THE REAL SPORT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 293, 2 March 1928, Page 7

THE REAL SPORT

PURE GAITED HORSES receiving recognition “SKIPPER” PRICE’S VIEWS There is not a more popular figure in the light-harness arena of the North Island than W. A. ‘•Skipper” Price, trainer of that fine trotting mare, Native Star. WITH “Skipper,** “a spade is a tt spade.” and it is his honesty of purpose that has earned him such a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. GETTING ITS DESERTS

The Manawatu sportsman is a grea advocate for the rights of the tru< gaited horse, and stated recently tc

“Abaydos’* that the “trotter in New Zealand was at last coming back to its own.’* The sport originajly started with the square-gaiter, but man had introduced methods with which to unnaturally speed up the quadrupeds, hence the advemt of the pacer, said Mr. Price. Thanks, however, to an improved system of breeding, high class: trotters were now no uncommon sight on New Zealand tracks, and in more recent years the square-gaiter was proving its ability to compete with the strapped up opposition. Many of

the leading clubs recognise this fact, and are yearly catering in an appreciable and enterprising way for the trotting section. SPECIALS FOR TROTTERS To such an extent is the pure gaiter improving, “Abaydos” certainly believes that the time has arrived when some of the more progressive organisations could with advantage to all concerned promote a “free for all,” or short limit handicap, for trotters. As the crack square-gaiters arc; imbued with stamina as well as speed, such an item could be staged over two miles, and would provide the public with a wonderful spectacular exhibition of real trotting. To see such high-class trotters as Peterwah, Escapade, Trampfast, Young

Blake, Waikaha, Money Spider, Peter Swift, to say nothing of the improving Sister Beatrice and Native Star, trying conclusions in such a go would be well worth travelling miles to witness. One can just imagine what an attraction a trotters’ free-for-all or short .imit contest would prove at Alexandra Park and perhaps one of the clubs operating, in Auckland will give the subject the consideration it deserves in the not distant future. A PROMISING MARE The Palmerston trainer naturally has an affectionate spot in his heart for Native Star, who he says is one of the best mannered and easiest going trotters he has ever been associated with. “She cannot• always win,” he said, “but one thing, the mare always

does her best, and is as honest as they make them.” Skipper and his mare are well matched in this respect, and Abaydos” believes that in another season or so Native Star will be one of the most solid trotters in the Dominion.