rested with a little fancied candidate in Wallace M, who showed a rare turn of foot, and was most capably driven.

The Middleton Handicap also saw the downfall of a strong favourite in the Ashburton trained White Rock. When half the distance had been covered, it seemed any odds on the Rothschild gelding prevailing; but a couple of mistakes took so much out of him in retrieving his position that at the finish he was unable to catch Lord Cardigan, who put up by far his best performance to date.

Most of the eighteen starters in the St Albans Handicap came in for solid support, those in most demand being Lucky Mount, Jackaroo and Bellis. The calculations of backers were completely astray, for a rank outsider in Ianto quickly got to the front, and stopped there to the finish, while two other little-fancied ones in Eulogy and Viewmont filled the places. The following are the results:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 soves and third 15 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.20 or better. Two miles.

H A Jarden's b g Armamenter, by Rothschild-Eos, 4yrs, 14sec (M Edwards) 1
J M Thompson's Bold Maid, 12sec (W Thomas) 2
E F Gerken's Volcano, 10sec (J Messervey) 3

Te Porangi scr, Francita 4sec, Lucky Child 8sec, Glenfoot 10sec, Glendalough 10sec, Voter 11sec, Miss Becky 12sec, Lady Devon 12sec, Uniform 12sec, Trixey V 12sec, Malabar 14sec, Onawa 14sec and Vanguard 14sec also started.

Onawa showed the way from Armamenter and Bold Maid for half the journey with Volcano heading the others. A little further on Onawa lost his place and Armamenter went on just in front of Bold Maid, who was followed at a consideable interval by Volcano. So they raced to the finish, Armamenter winning by six lengths from Bold Maid, who was eight lengths in front of Volcano. Glenfoot finished fourth and Voter fifth. Time 5min 9sec.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness), of 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. For horses that have not done 4min or better. One mile and a half.

Miss Cass's ch g Lyonnaise, by General Lyons-Jessie B, 4yrs, 10sec (Mr J Cass) 1
Miss Charlton's Rexcordium, 10sec (Mr J L Charlton) 2
Mrs J Wilson's Prince Reynard, 9sec (Mr D Forsyth) 3

Olive Child scr, Neil Gow scr, Glounreigh scr, Metallic scr, Alpine K scr, Sylvie scr, The Lark scr, Black Betty 7sec, Posie G 8sec, Miss Lyons 7sec, Grace Darlington 7sec, Professor 7sec, Albert Wilkes 8sec, Grisette 8sec, Miss Moore 8sec, Reka 8sec, Magnetic 9sec, Welcome Jack 10sec, Black Monarch 10sec, Tom Sayers 10sec and Irvy Woodburn 10sec also started.
The Lark and Posie D, Grisette and Miss Moore, Reka and Prince Reynard, Magnetic and Welcome Jack, Black Monarch and Lyonnaise, and Tom Sayers and Irvy Woodburn were coupled.

Lyonnaise commenced smartly and with a round completed was showing well clear of Rexcordium, Welcome Jack and Prince Reynard. There was little change in the order till within half a mile from home where Welcome Jack lost his place to Rexcordium. From this out Lyonnaise had matters all his own way and won comfortably by three lengths from Rexcordium, who was ten lengths in front of Prince Reynard. Then followed Grace Darling and Grisette. Time, 3min 52 4/5th sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 1000 sovs; second to receive 200 sovs and third 100 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.44 or better. Two miles.

W Kerr's blk h Wildwood Junr, by Wildwood-Thelma, 6yrs, scr (W Kerr) 1
J Preece's Bright, 8sec (T Frost) 2
F Amor's ch f Ribbons, 7sec (F Holmes) 3

Dick Fly 1sec, Durbar 1sec, Terra Nova 3sec, Al Franz 4sec, Lady Clare 4sec, Albertorious 5sec, Aberfeldy 6sec, King Cole 6sec, Imperial Polly 6sec, Manderene 7sec Fusee 7sec, Verax 8sec, Walnut 8sec also started. Dick Fly, Albertorious and Manderene and Lady Clare and Aberfeldy were coupled.

No sooner had the signal been given than Walnut swerved across the track, and collided with Manderene, with the result that both horses lost their drivers. King Cole also played up, and ran into Al Franz, with a similar result, while several of the others suffered interference, and Durbar refused to leave the mark. Verax went on in front of Bright all through the first circuit, Fusee and Ribbons being most prominent of the others. With half the distance gone, Verax was still in charge from the driverless Manderene, Fusee and Bright, while Wildwood Junr was already in a handy position. Passing the stand for the last time Wildwood Junr had worked his way into second position to Verax, and once into the back straight he ran to the head of affairs. From this out Wildwood Junr had matters all his own way, and won by four lengths from Bright, with Ribbons ten lengths away in third place. Then at a considerable interval came Aberfeldy, Terra Nova, and Lady Clare. Time 4min 33sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5min 8sec or better. Two miles.

M Clarice's ch g Laudervale, by Lauderdale-Letty, aged, 4sec (F Holmes) 1
W Murray's Combine, 18sec (M Edwards) 2
T Davidson's King's Lynn, 4sec (R Reay) 3

Marietta Huon 4sec, Prince Wilkin 8sec, Luluette 11sec, Link 12sec, Ferira 12sec, Ivy Dean 14sec and Blackchild Boy 17sec also started. Combine and Ivy Dean were coupled.

Combine led for two furlongs, when he broke, giving way to Blackchild Boy, who at the stand had established a commanding lead. With half the distance gone Combine was in second place, Ferira heading the others. Running along the back straight for the last time Ferira and Combine passed Blackchild Boy, only to give way in turn to Laudervale. The latter then drew right away and won by four lengths from Combine, who was eight lengths in front of King's Lynn. Ivy Dean finished fourth and Prince Wilkin fifth. Time, 4min 52sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3min 52sec or better. One mile and a half.

F Vale's b g Wallace M, by Wallace L-Eladarat, 4yrs, 6sec (A Wilson) 1
Mrs M Cotton's Millie C, 8sec (T Cotton) 2
W J Doyle's Starchild, 5sec (Owner) 3

Bonification scr, Kalgoorlie 3sec, Brown Bell 4sec, Lord Ashton 5sec, Iola 5sec, Idaho 6sec, Stormlet 6sec, Silver Princess 7sec, Cleopatra 8sec, and Lou Doble 9sec also started.

