SPRINTER-STAYERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 27, 1 February 1941, Page 14

SPRINTER-STAYERS

CORRESPONDENT DISAGREES

The argument that a new type of thoroughbred racehorse, the sprinterstayer, is being evolved is disputed by a correspondent "Hillstone," who believes that the type has existed for years and that it is not the result of any fixed-planning on the part of breeders. "Hillstone" writes:—

"Thanks for an interesting thesis on the stayer-sprinter thoroughbred. Incidentally, • Nightmarch's achievement in winning the A.J.C. Epsom, 1 mile, with 9.4 on his back, finishing second in the A.J.C. Metropolitan, 1 mile and 3 furlongs, under 9.12, and winning the Melbourne Cup, 2 miles,. when carrying 9.2 provides an excellent example of the stayer-sprinter at his best, In the last-named event Phar Lap, 7.6. led into the straight and finished only third.

"With the affirmation that the type is new, or the implication that it is to be credited to any fixed-planning on the part of breeders, one cannot agree. Many Wellington racegoers will remember two Porirua-trained horses of 30-odd years ago, Advance and Achilles, who, when at their best, were certainly in the Defaulter, Beau Vite, Beaulivre class, up to li miles. Going further back, New* Zealand's own Carbine could win races from six furlongs to two miles, and carry tremendous weights. Kindergarten may be as good as Carbine was, but he has yet to prove it. "Now as to breeding, let us consider the two outstanding New Zealand racehorses of more modern times, Phar Lap and Gloaming. - That they had phenomenal galloping ability (Gloaming up to middle distances at any rate) all will agree, but how it was acquired none can tell. If the answer is 'breeding,' then why were their full-blooded relatives not up. to first-class hack standard? No, they were 'wonder horses,' or freaks, and, regretfully, one cannot give thanks to the studmasters for the genesis of these great performers. "That careful breeding will yield a percentage of good racehorses is an irrefutable fact. But even here luck or chance plays a part. Considered by and large the most successful blend in Australia and New Zealand has been the St. Simon —Musket cross, yet none will affirm that it was the result of fixed-planning.

"If breeders were to import young English mares, leaving the sire business to our many good New Zealand horses, we should obtain a much higher percentage of worthwhile racehorses from our young stock. Doubtless the monetary consideration is the bar to such a scheme. A mare, no matter how successful as the dam of firstrate performers, Will produce but one foal per annum, whereas a stallion which begets a few winners will soon render a handsome monetary return for the original outlay."