The third of four articles covering the harness racing career of Lester Maidens outlines his earlier years in Australia.
After Maidens had retired from training and driving in New Zealand for the second time in 1945, he became “mine host” of the Royal Hotel in Palmerston North. He made the move to Melbourne in 1949, apparently based on health grounds although his wife Margaret was to remain in Palmerston North
Late in 1949 Maidens became associated with a horse named Dauntless Peter (1943 Peerless Peter, a son of Wrack and grandson of Peter The Great/Louise Wood by Louis Direct), family of Honesta A993, which he leased, trained and drove in the Melbourne area. This is a very short family in terms of classic winners as apart from Dauntless Peter, only Barney Huon, winner of races at Ascot (Melbourne) in late 1930’s and somewhat unbelievably Nothinglikemary, winner of an open class mares race the Norman Memorial at Globe Derby in 2008 feature. However, her great granddaughter Louise Lynette (full sister of Dauntless Peter’s dam Louise Wood) bred on leaving seven winners from nine foals (all different stallions) including Chamfer gelding Lachamfer, a Harold Park winner, 2:06 4/5AUS and later a winner in North America, 2:02.0US.
Dauntless Peter’s breeder and owner was Shepparton farmer Joseph (Joe) Hillier, who was Noel Ridge’s (Bendigo Harness Racing Club’s History and Memorabilia Sub-committee member) wife Heather’s great uncle. Thanks to a book written by his niece Mrytle L Ford, published in March 1989, “Kialla East Hero”, it has been possible to learn a little more about Joe Hillier (1879 – 1957). A farmer from Kialla East near Shepparton, he enlisted for the Boer War in January 1900 aged 21 joining the Third Victorian (Bushmans) Contingent destined for South East Africa. Hillier was severely injured in the siege at Elands River in September 1900, resulting in his losing an arm and having one leg which was severely stiffened. He overcame these severe disabilities to lead a full and interesting life.
When he was expatriated to Australia after recuperating in England, he resumed life as a farmer, using horses to work his farm and for transport into Shepparton, managing all the tasks associated with horses, including shoeing and harnessing with his one arm.
He was a director of the Shepparton Butter Factory from 1924-51, and was chairman of directors from 1933-51. His first trotting winner was Akeley (named after the family property), which won the Diamond Bracelet at Richmond in Melbourne on November 3, 1919. Many more were to follow: Meadow Lark, Ash Ribbon, Tommy Ash, Dauntless Peter, Peters Heir, Wongas Heir and Peerless Peter among them.
Hillier was an associate of Robert Simpson and Eric Cochran with Hillier breeding stock using the Simpson bred stallion Peerless Peter, another son of Wrack, sire of ID heat winner Wilburs Hope, consolation winner Avondale and dam sire of ID heat winner Adios Victor (3) and a consolation; imported stallions Louis Direct, sire of two Derby winners and dam sire of Carl Louis (Dullard Cup, VIC Trotters Derby) and trotter Roy Redmond, sire and dam sire of numerous trotting Derby winners and dam sire of outstanding trotter Carlotta’s Pride (T2:05.0TT in 1958, two Dullard Cups, SA Trotters Cup).
Veteran trotting enthusiast Joe Hillier secured Direct Heir (Louis Direct/The Heiress), 2:09.0, NZ earnings only £3,380, as a yearling educating him and starting him at several local shows. The Shepparton Advertiser Sporting Supplement of Friday 2 May 1949 reported that he sold him “for a high figure to Mr R. Simpson, of Armadale, NSW. Mr Hillier confidently predicted a great future for Direct Heir” as evidenced by his pacing ten furlongs in 2.39 2-5/2.7 3-5MR. The Advertiser continued that “Over many years the Goulburn Valley has been well to the fore with many noted trotters, but it is safe to say that this brilliant free legged pacer is indeed the fastest horse ever produced in the Goulburn Valley.”
Sold to New Zealand, the NZ Trotting Calendar reported that Direct Heir “went under only in the last stride to Ada Scott in the Speedway Handicap at Addington; registered 2,39 2-5 for a mile and a quarter, a new record for a free legged pacer and some seconds, faster than other great unhoppled pacers of the past were capable of. “Direct Heir, who on this occasion was driven by A. Holmes, has more than once produced two minute speed in the final half of his races and it should prove a popular feature if the black stallion was sent against the watch at Addington.”
