By 1 September the crowd was estimated at 20,000. The weather on this occasion was more suitable for sport and the riding all through was skilful and spectacular.
Additional attraction was offered in the appearance of monsieur Gaston, who rode blindfolded round the track guided by a form of mental telepathy. M. Gaston made two circuits of the clear track and while he was still unsighted obstacles were strewn all over. He then made another two circuits and negotiated the machine without once touching any of the obstacles. The machine he rode was a Frances Barnett, supplied by Messrs Alexander & Co and was strange to the performer.
The main feature of the actual racing was the riding of J. Valente, Glasgow. He opened sensationally by breaking the four laps record in the first heat of the Edinburgh Handicap, covering the distance in 1 min 33 secs. In the second round he rode another fine race defeating A. Milne in 1 min 33 and four fifth secs, but Milne had his revenge in the final. A slower race saw Valente unable to get his machine to run so sweetly until the final lap was reached. Here he made up a lot of ground but failed by 30 yards or so to get on terms with the leading pair. Without undue effort Valente passed to the second round of the Scottish Golden Helmet and a victory over Drew McQueen saw him enter the final. Against Harry Duncan and George McKenzie the Glasgow man drew away. Duncan came down in the first lap and remounted while Mckenzie raced some 15 yards in Valente’s wake. When the pursuit was hottest McKenzie came down and with Harry Duncan already in the rear, Valente easily assumed the new title.
The Marine Gardens
The following week all records went by the board when a crowd of nearly 24,000 attended the meeting on Saturday afternoon. In addition to a programme which embraced the Edinburgh Handicap and the Silver Gauntlet, an extra attraction was the £100 match between Sprouts Elder, America, and J. Valente, Glasgow over four laps, flying start. Valente had been making a name for himself and his winning laurels had been many, but he was no match for his more experienced opponent. He never appeared to get going with the same freedom that characterised Elder and was defeated by a fair margin. The time of 1 min 29 and four fifth secs, which was a record for the ground, showed the speed at which Elder was travelling. The previous best was 1 min 35 secs and stood to the credit of his opponent J. Valente. This was not the only occasion during the afternoon on which Elder beat Valente’s figures. At the wind up of the programme he tackled the four laps flying start time and succeeded in lowering Valente’s record by the tenth of a second. The American also won the Silver Gauntlet, but the racing in this event lacked the excitement of the Edinburgh Handicap. The heats were well contested and the good work of the back markers was much admired. The final ended in a win for the local rider D. McDonald, who made the pace a good one and had a good winning margin over Sprouts Elder at the finish. Valente had a spill in the third heat of the Silver Gauntlet but fortunately without any serious mishap. The proceedings were admirably managed by Mr. Fraser, everything going with a swing from beginning to end.
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A high wind was a disturbing feature of the motor racing at the Marine Gardens on 17 September 1928. This may have accounted for the number of spills which was much higher than usual. J. Valente, after gaining his place in the final of the Edinburgh Handicap, had to retire in the second lap, his machine causing him trouble. Drew McQueen was then left the task of hauling in W. Dickie and this he accomplished after a fine struggle in the third lap, going on to win convincingly. Another success fell to McQueen when he successfully challenged Ivor Creek in a match. The first attempt was nullified when Creek fell after McQueen had gone to the front, but the Scot made no mistake in the second venture. Creek, certainly, was forced again to stop but McQueen was so far ahead in the final lap that the Englishman’s chance of catching him was very remote. Valente’s ill luck dogged him in the Scottish Gold Helmet as he had rather a bad spill in the second lap. The race was stopped and though Valente recovered quickly he did not ride again and Creek was given the place in the final. Here he was opposed by another Englishman J. Dellamore and Harry Duncan. In the second lap Duncan came down and in the end Crook beat Dellamore somewhat easily.
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17 September also saw Leith Athletic take on St Bernards in the East of Scotland Cup Final.
The weather was wet and only about 1000 spectators attended the game, which was won easily by the St Bernards by four goals to nothing.
They played good and virile football and their opponents were never in the running for a win. Their half backs and backs kept the Leith forwards in subjection and their forwards combined so effectively that if their shooting had been better the side would have won by an even bigger margin.
The weather was wet and only about 1000 spectators attended the game, which was won easily by the St Bernards by four goals to nothing.
They played good and virile football and their opponents were never in the running for a win. Their half backs and backs kept the Leith forwards in subjection and their forwards combined so effectively that if their shooting had been better the side would have won by an even bigger margin.
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A crowd of around 15,000 was present at Marine Gardens Speedway on 29 September when a fine programme of dirt track racing was witnessed.
The main feature was Drew McQueen’s fine riding in the heat of the Scottish Gold Helmet, where he equalled Sprouts Elder’s record of 1 minute 29 and four fifth seconds for the four laps.
He, however, failed to reproduce this form in the final where Ivor Creek defeated him and George McKenzie after a fine race. Creek thus retained the helmet which he won a fortnight before.
Following their fine tussle in an early heat of this event, in which George McKenzie had defeated Ivor Creek, the pair were matched and in a fine race McKenzie again triumphed.
The Glasgow rider J. Valente was also a competitor but he did not ride with his old time skill, though in his match against Sig Schlam he triumphed over the Australian. Schlam had previously come down while competing in the Edinburgh Handicap and had slightly injured his leg. For this reason he did not appear in any other race.
The main feature was Drew McQueen’s fine riding in the heat of the Scottish Gold Helmet, where he equalled Sprouts Elder’s record of 1 minute 29 and four fifth seconds for the four laps.
He, however, failed to reproduce this form in the final where Ivor Creek defeated him and George McKenzie after a fine race. Creek thus retained the helmet which he won a fortnight before.
Following their fine tussle in an early heat of this event, in which George McKenzie had defeated Ivor Creek, the pair were matched and in a fine race McKenzie again triumphed.
