TROTTING

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 904, 22 February 1930, Page 13

TROTTING

By ABAYDOS GREAT DELIGHT In Work Again at Ashhurst OFFERS TURNED DOWN Few pacers in this country, when practically at their novice stage, made such a sudden rise as Great Delight did last year. In April the Ashhurst-trained gelding was handicapped to go 4.50 for two miles, while in August he ran the distance in 4.27 4-5. When Harry Garnett drove the son of Kea Dillon home in the final event at Hawera on Easter Monday off 4.50 to register 4.43, it was the beginning of a fine run of successes. Five, days later Great Delight won the Taranaki Cup off 4.44, going his handicap, and this victory saw the chestnut rehandi-

capped to 4.42 for the Wanganui Cup. The penalty imposed did not stop the pacer from securing the trophy, and he won handsomely in 4.37 2-5. At subsequent country fixtures the horse was asked to concede big starts, and while he ran sound races, failed to pay a dividend. The Auckland June meeting gave Great Delight his first test in classy company, and he proved his ability by annexing the Hobson Handicap off the front 4.35. Entering Society This success encouraged his party to pay a visit to Addington in August, and after making good showings in one or two events, ICea Dillon’s sturdy son ran second to Grand Light on the final day, tramping 4.27 4-5. This hard run evidently got to the bottom of the Ashhurst gelding, and when he was brought to Auckland in the spring he failed to show anything like his best form. After the Otahuhu November fixture he was left at Epsom under the care of Andy Bryce, to be prepared for the Christmas function but he was “all to pieces.’’ and no amount of attention could get the chestnut back to form. Home he went to Ashhurst, where he was sent into retirement, and he has benefited bv the holiday. H. Garnett informs “Abaydos” that Great Delight is bright and healthy, after the respite. The pacer is now a regular attendant at the Ashhurst course, and will be ready for racing toward the end of the season. Several offers have been made S? the Kea Dillon—Perelto mare pacer, but his sporting owner satisfied with the successes attained bv trainer and horse last season, has no intention of parting with her useful representative.

TROTTING REMINDERS

On Monday next secretary Palmer will take entries for the Hawke’s Bay Club’s annual meeting at Hastings. Handicaps for the second day of the Otahuhu carnival will appear in Monday's “Herald.’’ Acceptances will close at noon sharp with secretary R. B. Absolum.