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RACING HISTORY

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1976 NZ FREE-FOR-ALL

The ease with which Master Dean won the NZ Free-For-All makes one wonder what might have been the outcome had he not ruined his chances at the start of the Cup.

The Honest Master stallion had no hope in the big event after his duffer's start but from the second line of the mobile in the sprint he gave his opponents no chance only Final Curtain worrying him at all in the latter stages. The power of the Prebbleton-trained horse showed to reach the front with a round to go did not augur well for his opponents and sure enough he went to the line strongly in the comparatively slow time of 2:30.3.

It was also a tribute to the skill of Mike De Filippi in his rating of Master Dean at the front and most certainly a tribute to the horse's trainer Alec Purdon. Alec had given Master Dean an intriguing preparation for the Cup which consisted of only one race. Although there was plenty of comment about this some experienced observers murmured appreciatively that this was a 'old time' Cup preparation when this sort of programme was more common. Purdon did it extremely well, for Master Dean looked like a million dollars on Cup Day. But the training schedule was not to finish the way Master Dean's connection's had hoped. But he made up for it in the Free-For-All - partly anyway - and will be an early favourite for the Matson Free-For-All and the Stars Travel Mile.

A horse with an enviable record as a sprinter Master Dean has now won 12 races and nearly $43,000 in prize-money. But he can stay too and he has one of the best two mile times of all the Cup class horses. Master Dean has always looked an ideal type for North America but owner Noel Borlase has refused all offers to date. On the other hand he has stud potential in this country.

Final Curtain was not well served in the running - he also drew the second line - but Barry Purdon had him up to challenge at the right time. Forto Prontezza, the early leader, didn't have the best of runs at the business end and just held the fast finishing Stanley Rio. Captain Harcourt was a disappointing fifth after enjoying a good run though he did have to go hard in the first quarter (cut out in a tick under 29 seconds) which might have taken the edge off him. He doesn't seem to quite have the brilliance he showed last Autumn on this trip. Palestine really only plugged while Lunar Chance had to improve wide from hear the back and this took the edge off him. None of the others really looked in it, some preferring more ground but Ripper's Delight was expected to go better.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in NZ Trotguide

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1976 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

Twelve months ago, the father and son partnership of Syd and Ron Webster had high hopes of winning the 1975 Dominion Handicap with their good mare Armbro Lady. But the Webster's hopes took a tumble along with the driver Bob Cameron, when Armbro Lady was involved in a skirmish 400 metres from home when starting to look a likely challenger. But at Addington this year, the memories of that incident faded very quickly when the six-year-old mare trounced the hot favourite Nigel Craig in the $15,000 event.

Syd Webster was not at Addington, but son Ron geared up Armbro Lady for the big trot an event in which she was not favoured to beat Nigel Craig. Her form leading up to the Dominion had been solid, without being spectacular, and few on-course, who sent her out at 25 to 1, gave her a chance of beating the hot favourite, a brilliant winner of the Worthy Queen Handicap on Cup Day in New Zealand record time.

Those who sent Nigel Craig out such a dominating favourite looked to be right on the mark when the seven-year-old, one of the most improved trotters in the country this season, hit the front at the end of only 800 metres. But it was this front-running, successful on so many other occasions, that proved to be Nigel Craig's downfall. He set a strong pace out in front, one that had all but Armbro Lady struggling a good way from home. But into the straight, it was obvious that Nigel Craig would have very little left if any challenges came, and when Armbro Lady with young driver Kevin Townley pulled out 100 metres out, she had won the race. Nigel Craig tried to hold her off, but went under by a length.

Armbro Lady recorded 4:17.3 for the 3200 metres, a good time considering the track was dead after heavy rain during the previous night. It was a time 4.2 seconds outside Easton Light's race and track record for 3200 metres, but still the second best time since metrics were introduced in 1973.

For Kevin Townley, it was his biggest success as a driver and followed up a win earlier in the day behind Chance Affair, winner of the four-year-old event, the Preview Stakes. Kevin, a son of the Ashburton Trainer-driver Doody Townley, was twice top probationary driver earlier in his career but like many young reinsmen, has found it hard to get top drives once he gained his open horsemen's licence. Kevin's father won the Dominion Handicap driving Lester Clark's top trotter, Mighty Chief. Syd Webster one of the part owners of Armbro Lady, had enjoyed previous success in the Dominion Handicap back in 1946 when Casabianca won.

