OWNERSHIP OF TROTTER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 May 1928, Page 9

OWNERSHIP OF TROTTER.

CASE OF THE ABBEY

TRIP FROM NEW PLYMOUTH

NOW ON FARM AT MANGERE

The mystery of .the. disappearance of a trotter from the stables of Me, A. E. Adams-, at New Plymuoth, on Monday evening, has been solved, (says the “New Zealand Herald” of Saturday). The horse was the’ Abbey, a pacing gelding, which has shown considerable promise recently. It was removed under cover of the night, and brought to Mr A. Cameron's farm at Mangere. It is there at present. It is understood that there has been some dispute between Mr. I. Whitebead, of Pukckohe, and Mr. Adams as to the ownership of the horse. The Abbey was bred by Mr. Cameron, by Gold Bell—-The Abbess. All the horses sired by Gold Kell were inclined to be a little too high spirited when young, and at a sale about two and a-halt years ago, Mr. Whitehead brought The Abbey in bis wife’s name for £B. Shortly afterwards, a marc sired by Gold Bel] developed considerably, and Mr. Whitehead thought his purchase might prove valuable when a little old-

er. Ho was not prepared to race the horse himself, and contends he asked Mr. Adams to train the horse and race it under the latter’s name, making provision for a division of the winnings after all expenses had been paid; in short, that a transfer was arranged but only for racing purposes. Mr. Adams holds that the horse was given to him.

Mr. Adams trained the horse and in December The Abbey made bis first appearance at the South Wairarapa meeting. He 'started twice, but was nob placed on either occasion. However, the horse was developing, and at the Manawatu meeting on March 7. he won the Ladies’ Bracelet and Stewards’ Handicap. The Abbey’s next engagements were at Wanganui recently. He was unplaced on the first day. but on the »un rtno Wanganui Stakes. Then came the removal of the gelding from Mr. Adam’s stables, and its trip in a horse box on a motor-lorry to Mangere. where Mr. Cameron states it was placed in his care by Mr. Whitehead.

There was some excitement at Mr. Cameron’s farm on Thursday evening, when a strange’man was discovered on the property, and was located, hiding in a tree, by a farm dog. He informed Mr. W. Brain, manager of the farm, that’ he was Mr. Adams, and that lie had come to take back his horse. The Onehunga police were called, and eventually Mr. Adams was persuaded to let the matter rest for the time being. Thero will probably be an inquiry to establish who is the rightful owner.