N.Z. Racing Stock Interests Americans

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31776, 5 September 1968, Page 4

N.Z. Racing Stock Interests Americans

"The Press" Sp«cial Service

WELLINGTON.

Americans were interested in buying New Zealand raring stock, more so than yearlings, Mr D. M. Floyd, head of Wright Stephenson’s bloodstock division, said on his return from a world trip last weekend. The reason for this was twofold. There was the seasonal problem, New Zealand being in the Southern Hemisphere and the United States in the Northern Hemisphere. The other reason, said Mr Floyd, was the tremendous cost of flying horses from New Zealand to the United States. “If the Americans are going to pay for a horse, they must contend with this travel problem and that is why they prefer racing stock.” Every Effort As Mr Floyd sees It, New Zealand must make every endeavour to establish Itaelf in the eyes of American racing Interests. , After talking to a number of Americans, as well as touring Kentucky, the home of United States breeding, Mr Floyd Is keen to get Americans buying on the New Zealand market “They will pay fantastic prices for a horse,” he said. “Once they make up their mind to buy, nothing will hold them back.” Mr Floyd saw racing at Delmar during his visit and spoke to a number of trainers, many of whom were interested in the proven New Zealand horse. One trainer, Mr W. Stute, intends to buy a number of horses soon. In the past he has bought horses from the Argentine, but the prices on these have become too high and he is looking for fresh fields. Among those Mr Floyd met at Delmar was Mr F. Hawn, the man who bought Rapido.

“After winning two good races Rapido was sent to stud. He was mated with two mares in his first season, and one of the foals was successful in a two-year-old race. The next season, Rapido had a full book.”

The main purpose of Mr Floyd’s trip, which took in

England, Ireland, France and the United States, was to complete the sale of Hermes to the Fencourt Stud. By making the trip, Mr Floyd and the Fencourt studmaster, Mr T. Hogan senior, were able to get the stallion for a price well under the original offer. Syndicated The syndication of Hermes has now been successfully completed. Twenty shafts were offered at $3OOO each, and 39 applications were received. Because of the trip- tt is possible that the sale of another well-performed horse could be arranged. Another two races are still planned for the stallion in question. Mr Floyd said that he bad hoped to buy a number of broodmares or fillies for New Zealand. “I was most disappointed to find that I didn’t see any filly

which really appealed to me at the time.

“The best time of the year to buy there Is at sale time in December.

“I did see some likely fillies in the catalogue and bids for these can be made through agents.” One of the “New Zealanders” Mr Floyd met in the United States was Farmer’s Daughter, a five-year-old mare by Agricola from Geneve 11. She was racing at Delmar and finished fourth. She has won a couple of races and will be sent to stud soon.