Following an inaugural equalisator meeting in December 1951, Banks Peninsula Trotting Club was described by Hoof Beats magazine as “highly likely to gain a permit to conduct totalisator fixtures. Enthusiasm runs high in the district” it reported. That same level of excitement still exists today; the club noted for its innovative approach to conducting harness racing in a relaxed, rural environment. Preceding that significant occurrence, supporters had enjoyed an extensive history of both thoroughbred and harness racing, as various venues administered local race meetings together with gymkhana events. In March 1876, six months after a club had been formed; Birdlings Flat became the first headland location documented to host such an undertaking. An initial gathering at Motukarara, then called Rabbit Island was subsequently conducted by Peninsula Racing Club on Friday May 2nd 1884.
Although harness events had been regularly scheduled in amongst thoroughbred programmes, Saturday December 22nd 1956 was selected for the fledgling trotting club’s first totalisator meeting. This achievement reflected a combination containing passion, commitment, organisational skills and foresight by club principals who had amalgamated a mere six years earlier. New Zealand Rail Road Services, together with Midland Motorways Services provided return bus transportation to Motukarara for attendees. A train service departing Christchurch via Addington and Hornby was also available. Motor vehicles were invited free, whilst enclosure admission cost five shillings.
A magnificently presented racecourse provided an excellent setting in fine conditions for owners, trainers and enthusiasts to enjoy the exciting eight race programme. It seemed only appropriate that W.J. (Bill) Doyle should prevail in an historic opening event, owning, training and driving With You. A 6yo gelded son of U Scott, With You prevailed by half a length in the 3.37 class trot after starting 36 yards behind. Two moderately performed U Scott mares completing engagements later that day were Elsinore and Ladyship. Although unplaced, both would have significant impact via the broodmare paddock, where they were destined to produce Robalan and Lordship respectively. Following an outstanding beginning, the annual meeting of 1957 was moved forward to what would become its regular spot in early October. This relocation proved beneficial, promoting Banks Peninsula Trotting Club as an integral part of a blossoming spring harness racing calendar in and around Canterbury.
Committee members alongside their counterparts at Canterbury Park Trotting Club had been forthright in their promotion of races for squaregaiters. Underlining such commitment, in 1965 local administrators established the Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup, an event to be run under invitation conditions over a mile and a half. Consideration was given to Banks Peninsula Racing Club hosting this fixture just prior to the New Zealand Cup carnival. That option did not eventuate; the inaugural cup contest duly confirmed for 9 October 1965 at Banks Peninsula Trotting Club’s tenth annual meeting. Programmed to cater for 2.13 class trotters or faster, the race boasted a stake of £1000. In addition, winning connections received a trophy valued at £50 courtesy of Club President Mr C.E. (Cyril) Gray. Being one of three races on the card scheduled for trotters was in itself a noteworthy feature. As entries for faster class trots at Addington had been smaller than expected, officials initially harboured grave concerns about the decision to proceed. However a positive response from owners and trainers allayed all fears when twenty three nominations were received, ensuring the likelihood of an outstanding field for their first running. Reigning Forbury Park Interdominion champion Poupette, a Winton trained Johnny Globe mare that remained unraced since May and Trentham based Forward March were the two significant exclusions. Those aforementioned nominations included all other top class trotters currently in commission.
The most significant inclusion was 10yo Light Brigade mare When, who had been last sighted on race days during March 1963. Victorious then from 48 yards at New Brighton, When beat her rivals effortlessly, establishing new world record statistics for ten furlongs on a grass surface. Two weeks later she signed off that campaign, lowering Dictation’s 1951 New Zealand record; trotting a mile on the Rangiora grass in 2 mins. 6 secs. Accompanied by Colours Flying, a galloping prompter handled by M.F.T. (Maurice) Holmes, the time trial was undertaken prior to race one at Cheviot Trotting Club’s annual meeting. She subsequently campaigned courageously in the United States, albeit without major success. Being continually dogged by soreness she underwent leg surgery, before a six month quarantine period was completed in England prior to her return boat trip. Owner, trainer Bill Doyle who also bred When, lined her up in a field containing free for all pacers at Amberley’s September matinee meeting. In that solitary public appearance this season, she certainly impressed by furnishing a fast finishing fifth behind Stormont and Golden Oriole, running her last half on the grass in 1 min. 3 2/5 secs.
