“MOUTOA LODGE.”

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1489, 7 November 1918, Page 16

“MOUTOA LODGE.”

THE HOME OF MANY NOTABLE WINNERS. MR. F. S. EASTON’S RACING ESTABLISHMENT AT FOXTON. During a run through the Manawatu last week a “Review” representative made a call at the Moutoa Estate, near Foxton, the cosy homestead of Mr. F. S. Easton, who has been prominently before the racing public for a number of years. Mr. Easton is known as the owner of the champion steeplechaser, Master Strowan, who at the time of our representative’s visit was seen feeding in company with a large number of purebred Shorthorn cattle in one of the many fattening paddocks on the Moutoa Estate. The champion looked in splendid fettle, and appeared to be enjoying his spell from activity which his owner does not begrude him. Proceeding to an adjoining paddock the writer beheld Lady Moutoa, who won the Hawke’s Bay Cup in 1913. the Foxton Cup and many other important races, with a splendid filly foal by All Red running with her. The youngster is a real beauty, and being nicely framed and coming from such a capital galloping strain she should certainly acquit herself with distinction when- called upon to make her debut in the racing world.

Leaving by motor car from Mr. Easton’s homestead, a halt was made at “Moutoa Lodge,” where the various horses in training are quartered under D. McCauley’s guidance. The many loose-boxes, feed, harness and other rooms were all a model of cleanliness, bearing testimony to the thoroughness with which McCauley attends to all the details connected with the place. The first equine to be led out for inspection was Master Moutoa, who looked big and lusty after a sojourn in one of the best bullock paddocks on the estate. The gelding has filled out considerably since hei last raced, it being clearly apparent that a wellearned rest has proved very beneficial. The son of Sarto —Branda can be depended upon to carry the sky-blue and black hoops to advantage during the present season.

Gang Awa’, carrying some condition and looking very fit, has just been placed into training. The black fellow, who was considered unlucky on several occasions last season, should do better during the present season. A three-year-old filly by Advance from Cecile, the latter being remembered as the dam of Lady Moutoa, gave the writer the impression of turning out a top-notcher. She is built on solid lines, with a capital set of legs, and should undoubtedly take a prominent part in racing matters in the near future. A rare cut of a jumper in a three-year-old gelding by Gold Crest from Branda was the next to come under review. This gelding, which is a dark bay in colour, is very solidly put together, and already has demonstrated his ability to jump. Mr. Easton does not place much faith in the Gold Crest breed, but the one under notice is expected to prove an exception to the general rule. An adjoining box was occupied by a promising type of a steeplechaser in a five-year-old gelding by Gold Crest from a Sou’-wester mare, who is unmistakeably the makings of a typical cross-country performer. This intended bearer of Mr. Easton’s colours should certainly make his presence felt when the time arrives for him to carry silk. ’He is, as a matter o’ fact, one of the best-tempered horses that Mr. Easton has ever had through his hands. A number of other horses owned by Mr. Easton, namely, Moutoa Queen, Moutoa Camp, Moutoa Ivanova, ami Amythas, are being trained by F. Tilley at Fordell. The Foxton team is certainly being well tended, and with ordinary luck McCauley should be leading in a few winners during the present season. Mr. Easton occupies a prominent position among the leading owners in New Zealand, his straightgoing qualities having gained him wide popularity with the racing public. He clearly recognises that the sport is mainly dependent upon the measure of support accorded it by the public, whose interests must receive due consideration. He is most anxious that the public shall suffer no injustice as the result of the running of his horses, and anybody who knows the Moutoa sportsman’s integrity and honesty in these matters will appreciate his determination to give the rac-

ing public of New Zealand a good and honest fun for their money whenever his horses are concerned.

Mr. Easton won over £3OOO in stakes last season, and it is safe to prophesy that at the end of the present racing period he will again be found occupying a prominent position amongst winning owners.