NGARUAWAHIA TROTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 875, 20 January 1930, Page 13

NGARUAWAHIA TROTS

DESWOOD AND LADY LINDA SUCCESSFUL SMALL FIELDS—KEEN RACING Although the fields in the light harness events at Ngaruawahia were small due to the unsuitability of the track for sulky racing—the finishes were full of interest, handicapper Gooseman succeeding in bringing the varied contestants well together. ■While for some time past the trotting heats on the Ngaruawahia Racing Club's annual card have played a prominent and important part in the day’s proceedings, the last two meetings have shown a falling-off in the size of the fields. Discussing this phase of the question with several light-harness trainers at the country fixture on Saturday, “Abaydos” learned that the majority consider the track, in some places at least, too rough for sulky racing. “If the club wishes to foster this section of its sport,” remarked one enthusiast, who usually has trotters engaged at the function, “it will be necessary to make some improvement with the course in the interest of those who race in harness.” « This probably may he attended to before next year, and if the club can see its way to overcome this obstacle, it will be assured of liberal support again from the trotting fraternity. The two items staged, despite the “one-dividend” fields, were productive of keen sport. Deswood won the mile and a-half heat after a good set-to with Lady Linda, and in the longer distance event the mare secured the bigger slice of the prize. White Raven, who was showing fair form at one stage of the opening contest, struck herself, and was unable to start on the next occasion. Deswood Just Lands Roto refused to strike the trot, and lost ground at the start, and Deswood was soon in front, leading past the terraces from Lady Linda and White Raven. There -was no alteration till reaching the home turn, where Deswood tangled, allowing Lady Linda to get on terms. The latter looked all over a winner 100 yards from the judge, but Deswood finished with strong determination, to get the decision by less than a length. Ten lengths back came Roto, who, when all chance of success had gone, settled down and trotted more solidly. White Raven was a neck away fourth, having lost her position with a mile covered. Rothkevin broke one of his hopples in the initial stages, and was pulled up. Well-bred One The winner, Deswood, is owned by Mr. C. W. Hill, and trained by P. Beesley, who drove him with good judgment. He made a well-timed effort over the final stage, and appeared to catch Lady Linda off her guard. Deswood is a well-bred gelding, being by Wildwood Junior from Madame Shaw, therefore full-brother to Viv Alborn’a speedy trotter Cannonball. Like the Coaster, the Ngaruawahia winner is double-gaited, and he may be given an opportunity later on to test his ability at the square Sait.

Lady Linda Stays Best Roto again broke at the start, when the field was dispatched for the second trot, and Rothkevin was the early leader from Deswood and Lady Linda. When the terrace was reached, Lady Linda was in the van from Deswood and Rothkevin, and along the back the mare increased her lead to three lengths. Rothkevin stopped quickly, and Roto, trotting solidly, moved up close to Deswood. Lady Linda was first into the straight from Deswood and Roto, and although the trotter headed Deswood and went after Lady Linda, he could make no impression on the mare, who won easily by two lengths. Deswood, who was penalised 12yds for his earlier victory, was ten lengths away third. Rothkevin returned again with broken gear, and Lady Lucetta jogged home a long way behind the place-getters. Will Race at Te Aroha Lady Linda is a six-year-old mare by False Alarm from Wirihana, owned and trained by Mr. E. L. Collins, at Ngaruawahia. She is an improving pacer, but has yet to get on the divvy list at a totalisator fixture. I-ler owner informed the writer that the daughter of False Alarm has only had road work this season, and very seldom saw the hopples. While there was nothing outstanding about her win, Lady Linda could be improved sufficiently to win a race later in the season. She will go to Te Aroha, where she will probably be driven by the Cambridge reinsman, W. Saunders. In this event Roto was going solidly at the finish, and had lie made a good beginning would have fully extended the winner. J. Browne has the old Rotomanuku gelding in nice condition. Deswood had every chance, and made a bold showing till three furlongs from home, where he was throwing out distress signals. Roto and Deswood will likely fulfil their Te Aroha engagements. but, like Lady Linda, they will find the company choicer next Saturday.