The Glasgow rider J. Valente was also a competitor but he did not ride with his old time skill, though in his match against Sig Schlam he triumphed over the Australian. Schlam had previously come down while competing in the Edinburgh Handicap and had slightly injured his leg. For this reason he did not appear in any other race.
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For their biggest win of the season, which was gained against Arthurlie at the Marine Gardens on 13 October 1928, Leith Athletic owed much to their forwards and in particular to Laidlaw who scored five of their six goals. Although always impressing as a dangerous company, the Leith forwards did not get much scope in the first half of the game. This was chiefly due to the poor play of the half backs who failed to supply the necessary link with the men in front. In the second half the Arthurlie side played well for ten minutes but latterly collapsed. In the final half hour the game was of a run away nature.
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The latest novelty of the sport was provided for Edinburgh spectators when the 13 October dirt track fixture was carried through at the Marine Gardens Speedway under artificial light.
The brilliantly lighted track threw into bold relief every movement of the riders and it gave the impression that they were travelling at a greater speed than was actually the case.
The meeting was well supported and it was estimated by the officials that somewhere in the neighbourhood of 23,000 spectators were present.
The sport all through was of a high standard and in his second appearance in Edinburgh, the English rider Roger Frogley showed himself to be a vastly improved exponent. His cornering was at times remarkable and more especially the manner in which he hugged the inside of the track at racing speed. He won the Scottish Gold Helmet but there were no doubt many who considered him a trifle lucky to have done so.
In the final the Edinburgh crack Drew McQueen raced right into the lead at the start and Frogley on the outside berth had no chance of getting through in the early stages so that in the second lap McQueen was some sixty yards in front before Frogley improved his position and ran into second place. At the foot corner McQueen’s machine turned right round and the rider was thrown and Frogley was enabled to go ahead from J. Valente, the Glasgow rider. Valente’s effort to overtake the Englishman was short lived for in the next lap he came down at precisely the same place as McQueen. Frogley’s victory was never in doubt thereafter and main interest centred in McQueen’s effort to gain second place from W. Barclay after he had remounted. In this McQueen was unsuccessful though there was little in it at the end.
From the financial point of view Barclay did quite well out of the meeting. He had previously won the Edinburgh Handicap with riding which was remarkably consistent if not showy. The other brother Frogley, Buster, made every effort to catch Barclay up but the handicap allowance gave him little chance. A series of matches was decided, the main race being that in which the brothers Frogley were matched. Buster made all the running for two laps but Roger came along at the foot bend at the beginning of the third lap and on the turn dashed ahead to win in the end by some thirty yards. J. Valente brought himself back to prominence by his victory in another of the matches over Drew McQueen. The latter’s speedy start gave him every chance of victory but on a bend in the third lap he swung out and Valente gaining the lead for the first time held it to the end.
Eric Burnet’s chances in practically every event were spoiled by a spill and strangely enough the mishap took place at the same spot each time, Burnet being unable to get round the foot bend. Matched against Buster Frogley he lost the lead at the start and his desperate riding on the corner, in an endeavour to get on terms, was responsible for the fall on this occasion.
The brilliantly lighted track threw into bold relief every movement of the riders and it gave the impression that they were travelling at a greater speed than was actually the case.
The meeting was well supported and it was estimated by the officials that somewhere in the neighbourhood of 23,000 spectators were present.
The sport all through was of a high standard and in his second appearance in Edinburgh, the English rider Roger Frogley showed himself to be a vastly improved exponent. His cornering was at times remarkable and more especially the manner in which he hugged the inside of the track at racing speed. He won the Scottish Gold Helmet but there were no doubt many who considered him a trifle lucky to have done so.
In the final the Edinburgh crack Drew McQueen raced right into the lead at the start and Frogley on the outside berth had no chance of getting through in the early stages so that in the second lap McQueen was some sixty yards in front before Frogley improved his position and ran into second place. At the foot corner McQueen’s machine turned right round and the rider was thrown and Frogley was enabled to go ahead from J. Valente, the Glasgow rider. Valente’s effort to overtake the Englishman was short lived for in the next lap he came down at precisely the same place as McQueen. Frogley’s victory was never in doubt thereafter and main interest centred in McQueen’s effort to gain second place from W. Barclay after he had remounted. In this McQueen was unsuccessful though there was little in it at the end.
From the financial point of view Barclay did quite well out of the meeting. He had previously won the Edinburgh Handicap with riding which was remarkably consistent if not showy. The other brother Frogley, Buster, made every effort to catch Barclay up but the handicap allowance gave him little chance. A series of matches was decided, the main race being that in which the brothers Frogley were matched. Buster made all the running for two laps but Roger came along at the foot bend at the beginning of the third lap and on the turn dashed ahead to win in the end by some thirty yards. J. Valente brought himself back to prominence by his victory in another of the matches over Drew McQueen. The latter’s speedy start gave him every chance of victory but on a bend in the third lap he swung out and Valente gaining the lead for the first time held it to the end.
Eric Burnet’s chances in practically every event were spoiled by a spill and strangely enough the mishap took place at the same spot each time, Burnet being unable to get round the foot bend. Matched against Buster Frogley he lost the lead at the start and his desperate riding on the corner, in an endeavour to get on terms, was responsible for the fall on this occasion.
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On 17 October the Marine Gardens announced that they had installed the Marconiphone public speech equipment at the Speedway .All particulars about the new system could be obtained from Rossleigh Limited District agents, 6 Queensferry St. Edinburgh who carried a full range of all Marconiphone wireless receivers as shown at the recent London Olympia Radio Exhibition.
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21 October saw A goaless draw in the second division match between Leith Athletic and St Bernards.