It appears that Dauntless Peter’s race record prior to Maidens taking him over, commenced as a three year old at the 22/23 October 1946 Shepparton Show Trots when successful in the Watkins Motors Trotting Plate over nine furlongs for unhoppled pacers or trotters (2:33 class), driven by Frank Luck who completed a double with Judith Pronto. Other wins included :
- Melbourne Showgrounds Wednesday 25 September 1947, Webco Elastic Hcp 2.25 class (heat), driven by P Luck, unplaced in the final
- Geelong Monday 14 June 1948 Novice Hcp, 10f, won by 8 yds in 2:48.0, 8/1, driven by AW (Alf) Butcher (part of winning treble)
- Melbourne Showgrounds Sat 2 October 1948 Ball and Welsh Hcp (heat two), 12½f, won by 4 yds, unplaced final
- with good country form won well during Melbourne Royal Show
- Geelong, double on heavy track Monday 23 May 1949 for veteran reinsman Alf Butcher (tr/dr of pre-war champion Main Derby) – first division of Barwon Hcp (36 yds), three races later won Corio Stakes
Earlier on Monday 26 March 1949, he was involved in a major pile up after three furlongs in Barwon Hcp at Geelong where two fell, eleven including Dauntless Peter being involved in the serious race smash. One driver J Brock suffered slight abrasions to a knee with the grass track saving other drivers, this ended with only ten of the twenty four horse field finishing the race.
Prior to Maidens leasing Dauntless Peter he had been considered a mediocre free legged performer particularly at home on provincial grass tracks. Receiving Dauntless Peter into his stables at the commencement of his six year old career (1949/50 season), on the recommendation of Vic Dullard to Joe Hillier who also sent Maidens Wonga’s Heir. The free legged pacer Dauntless Peter was “well past his prime” when Maidens decided to train him in hopples which the horse hated with a passion stating “For the first five weeks he kicked every time I hoppled him”.
What unfolded was Dauntless Peter becoming the first horse in Melbourne night racing to progress from the lowest (Showgrounds maiden) to metropolitan top class within the same season. In a period of twelve weeks, Dauntless Peter started on eleven occasions for eight wins, a second and a third with one unplaced performance, £2,174. These performances made him a leading local hope for the Interdominions at Melbourne Showgrounds in February 1950.
In order, a rejuvenated Dauntless Peter, owned on lease, trained and driven by Maidens (winning races in bold) –
- Saturday 29 October 1949, Burnley Open Stakes, Lt, 12½f Lt, easy 6yds winner in 3:32.0/2.15 4/5, His odds of 12/1 were a luxury price due to punters being unaware of Maidens as a driver and his NZ record
- Saturday 5 November, Torbruk Hcp, Lt, 11f, 3:03.0/2.13.0 1/5, won by 3yds
- Saturday 12 November, Hampton Hcp, Lt, 11f, 3:03 2/5/2:13 2/5, drew his favoured pole position as a brilliant beginner and with Maidens a master at pace setting, completed a hat trick of victories (2/1)
- Saturday 19 November, Dryden Hcp, unplaced off 24 yds to Avian Derby, Lt
- Saturday 26 November, Mascoma Hcp, 24 yds, 11f, third to Avian Derby, beaten 3yds, hd
- Saturday 3 December, Rothwell Hcp (1st division), 24yds, 11f, 3:03 1/5/2:12.0, won by 5yds (5/4)
- Saturday 10 December, Mulgoa Hcp, 12yds, 12½f, 3:30.0/2:14.0, won by 6yds (2/1), stake of £350 with £245 for winner
At this stage the Melbourne Age/Argus included Dauntless Peter (Lt) in the initial nominations for the 1950 series in Melbourne – Tuesday 13 Dec 1949.
- Saturday 31 December, Dickson Hcp, Lt, 12½f, five yard second to Avian Derby with race time faster (3:24 4/5) than AG Hunter Cup won by Amorous (3:27 3/5)
- Sat 7 January 1950, Norwood Hcp, 12yds, 12½f, 3:28 1/5/2:12 4/5, won by 3yds in fastest time of evening, the last race (2/1)
- Saturday 14 January, Talbot Hcp, 12yds, 15½f, 4:20.0/2:13 4/5, won by 6yds (5/4)
- Sat 21 January Durham FFA (1st division; 2nd won by Avian Derby), Lt, 11f, 3:01.0/ 2:11 2/5 (5/2) – led throughout, won easily defeating some of best pacers in Australia (Miraculous, Tivoli Star, Silver Peak, Recovered). Of note, he dragged a buckled wheel most of the way. After a furlong, the off wheel of Maidens sulky was struck by Miraculous’ hoof, with the tyre blowing out, Maidens sat for 10f with his weight over the near side wheel to prevent the sulky overturning
- Sat 28 January Whitelaw Hcp, 24 yds, 1¾m, second to Globe Direct, beaten a yard
The 1950 Melbourne Interdominions series followed with Dauntless Peter (representing Victoria) entering it on the back of an eight win sequence (best mile rate of 2:11.4). In the Melbourne Argus on Friday 3 February 1950, Lester Maidens was their guest writer : his article follows below –
1950 Interdominions – opening night Saturday 11 February. Racing in the first heat over 11f Dauntless Peter, Lt, ran third (worth £70, one ID point gained) to Globe Direct, beaten 5yds, 12yds, in a new track record of 2:59 1/5/2:09.0. He suffered interference from the winner (dr NZ’s Maurice Holmes) two furlongs from home, breaking and looking as if he might fall for several strides. A stewards inquiry found Globe Direct’s driver Maurice Holmes caused this interference (booed by crowd), but in light of this being his first drive on the small track took a lenient view fining him £50 and warning him that his licence would be suspended for the rest of the carnival if it happened again.
