Opening of Grass Track at Epsom

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 855, 26 December 1929, Page 13

Opening of Grass Track at Epsom

CLUB’S ACTION APPRECIATED YESTERDAY’S ESSAYS The persistent advocacy of THE SUN for the opening of the grass track at Alexandra Park for final work-outs prior to meetings reached consummation yesterday, when the committee, acceding to the request of Tuesday’s deputation 'of trainers and owners, allowed horses entered for the carnival to work on the outside of the course proper. When the Auckland Club’s committee received the deputation on Tuesday afternoon Messrs. Geo. McKendrick (Auckland), W. J. Tomkinson and J. Bryce (Christchurch) stated the case strongly for the necessity of allowing horses engaged at Epsom fixtures a run on the grass prior to tho meetings. The Reason Why It was pointed out that when weather conditions were unfavourable it was impossible to work on the dirt track, and as horses required to be kept in form it became necessary for trainers to take their charges to the Otahuhu course. This it was contended seriously affected the local interest in the track work, and put a damper on the public enthusiasm on tho eve of a fixture. With no interesting work undertaken at headquarters, it was impossible for this important feature of the sport to get the publicity which would result from trials on the grass at Epsom. After fully deliberating on the question, the committee decided to grant the request, and open the outside of the course proper on Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock, allowing a track 20ft wide for fast work. Seizing the Opportunity Despite heavy rain yesterday morning prior to the opening of the course, trainers turned up in full force to show their appreciation of the club’s action. Had the track cut up after a few work-outs, trainers were prepared to forego the privilege, but the circuit improved with usage. It was pleasing to note that after an hour and a-half of solid work "file turf was in splendid condition, and the success of the venture should ensure similar future concessions when Epsom fixtures are in sight. Cup Candidates Being on the extreme outside of the track the distances covered were a good deal longer than the discs indicatedn and this, together with the fact that no candidate was asked to wind up the watch, made time essays of no material consequence. Peter Bingen paced over a mile and a-lialf with fine freedom, and his splendid condition was the subject. of much favourable comment.. Machine Gun worked solidly and his Cup admirers were impressed by his rendering of a twelve-furlong journey. Ten furlongs was the portion of Gold Jacket, who took Torpedo Huon as a companion. Both paced nicely, the Cup , candidate immensely pleasing the onlookers.

Imprint wont over the mile course in resolute style, infusing plenty of dash into the finish. His effort was voted one of the best of the morning. Dilworth was also doing her work in good style, when she made a skip, which detracted slightly from the essay.

Linkman was not seen at his best, leaving his feet when asked for something better. When keyed up this is not his usual style.

Prince Pointer gave an “Oliver Twist” display, and after traversing 12 furlongs boldly, was looking for more as the finishing post was reached. Concliff was given a similar task and went much better than at Otahuhu on Monday. * * *

Free Advice tramped two miles at an even gait. Without recording any special time her effort was sound, although the mare appeared to have had enough at the finish. * * * A mile was The Abbey’s assignment and the Gold Bell gelding hit out in resolute fashion, gaining more friends for his big engagement. * * * Derby Candidates Ngingo Ngingo and First Flight W’ere associated in a friendly bout over the Derby journey. The pair paced faultlessly, and were on terms when the box was reached. The local filly has improved again during the past week. * * * Lydia, a well-grown filly, also strode along over the classic course. Her style pleased the onlookers, and the Wrack youngster will add interest to a great contest. * * * Purser and Royal Silk were given separate tasks over a shorter journey. The visitors gave a fine exhibition, and both proved they are ready to render their part well to-morrow. Rowe Cur Candidates Raima was closely scanned as he made his appearance, and the Hawke’s Bay-owned trotter looked hale and hearty. He trotted solidly and showed a relish for his work. * Rose Bingen again demonstrated that she is in rare buckle by putting heart into her work. Peter McKinney gave another of his improved displays, and no fault can be found with his condition. One of the most attractive exhibitions of the square-gaited art ever witnessed at the Park was given by Peterwah, Elzear, Young Blake and Western Voyage, who made a “foursome.” The distance was a mile and a-half and, keeping in close formation, the quartet gave a faultless display, turning on the pace over the last few furlongs. Western Voyage and Young Blake did equally as well as their twe crack associates. Other Operations Numerous horses engaged in the other events on the Auckland card

were given varying tasks. A. Julian’s quartet, Explosion, Rotfe Audubon, Belle Axworthy and Jewel Pointer, performed their allotments creditably. J. Shaw’s representatives, Warplane. Warspite and Carmel, relished medium tasks, the former showing an improvement on some of his recent displays. Benefice, whose work on the dirt track of late has been of a high order, disappointed her supporters by “bobbling” and tangling in her grass essay. The public favourite, Wrackler, was seen in a new light, his task being over a short course at the square gait. The son of Wrack looks as well as ever and should add further to his winnings. Genuine and Acre worked over ten furlongs in their best style, and Lady Fan trotted solidly for an extra two furlongs. Nella Dillon and Great Delight were companions over a short journey, the mare moving with more freedom than her associate, who is still far from his best. Wilma Dillon was given a solo effort, and the brown gelding handled the grass in good fashion. If he goes right in his races, Wilma will make amends for his recent failures. A. McMillan (Enawah, Brutus, Te Wahia, Oakhampton), J. J. Kennerley (Vendome, Cornelian, The Shrew), A. W. Broughton (Florent, Hal Chimes), W. Nightingale (Evelyn Locanda), G. Webb (Vanity Boy, Ngatira, Gold Dial), H. Mitchell (Mountain Dell), G. Phipps (Dick Dillon and Haerenga Pai), M. Holmes (Bonny Logan), F. J. Smith (Linnett the Great), H. J. Millen (Marble Star) and C. G. Lee (Roma Bingen) were also present and given tasks of varying degrees, mostly of a mild, but useful, nature.