With a little luck the St Bernards might easily have secured a win. Drummond their goalkeeper was injured early in the first half. He retired for medical attention and did not resume. Making light of this handicap the St Bernards rearranged their side and played what was under the circumstances attractive football.
Towards the interval the Leith Athletic forwards asserted themselves. Though not poor, the play of the Leith Athletic forwards was disappointing in view of their recent scoring feats.
With a little luck the St Bernards might easily have secured a win. Drummond their goalkeeper was injured early in the first half. He retired for medical attention and did not resume. Making light of this handicap the St Bernards rearranged their side and played what was under the circumstances attractive football.
Towards the interval the Leith Athletic forwards asserted themselves. Though not poor, the play of the Leith Athletic forwards was disappointing in view of their recent scoring feats.
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The Brothers Frogley were the attraction at the Speedway on 27 October.
Roger had come to endeavour to retain the gold helmet of which he was the holder and in addition both he and Buster were engaged in matches against Drew McQueen and Sam Reid respectively. In the end the two Englishmen had a successful evening.
Roger Frogley did not have an easy task in disposing of McQueen’s challenge. McQueen got a chance to avenge himself in the final of the Scottish Helmet. In the semi-final he had put up the fastest time recorded in the event during the evening and incidentally had defeated the younger Frogley. In the final, however, Roger Frogley pursued the same tactics as had won him the match.
The other two riders in the final, George McKenzie and Eric Burnet were rapidly in arrears. For the first two laps it seemed that the Englishman would go clean away but McQueen came on again and going up the back straight was barely five yards behind Frogley. Then the leader got slightly further ahead and though McQueen held on well behind, he failed by twenty yards or so in a fine finish. It was stated that McQueen had completed the last stages of the race with a flat rear tyre.
Roger had come to endeavour to retain the gold helmet of which he was the holder and in addition both he and Buster were engaged in matches against Drew McQueen and Sam Reid respectively. In the end the two Englishmen had a successful evening.
Roger Frogley did not have an easy task in disposing of McQueen’s challenge. McQueen got a chance to avenge himself in the final of the Scottish Helmet. In the semi-final he had put up the fastest time recorded in the event during the evening and incidentally had defeated the younger Frogley. In the final, however, Roger Frogley pursued the same tactics as had won him the match.
The other two riders in the final, George McKenzie and Eric Burnet were rapidly in arrears. For the first two laps it seemed that the Englishman would go clean away but McQueen came on again and going up the back straight was barely five yards behind Frogley. Then the leader got slightly further ahead and though McQueen held on well behind, he failed by twenty yards or so in a fine finish. It was stated that McQueen had completed the last stages of the race with a flat rear tyre.
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But for good goal keeping by Bradford, Dumbarton would have conceded more than three goals to Leith Athletic at the Marine Gardens on 12 November 1928. At no stage in the game did the western side look really dangerous and consequently a special effort from Leith Athletic was not called for. The Leith side gained the lead through Marshall after five minutes play and seldom looked like losing it.
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Over 26,000 people attended the Speedway on New Years Day 1929.
The riders included the brothers Frogley and Stewies St. George while Smiling Jim Kempster made his initial appearance in Edinburgh.
Riding all through was keen and some fine duels were witnessed.
Notable indeed were two in which George McKenzie was engaged. In the Edinburgh Handicap he rode a great race to defeat Roger Frogley and later in the heat of the Gold Helmet he defeated Buster Frogley after more determined riding.
The Edinburgh Handicap saw Drew McQueen give of his old form and a fine race he rode to gain premier award. He gradually cut down C. Sanderson’s lead and then in the final straight dashed through to win in fine style. The two other finalists came down and failed to finish. McQueen then reached the final of the Gold Helmet, though he was a trifle lucky to win his heat for after he had come down and los distance and all his opponents toppled over and McQueen remounting easily got past them to win in very slow time. He was very convincing in the final and at the expense of Roger Frogley, the holder of the Helmet, he won a hard race. He confirmed his superiority thereafter in a match race with Frogley, the Englishman being well beaten.
The riders included the brothers Frogley and Stewies St. George while Smiling Jim Kempster made his initial appearance in Edinburgh.
Riding all through was keen and some fine duels were witnessed.
Notable indeed were two in which George McKenzie was engaged. In the Edinburgh Handicap he rode a great race to defeat Roger Frogley and later in the heat of the Gold Helmet he defeated Buster Frogley after more determined riding.
The Edinburgh Handicap saw Drew McQueen give of his old form and a fine race he rode to gain premier award. He gradually cut down C. Sanderson’s lead and then in the final straight dashed through to win in fine style. The two other finalists came down and failed to finish. McQueen then reached the final of the Gold Helmet, though he was a trifle lucky to win his heat for after he had come down and los distance and all his opponents toppled over and McQueen remounting easily got past them to win in very slow time. He was very convincing in the final and at the expense of Roger Frogley, the holder of the Helmet, he won a hard race. He confirmed his superiority thereafter in a match race with Frogley, the Englishman being well beaten.
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Two things were said to explain Bathgate’s surprise victory over Leith Athletic at the Ne’er Day game at the Marine Gardens:-
* the dash of the West Lothian forwards
* the failure of the home lot to strike up a game on a cement like surface.
About 1500 spectators saw the Bathgate side gain their first win since the opening Saturday in September. The West Lothian side fully deserved to win.
The strain of their New Years Day game appeared to affect the Leith Athletic players.
* the dash of the West Lothian forwards
* the failure of the home lot to strike up a game on a cement like surface.
About 1500 spectators saw the Bathgate side gain their first win since the opening Saturday in September. The West Lothian side fully deserved to win.
The strain of their New Years Day game appeared to affect the Leith Athletic players.