Third place went to Dupreez who is trotting a lot more solidly this season. If any horse was unlucky in this event, it may have been Dupreez as he had to work off the rails about the 700 metres and was then held up when trying to make progress through the field. He was conceding Nigel Craig and Armbro Lady a good start at the top of the straight but fought on gamely to get within three quarters of a length and a length and a half of the first two.

Petite Evander and Best Bet, two North Island challengers, did best of the others but were six lengths and two and a half lengths further back respectively. Petite Evander made a good beginning this time and put in a big run from the back along with Best Bet. Cee Ar was a further six lengths back sixth ahead of Castleton's Pride, Waipounamu and Frontier. Mighty Lee and Easton Light were the disappointments of the event, Mighty Lee wilting to 11th after working hard to get handy early and Easton Light dropping out from the 700 metres after having to work very hard in the early stages to make up his 45-metre handicap. He tried to improve three and four wide from the 1200 metres but was gone 500 metres further on and beat only three home. It was the first time in six attempts that Easton Light has failed to return to scale in a Dominion Handicap, a race he won in 1972 and 1974 and was narrowly beaten by Hal Good last year.

Credit: Tony Williams writing in NZ Trotguide

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Swift Princess wins from Kiatina, Olga Korbut & Bronze Queen

1976 NZ OAKS

Swift Princess probably earned herself the ranking of top three-year-old filly for the season with her clear cut win in the NZ Oaks. For one who didn't score her first victory until Boxing Day 1975 - a race she was subsequently disqualified from over an infrigement of the seven day rule - the Play Bill filly has made dramatic progress and the Oaks win was her fifth in six races.

Still the indications were there earlier than the George Cameron-trained youngster would be well above average. She had only two outings as a two-year-old, at the second of these running third behind Daring Donna and Smokey Lopez in the Rangiora Raceway Stakes. After being beaten a length by Smokey Lopez in the Waitaki Hanover Stakes at Kurow in August, she filled a similar position behind the same gelding in the First Canterbury Stakes on the opening night of the National meeting in August and on the second night of that meeting was fourth, Smokey Lopez, Direct Magic and Scotch Wallace being ahead of her with the winner coming his last half in better than even time. Her form then fell away slightly and she did not reappear at the Cup meeting and by-passed the Champion Stakes at Ashburton to score he initial victory against the maidens.

It was this win which was later taken from her along with a heavy fine for her trainer but the filly was now showing more of her of her true form. After being placed at Reefton, she took the President's Stakes at Hororata and again hit the headlines for the race, alleged interference to Lord Burlington starting something of a controversy in Canterbury which still has to die down. If the headlines bothered Swift Princess it didn't show. She then took the Nevele R Stakes in March, finished brilliantly to take the Richards Memorial at Methven from a c3 field and finished a gallant fifth in the Rattray Stakes on the first night of the Easter meeting against a c4 field after having done most of the donkey work in that event.

Freshened for her Oaks bid with her usual quota of beach training at New Brighton, she stripped for the race a credit to the long experience of her trainer and was given every chance by young Ian Cameron who has handled her in all her races. She didn't look like throwing it away over the final stages and had one and a quarter lengths over Kiatina who made a surprisingly bold bid considering her disappointing recent form.

The favourite Olga Korbut held on for third though inclined to run about in the straight. The Lordship filly seems to lack that shade of brilliance which made Noodlum such an attraction and there is no doubt that her slowness to get into full stride early is costing her dearly. Again well back in the Oaks, she was taken to the front at the 1200m and looked ready to turn on a real staying performance when apparently pacing easily at the 600m. Her earlier effort told over the final stages however. Still I timed her to come her last mile in a shade over 2:05 which was a fine effort in the conditions.

