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1909 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 11 NOVEMBER

The enjoyment of those who patronised the New Zealand Trotting Club's Meeting was seriously affected by the prevalence of a strong nor'-west wind. Despite the free usage of two water carts dust was much in evidence, and made matters generally uncomfortable, both for competitors and onlookers. Despite this the attendance was quite up to expectations, and included a large number of prominent visitors from all parts of New Zealand and Australia.

The track was in good order, but on account of the wind and dust the times recorded were slower than otherwise would have been the case. Taken all round the racing was of a fairly interesting nature though the several accidents that happened handicapped quite a number of competitors. Speculation was again brisk, twenty-seven bookmakers being licensed, while the totalisator receipts amounted to £12,442 10s, as against £12,421 on the corresponding day last year.

Results:-

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

Mrs H Henry's gr g Alliance, by Almont-Young Irvington mare, aged, 6sec (A Wilson) 1
W Dusky's Bribery, 6sec (M Allan) 2
J H Power's Tea Tree, 4sec (Owner) 3

Wiewmont 13sec, Belroy 4sec, The Middie 6sec, Cora Lynn 9sec Dan Tracey 9sec, Mada 12sec, Miss Vera 12sec, Ruby S 12sec, Sir Joe 12sec and Yankee Lass 12sec also started.

Mada cut out the running for over a mile at the end of which she was joined by Bribery and Alliance. A little further on Bribery took charge and led to within two lengths of the post, where Alliance caught him, and in a good finish won by a neck. Tea Tree was fourth, three lengths back followed by Mada. Ruby S fell soon after the start. Time 3min 36sec.

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

F Macdonald's b g Piecework by Prince Imperial-Patchwork, 4yrs, 25sec (J Brankin) 1
T G Fox's Adventuress,21sec (Owner) 2
Mrs R O Duncan's Marie Narelle, 17sec, (N Price) 3

Aberfeldy 12sec, Variation 20sec, Plush 20sec, Rockfeller 22sec, Lady Disdain 22sec and Bonification 25sec also started.

Piecework was the only one of the limit horses to begin well, and with a round gone he was right out by himself, Bonification and Adventuress heading the others. When well into the concluding mile, Adventuress took second place, but she could make no impression on Piecework, who won comfortably by eight lengths. Marie Narelle was ten lengths away third, followed by Aberfeldy and Bonification. Time, 4min 59 1/5th sec.

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

Mrs McGrath's b f Sister Julian, by General Lyons-Eulalie, 3yrs, 9sec (Mr W Hepworth) 1
Mrs J H Power's Solo, 6sec (Mr J H Power) 2
Mrs T Atkinson's Gold Lace, 4sec (Mr A E Messervey) 3

Silver Q scr, Lady Maid 6sec, Miss Black 6sec, Connie 6sec, Allen Bob 6sec, Hero Child 6sec, Gold Ribbon 7sec, Grey Toddy 7sec, Proud star 8sec, Armamanter 9sec, Andante 10sec, Silent Slipper 10sec, Lord Cardigan 10sec, Little Toby 12sec and Hereward 12sec also started. Little Toby and Hereward were bracketed.

Gold Lace and Solo led for a mile, but the former was then beaten, and Sister Julian ran up alongside Solo. A good race between the pair resulted in favour of Sister Julian by a length, with Gold Lace fifty yards away; Lady Maid was fourth. Time 4min

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 400 sovs; second 60 sovs, and third 40 sovs from stake. Two miles.

R McMillan's b h Prince Alert, by Prince Imperial-Patchwork, 5yrs, 13sec (Owner) 1
Mrs R O Duncan's King Cole, 10sec (N Price) 2
J Milne's Lord Elmo, scr (Owner) 3

Albertorious 8sec, Imperial Polly 9sec, Master Poole 9sec, Verax 10sec, Scottish Mac 12sec, Florin 12sec, Prince Warbeck 12sec, Lady Clare 12sec and Bright 14sec also started.

Prince Alert soon passed Bright, and with a round completed he was right out from Florin, King Cole, Imperial Polly and Verax. So they continued on through the second circuit, at the end of which Florin, King Cole and Imperial Polly were running on terms some distance behind Prince Alert. The leader held his advantage to the finish, eventually winning by two lengths from King Cole who was putting in good work all through the last quarter. Lord Elmo was third twelve lengths back, followed by Albertorious. Time, 4min 44 2/5th sec.

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

J L Jopp's b g Vanclare, by Vancleve-Clare, aged, 11sec (M Edwards) 1
J A Fleming's Wild Victor, 10sec (J McLelland) 2
R Reay's Storm, 8sec (Owner) 3

Laudervale 4sec, Music 6sec, Bribery 8sec, Royal Colours 8sec, Federation 8sec, Pansy 9sec, Decoration 10sec, Kohine 13sec and Sonbrino 15sec also started.

Sonbrino was in front for two furlongs, when he broke, giving place to Wild Victor and Vanclare. With half the distance gone, Vanclare had the leaders' measure, and drawing right away won easily by forty yards. Storm was third, eight lengths back, followed by Federation. Time, 4min 54 1/5th sec.

BREEDERS' HANDICAP (in harness) of 235 sovs; second 35 sovs and third 23 sovs from stake. Two miles.

S Cox's b g Te Kuiti, by Blackwood-Stella, 5yrs, 22sec (A Cox) 1
J W Petrie's Marietta Huon, 8sec (T Price) 2
W Witte's Miss Vivian, 16sec (Owner) 3

Submarine 3sec, Impatient 7sec, Tea Tree 11sec, Torpedo Bill 18sec, Adventuress 18sec, Electrocute 19sec and Slewee 21sec (coupled), Miss Banks 20sec and Welfare 22sec also started.

Welfare acted as pacemaker all through the first round, her nearest attendants being Te Kuiti, Adventuress and Miss Vivian. Once into the concluding circuit Te Kuiti had Welfare's measure, and eventually won by four lengths from Marietta Huon who came with a great effort in the last quarter mile. Miss Vivian was third, two lengths back, followed by Welfare. Time, 5min 0 3/5th sec.

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

E White's br g Early Dawn, by Sacramento-Eos, 4yrs, 7sec (H Gaskill) 1
J H Lloyd's Miss Wilson, 8sec (J West) 2
J Cole's Lucky Mount, 7sec (J Brankin) 3

Bell Metal 3sec, Ben Hur 4sec Bell Car 5sec, Millwood 5sec and Hamlin 7sec (coupled), Romany Lad 6sec, Hinau 6sec, Blue Boy 7sec and Arc Light 9sec (coupled) Fredrick 7sec, Ned Egan 7sec, Curfew Bell 8sec, Fisherman (A) 8sec, Harold C 8sec and Franzie 8sec (coupled), Alice Wood 8sec and Wildflower 8sec (coupled), Little Arthur 9sec and Joy 10sec (coupled) also started.

