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The Empire State Building is completed.

Salvador Dali paints The Persisteace of Memory.

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The Hawkes Bay earthquake hits, killing 256 people in Napier (161), Hastings (93) and Wairoa (2) and thrusts up 3600 hectares of land adjacent to Napier from under water

RACING HISTORY PEOPLE

ARTHUR FERGUSON

RUNAWAY HORSES

There are many breathers and spare takers on the pay roll of the Metropolitan Trotting Club but one paid official earns his dirt.

This is Arthur Ferguson, whose job is to parade up and down the course on his hack and when a driver hasn't put enough gum on his pants to keep him in the sulky, "Fergy" has to collect the careering horse and cart. Tis a job that calls for nerve and initiative but Ferguson, in the opening event at Addington on Tuesday showed himself a master of stopping runaway horses.

Ambition and Gemlight lost their drivers and came tearing through the straight. Ferguson couldn't get two at once, so he went for one and made a bird of him. He pulled him up and brought him back to the birdcage gate. By this time the other was coming into the straight, and "Fergy" put to sea again. The masterly fashion in which he judged to the split second the moment to wheel his mount and stick in his heels was deserving of the ovation given him when he brought the bolting horse to a standstill.

Ferguson, who is huntsman to the Brackenfield Hunt, needs only to operate once a day as he did on Tuesday, and he is worth good money to any big trotting club.


Credit: NZ TRUTH 12 Nov 1931

RACING HISTORY MESCELLANY

Harold Logan & Roy Berry starting the 1933 Cup off 72yds

SPARE A THOUGHT

If the connections of Borana and Camelot think it's going to be tough to win a second Cup off 10m this year, they should spare a thought for this fellow. Half a century ago, Harold Logan was the champion pacer of the day and made a habit of attempting the NZ Cup from seemingly insurmountable handicaps.

The handsome gelding began racing as a 5-year-old and in his first attempt at the Cup, as a 9-year-old, won from 48yds over Kingcraft (fr) and Free Advice (12yds). That was his 15th win in just 33 starts, but these were the days when handicaps were made to cripple. Harold Logan scored an astonishing win in the big event the next season from 60yds, downing Glenrossie (12), Roi l'Or (24) and Red Shadow (12) in 4:16.4, but the following season the 11-year-old was unplaced from 72yds.

By now Harold Logan was a household word, but it was only the beginning. He returned as a 12-year-old to almost win the NZ Cup trial from 84yds, going down by a whisker to scratch starter Blue Mountain. In the Cup he finished third to Indianapolis (24) and Blue Mountain (front) fron 72yds, creating a two-mile world record of 4:12.4. Harold Logan easily won two free-for-alls on the latter days of the meeting and wound up the season racing unsuccessfully at a Manawatu Trotting Club's meeting from 214 yards.

As a 13-year-old he won the Cup trial at Hutt Park from 60yds but did not start in the big race. But the old warrior was back for more in 1936, finishing fourth to Indianapolis (48), Red Shadow (24) and War Bouy (front) from 48 yards.

Harold Logan did not race in the 1937-38 season, but this was not retirement. He was back in training as a 16-year-old and managed a couple more placings from long handicaps before finally winding up his colourful career. He had raced 108 times for 29 wins and 29 placings.



Credit: HRWeekly 6Nov86

RACING HISTORY HORSES

OLIVE NELSON

It is a long time since patrons of Addington have been treated to such a fine exhibition of trotting as was given by Olive Nelson, winner of the Dominion Handicap yesterday.

Unlike the majority of horses competing in her class, she sees little of the training track, her work being done on the beach at Karamea, the final touches to her preparation being given at the track on which she is to compete.

The mare made her appearance at Addington slightly more than a week ago, and although she was not speeded up to any great extent she moved in such attractive style on the tracks that she gained a host of admirers during the week for yesterdays event.

Credit: THE PRESS 11 Nov 1931

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1931 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

The final of the New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington yesterday was a race worthy of the occasion. Nowhere in New Zealand, and probably in few places anywhere, is there a trotting race in which the interest of the public is so intense. At Addington there is always the biggest crowd of the year to see this race for the best proved horses in the country, and it is also a fact, obvious enough to those inside the ground, that many hundreds, possibly a few thousands of people, contrive to spare a half hour or so from daily tasks to see it from points of vantage outside the ground.

