WAIKATO SPEED TESTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 603, 4 March 1929, Page 7

WAIKATO SPEED TESTS

SPECTACULAR TROTTING WATCH WOUND UP TIGHT J. SHAW GETS THREE MORE GOOD fields, keen, spectacular contests, with thrillingepisodes and finishes, and fast times were prominent features of the high-class sport provided by the Waikato Trotting Club at Claudelands on Saturday when the annual Cup carnival was staged successfully.

4 LL roads leading to the up-to-date -**■ Claudelands trotting course presented an animated appearance on Saturday for hours prior to the opening of the programme, and when the horses paraded for the initial event, a large concourse of people had assembled. The weather was ideal, the sun streaming down its warmest rays, while the track, thanks to the unfailing care and preparation bestowed on it by caretaker Harry' Rouse, was at its very best. In fact, from the owners’ point of view, it was too fast, and the far-famed electrical footing at Addington on its good days had nothing on the Claudelands circuit. With high-class competitors engaged, it was not surprising to see the watch wound up to a very tight degree. In some instances competitors improved on their handicap to the extent of 10 and 11 seconds. while others broke their previous best records by from four to eight seconds. Unless 11 an di cappers for future fixtures show some leniency and allowance for the lightning nature of the track, a. number of placed performers will find themselves with a hard row to hoe. Cooperation Spells Success The function was well conducted and ably managed, the various officials - arrying out their duties most efficiently. There was a spirit of cooperation among officials and committee that made for successful government, while the hospitality showered upon visitors by president H. W. Burch brought forth unstinted praise in all directions. Secretary T. G. Reynolds manipulated the arduous secretarial duties in a masterly manner, and proved the right man in the right place. The fact that Major Shaw was back in the position of birdcage stew- ,- rd had a fine effect in keeping things well up to the mark, and starter C. O'Connor got the fields away in his best style. C. E. Gooseman came in for a large measure of congratulation on the excellent results produced by his work, the finishes in several events being the most exciting ever witnessed at Hamilton. Mr. R. T. Reid was present in his official rapacity as stipendiary steward, and everything during the day was labelled O.K. Change of Driver Before the last event T. M. Robertson was asked to explain why A. J. Julian should drive Nella Dillon, after the owner had held the reins earlier in the day. It was pointed out that Julian drives the mare whenever available, but as he had Medusa running in the Waipa Handicap, Robertson elected to get in the sulky himself. The explanation was accepted, and permission given to Julian to drive Nella Dillon. The late arrival of Etta Cole, through no fault of her owner, was a regrettable incident, and when the marc appeared before the start of the Members’ Handicap the opinion was generally expressed that a point might have been stretched under the exceptional circumstances, but the “stip.” ruled that the mare was withdrawn. Speculation was brisk, despite the fact that there was a decrease of £2,654 compared with the cup meeting last March, the figures being—l92B, £25,876; 1929, £23,221. There is no doubt this total would have been substantially increased had Etta Cole been a starter in the trot, as many canny punters were in attendance especially to put it on the mare thick and heavy. The Epsom trainer-reinsman, J. S. Shaw, again came out on top with three victories—Carmel. Torpedo Huon and Trustworthy—while the most popular win of the day was that of .Too Gee and Anseline, the pair receiving a stirring reception on returning to the paddock. ‘'Hot Pot' Wins Tamahine, £1,442. was regarded as the best of good things for the Improvers’ Handicap, and so it proved, lor he never looked like getting beaten. There was a big drop to the second favourite, Don Zolock, £217, Great Way, £407, w hile second horse, Te Ngutu, carried £63. Tamahine 'vas first out and first home. Moving down the back and passing the stand the first time, she had a break of six ! ngths on Lochade. who was followed by Nelson Girl (galloping). Te Ngutu.

Merrimax. Great Way and Wild Downs. The order was much the s >ime, as they raced down the back the second time, and at the turn Tamahine still had a substantial lead over lochade, Nelson Girl, who was again breaking, and Te Ngutu. Taahine went on to score comfortably by a l p ngth and a quarter from Te Ngutu, "'ho came very fast over the last bit m cut Lochade out of second place by half a length. Nelson Girl was fourth, and then came Don Zolock, Merrimax, Wild Downs and Great Way. Only Two In It Carmel, £717, was a solid favourite for the Progressive Handicap, and he fully justified the confidence reposed in him. Thero was also money for Mountain Dell. £407, and Gold Treasure, £286. Lord Lu was the early leader from Gold Treasure. Carmel and Mountain Dell, but at the end of a furlong the favourite took charge followed by Mountain Dell, and going past the “land this pair were out eight lengths of Silver Link and Gold Treasure, who were six lengths ahead of R p gret. Peter Pirate, Vanity Boy and Uord Lu. Passing down the back p armel and Mountain Dell, who were °n terms at this stage, increased their lp ad, and at the straight, where Carmel was again clear of Mountain Dell, they bad 12 lengths between them and the r *st of the field. Carmel did best in the run home, and defeated Mountain Dell by three-quarters of si length. Degret. who had gone solidly after settling down, was five lengths back in third berth, followed by Peter Pirate, Silver Link. Gold Treasure. Golden *ope and Vanity Bey. Torpedo Huon a Good One winners at the recent Auck- ***« meeting, it was quite in orde*