Bronze Queen, who had to come wide on the turn to get a run, being another staying type who needs time to find her feet, battled on for fourth ahead of True Anna. Northerners Gymea Gold and Rondogra didn't really get into the race though neither were well served in the draw and both got well back in the field early. Gymea Gold didn't really fire while Rondogra showed speed to improve from the 800m but died away a little later to finish ninth. Of the other favoured contenders, Billie Burke did her chances by breaking at the start and came home behind Rondogra.

Credit: David McCarthy writing in NZ Trotguide

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1976 NZ DERBY STAKES

The Roydon Lodge stable of George Noble still jubilant after Stanley Rio's success in the $60,000 New Zealand Cup on the opening day of the carnival had further reason to celebrate after the $25,000 NZ Derby Stakes.

This time, it was Rustic Zephyr who provided the cause for celebrations when he lead throughout to beat an even field of three-year-olds in the 2600 metre classic. Though Rustic Zephyr is owned in Nelson by Mr and Mrs A K Greenslade and Mr and Mrs R L Sanders, he has a lengthy association with Roydon Lodge, though he has been trained there by George Noble only for his three-year-old career. Rustic Zephyr was bred by Roydon Lodge stablehand Murray Steel, from Tiny Frost, a mare he leased from Roydon Lodge studmaster Fred Fletcher. Murray entered the Armbro Hurricane yearling in the Roydon Lodge Sale and it was then Mr Alan Greenslade entered the picture, buying the youngster for $2600. At the same time, he purchased a Scottish Hanover-Adios Heather youngster for $4100. This yearling, Scottish Heath, joined the Noble stable right from the outset and also contested the Derby.

Rustic Zephyr was given to young Richmond (Nelson) trainer Brian Hill and it was from his stable that he showed brilliant early season two-year-old form last term. Rustic Zephyr appeared to train off a little in the latter half of his two-year-old career and it was decided to sent him back to Roydon Lodge for his three-year-old racing, as he would be close to the scene of his regular racing venues. Rustic Zephyr after some smart trial performances, made a start to his three-year-old campaign at Kaikoura on November 1. He was not suited by the slushy track there when finishing second to Kathy Brigade over 2400 metres. He lined up next in the second Riccarton Stakes on Show Day of the Cup meeting and finished seventh in the event won by Worthy Lord. This was a roughly run contest which provided no real clues to the Derby and by the time it came around there was no pronounced favourite for the event.

John Noble, who had also driven Stanley Rio, took Rustic Zephyr straight to the front from an outside barrier draw and set a solid but not spectacular pace. In the home straight he was not too pressed to hold out the Southland colt Arden Bay who had tracked him all the way by two lengths, with a nose to the fast-finishing North Islander Greg Robinson the unlucky runner in the Derby. Greg Robinson was the slowest away and and he was still last starting the last 1200 metres. He started a forward move shortly after and though wide out turning for home maintained a strong finish for his close third.

He was followed home more than a length back by the other Northerner in the field, the favourite, Stephen Charles. Stephen Charles broke briefly at the start, but settled four back on the rails behind Rustic Zephyr, Arden Bay and Sunseeker. Though a little late working clear, it is doubtful he would have had any chance of catching Rustic Zephyr. Sunseeker battled into fifth ahead of Overcheck, Lordable and Scottish Heath.

Credit: Tony Williams writing in NZ Trotguide

FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Wayne Francis, Stanley Rio, John & George Noble

1976 NZ TROTTING CUP

George Noble, for many years one of New Zealand's leading trainers, experienced his greatest moment in trotting when Stanley Rio won the 1976 New Zealand Cup at Addington

Seventy-six-year-old Noble, born in Australia, has prepared many of New Zealand's top pacers in his long career, but no victory gave him more pleasure than to receive the Cup from NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club president, Eugene McDermott. George Noble races Stanley Rio in partnership with Christchurch farmer and businessman Wayne Francis, and his son John Noble, who drove Stanley Rio to his convincing two and three quarters lengths victory over Captain Harcourt and Fronto Prontezza.

For young Tasmanian Kay Rainbird, it was a nostalgic moment as she sat in the stand to watch the horse she bred with her father, win New Zealand's premier standardbred event. Kay bred Stanley Rio in Launceston in partnership with her father, but on his death, the colt had to be sold to help pay death duties. The Nevele Golfer - Rio Fleur youngster was purchased by Bob and John McArdle of the International Thoroughbred Agency, Melbourne, and they in turn sold Stanley Rio to Wayne Francis and John Noble. Wayne and John then offered a third share in the colt to Gearge Noble.

