AUSTRALIAN TOPICS

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 152, 26 December 1945, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN TOPICS

F. E. M CKAY'S TEAM

MR-. W. T. HAZLETT RESUMES

(Special to "The Post.")

MELBOURNE, Dec. 15,

The former New Zealander F. E. ("Finn") McKay, the private trainer in Australia to Mr. W. T. Hazlett, has a large team of horses in work at Caulfield. This trainer won the Australian Cup two years ago with the New Zea-land-bred Tamaroa (Man's Pal —Dazzling Light), who beat a big field in first-class stj'le, and with the lifting of the ban and the resumption of midweek and country racing, he should win good races for his New Zealand patron. McKay trains his extensive string at the large establishment formerly presided over by Yin O'Neill, of Spearfelt fame. When O'Neill decided to train on a much smaller scale a few years ago, Mr. Hazlett purchased "Spearfelt Lodge," and McKay has done an excellent job while racing has been so restricted, by carrying out many minor improvements. The property now comprises 20 loose-boxes and exercise yards, and is adjacent to the Caulfield i racecourse. It is in tip-top order to commence peacetime racing operations on a large scale. Mr. Hazlett has been unable to visit Melbourne for four years and it is interesting to note that McKay, besides training the large number of horses, looks after all of Mr. Hazlett's racing interests, which is a credit to the New Zealand trainer and former jockey. "In fact, when Tamaroa won the Australian Cup, Mr. Hazlett did not know the big event was on," said the unassuming, energetic Maorilander when I paid a visit to his stables this week. DOMINION TAP-ROOT. The 15 horses in vyork at present were bred in Australia by Mr. Hazlett from high-class mares, and they descend from daughters and granddaughters of the famous New Zealand Simper family. One of the most likelylooking of the younger horses is Takitimo, a three-year-old by St. Magnus (the sirs of St. Fairy) from Illuminare, by Chief Ruler—lllume (full-sister to Razzle Dazzle), by Kilbroney—Simper Takitimo is a fine big colt, and like the remainiing young horses has never been seriously tried. Warning Light, by St. Magnus— Laughing Light, by Night Raid—Gladlight, by Paper Money—Simper, and Victory Light, who is by St. Magnus— Hooting Light," by Colonel Cygnes— Lucky Light, by Paper Money—Simper, are other three-year-olds who look the part and have been given every chance. Guarding Light, a three-year-old by St. Magnus—Orange Light, by Colonel Cygnes—Dazzling Light, resembles St. Fairy a good deal and, like the Caulfield Cup winner, may take a bit of time to develop winning form. If looks count for anything these young horses should win good races for their New Zealand connections.

Three two-year-olds have arrived from the Nicholas "Shirley Park Stud," and they will be joined by other youngsters in a few weeks' time. A gelding by St. Magnus from Yilderim, by Night Raid—Razzle Dazzle, is one who, on breeding alone, would appeal to New Zealanders. He looks a natural galloper.

The older horses, with the exception of Tamaroa, are by Manitoba, and they have just resumed work after a long spell. McKay has won races with Manitoto, a half-brother by Manitoba to Takitimo, and this good-tempered horse will eventually take up stud duty in New Zealand. As Manitoba's stock are in great demand in Australia, Manitoto should prove a success at the stud.

Yin O'Neill now prepares his small team at "Evelyn Lodge," where the late Jim Truskett trained the New Zealandbred Ring Boy, Glare, and the Wellesley Stakes winner Watch Officer. Today at Caulfield O'Neill produced Savant, a Lawmaker two-year-old, for the first time, and this very promising colt won most impressively and scored a triumph for O'Neill, who has a great record with first-up successes. Savant cost 1700 guineas as a yearling. Sagamore, one of the sensational Dhoti tribe, is another most promising member of the O'Neill stable. Sagamore's dam. Heroic Line, is by Heroic from the Paper Money mare Dollar Line. Good judges say that the colt is similar in appearance to the great Heroic, and if he's half as good he should win races for the veteran New Zealander. Sagamore cost his owners 1700 guineas and he looks well worth the large outlay. NEW IMPORTATIONS. High Peak, by Hyperion, reputed to be the most expensive horse ever imported to Australia, reached Melbourne this week. High Peak, who started second favourite in this year's English Derby, and finished sixth, is owned by the former inter-State cricketer Mr. N. C. Nitsche, and will eventually go to the stud in Adelaide. If the new importation acclimatises well it is intended to race him in Melbourne, and he has gone into P. B. Quinlan's stables at Mentonc. Blue Moon (by Blue Peter), Angus (by Scottish Union), and Channel Swell (by Fairway) reached here by the same steamer, and will take up stud duty next season. Maurice McCarten, who wins his share of races in Sydney, completed a double today with the aptly-named Wellington (by Le Grand Due). Gold Taj (Nizami—White Gold) had her first success in the second division of the Juvenile Stakes. Gold Taj, who started favourite, is trained by F. Dalton, who also won the first division with the £5000 Ajax colt Tengur.

Ron Cameron's run of success continued at Caulfield today when the improving El Banco won his second race in recent weeks. The three-year-old was well ridden by S. Ralph. Eddystone (Tiderace —Oreum) started at long odds in the Maiden Handicap in Sydney today, and showed good form, being beaten by half a head only. It was a promising effort for his new owner.