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A poor game, which ended in a goalless draw was the result of the meeting of Leith Athletic and Clydebank at the Marine Gardens on 26 January 1929. Neither set of forwards showed much ability as marksmen. Consequently the goalkeepers were seldom seriously troubled and play was more or less confined to the outfield. Slips by the Leith Athletic defenders presented the Clydebank forwards with numerous scoring chances, especially in the opening half hour. After only a minute’s play the visitors were awarded a penalty kick, which Steele saved. These early escapes served to steady up the Leith Athletic defence and for the major part of the succeeding stages play ran strongly in favour of the home side. But their forwards were no more successful in front of goal than those of the opponents. Though they showed more understanding than their opponents, the Leith Athletic forwards did not play well. Clydebank, who made little attempt at team work, might easily have won had Thomson been more careful in his shooting.
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By March 1929, Edinburgh City were also using the Marine Gardens football field as their home ground. In their opening match the honours rested with Edinburgh City who triumphed over Duns by the comfortable margin of three goals to one. The home team showed up much better as a combined force than did Duns but if the latter had less of the attacking they were always a dangerous company in front of the posts.
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March 1929 saw the Edinburgh Town Council draw up a comprehensive town planning scheme for Craigentinny.
The Housing and Town Planning Committee recommended that the provision in the scheme, under which the Marine Gardens was to be kept as a private open space, be departed from and that the Gardens not be included in any character zone meantime.
At the meeting of the committee the Town Clerk stated that he had a received a request from the agent of the proprietor of the Marine Gardens that the Marine Gardens should be excluded from the provisions of the draft town planning scheme for the Craigentinny area and that this request be dealt with as a matter of urgency in view of an imminent transaction in regard to the property.
The Committee’s recommendation, carried by a majority was that the Marine Gardens should be retained in the scheme, but be taken out of the list of private open spaces and be dealt with as an area for which no provision prescribing development was made meantime.
Mr. Paton moved that the Marine Gardens be retained as a private open space as proposed in the draft scheme. Mr. Rhind seconded. Mr. Whitson urged that the Town Council would be better to face the music now. He did not want to see any chance of this area on the sea front at Portobello being built on. It should be Corporation property and free ground for ever.
The Town Clerk, in reply to a question, said that if it were likely, as he thought it was likely, the Town Council would not face up to the payment of the money required to purchase, then was it not better to fall back on the alternative recommended which would give them as much control as they would have had under the committee’s original proposal?
Mr. Gorman moved that the Council take steps to acquire the Marine Gardens compulsorily. The Town Clerk said that motion was not appropriate to the discussion of the town planning scheme.
The Committee’s recommendation was carried by 27 votes to 15.
The Housing and Town Planning Committee recommended that the provision in the scheme, under which the Marine Gardens was to be kept as a private open space, be departed from and that the Gardens not be included in any character zone meantime.
At the meeting of the committee the Town Clerk stated that he had a received a request from the agent of the proprietor of the Marine Gardens that the Marine Gardens should be excluded from the provisions of the draft town planning scheme for the Craigentinny area and that this request be dealt with as a matter of urgency in view of an imminent transaction in regard to the property.
The Committee’s recommendation, carried by a majority was that the Marine Gardens should be retained in the scheme, but be taken out of the list of private open spaces and be dealt with as an area for which no provision prescribing development was made meantime.
Mr. Paton moved that the Marine Gardens be retained as a private open space as proposed in the draft scheme. Mr. Rhind seconded. Mr. Whitson urged that the Town Council would be better to face the music now. He did not want to see any chance of this area on the sea front at Portobello being built on. It should be Corporation property and free ground for ever.
The Town Clerk, in reply to a question, said that if it were likely, as he thought it was likely, the Town Council would not face up to the payment of the money required to purchase, then was it not better to fall back on the alternative recommended which would give them as much control as they would have had under the committee’s original proposal?
Mr. Gorman moved that the Council take steps to acquire the Marine Gardens compulsorily. The Town Clerk said that motion was not appropriate to the discussion of the town planning scheme.
The Committee’s recommendation was carried by 27 votes to 15.
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On 9 March over 7000 spectators saw the Second Division leaders, Dundee United fall to Leith Athletic by the odd goal in five. Right from the start the Athletic forwards set a fast pace and after two minutes play Marshall scored the first goal. Gradually the visiting forwards came into prominence. The pace was not so severe in the second half but, despite that, the play continued to be delightfully open. In the first fifteen minutes everything pointed to a win for Dundee United, but subsequently play ran strongly in favour of the Leith side, who were unlucky not to add to their lead.
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Queen of the South’s scoring feats came to an abrupt end at the Marine Gardens on 6 April where Leith Athletic administered a 2 - 0 defeat and recorded their own fifth successive win.
Upwards of 5000 spectators were present. Aided by a following wind, the Dumfries side failed to penetrate the Leith team’s defence in the first half. Their forwards, clever in the outfield, were rash in their shooting. On the other hand the Leith Athletic forwards played briskly, especially on the left wing and showed smart shooting.
In the second half they had matters their own way. The Dumfries defenders faltered under the incessant pressure and only a series of good saves kept the element of rout away.
Upwards of 5000 spectators were present. Aided by a following wind, the Dumfries side failed to penetrate the Leith team’s defence in the first half. Their forwards, clever in the outfield, were rash in their shooting. On the other hand the Leith Athletic forwards played briskly, especially on the left wing and showed smart shooting.
In the second half they had matters their own way. The Dumfries defenders faltered under the incessant pressure and only a series of good saves kept the element of rout away.
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A further report in regard to Craigentinny draft town planning scheme was submitted to the Town Council on 12 April and on the recommendation of the Housing and Town Planning committee it was unanimously resolved to include the Marine Gardens in a residential zone, subject to the existing use of the property for the purposes of amusement, recreation or sport being allowed to continue. By residential zone is meant an area upon which no industrial building shall be erected and upon which no business premises or shops or special buildings shall be erected except such as the Corporation may sanction under the provisions of the town planning scheme.
