MELBOURNE OWNER BUYS 7 YEARLINGS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30682, 23 February 1965, Page 5

MELBOURNE OWNER BUYS 7 YEARLINGS

(From Our Own ' Reporter) DUNEDIN. A small start as an owner three years ago has almost developed into a business for Mr J. Ashton, of Melbourne, who bought seven lots at the annual New Zealand National Sales of Standard-bred Yearlings at Tahuna Park yesterday. “I started off by buying a horse or two and getting a training and driving licence,” said Mr Ashton. “Then I had quite a bit of success and started to buy a few more. Now I haven't the time to train horses myself and I have got them spread among six trainers in Victoria. “With the yearlings I bought yesterday I must have some 30 horses about me at the moment. One of them, Scurry, is the top two-year-old in Victoria this season.

and another recent purchase, Subvert, looks like developing top-class form,” he said. “I came here to buy that colt by Smokey Hanover from Petulus and wasn’t surprised I had to go to 1350 guineas to get him. The others were among the cheaper lots and I only took them because of their fine bloodlines.” The colt is a half-brother to Golden Oriole. Former Cyclist Mr Ashton, a former international racing cyclist, paid 3835 guineas for seven lots. Mr Ashton was interviewed , outside the sales pavilion after he had made his sixth ' purchase. “If I go back in there I am certain to get I bidding again. I think I’ve got I enough now.” However, Mr Ashton went ’ back to the sale ring and paid 435 guineas for a colt by , Morano from Suntrap, offered ■ on account of the Rosewood j Stud, Annat. Bought Five The Sydney trainer, P. J. .Hall, again purchased the •i top-priced lot, going to 1550 guineas for the Light Bri-

gade-Little Toff colt offered on behalf of Mr J. W. G. Irving, of Oamaru. The colt is a half-brother to the New Zealand Derby Stakes winner, Student Prince. Five Purchases Hall made five purchases: for a total of 5750 guineas/ four of them realising more than 1000 guineas. Mrs Hall j was also a purchaser, paying; 800 guineas for a colt by Thurber Frost from Forever, offered on behalf of Mr D. D. Moore, of Templeton. Although sold for only 580 guineas, a colt by Garrison Hanover from Queen’s Cor-’ onet, offered on behalf of Mr: J. W. Dalgety, of Oamaru,' attracted some of the keen-! est bidding of the day. Bidding appeared to be at an end when the auctioneer, reached 300 guineas. Then a bid of 10 guineas was accep-; ted. Immediately hands and' catalogues were flashed ’by ‘ buyers from South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales. Towards the 1 end, Mr H. S. Barry, of Auck-j land, joined in and silenced‘ I the opposition after there had been 28 10 guinea rises.