Has there been a greater example of an Aussie invasion of New Zealand harness racing than the 1922/3 season? I would happily be corrected bur even if there has been, this season in the early 1920’s was pretty special with considerable Australian involvement and success. Man O’War could possibly be considered the instigator of the 1920’s Aussie invasion (s) with his wins in the 1920 and 1921 Auckland Cups.
In the 1922/23 season of the total 565 races run, 6.2% or 35 races were won by Australian bred horses (25.5% of races contested won by Australian breds 35/137 races). Additionally, further success was achieved by Australian born trainers with NZ bred and owned horses. All arrivals from Australia naturally travelled to our shores by sea. Discover all the ins and outs of this great “Australian” season in NZ in the paragraphs that follow (subsequent commentary is concentrated on NZ performances only).
The clearest example of the Australian influence was in the Auckland Cup where no fewer than eight of the eighteen starters were either temporarily or more permanently (due to trainer’s move to NZ) located on this side of the Tasman that season. There was a carded field of twenty three prior to scratchings which included additional Australian bred entries in Centreway, Alto Chimes, Man O’War off 120 yds.
The Cup won by Australian owned (CW Griffin) and bred Minton Derby (front), trained/driven by Peter Riddle, by half length from Comedy Chief with a head to Great Hope and two lengths to Kewpie. The two mile journey was completed in 4:32 1/5 (half 1:3.0, mile 2:17 4/5, 1½m 3:27 1/5).The Auckland Cup purse was 2,000 sovereigns together with a Gold Cup valued at 100 guineas. The remainder of the Australian contingent were placed as follows according to Auckland Star of 27 December 1922 : 7th Blue Mountain King, 8th Snowshoe, 10th Grand Voyage (trotter), 11th Clarrie Daly, 14th Pedro Pronto, 16th Globe Derby (60 yds back marker) and Don Wild (not mentioned).
Whilst Globe Derby would be considered the standout of all Australian bred horses that started in NZ during the 1922/3 season, his eight starts yielded no placings, these at Alexandra Park in Auckland Trotting Club’s (ATC) Auckland Cup, Summer Cup, Presidents Hcp; Otahuhu Cup, Otahuhu Dominion Hcp; ATC Cornwall/Prince of Wales/Liverpool Hcps before returning to Melbourne. AG Hunter also sent Globe Derby’s stable mates Lady Evelyn, Haricot and Pyramus across to the Auckland Cup carnival of 1922.
Looking at the races of 1922/3 season and the Australian bred winners by meeting shows :
NZ Metropolitan TC (NZMTC) August 1922 National Meeting –
Day One :
Realm, August Hcp (dr WJ Tomkinson), 1000 sovereigns (sovs)
Snowshoe, Trial Hcp (Tomkinson)
First Fashion, Stewards Hcp Trot (JJ Kennerley), 500 sovs
Weaver, Queen Mary Hcp (owner Tomkinson, dr CF [Claude] Dunleavy)
Note – Australian bred horses won four of first six races at this first meeting of new season
Day Two :
Realm, King George Hcp (Tomkinson), 60 yds, 1000 sovs, 2 miles in 4:26 4/5
Happy Voyage, Speedway Hcp (Tomkinson), 60 yds, 500 sovs
Day Three :
First Fashion, Addington Hcp Trot (Kennerley), 500 sovs
Auckland Trotting Club (ATC), October Spring meeting –
Day One :
Blue Mountain King, Spring Hcp (dr G McKendrick), 1000 sovs
Pearlie Chimes, Onehunga Hcp (Tomkinson)
Day Two :
Snowshoe, Alexandra Hcp (Tomkinson), 1000 sovs
Pearlie Chimes, Remuera Hcp (Tomkinson)
NZMTC Spring/NZ Cup November Carnival –
Day One :