Yesterday they saw a very thrilling race. A comparatively slow pace was set with the field strung out almost in single file for a mile, but for the last mile the speed was fierce, and Harold Logan's effort over the last half mile of the race was the most brilliant ever seen on the course. The time recorded, 4mins 18 2/5secs, was two-fifths of a second faster than the previous record for the race made by Peter Bingen in 1929.

The racing in the other events was interesting, and as the track was in its best condition, the times recorded were very fast. The weather was ideal. Only three favourites prevailed, but a number of well-backed runners returned dividends, with the result that the money was kept in circulation, and at times speculation was quite brisk. The sum of £37,803 was handled as against £51,189 on the corresponding day last year, and the total for the two completed days is £69,473 10s, is a shrinkage of £31,044 10s as compared with the total for the first and second days of the 1930 Spring Meeting.

After his disappointing run on Tuesday, Harold Logan receded slightly in public estimation, when he was paraded for the final of the New Zealand Cup, Wrackler being installed favourite, with the Free Advice-Logan Park bracket next in demand.

The field went away to a good start, although Kingcraft made a slight break in the first furlong but he was in front when the stands were reached. Free Advice, Logan Chief, Harold Logan, Lindberg, and Wrackler following in line at length intervals, with Logan Park bringing up the rear, four lengths behind Wrackler. They travelled in this order for a round, when Lindberg and Wrackler moved up and passing the stand with six furlongs to go Kingcraft still held command from Lindberg and Free Advice together, Wrackler and Logan Chief being in line with Harold Logan on the rails behind these two, and Logan Park still a couple of lengths in the rear. The order down the back was Kingcraft, Lindberg, Free Advice, Wrackler, Logan Chief, Harold Logan and Logan Park.

Kingcraft piloted the field into the straight from Free Advice, Lindberg, Wrackler, Harold Logan, Logan Chief and Logan Park. Harold Logan had begun a fast run from the quarter peg, and ranged alongside Kingcraft, Free Advice and Wrackler, who were spread across the track, and continuing his run on the outside, he had Wrackler beaten first, then Free Advice weakened, and he went on to account for Kingcraft by a length, half a length separating Free Advice from the second horse, with Wrackler a further half length away. Logan Park, Lindberg and Logan Chief finished in that order.

It was a triumphant success for Harold Logan, as he was giving a good start to Kingcraft, Free Advice, Lindberg, and Wrackler when turning for home, but the patient driving tactics employed by R J Humphreys on this occasion, bore good results. He was asked for a great effort over the concluding stages, and the manner in which he responded left no doubt as to his superiority at the finish. Kingcraft gave another brilliant display and repeated his first day's form to within one-fifth of a second. He tried to make the pace all the way, and nearly succeeded. Free Advice was always handily-placed, but found Harold Logan's stout-hearted finish too good. Wrackler surprised that he did not finish on better, as the final furlong of a race is always his best. Lindberg evidently felt the strain of Tuesday's race, as he showed no keenness in the fighting finish, and Logan Chief was also lacking dash at the end. Logan Park was last most of the way, his fifth place at the finish being the closest he ever was to the leader.

Credit: THE PRESS 13 Nov 1931

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1931 NEW ZEALAND DERBY STAKES

Silver de Oro and Ciro carried the bulk of the investments for the New Zealand Derby Stakes. There was a delay at the start, and several of the runners were unsettled with the result that Gold Paper, Avernus and Silver de Oro did not leave the mark correctly.

Ciro led out from Tempest, Eureka Boy, Gold Paper and Mauser. When a quarter of a mile had been covered Gold Paper was in charge from Eureka Boy, Ciro, and Tempest, a long way back being Silver de Oro. With little less than half a mile to go Ciro set off after Gold Paper, and had his measure at the straight entrance, Tempest and Silver de Oro being next.

Nothing had a chance with Ciro in the straight, and Tempest finished best of the others to be within a length of Ciro at the post. Gold Paper was four lengths further back, and next to finish were Eureka Boy, Silver de Oro, Mauser, and Avernus.

The winner recorded a striking performance, and it would have taken an exceptionally good one to have beaten him on the day. The race was marred by the fact of Silver de Oro's not moving off, and there would have been a great contest between these two, as Silver de Oro showed a fine burst of speed to gather the field again after she had tangled and mixed her gait for a furlong. Gold Paper has an abundance of speed, but as yet is not a great stayer. He was asked for an early effort, which left him without any great dash at the finish. Eureka Boy ran a fair race. Mauser was solid without showing much speed, and Avernus lost too much at the start to have a chance afterwards.

