A VISIT TO "WAPITI."

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 157, 5 July 1899, Page 3

A VISIT TO "WAPITI."

THE HOME OF NELSON AND

SEAHORSE

I spent a pleasant couple of hours on Saturday afternoon last looking over the occupants of the private training establishment of Major George, situated at "Wapiti," Epsom, to say nothing of renewing fond acquaintance with the old champion racehorse Nelson, who practically leads a life of luxury, his services being confined to his owner's mares. Old and pleasant memories of Nelson's great racecourse deeds were revived by my visit, and it is pleasing to know that despite his advanced age of nineteen there is not a bend in his back, while he is hearty and well. He was the handsomest horse for carriage that I have seen on a racecourse, and as he walked on the course it was always a theme for admiration on my part. Major George, of course, retains his fond affection for one of the best racehorses that has trod turf, and in conversation he recounts how Trident narrowly defeated Nelson in the Australian Cup, due to W. Brown, his rider, dropping his whip during the ractn. The' Major would have won a gTeat'sum that day had the judge's verdict been the other way, for he staked on him heavily. Nelson is turned out in a roomy paddock each day, and he looks as vigorous as ever he did.

It is gratifying to know that Major George has seven horses in training for the forthcoming season, for he is one oi' the straight-going owners !issociated with the New Zealand turf. His equines are always raced to win. Koss Heaton, who has had considerable experience with horses since he was a lad, is preparing the team, and he has got his charges in capital condition.

First I was introduced to the gelding Swiftfoot (by Tl#: Workman— Swiftsure), who as a two-year-old showed promise, but nevertheless he has yet failed to win a race. He is looking in nice condition for the time of year.

Zealous, a coming two-year-old (by Nelson—Moonga), is dark chestnut in colour. She does not stand high, but she is one of the thick-set hardy sort, with good bone and splendid legs. Her breeding is all right, she being a full sister to Seahorse. Of course, just now the filly is wearing- her winter coat.

Another comingl two-year-old in the stable is Minerva, got by Nelson from Hestia. She is a big raking filly, standing 15.3, and all over she looks a speedy one. Her bone is good all through, and her feet and legs are of the best. In colour she is a rich dark chestnut, with a streak on her face and a white snip on her off hind-foot. Altogether she is an exceptionally nice filly, who should come to hand early.

In the next box I renewed acquaintance of The Slave, who has done good service for the "black and white hoops" in the lilliputian class. "She is for sale," remarks Major George, he evidently thinking it is infra dig to race ponies, but I reply, "continue to race her, for then there will always be one pony in the race to keep the waiting division straight." I m»y state that The Slave is looking really well and nice and forward in condition.

The next equine introduced was the promising three-year-old colt Seahorse, a candidate for New Zealand Cup honours. Since he went into retirement he has grown into a fine young horse. All round he has furnished and improved in appearance, nn<l one cannot but be struck with his likeness in some respects to Nelson. However he is shorter coupled than his sire and not so big boned, but nevertheless he is hard to fault, being a powerful fellow. When you get behind Seahorse his quarters and thighs are very muscular, and his legs are of the steel bar order. The colt in his two-year-old efforts proved himself a very game customer, and everything points that he will stay out a strongly run two miles. Major George I fancy has his designs on the New Zealand Cup with the colt, and if he comes through his preparation all right he should prove a worthy representative of the "Wapiti" livery. It is a considerable time since the ownen of Nelson had a worthy successor to his oldtime champion, but in Seahorse I think he has bred one who may follow in the foosteps of his sire. No horse could have wintered better. Moonga, dam of Seahorse, comes from a family that could stay, she being got by the great stallion Goldsbbroug-h from Kernel, by Angler from Cocoanut, dam of Navigator and Trident.

In an adjoining box, Cadiz, a son of Nelson and Hestia, was located. This colt is a coming three-year-old, and he has not yet sported silk. He towers over his two companions of the same age, being over 16 hands high. With his tremendous forearm, great girth, beautiful back, and second thighs, he is indeed a magnificent colt. He ha,s also a wiry set of legs like his sire. Cadiz being such a tremendous big' colt will require time, and with age he may develop into a racehorse.

The next introduced was The Labourer, got by The Workman from Sister Agnes, a great fine cut of a young horse. He is very dark brown in colour, and is built on altogether different lines to Seahorse,, being of great length, and wonderfully furnished for his age. When he arrives at five years he should be one of the handsomest horses in the land. The Labourer ran with a good deal of bad luck as a two-year-old, and his only winning bracket was the Onslow Stakes in the autumn.

In a paddock near the stables were a quartette" of choice brood mares, viz., The Maid, dam of The Workman; Sister Agnes, by Rosicrucian— Benance; Hestia by GrandmasterWildfire; and Moonga, by Goldsborough—Kernel. The two last named mares Major George purchased at the dispersal sale of-the Lerderberg Stud in Melbourne, in the year 1895. Moonga has frequently been described by me, and she is a very handsome mare indeed. In producing the Victorian horse Btmdook and Seahorse, she has proved her worth. Hestia has the Musket blood in her veins, and she is a fine well-set mare. If I mistake not Sister Agnes is the only Rosicrucian mare alive in the colonies, and she is a marvel of size and substance. Hestia is not in foal this season, but the other three mares have held to Nelson.

Enjoying themselves in another

paddock were four particularly good yearlings., One of the number is a colt by Nelson from Hestia, probably the best of his sex bred at "Wapiti." He is a reachy fellow, but he is as round as a barrel, with true well-defin-ed shoulders, great thighs and second thighs. His stand, walk, and gallop are true, and he looks bound to turn out a racehorse. I also liked gTeatly a filly by Nelson—The Maid (full sister to Seahorse). She has a smart appearance about her.

This ended the inspection of the "Wapiti" thoroughbreds, and having pledged success to Seahorse in his future engagements in Major George's cosy smoking-room. I made my way back to town after having spent an enjoyable afternon.