Arc Light fell at the start and interfered greatly with many of those that followed her. Joy showed the way till the stand was reached, where Early Dawn joined her, the rest being headed by Miss Wilson and Lucky Mount. A little further on Early Dawn took charge and won comfortably by ten lengths from Miss Wilson, who was four lengths in front of Lucky Mount. Then some distance back came Ned Egan. Time, 2min 22sec.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile.

W Wilton's blk g Fusee, by Prince Harold-Peggy, aged, 4sec (N Price) 1
H F Nicoll's Too Soon, 8sec, (A Pringle) 2
J Heseltine's Derringcotte, 4sec (M Edwards) 3

Imperial Polly scr, Gold Leaf 1sec, Nga Rima 1sec, Ribbons 1sec, Woodthorp Maid 1sec, Wild Duck 1sec, St Simon 1sec, Elector 2sec, Almond 3sec, Croesus 3sec, Withington 4sec and Grey Echo 4sec(coupled with Derringcotte) also started.

Grey Echo was quickest to begin, but at the end of two furlongs Too Soon ran past him, and at the stand was well clear of Grey Echo, Fusee and Derringcotte. Too Soon held her advantage till well into the concluding round, where Fusee had her measure and one by two lengths. Derringcotte was third a length back, followed by Nga Rima. Time, 2min 18 3/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 12 November 1909

1909 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 12 NOVEMBER

Splendid weather favoured the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club for the final day of it's Meeting, which proved to be the most successful ever held in New Zealand. The course was in excellent order, and lent itself to fast time making.

The attendance was even larger than on Tuesday, reaching record propotions, while the racing was full of interest from start to finish. Despite the opposition fo twenty-seven bookmakers, the sum of £16,285 was passed through the totalisator, making a grand total of £45,018 for the Meeting, as against £41,432 last year.

The Prime Minister was present for a while during the afternoon, and evidently took a keen interest in the proceedings. Details of the racing are:-

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

R McDonnell's b f Emmeline, by Rothschild-Imperialism, 3yrs, 10sec (Owner) 1
J Jack's Dominion, 10sec (F Batt) 2
R Peel's Troubadour, 10sec (T Frost) 3

Ticket 5sec, Phosphorous 5sec, Bonification 8sec, Bell Lincoln 9sec, Corans 9sec, Effewood 11sec and Sir Joe 11sec also started.

Sir Joe piloted the field for two furlongs, when Emmeline had his measurs. With a circuit gone Emmeline had taken charge, and easily stalling off challenges from Dominion and Troubadour, she won easily by eight lengths from Dominion. Then thirty yards back came Troubadour and Corans. Time, 3min 43 3/5th sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in harness) of 355 sovs; second 52 sovs and third 35 sovs fron stake. Two miles.

A Curragh's b h Havelock, by Rothschild-Lady Travey, aged, 19sec (J Milne) 1
J L Jopp's Revenue, scr (M Edwards) 2
E Bowes's Roseneath, 17sec (C Kerr) 3

Verax 5sec, Marietta Huon 6sec, Royal Colours 14sec, Myall 15sec, Miss Vivian 15sec, Te Kuiti 18sec and Adventuress 19sec also started.

Havelock made play from Adventuress, Roseneath and Miss Vivian all through the first round. With half the distance gone, Revenue worked his way into fourth place. Once into the last circuit he took second place, but he could not get to Havelock, who won comfortably by six lengths. Then ten lengths back came Roseneath, well clear of Verax and Marietta Huon. Time, 4min 57 3/5th sec.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 225 sovs; second 33 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W Dusky's b c Bribery by Prince Imperial-The Gift, 3yrs, 16sec (M Allan) 1
D Kelleher's Viewmont, 11sec (M Edwards) 2
R Reay's Storm, 17sec (Owner) 3

Durbar scr, Redchild 8sec, Dr Chutney 9sec, Withington 12sec, Tea Tree 15sec, Harold C 16sec, Wild Victor and Decoration 18sec also started.

Decoration was in front for two furlongs, when Bribery joined him, and Storm headed the others. When well into the concluding round Bribery just headed Storm, Viewmont and Tea Tree. In the back straight Bribery ran to the front, and stalling of a final run from Viewmont, won comfortably by ten lengths from Viewmont, who was seven lengths in front of Storm. Then at close intervals came Tea Tree, Wild Victor and Dr Chutney. Time, 4min 50sec.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 350 sovs; second 52 sovs and third 35 sovs from stake. Two miles.

E Bowe's b c Al Franz by Franz-Al, 4yrs, 18sec (C Kerr) 1
Wi Kasma's Albertorious, 6sec (M Edwards) 2
J G McConachie's Aberfeldy, 15sec (J Tasker) 3

Prince Warbeck 10sec, Lady Clare 11sec and Florin 12sec also started.

Aberfeldy and Al Franz made the running all through the first mile well clear of Florin. When well into the concluding round Albertorious worked his way into third place. Two furlongs from home Alertorious had Aberfeldy beaten, but he broke and could not get to Al Franz, who won by two lengths. Aberfeldy was third three lengths back, followed by Lady Clare. Time, 4min 48sec.

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

A J Laurence's b c Agesemos by Electioneer-Miss Tracey, 4yrs, 5sec (M Edwards) 1
A Robertson's Tuxedo Chief, 8sec, (J Milne) 2
W Wilton's Fusee, scr (N Price) 3

Prince Warbeck 4sec, Volunteer 5sec, Woodburn Lad 7sec, TFC 6sec, Belroy 7sec and Roseberry 8sec also started.

Roseberry led past the stand followed by Agesemos, Volunteer and TFC. So they ran till well into the concluding round, where Agesemos took charge from Tuxedo Chief. The latter put in a strong challenge in the straight, but he could not get to Agesemos, who won comfortably by a length and a half from Tuxedo Chief, who was five lengths in front of Fusee. Then came TFC and Roseberry. Time, 3min 35 4/5th sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle), of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. One mile.

J L Jopp's b g Revenue, by Rothschild-Georgina, aged, scr (M Edwards) 1
E J Cameron's Bell Metal, 8sec (M Allan) 2
H W Kitchingham's Croesus, 4sec (H Gaskill) 3

Lopp scr, Miss Florrie C 4sec, Nga Rima 2sec, Gold Leaf 2sec, St Simon 2sec, Scottish Mac 3sec and Prince Randle 3sec (coupled), Barmaguie 4sec, Almond 4sec, Bell Car 4sec, Ben Hur 4sec, Romany Lad 5sec, Millwood 5sec, Alice Wood 5sec, Queen Mab 5sec and Miss Wilson 5sec also started

Miss Wilson was in front for a round, when he was joined by Bell Metal, Miss Florrie C and Croesus. So they ran to the home turn where Revenue closed on the leaders, and won a fine race by two lengths from Bell Metal, who was a length in front of Croesus. Then close up came Miss Florrie C and Millwood. Time, 2min 15sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 335 sovs; second 50 sovs and third 35 sovs. One Mile and a Quarter.

