STABLE VISITS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 204, 2 October 1914, Page 5

STABLE VISITS.

COLDSTREAM LODGE. THE HOME OF KING COLE. A few days ago, on a beautiful afternoon, I had the pleasure of inspecting the trotting stock at Coldstream Lodge where Mr and Mrs R. *O. Duncan have got together a collection of light harness horses that is probably without compeer in the Dominion. Situated on the Burnside Eoad, Fendalton, Coldstream Lodge is an ideal spot for the rearing and training of trotting stock. Its many paddocks are all well sheltered, with abundance of feed, while the soil is famed throughout Canterbury for its productiveness. In these home paddocks the brood mares and yearlings spend their days in luxury and contentment, always under the constant attention of their owners. Half a mile further out on the Burnside Eoad are the training stables and track, where the horses being got ready to race receive their education at the hands of that past master in the art of preparation, James Conway. Though he has only been in New Zealand little over 12 months, the American mentor has already made good, both in his business and other respects. "A fellow of infinite jest,'' he is ever ready with a story that loses nothing in the telling, while his varied experiences on the racetracks of America are always worth hearing. A better 'man for the position he now holds would be hard to find outside America, and with ordinary luck it will be passing strange if he does not bring a change in the fortunes of the establishment over'which he presides. Unfortunately, most of the older horses under his care are suffering more or less from the effects of past hard usage, and it will take all Conway's skill to again get them fitted to do their best on the racetracks. With the younger stock, however, he has every chance of showing his ability, for more promising material than the juveniles now getting the rudiments of their education no trainer could desire. Associated with Conway is his son James, to say nothing of a grandson, who first saw the light of day at the establishment and already takes interest when the word "hoss" is mentioned. Attached to the stables, which are the last word in comfort and convenience, is a blacksmith's shop, where Conway personally supervises the shoeing of his charges, a business that, like most American trainers, he thoroughly understands. '....'. an Australasian champion. On the occasion of my visit, under the guidance of Mr Duncan, I had the pleasure of renewing • the acquaintance of several that have brought fame to the establishment that shelters them, first and foremost of whom was Krhg Cole. Though he has not as yet done much" work, the handsome son .of Ribbonwood is in great heart to start on the task in front of him. Although he appears to be carrying rather much ''beef,' 'he is not by any means gross,but it will take Conway all his time to have the champion quite at. his. best by the time the great event of the year comes on for decision. King Cole is not too sound in his understandings, and has recently been under veterinary treatment for kidney troubles. Even so, those who are fortunate enough to be present at the Metropolitan Meeting next month will be forced to admit that a better stamp of trotting sire has never graced the Addington track.. Already King Cole has taken high rank as a progenitor of speed, and after contesting the New Cup he will be given further chance of adding to his fame in that direction. The next box was occupied by another young stallion who is no stranger to the local racetracks, Coldstream Bells. This beautifully-bred son of Abbey Bells and Sal Tasker has had a most unfortunate career. As a two-year-old he showed remarkable promise, but went amiss after his first race, and has not since Sported silk. At present, Conway has him in nice robust health, and I shall be greatly surprised if the time and attention that the horse is now receiving do not meet with adequate reward. Coldstream Bells is a particularly fine-bodied chap, >of the lengthy order, and should his mentor be abie to keep him sound there will undoubtedly be a brilliant future in front of GALVANITA AND SOME JUVENILES. That game but unlucky mare Galvanita was discovered in a paddock having her toilet adjusted. At present she looks somewhat in the rough, but nevertheless it would not take a great deal of work to fit her for the fray. She has a nice style of moving, and under her present mentor's tuition should yet do something in accordance with her appearance and high lineage. An unnamed half-sister to King Cole, by Galindo,.who Avas purchased by Mr James Brennan, the West Australian sportsman, last November, bears little resemblance to her illustrious relative. She is a well-put-together filly, rather on the small side,. but showing plenty of quality. She is being educated by Conway, and already shows ability to handle herself. The two-year-old daughter of Rothschild and Jolly Bells gives considerable promise for a juvenile, and, , bred as she is, can hardly fail to earn distinction when her time comes to.race. Even more attractive is the daughter of Marvin Wilkes and Duchess of Rothschild, who will race as Marvinette. She is full of vitality, and my guide informed me that, failing to gain distinction on the trotting tracks, she could certainly hold her own with the best as a high jumper. Marvinette is double-gaited, and her trainer is yet uncertain which gait she will adopt permanently. She is of the lengthy, IoAV-set sort, and gives every promise of developing into something' decidedly above the average. THE PICK OF THE BUNCH. To my thinking, the pick of all the. juveniles under Conway's charge is Vivienne Hope, the two-year-old filly by King Cole, from Vanquish. Bred as she is, one would quite expect her to favour the pacing gait, bat as a matter, of fact she is a natural trotter, and one of the best-actioned for a juvenile that lias ever come under my notice. Though by no means optimistic, her trainer considers her the surest winning proposition that has ever passed through his hands, and there seems every prospect of his high opinion being vindicated. Vivienue Hope has many of her sire's characteristics, especially his powerful shoulders and his beautiful disposition. Though she may not come to hand as quickly as some of her companions, the bonny 'daughter of King Cole can hardly fail to earn high distinction in the ranks of | trotters. j AMERICAN IMPORTATIONS. Apart from his employer's charges, i Conway has three horses of his own in I work, the first, of whom to come under