When’s 6yo younger brother and bracket mate Asia Minor provided punters strong backup for each way investments. A course winner at the club’s annual meeting in 1963, Asia Minor opened this season impressively, overcoming an early mistake to finish fourth at Addington during September. He then blotted his copybook a fortnight later as favourite in New Brighton’s Ern Smith Handicap, galloping badly after trotting purposefully for the first furlong. Flying Maiden had been a model of consistency since resuming, collecting seconds to Forward March either side of victory on New Zealand Metro’s concluding day. Generally safely way, the Southland owned Flying Song mare would start between Doctor Kyle and Fourina, 12 yards behind. Experienced Mid Canterbury campaigners Tronso and Flaming Way only appealed as outside prospects. On the other hand, Greenpark trained Mighty Chief continued to firm in favour after a number of strong trials. A lightly raced 5yo My Chief gelding, Mighty Chief trotted splendidly mid week when close up behind Phillmark at the Ashburton matinee meeting. From super broodmare Gala Girl, he possessed an imposing grass track record, having already chalked up victories at Timaru, Rangiora, Methven and Ashburton. Turned out after performing only moderately at Canterbury Park’s autumn meeting, Mighty Chief looked to have thrived in the interim, with punters anticipating a bold return.
Most disappointing on debut at Banks Peninsula’s annual meeting in October 1963, Gala Song scored a winning double the following week at Victoria Park Greymouth. From Zarina, an unraced U Scott matron and bred by Charteris Bay enthusiast D.R.V. (Donald) Manson, the Court Martial mare had been driven by her Harewood trainer A.R. (Alan) McKenzie throughout that first campaign. Subsequently transferred to N.L. (Noel) Berkett’s Yaldhurst stable, the 5yo mare completed her second season registering an additional three victories. Well equipped for further progression, Gala Song graduated from intermediate company at headquarters in August, reaching a 2.14 class assessment when beating Waycom and Seven Nights. She endorsed that promise on Ashburton Flying Stakes day when claiming second place behind Ipiana, after conceding limit markers 48 yards. Generally receiving strong totalisator support, Gala Song was fully expected to figure prominently in the finish.
Limit markers Ardleigh and Seven Nights provided sound reasons to support their respective claims. Ardleigh was the first of only two foals from 1953 Hannon Memorial victor White Angel. A very capable Light Brigade mare, White Angel beat a impressive line-up at Oamaru which included second placed Vedette, Morano, Van Dieman and Johnny Globe. Today’s racebook incorrectly described Ardleigh as an aged Light Brigade gelding. Actually sired by Sandydale, Ardleigh was closely related to Soanfra, a longshot heat winner and 1965 Interdominion Grand Final contender. A rugged staying type, he displayed real tenacity when figuring in a deadheat with fellow backmarker Tronso over two miles on Easter Cup day.
Although unraced since May, he would make strong appeal combining with stablemate Flying Maiden in a totalisator bracket. Seven Nights opened his account as a 7yo, earning grass track success at both Nelson and Waikouaiti, after debuting the previous season. He commenced last season in style, securing a September double at Hutt Park to continue progressing toward top company. Again appearing to relish spring racing; consistent recent showings netted the Court Martial gelding two wins, three seconds and a third placing from just six outings.
Below par when well supported fresh up at Addington, Edendale mare Le Chant was scratched, leaving Queen’s Cord the furthest distanced travelled. Prepared at Kaikoura, Queen’s Cord would benefit from R.G. (Bob) Young’s steady hands and big race temperament. Still included in the field on race morning, Lucky Hanover gelding Mighty Hanover was belatedly withdrawn, leaving close relative Tronso to represent Ashburton’s Jamison family.
Perfect weather conditions assisted record crowd numbers and consequently on course turnover, which delighted club officials. Punters entrusted Bill Doyle’s pair with favouritism, offering £3.18s to win when the balloon went up. This activity routinely performed by semaphore board staff to provide patrons visual confirmation the tote had closed. Upon advice of a totalisator balance, usually within two minutes, the balloon was lowered authorising an all clear to start. The pole horse Uteena was then first called into line, prior to dispatch of Banks Peninsula’s keenly awaited inaugural cup contest.
