SPORTSMAN'S DEATH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22231, 4 October 1935, Page 13

SPORTSMAN'S DEATH

MR. H. A. KNIGHT OWNER OF NOTABLE HORSES PROMINENT PASTORALIST [BV TELEGRAPH —PItKSS association] CHRISTCHURCH. Thursday The death occurred this evening of Mr. Henry Arthur Knight, of Racecourse Hill, a prominent pastoralist and racehorse owner. J Mr. Knight opened his career as a breeder and owner of racehorses close on 40 years ago, but although lie won a number of races ho did not figure as an important winner until 15 or 16 years later. The total amount won in stakes since ho first commenced racing is not ascertainable, but it is estimated that since March, 1915, when F. D. .Tones became his trainer, his horses have won close on £76,000. Mr. Knight's first trainer was D. Roberts, and his early winners included Bimetalisl (a sensational dividend payer at Iliccarton in August, 1899), Lapland (won Timaru Cup and third to Frisco and Master Delaval in New Zealand Cup), Tikitere (Timaru and Oamaru Cups, Midsummer Handicap), Mercy (New Zealand Oaks), Murmura (Midsummer Handicap, Oamaru Cup) and Neroli (Dunedin Champagne). When Jones took charge the only horse then in work was Medley, who won the last two races she ran before Roberts handed her over. Madrid was another of the early team, but she ran only two races before being sent to tho stud, her first foal being Malaga, who credited Mr. Knight and Jones with tho Auckland Cup in 1921, then worth £3500, the highest value ever reached in. a New Zealand event. It was the maro Medley, bred by Mr. Knight himself, that really put him on the map of racing. Her stud career laid tho foundation of a wonderful run of success for his colours, not only in New Zealand, but also in Australia. Her first foal was Humboldt to Sunny Lake, and he was a fair performer, but her next productions, Ballymena and Limerick, made turf history. Tho former won over £15,000 iu stakes, and the latter £38,729. Other stake-earners for Mr. Knight included: —Malaga, £5000; Urgency, £1800; Paquito (who ran second in tho Melbourne Cup in 1929), £6000; Zaragosa, £1200; Shatter, £I2OO. Mr. Knight's most important trophies were:—King's Cup at Randwick in 1928, Trentham Gold Cup, Trentham Champion Plate, Awapuni Gold Cup, and Ormond Gold Cup.