RACING "Stud References Astray”

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29368, 22 November 1960, Page 4

RACING "Stud References Astray”

The accuracy of references by correspondents to the Elderslie and Bumside Studs during the recent controversy about Carbine is disputed by Mr G. J. H. Reid, of Nelson. Mr Reid writes:—

“While it is entirely a side issue some references to the Elderslie and Burnside Studs are very much astray. “Carbine was foaled in 1885 and as his dam had already produced Lady Walmsley and Lady Mersey to Musket, he was obviously not imported in utero. It may not begenerally known that in his first race, the Middle JPark Plate at Riccarton in 1888, some of the runners were fractious at the start and Carbine was caught flatfooted and left 12 lengths but won nevertheless.

“The thoroughbred stud at Elderslie was founded by J. F. Reid about 1889 by the purchase of four mares from the Hon. J. Stephenson, co-founder of Wright Stephenson and Company. These were Fairy Maid, an ancestress of Tulloch, Pibroch, Titania and Ouida (not Ouida by Yattendon).

“At this time J. B. Reid would have been in business in Dunedin. He later moved to Christchurch as New Zealand .representative of Nelson Bros., re of frozen meat, and had a small stud at Canowie, between Waimairi and Avonhead roads, where Sant Ilario, St. Ambrose and Kilcheran stood in turn.

“Early foals at Elderslie were by Artillery and Vanguard, and then two very high-class racehorses, Stepniak, by NordenfeldtSteppe (imp.) (sister to Hermit) and the Australian-bred Gipsy Grand, were acquired. Stepniak proved a most successful sire, especially of brood mares, but it is quite wrong to describe him, as your correspondent did, as ‘one of New Zealand’s greatest ever sires of stayers.’ “Gipsy Grand, which at the stud was given the pick of the mares, was not a great success, but he also appears in Tulloch’s pedigree and he sired one winner of the New Zealand Cup. “About 1907 the Elderslie Stud was divided, J. F. Reid taking half the mares and Stepniak to Burnside, two miles away, where he had lived since his marriage. J. B. Reid retired from business and took over the homestead block at Elderslie. “Stepniak was sent to end his days at Cambria Park, Auckland, and was followed at Burnside by Vasco, Rokeby, Solferino —a great sire, but not for his owner, as he did not get commanding two-year-olds that came on hand early

—and last and least. Weathervane.

“On taking over Elderslie J. B. Reid imported the St. Simon horse, Charlemagne II from King Edward VII. He sired the Australian champion filly Carlita. He was followed at Elderslie by Downshire, Kilibroney—an outstanding success—Sunny Lake, Winkle—maternal grandsire of Phar Lap—Tractor, Paper Money, and Arcthery. "Among the many mares imported by J. B. Reid which have left their mark on the Australian and New Zealand turf were Simper (often credited to Mr W. T. Hazlett) and Mint, the granddam of Shannon and fifth dam of Howsie.

“If I have dwelt on ancient history I can only say that without a past we have no standards for the future, and the standard set the thoroughbred breeding industry in New Zealand is indeed no mean one.”