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1906 EXHIBITION MEETING: THURSDAY 8 NOVEMBER

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting was continued in good weather and there was a fair attendance. As in the preceeding days the enclosures were in excellent order, while the track was showing wear by the racing on it. On the conclusion of the big harness event a violent hailstorm swept across the course, and in a few minutes the track and enclosures were covered with water. Fortunately the downpour did not last long, but it marred the rest of the afternoon's enjoyment and robbed the last three events of much of their interest.

In the three mile race the drivers of Impatient and Sydney, the leading pair, got confused in the number of rounds to be covered, and raced on for a curcuit after the full course had been completed. But for this misunderstanding, Sydney would in all probability have been returned the winner.

Speculation was...the sum of £9?67 being invested as against £13,326 on the corresponding day last year. The following are the results of the racing:-

BREEDERS HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second 16 sovs and third 11 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

A Kerr's b g Bellis by Rothschild, 4yrs, 22sec (Owner) 1
T H? Eulogy, 24sec (R McConachie) 2
G Holmes's Lord Spec, 24sec (Atkinson) 3

Dick Fly 7sec, Jay B? 8sec, Ratawood 10sec, and Lady Cedo 15sec also started.

?

THREE-MILE PURSE HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. Three miles.

J McDonnells's br g Impatient by Prince Imperial, 5yrs, 43sec (Owner) 1
J G McConachie's Sydney, 42sec (R McConachie) 2
R Emerson's Bill, 37sec (Owner) 3

General Grigg 22sec, Alice Palm 22sec, Master Dudley 24sec, JP 35sec, Vangeline 39sec, Longfellow 41sec and Lerape 45sec also started.

Before a circuit had been completed Impatient was leading Sydney by three lengths, the pair being followed by Vangeline and Bill. There was no change in the order all through the second and third rounds, but then Vangeline gave place to Bill and Master Dudley was in fourth place. Entering the concluding circuit Sydney closed on Impatient but was still a head to the bad when the post was reached. Then a dozen lengths back came Bill followed by Master Dudley and Vangeline. Time, 7min 30sec. Dividends - On Impatient £4 12s, on Sydney £1 12s.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 130 sovs; second 20 sovs and third 13 sovs from stake. Two miles.

E A Munro's b g Battleaxe by Stanley, aged, 25sec (Owner) 1
M Edward's Wild Belle, 26sec (Owner) 2
J C Paget's Prince Warbeck, 24sec, (Owner) 3

Miss Kola 6sec, Victor Huon 9sec, Brown Ribbon 13sec, Monica 13sec, Redchild 22sec, Veleda 22sec and Success 26sec also started

Wild Belle soon took charge and with half the distance gone she was well clear of Battleaxe, Success and Prince Warbeck. The favourite kept in front till well into the last circuit, where Battleaxe closed on her and though both broke, Battleaxe went on and won by three lengths. Fifty yards back came Prince Warbeck, followed by Success. Time, 5min 4sec. Dividends - On Battleaxe £6 6s; on Wild Belle 10s.

CHAMPION HANDICAP (in harness) of 275 sovs; second 40 sovs and third 27 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Case's b m Verity by Vancleve-Bar, aged, 16sec (A Pringle) 1
S E Tasker's Marian, 10sec (J Tasker) 2
J Brankin's Cocoanut, 11sec (Owner) 3

Belmont M scr, Viewmont 10sec, Albertorious 12sec, Master Poole 13sec, Revenue 13sec, Sir Hector 14sec, Jewel's Heiress 16sec, Black Venus 16sec and Electrician 16sec also started.

Electrician was quickest to begin and at the stand he was closely followed by Jewel's Heiress, Verity, Black Venus and Sir Hector. So they ran all through the first round, but with a mile gone Verity had got to the front, her immediate attendants being Jewel's Heiress, Black Venus and Electrician. Coming to the enclosure for the last time Verity had three lengths advantage of Jewel's Heiress, Black Venus, Marian, Cocoanut and Albertorious. Running along the back straight Marian and Cocoanut got up to Jewel's Heiress while Sir Hector, Revenue and Albertorious were also prominent. Verity held her own to the finish, and won by ten lengths from Marian, who was a length in front of Cocoanut. Then close up came Jewel's Heiress, Sir Hector and Revenue. Time, 4min 50sec. Dividends - On Verity £7 10s; on Marian £4 10s

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

J Barritt's rn g Little Doctor by Jersey, aged, 12sec (G Milsom) 1
J Case's Durbar 7sec (J Brankin) 2
C H Gorten's Cinders, 19sec (A Piper) 3

Carl 12sec, Varcoe 13sec, Vanclare 15sec, Bell Car 15sec, Derringcotte 18sec and Vanity 21sec also started.

Vanity piloted the field past the stand closely followed by Cinders and Derringcotte. Going along the back straight Derringcotte took charge and with a mile completed he was closely attended by Cinders, Vanity, Little Doctor and Vascoe. Entering the concluding circuit Cinders was three lengths to the good of Little Doctor, Vanity and Durbar. Two furlongs from home Durbar closed up, but though he passed Cinders in the last few strides he could not get to Little Doctor, who won a splendid race by a length. Cinders was a length back third with Vanity fourth. Time 4min 47sec. Dividends - On Little Doctor £2 14s; on Durbar £4 14s.

RAILWAY HANDICAP (in harness) of 125 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. One mile.

J Cooper's br g Utah by Kentucky, aged, 8sec (J Milne) 1
Allendale Stock Farm Company's Jewel's Heiress, 7sec (L Robertson) 2
E Bowe's Al F, 5sec (M Albaugh) 3

Withington 2sec, Boldrewood 4sec, Elmwood 8sec, Vivid 10sec and Bellevue 10sec also started.

The start of this race was delayed through heavy rain.
Vivid and Bellevue lost ground at the start and at the stand Utah was in charge from Jewel's Heiress, who was followed by Al F. In the back straight Jewel's Heiress and Al F closed up somewhat, but they could not get to Utah, who won by two lengths. A similar distance devided second and third. Boldrewood being close up fourth. Time, 2min32sec. Dividend - On Utah £7; on Jewel's Heiress £1 2s.

HAGLEY HANDICAP (in saddle) of 120 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. One mile.

W A McFarlane's b m Mint by Wilkin-Mistetoe, 6yrs, 8sec (W Orange) 1
J B Pearson's My Mistake, 7sec (J McLelland) 2
J A Buckland's St Simon, 6sec (A Piper) 3

The Heir 4sec(coupled with St Simon), Austerlitz 5sec, Fichu 5sec, Lopp 5sec, Hamlin 6sec, Prince Elmo 6sec, Durbar 7sec, Wild Rose 7sec, Factory Boy 7sec and Derringcotte 8sec also started.

Mint quickly drew to the front and at the stand he was attended by My Mistake and St Simon. This order was maintained to the finish, Mint winning a good race by a length and a half with St Simon a length away third. Then came The Heir and Durbar. Time, 2min 20 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Mint £6 19s; on My Mistake £2 14s.

BEST AND BEST HANDICAP (in harness) of 200 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 20 sovs from stake. About one mile and a quarter.

Allendale Stock Farm Company's b g Birchmark by Birchwood-Marksmaid, aged, 5sec (L Robertson) 1
J Cooper's Lord Elmo, scr (J Milne) 2
G McClatchie's Euchre, 1sec (A Pringle) 3

Elector also started.

Birchmark started well and showed the way all through the first circuit well clear of Elector, with Lord Elmo in third place. Going along the back straight Elector and Lord Elmo closed on the leader, but he came away again in the last furlong and won comfortably by six lengths from Lord Elmo, who was a similar distance in front of Euchre. Time 3min 7 2/5th sec. Dividend - £3 8s.

Credit: The Press 9 November 1906

1906 EXHIBITION MEETING: FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER

Early morning indications were anything but favourable for the concluding day of the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club's Exhibition Meeting yesterday, but by starting time the sun shone out, and a drying wind helped to erase the effects of Thursday's downpour.

The attendance was large even for a "Show Day," the inside enclosure in particular being crowded almost to the extent of inconvenience. Though still showing some effects of ther previous day's storm, the track was in fair order, and it improved materially as the afternoon wore on. A feature of the racing was the success achieved by visiting horses, Fusee, Dan Patch, Jewel's Heiress and Lady Inez each appropriating a stake.

Speculation reached record proportions, the sum of £15,604 being invested making a grand total of £48,428 for the four days, as against £36,826 last year, when the fixture was confined to three days. The following are the results:-

FARMERS' HANDICAP (in harness) of 125 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. Two miles.

D J Price's b g Fusee by Prince Harold, 4yrs, 25sec (D J Price) 1
J C Paget's Prince Warbeck, 19sec (Owner) 2
T G Fox's Victor Huon, 8sec (Owner) 3

Vanish scr, Te Whiti 6sec, Dick Fly 8sec, Sydney 11sec, Bushman 18sec, Redchild 20sec and Aurora 26sec also started.

Fusee started off well, and with a round completed was a hundred yards clear of Prince Warbeck, after whom came Aurora and Dick Fly. From this out the favourite had matters all his own way, and won comfortably by a dozen lengths from Prince Warbeck, who was a hundred yards in front of Victor Huon. Time, 5min 16sec. Dividends - On Fusee £1 14s; on Prince Warbeck £5 10s.