Lou Boble commenced nicely and in the back straight he had Millie C, Starchild and Silver Princess as his nearest attendants. With half the distance gone Millie C closed on the leader and Starchild, Silver Princess and Lord Ashton improved their positions. When well into the concluding round Lou Doble lost his place to Millie C, who was at once challenged by Wallace M. The latter drew to the front three furlongs from home and won by three lengths from Millie C and Starchild, who were separated by a head. Lou Doble finished fourth and Iola fifth. Time, 3min 45 4/5th sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.20 or better. Two miles.

M Clarice's b g Lord Cardigan by Rothschild, 5yrs, 22sec (F Holmes) 1
A Pringle's White Rock, 19sec (Owner) 2
H B Hubbard's Lula Child, 19sec (Owner) 3

Te Kuiti 5sec, Dick G 7sec, Electric Jack 10sec, Rotbolia 11sec, Bellona 16sec, Perzaline 16sec, Sir Joe 17sec, Salt Air 17sec, Vigourous 18sec, Rosalie 20sec, Lone Hand 20sec, Valmore 20sec, J C H 20sec, Crash 20sec, and Vanguard 22sec also started.

Lord Cardigan was soon out in front, but at the stand White Rock passed him, this pair drew right away from their field and, White Rock breaking as the last circuit was being entered, enabled Lord Cardigan again to take charge. Stalling of a strong challenge from the favourite, Lord Cardigan won by five lengths. Lula Child finished third fifty yards back, followed by Sir Joe and Valmore. Time, 5min 11 2/5th sec.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.30 or better. One mile.

W B Masham's blk c Ripon Child by Proud Child-Verice, 3yrs, 8sec (M Edwards) 1
D Spence's Little Tib, 8sec (A Binnie) 2
P D Petrie's Ariel, 6sec (R McDonnell) 3

Elector scr, Truth scr, Royal Ribbon 2sec, Embrace 4sec, Dayspring 5sec, Miramar 5sec, Princess Minto 7sec, Nell Gwynne 7sec and Mavourneen 7sec also started.

Ripon Child was well clear of Little Tib and Ariel as the stand was reached. A little further on Ariel ran into second place, and in the back closed on the leader. When well into the back straight Ariel was in trouble and Little Tib took second place. He could not get to Ripon Child, however, who won by three lengths, with Ariel eight lengths back. Royal Ribbon finished fourth, just at the head of a bunched division. Time, 2min 26sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.30 or better. One mile.

R H Wright's b g Ianto, by Mambrino Abdallah-Ptarmigan, aged, 10sec (J McLelland) 1
T Harold's Eulogy, 11sec (J Rainey) 2
D Kelleher's Viewmont, 7sec (F Holmes) 3

Almont 5sec, First Pet 6sec, Lucky Mount 7sec, Ben Hur 7sec, Repeater 7sec, Ned Corbett 9sec, Imperial 10sec, Troubadour 10sec, Jackaroo 11sec, Bellis 11sec, Ticket 11sec Phingari 11sec, Cora Lynn 12sec, Gold Lace 12sec and Erina (coupled) also started.

Before reaching the stand Erina had got to the front, her nearest attendants being Eulogy, Ianto, and Ticket. Going along the back Ianto took charge, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning pulling up by five lengths from Eulogy. Wiewmont was third ten lengths away, followed by Repeater and Erina. Time 3min 23 3/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 9 Nov 1910

1910 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER

The weather was perfect when operations started at Addington yesterday, the sun shining out brightly, while the easterly wind was not strong enough to cause much inconvenience. In this respect the weather conditions afforded a most pleasing contrast to those existing on the first day, and enhanced the enjoyment of those present.

Though the off-day of the meeting there was a highly satisfactory attendance, which included a large number of prominent visiting sportsmen from all parts of the Dominion. His Excellency the Governor, attended by Captain Maitland, arrived at 2 o'clock, and was received by Mr G B Ritchie (vice-president) and Mr A I Rattray (secretary of the club), and Mr P Selig (president of the New Zealand Trotting Association). During the afternoon Lord Islington, Sir George Clifford (president of the New Zealand Racing Conference) and Lady Clifford, Mr A E G Rhodes, Mr G P Donnelly, Mr J B Harcourt (president of the Wellington Racing Club), and a number of other prominent visitors, were entertained by the stewards at afternoon tea. Lord Islington's other engagements permitted him to witness only three races, and as he left, he was heartily cheered by the crowd.

The racing track was in excellent order, much firmer than on Tuesday, consequently the times were fast in all the events. Most of the races were well fought out, and altogether the afternoon's racing must have left a favourable impression on all who witnessed it. Speculation was again brisk, Mr McDougall's staff handling £14,085 as against £12,442 on the corresponding day last year. Thirty-one bookmakers were doing business, their fees amounting to £620.

Proceedings commenced with the Hornby Handicap, which attracted a more than useful field of nineteen saddle horses. Most of the competitors came in for solid support, but after going three parts of the journey nothing had a chance with Bellis, who left the mile and a-half behind in 3.42. The winner went right up to his best form of three seasons ago, while Repeater, the second-place filler, showed to even more advantage.

Consequent on her poor showing in the Riccarton Handicap on Tuesday, backers left Silver Princess severely alone for the Lyttelton Handicap, preferring the prospects of Wallace Junior, Maelstrom and Driftwood. After racing off her first mile at a terrific rate the Ashburton representative had her field quite disorganised, and came home a comfortable winner in the splendid time for a green performer of 4.56 1/5. Lord Ashton and Bonification both gave improved showings, but Wallace Junior stopped after putting in a very fast mile, and Driftwood refused to strike a gait.

Though it included only one top-notcher, the field that contested the Courtney Handicap was decidedly a serviceable one. Two Ashburton trained four-year-olds - St Swithin and Emmeline - were in strong demand with backers, and they justified expectations by finishing first and second. It was a most interesting finish, as between the pair, and it was mainly due to Pringle's vigorous driving that St Swithin got his head in front as the post was reached. Papanui, another well-fancied candidate, gave a poor showing, but Wilkie looked to have a winning chance all through the last half mile.

That fortunate owner, "M Clarice" annexed the November Handicap through the agency of Laudervale, who can easily be classed as one of the most consistent and best-gaited trotters now in commission. It was only after an exciting race with Decoration, however, that the free-striding son of Lauderdale gained the verdict, and the finish would have been decidedly close had the former not left his feet under pressure.

A little-fancied candidate in Sir Joe made a runaway race of the Dominion Handicap, leading from start to finish. It was anything but a finished display of trotting on the winner's part, for he mixed his gait repeatedly, an example followed to a lesser extent by GTF and White Rock, the place-fillers.