K H Smith's b g Discoverer, by Stanley, aged, 5sec (K Smith) 1
W Tapp's Dick Fly, 1sec, 2
G Hood's Imperial Polly, 2sec (Owner) 3

Lord Elmo scr, Terra Nova 2sec, Too Soon 2sec, Verax 3sec, Elector 4sec, Florin 4sec, Ribbons 4sec and Woodthorpe Maid 4sec also started.

Discoverer started smartly, and in the back straight he was well clear of Florin, Verax and Elector. There was little change in the order till two furlongs from home, where Dick Fly took second place. From this out Discoverer had matters all his own way, and won comfortably by three lengths from Dick Fly, who was two lengths in front of Imperial Polly. Time, 2min 56 1/5th sec.

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

E Bowe's b g Woodburn Lad, by Woodburn Chief, 6yrs, 7sec(C Kerr) 1
Hayward and Wright's Little Arthur, 8sec (Wright) 2
W J Borley's Onward Australia, 5sec (F Batt) 3

Gold Leaf 11sec, Wild Duck 1sec, Grey Echo 4sec, Miss Wilson 5sec, Fredrick 6sec, Hamiln 6sec, Factory Boy 6sec, Curfew Bell 7sec, Roseberry 8sec, Plush 9sec and Wild Wave also started.

At the end of a furlong Woodburn Lad had taken charge from Roseberry, Little Arthur and Fredrick. So they ran till well into the concluding round, where Little Arthur took second place, but he could not get to Woodburn Lad, who won by half a length. Then in close order came Roseberry, Fredrick, Grey Echo and Factory Boy. Time, 3min 21sec.


Credit: The Press 13 November 1909

Wildwood Junior , with owner Bill Kerr

1909 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Wildwood Junior, having his first and only race of the season, gave the other contenders a pacing lesson in the 1909 New Zealand Cup. By the time the post was reached, Bill Kerr's brilliant but unsound pacer was 40 yards ahead, winning in 4:39. The margin remains the most decisive in the history of the race.

In 1895 Kerr bought the three-year-old colt Wildwood for £500 on one of his trips to the United States. Two years later he bought the mare Thelma from her breeder, J Todd, of Lincoln, for £50. She turned out to be a great New Zealand-bred foundation mare. Wildwood Junior was the second foal of their mating. A five-year-old black stallion, Wildwood Junior was the eigth favourite of the 10 starters, mainly because he had not raced that season.

On the same day, Willowood, Wildwood Junior's full-brother and the result of the first mating of Wildwood and Thelma, won the Au Revoir Handicap after losing several lengths at the start. Unlike the Cup winner, whose victory was unexpected, Willowood went out favourite. He was retired unbeaten in three starts, recording a win in each of the 1907-08, 1908-09 and 1909-10 seasons.

The 1909 Cup was raced at a time when the country was divided on the gambling issue. The 1908 Gambling Act, passed by Sir Joseph Ward's Government still had bitter opponents. A day or so before the Cup, more than 100 people waited on the Prime Minister in Wellington, protesting at the increase "almost beyond belief" of the gambling evil. Sir Joseph Ward, from all accounts, gave them a sympathetic hearing, but it did not prevent him attending the Show Day racing. Certainly, as the momentum of Cup week gathered in Chrischurch , the country had its agitators seeking a change in the legislation to reduce racing permits.

That enormous strides had been made in harness racing in Canterbury was evidenced by the opening day of the meeting. The Metropolitan Club offered stakes of 5502 sovereigns. The Cup stake, increased to 700 sovereigns, was the richest offered for a harness race in New Zealand or Australia. The Cup card was regarded as the best offered by a harness club with the qualifying time of the race tightened to 4:45. For the first time the race carried a restricted handicap, which was set at 10 seconds and designed to give the backmarkers a better chance of victory. The Cup was raced on the first day, Tuesday, setting a pattern that existed for many years.

An exciting newcomer, King Cole, a son of Ribbonwood from the Rothschild mare Kola Nut, was the favourite, but, along with Durbar, he boke at the start and was out of the race. Albertorious, bracketed with Revenue (driven by Manny Edwards), was the next-best supported, but for the third time he let down his backers, finishing well back.

For a lap John M, Verax, Imperial Polly and Master Poole formed the leading group. Further on, Wildwood Junior got within striking distance of the leaders and, with a mile behind him, burst into the lead. From that point the outcome was never in doubt. The further they went the greater the lead became for Wildwood's speedy five-year-old son. There was a great contest for second, with Terra Nova finishing half-a-length ahead of Lord Elmo, a duplication of their 1908 placings. Then followed Revenue, Imperial Polly and Master Poole. Imperial Polly, unsuccessful in the Cup on three occasions - 1909,1910 and 1911 - was by Prince Imperial. Later, at stud, when mated with Logan Pointer, she produced Imperial Pointer, who to Rey de Oro produced Imperial Gold, dam of tha amazing Gold Bar. Lord Module, the star of the 1979-80 season, traces back to Imperial Polly.

Bill Kerr's association with harness racing stretched back into the previous century. In 1887 he bought a block of 50 acres on Wainoni Road, halfway to New Brighton, and established his stud, later appropriately named Wildwood, and private training establishment. He and his brother Charles trained numerous horses there. Later, the brothers dissolved their partnership, Charles setting up as a public trainer and Bill concentrating on breeding and training his own horses.

Wildwood Junior first raced as a three-year-old in the 1907-08 season and soon worked his way into the best circles. As a green colt he won the Progressive Handicap at Addington in 4:50.8 and later, as a four-year-old, the Courtenay Handicap in 4:41. He eclipsed those times in his first Cup victory, clocking 4:39.

Wildwood Junior, standing an impressive 16.1 hands, was described as a commanding and perfectly-shaped stallion. However, his racing days were restricted because he had unsound legs. His only races in the 1909-10 and 1910-11 seasons were the New Zealand Cups, an both times he was successful. In the latter season he was the top money-winner, solely from his 700-sovereign share of the 1000-sovereign Cup prize. As a two-year-old, Wildwood Junior served two mares, and the matings produced two good performers in Calm and Goldie, both of whom won their first three races. Calm was favourite for the 1913 Cup, but finished third.