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

Mrs Yarr's br c Dumbbell by Bell Boy-Secrecy, 3yrs, 7sec (Mr R Monro) 1
Mrs F Wright's Richard E, 12sec (Mr Wright) 2
Mrs N Price's Master Leo, 2sec (Mr Wilkinson) 3

Ferns scr, Vesta 1sec, Mah Honey 2sec, Ashcat 4sec, Te Porangi 4sec, Bugler 6sec, Miss Viking 6sec, Rubican 8sec, Lodi 8sec, Banger 8sec, Thistle 9sec Huanette 9sec and Fram 9sec(coupled), Seaweed 11sec and Rothie(coupled), Bonnie Wood 11sec coupled with Richard E and Rosy D 12sec also started.

Dumbbell and Lodi were in front by the time the enclosure was reached with Richard E at the head of a bunched field. A little further on Lodi retired and Richard E took second place. Two furlongs from home Richard E was in front, but Dumbbell came with a final run in the last fifty yards and won by a neck. Master Leo was fifty yards back in third place. Time, 2min 38 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Dumbell £2 14s; on Richard E £2 10s

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

J Hempler's b g Vanclare by Vancleve-Clare, 6yrs, 16sec (M Edwards) 1
J Case's Durbar, 5sec (J Brankin) 2
A Pringle's Bell Car 16sec (Owner) 3

Belmont M scr, Mint 12sec, Vascoe 12sec, Darwin 13sec and Cinders 16sec also started.

Bell Car soon established a commanding lead and with a circuit gone he was well clear of Cinders, Mint and Vanclare. The leader kept his position till well into the concluding round where Vanclare closed on him and Durbar took fourth place. Two furlongs from home Bell Car compounded and Vanclare went on and won by a dozen lengths from Durbar, who was forty yards in front of Bell Car. Then came Cinders and Vascoe. Time, 4min 51sec. Dividends - On Vanclare £5 12s; on Durbar £2 10s.

LYTTELTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. Two miles.

Wi Kaama's b h Albertorious by Albert Victor-Dulce, 5yrs 4sec (N Price) 1
J Ballie's Sir Joe, 14sec, (A Pringle)2
Dr Thacker's Sir Hector, 4sec (M Edwards)3

Monte Carlo scr, Electrician 8sec, Belroy 10sec, Huon King 13sec, Kerrwood 13sec, Fancesca 14sec, JP 15sec and Bill 16sec also started.

Francesca and Sir Joe piloted the field all through the first round with Bill at the head of the others. So they ran all through the first mile, at the end of which Sir Joe was leading Francesca, while Albertorious had worked his way into fifth place. Sir Joe held his own till well into the last circuit where Albertorious took charge and won easily by fifty yards from Sir Joe who was twice that distance in front of Sir Hector. Monte Carlo was fourth. Time, 4min 16 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Albertorious £4 8s; on Sir Joe £1 8s.

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

Mrs R O Duncan's ch f Sal Tasker by Rothschild-Jessie, 4yrs, 11sec (D J Price) 1
Allendale Stock Farm Company's Dan Patch, 8sec (L Robertson) 2
J A Buckland's Verax 8sec (C Piper) 3

Belmont M scr, Euchre scr, Birchmark 9sec coupled with Dan Patch, Lord Elmo 6sec, Silio Hue 7sec, Marian 7sec, Vickery 8sec, Boldrewood 10sec, Viewmont 10sec and Withington 14sec also started.

Sal Tasker held a sustantial advantage of Boldrewood and Dan Patch when the enclosure was reached, Vickery being at the head of the others. Boldrewood acted as the favourite's immediate attendant all through the first circuit, but in the next he stopped and Dan Patch took second place, the others being headed by Vickery and Lord Elmo. There was little change in the order through the third circuit, Sal Tasker having a little the better of Dan Patch, the pair being well clear of Lord Elmo and Vickery. When well into the final round Sal Tasker drew right away from Dan Patch and won easily by thirty yards. A great set-to between Verax, Lord Elmo and Euchre for third place ended on favour of the first-named by a neck, a similar distance separating the others. Time, 4min 44 4/5th sec. Dividend - On Sal Tasker £1 14s; on Dan Patch £1 8s.

PIONEER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. Twice round.

Allendale Stack Farm Company's br c Dan Patch by Rothschild-Ruahine, 4yrs 7sec (A Pringle) 1
J Deyell's Lopp, 7sec (Butterfield) 2
J Case's Durbar 7sec (J Brankin) 3

Myosotis scr, Terra Nova 4sec, The Heir 5sec and St Simon(coupled), Fichu 6sec and ? 8sec(coupled), Mint 6sec, Austerlitz 7sec coupled with Dan Patch and Wild Rose 8sec also started.

Before a furlong had been left behind Dan Patch was in front and going along the back stretch St Simon was running second, followed by Austerlitz, Lopp and Mint. Passing the stand Dan Patch was going easily in front and not being troubled, won by three lengths. Lopp and Durbar passed St Simon in the last quarter the former gaining second place by two lengths, with Fichu fourth. Time, 2min 53 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Dan Patch £2 2s; on Lopp £2 12.

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

Allendale Stock Farm Company's blk m Jewel's Heiress by Heir-at-Law-Nellie Gray, aged, 5sec (L Robertson) 1
R Miller's Lord Elmo, 4sec (A Milson) 2
Allendale Stock Farm Company's Birchmark, 3sec (D J Price) 3

Euchre scr, Elector scr, Discoverer 1sec, Cocoanut 1sec, Vestina 2sec, Galatea 3sec, Hamlin 3sec, My Mistake 3sec, Florin 4sec, Anstrey 4sec and Al F 5sec also started.

Jewel's Heiress started off at a great pace, and at the stand was a dozen lengths clear of Prince Elmo. Easily holding her own to the finish the favourite won by fifty yards from Prince Elmo who was ten lengths in front of Birchmark, with Elector fourth. Time, 2min 19sec. Dividends - On Jewel's Heiress £2; on Prince Elmo £2 18s

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. One mile.

J B Zander's blk m Lady Inez by Directo-Mabel, aged, 12sec (Wright) 1
G Hood's Imperial Polly 16sec (Owner) 2
W Henry's Fancy Girl, 11sec (J Milne) 3

Lady Cedo 11sec, Veloda 12sec, Susie Hue 12sec, Eulogy 14sec, Fusee 11sec 4sec pen. also started.

Imperial Polly showed the way from the start, while Fusee refused to settle to his work. At the stand Imperial Polly was well clear of Eulogy and Lady Inez, and a little further on the latter took second place. A great finish between Imperial Polly and Lady Inez was witnessed, the latter winning by a head. Then a dozen lengths back came Fancy Girl followed by Lady Cedo. Time, 2min 26sec. Dividends - On Lady Inez £1 10s; on Imperial Polly £3 12s.

Credit: The Press 10 November 1906

1906 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP HANDICAP

In 1906 great interest was shown in the race. The winner, Belmont M, by Rothschild-Puella, came from Australia when noted Sydney horseman Gus Milsom brought the NZ bred Belmont M back in this year. Euchre (A Pringle) was second, and Marian (J Tasker)third.

The stake was £400 and the class was let out to 4:50. Belmont M's time was 4:46.

Unlike Monte Carlo and Birchmark, who began from the front, Belmont M had only one behind him at the start and turned a top staying performance to get around nine runners.

He was royally-bred, being by champion sire Rothschild from a sister to the dam of champion trotter Fritz, and was a brother to another top pacer in Almont, and when sold at the dispersal sale of breeder Henry Mace fetched a record price for a 2-year-old of 400 guineas.

This was exhibition year in Christchurch and "It was a truly representative gathering."

**'Ribbonwood'writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 25Oct44**

-o0o-

Belmont M, a son of the great sire Rothschild, won the 1906 New Zealand Cup with a wonderful stayer's run. Unlike the two winners before him, Monte Carlo and Birchmark, both started from the front, Belmont M had only Euchre behind him on handicap. His performance was considered exceptional, because he was forced over plenty of extra ground to get around the other 10 runners. Belmont M was not well supported and started as ninth favourite.

The race favourite was Woodend, but he lost his chance at the start. The second favourite and backmarker Euchre, driven by Andy Pringle, almost carried his supporters through. Euchre took the lead a furlong from the winning post, only to be run down by Belmont M, who was driven a patient race by his Australian trainer-driver Gus Millsom. Marian, one length behind Euchre, was third, followed by Boldrewood, Cocoanut and Terra Nova.

Belmont M was New Zealand-bred but had raced in Sydney in the previous four seasons, graduating to the top class. He was a brother to Almont, another very good pacer, who had won numerous races in Australia. Henry Mace, at Brooklyn Lodge, New Brighton, bred both. Mace died in 1902 and his stud was disposed of by auction in November the same year, when the 47 lots were sold for £2440 10s. Australian buyers paid record prices of 640 guineas for Almont and 400 guineas for Belmont M, then a two-year-old. Both were by Rothschild from Puella, by Berlin from Woodburn. Puella was also auctioned and fetched 90 guineas. Mace, a cordial manufacturer in Christchurch, was an early and avid supporter of harness racing. In 1881 he bought land in New Brighton from Canterbury Sports Company Ltd when it went into liquidation. The Sports Company had bought the land from its original owner, Tom Free, for the purpose of encouraging athletics. Mace soon established his home, stables, training track and stud at Brooklyn Lodge. Later the land passed to the New Brighton Trotting Club and when it shifted operations to Addington to take advantage of night facilities, the cycle was completed when the Queen Elizabeth II Park sports complex was established. Mace, whose private trainer was Tom Frost, was the leading owner for two seasons, with totals of £800 and £760. He was awarded life membership of the Metropolitan Club in 1900 and was a steward of the club at the same time.

