A VISIT TO CAMBRIA PARK.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 877, 27 December 1906, Page 8

A VISIT TO CAMBRIA PARK.

Auckland has been treated this year to such an exceptionally fine spring, that it would have been very bad luck to pick a rainy day for a trip into the country at any time since our July ended. The day selected for my inspection of the Cambria Park yearlings was an ideal summer’s day —clear and sunny, with a delightful breeze. The farms which we passed bore evidence of what appears to a townsman’s eyes, as the lazy industry of hay harvest. The fresh, clear day, with an atmosphere bearing the sweet scent of hay, a nice mover between the shafts and a good yarn to listen to, made the drive thoroughly enjoyable.

On arriving at Mr. Price’s pretty property we have just one refresher, and then stroll down to the boxes reserved for the yearlings. The trim, orderly manner in which the yards and boxes are kept reflects the greatest credit upon the stud groom in charge, and as our inspection extends it is evident his ability is something better than neatness, the condition of the yearlings, stallions, mares . and foals being all that could be desired. The first youngster to come under notice was a smart bay filly by Bluejacket from Victoria, rather on the small side, but lengthy and very racy looking. She should earn an early return. Her dam, Victoria, was a brilliant mare, and perhaps her best journey was a m’le, but she could also

stay, as she twice made a bold bid for the Auckland Cup. She also threw several winners, including Adelaide, Planet and Kiatere.

The colt by Eton from Peace is of nice medium size, standing over plenty of ground, with a set of legs like steel, a nice level back, with a good fore-end and substantial quarters. He is a racy gentleman from whatever position you view him. His dam, Peace, is a rare-bred young mare of the No. 2 family, possessing no less than four crosses of Stockwell blood and one of stout old Fisherman. A big. raking filly, I am informed, is the daughter of Hotchkiss and Cressy. a whole bay without a blemish. and possessing a perfect temper. The sister of that good but unlucky horse General Average is bound to receive notice at the hands of buyers. A. bay gelding of nice size, with good bone and feet, is a near relative to that good horse Landlock, being by Flintlock by Loch Ness, from Dreamland (dam of Landlock). A good, useful sort, he is sure to pay his way. The colt by Seaton Delaval from Harpist is a chestnut with a near hind white sock, and is an exceptionally well-grown handsome colt, showing great substance and quality. Harpist has a very attractive pedigree, being by Hotchkiss (son of iMusket and sire of Multiform and many great performers) from Lyrelinus, a half-sister to Lyrebird, the dam of many winners, including Renown, a great performer and the best three-year-old of his year. This colt is as sound as a rush and w’thout a blemish.

Tournament's filly by Eton is a bay and a first foal, low set and very powerfully built, with great bone and clean, sound joints, standing over a lot of ground. She is a very attractive young lady, and her breeding quite justifies her appearance. Her dam is a grand-daughter of Malua (Melbourne Cup winner and sire of many good horses) and Norna (dam of the Melbourne Cup winner Darriwell. ~ , A great raking dark brown colt by Soult from Sprite by Dreadnought from Elflock, by Nordenfeldt from Elfin. by Musket from Sylvia (dam of Goldsbro’ and Martini-Henry), by Fisherman, is a very fine colt, and should make a racehorse, and with such a rare pedigree should afterwards be very valuable as a sire. A brown colt by Menschikoff from St. Mary by St. Leger from Weasel by Anteros, is a youngster of medium size, a nice-tempered colt and free from blemish. The stallions Obligado and Eton were running out, and bore evidence of robust health.

The mares and foals were all looking very healthy and in great condition. Amongst the youngsters were a sister to Annette, a half-brother to Cadence, a half-brother to Landlock, a half-sister to Lock and Cygnet, a fine colt by Soult —Crecy, and another by Soult —Sprite, which especially commended themselves to my notice.

Mr. Price informs me that 27 mares belonging to the stud were stinted this season to Obligado, Eton and Soult.

The sale of the yearlings will take place on January 3 at two p.m. at Cambria Park.