that the Warplane—Torpedo Huon bracket should carry the bulk of the money in the Waikato Cup. The pair " ere supported to the extent of £ 954, Wrackler (£931) having a few pounds less, with the third choice Jean McElwyn, showing tickets amounting to J. 809. Gold Dial was seventh favourite with £206. Wrackler and Napland spoilt their chances by breaking at the start. Warplane went out fast from Gold Dial, Torpedo Huon, Lady Dunmore, Jean McElwyn, and Wrackler. but passing the stand Nelson Tasker had ran to the head of affairs, and was showing the way to Warplane, Gold Dial, Torpedo Huon, Ladv Dunmore Jean McElwyn. and Wrackler. Warplane went to a break passing along the back, and this was the only change until the stand was reached again, where Torpedo Huon was travelling

alongside Nelson Tasker, this pair a length clear of Lady Dunmore and i Gold Dial, who were a further two lengths ahead of Jean McElwyn, with Wrackler trailing along behind.. Torpedo Huon was still going nicely down the back, but Nelson Tasker was tiring, and by the time heads were turned for home had given place to Lady Dunmore, while Gold Dial was also handy. Torpedo Huon was always a winner in the straight, and won nicely by half a length from Gold Dial, who finished well. A length and a-half further back was Lady Dunmore, who was followed home by Jean McElwyn, Wrackler, Florent, Nelson Tasker, and Warplane. A Popular Win The unfortunate defection of Etta Cole from the Members’ Handicap left a field of seven to go to the post, backers declaring for Bright Light £674, Anseline £448, and Gold Sovereign £341. The favourite and Mutu tangled at the start, Koro Peter going out to lead Anseline, and at the stand the first time this pair were showing the way to Bright Light, The Tartar, Gold Sovereign and Peter McKinney. There was little change in the front division and little in the rear as they raced over the next few fi;.rlongs, and at the stand the :lcond time Koro Peter and Anseline had daylight between them, with a gap of eight lengths back to Bright Light, The Tartar. Peter McKinney and Gold Sovereign. Anseline joined Koro Peter along the back and this pair were increasing their advantage over the rest of the field. Crossing the top Koro Peter went into the air, and this left Anseline to lead into the home stretch eight lengths ahead of Koro Peter, who was a similar distance ahead of The Tartar, Gold Sovereign and Peter McKinney. Peter challenged the leader, but another break settled him and Anseline went on to win by three lengths, Peter McKinney being a further three lengths away in third place. The winner received a wor r ' tion on returning to the birdcage. Cornelian Goes Fast All started in the Raglan Handicap, and money was plentiful for Rolte Audubon, the three-year-old carrying | £986, as against Andover, £636, and Cornelian, £42 2. Limosa carried | £269. The favourite tangled at the i start, as did Maid of the Mountains j and Moko Chief, and their chances I were impaired to some extent. Cori nelian went out very fast, and passI ing the stand the first time had opened i out a break on Limosa, Ando/er. Rolf© j Audubon. Maid of the Mountains, and I Hughie Wallace. At the stand the second time Cornelian was leading Limosa, and as they moved down the back was out a dozen lengths clear of Hughie Wallace, who was six lengths ahead of Maid of the Mountains, Rolf© Audubon, and Andover. Limosa closed on Cornelian nearing the home turn, and challenged him in the straight, but went up in the air 50 yards from the post, leaving Cornelian to score comfortably by three lengths. Rolf© Audubon was third, eight lengths away, and then came Maid of the Mountains. Andover, Hughie Wallace, and Moko Chief. Tony Victor Makes Amends Medusa, £931, Tony Victor, £559, and Curfew Boy, £550, were the selections of backers for the Waipa Handicap. Tony Victor began best, and passing the stand had a nice advantage over Curfew' Boy, Halgana, Medusa, and Nella Dillon, and this was the order as they passed down the back. Tony Victor had increased his lead by the time the straight was reached, and turned for home well clear of Curfew Boy, Medusa, Gold Dial, Halgana. and Nella Dillon. Gold Dial put in a fine finishing run, but had no chance of catching the winner, who won comfortably by five lengths. Medusa was just beaten by half a length for second place, and trailing after her came Nella Dillon, Curfew Boy. Halgana, and Goldman. Trustworthy Scores Nicely Backers were the right way when they made Trustworthy, £BOO, favourite * for the Dominion Handicap, for after going well all the way he collected the thick end of the purse. Second and third choice were Bell Dial £ 74S and Anseline £357, while the second horse, The Tartar, carried only £Bl. But for Lady Linda breaking, the field went away well and travelling past the stand Direct Action was in the role of pacemaker, having as his attendants Trustworthy, Childe Audubon Wild Nut. The Tartar and Anseline. but as they went out of the straight Direct Action and Childe Audubon left their feet* Trustworthy