Pedro Pronto, Riccarton Hcp (Kennerley), 500 sovs
Homeleigh Dick, Middleton Hcp trot (Kennerley), 600 sovs
Day Two :
Lincoln Huon, Metropolitan Hcp (Kennerley), 500 sovs
First Fashion, Sockburn Hcp Trot (Kennerley), 84 yds, 500 sovs, 2 miles in T4:38.0
Otahuhu TC November Spring meeting –
Day One :
Man O’War, Jellicoe Hcp (dr Andrew Bryce for owner JA Corrigan), 96 yds, 1000 sovs, 2 miles in 4:29.9 (fourth off 132 yds in Liverpool Hcp, day two); 2nd Blue Mountain King
Forbury Park TC (FPTC), December Spring meeting –
Day One :
Pedro Pronto, Forbury Cup Hcp (Kennerley), 800 sovs
New Brighton TC (NBTC) December Summer meeting –
Day Two :
Happy Voyage, Beach Hcp (Tomkinson), 84 yds, 1¼m, 2:43 1/5
ATC December Summer/Cup Carnival –
Day One :
Man O’War (A Bryce), dead heated with Sal Pointer, Ranfurly Hcp, 48 yds, 500 sovs
Day Two :
Snowshoe, Summer Cup (Tomkinson),36 yds, 1000 sovs, 2m in 4:28 3/5
Homeleigh Dick, Christmas Hcp, unhoppled pace (Kennerley), 180 yds
Weaver, Dominion Hcp (owner Tomkinson, dr RA McMillan), 36 yds, 1m in 2:17 1/5
Day Three :
Sheik, Premier Hcp (Riddle), 1¼m
Buz Buz, New Year Hcp Trot (owner F Young, driver JW Kenny)
Forbury Park TC (FPTC), February 1923 Summer meeting –
Day One :
Don Wild, Dunedin Cup Hcp (owner Miss N Gunn, dr A Fleming), 1025 sovs
NZMTC February Summer meeting –
Happy Voyage, Craven Hcp (Tomkinson), 96 yds, 500 sovs, 1¼m, 2:41 3/5
Otahuhu TC February Summer meeting –
Day One :
Stormy Voyage, Alexandra Hcp Trot (owners Glasheen & Busst, dr Paddy Glasheen), 108 yds
Sheik, Otahuhu Cup (Riddle), front, 1000 sovs plus Gold Cup valued at 100 guineas, 2 miles in 4:42.0 (heavy track); 2nd Blue Mountain King 36 yds; 3rd dead heaters Grand Voyage (trotter) 48 yds and Clarrie Daly 60 yds; also field included Globe Derby 60 yds, Man O’War 132 yds; won by 1½l, 2l, dead heat; first four home, all Australian bred
Argus, Papakura Hcp (Riddle), 132 yds over 2m
Day Two :
Man O’War, Dominion Hcp (A Byrce), 132 yds, 1000 sovs, 2 miles, 4:33 2/5
NZMTC Autumn/Easter March/April meeting –
Day Two :
Pedro Pronto, High Class Hcp (Kennerley), 500 sovs
New Brighton TC (NBTC) April Autumn meeting –
Day Two (Saturday 14 April 1923) :
La Fayette, Innovation Hcp (Tomkinson)
Happy Voyage’s attempt to lower Our Thorpe’s 1918 record of 2:06 1/5 for one mile. Driven by owner William James (Bill) Tomkinson, paced by War Bond (in saddle, A Chapman) and Olwyn (in harness, JN Clarke); furlong 16½, two furlongs 32.0, three furlongs 47½, four furlongs 1:03.0, six furlongs 1:34.0, new NZ mile record of 2:04 1/5TT record (record of 2:04 1/5TT again set at ATC April meeting 30 April 1923)
ATC April Autumn meeting –
Day One :
Minton Derby, Campbell Hcp (Riddle), 60 yds, 1000 sovs, 2 miles
Pyramus, Stewards Hcp Trot (original owner who had him taken to NZ was AG Hunter; ownership passed to Mr Remington, dr Free Holmes), 400 sovs
Day Two :
Pyramus, Autumn Hcp (Holmes), 120 yds
Alto Chimes, Prince of Wales Hcp, 12 yds, 1,000 sovs, 2 miles, 4:37.0, trained and driven by James Bryce
Leading Australian trainers in NZ in the 1922/3 season with their earnings as owners included (note : winning trainers not shown in official records until 1926/7 season but in most cases either owners or drivers were horses’ trainers) :
Bill (WJ) Tomkinson, £1,824 and 13th on owners stake earners list for 1922/3 season. Winners trained by him included Happy Voyage (3 wins in season), Snowshoe (3), Realm (2), Pearlie Chimes (2), Weaver (2), Escort (1), La Fayette (1).