Marie Corelli, a full sister to the New Zealand Trotting Cup winner, showed the family gift of gait by putting down a strong field of saddle horses in the Railway Handicap, her achievement of passing twelve other competitors and getting to the end of the mile in 2min 17 3/5th sec being a remarkably fine one.

Though there were a dozen starters in the Royal Handicap, Manderene was entrusted with nearly a third of the investments, his partisans refusing to hear of his defeat. The favourite did not get any too good a passage all through, but even so, he could hardly have won under any circumstances. After Rosebery had looked to have a winning chance for most of the journey, the consistent Verax cut him down in the straight, and put up his best performance to date by going the mile in 2min 16sec. Wilkie and King Cole were both putting in great work at the finish, but, as usual in races of this description, their tasks were made hard through meeting with interference.

Details of the racing are:-

HORNBY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs, and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3min 48sec or better. One mile and a half.

W Kerr's b g Bellis, by Prince Imperial, 5yrs, 9sec (E McKewen) 1
A R Egerton's Repeater, 5sec (R Allan) 2
R Peel's Troubadour, 9sec (J Tudhope) 3

Ruby S scr and Wallace M 9sec (coupled), Diadem 8sec, Imperil 9sec, Luluette 9sec, Phingari 10sec, Victor Huon 10sec, Link 10sec, Cora Lynn 11sec, Solo 11sec, Blackchild Boy 11sec, Starchild 11sec, Glenora 13sec, Prince Foote 13sec, Volcano 13sec and Millie C 13sec also started.

Millie C and Volcano made play for over half a mile, when the latter retired beaten. Entering the concluding round Bellis was on terms with Millie C who ran with him till two furlongs from home and then stopped. This allowed Bellis to go on and win comfortably by three lengths from Repeater, who was twice that distance in front of Troubadour. Then came Luluette and Phingari. Time, 3min 42sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5min 5sec or better. Two miles.

J McDonnell's gr f Silver Princess, by Prince Imperial- Barbara, 3yrs, 9sec (R McDonnell) 1
W Begg's Lord Ashton, 11sec, (F Batt) 2
F Jones's Bonification, 5sec (Owner) 3

Prince Wilkin 3sec, Betel Nut 5sec, Maelstrom 5sec, Wallace Jnr 7sec, Kalgoorlie 7sec, Driftwood 9sec, Te Porangi 9sec, and Electric Bell 11sec also started.

Lord Ashton led for a couple of furlongs when he was passed by Silver Princess. The latter then drew right away, and giving nothing else a chance, won comfortably by a dozen lengths. A good race between Lord Ashton, Bonification, Kalgoorlie and Maelstrom for second place ended in their finishing in that order at short intervals. Time, 4min 56 1/5th sec.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 75 sovs; second 7sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. For horses that have not done better than 4min. One mile and a half.

Mrs A C Bishop's b m Ngarata, by Rothschild-Berlin mare, 5yrs, 3sec (Mr A Gallagher) 1
Mrs Craig's Miss Nightingale, 6sec, Mr H McKay) 2
Mrs J Brake's Lucknow, 3sec (Mr J J Brake) 3

March Hare scr, Alita 1sec (coupled with Ngarata), Eldorato 3sec, Case Mebez 3sec, Princess D 3sec, Rothelli 4sec, Adieu 4sec, Spanish Lacer 4sec, Terrific 4sec, Special Child 5sec, Bay Gown 6sec, Silver King 6sec, Precious 6sec, Backward 6sec and Francis Y 6sec (coupled), Prima Donna 6sec and Imperious 6sec (coupled) also started.

Prima Donna held charge for two furlongs but then gave place to Miss Nightingale, Lucknow and Ngarata heading the others. Once into the concluding round Ngarata ran to the front and from this out had matters all her own way, winning easily by fifty yards from Mrs Nightingale, with Lucknow ten lengths back, followed by Alita and March Hare. Time, 3min 54sec.

COURTNEY HANDICAP (in harness) of 400 sovs; second 60 sovs, and third 40 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4min 52sec or better. Two miles.

H F Nicoll's b c St Swithin, by Rothschild-Queen V, 4yrs, 11sec (A Pringle) 1
R McDonnell's Emmeline, 10sec (Owner) 2
J Jeff's Wilkie, 9sec (R Logan) 3

Albertorious 3sec, Prince Warbeck 7sec, Piecework 8sec, Factory Boy 9sec, First Pet 7sec, Vibon 9sec, Hue Elect 9sec, Marie Narelle 9sec, Scottish Mac 10sec, Derringcotto 10sec, Captain Tracey 10sec, Princess Louise 10sec, Papanui 11sec, Florin 11sec and King Lynn 13sec also started.

Florin soon got to the head of affairs, and at the stand had King Lynn, Emmeline, Scottish Mac and St Swithin as his nearest attendants. With half the distance gone, Emmeline took charge from Florin, Scottish Mac and St Swithin the rest being headed by Wilkie. Half way through the concluding round Wilkie ran into second and St Swithin improved his place. Two furlongs from home the latter closed on Emmeline, and in a great finish beat her in the run to the post by a head. Wilkie was third four lengths away, followed at an interval of fifty yards by Derringcotto and First Pet. Time, 4min 43sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.2 or better, Two miles.

M Clarke's ch g Laudervale, by Lauderdale-Letty, aged, 6sec (F Holmes) 1
B Edwards's Decoration, 3sec (A Pringle) 2
M J Groat's Ferira, 14sec (E McKewen) 3

Marie Corelli 7sec, Marietta Huon 8sec, Vanclare 8sec, Wild Tree 9sec, Lord Althorp 9sec, Gladsome 9sec, Prince Wilkin 12sec, Harold C 12sec, Luluette 14sec and Variation 16sec also started. Lord Althorp was bracketed with Vanclare and Luluette with Gladsome.

Prince Wilkin soon ran to the front, and at the stand was attended by Ferira, Variation and Harold C. The leader held his own till well into the second mile, where he retired, and a little further on Decoration took charge attended by Laudervale. The latter closed on Decoration in the home straight, and won comfortably by six lengths. Ferira was third fifty yards back, followed by Vanclare and Gladsome. Time, 4min 43 4/5th sec.

DOMINION HANDICAP (in harness) of 235 sovs; second 35 sovs and third 23 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.10 or better. Two miles.

