RACING.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 165, 30 December 1926, Page 8

RACING.

MATAMATA’S TROTTING DERBY. OTHER DISTRICT SUCCESSES. Several Matamata district successes have been recorded in the holidayracing to date, the major one being the great win of Mr. Jack Tims’ Great Peter in the Great Northern Trotting Derby. As the owner made no secret of the fact that he had a good colt it is only reasonable to expect that many Matamata followers of the trots participated in the popular win. The race drew the largest number of horses that have ever competed since it was inaugurated in 1916, and Great Peter won easily, in time only one second outside the record for the race. Had he been pushed there is no doubt the son of Nelson Bingen w’ould have created a new record.

Great Peter was purchased at a big price by Mr. Tims as a yearling and was given his early education at Matamata. He was taken to Auckland some months ago and opened his winning account a few weeks later. In addition to the blue ribbon, Mr. Tims will receive a cheque for £7OO as the result of Tuesday’s win. Great Peter is a three-year-old full

brother to the New Zealand champion, Great Bingen. THE TARANAKI MEETING. At New Plymouth on Boxing Day, Mr. G. Johnston’s Dobbin ran a good race in the Tikorangi Handicap, of five furlongs, to get second place. On Tuesuay the chestnut was started in the open six, but was beaten out cl a place. His travelling companion, Branston, owned by Mr. A. Davis, of Hinuera, and Mr. H. Bennett, made amends, however, by winning the five furlong hack race. Branston started favourite and won by a half-head from Bevis.

Two other Matamata-trained equines taken to New- Plymouth were Glencairn and Always. The former was in the money in the Rahotu Hack Hurdles the first day, being second to Bonecto. He was not started again at the meeting. Always was placed third in the Urutu Hack race on the second day. The Christmas racing at Ellerslie saw two I-linuera-bred liorses prominent. Te Monanui, which carried 9.1 into third place in the Auckland Cup for second year in succession, and Day Guard which won the Christmas Handicap, were both bred by Mr. W. C. Ring. Although Day Guard was seventh in choice on the machine the success was well anticipated both at Matamata and Morrinsville. ALEXANDRA RESULTS. Rarangi and Ramblin’ Kid, two horses engaged at Tirau on New Year’s Day, were winners of two events each at Pirongia on Boxing Day. Rarangi annexed the cup and Farewell, while Ramblin’ Kid broke its maiden status in the first race and then won another. Prince Abbey won the Shorts Handicap, and Hinumuri, Topping, Stg,rfield, and Red mar were others which will be seen out at Tirau which gained places. TIRAU. The Tirau Club’s annual meeting will be held on New Year’s Day. The acceptances, although perhaps not a record, show’ that the standard of the racing will be much higher than usual so that patrons may look forward to a good day. The Matamata-owned Dobbin is an unlikely starter, but there are several recent winners engaged and 'several maidens from which anything may be expected. Record receipts should be handled by Mr. E. W. Jordan as a result of next Saturday’s meeting. Early, morning trains stop at the course, while a good motor car service is available jn the township. , , RADIO RESULTS. Those who could not get to the Auckland races but who have been handy to radio sets have had full descriptions of the races as they have been run broadcasted. It was announced on Tuesday that appreciative messages had been received by the broadcaster from T. Little, Tirau, M. G. Philpott, Morrinsville, another Morrinsville listener-in, and someone at Putaruru.

MORRINSVILLE HORSE’S ADVENTURE. Some men have publicity thrust upon them; others seek it. One of the former who is getting plenty of publicity these days is Mr. Charles Dickinson, of Morrinsville. When that gentleman mated his thoroughbred mare Gipsy Martian with Quin Ab- r hey a few years ago, little did he think he was about to make “ history ” in the racing world, and also bring about his own “ demise.” The story bound up with the result of the mating of the thoroughbreds mentioned is certainly interesting in view of later events. The more later produced a foal, which, with his dam, was sold to Mr. Mr. H. W. Burch, of Hamilton, and which was registered as “ Stormy.” When a few years, came upon it Stormy was given a couple of runs in New’ Zealand and showed distinct promise. As far as he was concerned, Mr. Dickinson’s interest was then simply as the breeder of the horse. However, the owner decided upon an Australian trip, and Stormy, starting as a maiden, cleaned up four races in as many starts in the Newcastle district, and was then sent back to New Zealand. The exploit startled the “ heads ” across the Tasman, and all sorts of allegations w’ere made. Cables were sent to prominent racing men in New Zealand to inspect the horse upon its arrival to see W’hether it really was Stormy. This led to further inquiries which no doubt proved that the equine was that bred by Mr. C. Dickinson, but the publication of the horse’s history has led to some misconception regarding his breeder. One Auckland daily refers to him as “ late of Morrinsville.” Charlie Dickinson is in love with Moyrinsville, so that was bad enough, but w’orse follow’ed. Mr. H. Burch, in explanation of the dam’s history, is reported in the Herald as having written that he purchased her

from “ the late Mr. C. Dickinson, of Morrinsville.” Great Christmas (Continued at Foot of Next Column.)

greetings! to be pushed out of home and then killed, and all for breeding a good horse.