Belmont M gave his sire Rothschild the first of his three Cup winners - the others were Albert H.(1912) and Ravenschild (1913). Rothschild was the top sire in New Zealand for many seasons, up to 1915-16. He was a bay horse foaled in 1889, by Childe Harold from Belle Briggs, both sire and dam imported from the United States. Rothschild was bred in New South Wales and imported to New Zealand by William Jarden in 1893. He was trained and started in a few races, but never possessed much speed. He sired 306 winners in this country and died in Wellington Zoo, aged 32. His first winner was Jessie Palm, who, as a two-year-old trotter, won the Juvenile Handicap at New Brighton in April 1897. His other good winners, apart from Almont and Belmont M, were Sal Tasker, Emmeline, Lord Elmo, Bright and Glendalough.

In 1906 - Exhibition Year - the Metropolitan Club raced over four days. It was generally agreed that the best collection of standardbreds ever assembled in New Zealand were at that meeting. Stakes of 5000 sovereigns were distributed and the Cup stake was lifted to 400 sovereigns. The totalisator turnover for the four days reached £48,428, with Show Day creating a one-day betting record of £15,604. The New Zealand Cup was raced on the first day of the meeting, with another feature of the day's racing being the performance of the three-year-old filly Wild Wind, who reeled off a mile in the Riccarton Stakes in 2:21.6. The second day was notable for the success of the overseas contingent. Dan Patch, owned by the Melbourne-based Allendale Stock Farm Company, had a convincing win in the Christchurch Handicap. His driver, Lou Robertson, also won the Halswell Handicap with the Syney pacer Little Ned, but was disqualified for starting before his time. Verity, by Vancleve, in the hands of Andy Pringle, and Birchmark were successful on the third day. A violent storm after the main race churned up the track and Birchmark, revelling in the conditions, won the Best Handicap easily.

The three-mile event was still a regular feature of each day's programme, but on Thursday the race was run with a difference. The drivers of Impatient and Sydney, the leading pair, became confused over the number of rounds and raced on for a full curcuit after the distance had been completed. With the introduction of the sprint distance of a mile-and-a-quarter, the three-mile races were destined for elimination.

The visiting Australian horses - Fusee, Dan Patch, Jewel Heiress and Lady Inez - won half the last day's programme, but the day belonged to Sal Tasker, a four-year-old mare, who won the 500 sovereign Exhibition Cup, the first harness race in New Zealand with a stake of that sum. Starting as the favourite, she made no race of it, winning by 30 yards. She was the first out and was first home, in 4:44.6, much faster than the time Belmont M had recorded to win the Cup. Sal Tasker, by Rothschild from Jessie, had the makings of a top-class performer, setting a mile record of 2:20 for a two-year-old, but never fulfilled her promise. She was the season's top earner, with £575. Sal Tasker started in the 1907 Cup, finishing fifth.

**Bernie Wood writing in The Cup**

Credit: Calendar 25Oct44

1905 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP HANDICAP

The stake of the race remained at £310. The winner was Allendale Stock Farm's Birchmark (D J Price) with General Lincoln second and Vickery third.

"There was nothing sensational about the race," state the files. "Birchmark was regarded as a horse above average."

There was much more of an international flavour to the Cup in the early years than there has been ever since so it was only a matter of time before it was raided.

The second edition was won by Birchmark, a 5-year-old bred in America, owned and trained in Melbourne and driven by the renowned Australasian "sportsman" Dave Price of Ribbonwood fame.

The gelding began from the front and ploughed through a very muddy track in 5:17 3/5, which will forever remain the slowest time on record.

**'Ribbonwood'writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 25Oct44**

-o0o-

Birchmark, off the front mark and the race favourite, ploughed through mud and slush to win the second New Zealand Cup. The heavy track unsettled most of the competitors, but Birchmark, always noted for his staying ability, was able to handle the conditions better than the rest. His winning time of 5:17.6 remains the slowest recorded in the race.

Birchmark was an American-bred gelding, owned and trained in Melbourne, and was one of a group of horses sent to Christchurch for the November racing by Lou Robertson, an expatriate New Zealander who had driven Royalwood in the inaugural New Zealand Cup. Robertson had crossed the Tasman to Australia, where he had taken up new training headquarters. Much later he switched his attention to the gallopers, and trained the 1935 Melbourne Cup winner Marabou.

The 1905 Cup carnival was raced over the customary days, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, November 7,9 and 10. Good weather on the first day brought a record attendance to Addington and, despite the extra totalisator facilities provided, amenities were taxed to the hilt. Lord Elmo beat Monte Carlo and Boldrewood in the Metropolitan Handicap, but was not a Cup contender. On the second day intermittent rain and a strong southerly wind made conditions unpleasant. Discoverer won the Christchurch Handicap by a neck from Marian. Both were Cup hopefuls, but it took them five minutes to race the two miles, so they gained little support. Birchmark was not a starter either day.

The cold southerly remained on Cup Day and heavy showers turned the track into a quagmine. As expected in such conditions, horses and drivers were sorry sights
after their events, returning to the birdcage covered in mud. The programme was a mixed bag. Of the eight races, five were in saddle and three in harness. There were two races over a mile, two over a mile-and-a-half, three over two miles and one over three miles, which took an incredible 8:24.6.

In the early spring, Cocoanut beat Verax in the August Handicap, Marian won the Midwinter Handicap, and Birchmark became the first of several National Cup-New Zealand Cup winners. The track that day in August was also in bad shape after heavy rain, so Birchmark was a ready-made favourite.

General Lincoln (Andy Pringle) and Monte Carlo were the next-best supported of the 10 starters. Dave Price (of Ribbonwood fame), who was driving Birchmark, had him in front from the start. Marian and Discoverer both broke and lost their chances. Birchmark led past the stands and, the first time round, was two lengths in front of General Lincoln and Verax. He still had a useful lead well into the second mile. In the back straight Birchmark broke his stride and Andy Pringle pushed General Lincoln into the lead. The pair were followed at 12-length intervals by Verax, Vickery and Monte Carlo. Birchmark recovered his lost ground and quickly surged past General Lincoln, beating him to the winning post by three lengths. Vickery (Manny Edwards) struggled into third place, 50 yards away. The others headed by Verax and Monte Carlo, were unable to handle the bad ground and were well beaten.

The trotter Verax was the season's top earner with £434.

**Bernie Wood writing in The Cup**

1905 SPRING MEETING: TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club has always been fortunate in the weather experienced for its Spring Meeting, but never has it been favoured with a better day than yeaterday. The light easterly breeze tempered the son's rays, but was not strong enough to cause inconvenience or raise much dust.

Under these tempting circumstances the fact of there being a record attendance is not surprising. Amongst those present were many leading lights in the racing world from all parts of the colony, while three notable Australian trotting enthusiasts in Messers A Pointing and Ward, of the New South Wales TC and Mr G Tye of Melbourne, were amongst the most interested spectators.

As usual at this time of year, the grounds looked at their very best, and though the race track had a thick layer of dust on it, the going was first class. In most of the events the racing was interesting, but no doubt it will improve as the meeting goes on. After the Spring Handicap the drivers of Victor C and Allmount were before the stewards to explain the poor showings of their horses, and in both cases the explanation was accepted as satisfactory.

The extra totalisator accommodation provided was greatly appreciated by speculators, but the paying out arrangements were again the subject of many complaints. Investments for the day reached the fine total of £11,646 10s, which was an increase of £1186 on last year's figures. Results:-

SPRING HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J McDonnell's br g Impatient by Prince Imperial, 4yrs 4sec (Owner) 1
L Wilson's Lenape, 12sec (M Albaugh) 2
D Kennedy's Alice Palm, 10sec (Owner) 3

Victor C scr, Allmount 2sec, Inspiration 15sec, and Richard E 15sec also started.

Richard E led for a circuit, when Impatient got to the front, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning pulling up by eighty yards. Lenape finished second ten lengths in front of Alice Palm, both of whom had lost a lot of ground by breaking. Time, 5min 17 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Impatient £4 2s, on Lanape 12s.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 120 sovs; second 18 sovs, third 12 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Brankin's b g Belroy by Coolgardie-Baltileen, 5yrs, 19sec (Owner) 1
H A Webb's Rosalind, 18sec (M Edwards) 2
G Bush's Revenue, scr (A Cox) 3

Doppleganger 12sec, Merry Prince 12sec, Myosotis 14sec and Wild Flower 16sec also started.

Rosalind went off nicely, and held her handicap from Belroy, Wild Flower and Myosotis who were almost on terms. A bad break by the leader when a mile had been gone let Belroy to the front. Rosalind gradually closed on the favourite again but spoilt an excellent chance of winning by leaving her feet when nearing the post. Belroy won a good race by half a length, while Revenue ran through in the last quarter and finished third teh lengths back, followed by Wild Flower. Time, 4min 58sec. Dividends - On Belroy £1 18s; on Rosalind £1 6s.

NOVICE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. Two miles.

P J Keller's b m Millicent by Huon Junr, aged, 8sec (J McClelland) 1
H E Jacobs's Duly Elected, 5sec (N Price) 2
G McConnell's Sweet Nell, 20sec (Owner) 3

Victor C scr, Micklebrook 4sec, Vesta 7sec, Fram 18sec, and Dark Child 20sec also started.

Sweet Nell made play from Fram all through the first circuit. At the stand Millicent closeed on Sweet Nell, and with half the distance gone had established a commanding lead. This she maintained to the finish, winning easily by twelve lengths from Duly Elected, who was ten lengths in front of Sweet Nell. Time, 5min 23 3/5th sec. Dividend - On Millicent £2 6s; on Duly Elected £1 14s.