C E Cross's b g Sir Joem by Vancleve-Sunbeam, aged, 16sec (T W Price, junr) 1
E J Glemster's G T F, 11sec (M Edwards) 2
A Pringle's White Rock, 15sec (Owner) 3

Electrocute scr, Adventuress 4sec, Rubican 6sec, Te Kuiti 9sec, Dick G 11sec, Clevewood 13sec, Lord Cardigan 14sec, Electric Jack 14sec, Rotholia 14sec and Master Raymond 16sec also started.

By the time the stand was reached Sir Joe had established a lead of quite fifty yards from Clevewood, G T F and White Rock. With half the distance gone G T F took second place, Master Raymond heading the others. From this out Sir Joe, despite several breaks, held his own, and won by four lengths from G T F with White Rock third two lengths away, followed by Master Raymond and Adventuress. Time, 5min 2 4/5th sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 180 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.27 or better. One mile.

W Kerr's b m Marie Corelli, by Wildwood-Thelma, 5yrs, 4sec (R Reay) 1
H Dawson's First Pet, 6sec (E McKeown) 2
W Hay's Hue Elect, 5sec (J Messervey) 3

Bell Car 1sec, Truth (A) 4sec, Prince Randle 4sec, Belroy 4sec, St Simon 4sec, Ianto 4sec, Millwood 5sec and Almond 5sec (coupled), Viewmont 6sec, Bribery 6sec, Withington 6sec, T F C 6sec, Romany Lad 6sec, Eulogy 7sec, Lucky Mount 7sec and Success 7sec (coupled), Repeater 7sec and Embrace 8sec (coupled) also started.

With a furlong gone Lucky Mount was showing the way to Embrace, the pair being followed by Eulogy and First Pet. Running along the back stretch Lucky Mount lost her place, and at the home turn First Pet, Embrace, Eulogy and Millwood were almost on terms. A great struggle took place to the post, Marie Corelli getting to the front inside the distance, and winning by a length from First Pet. Hue Elect was third three lengths back, followed at short intervals by Millwood, Eulogy and Bribery. Time, 2min 17 3/5th sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 210 sovs; second 30 sovs, and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.22 or better. One mile.

J A Buckland's b g Verax, by Vancleve-Darera, aged, 4sec (C Piper) 1
J Jeff's Wilkie, 2sec (R Logan) 2
R O Duncan's King Cole, 3sec (N Price) 3

Durbar scr, Bell Metal 1sec, Lady Clare 2sec, Manderene 3sec, Blue Boy 3sec, Gold Leaf 4sec, My Mistake 4sec, Rosebery 5sec and Captain Tracey 5sec also started.

Rosebery held command as the stand was reached, his nearest attendants being My Mistake, Verax and Manderene. So they went along the back stretch, where Verax closed on My Mistake, while Manderene and King Cole improved their places. A furlong from home Verax amd Wilkie closed on Rosebery, and in a good finish Verax won by a length and a half from Wilkie, who was a length in front of King Cole, with Rosebery close up fourth, and My Mistake fifth. Time, 2min 16sec.

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1910

1910 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER

The weather was delightfully fine for the concluding day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting, and the attendance reached record proportions.



Credit: The Press 12 November 1910

1910 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER

The weather was delightfully fine for the concluding day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting yesterday, and the attendance reached record proportions. Included in the visitors were mant North Island sportsmen, and they, as well as the club's local supporters were treated to an excellent afternoon's sport.

The racing track was in splendid order, though the frequent use of the watering-cart, consequent on the easterly driven dust, made it somewhat slower than on the second day. Better racing has seldom been witnessed on the Addington track, the finishes in the Australasian Handicap and Metropolitan Handicap being brim full of interest.

In the big saddle event of the day, Redchild put up an Australasian record by reeling off the two miles in 4min 40sec, and his victory was made the occasion of a great ovation. One of the finest performances ever recorded on the Addington track was that put up by Dillon Bell in winning the chief harness race of the day in the great time for a three-year-old of 4min 41 2/5th sec, which stands as a record for a three-year-old in a harness race. The son of Harold Dillon made nearly all his own running, and even when challenged by such a consistent performer as Terra Nova at the finish, had a lot in hand.

The only serious mishap of the Meeting took place in the Enfield Handicap, in which Curfew Bell fell just after passing the stand, and brought down Croesus, Miss Florrie C and Ribbons. Fortunately none of the horses or their riders were much the worse for their fall, the only sufferer being A Piper, who had to be sent to the hospital for treatment.

Speculation was again brisk, the sum of £19,767 being handled by the totalisator staff, making a grand total of £50,889 for the Meeting, as against £45,018 at the corresponding meeting last year. Bookmakers fees amounted to £620, and the receipts from other sources were proportionately large.

Details of the racing are:-

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 3.45 or better. One mile and a half.

Wal. Kerr's b g Bellis, by Rothschild-Bell Moore, aged, 6sec (E McKewen) 1
R D Petrie's Ariel, 8sec (R McDoddell) 2
M Friedlander's Maelstrrom, 9sec (C Kerr) 3

Dayspring 8sec, Bonification 8sec, Little Tib 8sec, Wallace Junr 8sec, Troubadour 9sec, Blackchild Boy 9sec,and General Black 11sec also started.

With a circuit gone Dayspring had worked her way to the front, and she kept the lead till within two furlongs from home. There Ariel and Maelstrom closed on her, and Bellis also joined issue. A good race to the post ended in favour of Bellis by a length and a half from Ariel, who was a length in front of Maelstrom. Then close up came Dayspring. Time 3min 35 4/5th sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 355 sovs; second 52 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 5.0 or better. Two miles.

T G Fox's b m Adventuress, by Rothschild, 6yrs, 18sec (Owner) 1
J Leslie's Electrocute, 14sec (N Price) 2
A Curragh's Havelock, 18sec (J Milne) 3

Revenue scr, Verax 6sec, Bell Car 8sec, Viewmont 12sec, Marietta Huon 14sec, Wild Tree 14sec, Rothella 14sec, Lady Cherry 17sec, Rubican 19sec, Te Kuiti 21sec and Lord Vivian 21sec also started.

Lord Vivian made play for three furlongs, and then gave way to Havelock, while Adventuress, Lady Cherry and Ribican were at the head of the others. With half the distance gone Havelock was still in front, his immediate attendants being Adventuress and Lady Cherry. Halfway through the last circuit Adventuress drew to the front, and stalling off a challenge by Electrocute, won a good race by a length. Havelock was third half a length away, followed by Bell Car. Time, 4min 52sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 75 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.48 or better. Two miles.

