TIGER SALVE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 660, 11 May 1929, Page 13

TIGER SALVE

Successful Season for Square Trotter TOGO LEE’S GOOD WORK Although he came from Australia with a two mile trotting record of 4.48, Tiger Salve raced for some considerable time without success, but eventually finding his way into C. G. Lee's Epsom stable the gelding made good, having this season won over £1,500 and tramped a shade worse than 4.35. When Tom Richards, the well-known light harness enthusiast visited Australia some four years ago, he got his eye fixed on a good sort of a squaregaiter and lost no time in opening negotiations for a purchase. “Nothing doing” was the sign hoisted, but nothing daunted, the New Zealand owner persisted with his overtures, and finally a deal was completed for the horse, who was none other than Tiger Salve, to the satisfaction of both parties. After the trotter arrived in this land he became a regular visitor to the Otahuhu track, where his new owner at that period was carrying on training operations. The son of Rock Huon had 4.48 against him for two miles —and was at that period holder of the record —and when entered for the first time at Epsom, was placed on 4.46, but the newcomer failed to do any good. Whether it was the change of climate that was responsible or not, Tiger Salve went through the 1926-27 season without showing anything approaching his Australian form in a race, and in sixteen starts was never in a place. By this time the imported gelding was on a 4.50 peg, but still he failed to show up, although he kept encouraging owner Richards by his displays at times on the Otahuhu clay track. Lee Takes Charge With the approach of the next trotting season, Tom Richards came to Auckland as min© host of Gleeson’s

Hotel, and he decided to give Tiger Salve to some local trainer. Having had previous experience of C. G. Lee, and knowing his capabilities both as a trainer and reinsman, Tom had no hesitation in placing the square gaiter with the popular Epsom man, and as he remarked to the writer the other day, his confidence was not misplaced. Togo Lee devoted a lot of time to studying the peculiarities of the exAustralian trotter, and he tried various devices of shoeing, feeding and training. His energy and patience was finally rewarded and Tiger Salve responding to the care and attention of his mentor was ready for the Auckland spring fixture of 1927. Off the front of a 4.50 unhoppled race, the son of Rock Huon won nicely in 4.42 and this success marked the turning of the corner for owner Richards. A month later Tiger Salve ran second to Sister Beatrice in a trotters’ heat, tramping 4.38 2-5 off 4.42, making the Hawera mare trot 4.36 from a 4.40 peg to beat him. His next start was in an unhoppled event at the Auckland Christmas fixture, where from a 4.40 mark he finished third to Native Star and Tony Victor, who were in receipt of 36 and 72 yards respectively, Tiger again going 4.38 2-5. Three or four misses were counted against the trotter and then he was given a period of leisure. Great Combination For his first, second and third last season, Tiger Salve won £375 in prize money, but that has since paled into insignificance beside the cheque collected for the season just about -to terminate. “Good wine needs no bush” and the trotting public are now well acquainted with the splendid record of Tom Richard’s square-gaiter this year. Commencing in October at Alexandra Park off a 4.40 peg Tiger Salve won a double for “Togo” in great style, going 4.35 2-5 in the second up from 4.38. At Christmas he ran prominently In both the Rowe Cup and Epsom trot, without earning any money, but on the final day he cleaned up the oppostion in the Association Handicap. A visit to Wellington saw Lee’s charge pull out a second and a win, and then at the Otahuhu summer, in a pacer’s heat, the trotter finished third to Torpedo Huon and Wrackler, registering 4.36. His last start was at Ashhurst, where driven by owner Richards in the cup he ran unplaced. Naturally Tom is well pleased with the achievements of Tiger Salve, who this season has earned £1,510, but he does not forget to hand out bouquets to “Togo” Lee’ who he says is responsible for bringing the ex-Australian trotter to such a high standard. Tiger Salve is now enjoying his vacation.