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

Mrs J Lewis's gr m Orlando by Sovereign, 6yrs, scr (Mr J Carl) 1
Mrs B Shadbolt's Little Mary, 3sec (Mr J August) 2
Mrs C Pacham's Mambrino Doll, 17sec (Mr J Messervey) 3

Laughter 4sec, Betty 4sec, Fidelity 8sec, Underwood 9sec, Alice Palm 11sec, Captivator 13sec, Roseshield 14sec, Crown Child 15sec, Zander 17sec, Roosevelt 17sec, Lassie 18sec and Gertie M 18sec(coupled), General White 18sec and Lady Irvington 18sec(coupled) also started.

Lassie showed the way all through the first round just clear of Zander, with General White next. Half a mile from home Mambrino Doll and Little Mary took charge, and a little further on Orlando took third place. A great race to the post between Little Mary and Orlando ensued, victory resting with the latter by half a length, with Mambrino Doll four lengths away third. Time, 3min 50sec. Dividends - On Orlando £11 2s; on Little Mary £6 10s.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 230 sovs; second 34 sovs and third 23 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

J Cooper's b c Lord Elmo by Rothschild-Judah, 3yrs, 7sec (J Milne) 1
T Yarr's Monte Carlo, 4sec (B Edwards) 2
T Thomas's Boldrewood, 3sec (M Albaugh) 3

Vickery 5sec, Verax 5sec, Fichu 6sec, Little Doctor 6sec, Miss Vera Capel 6sec, Onward 7sec, Marian 7sec, Sir Hector 8sec and Jewel's Heiress 9sec also started.

Marian, Sir Hector and Jewel's Heiress lost ground at the start, and Lord Elmo went on in front having eight lengths advantage of Monte Carlo and Onward when the stand was reached. In the back Onward lost his place and with half the distance gone Lord Elmo was four lehgths to the good of Monte Carlo, after whom, at a similar interval, came Little Doctor, Onward, Verax and Miss Vera Capel. Entering the concluding round Lord Elmo was still going easily in front, while Boldrewood improved his position. From this to the finish Lord Elmo had matters all his own way, and won comfortably by two lengths from Monte Carlo. Then six lengths back came Boldrewood and Verax together just clear of Little Doctor and Jewel's Heiress. Time, 3min 37 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Lord Elmo £1 2s; on Monte Carlo £4 4s.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 120 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. Two miles.

D Briggan's br m Whisper by Lincoln Yet, aged, 13sec, (A Pringle) 1
A J Marsall's Carl, 7sec (J Nankerville) 2
T F Cunneen's Bushman, 9sec (E McCann) 3

McKinley scr, Tracey Wood 9sec, Viscount 12sec, Veneda 12sec, Southerly Buster 12sec and Master Dudley also started

Whisper held a slight advantage of Southerly Buster all through the first mile, the pair being right out by themselves. A little further on Southerly Buster stopped and was passed by Bushman and Carl. The latter took second place in the last half mile, but could not get to Whisper, who won by a dozen lengths. Bushman was third, twenty lengths away followed by Veneda. Time, 5min 0 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Whisper £1 14s; on Carl £2 10s.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second 16 sovs and third 11 sovs from stake. One mile

C Richmond's b f Fancy Girl by Velox-Verity, 4yrs, 12sec (A Pringle) 1
C Kerr's All Day, 8sec (Owner) 2
J B Pearson's My Mistake, 8sec, (E McCann) 3

Cocoanut scr, Jewel's Heiress 5sec, Victor Huon 8sec, Viewmont 8sec, Elsa Huon 8sec, General Mac 8sec, Lady Elmo 9sec, Electrician 9sec and Lord Althorp 10sec also started.

Fancy Girl made good use of her handicap and at the stand was six lengths clear of All Day and Lady Elmo, the latter having broken twice. In the conluding round All Day got away from Lady Elmo, but he could not get to Fancy Girl, who won by two lengths. My Mistake finished third, three lengths back, followed by Lady Elmo. Time, 2min 31sec. Dividends - On Fancy Girl £1 10s; on All Day £5 6s.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 16 sovs and third 11 sovs from stake. One mile.

J Messervey's b m Lily C by Young Irvington-Strathairn, aged, 6sec (Owner) 1
F Rogatski's and J Boloski's br g Sonbrino, 8sec (R Allen) 2
C Kerr's All Day, 4sec (Owner) 3

Directo scr, Sierra 1sec, Robert Emmett 2sec, Valentia 2sec, Bessie B 2sec, My Mistake 4sec, Austrey 5sec, Whisper 3sec(4sec pen), Highlander 7sec and Southerly Buster 7sec(coupled), Governor L 8sec, Young Stanley 8sec and Longfellow 8sec also started.

Lily C soon ran to the front, and at the stand she was six lengths to the good of Southerly Buster and Longfellow. The leader maintained her advantage all along the back, and lasted long enough to win by two lengths from Sonbrino, All Day and Robert Emmett, who finished in a bunch. Austrey, the favourite, was also well up after making several bad mistakes. Time. 2min 28sec. Dividends - On Lily C £15 2s; on Sonbrino £9 2s.

Credit: The Press 8 Nov 1905

1905 SPRING MEETING: THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER

The weather was far from pleasant for the second day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting, a strong southerly wind prevailing, accompanied at intervals by light showers. As the result of the rain that fell during the night the course, when proceedings commenced, was decidely heavy. It improved greatly, however, as the afternoon wore on, but at no time afforded first-class going.

The attendance was even larger than Tuesdays record, amongst those present being many notable visiting racing men from all parts of the colony. After the concluding event the stewards hald an inquiry into the running of Jewel's Heiress, but after hearing the evidence of those concerned accepted the explanation tendered as satisfactory.

Speculation was particularly brisk, the fine sum of £13,236 10s being invested, as against £11,002 on the corresponding day last year. The following are the results:-

HALSWELL HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

M Friedlander's blk c Kerrwood by Wildwood-Rosewood, 4yrs, 20sec (W Kerr) 1
R Sunderland's Wild Flower, 2sec (J Farrar) 2
J McDonnell's Impatient, 2sec (Owner) 3

Lady Elmo scr, Myosotis scr, Betty 8sec, Lenape 14sec, Alice Palm 15sec, Aurora 20sec and Richard E 24sec also started.

Richard E made play till well into the back straight, where Kerrwood took charge. From this out the favourite had matters all his own way, and won easing up by three lengths from Wild Flower, who finished a length to the good of Impatient, with Lady Elmo fourth. Time, 4min 26 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Kerrwood £1 10s; on Wild Flower £1 18s.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 16 sovs and third 11 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

R D Petrie's br c Dan Patch, by Rothschild, 8yrs, 16sec (A Pringle) 1
W Trotter's b g Micklebrook, 24sec (J McLelland) 2
C Davidson's Elmwood, 18sec (Owner) 3

Bessie B scr, Highlander 5sec, Longfellow 8sec, Miss Eadir 11sec, LEA 15sec, Glenroy 16sec, Laughter 16sec, Larry II 17sec, Duly Elected 18sec, Ingonyama 18sec, Kalmea 23sec and Vesta 24sec also started.

Vesta led for nearly a circuit, when Dan Patch ran to the front and soon established a commanding lead. Half a mile from home Micklebrook took second place, but he could make no impression on Dan Patch, who won by four lengths. Elmwood was third, twelve lengths away, followed by Longfellow. Time, 3min 59sec. Dividends - On Dan Patch £1 10s; on Micklebrook £3 10s.

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

E A Munro's b g Discoverer by Stanley, aged, 9sec (K Smith) 1
S E Tasker's Marian, 5sec (J Brankin) 2
Dr Thacker's Sir Hector, 7sec (J Mine) 3

Bolrewood scr, Verax 4sec, Darwin 4sec, Miss Vera Capel 6sec, Sal Tasker 6sec, Florin 8sec, McKinley 8sec and Master Poole 9sec also started.

Discoverer led past the stand well clear of Florin and Sir Hector, with Marian most prominent of the others. In the back Sir Hector ran past Florin and closed on the leader, the pair being almost on terms when the enclosure was reached for the second time. Marian was now in third place, well in advance of Florin, who was followed by Sir Hector, Verax and Miss Vera Capel. With half the distance gone Discoverer was still heading Sir Hector, the pair being closely followed by Marian. Going past the stand for the last time Discoverer had a slight advantage of Sir Hector, but in the back straight he lost his place to Marian. The latter gradually closed on the leader, and a furlong from the post was on terms with him. A great struggle to the post ensued, Discoverer by a final effort just gaining the judge's verdict by a neck. Sir Hector finished third forty yards back, just in front of Verax and Miss Vera Capel. Time, 5min. Dividends - On Discoverer £10 12s; on Marian £4 8s

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs, and third 15 sovs from stake. Two miles.

R Beckett's br g Sir Joe by Vancleve, aged, 18sec (B Edwards) 1
F H Lambert's Little Doctor, 7sec (F Holmes) 2
J Hempler's Vanclare, 13sec (M Edwards) 3

Miss Banks 13sec, Carl 13sec, Lena Bell 14sec and Bushman 19sec also started.

Bushman had a substantial advantage of Sir Joe and Lena Bell all through the first round, while Little Doctor was making up his ground at a great rate. With half the distance gone Little Doctor was in front. Sir Joe and Bushman heading the others. A break by the leader enabled Sir Joe to get to him in the last round, and the pair fought out a great finish, Sir Joe eventually winning by five lengths. Vanclare was third, nine lengths back, followed by Lena Bell. Time, 5min 9sec. Dividends - On Sir Joe £2 12s; on Little Doctor 16s.

HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness) of 120 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. Two miles.

M Edwards's gr c Lord Althorp by Almont-Lady Thorp, 3yrs, 16sec (Owner) 1
C Kerr's Wild Arab, 15sec (Owner) 2
R Beckett's Sir Joe, 7sec (4sec pen)(B Edwards) 3

Cariola 12sec and Master Dudley 16sec also started.

Lord Althorp and Wild Arab soon established a long lead from their opponents, and though the latter repeatedly tacked the grey colt, he was unable to pass him, and suffered defeat by six lenghts. Time, 5min 10sec. Dividend - £3 8s.

SPEEDWELL HANDICAP (in harness) of 180 sovs; second horse 27 sovs and third horse 18 sovs from stake. About one mile and a quarter.

J Cooper's b c Lord Elmo by Rothschild-Judah, 3yrs, 4sec (J Milne) 1
J Hemplin's ch g Elector, aged, 3sec (M Edwards) 2
E Thomas's b h Boldrewood, aged, 3sec (M Albaugh) 3

Norice scr and Austerlitz 4sec also started.

Boldrewood broke soon after the start, and Lord Elmo went on from Austerlitz and Elector. At the end of half a mile Lord Elmo and Elector were out by themselves, while Norice was making up ground fast. Elector ran up to Lord Elmo in the second lap, but the latter drew away again, and won by a length. Norice broke badly in the last three furlongs, and Boldrewood secured third place, just in front of Norice and Austerlitz. Time, 2min 59sec. Dividend - £3 2s.

LINCON HANDICAP (in saddle) of 120 sovs; second 18 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. One mile.

F Holmes's b g Vascoe by Vancleve, aged, 2sec (Owner) 1
J Messervey's Lilly C, 5sec (Owner) 2
C Kerr's All Day, 6sec (Owner) 3

Two Up scr, Cocoanut scr, Little Doctor 2sec, Royalwood 5sec, Whisper 6sec, Fredrick 6sec, Bessie B 7sec and Victor Huon 7sec also started.

Fredrick was the first to show prominent, but before reaching the stand Lily C headed him, as did All Day and Whisper. Lily C entered the back straight eight lengths to the good of All Day, with Whisper and Vascoe at the head of the others. The leader held her own till within a hundred yards of the post, where Vascoe joined her, and in a splendid finish the latter won by a head. All Day was three lengths away in third place, followed by Whisper, Two Up and Cocoanut who were almost on terms. Time, 2min 22 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Vascoe £4 14s; on Lily C £4.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 120 sovs; second 18sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. One mile.

R Powrie's blk m Jewel's Heiress by Heir-in-law-Nellie Gray, 6yrs, 6sec (L Robertson)1
A Brown's The Needle, 2sec (A Pringle) 2
J Lewis's Ben Hur, scr (B Edwards) 3

Hamlin scr, Amusement 1sec, The Heir 4sec, Satinwood 4sec, Almond 5sec and My Mistake 5sec also started.

Jewel's Heiress got away well, and at the stand was fifty yards to the good of Amusement and The Needle. From this out the leader had matters all her own way and won comfortably by ten lengths from The Needle. Ben Hur closed up in the last furlong, and finished three lengths in from of Amusement. Time, 2min 28sec. Dividends - On Jewel's Heiress £5 16s; on The Needle £1 6s.

Credit: The Press 10 November 1905

1905 SPRING MEETING: FRIDAY 10 NOVEMBER

The weather experienced for the final day's racing of the NZ Metropolitan TC Spring Meeting was most disagreeable, a cold southerly wind, with intermittent showers, prevailing throughout the afternoon. Despite this, the attendance was again large, and interest in the racing was well maintained.

As was only to be expected, the track was in a wretched condition, the mud and slush being fetlock deep, while the competitors after each event presented a sorry spectacle. Under the circumstances time-taking was out of the question, and the going no doubt affected many of the well-fancied candidates' chances.

After the conclusion of the Ladies' Bracelet the stewards had the riders of Lassie and Crown Child before them, and disqualified the former for three months for allowing his mount to gallop, while the latter was cautioned for the same offence.

Great business was done by the totalisator, no less than £11,943 being invested, making a grand total of £36,836 for the meeting, as against £34,930 handled last year. The following are the results:-

BREEDER'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs Kavanagh's b m Lady Cedo, by Tuxedo, 5yrs, 22sec (D J Price) 1
M Friedlander's Kerrwood, 13sec (W Kerr) 2
R Sutherland's Wild Flower, 4sec (J Farrar) 3

Myrtle Girl 5sec, Imperial Polly 15sec, and Lenape 16sec also started.

Lady Cedo led throughout, and though Kerrwood closed on her in the last half-mile, he tired at the finish, suffering defeat by five lengths. Wild Flower was third over a hundred yards back. Time, 4min 15sec. Dividend - £2 8s.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 10 sovs from the stake. Two miles.

F Rogatski and J Boleski's b g Sonbrino, by Mambrino Abdallah-Dolly, aged, 9sec (R Allen) 1
W J Moreland's Killarney, 15sec (Owner) 2
W Trotter's Micklebrook, 20sec (J McLelland) 3

Sir Joe scr, Dan Patch 10sec, Longfellow 13sec and Loyal 14sec also started.

Micklebrook led from Killarney and Loyal all through the first mile, but four furlongs from home Killarney closed on him, and he left his feet. Killarney was then in charge, but Sonbrino caught her in the home straight, and won a great race by half a length, with Micklebrook a dozen lengths back third, followed by Longfellow. Time, 5min 28 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Sonbrino, £8 10s; on Killarney £1 18s.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 310 sovs; second 46 sovs and third 31 sovs from stake. Two miles.

Allendale Stock Farm Co's b g Birchmark, by Birchwood-Marksmaid, 5yrs, 7sec (D J Price) 1
S Humphrey'd General Licoln, 6sec (A Pringle) 2
J Smither's br m Vickery, 3sec (M Edwards) 3

Vaunt scr (Coupled with Birchmark), Bolrewood 2sec, Monte Carlo 4sec, Vascoe 4sec, Marian 4sec, Verax 6sec and Discoverer 7sec also started.

Discoverer and Marian lost their places at the start, and Birchmark showed the way past the stand two lengths to the good of General Lincoln, with Verax next. In the back straight General Lincoln closed on the leader, and at the stand he was half a length to the good, the pair being followed at twelve lengths' interval by Verax, Vickery and Monte Carlo. Going along the back Birchmark broke, and General Lincoln took charge, but entering the concluding circuit Birchmark was in charge again. A little further on Birchmark ran to the front, and, easily holding his own to the finish, won by three lengths. Vickery occupied third place fifth yards off, followed by Verax and Monte Carlo. Time, 5min 17 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Birchmark £2 14s; on General Lincoln £1 4s.

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

Mrs T Neale's br g Te Porangi by Prince Imperial, 6yrs, 15sec (Mr K Smith) 1
Mrs M L Glen's Glenallan, 11sec (Mr H Jones) 2
Mrs H Thompson's Wattle, 15sec (Mr H Thompson) 3

Mambrino Doll 9sec, Sweet Nell 13sec, Crown Child 13sec, Roosevelt 15sec, Lassie 15sec, Fram 15sec and Imperial Bess 15sec also started.

Lassie piloted the field for half a mile with Imperial Bess and Crown Child handy. In the last circuit Te Porangi got to the front and stayed there to the finish, winning by a length from Lassie, who, like Crown Child, the third placegetter, was distanced for galloping. Second money went to Glenallan and third to Wattle, both of whom finished some distance away. Time, 4min 27sec. Dividends - On Te Porangi £2 2s; on Glenallan £2 2s.

THREE MILE PURSE HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake.

Mrs McBride's b m Duchess of Rothschild by Rothschild-The Duchess, 6yrs, 22sec (D J Price) 1
H A Webb's Rosalind, 13sec (N Edwards) 2
J Brankin's Black Prince, 20sec (Owner) 3

General Grigg 5sec, McKinley 8sec, Sir Joe 10sec, Viewmont 13sec and Doppleganger 22 sec also started.

Duchess of Rothschild soon established a commanding lead, and with a mile gone was a hundred yards to the good of Doppleganger and Black Prince, while General Grigg had made up little of his leeway. In the second mile Rosalind ran past Black Prince and Doppleganger, the latter pair being followed by Viewmont and General Grigg. So they kept to the finish, for though Rosalind closed on the leader in the final circuit she was still eight lengths to the bad when the post was reached. Black Prince finished third over a hundred yards back, followed at a lengthy interval by General Grigg and Viewmont. Time, 8min 24 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Duchess of Rothschild £3 6s; on Rosalind £6 4s.

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

M Allan's b g Fichu by Honest Wilkes-BB, aged, 8sec (Owner) 1
J Hempler's Vanclare, 12sec (M Edwards) 2
W Smart's George L II, 12 sec (C Kerr) 3

Thurlow scr, The Heir 8sec, Sir Hector 8sec and Miss Banks 13sec also started.

Miss Banks, The Heir and Fichu formed the leading division throughtout the first circuit, after which The Heir established a substantial lead. With a mile gone he commenced to tire, and Fichu went on in front. Entering the concluding round Fichu was six lengths to the good, and gradually drawing away won easily by over a hundred yeards from Vanclare, who was six lengths in front of George L II. Thurlow lost a lot of ground at the start by breaking, and was in the rear all through. Time, 5min 6 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Fichu £2 6s; on Vanclare £3 4s.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 130 sovs; second 19 sovs and third 13 sovs from stake. One mile.