Capitalising on their favourable barrier draws, Uteena, Acquit and Seven Nights were the first three into stride. Ardleigh became well positioned after trotting away safely, working down to a trailing spot behind Uteena. Field Chief, Doctor Kyle and Fourina all broke at the start, whilst Tronso and Flaming Way were both slow in the early stages. By no means a foolproof beginner, When stepped splendidly from her solitary position behind the 30 yard tape. Swiftly overcoming her back mark, she worked steadily along the rail to midfield behind her stablemate Asia Minor and inside Field Chief. With Uteena content to bowl along in front, there were no serious challenges as they completed their first mile. Bill Doyle angled When one off approaching the half mile, patiently sitting five back, then improving three wide as they turned for home. Moving further out towards centre track, When assumed a challenging position after straightening up. A gripping home straight battle ensued before Doyle and his chestnut mare appeared to claim the gallant Mighty Chief. Awaiting confirmed placings, even spectators lining the birdcage were unsure of a final outcome, which certainly provided an appropriate climax to this unforgettable occasion. Having studied the photo finish, Judge Mr H.V. (Harry) Spicer announced his call; “following to check in, 3A, 8, 14, 6 and 5” declaring official margins as “a head, half a length and a length”. There could not have been a more popular conclusion for punters, trotting lovers or sentimentalists awaiting the result, one which officially capped When’s glorious return.
Returning on the back of an eight month break, Mighty Chief delivered a tremendous effort to justify supporter’s confidence. Having drifted back to near last following a sustained gallop in the early stages, he unleashed powerfully to be second equal behind Uteena with a half mile remaining. Sent clear and still trotting well upon straightening up, he succumbed perhaps only one stride from victory. Predominately sharing the fourth line, North Canterbury trained mare Harbour Light made good ground to finish third for Maurice Holmes. Second favourite Gala Song in Noel Berkett’s distinctive black and gold hoops battled solidly finishing fourth, after attempting to close the gap on Mighty Chief turning for home. Tronso, handled by trainer C.A. (Cyril) White and A.M. (Alec) Purdon’s drive Flaming Way both ran home strongly from near the rear to be next in. Breaking badly with five furlongs left to trot, Flying Maiden ended up a distant last for co-trainer D.G. (Derek) Jones.
New Zealand Trotting Conference President Mr A.J. (Arthur) Nicoll extended lavish praise to Banks Peninsula’s trotting fraternity when addressing the large gathering. He acknowledged the club’s initiative and progressive outlook, “you would not see a better race anywhere in the world” concluded Mr Nicoll. Bill Doyle appeared equally jubilant regarding both Motukarara’s grass surface and proceedings generally. He singled out the club caretaker for commendation. “The track was in wonderful order and just beautiful to drive on” he declared. Doyle promised to donate a trophy in 1966 if the race were to be repeated.
A product of the very much sought after Light Brigade – U Scott mare cross, When earned recognition as this family’s first star performer. Her dam Passive, a four time winner was surely headed toward broodmare gold status. She eventually produced eight individual winners totalling seventy races from only nine foals, six of which were sired by Light Brigade. Besides 19 win mare When, the exceptional pair also produced trotters Chances Are 8 wins, Asia Minor 15 wins, Remember When 5 wins, Someday 6 wins together with cup class pacer Wipe Out, a winner of 10. Of note, all were named incorporating a musical theme. Now a truly astonishing broodmare, Passive has created an outstanding legacy which will be enhanced by her ever-increasing number of group winning descendants. Clearly her pedigree and contribution will continue to beat a tune in the heart of many harness racing enthusiasts for countless future years.
A memorable undercard feature was the durability of 5yo Court Martial mare Melissa. Representing the Ashburton stable of C.M. (Charles) Laing, Melissa scored from 24 yards in race one, a 2.20 class trot. Handled by her trainer, she comfortably accounted for Glen Dee; the winner’s bracketed mate Say Dianna only a neck away third. Incurring a 24 yard re-handicap in the 2.19 class event five races later, Melissa finished third behind Direct Globe and War Scene. It was widely accepted practice to line a horse up twice on any given day and invariably occurred without any concerns or problems.