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A hat trick by Laidlaw was the feature of the game at the Marine Gardens on 14 April, Edinburgh where Leith Athletic defeated Albion Rovers by 3 goals to 1 and ruled the Coatbridge side out of the running for promotion.
The Leith forwards were difficult to hold, especially on the right wing and generally the visiting forwards were reluctant to shoot for goal.
In the second half the Rovers had slightly the better of the exchanges.
Leith Athletic deserved to win, though not by so big a margin. Their forwards took their chances. Those of Albion Rovers did not
The Leith forwards were difficult to hold, especially on the right wing and generally the visiting forwards were reluctant to shoot for goal.
In the second half the Rovers had slightly the better of the exchanges.
Leith Athletic deserved to win, though not by so big a margin. Their forwards took their chances. Those of Albion Rovers did not
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Chief interest in the dirt track racing at Marine Gardens Speedway on the evening of 15 April 1929 centred in the exploits of the local rider George McKenzie and a 25,000 crowd was thrilled by his daring yet skilful riding. Strangely enough he won neither the handicap nor Golden Helmet, but his great race when defeating Sprouts Elder in a four laps match was compensation sufficient as he established a new record for the track, completing the four laps (with a flying start) in 1 min 27 secs. His chance in the handicap was finished by an unfortunate breakdown when about to assume the lead.
The final of this event was won by the Falkirk rider Oliver Goodfellow who only entered the last stage as a fastest loser in the semi-final and found his handicap allowance of great value.
Drew McQueen gained the Golden Helmet practically without challenge. McKenzie let his man go too far away and, when he made his challenge, lost further ground by having to swing wide to avoid the riders in front.
The final of this event was won by the Falkirk rider Oliver Goodfellow who only entered the last stage as a fastest loser in the semi-final and found his handicap allowance of great value.
Drew McQueen gained the Golden Helmet practically without challenge. McKenzie let his man go too far away and, when he made his challenge, lost further ground by having to swing wide to avoid the riders in front.
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Further evidence of the popularity of the dirt track sport was afforded on 20 April when a crowd of around 15,000 was present at Marine Gardens Speedway. They were given some fine thrilling racing and though there were some few spills, the evening was free from anything approaching serious accident.
George McKenzie’s spill in the Edinburgh Handicap caused no little concern at the time, but beyond slight concussion and a shaking he was none the worse at the end. The fall was, however, sufficient to preclude any further participation by him in the evening’s racing.
The best race was the match between Ivor Creek and Drew McQueen. The Englishman took the bends in more polished manner than McQueen but what the Edinburgh rider lost there he gained on the straight, where he was much faster. At the foot bend in the final lap the riders were together and though McQueen now looked to have the measure of his opponent, his task was made very easy by the failure of Creek’s engine. In the end a good race was partially spoiled by a poor finish. McQueen merely having to complete the course at an easy pace for victory.
McQueen’s share of misfortune cropped up in the final of the scratch race, when he failed to get going at the start while the others were well away. Sam Reid made the pace to Eric Burnet until the last lap where the latter had the better of the exchanges on the foot bends and kept ahead till the end. Burnet made a great effort in the final of the handicap and though he got up in the concluding stages to within an appreciable distance of challenge he failed narrowly in a hurricane finish to get beyond Archie Chisholm.
George McKenzie’s spill in the Edinburgh Handicap caused no little concern at the time, but beyond slight concussion and a shaking he was none the worse at the end. The fall was, however, sufficient to preclude any further participation by him in the evening’s racing.
The best race was the match between Ivor Creek and Drew McQueen. The Englishman took the bends in more polished manner than McQueen but what the Edinburgh rider lost there he gained on the straight, where he was much faster. At the foot bend in the final lap the riders were together and though McQueen now looked to have the measure of his opponent, his task was made very easy by the failure of Creek’s engine. In the end a good race was partially spoiled by a poor finish. McQueen merely having to complete the course at an easy pace for victory.
McQueen’s share of misfortune cropped up in the final of the scratch race, when he failed to get going at the start while the others were well away. Sam Reid made the pace to Eric Burnet until the last lap where the latter had the better of the exchanges on the foot bends and kept ahead till the end. Burnet made a great effort in the final of the handicap and though he got up in the concluding stages to within an appreciable distance of challenge he failed narrowly in a hurricane finish to get beyond Archie Chisholm.
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Of the whole card of events at Marine Gardens Speedway on the following Saturday the best races were undoubtedly those near the end of the evening. More thrills were packed into the two semi-finals and final of the Gold Helmet than had been felt in the preceding contests.
There was an unfortunate ending to a heat of the helmet when Drew McQueen, the holder, was disqualified. The incident that led to disqualification concerned McQueen and Roger Frogley. The Englishman, Frogley, was leading as the men took a bend and when Frogley went wide, McQueen snapped the chance and swung to the inside berth to come along side. McQueen was drawing off from his rival when the machines just touched and though McQueen went ahead, Frogley was unbalanced and came down. Nevertheless McQueen was allowed to finish before his disqualification was made known.
Neither Smiling Jim Kempster nor Taffy Williams could keep pace with the local cracks of whom George McKenzie, Eric Burnet and Sam Reid were best. Burnet was unfortunate with his engine, which at times did not run smoothly and probably kept him from gaining premier award in the handicap by causing him to ease up for a brief space. In his match with Roger Frogley his riding lacked fire, but he gave a brilliant display in the semi-final of the Helmet where he decisively reversed the placings in faster time. George McKenzie’s early riding was barely up to his standard in the early races, but he fully atoned in the final and, beating Roger Frogley, won the Gold Helmet in time equal to the record which he recently established.
The attendance was stated to be 17,000.