Tomkinson arrived in New Zealand after a hasty exit from Australia as a result of the running of 1922 Sydney Thousand where Tomkinson‘s drive on Globe Derby was seriously questioned by stewards who were not impressed with the betting on the race. Tomkinson’s stable also had Snowshoe in the race (driven by foreman Jack Dunleavy), who was the subject of a substantial betting plunge making him favourite. This came unstuck when Snowshoe suffered interference resulting in his hopples breaking and effectively ruling him out of the race. Globe Derby off the back mark of 90 yards was well back in the field at this point and when Tomkinson saw what had happened with Snowshoe he attempted to navigate a passage through the field. Unfortunately for connections the post was reached with Lou Doolan in front.
Tomkinson’s betting activities with his teams of horses in Sydney and Melbourne earned the wrath of stewards and officials alike. As the stable often had more than one starter in feature races due to the large field sizes, any improvement in performance by a well-supported Tomkinson runner was questioned resulting in many clashes with officialdom. Tomkinson managed to avoid NSW steward’s wrath by departing for New Zealand with most of his stable horses.
These newly arrived Australian trainers began to receive a number of NZ bred and owned horses into their stables for training. NZ bred winners in the 1922/3 season for Tomkinson included Worthy Bingen (2), Peter Swift (one of two wins for Tomkinson), Harry Audubon (1). This took his tally to eighteen winners in his first NZ season as a trainer. Tomkinson was to be leading trainer in 1924/5 (22½ wins, leading driver with 24½), 1927/8 (26) and 1928/9 (36), training many for leading owner George Barton including first three time NZ Cup winner Indianapolis that he trained for thirteen (winning driver on ten occasions, three for EC [Eugene] McDermott) at three and four including Auckland Cup. Tomkinson died at the young age of 46 in 1934, the result of an accident when tying a sulky to the back of a horse float, slipping and falling heavily onto a 44 gallon drum. Dying as a result of complications from an internal ulcer which formed after this accident.
Kean John another Australian bred landed in NZ in 1923 for owner George Barton and trainer Bill Tomkinson. Ultimately winner of four races (FPTC Suburban/Otago Hcp Trots, NZMTC Wilkin Hcp, NBTC New Brighton Trot Hcp) and third in Rowe Cup, T2:23.2, $2,675.
Jack (JJ) Kennerley, £1,664 and 17th on owners stake earners list with Australian bred winners trained in 1922/3 season including First Fashion (4), Pedro Pronto (2), Homeleigh Dick (2), Lincoln Huon (1) and NZ breds trained in Great Bingen (1), Acron (for three of four wins – GN/NZ Derbies, Champion Stakes). Kennerley was another top Australian horseman who settled in NZ (originally born in NZ and went to Australia at young age) winning four races at 1922 NZ Cup carnival. Kennerley in a short period of time, trained many outstanding NZ bred performers (many for Sir John McKenzie) including Great Bingen (NZFFA), Native Chief (NZ Derby), Logan Chief (NZFFA), Acron (GN/NZ Derbies), Peter Bingen (two NZ Cups), Jackie Audubon, Nelson’s Victory, Raima (Rowe Cup) and briefly Roi D’Or and Rarebell Direct (Timaru Farewell Hcp in 1924/5 season, later grand dam of Single Direct [AK/WA Cups, NZFFA, ID Pacing Final].
Peter Riddle, £1,500 and 22nd on owner’s stake earners list with Australian bred winners trained including Minton Derby (2), Sheik (1), Argus (1). One of three sons of Walter (Piccaninny fame), Riddle had previously brought an unsuccessful team to Addington in 1914, won four successive NSW driving premierships (1915/1918), brothers Dave and Bert were both involved with horses. In addition to 1922/3 season wins with Australian breds in NZ also won 1923 Otahuhu Cup/1924 New Zealand Cup with Sheik (second Courtenay Hcp); Kissing Cup second in Riccarton Hcp and Delavan‘s Quest second in Royal Hcp at 1924 NZ Cup carnival, 1924 Otahuhu Cup with Delavan’s Quest, 1925 Otahuhu Cup with Orion. Returning to Australia he ultimately turned his hand to gallopers including Shannon.
