RECORD NOT RECOGNISED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20017, 16 August 1939, Page 9

RECORD NOT RECOGNISED

DISTANCE SHORT GLOAMING'S HALF-MILE By “Trenton” After 19 years, Gloaming’s half-mile record of 45sec. is not to be recognised by the Wellington Racing Club, on whose track at Trentham it was achieved. A recent survey of the track disclosed that the half-mile post was erected short of that distance.

Inquiries have been made in Sydney by the club, says the Sydney Morning Herald, to ascertain the holder of the record before Cloamme in order that the record for the distance in Australia and New Zealan may be corrected. 'loaning ran his time in the K3l- - Plate on January 22. 1921, carrying 9.1, and beating Rational, 7.1, an-a Statuette, 8.12, by a head, after a greal 'struggle. Before he recorded his time the previous best for the race stood to the credit of Surveyor, who ran half a mile in -45 3-ssec. at the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting at Riccarton on November G, 1918, carrying 6.6, when he beat Torfride. 7.11, and Demos, 7.13, by half a length. The New Zealand half-mile record before that was held by Conqueror, a son of Medallion, who, as a two-year-old in 1897, carrying 8.5, won the Canterbury J.C. Welcome Slakes in 46 l-ssec. Conqueror was a -e----markably brilliant two-year-old, and did hot race afterwards. Half-mile races are now few and far between, and for horses other than two-year-olds are the exception. The fastest time officially accepted in Australia is 47jsec., which stands Jo the credit'of Sun Clad and Waltzing Lily.