TROTTING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 471, 28 September 1928, Page 11

TROTTING

(*y

"ABAYDOS."

ACTIVITIES ON WEST COAST PROMISING STRING BUSY AT WESTPORT UNDER T. BENNETT (Special to THE SUN) WESTPORT, Wednesday, j With the Greymoutli Trotting Club’s spring fixture in view next month, owners and trainers throughout the West Coast are now getting busy with their charges, and things generally in the light-harness world are assuming a brisker and brighter appearance. Teams are in work at Hokitika, Greymouth, Reefton and Westport, and while the best known of West Coast performers are again undergoing preparation, there are several novices in the various centres showing signs of making their presence felt in their class at the approaching fixtures. The Greymouth programme, which as usual is framed on attractive lines, will bring a liberal response from owners on the eastern side or the ranges, while the Nelson district is sure to be strongly represented. Always a happy hunting ground for Canterbury sportsmen, the Coast has, since the Otira Tunnel connection was completed, been invaded in larger and stronger numbers, and horses on the West will require to be well forward next month if they wish to secure any of the spoils. Strong Buller Team One of the finest teams in the Buller district, and certainly one of tho best conditioned on the Coast, is that presided over by Tom Bennett, of Derby Lodge, 'Westport, whose stables are handily situated to the Mill Street trotting course.

Tom, who is a brother to Dave Bei nett, the well-known trainer and reins

man, now situated at Addington, is like the latter, a careful, painstaking mentor and capable driver and rider, and the excellent condition of his Derby Lodge string is a tribute to his efficiency and enthusiasm. A most impressive animal is the chestnut mare Bessie Dillon, who is a robust cut of a racehorse, of nice proportions, and a coat glistening like gold. Beautifully mannered, the daughter of Harold Dillon resembles

ery much Dillon Chimes in appearmce, but is more docile and fuller >roportioned. She looks at present the ilieet anchor of the team, and is showng a good burst of speed, and will be •herrv ripe for Greymouth. The larold Dillon—Louvain Chimes pacer

Dillon Chimes, has been recently taken up, and although an erratic customer at the peg, Bennett has already removed many of his skittish pranks. Dillon Chimes is still on a handy mark to repay any outlay on the gelding. A four-year-old unnamed maiden, claiming relationship to that speedy horse, Trimmer, whom he resembles in appearance, is an attractive looking customer and should be in readiness for the Westport Christmas carnival. The old plodding square-gaited mare, Comfort, is also an inmate of this establishment, and she is looking fitter than ever. The daughter of Norval King was under Bennett’s care a few seasons back, and won several races for him, and judging on her present appearance the combination will be again successful. A Usdful Pacer Mona Logan (Logan Pointer—Queen Child), owned by the popular Karamea sportsman, “Scotty” McLean, is due any day to join Bennett’s team, and she should prove an acquisition to the stable. (Mona Logan won a couple of races in the Blenheim area last season, and when seen out at W.anganui and Hawera showed a good promise. She is a wonderfully smart beginner, and should do well on the Coast tracks.—“Abaydos.”) It Is quite on the cards that Bennett will have one or two additions to his useful team before long, and when the popular West Coast trotting • circuit commences Tom promises to hold a strong hand. The Westport mentor has fitted up his establishment on modern lines, and

the general equipment would do credit , to any of the larger stables in the j Dominion. Bennett takes full advantage of his proximity to the Mill Street course to indulge in all fast work. ! while the North Beach is utilised to ’ the best advantage for swimming and jogging exercise. Tom has certainly spared no expense to give his charges the best opportunities possible; and. of a reticent and energetic disposition, the young Buller trainer deserves well, I and when his past successes with Golden Locanda, Trimmer. Jean Vue. I Kreisler and Queen’s General is re- , membered. if Is safe to say that Coast sports will follow with interest the doings of his team. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS Sport.— Tamerlane started OH I ond day of the Metropolitan National fixture (August 15) in the Improvers’ Handicap, mile and a-half for trotters. He finished fourth from S 4 yards, the placed horses being Maxegin (72), 1; Ix>uisiajia (limit), 2; 2 Kerrwood Bell (4S), 3.