2800gns Bought Desert Chief...

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30153, 10 June 1963, Page 4

2800gns Bought Desert Chief...

"The Press" Special Service

DUNEDIN, June 9. Is Desert Chief to go to the United States?

This question was put to Mr J. F. Tutton, after the Christchurch owner-trainer had purchased the Euthless six-year-old at the top price of 2800gns at the sale of thoroughbreds of the late Mr G. J. Barton at Wings tul on Saturday. Mr Tutton said: “I don’t, know. In the meantime, he will go to Riccarton.”

The under-bidder for Desert Chief was Mr S. Georgeson, of Dunedin.

There was a wide and representative attendance of buyers at the sale.

The auctioneer, Mr D. B, Clarkson, of Christchurch, commented: “A wonderful sale. Eight lots for 7760gns —an average of 970gns—in 24 minutes, and there wasn’t a false bid at the sale.” Messrs G. H. and R. J. Barton, sons of the late Mr G. J. Barton, were active bidders They were interested in Desert Chief and Yankee Doodle, but dropped out over the final stages of the bidding for these two horses. At 1050gns they secured the Astraeus—Meanda colt, which was purchased at the last Trentham sales for 900gns His new owners Intend to apply for the name of Gee Jay for him.

They also bought Acron for 400gns. Yankee Doodle brought the second-to-top price of 1950gns. This quality colt by Marco Polo II from the good race mare, Dixie, was secured fcw Mr R. C. McKenzie, of Woodlands. Southland, a patron of the Oamaru stable of J. C. Hobbs. The Barton brothers withdrew at 1700gns. The under-bidder was Mr S. P. Vickery, of Dipton, who secured the Invercargill Gold Cup winner, Astra, winner of 11 races and £5355 in stakes. . Astra did not have a veterinary clearance. Re has been out of training since he was galloped on in the Wellington Cup in January. Mr Vickery may use him Igter as a sire. Mr N. A. Syme, of Christchurch, went to 500gns to secure Cumberland, a three-year-old gelding by Astraeus from the Beau Vite mare. Identify. He also purchased Marlow, a four-year-old gelding by Khorassan from Mokoia, for 350gns? Solicitor, a half-brother by Underwood to the good winner, Royal Chant, went to Mr H. G. C. McLachlan, of Clinton, for 310gns. Solicitor was the only lot in the sale not originally purchased at the Trentham yearling sales. Mr Barton bought him privately from his Central Otago breeder, Mr G. Dundaas.