Australian bred winners for the 1922/3 season in detail showed :
MINTON DERBY (1917h Mambrino Derby/Mignonette, family of A270 Gipsy Maid), 2:08.4TT at Sydney Showgrounds (10 April 1925), $7,780 NZ earnings only (1922/3 : £2,095, fourth leading stake earner of season). Five starts, two wins (refer above detailed listing) plus third in Otahuhu Presidents Hcp. Later year wins in NZ included 1925 Courtenay Hcp and 1926 NZMTC Presidents Hcp at Addington
MAN O’WAR (1914h Peri Huon/Wiga, U324 Young Diana), 2:12.5, $20,190 (£1,835, sixth). Man O’War came to NZ in late 1920 and remained. Three wins and three placings in 1922/3, seconds ATC Presidents Hcp, Waimate Plains Hcp (240 yds) and fourth Otahuhu TC Liverpool Hcp. Winner of 1920 (84 yds) and 1921 Auckland Cups (96 yds); 1921 NZMTC National Hcp, 1922 CPTC King George Hcp; 1923 ATC Ranfurly Hcp, NZMTC Hood Hcp; 1925 Ashburton FFA; 1926 Christchurch Hcp off 60 yards and third in 1928 NZ Cup from 36 yards
SNOWSHOE (1913g Ostia/Rosebud, Kennedys, A1398), 2:13.2, $5,290 (£1.734, eighth). From eight starts, three wins plus thirds in NZMTC Easter Hcp and ATC Liverpool Hcp. Won 1924 NZMTC King George Hcp (August) at Addington
PEDRO PRONTO (1917h Don Pedro/Doris M, A394 Primula), 2:10.1, $7,596 (£1,310, 11th). From eleven starts, three wins plus placed second NZMTC Farewell Hcp, third ATC Onslow Hcp. In later years, NZ wins included another Forbury Cup Hcp in 1923, 1923 High Class and 1925 Canterbury Hcps at Addington
BLUE MOUNTAIN KING (1911h Ribbonwood/Donesse, A400 Dunstans Miss Harold), 2:13.1, $7,460, (£1,259, 17th). One win and five placings from fourteen starts; seconds in Otahuhu TC Jellicoe Hcp (Man O’War) and Otahuhu Cup (Sheik); third in ATC Alexandra and Ranfurly Hcps; fourth in ATC Presidents Hcp. Winner of 1923 Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park, 2nd 1924 Otahuhu Cup
FIRST FASHION (1915h All Style/Myrtle Bells, U1379 Bird by Morgan Horse), T2:18.9, $3,817 (£1204, 19th), trotting stake earner of year, the winner of three races from sixteen starts with seconds in NZMTC Avon Hcp Trot and NBTC Brooklyn Hcp Trot, third in NZMTC Autumn Hcp Trot. Second in 1923 Dominion Hcp Trot and winner of 1925 CPTC Stewards Hcp Trot off 144 yds
REALM (1914h Ribbonwood/Levuka, A5 Honest Kate), 2:11.2, $6,520 (£1,200, 20th equal), three starts for two wins. In 1923/4, two wins, FPTC Victory Hcp, CPTC Advance Hcp; 1924/5 winner of NZMTC Craven Hcp and fourth in Sheik’s NZ Cup
SHEIK (1917H Bonnie Chief/Francesca, A17 Phoebe by Vancleve), 2:10.3, $11,850
(£1,200, 20th equal), three starts for two wins and second placing ATC Alexandra Hcp. Won 1924 NZ Cup (36 yds); 1925/6 winner of NZMTC Canterbury Hcp
HAPPY VOYAGE (1911h Direct Voyage/Honest Meg, A51 Our Nell), 2:04.2TT, T2:26.0,$2,268 (£959), ten starts for three wins and two placings plus NZ mile record set in time trial of 2:04 1/5 at Alexandra Park. Placed second in NZMTC Flying Hcp and third in CPTC Advance Hcp off 108 yds. Third in 1923 NZFFA
DON WILD (1916h Don Pronto/Wild Duck, N546 Polly), 2:12.6, $9,479 (£725), thirteen starts for one win at twelfth start for season. In 1921/2, won Hornby Hcp at NZ Cup carnival, New Brighton’s Beach Hcp and FPTC Railway Hcp. 1923/4 after being sold to NZ interests, with season’s five wins he was leading stake earner of year with £3,202; NZMTC Speedway/High Class and Christchurch Hcps, CPTC Canterbury Cup Hcp, FPTC Forbury Hcp