With earnings of £1656, Wildwood Junior was retired to Kerr's stud as a seven-year-old, but not before he had become the first double-winner or the New Zealand Cup.

Prince Albert won the main race on the Thursday, the Christchurch Handicap, from King Cole and Lord Elmo. On the Friday, Al Franz, a speedy four-year-old, won the Courtenay Handicap from Albertorious and Aberfeldy.

A total of 27 bookmakers operated each day, yet despite that opposition the totalisator took a record £45,018. The £3072 invested on the New Zealand Cup was only £86 short of the 1907 record.



Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

1908 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Bookmakers had two terms of legal betting in New Zealand. In the early days they were licensed by the clubs, which worked with or without totalisator betting. By the turn of the century bookmakers had been banned, but in 1908 they were back, operating on the course only, at the whim of the clubs. The situation lasted until 1911, when they were finally denied access to the courses. The 1908 Gaming Act also prohibited the publication of totalisator dividends. This prohibition was not lifted until 1950, when the Totalisator Agency Board was established and off-course betting was legalised.

The Metropolitan Club issued a large number of bookmakers' licences in 1908 and they operated in the public and members enclosures. Their operations affected first-day turnover, which dropped to £10,606, compared with £13,168 on the first day of the 1907 carnival. On the second day, 24 bookmakers operated, providing the club with £480 in fees, and on the third day 30 bookmakers took out licences. On Cup Day, despite the bookmakers, a record £18,404 was handled by the totalisator. The three-day total of £41,432 was a drop of £1209 from the previous year.

At his third attempt, Durbar, owned by Harry Nicoll and trained by Andy Pringle, a combination of owner, trainer and driver that was to become a familiar sight at Addington, won a grand contest.

On the first day, Addington patrons had their first opportunity in the new seasonto see the very good four-year-old Wildwood Junior. Bill Kerr's star easily beat 14 others, most of them Cup contenders, in the Courtenay Handicap. Dick Fly was second and St Simon third. Wildwood Junior did not have a Cup run.

A small field of nine faced the starter in the New Zealand Cup. Advance, the early favourite, went amiss and was withdrawn from the carnival. Albertorious was the favourite again, after his eight-length win in the Christchurch Handicap the day before the Cup. But Albertorious, driven by Jim August, was last all the way. He was bracketed with Fusee, driven by Newton Price. Fusee fared worse. His sulky broke just after the start and he was pulled up.

Florin took an early lead and led until the last lap, when Terra Nova took control from Dick Fly, Master Poole, Lord Elmo and Durbar. Pringle sent Durbar after the leaders and he won by two lengths to Terra Nova, with eight lengths to Lord Elmo. At considerable intervals came Dick Fly and Master Poole, with the others well beaten. Durbar's time of 4:36 was just outside Ribbonwood's national record. The stake for the Cup was raised to 500 sovereigns, and for the first of many times the qualifying mark was tightened, on this occasion to 4:48.

Most of the Cup horses lined up again in ther seventh race, the Provincial Handicap, where Lord Elmo improved on his third placing in the Cup. He gave Wildwood Junior a two-second start and beat him by eight lengths. Durbar, also off two seconds was third.

Durbar was a 12-year-old Australian-bred gelding by Vancleve. Terra Nova was by Young Irvington and Lord Elmo was by Rothschild. All three sires were outstandingly successful. A tough old campaigner, Durbar raced until he was an 18-year-old, and unsuccessfully contested the 1909 and 1910 Cups. He was the top stake-earner in 1908-09, with £682. For the fifth consecutive season, John Buckland was top owner, his horses winnnig a record £1391.

In 1881 John Kerr, of Nelson, and Robert Wilkin, of Christchurch, had imported some American stock, which laid the foundation for harness racing breeding in this country. Among Kerr's stock was Irvington, and among Wilkin's importations was Vancleve, who stayed only a short whilein New Zealand and did not serve any mares before being sold to a trotting enthusiast in Sydney. He became one of the most successful sires identified with the Australian and New Zealand breeding scenes. Apart from the great trotter Fritz, and Durbar, he sired Quincey (Dominion Handicap), and a number of other top performers who were brought from Australia to win races in this country. More than 60 individual winners of hundreds of races on New Zealand tracks were sired by Vancleve, a remarkable record for a horse who spent his stud life in Australia. Vancleve mares also found their way into New Zealand studs, the most celebrated being Vanquish - granddam of the immortal Worthy Queen, who created a miler record for trotters of 2:03.6 at Addington in 1934.

Irvington was used for only a few seasons in New Zealand before he too, went to Australia. Irvington was a poor foaler. He sired only two winners - Lady Ashley and Young Irvington - and it is through the latter that the name survived. Bred in 1886 by Tom Free at New Brighton, Young Irvington was a good racehorse, not only the first "pacer" seen on Canterbury tracks, but also a natural or free-legged pacer, racing without straps. Young Irvington left about 60 winners, and his daughters were also outstanding producers at stud. Early on they produced Ribbonwood (Dolly), Our Thorpe (Lady Thorpe) and Admiral Wood (D.I.C.).

Durbar's owner, Harry Nicoll, who raced both thoroughbreds and standardbreds, was also a breeder and top administrator. For many years he was president of the Ashburton Trotting and Racing Clubs. He retired from the presidency of the New Zealand Trooting Conference in 1947, after holding that office for an uninterrupted period of 25 years. He owned his first horse in 1902 then, in 1905, Andy Pringle became Nicoll's private trainer and they started a long and successful association. Pringle was an astute horseman, often sought by other owners and trainers to drive their horses. He was top reinsman in 1914-15 and again in 1916-17 and 1917-18. His son, Jack Pringle, was also a top horseman, winning the trainers' and drivers' premierships in 1950-51. Nicoll was top owner in 1910-11 (£1547 10s), 1911-12 (£1222), 1912-13 (£987 10s) and 1920-21 (£4161). His Ashburton stud, named Durbar Lodge after his first Cup winner, produced some great pacers and trotters, with Indianapolis, Wrackler, Seas Gift and Bronze Eagle foremost. All were bred by Wrack, who was bought by Nicoll from American owners.

Credit: Bernie Wood writing in The Cup

1908 INTRODUCTORY HANDICAP (in harness)

Run on 8 August 1908 for 120 sovs; second horse 18 sovs and third horse 12 sovs from the stake. One mile and a half.

Mr W Kerr's b h Willowwood, by Wildwood - Thelma, 5yrs, 10sec (Owner) 1.

Mr P McGrath's g g President Lincoln, by General Lincoln - Hazeldean mare, 5yrs, 11sec (M Edwards) 2.

Mr A R Chetburg's b m Miss Vera, 6yrs, 10sec (M Allan) 3.

