Alton Lodge was ‘the model stud’

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33612, 14 August 1974, Page 8

Alton Lodge was ‘the model stud’

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. Sir James Fletcher, who died on Monday was one of New Zealand’s most successful thoroughbred breeders. The Alton Lodge stud farm, of which he was a co-founder, was one of the iinest in the world. In 1939, with his son, Mr J. C. Fletcher, he established Alton Lodge at Te Kauwhata, and it grew into the largest thoroughbred nursery in the country. Notable sires that stood there were the 1937 English Derby winner Midday Sun. Balloch, Gold Nib, Fairs Fair, Count Rendered, and Revelation.

At one time there were 180 mares at Alton Lodge. Probably its most famous achievement was rearing the champion stayer, Dalray, which won the 1952 Melbourne Cup. Dalray was by Balloch from Broieveine.

Alton Lodge, as well as being “the model stud,” was Sir

James Fletcher's countr.y home and both he and Lady Fletcher often spent week-ends there before 1960. In 10 of its first 20 years of existence, Alton Lodge was the leading slud in the country for its number of winners and stakes earned. During the Queen's visit in 1953-54, Sir Janies Fletcher played host to Her Majesty at luncheon and had some of his horses paraded before her. In 1962, he admitted that breeding thoroughbreds had got past being a hobby and had become big business, and it was decided to dispose of the bloodstock. The property was retained for farming. Sir James Fletcher raced horses in partnership with his son for 20 years and won many races, both in New Zealand and in Australia. Their two best winners in New Zealand were Ganymede and Blyton.