Stanley Rio did his early two-year-old racing in Australia, where he was successful once at Ballarat, before he was brought to New Zealand where he entered George's stable at Roydon Lodge. As a three-year-old last season, he maintained solid improvement throughout the year and was rated good enough by the partnership to send back to Australia to contest big events there. He won the Southern Cross Stakes, a heat of the New South Wales Derby before receiving a shocking run in the final, a minor race, and then went to Brisbane in June for the Queensland Derby, won the previous year by Noodlum. After winning a heat of this classic, he did not get the best of runs in the final and failed to make it two in a row for New Zealand.

He came through a solid preparation for this year's Cup, already qualified for the event, and showed he was at peak form with a win and an unlucky fourth at Auckland last month. The odds against a New Zealand Cup are always high, for not many even reach Cup class, but Stanley Rio was following in the footsteps of such great four-year-olds as Lookaway and Lordship, the only others of his age group to win the Cup.

The race was robbed of a lot of interest when the top North Island hope Final Curtain backed away just as the tapes were released. He, Master Dean and Lunar Chance, who drifted at the start when trying to avoid the breakers in front of him were out of contention virtually from the start. Stanley Rio bounced out best from Palestine, Fronto Prontezza, Eclipse, Speedy Guest, Captain Harcourt and Mighty Gay, then there was a gap back to Wee Win, who led the straggling remainder. Palestine, Forto Prontezza, Speedy Guest, Mighty Gay, Captain Harcourt all had turns at the front until Eclipse dashed to the lead at the 1200 metres. Stanley Rio, who had been pushed back on the inner, had worked off the rails in the meantime and was well placed in the fourth line on the outer starting the last 800 metres.

He moved three wide to avoid Mighty Gay, who was making no further forward progress, at the 600 metres and though sixth at the top of the straight, he was handy to lodge his challenge. Once asked to go, Stanley Rio soon put the issue beyond doubt and only had to be reminded of his obligations to go to the line nearly three lengths clear of Captain Harcourt. Captain Harcourt looked to be held up for a stride or two behind Eclipse at the top of the straight, but he never looked like bridging the gap to Stanley Rio. Fort Prontezza, who was shuffled back as the lead changed, made a strong bid from the top of the straight where he was seventh, to take third, only half a head fron Captain Harcourt.

Speedy Guest, who had the task of getting a run inside both Eclipse and Captain Harcourt, was nearly two lengths back fourth. He looked as though he could have played a more important part in the finish had he got clear earlier, though he too would have been hard pressed to catch the winner. Final Curtain staged a remarkable run for fifth two lengths back just ahead of Eclipse, Mighty Gay, the well beaten Lunar Chance and Palestine.

Stanley Rio's time for the 3200 metres was not a fast one, 4:11.5, but there is no doubting the Cup went to a very worthy winner.

Credit: Tony Williams writing in the NZ Trotguide

NEW BRIGHTON TROTTING CLUB

ORIGINS OF QEII PARK

Before its purchase by the Christchurch City Council in 1963, Queen Elizabeth II Park, was, for almost 70 years, the home of the New Brighton Trotting Club, all the time boasting that rarity - a grass track at a metropolitan course. And, even before the 1890s, it was an area of some interest.

More than a century ago the land was occupied by Maoris, who built their camp which they called Orua Paeroa. It was by no means a perfect dwelling place as strong east winds beat in from the sea. But its advantages outweighted its drawbacks - the neighbouring Travis Swamp abounded with eels and birdlife.

By 1862 the Maoris had abandoned their camp. In that year Thomas Raine bought from the Government rural sections 4738, 4832 and 5155, which cover the great bulk of the area of the modern sports stadium and reserve. He burned the whares which the Maoris had left but it is doubtful whether he carried out many improvements.