Shangani 3sec, Ben Blackwood 10sec, Bonification 11sec, Myrine 11sec, Princess Rose 13sec, Special Boy 14sec, Lenape 16sec, Dolores 16sec, Thicket 16sec and Gossip 16sec also started.

Gossip led till half a mile from home, when she broke, and Willowwood going on won by six lengths from President Lincoln, who beat Miss Vera by a dozen lengths. Time - 3min 48 1/5sec.

Credit: Star 8 Aug 1908

1908 SPRING MEETING Tuesday 10 November

Favoured with an ideal summer's day, there was a large attendance at the New Zealand Metropolitan TC Meeting yesterday, including many visitors from various parts of the Dominion. The racing track was in splendid order, many of the competitors bettering their previous best times to the extent of several seconds.

More interesting racing has seldom been witnessed on the Metropolitan course, the finishes in the Courtenay Handicap, St Albans Handicap and the Au Revoir Handicap being in doubt almost till the post was reached. After the conclusion of the Ladies' Bracelet the driver of Lord Ashley was cautioned by the stewards for allowing his mount to gallop, while the driver of Impatient in the Middleton Handicap was cautioned and fined £1 for undue use of his whip in the race. While doing his preliminary for the St Albans Handicap, Bombay broke down, and the stewards decided to refund the totalisator money on him to the investors.

A large number of bookmakers were plying their calling in both enclosures, and their operations effected the totalisator turnover, which only amounted to £10,606 as against £13, 168 on the corresponding day last year.

Results:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in saddle) of 145 sovs; second 21 sovs and third 14 sovs from stake. Two miles.

L B Pearson's b g Decoration, by Specification-Theresa, 4yrs, 8sec (Owner) 1
R Miller's Millwood, 8sec (W O'Connell) 2
J Lorgelly's Mary Lincoln, 16sec (F Holmes) 3

Miss Vera 6sec, Master Dudley 6sec, Lucky Child 8sec, Myall 9sec, Variation 14sec, Lettydale 14sec, Abe Lincoln 16sec, Roseberry 16sec and Ngaire 16sec also started.

Ngaire was in front for nearly a mile and a half, her nearest attendants being Mary Lincoln, Roseberry, Decoration and Millwood. In the concluding round Decoration took charge from Millwood and won comfortably by six lengths. Mary Lincoln, who broke repeatedly, finished third fifty yards back followed by Master Dudley. Time, 4min 56 1/5th sec.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness) of 75 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs W Witts's ch g Lord Vivian by Rothschild-Miss Vivian, 4yrs, 13sec (Mr Witte) 1
Miss M Moreland's Lady Elf, 12sec (Mr Moreland) 2
Mrs R A Pearse's Agapanthus, 12sec (Mr Pearce) 3

Te Kooiti 4sec, The Hobo 5sec, Merry May 7sec, Wild Tree 8sec, Pylades 8sec, Ngatawa 10sec, Master Pat 10sec, Master Raymond 10sec, Troubadour 10sec, Blackmire 10sec, Imperial Kit 10sec, Gold Lace 11sec, Amazona 11sec, Clarewood 11sec, Phosphorous 11sec (coupled with Lord Vivian), Nimrod 11sec, The Boss 12sec, Boston Child 12sec, Boss Irvington 12sec, Hereward 13sec, Rubican 13sec, Backward 13sec, St Cyress 13sec, Chanticleer 15sec, National 15sec and Golden Belle 15sec also started.

Lord Vivian and Lady Elf soon drew to the front, and with a mile gone were right out by themselves. Running along the back stretch for the last time Lady Elf closed on Lord Vivian, but the latter drew away at the top of the turn and won by a length; Agapanthus was third, fifty yards back. Time 3min 56 3/5th sec.

COURTENAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 37 sovs and third 25 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W Kerr's blk c Wildwood Junior, by Wildwood-Thelma, 4yrs, 9sec (Owner) 1
W Tapp's Dick Fly, 10sec (M Edwards) 2
J A Buckland's St Simon, 6sec (C Piper) 3

Albertorious 2sec, Elector 6sec, Lodi 7sec, Master Poole 8sec, Aberfeldy 8sec, Factory Boy 9sec, Withington 9sec, Prince Alert 9sec, Miss Burlington 10sec, Tea Tree 12sec, Belroy 12sec and Onward 13sec also started.

Dick Fly had taken charge at the stand and with a round completed he was just clear of Belroy, Miss Burlington and Wildwood Junr. So they ran to the end of the first mile where Wildwood Junr and St Simon were running just behind Dick Fly and Miss Burlington. Passing the stand for the last round Dick Fly was just in front of Miss Birlington, who was closely followed by Wildwood Junr, St Simon and Withington. In the back stretch Wildwood Junr ran up to the leaders, and, drawing away in the last furlong, won by two lengths from Dick Fly who was a similar distances in front of St Simon. Then close up, came Prince Alert and Miss Burlington. Time, 4min 41sec.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 160 sovs; second 24 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Grice's ch m Myra Warbeck by Black Prince-Miss Warbeck, 5yrs, 18sec (J McConachie) 1
M Schumanski's Bessie B, 11sec (Owner) 2
C Thomas's Dick Stevens, 17sec 3

Lady Clare 11sec, Tuxedo Chief 11sec, Rockfeller 11sec, Victor Huon 13sec, Arbitrator 13sec, Turk 13sec, Implore 13sec, Effie Wood 15sec, Decoration 5sec (14sec pen) and Brown Ribbon 19sec also started.

Myra Warbeck took charge at the end of a furlong, and, drawing away, was never approached winning easily by fifty yards from Bessie B, who was four lengths in front of Dick Stevens. Time, 4min 59sec.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 160 sovs; second 24 sovs and third 16 sovs from stake.One mile and a half.

R McDonnell's br g Impatient, by Prince Imperial, aged, 5sec (Owner) 1
J P Ryan's Shangani, 12sec (C Piper) 2
E Bowe's Roseneath, 4sec (C Kerr) 3

Revenue scr, Submarine scr, Bel Car 2sec, Bushman 11sec, Welfare 11sec, The Mooress 11sec, Slewee 12sec, Woodbell 12sec, Sydney 13sec and Combine 13sec also started.

Shangani showed the way from Bushman, Welfare and the Mooress all through the first round, Impatient being most prominent of the back markers. With a mile gone Impatient improved his place, and when well into the last circuit had taken second place, his nearest attendant being Welfare, The Mooress and Roseneath. Running along the back straight Impatient passed Shangani and beat him home by two lengths. Roseneath was third forty yards back, followed by The Mooress. Time, 4min 50 2/5th sec.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 160 sovs; second 24 sovs and third 16 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

H F Nicoll's b g Exchequer by Rothschild, aged, 5sec (A Pringle) 1
R Miller's Millwood, 10sec (J Milne) 2
C Kerr's Woodburn Lad, 9sec (Owner) 3

Prince Warbeck 3sec, Lady Disdain 7sec, Flashwood 9sec, Ticket 9sec, Te Porangi 9sec, and Marie Corelli 10sec also started.

