Linkman Has It On the Lot for Consistency

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 803, 25 October 1929, Page 17

Linkman Has It On the Lot for Consistency

Trainer Alborn Meets with Deserved Success That the West Coast light harness enthusiast, V.c Alborn, was well pleased with his initial visit to Auckland in June is evidenced by the fact that he has made an early return to Epsom. Although it was Alborn’s first appearance in the North when he raced Linkman, Vesuvius and Cannonball at Alexandra Park in June, he was not by any means an unknown quantity to followers of the sport in this province. The successes of/ bearers of the violet and gold livery for many years had attracted attention all over the Dominion, and the Coaster was looked upon by * the big men in the gam© as a force to be reckoned with. Vic. commenced his trotting career in a small way at Inangahua Junction, where he laid down a private track and soon got a big string around him. He became the leading West Coast trainer and reinsman, and the public of tlie gold and coal areas grew to depend upon Alborn to produce something locally that -would keep the cream of the prize-money from continually flowing across the ranges to Canterbury. This lie was able to do for a time, but trainers on the Hast Coast, alert to what was in store for them, would bring something across that was above the standard of the West. The opening of the Otira tunnel saw a boom in Westland trotting, with stronger invasions from Canterbury, but Alborn at this time had a good one in Ofolden Devon and for a time the gallant chestnut worthily upheld the Coast prestige. Nothing succeeds like success, and Vic. launched out on a wider scale, and finally securing a few of exceptional promise set up a training establishment at Addington. Associated with him at this centre is Arthus Cox, one of the old school, and a trainer that has no peers in the art of gaiting and educating young trotters. Th© principal members of the Alborn stable just now are Linkman and Vesuvius, both sons of Matchlight, which, have won good races for their popular owner-trainer. The former, who is at present in Auckland for the spring meeting (in conjunction with Salient), claims an engagement in the New Zealand Cup next month, and he is just the stamp of pacer to make a success of such a mission. His form at Epsom will throw light on his cup prospects. Linkman, who is by Matchlight from a Harold Dillon mare, that was sold for a couple of tons of chaff, has a splendid record for consistency. Last year in 14 starts he was only out of a place on three occasions, being four times first, three second, and getting

the small end in four heats. In three starts this season two firsts and a third were Linkman’s portion. In 12 consecutive efforts Alborn’s pacer has never missed a place, the register showing five wins, two seconds and five thirds. The last time he finished third the Matchlight gelding tramped 4.25 2-5, thus qualifying for New Zealand’s richest prize—the New Zealand Cup. KEEN ON PROGRESS A. G. MABEE’S FINE RECORD While practically in his infancy as secretary of the Auckland Trotting Club, Mr. A. G. Mabee’s lengthy association with the lightharness sport in other branches fitted him admirably for the position he holds today. A. G. Mabee had the trotting foundation well laid about him many years ago when he owned and raced horses. In tile days of Potter’s Paddock activities he was a prominent figure and scored many successes with his representatives. Later he was appointed to the position of stipendiary steward and in this department for fourteen years A.G.M. kept a vigilant watch over light-harness proceedings in various parts of New Zealand. Many small clubs have occasion to remember visits from “Stipe” Mabee, as he was always willing to render any assistance that would put officials on the right track. This was particulary noticeable on the West Coast of the South Island, and while at times he found it necessary to

rule with an iron hand, the steel was tempered with sound judgment and tact. Many were the expressions of regret from that quarter when it was learned that the Aucklander was retiring from the stewardship. In fact, similar sentiments were expressed throughout New Zealand, demonstrating that Mr. Mabee had earned the admiration of a.ll true! sportsmen for the impartial and efficient manner in which he had carried out the duties of his office during the lengthy term. Since taking over the secretaryship of the Auckland Club, Mr. Mabee has made progress his motto and that he lias the confidence of members was proved by the appreciative remarks on his work made at the annual meeting.