At that time Raine was a major purchaser of land at New Brighton. Perhaps he hoped that the district would become a seaside resort to rival Sumner, then Christchurch's chief watering place. It was not until the establishment of a tramway service in the 1880s that major development took place; and it is doubtful whether the pioneer landowner made any fat sums out of his property. By trade Thomas Raine was a manfacturer of aerated water, being popularly known as "Gingerpop" Raine. A verse, punning on the name of the pioneer Christchurch businessmen, includes the lines: "And strange as it may seem, from Raine we get good soda water."

By the 1880s arrangements had been made for the running of horse races at New Brighton. But the venue was not the Queen Elizabeth II Park site - it was the beach. The beach racing club ran under very primitive conditions, an exceptionally high tide would delay the start of proceedings, and it was sometimes quite dark before the last event was concluded.

Eventually the beach was abandoned, Tom Free, licensee of the Bower Hotel, having laid out a 3/4 mile course at the Queen Elizabeth II Park property. There was then a mixed trotting and racing programme, and the first race on the site was held in 1886. At first conditions were only marginally better than on the foreshore. The judge had to carry out his duties from atop a beer barrel. And the grass having not yet consolidated the sandy soil, the latter could "wander at its own sweet will, and the majority of the visitors retuned to town half hidden in a canopy of dust."

But worst of all was the mountainous sandhill which stood in the centre of the paddock. As one man later recalled: "When horses got behind this they were utterly lost to view from the other side of the course, and here sometimes the riders would take a bit of a pull if they were not anxious to win or run prominently. I recollect that on one occasion the front markers practically all pulled up and the back marker presently came along. He was quite angry and called to the waiting squadron: If you fellows don't go on, I'm going to go back. The race was then resumed.

Still, there were compensations, Tom Free was more than a patron of the turf; as well, he provided the punters with excellent food. Free ran the course through, a business concern, the New Brighton Sports Club. After this had been wound up one of the directors, Harry Mace, took over. He called the place "Brooklyn Lodge" and established there his home, stables, training track and stud. Artesian bores were drilled, and the track top-dressed and graded. It was in Mace's day that the New Brighton Trotting Club was established on the property, the first race being run on March 16, 1895. The sum of £190 was paid in stakes, and the totalisator turnover amounting to £1648.

Like Thomas Raine, Harry Mace was a manfacturer of aerated water. The label on his wares showed a St Bernard dog, the myth being that this illustration was chosen to recall how one such beast had saved Mace from drowning. Maces Road, Bromley, commemorates Mace's service on the Heathcote Road Board, the ancestor of the present Heathcote County Council. An imposing figure in grey frock coat and top hat, Mace played a prominent part in the history of trotting. He was on all deputations urging the Government recognition of the sport; and encouraged Seddon to place a tax on totalisator receipts. This was to counter the strong opposition to the sport by the anti-totalisator section of the public.

Harry Mace died in 1902. The New Brighton Trotting Club continued to function on the Queen Elizabeth II Park land, but the ownership of the property stayed with a single individual, Robert Button, an elderly timber miller who had grown rich through cutting out the totara logs at Mount Peel. Button is, however, best remembered as the father of Bella Button. Indeed, it was for the pleasure of Bella, his favourite daughter, that he invested his money in the park.

Bella was a practitioner of Women's Lib 75 years before the phrase was invented. In the 1890s she was taking part in trotting events within a wide radius of her parents' South Canterbury home and letting them know of any victories through messages attached to carrier pigeons. Her greatest honour came the day that the Governor and his wife, Lord and Lady Ranfurly, having heard of her skill at breaking in the worst of mavericks, visited the family home for lunch and a tour of inspection.

By the time the Buttons bought Queen Elizabeth II Park, women had been excluded from trotting events. Thus Bella never had a chance to try out the New Brighton course at a fully-fledged meeting. Her activities were confined to breaking in the beasts and training them. Sometimes she had a chance to show her prowess, such as at O'Neill's buckjumping show (a rodeo-style attraction) at the grand International Exhibition in Hagley Park in 1906-07. The newspapers described this "tallish woman approaching middle-age" who was "perfectly fearless when handling the biggest outlaws they bring along" and who could not only handle steeds superbly but also "build a trap or nail a shoe on a horse as necessity requires."

In later years Bella married a man named Moore. But her equestrian interests remained unabated. Then, in 1921, she was thrown from a horse named Patience and killed. She was 58 years of age.