Millwood piloted the field for a mile, when he broke, giving place to Ticket, Woodburn Lad and Exchequer. In the back stretch Woodburn Lad was in front, but then Exchequer passed him and won by four lengths. Millwood beat Woodburn Lad by a neck for second place. Time, 3min 44sec.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile.

W Kerr's b g Storm by Wildwood-Gertie, 5yrs, 4sec (R Allan) 1
A Stark's Almond, 4sec (F Holmes) 2
H Frank's Prince Randle, 3sec (A Wilson) 3

Alice Wood scr, Lady Lillian scr, Ben Hur 2sec, Directo 2sec, Success 2sec, Federation 2sec, Bess o' th' Barn 5sec, Tuxedo Chief 6sec, Rockfeller 6sec and Foreman 8sec also started.

Rockfeller led to the stand, where Storm and Ben Hur ran past him and a little further on Almond took second place to Storm. Going along the back Prince Randle also moved up, but nothing could overtake Storm, who won by a length from Almond. Then six lengths back came Prince Randle, a neck in front of Ben Hur. Time, 2min 24sec.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile.

R McDonnell's br c Volunteer by Prince Imperial, 3yrs, 11sec (Owner) 1
M Edwards's Baron Longen, 11sec (Owner) 2
Mrs S E Tasker's The Middie, 10sec (J Tasker) 3

Florin scr, My Mistake 8sec, Exchequer 10sec, Miss Vera 13sec, Ticket 13sec, Woodburn Lad 13sec and Myrene 13sec also started.

After going two furlongs Volunteer drew to the front, while a little further on Baron Longen ran into second place. This pair then drew right away and fought out a great finish. Volunteer winning by three-quarters of a length. The Middie was third, six lengths back, followed by My Mistake. Time, 2min 23 4/5th sec.

Credit: The Press 11 Nov 1908

1908 SPRING MEETING THURS 12 NOVEMBER

Favoured with splendid weather, there was a large attendance at Addington yesterday, when the Spring Meeting of the Metropolitan Trotting Club advanced another stage.

The course was in fair order, and the racing full of interest. No fewer than twenty-four bookmakers were plying their calling in the two enclosures, their fees amounting to £480. Speculation through the totalisator was exceedingly brisk, £12,421 being passed through the machine, as against £11,280 on the corresponding day last year. Results:-

HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness) of 145 sovs; second 21 sovs and third 14 sovs from stake. Two miles.

C Kerr's b m Lady Linton by Wildwood-Linton, 5yrs, 7sec (Owner) 1
Wi Kaama's The Mooress, 7sec (N Price) 2
H G Goodman's Implore, 6sec (A Wilson) 3

Bessie B 1sec, Master Dudley 7sec, Te Porangi 8sec, Sydney 9sec, Huon Hue 12sec, Myall 12sec, Brown Ribbon 13sec, Wild Ivy 14sec, Mary Lincoln 14sec, Myrene 16sec and Bonification 16sec also started.

Mary Lincoln showed the way for over a miler from Huon Hue, The Mooress and Bonification. A little further on Huon Hue headed Mary Lincoln, but once into the concluding round Lady Linton took charge, and won comfortably by a dozen lengths from The Mooress, who was two lengths in front of Implore, with Mary Lincoln fourth. Time, 4min 59sec.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 170 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 17 sovs from stake. Two miles.

E Bowes's b c Al Franz by Franz-Al F, 3yrs, 12sec (C Kerr) 1
H F Nicoll's Exchequer, 8sec (A Pringle) 2
P Mitten's Imperial Girl, 12sec (J Milne) 3

Impatient scr, Belroy 6sec, Prince Warbeck 8sec, Shangani 9sec, Mavourneen 12sec, Seaweed 14sec and Ticket 15sec also started.

Ticket was out in front for a circuit closely followed by Seaweed, Al Franz and Mavourneen. With half the journey gone Al Franz drew to the front, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning comfortably by four lengths from Exchequer, who was forty yards in front of Imperial Girl and Shangani. Time, 4min 57 1/5th sec.

LADIES'BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 75 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs W Witte's gr c Phosphorus by Rothschild-Vesta, 4yrs, 11sec (Mr Witte) 1
Mrs K Hammond's Cora Lynn, 12sec (Mr Hammond) 2
Mrs J H Power's Wild Tree, 8sec (Mr Power) 3

Wickliffe 4sec, Gladsome 4sec, Te Kooiti 4sec, Jolly Tom 4sec, Princess Rose 6sec, Naughty Child 6sec, Ngatawa 9sec, Blackmire 10sec, Ethel Ball 10sec, Belle Lincoln 11sec, Majestic 12sec (coupled with Cora Lynn),Montewood 12sec, Boss Irvington 12sec, Plain Tom 12sec, The Boss 12sec, Otto Crib 12sec, Merry Legs 12sec Royal Child 13sec, Rubican 13sec, Prudish 13sec and Golden Belle also started.

Belle Lincoln piloted the field for half a mile, when she stopped, and Cora Lynn went on in front of Phosphorus. This pair ran almost on terms till well into the concluding round, where Phosphorus drew to the front, and won by two lengths. Wild Tree was third six lengths back. Time, 3min 51 4/5th sec.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 300 sovs; second 45 sovs and third 30 sovs from stake. Two miles.

Wi Kaama's b h Albertorious by Albert Victor-Dulce, aged, 1sec (N Price) 1
H F Nicoll's Factory Boy, 9sec (A Pringle) 2
Miss Button's Robert Emmet, 8sec (J Messervey) 3

St Simon 1sec, Prince Alert 6sec, Elector 6sec, Lodi 8sec, Aberfeldy 8sec, Miss Burlington 9sec and Derringcotte 9sec also started.

Factory Boy held charge all through the first round, just in front of Derringcotte, Aberfeldy and Miss Burlington. There was little change in the order till more than a mile had been covered, where Aberfeldy closed on Factory Boy, and Miss Burlington retired. Once into the concluding round Albertorious put in a great run on the outside, and catching Factory Boy at the top turn went on and won by eight lengths from Factory Boy, who was two lengths in front of Robert Emmet. Then close up came Aberfeldy and Prince Alert. Time 4min 41sec.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 180 sovs; second 27 sovs and third 18 sovs from stake. Two miles.