PYRAMUS (1914f Peri Huon/Black Wilkes mare, A897, unnamed Aust dam), T2:21.5, $5,150 (£695), thirteen starts for two victories. Originally brought to NZ by AG Hunter but ownership had passed to Mr Remington when wins recorded plus third placings in ATC Manukau/Hillsboro Trot Hcps, Otahuhu TC Visitors/Manukau Trot Hcps, second in ATC Easter Hcp same day won Stewards Trot Hcp. Won 1924 Rowe Cup and 1926 Otahuhu TC Alexandra Hcp; leading trotting stake earner of 1924/5 season (£1,195)
HOMELEIGH DICK (1910h Dixie Alto/Chris, A1201 Patty), 2:17.0/T2:27¼, dual gaited, $2,360 (£630), six starts for two wins and a third placing in ATC Christmas Hcp Trot. In earlier seasons, 1920/1 won ATC Association Trot Hcp (108 yds dr A Hendricksen) and NBTC Brooklyn Hcp (dr MB [Manny] Edwards) but nothing earned for efforts in 1921/2, 1923/4 or 1924/5
LINCOLN HUON (1913g Judge Huon/President Lincoln mare, A822 Halls mare), 2:17.6, $2,148 (£529), thirteen starts for one win and three placings, second NZMTC Belgium Hcp and thirds in Islington/New Brighton Hcps. Over following six seasons, won further two races in NZ
ALTO CHIMES (1911g Abbey Bells/Rose Alto, U323 Lady Button), 2:14,2, $2,200 (£1,100), twelve starts for one win and two second and third placings – seconds in Auckland TC Alexandra Hcp and Canterbury Park TC Paparua Hcp; third in ATC Spring Hcp and CPTC Stewards Hcp. He had previously raced in Australia until May of 1922 (winner in Victoria primarily and NSW) before coming to New Zealand. In late 1921/22 season his three starts yielded two victories (Forbury Park and Plumpton Park, then venue for CPTC meetings) and after 1922/3 season, he raced for a further four seasons recording an additional two victories
WEAVER (191-g Directway/Bronte mare), 2:17.2, $900 (£445), two wins from six starts with six unplaced efforts over following two seasons in NZ
PEARLIE CHIMES (1916f Derby Chimes/Pearlie, A289 Golden Joy), 2:15.1, $3,190 (£420), two wins from four starts. For 1923/4 season, ownership passed to George Barton with win in NZMTC Federal Hcp; 1924 NZMTC November Hcp, 1925 Flying Hcp (Easter)
BUZ BUZ (1915f Charming Bells/Springheel, A74 Madcap), 2:17.5, T2:27.5, dual gaited, $3,615 (£420), a half sister to Globe Derby, later dam of Kings Play extra good open class pacer in NZ, 4:15 2 miles. Won one race from nine starts; second Otahuhu TC Mt Albert Hcp/third Tamaki Hcp (same day), second ATC Autumn/third Easter Hcp; in 1924/5, four wins including Taranaki TC Farewell Hcp, Cambridge TC Hautapu/Stewards Hcps, Te Aroha Cup; 1925/6, two wins, Wellington TC Wellington Hcp, Te Aroha Cup; 1926/7 winner of Northland Cup
STORMY VOYAGE (1913h First Voyage/Nellie, A514 Nellie by Young Panic), T2:20.6, $1,740 (£260), from seven starts managed the one victory while earlier in the 1921/2 season, Paddy Glasheen had driven him to victory in the ATC Parnell and New Year Hcp Trots
ARGUS (1917g Mambrino Derby/Redwing, A815 Narrigal), T2:20.8, pTT2:13.8 (raced as Red Derby in Australia), $900 (£240), won one from two starts while in later years winner of New Brighton TC Wainoni Hcp in 1925/6 season