Credit: THE PRESS 13 Nov 1931

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1931 SOCKBURN HANDICAP

Olive Nelson was made first choice for the Sockburn Handicap from Sir Voyage and Gemlight, and the favourite, trotting in the same brilliant style as she did in the Dominion Handicap had made up her leeway before a mile had been covered. From then on she had matters all her own way to score a decisive victory by three lengths from Boneta, who beat Mountain Mist by a head for second money. Quickfire was close up fourth, Sir Voyage fifth, and Ukelele Lady sixth.

Boneta led the field for nearly a mile, and was in second place for the rest of the journey except for being momentarily headed in the straight by Mountain Mist. Gemlight refused to settle down and trot steadily and Stanley T misbehaved badly at the start. Fifa broke at the mile and a quarter, but Quickfire trotted well until the last few yards to break on the post.

Ukelele Lady was in the picture most of the way, being in third place with a half to go, but sixth at the finish was her best. Engagement did not trot steadily, and Moutain Mist after being very slow to move, broke early in the race, a break that probably cost him second money. Sir Voyage trotted well without showing any great speed, but Kempton was never a possibility.

Credit: THE PRESS 13 Nov 1931

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

Miss Effie Hinds accepts the Cup

1931 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

Harold Logan had been transformed from a crock into a champion by Dick Humphreys, and the 1931 Cup was all but conceded to the gelding despite his backmark of 48 yards. After the eight-horse field had been in indian file until two furlongs out and Harold Logan was last, he sprinted brilliantly to win going away from Kingcraft, Free Advice and Wrackler.

Earlier that year, Harold Logan had stunned the trotting world when finishing third at Addington over two miles from 84 yards in 4:13 2/5, which was over five seconds faster than Peter Bingen's national record.

That all paled into insignificance the next year though when Harold Logan, seemingly handicapped out of the Cup on 60 yards and last at the half, circled the field and won easily for a 21-year-old Allan Holmes, who with James Bryce junior remains the youngest Cup-winning driver. A household name by now, Harold Logan returned to a rousing ovation from the appreciative crowd.

He would line up again in the next two Cups from 72 yards, finishing third to Indianapolis in 1934 in 4:12 2/5, and in 1936 and finally in 1938 when 16 years old.

Credit: New Zealand HRWeekly 8Oct03

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1931 NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP

HEATS

A solid combination will appeal. For that reason, Maurice Holmes and Wrackler will get big support from punters.

If Harold Logan's driver was as dependable as his horse, that champion would still have a chance of winning the Cup final, for he is likely to be greatly improved by his big effort in the second division of the race. As matters now stand, it is odds on the public will shy clear of him and plonk for something that promises a more safe run in the big event of the day at Addington today.

Dick Humphreys had not a permit to handicap, but he certainly managed to get Harold Logan where he could be beaten in the division and that is more than any handicapper has ever yet managed to do. Lindberg cannot be relied upon to repeat his first day's effort, and it is reported that Vesuvius was very sore after his heat so vic Alborn's charge may not be at his best.

Logan Park was the one horse in the first division that was not unduly knocked about, and both he and Free Advice appeared as though their first race would just top their condition off for the final. That, combined with the manner in which Free Advice won her division, makes them a dangerous pair. Kingcraft is another that may be off his porridge, and not as good after a hard race, and Logan Chief can be given only a plodders chance.

Wracker is the one horse in the race that has all the required credentials for a final heat winner. An iron horse, he is bound to be improved by his first race. His second to Free Advice after getting none the best of the running while Free Advice got a lucky run in the straight, should improve him sufficiently to beat her and be the one that they will all have to beat.

Harold Logan cannot be made to cover any more ground than what he did on the first day. If he is driven with good judgement he may still win, but the public are more likely to put their money into a solid couple like Maurice Holmes and Wrackler and Tomkinson's bracket.

-o0o-

Considering the early pace set by Vesuvius, his attempt to win from end to end in the first division of the New Zealand Cup was a great effort, and one that nearly bought off success to Vic Alborn. Vesuvius stepped the first mile in just a shade worst than 2.10, and that had the back-markers scratching all the way and left them without a final kick. It was only over the last piece that Lindberg got it on Vesuvius while the rest of the field were floundering. Lindberg proved that when he behaves he is speedy and a good stayer, but although he did everythig right on the first day, there is no guarantee that he will repeat that effort on the second day.