Night Two – a week later (Saturday 18 February), fifth heat of ID series, after suffering minor injuries from the first night’s interference, he was withdrawn from the race following an on course vets examination – reports suggest this was either due to a swollen gland or an attack of colic!!
Night Three, Wednesday 22 February, Dauntless Peter started in heat seven, 12½f, finishing sixth to Findon Queen after breaking with five furlongs to run. Drawn to start in the first pacers Consolation on Finals night (Sat 25 February) over 12½f, he was again scratched.
After the ID’s, Dauntless Peter was spelled until late March 1950 and although entered to race on 24 March he was scratched. Following the conclusion of the Melbourne season, Maidens had won £2,335 as owner, finished fourth on the drivers premiership with eight driving successes and won the Melbourne trainers premiership for 1949/50 season with ten wins, three seconds and two thirds (Dauntless Peter, 14 : 8 – 1 – 2, £2,244).
Both Maidens and Dauntless Peter were next to appear at Sydney’s Harold Park where they were to remain for the next eighteen months. Not racing in seven months since late February 1950 he competed in the Saturday night FFA (30 September) over 1¼m. He broke gait badly in the first lap, recovering to run sixth to Real Lawn (6/1, recording MR 2:13 3/5). A week later in a Harold Park Hcp (1m 5f; 24 yds), an improved showing Dauntless Peter (6/1) led until the final few strides before Loyal Nelson defeated him by a head – 3:40 3/5/2:15 4/5. A seventh off 36yds on 28 October over 1½m and an eighth in a 1 mile FFA (drew five) on Wednesday 1 November 1950 was the last seen of Dauntless Peter for some considerable time.
Entered for the February 1951 Christchurch Interdominions, he did not make the trip across the Tasman. It wasn’t until Monday 17 September 1951 that Dauntless Peter was entered to resume in a Spring Hcp (24 yds) at Harold Park. Scratched, the first of numerous instances over the next four months where he was entered to race but never made it to the start. In December it was reported that he was showing form on the training track in recent weeks. A NSW nominee for the February/March 1952 Sydney ID’s being confirmed as a final acceptor in the 20 December 1951 edition of the Labor Call.
Still often nominated throughout January 1952, he had not been back to the races, finally on Saturday 9 February 1952, he started in the Harold Park Hcp, 1¾m, 36 yds. Newspaper reports stated that he was resuming after a long spell; three starts back fair second to Loyal Nelson (7/10/1950), first start since FFA on 1 November 1950, finishing ninth to First Again.
Dauntless Peter’s Sydney ID performances for trainer Lester Maidens started in heat two (drew 7) on the first night, Tuesday 19 February 1952, 10f (£1,000), driven by J Simonds. He had been raced sparingly since the 1950 champs, produced once since long spell (refer 9 February 1952 above). At 200/1, he finished eighth to Avian Derby who set a new track record of 2:39 3/5/2:07 3/5 for the 10f journey. On the second night (Saturday 23 February) in the sixth heat over 11¾f (6), dr J Simonds, he finished ninth again to Avian Derby. He was scratched from the seventh heat over 15½f on the third night (Tuesday 26 February). Starting in the second Pacers Consolation, 1m5f (£1,250) on Grand Finals night (Saturday 1 March) he finished last for driver J Simmonds to winner Bruce Hall (drew four, 10/1).
Following the Sydney ID’s Maidens and Dauntless Peter returned to Melbourne. Down to start in the Bryant Hcp, Melbourne Showgrounds (Saturday 5 April 1952) with Maidens driving him, yet again scratched. It wasn’t until nearly a year later on Saturday 14 February 1953 that Maidens and Dauntless Peter made their first appearance for over twelve months at Shepparton in the Meaklim Hcp, 72 yds. In the case of trainer/driver Maidens this was due to a lengthy illness, no doubt a continuation of his earlier medical issues.
Over the following twelve months Dauntless Peter appears to have started infrequently as evidenced by unplaced efforts in the Shepparton FFA (3 March 1953), Echuca Centenary FFA (11f) on the Wedderburn TC’s new half mile track Donaldson Park (4 April 1953), Victoria FFA (11f) at Shepparton (Fri 5 March 1954) won by Gentleman John and the Dennis Hcp (48yds) at the Goulburn Valley TC’s meeting at Shepparton (Wed 7 Apr 1954), possibly his final start.
Dauntless Peter was also a sire, serving several mares during the years he was racing and after retirement. An example was his filly foal Windelco (Gamble/Delco) sold for the top price of 310 guineas when purchased by D Ducat of Shepparton at Wright Stephenson’s Newmarket sale (October 1954). He was sire of a winner in Dauntless Gold and dam sire of eighteen including Canberra Oaks winner Gay Vienna (dam of Vienna Chime, Albury Pacers Cup).
Next Time : the remaining years of Lester Maidens Australian career.
Peter Craig
23 January 2019
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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