THE TURF.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 93, 19 April 1912, Page 2

THE TURF.

(By Sir .Bcdivere.)

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

SALE OF YALDHURST. Bather more than a week ago news was circulated to -tho effect that Messrs. W: G. and G. L. Stead had purchased Yaldhurst. This was subsequently denied, and on Tuesday last Mr. Wilfred Stead assured, me that at the time the statement appeared in print neither h<? nor his brother had the remotest intention of acquiring the property. "Of course," said Mr. Stead, "now that the deal is about to bo made, everybody will say that there was something in the rumour after all. As a matter of fact, however, we had not, a* I have told you, any notion of making the purchase until last Saturday." The coincidence may be regarded as a notable one for the famous establishment, over which R. J. Mason has so successfully presided for something like twenty-seven years, becomes Messrß. Steads' property on Wednesday morning. The Grasslea stud farm and training quarters have been sold, and as soon . as Mason has made arrangements as -to where he will settle, R. O'Donnoll will take up his residence at Yaldhurst. It was at Mason's request that I have withheld the "news since Wednesday, but this morning he wired mo as follows :-—" Impossible keep secret, publish if you like." Whether Mason will remain in New Zealand or make a new home for himself in Randwick, I am unable to say, but he will probably take a team ot young horses over for the A.J.C. Spring Meeting in any case.. Owners and trainers are finally reminded that nominations for the Wanganui Jockey Clubs Winter Meeting are due at 9.30 p.m. this evening. The Wanganui Steeplechase is now worth suO esovs^ and the programme is an attractive one in every respect. ' Prince Soult was expected to arrive at Awapuni yesterday. He is engaged in both the Manawatu Stakes and the Sires' Products Stakes, in which ho may meet Autumnus, Ermengarde, and Browl Owl. Counterfeit, Boanerges, and Miscount are among those also eligible to contest the contest the Manawatu Stakes. Lady Moutoa- and Moutoa Girl h&.e been railed homo to Foxton. They *vill probably make- their next appearance at Awapuni, where, in view of their bold showing on Wednesday, their chances of success read . favourably. Merry Frank, Con the Shaughran, Lady Kilcheran, and Mount Victoria will each have to carry a penalty at the Manawatu Autumn Meeting. Bally Shannon changed" hands last week, having been purchased by Mr. T. lngley, of Morrison's Bush. He will probably remain in Phillips's stable.