was in charge at the stand the second j time from Direct Action (.breaking*, j Childe Audubon. Wild Nut, The Tartar i and Anseline. Moving down the back j Wild Nut ran up to Trustworthy, and j following them were Childe Audubon. Anseline and The Tartar. Wild Nut j broke crossing the top, and Anseline ; went up to Trustworthy, this pair | turning for home, followed by Clr'de ! Audubon and The Tartar. An?X ! broke 100 yards from the post ana left ! Trustworthy to score by a length and j a-half. The Tartar, finishing strongly ! over the final bit. gained second place by three lengths from Anseline. who was followed home by Wild Nut, Direct Action, Childe Audubon and Great Way. Thrilling Finish There was keen wagering in the Farewell Handicap, and when the machine ceased to operate Mountain Dell, on the strength of her good effort with Carmel earlier in the day, was the favoured candidate with £1,093, while Regret was next choice with £6OO, but Nella Dillon ran the Hamilton mare close with £592. The public were good judges, as these three collected the place money. Nella Dillon. splendidly driven by A. J. Julian, securing first honours from the favourite. Mountain Dell did not begin correctly, losing several lengths, while Silver Link also tangled badly at the start. Nella Dillon was quickly in the van and piloted the field past the stand, her nearest attendants being Marionette, Mountain Dell, Regret. Admiral Lock, Haerenga Pai and Gold Cast. There was very little alteration along the back, but crossing the top the favourite went into second berth with Regret handy, and the leading trio was in close formation into the straight, with Admiral Lock and Haerenga Pai doing best of the others. Mountain Dell drew level with Nella Dillon and 100 yards from home the

