FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 539, 17 December 1928, Page 13

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

LAPLANDER—FREE ADVICE CASE DISQUALIFICATION OF F. G. HOLMES (Special to THE SUN) CHRISTCHURCH, To-day. \t a meeting of the Board of the New Zealand Trotting Association on Saturday evening the LaplanderFree Advice case was advanced another stage, when Mr. C. Nordquist, owner of Laplander. appeared before the association in support of his appeal against the action of the judicial committee of the Otahuhu Trotting Club in reversing the placings of the judge in the Onehnnga Handicap. The association decided to inquire from the Otahuhu Club whether Mr. Nordquist had been invited to attend the meeting of the judicial committee when the question was dealt with in Auckland, and if not to reopen the inquiry. As a result of the deliberations at the board meeting, the association decided to impose a penalty of three months’ ’ disqualification on F. G. Holmes, driver of. Laplander, who won the race by a narrow margin from Free Advice, but was subsequently Placed second after an inquiry into the finish, where the winner was alleged to have bored on Free Advice. The latter was awarded first place.

Notes and Comments

A Popular Victory Gold Sovereign went to the front with a round to go in the Hamilton Handicap, and trotting boldly, gave nothing a chance from there home. He was driven a patient, heady race by his trainer Tom Roe, and it was a popular victory, as the Mangere combination has been racing consistently and their turn was due. Gold Sovereign stayed on better than he has done of late and he may not be long in getting some more money. Still Knocking Peter McKinney made a rare dab over the concluding stages of the big trot on Saturday, and the late effort carried him into second berth and put his party and a few constant followers on good terms with themselves. A bad break or two on the journey cost W. turner’s trotter a good bit of terri- . tgry, but his speed when doing it right carried him into a handy position at the turn for home. Another tangle put him back, but he got up to take second money off Sebisca. Peter has been knocking at the door lately and he should soon gain admission. Good Old Uncle Uncle Bert ran a very fair race in the Mark Memorial Handicap for the major portion of the journey, but his

THE AWAKENING OWNERS, trainers and breeders in the Auckland district are holding a conference on Wednesday evening at Mr. Knight’s business premises, Newmarket, to discuss fully the present handicaping problem and hear the automatic system expounded by a prominent owner who has made a keen study of the business. “Abaydos” would suggest that when the “heads” foregather they should also seriously consider the resuscitation of the Northern Owners’, Trainers' and Breeders’ Association, an organisation which if properly run will be of internal benefit to all who take any part in the light-harness pastime. effort evidently did not convince the public that he was on the improve, so when he shared the honours in the mile dash with Anselm, Uncle paid a rare price. All sportsmen were pleased to see Bill Clifton getting some success with the Gold Bell gelding, as the Royal Oak mentor was responsible to a great extent for the pacer’s good showing a couple of seasons back, although he did not have him when the laurels were being distributed. Anselm Comes Back When Anselm dashed on the scene at the end of the Stewards’ Handicap, the aged gelding showed that he has “como back” all right, and T. Allen, the Ohaupo enthusiast, had the Nut Ansel gelding in fine shape. That his effort in the mile go was no ‘‘flash in the pan” stunt, Anselm demonstrated by another remarkable rattle at the end of the mile and a-quarter Visitors’ Handicap, which landed him in second berth at the post. In both heats the old pacer knocked a couple of seconds off his handicap. Good Generalship After G. A. Williams had acted as pacemaker with Bell Dial for thirteen furlongs in the unhoppled race, he was content to let Laekiewood and Trustworthy run past him, and he trailed the pair into the straight. Down the long lane came the trotter and the free-leged pacer, both doing their best under pressure. The Wellsford reinsman. having given Bell Dial a breather, called upon the mare for another effort and she responded gamely to beat the tiring pair for the thick end of the purse. G.A.W. showed good generalship, and while the mare was second favourite, she paid a splendid price. Pays His Way ‘•Bill” Thomas, the genial Ngaruawahia enthusiast, had old Laekiewood looking fine and lusty on Saturday, and although many experts contended the black trotter would shut up like an oyster before reaching the end of the two-mile journey, he stuck to his work like a leech and gained second position, returning his supporters a useftil price. Reg. Woods was in the cart and gave his charge every assistance. Laekiewood is a sound proposition, paying his way whether on the track or on the farm.

POPULAR THAMES FIXTURE THE Thames Trotting Club, -A which is noted for its pregressiveness and desire to do its best for owners, trainers and the general public, has got the programme for the annual March fixture out bright and early. The sum of £1,245 is being distributed for eight events, chief of which is the Thames Cup of £350 (4.42 limit), to which is added a handsome silver cup. The “other leg” will be the Kopu Handicap of £135 run over 10 furlongs with a 2.54 limit, while square-gaiters have a plum allocated in the President’s Handicap, a 4.58 class, for which the prize money is £2OO. Light harness enthusiasts will not only appreciate the fine bill of fare provided, but also the fact that extra stabling is being arranged on the club's popular “free” system.