There was an unfortunate ending to a heat of the helmet when Drew McQueen, the holder, was disqualified. The incident that led to disqualification concerned McQueen and Roger Frogley. The Englishman, Frogley, was leading as the men took a bend and when Frogley went wide, McQueen snapped the chance and swung to the inside berth to come along side. McQueen was drawing off from his rival when the machines just touched and though McQueen went ahead, Frogley was unbalanced and came down. Nevertheless McQueen was allowed to finish before his disqualification was made known.
Neither Smiling Jim Kempster nor Taffy Williams could keep pace with the local cracks of whom George McKenzie, Eric Burnet and Sam Reid were best. Burnet was unfortunate with his engine, which at times did not run smoothly and probably kept him from gaining premier award in the handicap by causing him to ease up for a brief space. In his match with Roger Frogley his riding lacked fire, but he gave a brilliant display in the semi-final of the Helmet where he decisively reversed the placings in faster time. George McKenzie’s early riding was barely up to his standard in the early races, but he fully atoned in the final and, beating Roger Frogley, won the Gold Helmet in time equal to the record which he recently established.
The attendance was stated to be 17,000.
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McQueen’s disqualification caused a furore. A committee meeting was held at the Marine Gardens Speedway immediately following the racing for the purpose of investigating the cause of the disqualification in the first heat of the Gold Helmet challenge race. It was concluded that the disqualification was due to over zealous riding bordering on the dangerous. The judge, Mr. E.S. Bradshaw strongly emphasised the fact that there was absolutely no suggestion of foul riding on Drew McQueen’s part.
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Following the action of the judge, Mr. E.S. Bradshaw in disqualifying Drew McQueen at the Marine Gardens Speedway for over zealous riding bordering on dangerous, rumours were abroad in Edinburgh that this successful rider would not appear again at the Marine Gardens.
These rumours apparently gained currency by the fact that McQueen’s name was absent from the advertised list of riders to appear at the Speedway on the following Saturday.
In conversation with the Scotsman, McQueen dispelled any doubts as to his future appearances.
“I have no malice against anyone at the Marine Gardens”, he said, “and although I am not appearing there on Saturday the reason is because I have been asked to ride in Birmingham. I will not be at the Marine Gardens on Wednesday of next week as I am taking part in the Six Days trial which opens on Monday. Any rumours of my non appearances in the future are entirely unfounded. The incident with Roger Frogley was very unfortunate but we will probably meet again at the Marine Gardens in the future.”
These rumours apparently gained currency by the fact that McQueen’s name was absent from the advertised list of riders to appear at the Speedway on the following Saturday.
In conversation with the Scotsman, McQueen dispelled any doubts as to his future appearances.
“I have no malice against anyone at the Marine Gardens”, he said, “and although I am not appearing there on Saturday the reason is because I have been asked to ride in Birmingham. I will not be at the Marine Gardens on Wednesday of next week as I am taking part in the Six Days trial which opens on Monday. Any rumours of my non appearances in the future are entirely unfounded. The incident with Roger Frogley was very unfortunate but we will probably meet again at the Marine Gardens in the future.”
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Rain, both before and during the racing, practically spoiled the dirt track programme at the Marine Gardens Speedway on 4 May.
The track was in a treacherous condition and the riders were forced to make safety first their maxim. As a consequence the racing lacked its usual thrills and excitement was provided only by the slippery track which was responsible for some spills. The main effect of the weather was that the racing was reduced practically to straight riding and broad siding skill was at a discount.
This was all against the back markers who, under the circumstances, were over handicapped. Of these only Ivor Creek was able to find a place in the last stage of the handicap but he was unable to gain on his opponents and was unplaced.
George McKenzie looked good enough for the Silver Helmet but after getting the better of Buzz Hibberd his machine swerved badly and he was thrown. Hibberd then went on to win easily as Eric Burnet’s machine never seemed to get into racing trim.
A match between Creek and McKenzie was abandoned after the former had been thrown during the first lap.
The attendance was given as 9000.
The track was in a treacherous condition and the riders were forced to make safety first their maxim. As a consequence the racing lacked its usual thrills and excitement was provided only by the slippery track which was responsible for some spills. The main effect of the weather was that the racing was reduced practically to straight riding and broad siding skill was at a discount.
This was all against the back markers who, under the circumstances, were over handicapped. Of these only Ivor Creek was able to find a place in the last stage of the handicap but he was unable to gain on his opponents and was unplaced.
George McKenzie looked good enough for the Silver Helmet but after getting the better of Buzz Hibberd his machine swerved badly and he was thrown. Hibberd then went on to win easily as Eric Burnet’s machine never seemed to get into racing trim.
A match between Creek and McKenzie was abandoned after the former had been thrown during the first lap.
The attendance was given as 9000.
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On 11 May 1929 tragedy struck. For the first time since dirt track racing began in Scotland a rider was killed at the Marine Gardens Speedway.
The tragedy occurred in the presence of a crowd given as 26,000, who were not, however, aware of the extreme gravity of the accident which took place in the second last race.
The event was a four lap consolation handicap race for less speedy riders who had not taken part in other events. While rounding the bend towards the completion of the third lap Walter Brown, a Musselburgh rider, who was making his third appearance on the track, fell from his machine from which he was thrown clear on to the track. A following rider close behind had no time to avoid Brown and the front wheel of his machine struck him in the back as he lay on the ground, the whole motor cycle then falling heavily upon the fallen man. Brown was immediately extricated and carried off the track, his death occurring with a few minutes. He was removed from the field on a stretcher and take to the Royal Infirmary where death was certified. Examination showed that Brown’s neck had been dislocated. A particularly tragic feature of the accident was that two brothers of Brown were among the spectators.