W J Moreland's br m Curfew Bell by Wildwood-Bonnie Bell, 4yrs, 12sec (R Allen) 1
J C Paget's Prince Warbeck, 8sec, (F Holmes) 2
J D Piper's Dr Chutney, scr (H McNae) 3

Redchild scr, Vitella 3sec, McKinley 3sec, Alliance 4sec, Scotia 7sec, Lady Clare and Imperial Girl 12sec also started.

Curfew Bell and Lady Clare cut out the pace at a great rate all through the first mile, at the end of which their nearest attendant's were Prince Warbeck and Imperial Girl. Once into the concluding round Lady Clare lost her place to Prince Warbeck, and Dr Chutney improved his position. Nothing could get to Curlew Bell, however, and though tiring badly she won a good race by two lengths from Prince Warbeck, who was four lengths in front of Dr Chutney, with Lady Clare fourth. Time, 4min 56sec.

BREEDER'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 223 sovs; second 33 sovs and third 22 sovs from stake. Two miles.
J A Buckland's b g Verax by Vancleve-Darrera, aged, scr (C Piper) 1
J L Jopp's Sir Joe, 13sec (M Edwards) 2
W F Clinton's Revenue, 6sec (J Tasker) 3

Submarine 7sec, Bell Car 8sec, Viewmont 10sec, Roseneath 10sec, Pansy 11sec, Havelock 15sec and Victor Huon 16sec also started.

Victor Huon and Havelock headed the field as they ran past the stand, with Sir Joe and Roseneath leading the others. When a mile had been gone Havelock was just showing out from Sir Joe, and Victor Huon had lost his place to Roseneath, while Verax was already handy. Soon after the final round was entered Verax ran up to the leaders, and kept going long enough to win by two lengths from Sir Joe, who was a length in front of Revenue; Roseneath fourth. Time, 4min 49sec.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 145 sovs; second 21 sovs and third 14 sovs from stake. One mile.

G H McCullough's ch g Romany Lad by Reality, 5yrs, 5sec (A Wilson) 1
R Peel's Joy, 7sec (J Tudhope) 2
Q C Manson's Hinau, 4sec (T Cotton, Jnr) 3

Patrick G scr, Alice Wood 5sec, Prince Randle 5sec, Ben Hur 5sec, Almond 5sec, Miss Florrie C 6sec, Success 6sec, Federation 7sec, Music 7sec, Peacock 7sec and Submarine 8sec also started. Romany Lad and Prince Randle were coupled.

At the end of a furlong Romany Lad and Joy were together in the lead, well clear of Music, Federation and Ben Hur. Passing the stand Romany Lad had drawn well clear, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning comfortably by three lengths from Joy, who was a similiar distance in front of Hinau, with Success fourth. Time, 2min 23 2/5th sec.

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

G Stringfellow's b g The Needle by Toronto, aged, 5sec (M Edwards) 1
J A Buckland's Verax, 4sec (C Piper) 2
J Cass's Gold Leaf, 5sec (J Berry) 3

Florin 2sec, OYM 4sec, Discoverer 5sec, Withington 6sec, Nga Raima 6sec, and Hamlin 7sec also started.

When two furlongs had been travelled The Needle was showing the way to Discoverer, Hamiln and Withington while Gold Leaf had lost her handicap at the start. Passing the stand The Needle was well clear of his field, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning comfortably by six lengths from Verax, who was three lengths in front of Gold Leaf, with Hamlin fourth. Time, 2min 20sec.

Credit: The Press 13 Nov 1908

1908 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER

Splendid weather prevailed for the concluding day of the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting, the conditions being perfect, except that there was rather much dust about. An enormous crowd was present when operations started, and it was augmented throughout the afternoon.

The racing track was in excellent order, the only drawback being the dust, which interferred rather seriously with the back markers in most of the races. Just after the start of the first race Red Ribbon fell and brought down Wild Ivy and Tuxedo Chief. Fortunately none of the horses or their riders were much the worse for the mishap, though Tuxedo Chief sustained a slight flesh wound.

Several drivers were fined for anticipating the starting clock, but in all other respects the gathering passed off without the least friction. Thirty bookmakers took out licence fee, while the totalisator receipts amounted to £18,404, making a total of £41,432 for the meeting, as against £42,642 last year.

Results:-

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

F Vale's b f Arc Light by Electioneer-Arcangel, 4yrs 15sec (R McMillan) 1
F Macdonald's Lady Clare, 9sec (J Brankin) 2
Wi Kaama's The Mooress, 9sec (N Price) 3

Lady Linton 6sec, Tuxedo Chief 9sec, Miss Vera 11sec, Huon Hue 11sec, Te Porangi 12sec, Flashwood 12sec, President Lincoln 13sec, Wild Ivy 13sec, Mary Lincoln 15sec, Bonification 15sec, TFC 15sec, Myrene 15sec, Red Ribbon 15sec and Cora Lynn 15sec also started.

Arc Light ran to the front before reaching the stand, and with half a mile gone was just clear of Lady Clare and The Mooress. From this out Arc Light had matters all her own way and won comfortably by a length from Lady Clare, who was six lengths in front of The Mooress. Time, 3min 50 3/5th sec.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 210 sovs; second 31 sovs and third 21 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Challis's br g Arbitrator by Imperious-Siberia, 13sec (Owner) 1
J H Power's Tea Tree, 5sec (Owner) 2
T G Fox's Victor Huon, 14sec (Owner) 3

Impatient scr, Laudervale scr, Vitella 4sec, Viewmont 8sec, Esma 8sec, Pansy 9sec, Foreman 15sec and Welfare 16 sec also started.

Welfare and Victor Huon showed the way for a mile, with Arbitrator as their nearest attendant. A little further on Arbitrator ran to the front, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning easily by a dozen lengths from Tea Tree, who was eight lengths in front of Victor Huon. Vitella finished fourth some distance back. Time, 4min 57 2/5th sec.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 500 sovs; second 75 sovs and third 50 sovs from stake. Two miles.

H F Nicoll's b g Durbar by Vavcleve, aged, scr (A Pringle) 1
H Well's Terra Nova, 7sec (J Messervey) 2
J Cooper's Lord Elmo, 3sec (J Milne) 3

Albertorious 2sec, St Simon 4sec, Dick Fly 5sec, Florin 8sec and Master Poole 10sec also started. Albertorious and Fussee were coupled.

No sooner had the field settled into their places than Fussee's sulky broke, and he was pulled up. Florin led past the stand just clear of Master Poole, Terra Nova and Dick Fly, and this order was maintained all through the first round. With a mile gone Florin was just in front of Terra Nova, after whom in close order came Master Poole, Dick Fly and St Simon, with Albertorious last. There was little change till well into the concluding circuit, where Florin lost his place and Terra Nova went on clear of Dick Fly, Master Poole, Lord Elmo and Durbar. The last named then put in a great effort, and cutting down those in front of him,went on and won by two lengths from Terra Nova. Loer Elmo was third eight lengths back followed at considerable intervals by Dick Fly and Master Poole. Time, 4min 36sec.