LA FAYETTE (1918h Brent Locanda/Marvinette, N859 The Duchess by Berlin), 2:17.3, $1,841 (£205), won one and placed twice from eleven starts, second ATC Tramway Hcp, third NZMTC Juvenile Hcp (3yo). Later won twice in 1924/5 season, ATC Insulation/Premier Hcps; once in 1925/6 season, ATC Tramway Hcp
WIMMERA KING (191-g King Harold/buggy mare, A899 dam unknown AUS), T2:22.5, $2,666 (£183), from seventeen starts for Tomkinson, placed on four occasions, seconds ATC Tamaki/New Year Hcp Trots (same day), thirds NBTC Shirley Hcp Trot and ATC Parnell Hcp. Transferred to ownership of driver RA McMillian in 1923/4, won ATC Members Hcp Trot; 1924/5 won ATC Alexandra Hcp Trot; 1925/6 two placings included third in Rowe Cup; 1930/1 winner of Waikato Members Hcp for owner FP Doyle and tr/dr S August
GRAND VOYAGE (1913h First Voyage/Blonde Grattan, U362), T2:13.0, $1,900 (£175). Seven starts all at Alexandra Park as a trotter in top level pacing races for two third placings in ATC Presidents Hcp and Otahuhu Cup. Part owned, trained and driven by Paddy Glasheen, Grandfather of Father Brian Glasheen.
Vic Dullard stated that Glasheen said “trotter was the most intelligent and level headed horse that he had ever pulled a rein over”. February 1922 Otahuhu Cup was stallion’s best ever performance, 2 miles in 4:31 3/5 (48 yds), a race record. On his return from New Zealand, he won further races including the original Bendigo Cup at the Bendigo Jockey Club track at Epsom. In all, Grand Voyage won 37 races, driven in all of them by Glasheen.
This sulky was purchased by trainer Paddy Glasheen during Grand Voyage’s New Zealand campaign in 1922. It was also used by Paddy’s son Jack Glasheen who trained at Preston. The Jack Glasheen trained Major Miracle won 8 races at the Bendigo Showgrounds using this sulky.
LADY EVELYN (1913f Grattan Bells/Dainty Maid, A1261 Dainty Maid), 2:20.0, $300 (£150). Ten starts for three third placings in ATC Great Northern Hcp, Otahuhu TC Railway and Royal Oak Hcps
HARICOT (1916f Harry Alto/Katie Osterley, A7 Secret), 2:20.6, $1,730 (£125), twelve starts in ownership of AG Hunter (tr WJ Tomkinson) for second in Otahuhu TC Papatoetoe Hcp and thirds in ATC Electric/Christmas Hcps. From 1923/4 ownership passed to Mr Remington then FJ Rayner owner when winner of ATC Remuera Hcp during 1924/5 season
CLARRIE DALY (1914g Dixie Daly/Mermaid, A1286 Mermaid by Charmers Son), 2:14.5, $150) £75). Dead heated for third in Otahuhu Cup, only placing in five starts
BISMURATE (1914g Bismark/Mambrino Abdallah mare, A897 dam unknown AUS), 2:15.7, $1,330 (£54), placed second in CPTC Railway Hcp under saddle from seven starts. Won FPTC Beach Hcp in 1925/6 and Oamaru TC Weston Hcp in 1926/7
ESCORT (1912g Van Osterley/Portsea thor mare, A672 Escort), 2:10.2 $3,220 (£0),
Three unplaced starts for Tomkinson. Transferred to Riddle stable in 1923/4 finishing fourth in Auckland Cup, winning ATC Summer Cup and New Brighton Presidents Hcp
CENTRE WAY (1913g Directway/Honest Harry mare), 2:18.0, £0, unplaced in five NZ starts
Rich pickings continued for Australian bred horses throughout the 1920’s but especially in 1923/4 and 1924/5 as outlined above. Many of the stallions listed had successful stud careers after completion of their racing endeavours.
Peter Craig
11 April 2018
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
