GLADSOME IN AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1678, 27 April 1904, Page 55

GLADSOME IN AUSTRALIA

THE TRAINER INTERVIEWED. Mr J. W. Taggart, trainer of Gladsome. and H. Donovan, who rodie the. Seaton Delaval make at Randwick, returned by the Wammoo on the 20th. Mr Taggart brought back the yearling purchased by Sir George Clifford and Mr L. do Peliohet at the Randwick yearling sales, also the Medallion—T’a-ta gelding Oblivion, which he purchased’ on behalf of Mr P. Herman, of Christchurch. Questioned as to Gladsome':? Randwick running, Mr Taggart informed a. representative of the ‘Mail’ 3 that he does not agree with the Sydney scribes who adversely criticised H. Donovan for the New Zealand mare’s defeat in the Autumn Stakes. Mr Taggart does not think there are many horsemen in this colony the equal of “ Bobby ” Lewis, who rode Sweet Nell in the Autumn Stakes, and thinks lie is a second Walter Clifford, It was the heavy going, the trainer of Gladsome considers, that brought about the mare’s defeat. He instances one bad race she ran in New Zealand, viz., the Ranfurly Handicap at Riccarton in "the spring, when rain fell over-night. At the Hutt, where she put up two cf her bast performance-, the track was very solid. Contest, the favourite for the Doncaster Handicap, was unlucky to lose the race. Had the going kept solid, Mr Taggart thinks he mulst have won. In the All-Aged Stakes Gladsome was quickest out of the barrier, but Ibex was rushed to . the front, and at the end of, three furlongs was some lengths in front. Before half the distance was covered Gladsome had the race in hand, and finished about three lengths in front of Sir Leonard, with Emir about twelve lengths away. Mr Reid did not intend to start Gladsome in the All-Aged Stakes, but agreed to the trainer’s request by cable to race her in that event. In the A.3.C. Plate Lord Cardigan and Belah mado the pace a cracker from the start. The first mile and three furlongs was run in 2min 23seo, which time compares favourably with the handicap* event at the meeting. Donovan rode a. splendid race. Gladsome was kept in a handy position, moved up at the back, and half a mile from home was close up to the other pair. Coming into the straight Donovan found Gladsome was beaten, and showed judgment by easing the mar© up when he found she had no chance of vanning. Bel all’s jockey, on the other hand, rode the Havoc eolt out to the bitter end. Gladsome was considered to be well sold at 1400 guineas, the price. Mi' Sol Green paid for her. ’ Charlie Rudings. the ex-New Zealander, who used to train and ride for Mr Stead, took delivery of the mare, who will probably go into McNamara's stable at Flemington. The steeplechase horses seen out at Randwick were a very poor lot,. The hurdlers were of moderate class compared with some of the horses in this colony. The handicap horses aa'e useful, but mostly sprinter©. The trainers generally are a good class of men, and very obliging to visitors. T Pay ten, like R. J. Mateon in this colony, is at the top of the tree with two-year-olds. The jockeys' get plenty of practice, there being a great amount of racing, and they are consequently in good condition and able to do their mounts justice. Several ex-New Zealanders in Sydney ire doing well. Mr J. J. Smith, formerly of Wellington, takes a great interest in racing also trot-ti' g. The latter sport lias been greatly improved since Mr R. C. Hungerford, formerly of Greymouth, took charge of affairs. T. Price, of the Christchurch trotting family of same name, has two sons who are riding with great success at- ther Sydney pony meetings. During Mr Taggart’s stay in Sydney the pair won about twenty races between tlretrru