Credit: Richard Greenaway

BILL GALLAGHER

Bill Gallagher, who died in Timaru late last month, aged 79, was a blacksmith of long standing and a successful horseman.

Mr Gallagher served his time as a blacksmith, farrier and wheelwright with his father who operated large shops in Central Otago dating back to the gold-rush days. During that time Mr Gallagher trained gallopers and standardbreds, one of the most successful being Daphne Byrd, which he owned, trained and drove to win several races in Otago and Southland. He also stood the successful pacing stallion, Happy Voyage.

Moving to Washdyke in the 1930s, Mr Gallagher occupied a shop where the Washdyke store in now sited. He was official farrier to racing and trotting clubs in Otago, Southland and Canterbury for 20 years. He plated and shod horses for race meetings from Riverton to Trentham. It was the practice during this period to travel to each meeting a couple of days beforehand and plate the horses for racing on the spot. It was considered dangerous to travel horses with steel plates in which they were required to race. Today, horses are plated, mainly with aluminium plates, the day before a meeting and travel the next day.

Mr Gallagher's travelling was reduced with the formation of the Master Farriers' Association and the setting up of zones to be covered by each farrier. He was a foundation member of the Association.

While at Washdyke, Mr Gallagher met success with several horses from the stable of his brother, Peter. These included the good winner Joygiver, Paddy Ducrow and Final Glow.

Mr Gallagher was appointed the first plating inspector in the South Island after his retirement as a 'smithy' in 1954 and ensured plates were safe on raceday for about 15 years before ill health forced him out.

Credit: Taylor Strong writinh in NZ Trotguide 18Sep75

PEOPLE

BERT TAYLOR

Part-owner of record breaking trotter Dianthus Girl, Mr Bertram William Taylor, died in Calvary Hospital, Christchurch, last week. He was 57. Mr Taylor owned Dianthus Girl in partnership with his mother, Mrs Elenor Taylor who is still living in Nelson aged 86.

Dianthus Girl broke the Australasian mile record for trotters at Addington Raceway in 1962 driven by Morris Holmes. The record had stood for 28 years. Dianthus Girl, still at stud here, has left well known trotters Framalda and Picotee and also Miss Dianthus, at present in training in Nelson but as yet unraced.

Mr Taylor trained and drove horses for his father, the late A D Taylor of Motueka, who later shifted to Christchurch. Before his death last week Bert Taylor had won with Tufty Boy and Lightning Beau at Nelson and Tufty Boy at the Gore meeting. Tufty Boy was nominated for the MZMTC Cup meeting but was withdrawn when Mr Taylor became ill.

Mrs Taylor convened the first meeting of the Nelson Owners' and Breeders' Association in 1952 and a few years ago was awaded the BEM for services to the community.

Mr Taylor in survived by two daughters, Eileen and Pauline, and a son, Raymond.

Credit: NZ Trotguide 20Nov75

PEOPLE

JACK O'SHEA

Jack O'Shea, one of Australia's best known trotting identities died recently aged 92.

He was associated with some of the best horses of the day prior to night trotting at Harold Park, and he had the distinction of driving the great Lawn Derby, when that pacer became the first pacer outside America to break through the two minute barrier. Lawn Derby achieved this feat just prior to World War II, when he ran 1:59.6 at Addington.

When night trotting commenced in Sydney, Jack O'Shea was employed by the New South Wales Trotting Club as a stipendiary steward, and supervised many country meetings throughout NSW. He was also closely associated with the Bankstown club and was always available to assist the trotting industry in any way possible.

Credit: NZ Trotguide 13Mar75

INTERDOMINIONS

AUCKLAND - YOUNG QUINN
Just when it appeared Australia had a stranglehold on the Inter Dominion Championships (having won the previous ten Pacer's Finals but conceded the 1971 contest to Stella Frost, following a positive swab), there emerged from Kiwiland Young Quinn, a real saviour for his homeland. Young Quinn, as a youngster had been nicknamed "Garbage" because of his habit of eating everything in sight, including his bed, won on each night and proved too good for Hi Foyle and Speedy Guest in the final.