M Edwards's b c Dillon Bell, by Harold Dillon-Wild Bell, 3yrs, 14sec (Owner) 1
H Wells's Terra Nova, 7sec (J Messervey) 2
J C McConachie's Aberfeldy, 10sec (J Tasker) 3

Durbar 5sec, Vaunt 8sec, Al Franz 8sec, King Cole 8sec, Emmeline 10sec, Manderene 11sec(coupled with Dillon Bell), Bell Metal 12sec, Walnut 12sec, Prince Warbeck 13sec, Blue Bay 13sec, Curfew Bell 13sec, First Pet 13sec, John M 14sec, Piecework 14sec, Elmwood 14sec, and Vibon 15sec also started.

Vibon showed the way all through the first round, his nearest attendants being Dillon Bell, Piecework and Blue Boy. With half the distance gone Dillon Bell had the leader's measure, and drawing right away from his field won pulling up by eight lengths. Terra Nova took second place half as mile from home, and finished two lengths in front of Aberfeldy, after whom came King Cole. Then well up came First Pet, Emmeline and Curfew Bell at the head of a bunched division. Time, 4min 41 2/5th sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 225 sovs; second 33 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 4.55 or better. Two miles.

G Clarkson's Redchild, by Rothschild-Redmire, aged, 2se (M Edwards) 1
L Dorie's Bribery, 6sec (R McDonnell) 2
H Tasker's Derringcotte, 7sec (M Allan) 3

Laudervale scr, Walnut 4sec, Marie Corelli 5sec, Ruby S 6sec, Hue Elect 6sec, Dr Chutney 8sev, Captain Tracey 8sec, Electrocute 10sec, Lord Chancellor 10sec, King Lynn 11sec and Link 12sec also started.

Lord Chancellor soon ran past King Lynn, but at the stand Captian Tracey was in front. With half the distance gone Bribery went up second, and in the concluding round he was showing the way to Dr Chutney, King Lynn and Redchild. Two furlongs from the post Redchild got to the leader, and had his measure in the home straight, winning by two lengths. Derringcote was third twelve lengths away, followed by King Lynn and Ruby S. Time, 4min 40sec.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from the stake. For horses that can do 3.42 or better. One mile and a half.

A J Tutton's b f Miramar, by Wildwood-Wild Wave, 4yrs, 7sec (R Allan) 1
C G Fryer's b m Princess Louise, 3sec (T W Price) 2
J McDonnell's Silver Princess, 2sec (R McDonnell) 3

Royal Ribbon 3sec, Phosphorus 4sec, Galvanita 4sec and Noreen 5sec also started.

Miramar had established a substantial lead at the stand, where her nearest attendants were Galvanita, Silver Princess and Princess Louise. Entering the concluding round Silver Princes was in second place closely followed by Princess Louise and Galvanita. In the back straight Princess Louise took second place, but she could not get to Miramar, who won by three lengths. Eight lengths away came Silver Princess, followed by Galvanita and Noreen. Time, 3min 38sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 210 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.22. One mile.

J A Buckland's br g St Simon, by St Louis-Verbena, aged, 6sec (J McLennan) 1
R D Petrie's Factory Boy, 6sec (E McKewen) 2
Miss I Button's Robert Emmet 6sec (J Messervey) 3

Revenue scr and Miss Florrie C 3sec (coupled), Durbar 2sec, Imperial Polly 2sec, Ribbons 3sec and Blue Boy 5sec (coupled), Bell Metal 3sec and Bell Car 4sec (coupled), Barmaguie 4sec and Aberfeldy 6sec (coupled), Fusee 5sec, Curfew Bell 5sec, Gold Leaf 6sec, Bright 6sec, Scottish Mac 6sec (coupled with Factory Boy), Croesus 6sec (coupled with St Simon), Millwood 6sec and Walnut 7sec (coupled), Captain Tracey 7sec and Ianto 7sec (coupled) also started.

Before reaching the stand St Simon had taken charge from Robert Emmet, Factory Boy and Captain Tracey. Gradually drawing away St Simon was six lengths to the good as the back straight was entered. In the home straight Factor Boy put in a good final run, but he could not get to St Simon, who won by two lengths from Robert Emmet, who was three lehgths in front of Captain Tracey and Bright. Time, 2min 19sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 52 sovs, and third 35 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.55 or better. One mile and a quarter.

R McMillan's b g Prince Alert, by Prince Imperial-Patchwork, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 1
J Jeff's Wilkie, 4sec (R Logan) 2
K H Smith's Discoverer, 5se, (Owner) 3

Terra Nova 2sec, King Cole 4sec, Imperial Polly 4sec, Lady Clare 5sec, Florin 5sec, Mains 5sec and Rosebery 7sec also started.

Rosebery and Mains took up the running but at the stand Prince Alert ran to the front, and with half the distance gone he was well clear of Florin and Discoverer. Easily holding his advantage to the finish Prince Alert ran home a comfortable winner by eight lengths from Wilkie, who was three lengths in front of Discoverer. Then close up came Lady Clare and Florin. Time, 2min 49sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. For horses that can do 2.27 or better. One mile.

J A Buckland's ch f Dayspring, by Califoria-Daybreak, 4yrs, 9sec (C Piper) 1
Mrs R O Duncan's Marie Narelle, 5sec. 2
W J Doyle's T F C, 7sec (A Butterfield) 3

Gold Leaf 3sec, Elector 4sec, Truth 4sec, Belroy 4sec, Royal Ribbon 6sec, Coranz 7sec, Bellis 7sec, Onward 8sec and Little Tib 8sec also started.

Dayspring got off well, and at the stand was well clear of T F C and Onward. There was little change in the order as they ran along the back stretch, except that Marie Narelle improved her place, and T F C ran up second. From this out Dayspring easily held her own, and won by six lengths from Marie Narelle, who was three lengths in front of T F C. Time 2min 26sec.


Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1910

1910 NZ TROTTING CUP

The race of 1910 will be long remembered for the series of mishaps associated with it. Just after the field had been sent on its two mile journey Walnut swerved across the track and collided with Manderene, both horses losing their drivers. Then King Cole ran into El Franz, whose driver was thrown out of the sulky. In the meantime, Manderene had practically taken charge of the track. Careering around at a mad gallop he forced the other competitors to get out of the way as best they could. One of the few to escape trouble was the previous year's winner, Wildwood Junior. Cleverly driven by his owner-trainer, William Kerr, the handsome son of Wildwood got an almost uninterrupted passage and had no difficulty in defeating Bright and Ribbons.

Of all those early winners, Wildwood Junior stood out in a class by himself. Either he or another of Wildwood's progeny in the sensational Ribbonwood, would have equalled the performances of some subsequent winners had the track conditions and training methods under which they raced been equal to what they are nowdays.

