THE PRINCE'S HUNTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20229, 13 April 1929, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE PRINCE'S HUNTERS.

" FINEST IN ENGLAND." RECENT DISPERSAL SALE. ROYAL OWNER'S SAD PARTING. The Prince of Wales' much coveted hunters realised at public auction at Leicester a few weoks ago, a total of 3997gn5. Twelve horses were sold, the Prince retaining for sentimental reasons only ono old favourite, "Just an Idea." Through the window of a room above (ho auctioneer's office tho Prince watched the sale. Ho stood, a silent figure, unseen by the thousands of hunting folk around tho sale ring, until Blackbird, the last animal to bo sold, was led away. Passing through cheering crowds in the streets outside tho Prince smiled faintly. It was obvious ho felt keenly parting with the animals. The sale lasted exactly an hour. The top price realised was 700gns., which was paid for Miss MufTit, the Prince's favourite mare. The lowest sum—and thp only salo below three figures—was 52gns., paid for Blackbird, a brown gelding. When Mr. W. C. Harrison, tho auctioneer, stepped 1 into his box, the buzz of conversation that had been going on ceased. There was complete silence as ho announced tho salo of tho Prince's stud, which ho described as "the finest in tho country." There was a sympathetic

cheer -when he remarked how deeply tho Prince felt parting from his horses. _ "We all realise," said Mr. Harrison, "tho deep regret lie must feel by the patriotic sacrifice he is making in giving up his favourite sport—it must go to his very heart." Whether the Prince's absence from the hunting field was permanent they did not know. All we can hope is that next season he will again be able to enjoy liis favourite sport." "Lot I"—a big satin-coatcd bay marewas led into the ring. It was -Miss Mufht-, winner of the Itoval Naval Hunt Cup and the Sea forth Highlanders' regimental race. Bidding started at 400gns. Heads nodded from all parts of the thronged ring, and figures mounted rapidly until 700g'ns. was reached, at which price the fine-looking mare passed into the hands of a new owner—Captain Pelre. Kind Knight, on which tho Prince has won several races, was announced. This horse quickly realised 650gns., tho next best price to that of Miss Muffit. All the other horses sold at prices ranging from 200gns. to 350gns. Two of the horses were purchased bv women owners—Lady Doon by Mrs. Adamson and Blackbird by Mrs. Murray-Smith. Details of tho sale arc:— Gns. Miss Muffit (bought by Captain Petre) 700 Kind Knight. (Mr. John W. Harvie, Liverpool) ■ • • • • • ,• • Go Beeby (Mr. H. Beeby. who sold tho horse originally to tho Prince) . . 360 Hnv's That (Major [Robertson Aikman, Leicestershire) • - dbu Lady Doon (Mrs. Adameon. a member of the Quorn) . . •• ru ** * ao Desomnio (Mr. Emmanuel, Melton Mowbray) ... •• Cark Courtier (Captain De Prett, of the Quorn Hunt) . . . . - • -'0 Cloughlan Lad (Mr. James Seely, Leicestershire) .. •• •• •• ;A'[J Doctor Dan (Lord Aunbuniholnie) . . <>oo Mis? Oris (Major Musker. Derbyshire) 130 Blackbird (Airs. Murray-Smith, Leicestersliire) •• • • 52

Standing by an empty horse-box, over the door of which were the words, "Lady l')oon," a little stableman from the Prince's stud said: "It is a sad day for the Prince—he feels it a very great deal, and wo who have known him so long realise what- a brick he is to do this thing. "1 havo looked after Lady Doon and others of tho Prince's horses for some years, and no one but a horseman can ever know the feelings of the Prince, and, for that matter, of myself, at this parting-"