Allendale Stock Farm Company's b g Plain G by Chieftain, 6yrs, 6sec (L Robertson) 1
J McLennan's br m Amusement, 4sec (Owner) 2
A J Lawrence's Galatea, 7sec (M Edwards) 3

Norice 1sec, Lady Julian 3sec and Wild Rose 4sec also started.

Galatea soon held a big advantage of Plain G and at the stand she was five lengths to the good of the favourite, who was closely followed by Amusement and Lady Julian. Once into the back straight Plain G had Galatea's measure, and drawing away, won comfortably by two lengths from Amusement. Galatea was six lengths away third, followed by Lady Julian, who could not sustain her effort. Time, 2min 39 2/5th sec. Dividend £2 6s.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in saddle) of 130 sovs; Second 19 sovs and third 13 sovs from stake. One mile.

M Allan's b g Fichu by Honest Wilkes-BB aged, 1sec (2sec pen)(Owner) 1
A Kerr's Inglewood, 2sec (Owner) 2
J A Buckland's St Simon, 2sec (A Piper) 3

Two Up 1 sec, Cocoanut 1sec, Lopp 1sec, Austerlitz 1sec, Thurlow 1sec and Plain G 2sec(1sec pen) coupled, Ben Hur 1sec, Little Doctor 3sec, Lily C 4sec and Nellie Moore 4sec also started.

Nellie Moore made play past the stand, with two lengths advantage of Inglewood, Lily C and Ben Hur, while Fichu was most prominent of the others. In the back straight Inglewood closed on the leader and Fichu took third place. Two furlongs from home Inglewood passed Nellie Moore but nearing the post Fichu got to him and won a good race by two lengths. Forty yards back came St Simon just in front of Cocoanut and Lopp. Time, 2min 28sec. Dividends - On Fichu £7 12s; on Inglewood £2 2s

Credit: The Press 11 November 1905

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING: FIRST DAY

The interest taken in the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting, which opened yesterday was shown by the large number of visitors that assembled on the convincing ground. All parts of the colony were represented, and the spectators were treated to a fine afternoon's racing.

Never has the Addington ground appeared to better advantage, while the many improvements effected of late were greatly appreciated both by inside and outside patrons. The running track was in excellent order, as were all the appointments. Before the conclusion of operations a strog nor'-west wind set in, but a liberal use of the water cart helped to lessen its ill effects.

The leading harness race of the day, the Metropolitan Handicap, resulted in a fine struggle between Factory Boy and the American mare, Lottie Derby, victory resting with the former, who was judiciously handled by A Pringle, by a small margin, in the excellent time of 4min 47sec. Another great performance was that of the Rothschild-Judah colt Lord Elmo who, by winning the Irwell Handicap in 2min 30 3/5th sec, established a fresh Australasian mile record.

Despite the several reverses experienced by backers, speculation was brisk, no less a sum than £10,460 10s being invested, as against £8003 10s on the corresponding day last year. Results:-

NOVICE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second 10 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

A Watson's ch m Ciss by General Tracey, aged 12sec (A Kerr) 1
R Allen's Sondonio, 10sec (Owner) 2
J Moir's Austrey, scr (K H Smith) 3

Huon King 2sec, Ashcat 3sec, Tea Tree 3sec, Waikoi 3sec, Globelia 7sec, Hebe 9sec and Glenrod 12sec also started.

Glenroy led for two furlongs when Ashcat, Ciss and Hebe formed the leading division. Ciss was just in front of Huon King, Austrey and Sondonio when the concluding round was entered, but in the back she lost her place to Austrey and Huon King. Coming with a well-sustained run in the last furlong Ciss again got to the front and won by four lengths from Sondonio, with Austrey three lengths away third and Hebe fourth. Time, 5min 25sec. Dividends - On Ciss £2 12s; on Sondonio £1 6s.

MIDDLETON HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

J Poff's gr c Nabocklish by Lincoln Yet, 4yrs, 11 sec (J Milne) 1
E McCann's My Mistake, 15sec (Owner) 2
G D McEwen's Sunol, 15sec (D Nyhan) 3

Veracity scr, Foxhall 14sec, Hettie H 15sec, Princess Royal 15sec and Edward R 15sec also started.

Edward R made the early running, the favourite Hettie H soon losing all chance by breaking repeatedly. At the stand Sunol was in front, and with My Mistake and Edward R in close attendance was first into the concluding round. Then Nabocklish got to the leading division, and there was little to choose between him, Sunol, and My Mistake till within a furlong of the post. Then Sunol fell away baten, and by a final effort Nabocklish beat My Mistake by a length with Sunol two lengths away third and Edward R fourth. Time, 3min 51 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Nabocklish £9 2s; on My Mistake £4 16s.

EMPIRE HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

C H Gorton's b m Cinders by Burlington Junr., aged, 11sec (A Piper) 1
J Brankin's Viewmont, 15sec (Owner) 2
T F Cuneen's Bushman, 11sec (M Edwards) 3

George L II scr, De Wet 5sec, Hero 8sec, Big Jim 9sec, Auctioneer II 9sec, Electioneer Belle 13sec, Blithechild 14sec and Vanforth 15sec also started.

Viewmont, with Bushman in close attendance, showed the way through the first round, at the end of which Cinders was in third place. This order was maintained till passing the enclosure for the second time, when Cinders ran to the front, followed by Viewmont and Bushman, Electioneer Belle being at the head of the others. From this out Cinders kept her advantage, and though tiring badly, just managed to last long enough to win by half a length from Viewmont. Bushman finished third, twelve lengths away, followed by Blithechild. Time, 4min 54 1/5th sec. Dividends - On Cinders £2 6s; on Viewmont £2.

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP (in harness) of 220 sovs; second 22 sovs and third 11 sovs from stake. Two miles.

R D Petrie's b g Factory Boy by Emerson-Factory Girl, 6yrs, 14sec (A Pringle) 1
J Pettie's Lottie Derby, 14sec (D J Price) 2
J A Buckland's Viva, 8sec (C Piper) 3

Onward 4sec, Cocoanut 6sec, Euchre 6sec, Lancewood II 9sec, Thurlow 12sec, Frederick 14sec and Moira 14sec also started.

Frederick led Factory Boy for half a mile, when the latter went to the front, and at the stand he was followed at an interval of four lengths by Lottie Derby, after whom came Moira, Lancewood and Viba. At the half-distance Viva had worked her way into third place, while Euchre was also showing prominently. Entering the concluding round, Factory Boy held four length's advantage of Lottie Derby, with Viva six lengths back, followed by Moira and Euchre. Lottie Derby put in a great effort in the last two furlongs, but she could not quite get to Factory Boy, who won a good race by a length. Viva was third, fifty yards back, followed by Euchre and Moira. Time, 4min 47 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Factory Boy £2 6s; on Lottie Derby £1 8s.
SPRING HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 10 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

C H Piper's b m Vangeline by Vancleve, aged, 4sec (Owner) 1
J B Zander's Miss Vera Capel, 11sec, (L Robertson) 2
A Curragh's Havelock, 24sec, (J Milne) 3

Revenue 9sec and Lone Hand 16sec also started.

Havelock made play for the first mile, with Miss Vera Chapel in second place. A little further on the favourite took charge, and started on the concluding round just clear of Vangeline. This pair ran on terms till within a furlong of the post, when Miss Vera Capel broke, and though she came again in the straight, Vangeline passed the post two lengths to the good, with Havelock a hundred and fifty yards away third. Time, 5min 3sec. Dividend - £7 14s.

ST ALBANS HANDICAP (in saddle) of 100 sovs; second 10 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile.

R Munro's b g Discoverer by Stanley, aged, 5sec (Owner) 1
J Gallagher's Robert Emmet, 3sec (B Edwards) 2
J A Buckland's Velvet, 3sec (C Piper) 3

Nellie More scr, Cinders 2sec bhd scr, Sweet Marie 1sec, Kozie 4sec, Beautiful Bells 6sec, Electioneer Belle 6sec and Gertie 6sec also started.

Beautiful Bells soon got to the front only to give way to Robert Emmet, who at the stand held a four lengths' advantage of Sweet Marie and Discoverer. In the back straight Discoverer ran into second place, followed by Sweet Marie and Velvet. A furlong from the post Discoverergot to Robert Emmet, and having the best of the final struggle, won by two lengths. Velvet finished third fifty yards back, followed by Cinders. Time, 2min 27 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Discoverer £17 2s; on Robert Emmet 14s.

IRWELL HANDICAP (in harness)of 100 sovs; second 10 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Cooper's b c Lord Elmo by Rothschild-Judah, 2yrs, 12sec (J Milne) 1
R McDonnell's Hettie H, 2sec (Owner) 2
A J Lawrence's Galatea, 8sec (B Sheppard) 3

Sunol 2sec, Ivy B 3sec, Jewel's Heiress 4sec, Dearest 6sec, Sondonio 7sec and Darling 11sec also started.

Lord Elmo soon opened up a big gap between himself and Galatea, and at the stand he was six lengths to the good. At the half mile post Hettie H got to Galatea, and in the back straight she closed on the leader. Two furlongs from home she was on terms with him, but, tiring, suffered defeat by two lengths. Galatea finished third fifty yards back followed by Sondonio. Time, 2min 30 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Lord Elmo £3 6s; on Hettie H £1 4s.

RICCARTON HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 10 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile.