-o0o-

NZ Trotting Calendar 31 October 1945

In 1909 and the following year Wildwood Junior won the NZ Cup. Many experienced horsemen who sa Wildwood Junior's performances, and every Cup winner since, are still of the opinion that Wildwood Junior ranks with the greatest winners of the race. His dam was the Kentucky mare Thelma. Thelma is one of the gems of the Stud Book. Not a great deal is known about her ancestry, as the Stud Book states she was from the thoroughbred mare Pride Of Lincoln, by Touchstone, second dam Sally (imp), but if anything can be written regarding her progeny it must be acknowledged that, despite the fact of inability to prove many tabulated ancestors, her breeding could hardly have been anything but aristocratic. To further enlarge on the influence of Thelma's progeny, it need only be mentioned that her daughter Authoress was the dam of Author Dillon, who won the Cup in 1918, and he in turn was the sire of Auditress, who was the dam of Marlene, the 1940 Cup winner; further, Wildwood Junior was the sire of the dam of Lucky Jack, also a dual Cup winner.

-o0o-

Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

Wildwood Junior set an Australasian record for two miles when he easily won his second NZ Cup. His time of 4.33 beat the record set by Ribbonwood seven years earlier. The Cup was again the only race Wildwood Junior contested during season. If he had stayed sound he might have been the country's second champion pacer, after Ribbonwood. The free-going son of Wildwood received a great ovation from the large crowd when he and owner-trainer-driver Bill Kerr returned to the enclosure.

His record run was remarkable because he had had to race through a disorganised field of 15, with a strong easterly wind and dust frm the front-runners hampering his progress. The stake for the Cup reached four figures for the first time and the club offered 6000 sovereigns over the three days. The time limit for the Cup was tightened to 4:44, and a capacity field of 16 made that mark, most of them pacers, though a few trotters were still able to make the top field.

Wildwood Junior was handicapped eight seconds behind the front line. Trackwork before the race suggested that Wildwood Junior, Al Franz, Manderene, Walnut (an Otago representative who came north with a big reputation), Ribbons and Aberfeldy would dispute the finish. The three-horse bracket of Manderene, Dick Fly and Albertorious, from the stable of Manny Edwards, were the favourites, with Albertorious the least popular of the three. Wildwood Junior, Walnut and Al Franz were the next-best supported.

Unfortunately, the race was a poor spectacle, spoiled by a series of mishaps. At the start Walnut swerved across the track and collided with Manderene, both horses losing their drivers, Robert Logan and Manny Edwards respectively. King Cole played up and ran into Al Franz, who dumped Charles Kerr on the track. Several others suffered interference, while Durbar refused to leave the mark. It was the second year in succession that King Cole and Durbar had failed to start.

Verax went to the front for Claude Piper and led from Bright, Fusee and Ribbons. For much of the race the driverless Manderene hampered the leaders. At the halfway stage Wildwood Junior got near and, passing the stands for the last time, Bill Kerr worked him in behind the leader, Verax. Once into the back straight Wildwood Junior went to the front and won by four lengths from the pony Bright, who ran an exceptional race for Tom Frost. Bright paid £21 15s for secod, a place dividend that has not been exceeded in the Cup's history. Ribbons (Free Holmes) was third 10 lengths back, then at considerable intervals came Aberfeldy, Terra Nova and Lady Clare.

A total of 29 bookmakers operated on Cup Day and brought the club £560 in fees. Totalisator investments were £17,036, of which the Cup attracted £4205. The three-day turnover reached a record £50,889. A new grandstand, with a seting capacity of 2500 and reported to be the finest in New Zealand, was in use for the first time. The outside patrons were given the use of the old grandstand, so altogether 6000 could be seated at Addington. After the second race the New Zealand Trotting Conference president, Phineas Selig, officially opened the new stand.

The weather on the second day was again perfect. Of great significance was the appearance on the programme of the Dominion Handicap, later to become major race for trotters. However, in 1910 the race was open to maiden performers assessed at 5:10 or faster. Two Australian records were broken on the third day. Redchild recorded 4:40 for two miles, the fastest ever in saddle; and Dillon Bell, a three-year-old, ran 4:41.4, a time never previously recorded by one of his age, when he beat Terra Nova, Aberfeldy and the other top-class horses in the Christchurch Handicap.

Credit: 'Veteran' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 13Nov63

1909 NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP

"Who in their wildest flights of fancy," wrote "Spectator" of the 1909 race, "could have dreamed of the sport becoming so popular in such a comparatively few years... The chief race, the New Zealand Cup Handicap, carries a stake of no less than £700."

The class was now 4:45, and the winner was Mr W Kerr's Wildwood Jnr (owner) with Terra Nova second and Lord Elmo third.

Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 25Oct44

1909 THE PROGRESS OF TROTTING

The appearance of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's grounds during the progress of the opening day of their Spring Meeting, which commenced yesterday, was a sight of an impressive character, as the writer beheld it at intervals from elevated positions.

Visitors from all parts of the Dominion, and from overseas, who witnessed the proceedings there for the first time, were fairly astounded. They had never dreamed of seeing such a large assemblage so keenly interested in the trotting sport. Some who had not witnessed trotting in Canterbury for years, and who had never before attended a meeting on the grounds at present in use, marvelled at the wonderful advancement in all departments, and the general conduct of the sport as compared with their earlier experiences. Well they might.

Those who rarely stop away, and have seen the sport develop from its infancy, declare that never before or since the great match between Ribbonwood and Fritz, has there been anything like such a large concourse there. Many who, like the writer, have seen racing on every racecourse of importance within the Dominion, during a long period of years, will agree that only at the leading meetings of the Auckland Racing and Canterbury Jockey Clubs have there been assemblages to exceed yesterday's gathering at Addington. Yes, indeed, it was a huge assemblage - one which would have excited the envy of the executives of most of the leading racing clubs of the Dominion, could they have seen it. And this was the meeting of a Trotting Club.

Who in their wildest flights of fancycould have dreamed of the sport becoming so popular in such a comparatively few years? Twenty years ago there were only a few clubs in existence entirely devoted to trotting. It is less than half that time since the Canterbury Trotting Club, one of the oldest in the Dominion, and now known as the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, held their first meeting on their present course, and it was considered a great achievement when they gave £1500 in stakes. At the meeting now engaging attention they are distributing £5500, and the chief race, bearing the title, New Zealand Cup Handicap, was endowed to the extent of no less a sum than £700, an amount which would, a decade back, have been considered a big sum to spent in prize money over a two day's meeting. There are, indeed, not very many events of greater value given in New Zealand for racehorses to compete for, and we are told it will not be long before a thousand sovs. will be given for this race. Yes, the sport of trotting has come to stay, and it is being controlled so well that it should continue to increase in favour.