The special precautions which were taken to ensure safety on the track included the sounding of hooters and the showing of a red flag as a signal that there was danger and that the race must stop. In this case the accident happened so swiftly and so unexpectedly there being no apparent danger at the moment, that prevention was impossible.
The tragedy occurred in the presence of a crowd given as 26,000, who were not, however, aware of the extreme gravity of the accident which took place in the second last race.
The event was a four lap consolation handicap race for less speedy riders who had not taken part in other events. While rounding the bend towards the completion of the third lap Walter Brown, a Musselburgh rider, who was making his third appearance on the track, fell from his machine from which he was thrown clear on to the track. A following rider close behind had no time to avoid Brown and the front wheel of his machine struck him in the back as he lay on the ground, the whole motor cycle then falling heavily upon the fallen man. Brown was immediately extricated and carried off the track, his death occurring with a few minutes. He was removed from the field on a stretcher and take to the Royal Infirmary where death was certified. Examination showed that Brown’s neck had been dislocated. A particularly tragic feature of the accident was that two brothers of Brown were among the spectators.
The special precautions which were taken to ensure safety on the track included the sounding of hooters and the showing of a red flag as a signal that there was danger and that the race must stop. In this case the accident happened so swiftly and so unexpectedly there being no apparent danger at the moment, that prevention was impossible.
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Despite the fact that the sport at the Marine Gardens Speedway was overshadowed at the end by the death of Walter Brown, there was, however, some great racing.
The dominating figure of the meeting was the American Sprouts Elder who made his first appearance of the season in Edinburgh. He showed himself to be in redoubtable form in winning both his match race against George McKenzie and gaining the Gold Helmet. His race against McKenzie was very thrilling indeed and victory was only achieved on the top bend in the last lap.
After the race had been started unsuccessfully twice, first Elder and then McKenzie coming down before the end of the first lap, the third beginning produced a great battle. McKenzie after the first lap was about 15 yards ahead and this lead he maintained until the last bend waas reached in the final circuit. With some 100 yards to go McKenzie went wide on the bend and Elder practically hurled himself to the inside berth to beat his man in a great final dash by about a length.
He was in an easier position in the final of the Helmet as he led on the first bend with McKenzie following hard. The Edinburgh rider came down about the half distance and Elder won without further challenge. The presentation of the Helmet was made to him by his wife.
George McKenzie obtained compensation by winning the handicap. He made a fine race in the final, though it was only in the last lap that he got up to head the field and win.
The crowd was given as 26,000
The dominating figure of the meeting was the American Sprouts Elder who made his first appearance of the season in Edinburgh. He showed himself to be in redoubtable form in winning both his match race against George McKenzie and gaining the Gold Helmet. His race against McKenzie was very thrilling indeed and victory was only achieved on the top bend in the last lap.
After the race had been started unsuccessfully twice, first Elder and then McKenzie coming down before the end of the first lap, the third beginning produced a great battle. McKenzie after the first lap was about 15 yards ahead and this lead he maintained until the last bend waas reached in the final circuit. With some 100 yards to go McKenzie went wide on the bend and Elder practically hurled himself to the inside berth to beat his man in a great final dash by about a length.
He was in an easier position in the final of the Helmet as he led on the first bend with McKenzie following hard. The Edinburgh rider came down about the half distance and Elder won without further challenge. The presentation of the Helmet was made to him by his wife.
George McKenzie obtained compensation by winning the handicap. He made a fine race in the final, though it was only in the last lap that he got up to head the field and win.
The crowd was given as 26,000
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Other sports went in tandem with the Speedway.
For example, on 17 May the Edinburgh Pharmacy Club, Edinburgh Southern Harriers and the Edinburgh City Football Club combined in a large programme of athletic and other items. In the former events the Edinburgh Harrier members did better than the other club men in carrying off five prizes. The invitation five a side football was good without being exciting.
The dirt track racing, however, compensated in thrills and H. Duncan proved himself to be the best of the competing riders. The Australian rider, F. Duckett made an unsuccessful attempt to lower the figures for the lap record.
The proceedings closed with a fireworks display. The attendance during the evening was about 10,000.
For example, on 17 May the Edinburgh Pharmacy Club, Edinburgh Southern Harriers and the Edinburgh City Football Club combined in a large programme of athletic and other items. In the former events the Edinburgh Harrier members did better than the other club men in carrying off five prizes. The invitation five a side football was good without being exciting.
The dirt track racing, however, compensated in thrills and H. Duncan proved himself to be the best of the competing riders. The Australian rider, F. Duckett made an unsuccessful attempt to lower the figures for the lap record.
The proceedings closed with a fireworks display. The attendance during the evening was about 10,000.
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The 16,000 spectators who gathered at the Marine Gardens Speedway on 18 May were well catered for. The weather was fine and the quality of the sport excellent. The racing had been more exciting in the past but that Saturday’s events nevertheless reached a high standard and were always interesting.
The visiting stars introduced to the public were Frank Duckett, Australia, who held the world’s record over a mile and Smoky Stratton, New Zealand. Duckett, in his match with Stratton, who just previously had fallen heavily, found his difficulties on the bends a big handicap and Stratton beat him in the end by a short margin.
A new trophy was offered for competition, the Scottish Gold Sash and this Drew McQueen won after a great race in the final.
R. McGregor had all the misfortune of the handicap final, leading the field to the last bend where his machine skidded and he was thrown, leaving Archie Chisholm to win with ease.
There were two falls during the afternoon that luckily were without consequences. Stratton was heavily thrown when in collision with Drew McQueen in a semi-final of the handicap and Allan Campbell was later thrown heavily on a bend. After removal to the emergency tent each was found to be uninjured.
The visiting stars introduced to the public were Frank Duckett, Australia, who held the world’s record over a mile and Smoky Stratton, New Zealand. Duckett, in his match with Stratton, who just previously had fallen heavily, found his difficulties on the bends a big handicap and Stratton beat him in the end by a short margin.