W Kerr's b m Elsie T, aged, 7sec (Owner) 1
J Hanna's Wild Wave, 7sec (A Binnie) 2
A J Lawrence's Pygmalion, 5sec (B Sheppard) 3

Lottie Derby 3sec, Lady Elmo 6sec also started.

Elsie T got away at great pace, and at the stand was ten lengths clear of Lady Elmo, with Wild Wave in third place. Before coming to the back straight the leader broke, but soon got under way again, while Lady Elmo commenced to tire. From this out Elsie T had matters all her own way, winning by fifty yards from Wild Wave who was six lengths in front of Pygmalion. Time, 2min 27sec. Dividend £2 14s.


Credit: The Press 9Nov1904

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING: SECOND DAY

A perfect summer's day favoured the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club for the second day of its Spring Meeting, a light north-east wind tempering the sun's rays though not strong enough to cause inconvenience.

By starting time the attendance was large, and it improved materially as the afternoon wore on, amongst the visitors being many prominent racing enthusiasts from other parts of the colony. The racing track was in excellent order for fast time making, while the sport was interesting, most of the races being well contested. Soon after proceedings had started the Hon. R J Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward arrived, and they were entertained by the stewards. Several members of Parliament were also present, indeed the attendance was the most representative one ever seen on a Canterbury trotting track.

A splendid field of ten contested the big harness race of the day, which produced a great finish. When going to the post Eucgre fell, but this did not affect the Vancleve gelding, for after an exciting contest with Flora G, Royalwood and Elector, he landed the 250 sovs stake by a smallmargin in excellent time. Thurlow, an Australian bred gelding, put up one of the best saddle performances ever seen on the course by securing the November Handicap in 4min 49 4/5th sec, while another of L Robertson's team, in the American-bred Myrtle Dean, had no difficulty in landing the Hornby Handicap. Both the mile races were hotly contested, Vascoe winning the saddle event in 2.24 and Hamlin the one for harness horses in 2.22.

Speculation was particularly brisk, the sum of £11,002 being invested in the machines as against £10,578 on the corresponding day last year. Results:-

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in harness) of 75 sovs; second 5 sovs and third 3 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs F Freeman's br m Roseneath by Rothschild, 4yrs, 15sec (Mr Lucas) 1
Mrs B Edwards's My Lady, 12sec (Mr Treleaven) 2
Mrs W H Martyn's Satanella, 8sec (Mr Martyn) 3.

Jack W 7sec, Dearest 12sec (coupled with My Lady), Transvaal 12sec, Darwin 12sec, Lone Hand 13sec, Havelock 15sec, Premier Dick 17sec, Ngapara 17sec, Gather No Moss 17sec, Merry Prince 18sec, Impatient 18sec, Waikerikauikeri 18sec, Electrine 20sec, Dark Child 20sec, Election Date 20sec, Fidelity 21sec and Laura 23sec (coupled) also started.

With half a mile gone, Impatient was running just clear of Roseneath, after whom came Ngapara and My Lady. In the back straight Roseneath took charge, and drawing right away won easily by over a hundred yards. A good set-to between My Lady and Satanella for second ended in favour of the former by a length. Time, 4min 1 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Roseneath £5 14s; on My Lady £2 14s.

SOCKBURN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

J Dyell's b m Miss Bank by Rothschild, aged, 9sec (A Butterfield) 1
T Yarr's Mountain Palm, 7sec (E McCann) 2
M Edwards's Cissie Wood, 9sec (Owner) 3

Bushman scr, Electioneer Belle 1sec, Austrey 7sec, Beautiful Bells 7sec, Murmur 9sec, Lazy Jack 9sec, General Mac 9sec, Sunbeam 10sec, Spec 10sec and Ciss 10sec also started.

Miss Banks soon established a commanding lead, and with half the distance gone was a dozen lengths in front of General Mac, who was followed closely by Mount Palm, Cissie Wood and Murmur. Entering the concluding round, Mount Palm had drawn to within six lengths of the leader, and gradually lessened the gap between them, while General Mac and Cissie Wood were at the head of the others. A great race to the post between Miss Banks and Mount Palm ended in favour of the former by half a length. Cissie Wood was twelve lengths away third, followed by Murmur and General Mac. Time, 3min 43 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Miss Banks £8 2s; on Mount Palm £2 18s.

CHAMPION HANDICAP (in harness) of 250 sovs; second 25 sovs and third 12 sovs from stake. Two miles.

D Wilkie's br g Euchre by Vancleve, aged, 5sec (McCann) 1
B Edwards's Flora G, 5sec (Owner) 2
L Robertson's Royalwood, 9sec (Owner) 3

Verax 5sec, Fichu 6sec, Cocoanut 7sec, Elector 8sec, Austerlitz 9sec, Lancewood II 9sec also started.

Royalwood lost time at the start by breaking, and at the stand Lancewood II was well clear of Elector and Royalwood. In the back straight Lancewood II was two lengths in front of Elector, who was closely followed by Cocoanut and Royalwood. The leader kept his position all through the second round, Elector running second, and then well together came Cocoanut, Euchre, and Royalwood. Entering the concluding circuit Lancewood was caught by Euchre, who in the back straight had taken charge from Royalwood and Cocoanut with Flora G coming fast. The last-named got to Royalwood a furlong from the post, but she could not overhaul Euchre, who won a good race by five lengths. Royalwood finished third, a length behind Flora G, followed by Cocoanut, Lancewood II and Elector. Time, 4min 43 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Euchre £5 14s; on Flora G £3 14s.

NOVEMBER HANDICAP (in saddle) of 130 sovs; second 13 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. Two miles.

L Robertson's b g Thurlow, by Rebel Child, aged, 10sec (Owner) 1.
J A Buckland's St Simon, scr (C Piper) 2
G W Smart's George L II, 5sec (B Edwards) 3.

McKinley 7sec, De Wet 10sec, Sierra 10sec, Hero 13sec, Sydney 13sec, General Grigg 14sec and Big Jim 14sec also started.

Big Jim led past the stand well clear of Sierra, with Thurlow well up in third place. In the back straight Thurlow ran up to the leader, and on coming to the stand for the second time he was six lengths in front of Big Jim and Sierra, with St Simon fourth. Easily holding his own to the finish the Australian gelding won by a hundred yards from St Simon who was two lengths in front of George L II after whom came Big Jim and Sierra. Time, 4min 49 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Thurlow £3 18s; on St Simon £2 6s

HORNBY HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

L Robertson's b m Myrtle Dean, by Bowdean-Queen Myrtle, aged, 12sec (Owner) 1
J Henizmann's Queen Mab, 10sec (A Pringle) 2
K H Smith's Blithechild, 12sec (Owner) 3

Frederick 4sec, Veracity 5sec, Nabocklish 8sec and Doppleganger 12sec also started.

Myrtle Dean soon drew to the head of affairs, and with Queen Mab in close attendance, established a commanding lead. Entering the concluding round Myrtle Dean had Queen Mab beaten, and, going on, won easily by four lengths. Blithechild finished third, eight lengths behind Queen Mab, followed by Frederick. Time, 5min 2 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Myrtle Dean £1 18s; on Queen Mab 18s

HALSWELL HANDICAP (in harness) of 100 sovs; second 10 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

N Price's b c General Mac, by General Tracey, 3yrs, 8sec (Owner) 1
M Edwards's Cissie Wood, 10sec (Owner) 2
J B Zander's Miss Vera Capel, scr (L Robertson) 3

My Mistake 4sec, Sunol 6sec, Huon King 8sec, Spec 10sec, Dormin 12sec, Imperial Rose 13sec and Revenue 13sec also started.

Revenue soon gave way to Imperial Polly, but with a mile gone, General Mac had taken charge from Cissie Wood. Entering the last round, there was little to choose between this pair, who were four lengths clear of Sunol, Revenue and Miss Vera Capel. In the back straight the last-named took third place, but she could not get to the leaders. After an interesting finish, General Mac beat Cissie Wood by a length with Miss Vera Capel four lengths back third and Sunol fourth. Time, 5min 11sec. Dividends - On General Mac £10 2s; on Cissie Wood £1 6s.

LINCOLN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 120 sovs; second 12 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. One mile.

F Holmes's b g Vascoe, by Vancleve, aged, 6sec (Owner) 1
R Munro's Discoverer, 7sec (Owner) 2
J Gallagher's Robert Emmet, 7sec (B Edwards) 3.

Ben Hur scr and Cinders 7sec (coupled), Sierra 6sec, Perewiti 6sec, Mistle 8sec and Nellie Moore 10sec also started.

Nellie Moore got well away and showed the way past the stand well clear of Perewiti and Discoverer, while Mistle and Cinders had stopped on the mark. A little further on Nellie Moore lost her place to Discoverer and Vascoe while Perewiti and Robert Emmet were well up. In the back Vascoe got to the front, and from this out had matters all his own way, winning by three lengths from Discoverer, who was eight lengths in front of Robert Emmet, with Ben Hur fourth. Time, 2min 24sec. Dividends - On Vascoe £5 6s; on Discoverer £3 2s.

ROYAL HANDICAP (in harness) of 120 sovs; second 12 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. One mile.

R Lyne's b g Hamlin, by Prince Imperial-Nellie, 6yrs, 3sec (J Milne) 1
C Kerr's All Day, 7sec (Owner) 2
J A Buckland's Viva, 5sec (C Piper) 3

Hettie H 2sec, Directo 3sec, Brother 6sec, Frederick 8sec, Moira 8sec and Pygmalion 8sec also started.