Its growth here has been in keeping with the progress of the Canterbury province and of the Dominion, and the meetings held on the Addington grounds at the Spring Carnivals and at New Zealand Grand National time, are amongst the attractions to sporting visitors from near and far. They will be pleased to know that no expense is to be spared to provide more adequately for their comfort and convenience in the future, for it has for some time forced itself upon the powers that be that they they would need to make more room for their patrons. With this object in view, an expenditure of some £15,000 is to be made immediately. New stand accommodation and a larger area of lawn and paddock enclosures are being arranged for. In addition, the racing track has been extended to meet the requirements of the day, to six furlongs, and this will allow of the turns being made much easier and the straight being made longer.

There are other clubs in different parts of New Zealand that are making good headway, too, and looking to the future. Amongst these may be mentioned the Plumpton and New Brighton Trotting Clubs, which are spending large sums at the present time in the way of improvements of a permanent character. The Auckland Trotting Club have lately acquired an estate on which in years to come we may expect to hear of many stirring contests. The Otahuhu Trotting Club is now trying to arrange with the Auckland Agricultural Association for the use of part of that institution's new grounds, and have offered to spend a considerable sum in providing for the needs of the Association for the privllege.

It should be mentioned here that the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, who had such an auspicious opening yesterday for their Spring Meeting, will add to further programmes a Futurity Stakes. This will be a step in a good direction, and let us hope they will, when their next meeting rolls round, or at least this time next year, give a Free-for-all without any restrictions, and ever after have at least one of such events on each programme they privide.

Credit: The Press 10 November 1909

1909 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 9th NOVEMBER

Never since the famous Fritz-Ribbonwood match has the Addington course presented such an animated scene as that winessed yesterday. Long before starting time it was quite apparent the attendance would eclipse any previous first day's record, and as the crowd continued to pour in till well into the afternoon, the whole of the accommodation became taxed to its utmost.

Even before operations commenced race cards were at a premium, a circumstance that demonstrated how greatly the attendance exceeded the expectations of the management. A more perfect day for racing, both as regards onlookers and competitors, could not have been desired. What little wind there was failed to cause the least inconvenience, while the efforts of two huge watering carts kept the track in nice order, and minimised the dust trouble.

Visitors from all parts of New Zealand were present in strong force, and their numbers were augmented by quite a number of Australian sporting enthusiasts. Not so many years ago trotting as a sport was hardly counenanced by the general run of racegoers, but that this prejudice has quite died out was evidenced by the constitution of yesterday's crowd. The New Zealand Parliament was represented by Messrs J Colvin, T H Davey, G Whitty, A E Glover, W D S Macdonald and G W Russell, while from Australia came such well-known enthusiasts as Dr Slate, Dr Sime, Messrs F D Brown, T H Nolan, C L Russell, R Hungerford and W J Beckett. So dense was the crowd in the encloure that it was a matter of difficulty to note the many vistors from other parts of the Dominion, but their number included Messrs J B Harcourt, A E Whyte, K Duncan, R Turnbull, H Beauchamp, J H Coates, W Callender, J E Henrys, W Gardiner, A Samuels, W Mowbray, J Macdonald and E Davis.

The big attraction of the day's card was, of course, the New Zealand Cup Handicap, the richest stake of its class ever given for a trotting race in Australasia. It brought out what was undoubtedly the finest field of horses ever got together at Addington, for each of the eleven starters was handicapped to do 4.45 or better. They were indeed a classy lot, and demonstrated to what perfection the light harness horse can be developed. Nothing looked better than the three young stallions Wildwood Junior, Lord Elmo and King Cole, the last-named of whom carried the largest amount of the record sum of £3072 invested.

As a spectacle, the race was one of the most disappointing of its class ever run at Addington. Before going a furlong, King Cole and Durbar put themselves out of court by misbehaving, and for a circuit, John M, Verax, Imperial Polly and Master Poole formed the vanguard. A little further on, however, Wildwood junior got within striking distance of the leaders, and with a mile left behind, his great burst of speed had carried him to the fore. From this out the issue was never in doubt, as the further they went the further was Wildwood's speedy son in front. It was the contest for second money between Terra Nova, Lord Elmo, Revenue, and Master Poole that served to arouse the only enthusiasm engendered by the race, and with the winner out of the way it would have been a spirited finish.

The other races were all well contested, and provided plenty of excitement. Willowood, an elder brother to Wildwood Junior, captured the Au Revoir Handicap, and that after losing several seconds at the start. Unlike the Cup winner, his victory was well anticipated. An Australian-bred gelding in Barmaguie showed out in a favourable light by annexing the St Albans Handicap from a big field of saddle horse, while Franzie outstayed Marie Corelli in the Riccarton Handicap. The latter's chance was discounted by a collision with Lady Clare at the home turn, and a broken sulky resulted.

All the officials, though hard-worked, got through their duties with the utmost despatch, and for the first time the position of judge was filled by Mr W H Hartgill. No fewer than twenty bookmakers were doing business, but despite their strong opposition the totalisator receipts amounted to £16,291, as against £10,606 10s on the correponding day last year.

The following are the results:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; Second 22 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Robinson's br h Maori Child, by Maori Prince-My Child, aged, 7sec (M Edwards) 1
W T Lowe's Yankee Lass, 10sec (T Annett) 2
T G Fox's Adventuress, scr (Owner) 3

Troubadour 7sec, Sunny Boy 12sec, Glenroy 14sec, Lone Hand 14sec, Mine Yet 15sec, Miamot 15sec, Matariki 16sec, Rosadora 16sec and Silver Q 16sec also started.

