TROTTNG

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 105, 25 July 1927, Page 6

TROTTNG

(“ABAYDOS.”)

PREMIERSHIP OF LIGHT-HARNESS WITHERS ONCE MORE HEADS HORSEMEN’S WINNING LIST By driving Logan Princess to victory in the Washdyke Trot at the South Canterbury Hunt Club fixture on Saturday the popular Islington trainer and reinsman succeeded in securing the horsemen’s championship for the season which was brought to a close with the decision of the event referred to. This is the second successive victory achieved by “Drum” Withers in connection with the coveted honour, and he will receive the warm congratulations of his associates in the light harness business, as well as from the sporting public. FINE PERFORMANCE Last season the Southern menUr steered 29 pacers and trotters, a total he eclipsed this year by saluting the man in the box on 31 occasions, & record that has only once been surpassed and once equalled. In 1915-16 J. Bryce won the gold-mounted whip with a total of 31, while in 1919-20 E. C. McDermott established his record of 34i victories, which has not yet been reached. It is onlv some seven years ago that Withers, who was formerly engaged driving draught horses, decided to seriously take up £he light harness business, but he has made good at the game in a remarkable manner. His attentiveness to duty, ability and genial disposition stood the reinsman in good stead and he was not long in reaching the top line of his profession. SUCCESSFUL MENTOR Last season Withers also annexed the leading trainers’ honours with a total of 22, but this yeax he has been supplanted by the young Belfast men*

tor, M. B. Edwards, who headed the list with 27 J wins. Strange to sayyoung Edwards gave Withers a sre* 1 go for the horseman’s premiership ana was a good second with 29J ** During the past two years D. With** 3 has been private trainer to the ington sportsman, Mr. J. R. McKenzi . with whose horses he has been singu* larly successful. During the season just concluded the leading horseman has been associated with the charnpw* pacer, Great Bingen, in eight victoriesand judging from present appearances the pair will be associated in roan? more. VICTORIES OBTAINED The following is the list of driven to victory by D. Withers, A date he has piloted 31 winners: * Great Bingen .. 8 Helen J Peter Swift .. 3 Logan Lou •• . Meb 3 Tiki .. ••• • •* { Frisco Beau . . 2 Great Kevin.. •• . Bold Bill . . .. 2 Sarella \ Real the Great 2 Sahib •• *• i Silk Thread .. 1 .Mavis Wood - - Great Actress .. 1 Logan Princes Taurekareka .. 1