A TRIP TO PAPAKURA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 211, 6 September 1899, Page 3

A TRIP TO PAPAKURA.

TIIE "GLENLOTwY" STUD VISITED.

(BY HIPPONA.)

One of the most enjoyable of my stud and stable visits is that of a trip to Papakura and on Saturday afternoon last I undertook the tAventy miles journey by rail to reneAV acquaintance with the St. Simon stallion Soult and the occupants of the "Glenlora" paddocks. A genial companion accompanied me in the person of Mr John Elliot the Avell-known farmer and dealer, of Mahoenui, AAvakino, his particular'mission being to see hoAV his tAvo young brood mares, Lady Fisher and Mahoenui, sent on a visit to Soult, had survived their long journey by rough road and rail from his farm at Mahoenui to Papakura. It may be stated that Mahoenui is situated thirty miles from the station, and the tAvo mares had this walk to undertake, Avhich under the careful guidance of Mr Elliot's son they accomplished in a day and a half. Both mares we subsequently discovered Avere landed at Mr Walters' estate Avithout a scratch. So much by the AA'av.

In anticipation of our visit, Mr W. Walters was at the railway station with his buggy, and after looking up the old Auckland caterer, Mr Thos. McEwin, at his new and comfortable hostelry in the village, the horse's head was turned for "Glenlora." A chat and cup of tea with the cheery Mrs Walters, sen., who I am glad to say is enjoying good health, followed, and we then proceeded up to the racecourse, where Swordfish and Defender, a three-year-old gelding by Cuirassier from Helen McGregor were stripped for their afternoon's work. I could not help remarking what a bad walker the son of Hotchkiss is, but when he was extended over a round of the course he proved himself a very free goer. Kwordfish has grown and developed into a magnificent horse, and he has lost the weariness he showed all last season. The trip to Christchurch last spring completely knocked him out, but a spell from active racing has revived him. lie is just in nice condition.to enter on a strong preparation, and no horse could look healthier in the coat. A close inspection of his legs was made after exercise and later in his box, and there is not a blemish on them. He has filled out considerably behind, and the only fault to be found with his conformation is that he stands a bit too straight in front. Defender was exercised alone, and I was much pleased with him. He is a stylish made fellow, with bold eye, well let clown in the hocks, and with good legs under him. At present he is a bit green, but French will no doubt soon get him into good racing condition.

Crossing the racecourse we marie our way to a box near the orchard where the stallion Soult was located. He was led out by a halter for inspection, and as he trotted gaily around I could not help admiring ■what a splendidly built and perfect little horse lie is. Bis legs are pood, and he is short in the cannon. What a nice head, good eye, and lengthy neck he has, and from his head to the tip of his tail he is quality. Mated with big mares, there is every reason to think that the high pedigreed son of St. Simon and Beauharnais will get some very speedy stock. ITe is looking in splendid health, nnd it is quite evident he has been well cared for since I saw him last year.

We then had a stroll through the paddocks where the brood marcs were located. Mr Walters has had good luck with them, for the whole are in foal to Soult. Lady Emmeline, by Somnufi—Fanny Fisher, by Fisherman, has grown into a fine big strong mare, and she evidently has a splendid constitution. Fishgirl, dam of Swordfish, who was foaled in 18S0. carries her years well, and she is now housed at night. This year Mr Walters proposes mating Fishgirl with Cuirassier or Hotchkiss. Rose and White, by Xordenfeldt—Rosarina, looked really well, and with her breeding mated with Soult she ought to give the turf something good. The old mare Hipporina (by Hippocampus—Rosarina), Princess Alice, by Brigadier, and Helen McGregor (by Captivator from Hannah, by. Tradncer), were also inmates of the paddock. Hotcherina (by Hotehkiss—Hipporina) and Lady Musket (by Blairgowrie—Muskerina, by Musket), were located in a paddock near the stables, they being due to foal to Soult shortly.

Mr John Elliot's mares Lady Fisher (by Cuirassier—Lady Emmeline), and Mahoenui, got by the Nordenfeldt horse Lebel from Venlock, by Flintlock, were also browsing in a paddock. Lady Fisher is only three years old, but she is going to make a big brood mare, and the Musket and Fisherman blood in her pedigree should nick well with Soult. Mahoenui is not built on such big lines as her companion, but her conformation is all right. Both mares look as if the limestone land of Awakino agrees with them.

French had the yearlings, six in number, pomfortaibly located in their boxes. A bay colt by Soult from Cressina is a well proportioned fellow, and he promises to be a good si/e. He lost his mother while Mr Walters had his mares located for a change at Awhitu in the early part of the present year. A brown colt by Soult— Fishgirl is built on small lines, and he appeared to be none too sound on his forelegs. Probably the best of the collection is a strong-made bay filly by Soult— Lady Emmeline, who may be described as full of quality and a fine set young lady for galloping. She has size to recommend her too. Rose and White's filly, sired by Soult, possesses good bone and splendid quarters, and she promises quite as well a* the Lady Emmeline filly. A brown filly by Soult—Hipporina has a racy look about her. She is evenly made, and shows quality. There is a good deal to admire in a bay filly got by Soult from Helen McGregor. She is endowed with power all round and has size. With the exception of the Fishgirl colt the yearlings are sound and healthy, and entirely free from blemish. A better lot for quality could not be wished for.

French was then good enough to show the party the four horses in training which he has in his boxes, viz., Swordfish, Defender, Solo (by Blairgowrie—Dolly), and Clansman (by Blairgowrie—Sheelah).

A chat on the verandah of Mrs Walters' homestead, and the inner man refreshed, we were soon bowling along through the Papakura village to catch the 6.38 p.m. train, and thus ended an enjoyable outing among the equines at old established "Glenlora."