Rosadora showed the way from Silver Q and Lone Hand for over a mile, when Maori Child and Yankee Lass closed on them. Half way through the last circuit Maori Child ran to the front, and just lasted long enough to win by a neck from Yankee Lass. Adventuress was third twelve lengths away, followed by Troubadour. Time, 5min 0 1/5th sec.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP(in harness) of 75 sovs; second 7 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Miss Begg's b h Lord Ashton, by Toronto-Katipo, 5yrs 6sec (Mr W Begg) 1
Mrs J S August's General Black, 4sec (Mr August) 2
Mrs W J Bryan's Lady Maid, scr (Mr F Amor) 3

Gold Lace scr, Nell Gwynne 4sec, Leonore scr, Silverette 2sec, Marilla 8sec and Ivy Dean 4sec (coupled), Little Toby 8sec, Gold Ribbon 2sec, Beetle Nut 2sec and Rexcodium 2sec (coupled), Navigator 2sec and Thelma T 4sec (coupled), Childe Beldon 4sec, Master Raymond 4sec, Rosemary 4sec, Ivy Woodburn 4sec and Wallace M 4sec (coupled), Sister julian 4sec, Bravo 4sec and Tiny Child 5sec (coupled), Gold Guard 6sec, Lord Rothschild 6sec and Prima Donna 7sec also started.
Lord Ashton took charge at the end of half a mile, General Black and Leonore being his nearest attendants. Half way through the concluding round General Black was in front, but he broke allowing Lord Ashton to go on and win by fifty yards. Lady's Maid was third three lengths further back, followed by Leonore. Time 4min 7sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 700 sovs; second 105 sovs and third 70 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W Kerr's blk h Wildwood Junior, by Wildwood-Thelma, 5yrs, 5sec (Owner) 1
H Wells's Terra Nova, 5sec (J Messervey) 2
J Cooper's Lord Elmo, scr (J Milne) 3

Durbar 1sec, Revenue 4sec and Albertorious 6sec (coupled), Imperial Polly 8sec, Verax 9sec, Master Poole 9sec, King Cole 10sec and John M 10sec also started.

King Cole broke at the start and lost a lot of ground. At the stand John M had Verax, Imperial Polly and Master Poole as his nearest attendants, while Durbar was already in trouble. With a circuit completed John M was still in front just clear of Imperial Polly, Verax, Wildwood Junior and Terra Nova. Racing along the back straight Wildwood Jun. worked his way to the front and soon established a commanding lead. Entering the final circuit Wildwood Jun. was twelve lengths clear of Verax, Imperial Polly and Terra Nova, and easily holding his own to the finish, won by forty yards from Terra Nova, who was half a length in front of Lord Elmo. Then close up came Revenue, Imperial Polly and Master Poole. Time, 4min 39sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 soves from stake. Two miles.

M Allan's Bribery, by Prince Imperial-The Gift, 3yrs, 13sec (Owner) 1
W Witte's Phosprorus, 16sec (A Piper) 2
A Sydney's Kohine, 10sec, (M Edwards) 3

Laudervale scr, Pansy 5sec, Sonbrino 10sec, Gladsome 12sec, Slewee 12sec, Implore 12sec, Sir Joe 15sec and Troubadour 16sec also started.

Phosphorus and Sir Joe made play all through the first circuit, but then the latter lost his place. A little further on Bribery ran up to Phosphorus, and the pair cleared right out from the field. When well into the second mile Phosphorus broke, allowing Bribery to go on and win as he pleased by forty yards from Phosphorus, who was a length in front of Kohine. Then came Gladsome and Pansy. Time, 5min 4 3/5th sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs, and third 17 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

A Fay's b c Franzie, by Franz-Effie, 4yrs, 12sec (F Holmes) 1
F Macdonald's Lady Clare, 7sec, (J Brankin) 2
J Heseltine's Derringcote, 5sec (M Edwards) 3

Woodburn Lad 7sec, Tuxedo Chief 8sec, Miss Wilson 8sec, Little Arthur 8sec, Marie Corelli 11sec and Silver Cry 12sec also started.

Franzie showed the way past the stand, but in the back straight he was joined by Marie Corelli, Little Arthur heading the others. The leading pair ran almost on terms till well into the concluding circuit, where Franzie drew away and won by two lengths from Lady Clare. Derringcotte was third ten lengths back, followed by Miss Wilson. Time, 3min 42sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. Two miles.

G Addison's b m Welfare, by Rothschild-Farewell, aged, 13sec (J Messervey) 1
T G Fox's Adventuress, 6sec (Owner) 2
H Pain's Lord Ashley, 17sec (J Gaskill) 3

Electrocute 5sec, Te Kuiti 8sec, Lord Vivian 9sec, Mahanui 11sec, Lenape 12sec, Ravensdale 14sec, Effie Wood 14sec, White Rock 16sec, and Yankee Lass 16sec also started.

Lord Ashley was in front for half a mile, when he broke, and Welfare ran past him. With half the distance gone Welfare was three lengths to the good of Lord Ashley, and then at intervals came Lord Vivian, Mahanui and Adventuress. Welfare held her own all through the concluding circuit, and just lasted long enough to win by half a length in front of Lord Ashley. Then at close intervals came Electrocute and Lord Vivian. Time, 5min 11sec.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in harness) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. One mile.

W Kerr's b h Willowood, by Wildwood-Thelma, 6yrs, 10sec (Owner) 1
R Sunderland's Wildflower, 12sec (J Messervey) 2
R D Petrie's Dan Tracey, 11sec (C Kerr) 3

Wild Duck scr, Hamlin 5sec, Little Arthur 7sec, The Middie 7sec, Plush 9sec, Huon Hue 10sec, Ella (A) 11sec, Mada 11sec, Piecework 12sec and Phosphorus 12sec also started.

Wildflower was quickest to begin, and at the stand she was well clear of Dan Tracey and Mada. As they turned into the back straight Willowood, who had been slow to begin, gradually overhauled the leaders, and two furlongs from home had Wildflower's measure. From this out the favourite had matters all his own way, winning easily by twelve lengths. Dan Tracey was third half a length behind Wildflower, followed by Mada. Time, 2min 24sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. One mile.

W C Hird's b g Barmaguie, by Huon Junr, 6yrs, 8sec (J McLelland) 1
R Sunderland's Wildflower, 10sec (J Messervey) 2
J Heinzman's Queen Mab, 6sec (E McIntyre) 3

Ned Egan 3sec, Lucky Mount 3sec, Early Dawn 4sec, Ianto 4sec, Chatham 5sec, Joy 5sec, Cora Lynn 6sec, Wild Wave 6sec, Mambrino Akabah 7sec, Dusky Morn 9sec, Ruby S 10sec, DCL 10sec, The Ilobo 10sec and Miss Vera 10sec also started.

Wildflower showed the way from the start just clear of Miss Vera and Ruby S. At the stand Barmaguie was in third place, and in the back straight closed on Wildflower. Quickly having the latter's measure he went on, and won with ease by six lengths from Wildflower. Queen Mab was third a length back, followed by Early Dawn and Wild Wave. Time 2min 23 3/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 10 November