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

J C Paget's b g Prince Warbeck by Prince Imperial, 6yrs 6sec (F Holmes) 1
J Grice's Myra Warbeck, 10sec (R McConachie) 2
J D Piper's Dr Chutney, scr (H McNae) 3

Redchild 3sec, Laudervale 3sec, Miss Florrie C 7sec, Alliance 7sec, Curfew Bell 8sec, Decoration 8sec, Scotia 11sec, and Millwood 11sec also started.

Millwood soon ran to the front, and he showed the way all through the first round from Alliance, Scotia and Curfew Bell. A little further on Curfew Bell passed Millwood while Dr Chutney was within striking distance of the leaders. When well into the concluding round Miss Florrie C took charge, but at the top turn she stopped and Prince Warbeck went on and won by two lengths from Myra Warbeck, who was four lengths in front of Dr Chutney. Miss Florrie C finished fourth. Time, 4min 51 2/5th sec.

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

E Bowes's b c Al Franz by Franz-Al F, 3yrs, 9sec (C Kerr) 1
J Tasker's Derringcotte, 9sec (Owner) 2
H F Nicoll's Factory Boy, 7sec (A Pringle) 3

Verax 1sec, The Heir 4sec, Nga Riama 5sec, Prince Randle 8sec, Almond 8sec, Advocate 10sec, Belroy 10sec and Peacock 11sec also started.

Peacock cut out the running for a mile just clear of Al Franz, Belroy and Derringcotte. Once into the concluding round Al Franz passed Peacock, and stalling off a late challenge by Derringcote, won by three quarters of a length. Factory Boy was third six lengths back followed by Peacock. Advocate, the favourite, broke his hopples soon after the start and was pulled up. Time, 3min 40 2/5th sec.

ENFIELD HANDICAP (in saddle) of 157 sovs; second 23 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile.

J Cass's b m Gold Leaf by Coolgardie, 6yrs, 6sec (E Thomas) 1
W Kerr's Storm, 8sec (M Allan) 2
M Clarice's Lodi, 8sec (R Allan) 3

Myosotis 1sec, Patrick G 5sec, Robert Emmet 5sec, Discoverer 6sec, Dr Chutney 7sec, Bessie B 8sec,Lady Lillian 8sec and Hamlin 8sec also started.

Hamlin, Storm and Lodi raced along the back straight in that order, but before reaching the stand, Gold Leaf had taken charge. From this out Gold Leaf had matters all her own way, and won easily by six lengths from Storm, who was ten lengths in front of Lodi. Then came Myosotis and Dr Chutney. Time, 2min 17 4/5th sec.

PROVINCIAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 215 sovs; second 32 sovs and third 21 sovs from stake. One mile

J Cooper's b h Lord Elmo by Rothschild-Judah, 6yrs 2sec (J Milne) 1
W Kerr's Wildwood Jun, 4sec (Owner) 2
H F Nicholl's Durbar, 2sec behind scr (A Pringle) 3

Terra Nova 4sec, Elector 4sec, The Needle 4sec and OYM 6sec also started.

Elector led for three furlongs, when Wildwood jun ran past him and Lord Elmo took third place. Wildwood jun kept his position till within a furlong of the post, where he compounded and Lord Elmo went on and won by eight lengths from Wildwood jun who was a similar distance in front of Durbar. Time 2min 51 3/5th sec.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. One mile.

J McDonnell's b c Advocate by Prince Imperial-Rose, 3yes, 6sec (R McDonnell) 1
M Friedlander's Wood Nymph, 8sec (C Kerr) 2
W Wilton's Fusee, 5sec (N Price) 3

Nga Raima 3sec, Hinau 3sec, Hamlin 4sec, Alice Wood 5sec, Baron Lengen 5sec, Almond 5sec, Fredrick 6sec, My Mistake 6sec and Peacock 7sec also started.

Wood Nymph was in front for the first two furlongs, but with half the distance covered Advocate took charge. Easily holding his own to the finish, Advocate won by three lengths from Wood Nymph, who was five lengths in front of Fusee and My Mistake. Time, 2min 24 2/5th sec.


Credit: The Press 14 November 1908

1908 LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP

Run on 8 August 1908 (in harness) of 60 sovs; second horse 6 sovs and third horse 4 sovs from the stake. One mile and a half.

Miss Cass's b c Silver Cry, by Boldrewood- Silver Call, 3yrs, 15sec (Mr J Cass) 1.

Mrs T G Fox's b m Adventuress, 4yrs, 14sec (Mr T G Fox) 2.

Mrs R Sunderland's b f Alice Maud, 3yrs, 11sec (Mr R Sunderland) 3.

Thicket 8sec, Clarewood 10sec, Dolly Wood 10sec, Agesemos 10sec, Lady Elf 12sec, Lord Rothschild 12sec, Imperial Kit 12sec, Master Pat 13sec, Agapanthus 14sec, Little Rothie 14sec, Dark Child 15sec and Prince Rothschild 15sec also started.

Silver Cry and Adventuress were in front all the way, Silver Cry winning by four lengths. Alice Maud was a hundred yards away, followed by Agapanthus ans Master Pat.

Time 4min 4 2/5sec.


Credit: Star 8 Aug 1908

1908 MIDWINTER HANDICAP

Run on 12 August 1908 for 220 sovs; second horse 33 sovs and third horse 22 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

Mr Wi Komo's b h Albertorious, by Albert Victor - Dulce, aged, 4sec (N Price) 1.

Mr J Tasker's ch g Derrincotte, 6yrs, 10sec (Owner) 2.

Mr V Haris's ch g Elector, aged, 6sec, (F Holmes) 3.

Lord Elmo scr, Boldrewood 2sec, Verax 3sec, Miss Burlington 7sec, Aberfeldy 8sec, Factory Boy 8sec, OYM 9sec, Dr Chutney 10sec, Fusee 10sec and Bessie B 10 sec also started.

Derrincotte drew out at once, followed by OYM and with half a mile gone these two were two lengths clear of Miss Burlington. There was no change in the order of the leaders for a lap, but Elector ran into fourth place, and Albertorious and Verax were closing up. With half a mile to go Albertorious ran up to Derrincotte and passing him at the entrance to the straight went on and won by two lengths. Elector being a length away third, Fusee fourth, half a length behind Elector, and Verax close up fifth.

Time 4min 44sec.

Credit: Star 12 Aug 1908