RACING

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3344, 17 August 1937, Page 5

RACING

THE “TRELAWNEY” STUD

TWO OUTSTANDING SIRES

With two important stalMons representing the highest class blood lines in England, and vast improvements to buildings and paddocks, Mr L. S. Otway, of “Trelawney" Pukekura, has now one of the most outstanding stud farms in New Zealand. His efforts to improve the racing stock of the Dominion has been recognised by practically every breeder, and he has received patronage from leading stables in both the North and South Islands.

Pride of place at “Trelawney” is held by Foxbridge, who was imported three years ago to replace: the defunct Gay Shield. He is a magnificent black animal standing; over sixteen hands, with great bone and muscle. When Foxbridge arrived three years ago, he was recognised as being one of the bestlooking horses ever imported into New Zealand. He has improved considerably since then, having become fully acclimatised to Southern conditions and there appears little doubt that when his progeny commence racing, the name of Foxbridge will become a byword-of the turf in New Zealand.

While bearing the air of a champion, Foxbridge is very tractable, and when he was being exhibited to visitors during the week-end, he stood immobile when Mr Otway climbed on to his back. Foxbridge in Demand

Foxbridge has already proved himself a sire of attractive stock and there is an increasingly keen demand for his services. Last year Sir Charles Clifford sent two choice-ly-bred mares from Canterbury and; this season he has booked three other mares, including Fracas and Wild Hind, to visit this fine sire. Another southern owner, Mrs Richmond, of Hastings, has arranged to send two mares to Foxbridge, and indications are that the horse’s list* for the season will be full. There are a number of yearlings still at “Trelawney,” arid they resemble their sire in good looks. A. bay filly out of Fantastic, and thus a granddaughter of Persis, was particularly attractive, showing fine aclion when she galloped across the enclosure. A bay colt out of Hyades and thus a half-brother to Ammon Ra appears likely to develop into a? class performer and should be among the top price-getters at the forthcoming yearling sales. A filly half-sister to Gay Blonde, being by Lady Marie, also shows class lines, while one cf the earliest of last season’s foals, a black colt from the Lucullus mare, Auriculus, closely resembles his sire and should make a good stayer.

For the Yearling Sales These four will be sent to the Wellington sale together with a coif by Beau Pere out of Dignified. The latter were purchased as mare with foal at foot at Wanganui. Altogether Foxbridge’s first season was very successful ancL„ many breeders have returned their mares for further service. The first foal by Foxbridge was to Eager Rose* owned by Mr W. Alexander, at Te Awamutu. Again this season,, Mr Alexander secured the first Foxbridge foal, a filly out of Rose Ratour. He was a visitor to “Teelawney” during the week-end and. arranged for a return of his mares. There is plenty of staying blood in Foxbridge, his sire Foxlaw being one of the greatest stayers land for many years, and, being ason Of the great Son-in-law (whose, progeny won over £350,000) he is well recommended. Bridgemouint is a descendant of Pretty Polly, and is the dam of Cresta Run, winner of important races. Practically all the best horses in England are represented in the blood lines of Fox-

bridge. Fine Young Stallion So satisfactory had Foxbridge. proved, that last season Mr Otway added to his stud by. the importation of another fine stallion in Vermeer. He is an attractive sire, a rich chestnut in colour, and only three and a half years old. His development since arrival in New Zealand has been remarkable and be is now almost as handsome as his stablemate, Foxbridge.

Vermeer is about to commence his first season at the stud and his splendid blood lines will ensure him wide patronage. Each year should see him gain in stature, and there are some good, judges who consider that Vermeer will eventually outclass anything in New Zealand. He is a grandson of Gainsborough, whose blood is in great demand, everywhere, while on his dam’s side he has the St. Simon and Martagon blood sufficient recommendation for most breeders. Incidentally Mr Otway was fortunate in securing Vermeer at the time he did, for soon

afterwards Midday Sun won the English Derby, and as that horse is closely related to Vermeer on both sides of the pedigree the “Trelawny” Stud seems to have been lucky to get him.

Well-pastured at “Trelawney” are over twenty brood mares, the majority of them being owned by Mr Otway. Several are in foal to Foxbridge and the remainder, which were acquired during the past season, will be mated with Foxbridge or Vermeer.

Mr Otway has planned his paddocks with much thought, and most of them contain spreading trees which provide valuable shelter from ail kinds of weather. The fences are a special feature on the property, being erected to prevent the animals from injuring themselves. To the normal height of a fence are six strands of plain wire, and set above is a further, three feet of wire net-

ting. Mr Otway states that if a horse cannot get its head over a fence, it will never try to jump it or break through.