Frederick soon had a two lengths lead of All Day, but at the stand the latter was on terms with him, Brother following at the head of the others. All Day then showed out, but broke, and Frederick went on in front of Brother with All Day, Viva and Hamlin well up. Frederick lost his place at the top turn and Hamlin took charge from Brother, All Day and Viva. In the run to the post Hamlin held his own and won by a length from All Day, who was two lengths in front of Viva, Directo fourth. Time, 2min 22sec. Dividends - On Hamlin £22 14s; on All Day £2 10s.

Credit: The Press 11Nov1904

1904 NZMTC SPRING MEETING: Third Day

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club was extremely fortunate in the weather experienced for the concluding day of its Spring Meeting, the meteorological conditions being perfect both for the contestants and onlookers.

As is always the case on Show Day, the attendance was extremely large, the various enclosures being crowded to excess. Amongst those present were many notable visitors, all of whom were favourably impressed with the day's operations. The running track was again in first-class order, while the racing was of the best ever witnessed in Canterbury.

Speculation was brisk, the fine sum of £13,468 being passed through the totalisator, as against £11,207 on the corresponding day last year. During the three days the sum of £34,931 was invested, an increase of £5051 on last year's turnover. Results:-

BREEDER'S HANDICAP (in harness) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Teddy's br c Young McKinney, by McKinney, 4yrs, 12sec (N Price) 1
M Edwards's Cissie Wood, 13sec (Owner) 2
J Poff's Nabocklish, 9sec (J Milne) 3

Vangeline 2sec, Doppleganger 13sec, Zinska 15sec, Roseneath 15sec also started.

Young McKinney had got to the head of affairs by the time the stand was reached, and he showed the way to Cissie Wood and Doppleganger. With a mile gone Zinska threatened danger, but broke badly, giving way to Cissie Wood and Nabocklish. Cissie Wood pressed the leader closely, but could not get up, and suffered defeat by six lengths. Nabocklish, who came fast in the last half mile, spoilt an excellent chance by breaking, finishing a length behind Cissie Wood. Vangeline was fourth and Doppleganger fifth. Time, 4min 58 2/5th sec. Dividends - On Young McKinney £2 8s; on Cissie Wood £1 10s.

LADIES' BRACELET HANDICAP (in saddle) of 75 sovs; second 5 sovs and third 3 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

Mrs J Messervey's b m Lilly C, by Young Irvington, 5yrs, 18sec (Mr Messervey) 1
Mrs J August's Transvaal, 16sec (Mr August) 2
Mrs J Carleton's Strathconan, 9sec (Mr Carleton) 3

Ivy B 3sec, Ashcat 7sec, Tea Tree 9sec, Cashier 11sec, Waikoi 12sec, Killarney 14sec, Accident 15sec, Mystery 18sec, Mystery 18sec, amusement 20sec, Allmount 20sec, Eltee More 20sec and Botany 20sec(coupled), Straybird 20sec and Fan Toy 21sec (coupled), Maid E 18sec, Firthioff 21sec and Bugler 21sec(coupled) and Merry Prince 23sec andf Electine 23sec(coupled) also started.

Before reaching the stand Lilly C had taken charge, her nearest attendants being Straybird and Transvaal. From this out Lilly C had matters all her own way, for though Strathconan at one time threatened danger, he broke badly, allowing Transvaal to chase the leader home, the pair being separated by eight lengths. Strathconan was third twelve lengths away. Time, 3min 57 4/5th sec. Dividends - On Lilly C £3 10s; on Transvaal £1 10s.

CHRISTCHURCH HANDICAP (in harness) of 150 sovs; second 15 sovs and third 7 sovs from stake. One mile and a half.

W Redmond's b g Frederick, by Vancleve-Fraulein, 6yrs, 14sec (M E Albaugh) 1
L Robertson's Myrtle Dean, 12sec (Owner) 2
J Case's Verity, 12sec (A Pringle) 3

Flora G 3sec, Hamlin 3sec, Lottie Derby 7sec, Viva 9sec, All Day 11sec, Moira 14sec and Pygmalion 14sec also started.

Pygmalion started well, and with a round gone he was just clear of Frederick and Myrtle Dean, after whom came All Day and Viva. Entering the last round Frederick was leading Myrtle Dean by three lengths, while All Day and Pygmalion were well up. Myrtle Dean put in a good run in the back straight, but she could not get to Frederick, who won by two lengths with Verity twelve lengths away third. Pygmalion fourth and Flora G fifth. Time, 3min 39sec. Dividends - On Frederick £12 12s; on Myrtle Dean 16s.

AUSTRALASIAN HANDICAP (in saddle) of 175 sovs; second 17 sovs and third 8 sovs from stake. Two miles.

J Gallagher's b g McKinley, by Rothschild, aged, 11sec (B Edwards) 1.
J G McConachie's Sydney, 13sec, (R McConachie) 2
L Robertson's Thurlow, scr (Owner) 3

St Simon 2sec, Harold C 4sec, Cinders 7sec, George L II 7sec, Goergie M 7sec, Perewiti 7sec, Viewmont 13sec also started.

Sydney and Viewmont made the early running, with McKinley and Perewiti well up. With a round to go McKinley was right clear on his field, the most prominent of whom were Sydney, Viewmont, Georgie M and Thurlow. McKinley held his own all through the remainder of the journey, and though Thurlow and Sydney came fast they could make no impression on the leader, who won easily by forty yards. Sydney beat Thurlow in the last hundred yards for second place by half a length, with Viewmont and George L II well up next. Time, 4min 53sec. Dividends - On McKinley £9 12s; on Sydney £3 8s.

NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP (in harness) of 310 sovs; second 30 sovs and third 15 sovs from stake. Two miles.

T Yarr's br g Monte Carlo, by Lincoln Yet, aged, 7sec (B Edwards) 1
J Pettie's Norice, 4sec (D J Price) 2
J Case's Durbar, 7sec (A Pringle) 3

Euchre scr, Vickery 4sec, Factory Boy 4sec, Vascoe 6sec, Verax 7sec and Royalwood 7sec also started.

Norice went off at a great pace and at the stand she was four lengths in front of Monte Carlo and Verax. This order was maintained all through the first round. Royalwood being well up in fourth place. Monte Carlo closed on the leader in the second circuit, while well up came Verax, Vickery and Royalwood. Before entering the last round Monte Carlo had got to within a length of Norice, the pair running four lengths in advance of Verax, Royalwood and Durbar. Going along the back Monte Carlo was almost on terms with the American mare, and having her measure at the home turn, won by twelve lengths. Norice pulling up when beaten. Durbar was two lengths further back third, followed by Verax and Royalwood. Time 4min 44 3/5th sec. Dividends - On Monte Carlo £1 8s; on Norice £1 4s.
The winner received a great reception on returning to the enclosure.

GOVERNOR'S HANDICAP (in saddle) of 110 sovs; second 11 sovs and third 5 sovs from stake. Two miles.

M Edwards's b g Vanclare, by Vancleve, 5yrs, 12sec (Owner) 1
W Martin's Hero, 5sec (Owner) 2
E G Sandall's Viscount, 14sec (D J Price) 3

Mount Palm scr, Miss Bank 1sec, Velvet 3sec, Auctioneer II 7sec, Vanforth 12sec and Zinska 12sec also started.

Viscount led for nearly a round, when Vanclare ran past him, and with half the distance gone was right out by himself, Viscount, Auctioneer and Hero following. Vanclare increased his advantage all through the concluding round, and won very easily by a hundred yards from Hero, who was almost the same distance in front of Viscount. Time, 4min 53sec. Dividends - On Vanclare £1 12s; on Hero £4 12s.

RECOVERY HANDICAP (in harness) of 130 sovs; second 13 sovs and third 6 sovs from stake. One mile.

L Robertson's b g Plain G, By Chieftian, aged 2sec (Owner) 1
G McClatchie's Elector, 3sec (M E Albaugh) 2
A Pringle's Directo, 4sec (Owner) 3

Hamlin scr, Eushre 1sec, Coral Hue 4sec, Lottie Derby 4sec and Viva 4sec also started.

Coral Hue showed out from Directo and Elector at the end of a furlong, but at the stand Directo was on terms with him, Elector a length back. A little further on Plain G took fourth place, while at the top turn Coral Hue, Directo and Elector were running abreast. Then Coral Hue lost his place, and a great finish between Elector and Plain G ended in favour of the latter by a neck. Directo was a length back third, closely followed by Viva and Coral Hue. Time, 2min 23 1/5th sec. Dividends - On Plain G £5 4s; on Elector £3 2s.

AU REVOIR HANDICAP (in saddle) of 130 sovs; second 13 sovs and third 7 sovs from stake. One mile.

J A Buckland b g St Simon, by St Louis, 6yrs, 3sec (A Piper) 1
M Friedlander's Lancewood II, 5sec (C Kerr) 2
J Brankin's Cocoanut, 3sec (Owner) 1

Ben Hur scr, Inglewood 2sec, Austerlitz 3sec, Vascoe 3sec, and Georgie M 5sec also started.

Georgie M and Austerlitz spoilt their chances by breaking soon after the start. At the stand Lancewood II was six lengths clear of Ben Hur, after whom, in close order came St Simon, Inglewood and Cocoanut. A little further on St Simon ran past Ben Hur, and drew on the leader, while Cocoanut improved her position. At the home turn St Simon had Lancewood's measure and drawing away in the straight, won by six lengths; half a length separating Lancewood and Cocoanut, with Vascoe fourth. Time, 2min 21 2/5th sec. Dividends - On St Simon £6 12s; on Lancewood II £1 2s.

Credit: The Press 12 Nov 1904