Logan Chief ran his usual honest race, but laked the brilliancy that would carry him home in front of a high-class field, and it was only his honest plodding that got him into the final.

Perhaps the best effort put up was that of Logan Park, which was always last until he made a move three furlongs from home that got him third money. Logan Park will improve with his race, and of the first division field he looks the most likely to get into the money in the final. Dundas Boy ran a fair race, but he faded badly and did not come up to the class, while Dilworth felt the pinch a long way from home. Harold Thorpe never had any show and the sting will have to be out of the ground before he can be expected to shine.

The two northerners, Kohara and Peter Bingen, stopped to a walk over the final piece, and while Peter Bingen will be the most improved by the race, neither look like getting any of the big money. Peter Bingen showed all of his old speed over the early part, and was still in the hunt with a quarter to go but when Wilfred Johnston looked like taking out, Peter Bingen collapsed under pressure. Native Prince looked in great order, but failed where most of the field did, over the last part, and of the four to qualify for the final heat Logan Park looks like being the most dangerous.

Bill Tompkinson strengthened his hand when Free Advice won the second division like a champion. She outstayed and outsprinted then at the finish and had too much brilliancy for Wrackler, which was always in the rear, but which finished with his usual solidity. Wrackler impressed with his bulldog finish, possibly he had the worst run of the race, though being at the tail end meant that he wasn't covering an inch more than was necessary.

Glenrossie didn't hit off too well, and L O Thomas rushed him up to take the lead, and this meant that in doing so Glenrossie used up some of the energy that would have been handy at the death. However, his driver was very uneasy with two to go and though he held on to the straight, he was licked when they straightened up. Kingcraft ran a surprisingly good race to finish third, but he is not the robust kind, and on past efforts may not run another like it.

Carmel, driven by C Donald, and Terence Dillon were nearer at the finish than at any other stage, whileRoi l'Or after having a show with four to go, faded, to finish fifth. Imprint had the lead for a while, but only on sufference, and was one but last at the finish, and as for King Pointer, he was also there early, but finished unkindly. Harold Logan had a show, but his rider decided that two miles was not enough, and he tried to go about two and a quarter.

-o0o-

FINAL

Not only was Harold Logan the best horse in the Cup, but he is also one of the best horses of all time, and he will probably prove to be the first two-minute pacer outside of America.

Harold Logan was so far back when the Cup field had gone a mile that he had to record figures better than 2.4 for his last mile of the race, and in doing that he had to come round horses on the home bend.

Whereas Harold Logan had been forced to the outer all the way in his heat of the Cup, the field lined out in Indian file the second day so Dick Humphreys took him on the fence and refused to come out even when the others were going away in the front over the first six furlongs.

What figures he must have recorded over the last three furlongs it would be interesting to know for it was only over the last bit that he was ever asked to do his stuff.

Dick Humphreys deserves a bouquet for getting a horse which was turned down as unsound not only to the highest class but also by the final day of the meeting, the fittest horse at the meeting.



Credit: NZ Truth 12 Nov 1931

RACING HISTORY FEATURE RACE COMMENT

1931 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

When Olive Nelson hit the front in the Dominion Handicap on Tuesday, the race was all over. After putting a break of fifty yards on the field with half a mile to go, she won pulling up by twelve lengths.

Last season Olive was always a lady, and in winning the Dominion the way she did, she only went on with the promise she displayed early in her career. Her manner of winning, however, must have passed even her most ardent admirer's and today Olive Nelson ranks with the best.

There are very few trotters in commission at present which could have spreadeagled the best field of straightout trotters in the land the way that Olive Nelson did. Being but six years, young in trotting years, Olive Nelson looks like going ahead to finish up with the best of them.

Admiral Bingen was made a good second favourite, but £786 went west early in the race. The Admiral bounded through two barriers before the race started and held the field up while new barriers were procured. When the field did finally get away, he did a "can-can" and was pulled up with half a mile covered. His performance did not show he had improved in stamina, and was altogether a disappointing display.

Stanley T for once behaved like a gentleman, and never put a foot wrong, and his barrier practice of late has evidently worked the desired improvement.

Credit: NZ TRUTH 12 Nov 1931