T. PRITCHARD’S TRAINING STABLES, MASTERTON.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1520, 12 June 1919, Page 16

T. PRITCHARD’S TRAINING STABLES, MASTERTON.

AN UP-TO-DATE ESTABLISHMENT. (From Our Wa.Tarapa Correspondent.) FRIDAY, June 6. Situated within half a mile of the Opaki racecourse and with an area of over 30 acres of rich land, the dwelling and racing stables of the above trainer are as convenient and comfortable as could be desired. There are 10 roomy boxes, besides a feed and gear room, and adjoining are nine small enclosures, which are used as running out paddocks. There is ideal shelter for the horses in the hot weather, while in the winter months the surroundings are high and dry. The writer paid a visit to the stables during the week, and was struck with the care and attention bestowed upon the inmates, and the clean and healthy surroundings. Although it is some time since fortune smiled upon the establishment, it is hoped that with the material now at the disposal of the Opaki mentor he will soon get back to his successes of a couple of seasons ago. There are at present nine horses in the stable, the majority of whom have not yet faced the starter, but it is expected that next season will see some very useful animals racing in the colours of their differ ent owners. Until recently Pritchard trained almost exclusively for Mr. A. Cameron, but now that sportsman has given up racing, outside horses now fill the boxes. H. Pritchard is at present attached to the stable, and the experience of the brothers will ensure the careful handling of horses placed under their care. Th? accommodation for the attendants i; up-to-date in every way. Following

is a list of the horses at present under Pritchard’s charge: Merrie Poto (Maniapoto — Merrie Chimes). —This gelding is now eight years old, and is looking extremely well at present, evidently improving with racing. Built on sturdy lines, it is probable that when his owner returns from the front he will be tried over the small sticks. Merrie Poto has been unfortunate lately, as in the few races he has started in he has not had the best of luck in running, and has finished well up in each race. A good weight carrier, the higher scale of weights now ad justed will suit him. Wakatere (Finland — Hautu). —Mr. Brightwell, owner of Master Boris, which, it will be remembered, paid a sensational dividend at the Wellington Racing Club’s meeting 12 months ago, is the new owner of Wakatere. The son of Finland showed some form at the recent Wairarapa meeting, when not ready. It was the intention of his present owner to jump Wakatere this winter, but it has now been decided to give him a spell for the remainder of the season. He will be taken up again early in the spring, and later on will be given a chance to distinguish himself over hurdles. Mr. Brightwell is very fond of jumpers, and it is expected that next season he will have a couple of useful horses to carrv his colours. Galore (All Black — Orlay). —- At present Galore is running out on the property adjacent to the stables, but is being fed, and early in the spring she will be seen out again with the colours up. She now races in the colours of H. Pritchard. A consistent place-getter is this mare, and now that she has proved a mile is not beyond her it is quite on the cards that a good handicap will come . her way next season. Galore is a well built, sturdy animal, and a quick beginner in her races. Elcullus (Lucullus — Elfreda). — Mr. H. Jensen, who is a new owner in this district, will have his colours carried by this rising four-year-old horse. Elcullus has not been given an opportunity yet of showing his prowess on the turf, and is not to be hurried. Built on a clean pair of legs, it will be surprising if he cannot gallop. It will be well on into the spring before he will be asked to race, and Mr. Jensen, who in Cw'e.ton, has hopes that his entry into the racing game will be of a profitable nature. Wolthea (Wolawa — Dorothea). — This full brother to Damien showed a lot of pace in his two-year-old preparation, but was unfortunately unable to contest his classic engagements owing to receiving an injury to his leg. He is moulded on solid lines, and is now quite sound. As this gelding is only rising three years old it is hoped that he will be seen out in public next season. Mr. A. Cameron, in whose name he was entered for his classic engagements, had great hopes of winning a good weight-for-age event with him, and it was bad luck losing his services just when it appeared a classic race was not beyond him. Running out in the paddock is a half brother to Merrie Poto by Waimangu, the Auckland-bred sire, who claims among his victories the Auckland Cup of 1910, and was brought to the Masterton district some time ago. He has been broken in and ridden, and is the property of Mr. Nicol, owner of Merrie Poto. Well grown and compact, he shows plenty of quality and in appearance holds out more promise than his elder relative. Mr. J. R. Nicol, now resident in the Auckland district, owned Merrie Chimes, dam of this youngster and Merrie Poto. A bay filly by King Mark —Temeraire, purchased at the sale of the late Mr. Rupert Morrison’s stud by Mr. George Foreman, takes the eye as a youngster likely to turn out useful. At present the filly is only rising two years oil. and has not been taken in hand yet The young lady shows a lot of quality, and will be put into work in the spring. She will be given plenty of time, and it will probably be next autumn before Mr. Foreman will ask her to race. A half sister to Wolthea, by Feramorz, is a chestnut filly which has been broken in and ridden. This youngster is rising two years, and is engaged in several classic events next season. Rather on the small side, she is, however, well built up, and possesses a clean pair of logs and a, good head. When put to the test it will be surprising if this filly does not show promise. The last to be inspected was a rising three-year-old by Field Battery,

LATE RACENO, PAGE 31.

having the Gold Reef strain, being a half sister to Awahou’s dam. At present this filly is being worked, but has had no opportunity of testing her speed, but it is thought by her trainer that she will give a good account of herself when asked to step out in earnest.