CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 299, 16 April 1896, Page 5

CANTERBURY.

Mr Stead’s Sale—Cuirassow (Cuirassier —Albatross) admired—Kulnine in work —Vogengang leaving the race track — Silver Spec sold—New Forest and Golden Fleece coming to the North Island—Selections for S. Canterbury

Mr Stead’s sale was most unsatisfactory, both to the vendor and the public. At the commencement of the proceedings Mr Pynr, the auctioneer, stated that it was almost unnecessary for him to say much about the character of the magnificent collection that he had to offer, as Mr Stead’s stud required no words of his to enhance the quality of the high-class stock to be submitted. He did not intend to “ trot,” or to suggest values; he was entirely in the hands of buyers. The first few lots submitted were brood mares and foals, and Mr Ormond, the well-known Hawke’s Bay sportsman, secured some cheap lots, some of his purchases combining what is now so hard to get in the colony, a mixture of Traducer and Musket blood. As the sale progressed it became evident that anything good would have to be paid for, and as an instance of what transpired several times, I may mention that when the Auckland-bred colt, Uniform, was trotted into

tiie rinn, a bid of lOOjs. was immediately forthcoming. quickly fallowed by 150 g-. ‘ltis no good, gentlemen.” said Mr Pyne, “Mr Stead cannot sell at anything like that price.” “ Well, then, 200g5.” “ No, the price is simply absurd.” Then 250 gs. came like a shot, and then 275g5., but it was no good, and out went Uniform. Naturally, Mr Stead could dot “ throw ” bis stock away, but there was no instruction, so far as I could" see, to allow the animals to be “ dispersed to the four corners of the colony.” It was noticeable, too, that some of those offered, notably Grand Cross, who is unsound, and Osmanie, who has a “ knee,” were allowed to remain in the ring sufficiently long to find new owners. “ Oh, well,” said the auctioneer, “we don’t charge anything to allow you to look at them,” and by the time the last lot was reached —Medallion —one bystander remarked that he thought “it was no use bidding, as it seemed there was no intention to sell.” “ Oh, yes there is,” replied both Mr Stead and the auctioneer; “ but if I,” said the former, “ have to keep any, I might as well keep the lot.” Some of those sold were bargains, but no real good, sound animals, with the exception, perhaps, of Missfire, were sold. Personally, I am pleased the Yaldhurst horses have returned to their old quarters, for it would have been a great loss to the ranks of Canterbury sportsmen had Mr Stead retired. He has kept, the best, and has sold some of the best brood mares ever foaled, and he is just as much entitled to “cull” his stud as was Mr W\ R. Wilson.

The best animal, in my opinion, trotted round the show-ring was the two-year-old Cuirassow (by Cuirassier —Albatros-), and if he does not turn out as good as Merganser 1 shall be surprised. He is, I think, one of the finest animals I have ever seen, not merely in one particular, bnt look at him where you will, the more enthusiastic one

gets. Looking over the young horses that have returned to Yaldliurst, and seeing in what capital condition they have been kept in, and with such material for his trainer to work on, it can be easily understood how Mr Stead wins most of the weight-for-age and classic races. Kulnine is once more at Riccarton, very big, certainly, but he should be about when National time comes round.

The annual meeting of the Christchurch'Hunt Club was held on Monday night, Mr P. Campbell in the chair. The report and balance sheet was read. Last year’s receipts were £712 16s, and expenditure £634 4s 7d, leaving a credit* of £7B 12s 2d.

The appointment of officers was held over [till a future meeting, as also was the question whether two or three farmers’ races should||be inserted in the point-to-point steeplechase. The first meet of the present season willjbejon Saturday next. Mr T. Sheenan informs me that it is unlikely that Vogengang will be trained again. 1 hear Lakeshell may he tried again. He is undoubtedly a brilliant horse, but I do not think he will stand.

Silver Spec has changed hands, and I hear has gone to Marlborough. New Forest has been purchased by a North Island sport, but I did not hear the buyers name. Golden Fleece has also been purchased from Sir G. Clifford, and she will be taken North, and may then cross the Tasman sea. The tracks at Riccarton are being top dressed. Matchwood, by Maxim, is to be added to the “ list.”

The Ashburton Meeting took place last Friday, but the weather was simply beastlv, both saddling paddock and course being inches deep in mud and water. Cannonshot proved how good he is, by carrying top weight, and beating a decent secondclass lot in the Netberby High Weight Handicap, but Warrington who finished second did better later on in the Allenton Handicap, which he won by a head from Miss Orwell. Lord of Misrule appropriated the big race, one mile and a-quarter. He won easily frem Salvo and Prime Warden, the latter being last, and only three started. Poor old Warden seems to have lost all form.

Skirmisher is to be sent to his owner’s place at Oamaru, where he will have some months spell. Nautilus Shell and Colbeck are also to be turned out.

Gillie, the steeplechaser, is improving with every gallop. Mona may be given a spell. I fancy the following for the South Canterbury meeting, on Thursday : — High-weight Handicap: Lord of Misrule or Speculator. Washdyke Welter : Ventura. Autumn Handicap : Culverin or Vandyke. Flying: Warrington or Cannonshot.