A new trophy was offered for competition, the Scottish Gold Sash and this Drew McQueen won after a great race in the final.
R. McGregor had all the misfortune of the handicap final, leading the field to the last bend where his machine skidded and he was thrown, leaving Archie Chisholm to win with ease.
There were two falls during the afternoon that luckily were without consequences. Stratton was heavily thrown when in collision with Drew McQueen in a semi-final of the handicap and Allan Campbell was later thrown heavily on a bend. After removal to the emergency tent each was found to be uninjured.
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Notwithstanding the other attractions in town, there was a crowd of 12,000 present at the Marine Gardens on 21 May to witness an excellent programme of dirt track racing under favourable weather conditions.
The sport all through was thrilling and greatly to the liking of the crowd was the fact that two local riders led the field home in the final of the Gold Helmet scratch race. This was undoubtedly the race of the afternoon.
The two visitors, Ivor Creek, England and Syd parsons, Australia, had qualified for the final stage where they met local talent Eric Burnet and George McKenzie. McKenzie had the inside berth at the start and made good use of his advantage, keeping to the grass despite Creek’s effort to get to the white line. Then Eric Burnett, with a spectacular dash to the inside further foiled the Englishman’s efforts. In this manner the four laps were reeled off, McKenzie with faultless riding maintaining his advantage in spite of another thrilling swerve by Burnett round the top corner at the end.
Creek, however, had already shown that he still retained his riding ability when he defeated Eric Burnett in a four laps match. he was successful in getting to the inside position on the first bend and drew away from Burnett to a comfortable but not invincible lead. He was riding in such a manner, however, that even had Burnett caught him up he would probably not have been able to get through without going wide and probably losing ground. In the end Burnett swerved on to the grass at the top bend, his machine which had been causing him trouble from the start turning right across the track as he endeavoured to take the corner.
While Drew McQueen rode well to win the handicap from the scratch mark, his task was made more easy when J. Edward, who was leading by a good margin, had to stop with engine trouble and Andy Milne, also in front, fell on a bend at the third lap. Thereafter McQueen had only to carry on to win as he pleased.
The sport all through was thrilling and greatly to the liking of the crowd was the fact that two local riders led the field home in the final of the Gold Helmet scratch race. This was undoubtedly the race of the afternoon.
The two visitors, Ivor Creek, England and Syd parsons, Australia, had qualified for the final stage where they met local talent Eric Burnet and George McKenzie. McKenzie had the inside berth at the start and made good use of his advantage, keeping to the grass despite Creek’s effort to get to the white line. Then Eric Burnett, with a spectacular dash to the inside further foiled the Englishman’s efforts. In this manner the four laps were reeled off, McKenzie with faultless riding maintaining his advantage in spite of another thrilling swerve by Burnett round the top corner at the end.
Creek, however, had already shown that he still retained his riding ability when he defeated Eric Burnett in a four laps match. he was successful in getting to the inside position on the first bend and drew away from Burnett to a comfortable but not invincible lead. He was riding in such a manner, however, that even had Burnett caught him up he would probably not have been able to get through without going wide and probably losing ground. In the end Burnett swerved on to the grass at the top bend, his machine which had been causing him trouble from the start turning right across the track as he endeavoured to take the corner.
While Drew McQueen rode well to win the handicap from the scratch mark, his task was made more easy when J. Edward, who was leading by a good margin, had to stop with engine trouble and Andy Milne, also in front, fell on a bend at the third lap. Thereafter McQueen had only to carry on to win as he pleased.
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A crowd of 17,000 was present at the Marine Gardens Speedway on 1 June to witness a thrilling programme of dirt track racing events.
Billy Galloway, Australia, made a return visit to the track and after a successful afternoon at Glasgow where he won three races, he gained the Scottish Gold Sash, defeating Drew McQueen, the holder, and George McKenzie in the final.
The other finalist was a newcomer Alf Chick, also an Australian who, though good, was overshadowed by the brilliant riding of Galloway.
It was only because his machine gave trouble that Galloway did not have a fighting chance in the final of the Edinburgh Handicap and this was the only race in which he engaged during the evening that he failed to win.
Ray Tauser, USA, another newcomer, was unlucky as he came down heavily in the semi-final of the Gold sash while chasing George McKenzie on the last bend.
The finest race of the night was the match between Drew McQueen and George McKenzie. From the start McQueen lay just ahead of his rival, but though he had a lead it was very small and the men raced neck and neck until the last bend where a momentary lapse by McQueen let the other get inside to win by about six yards.
During the evening the Glasgow rider J. Edward was heavily thrown but after removal to the emergency hut he was brought round and was able to return home little the worse tough badly shaken.
Billy Galloway, Australia, made a return visit to the track and after a successful afternoon at Glasgow where he won three races, he gained the Scottish Gold Sash, defeating Drew McQueen, the holder, and George McKenzie in the final.
The other finalist was a newcomer Alf Chick, also an Australian who, though good, was overshadowed by the brilliant riding of Galloway.
It was only because his machine gave trouble that Galloway did not have a fighting chance in the final of the Edinburgh Handicap and this was the only race in which he engaged during the evening that he failed to win.
Ray Tauser, USA, another newcomer, was unlucky as he came down heavily in the semi-final of the Gold sash while chasing George McKenzie on the last bend.
The finest race of the night was the match between Drew McQueen and George McKenzie. From the start McQueen lay just ahead of his rival, but though he had a lead it was very small and the men raced neck and neck until the last bend where a momentary lapse by McQueen let the other get inside to win by about six yards.
During the evening the Glasgow rider J. Edward was heavily thrown but after removal to the emergency hut he was brought round and was able to return home little the worse tough badly shaken.
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