favourite had a slight advantage, but Julian’s charge responded gamely under pressure to get the verdict by half a length from Mountain Dell, with Regret a neck away third. Admiral Lock was fourth, three lengths back, followed by Haerenga Pai, Gold Cast and Marionette. The following are the results: IMPROVERS’ HANDICAP Of £120; limit, 3.50; 1£ miles • 1-TAMAHINE (J. R, Mitchell), b m, by Nelson Bingen—Hauraki, 4yrs, limit, W. Hughes i 6TE NGUTU, limit, R. McHarrie . 2 7 LOCHADE, limit, G. Gillard .... 3 Also:— 9—Nelson Girl, limit o 4 Garwood, limit o 7—Wild Downs, limit ! 0 10— Merrimax, limit o 3—Great Way, limit 0 12—Bideford, limit 0 5 Peter Brown, 36yds o 2—Don Zolock, 72yds 0 5 Bingen Starr, 168yds. Won by 1J lengths, with half a length between second and third. Times: 3.45 2-5, 3.46 1-5, and 3.46 2-5. Winner trained by W. S. Hughes, Longburn. PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP Of £160; 1J miles 1— CARMEL (W. Lana), ch g, by Our Thorpe—Abbess, 6yrs, limit, J. Sliaw 1 2 MOUNTAIN DELL, limit, W. J. Tomkinson 2 7 REGRET, 24yds, J. G. Browne .. 3 Also:— 12— Moko Chief, limit . . .. 0 8— Lord Lu, limit 0 18— Lady Yvonne, limit 0 13— Great Ballin, limit ... 0 3 Gold Treasure, limit 0 9 Zealous, limit 0 16— Oliver Thorpe, limit 0 14— Lady Linda, limit 0 19 — Red Raven, limit 0 11— Gold Cast, 12yds 1 4 Vanity Boy, 12yds 0 10—Haerenga Pai, 12yds 0 15— Golden Hope, 24yds 0 6 Peter Pirate, 24yds 0 17— Silver Link, 24yds 0 9—Limosa, 36yds 0 "Won by three-parts of a length, with third horse five lengths away. Times: 3.25 3-5, 3.26 and 3.29 2-5. Winner trained by J. S. Shaw. Ellerslie. WAIKATO CUP Of £475; limit, 4.36; 2 miles. I—TORPEDO HUON (Mrs. I. E. Sweetapple), br h, by Black Huon—Crystal Clare, aged, 24yds, J. Shaw 1 7 GOLD DIAL, 24yds, G. A. Williams 2 5 LADY DUNMORE, 36yds, A. E. Adams 3 Also: —• 1— Warplane, limit, bracketed with winner 0 5 Napland, limit 0 2 Wrackler, limit 0 4 Florent, 12yds 0 6 Nelson Tasker, 24yds 0 3 Jean McElwyn, 48yds 0 Won by half a length, with one and ahalf lengths between second and third. Times: 4.27 4-5, 4.28 and 4.28. W'inner trained by J. S. Shaw, Ellerslie. MEMBERS’ HANDICAP Of £225; limit 4.46; 2 miles. 2 ANSELINE (J. Gee), b m, by Nut Ansel —Mattie, aged, limit, J. Gee 1 5 KORO PETER, limit. R. Berry . . 2 6 PETER McKINNEY, 48yds . . . . 3 Also:— I—Bright Light, limit 0 3 Gold Sovereign, 48yds 0 7 The Tartar, 60yds 0 4 Mutu, 96yds 0 Won by three lengths, similar distance j separating second and third. Times: 4.43, 4.44 3-5 and 4.43 1-5. Winner trained by J. Gee, Epsom. RAGLAN HANDICAP Of £150; limit 4.44; 2 miles. 3 CORNELIAN (W. Johnston), ch m, by Author Dillon—Pearl Child, syrs, 12yds, A. E. Adams 1 5 LIMOSA, limit, C. L. Lowe .... 2 1— -ROLFE AUDUBON, limit, A. Julian 3 Also started: — 6 Moko Chief, limit ft 4 Maid of the Mountains, limit .... 0 2 Andover, 12yds 0 7 Hughie "Wallace, 72yds 0 Won by three lengths, with eight lengths between second and third. Times: 4.35 2-5, 4.37 2-5, and 4.44. Winner trained by A. E. Adams, Te Awamutu. WAIPA HANDICAP Of £240; limit 2.18: 1 mile. 2 TONY VICTOR (F. Jones, b g, by Antonio —Bella Victor, aged, limit, E. S. Groat l 5 GOLD DIAL, 36yds, G. A. Williams 2 I—MEDUSA, 24yds, A. Julian 3 Also:— 6 Nella. Dillon, limit o 3 Curfew Boy, 12yds „ o 4 Halgana, 24yds 0 7 Goldman, 60yds . o Won by five lengths, with half a length between second and third. Times: 2.13 1-5. 2.12 4-5. and 2.14 3-5. W’inner trained by E. S. Groat, Ota- i fiuhu»

DOMINION HANDICAP Of £170; 2 miles; limit 4.50. 1— TRUSTWORTHY (Mrs. T. Brady), eh m, by Worthy Bond—Connie, 12yds, J. Shaw i 8— THE TARTAR. 108yds, J. G. Robertson g 3—ANSELINE, 60yds, pen. 36yds, J. Gee 3 Also: — 6 Direct Action, limit o s—Great Way, limit o 9 Lady Linda, limit o 7 Wild Nut, 12yds o 3 Anseline. 24yds o 2 Bell Dial, 36yds q 4 Childe Audubon. 4Syds . 0 Won by a length and a-half, with three lengths separating second and third. Times: 4.51 3-5, 4.44 and 4.50 "Winner trained by J. S. Shaw, Ellerslie. FAREWELL HANDICAP Of £180; limit 2.57; li miles 3 NELLA DILLON (T. M. Robertson), b m, by Author Dillon—Nell Pointer, 4yrs. limit, T. M. Robertson j 1— MOUNTAIN DELL, limit,' Tl. Mitchell .. .. , 2 REGRET, limit. J. G. Browne ! ’ 5 5 Silver Link, limit o 7—Haerenga Pai. limit ** o 9—Gold Cast, limit o 5 Marionette, limit 0 4 Admiral Lock, 24yds o 6 Maid of the Mountains, 24yds 0 W on by half a length, with a neck between second and third. Times: 2.53 2-5, 2.0 d 2-5 and 2.52 4-5. Winner trained by T. M. Robertson, Auckland.