FINDON IN COMMODIOUS STABLES

Chronicle (Levin), 8 May 1947, Page 6

FINDON IN COMMODIOUS STABLES

(Special — From .L. M. M.)

HASTINGS, This Day.Hastings owns some fine training establishments, but the most up-to-date, with commodious loose-boxes, cemented yards, etc., that I visited yesterday was that owned by trainer Keith Couper, in Oak Avenue. The favourable reports I liad received from visitors to the stables were certainly not exaggerated, as I discovered yesterday. My visit was welcomed by Mr. Couper, who went to no end of trouble to show me over the whole establishment, including the up-to-date jockey quarters and saddle and feed rooms. It was a great pleasure to be shown over such spick and span stables. They are a model of cleanliness — a great credit to Mr. Couper and staff. Findon Looking Well Findon, one of the smartest milers in the country, occupies a spacious box with all the latest in horse comfort. The grey, pride of the stable, was enjoying a meal after 'a work out- when 'Seen yesterday. He looks exceptionally well for racing. He is due to appear at the Woodville meeting on Saturday. Findon will need a few raees before reaching his best. He lacks a good working mate on the track. O.thers in Stable Vakura, a two-year-old by Avakur, who won the youngsters' race at the recent Hawke's Bay meeting, is a smart' juvenile in the stable with a good future. Desert Chant, a grey fllly by Theio from Arab Song, who ran third in the Juvenile event at the recent Levin meeting, is improving with racing. The other member of the stable is a beautiful' filly yearling by Coronach. Shining Ring, who was a smart two-year-old in her day, has since 1 been such a disappointment in her races that Couper has turned her out preparatory to sending her to the stud. What Couper lacks in his stables at the present time are a few smart hacks to work out with Findon, and he would be pleased to hear from owners of smart hacks desiring to place same in his charge. Attached to the stable as first rider is Maurice Billington, late of the South Island. Before going overseas Billington was well to the fore in the south, riding both over hurdles and on the flat. He rides Findon in all his work. *