TRAINING STABLES.

NZ Truth, Issue 58, 28 July 1906, Page 2

TRAINING STABLES.

An Inspection of W. Davies' Team.

. A Pleasant Outing. I

Takihg advantage of the fine wea-' ther early in the week I paid a visit to the training establishment of Mr W. Davies,, at the Lower Hutt. The latter met me at the end of the trafn journey and the twenty minutes drive past the greenfields and hedges was in striking contrast to the dull half hour in the train. The home of so many thoroughbreds is an admirably sheltered spot, situate directly opposite the harbor entrance, at the foot of the Wainui-o-mata Hill. At this time cf the year the latter is covered with beautiful clumps of golden goirse, pleasing alike to sight, and smellVisit- this place in fine weather, in-

hale the fresh air, observe the view, and the general trim appearance of the place and one is forced to. '-be conclusion that the genial trainer : is a judge of good land as well as horseflesh. Considering the .adverse weather conditions of the past few weeks the place was in perfect pirder. Before going the rounds of the horses we adjourned inside, where the 'good Mrs Davies had prepared afternoon tea. The hot scones and tea were so. palatable that I. was loth to leave them, but business must be attended to so *we turned to the horses. Before inspecting the boxes we "Strolled round the paddocks and the : first animal we came across was the Hotchkiss horse General Average, who was running in one of the small paddocks. He has not raced since being put under Davies' care .and consequently presents a pretty big appearance. I was informed by. my 'guide that his owner intends giving up. racing and that the horse is in the mar'ket. He should find a 'buyer cguicklv. as he is the right cut of a sire and his' breeding is above- the drdinarv. In the next run was Ohewav the half brother ' ; tb ■' Explosion, and this ' beau-; tiful bay looked big arid lusty and in splendid condition to' take' -up stud duties. Last season he was put to the stud and served sixty mares and vproved himself a sure ' foal-getter. Old Kohunui next met our -eye, and he looked really well in the coat for a -paddock trained horse. Then I was conducted round the boxes and the old favorite Ballara-t was the first to be interviewed. I do not remember ever seeing this beautiful mare looking better and the thought struck me that ■, her great quarters were bigger than ever and her handsome neck was just lik^'ja stallion's. She is on the retired list at present, being allowed the run of the paddock by day and is stabled at night. It is her trainer's intention to put -her into commission next month and prq'bably we shall see her with the colors up at the Wanganui Autumn meeting. A recent arrival in Hillsong, by Hillstone out of Sing Song, :Was the next in order. This is a three-year-old, .chestnut gelding, owned byvJMEr .Qheeseman, the Petone boniface.,!- He is a trifle on -the small side, but otherwise, seems right. He has just. -been taken up and so far has not been asked to v do anything but slow work. That good horse Melwood looked as flash as ever and his owner informed me that he would be tried again next month. It is now three years . since ?the Hotehkiss : horse has started in a race and it is to be hoped that this season he will be able to show his best form. He cariries himself in a jaunty manner, but is as quiet as a lamb and allowed us to make a thorough inspection of .him. After his racing days are over he will make a good sire, if looks go for anything. Messrs Baxter Bros', three-year-old gelding, by Amphion, has grown out of all knowledge. He stands fully seventeen hands and is nicely shaped. Given plenty of time he should turn out very useful. For the first time since he has raced I had a thorough good look at Armamento, and the sOn of Lord Roslyn shows a lot of quality and is a really good stamp of a horse. Unlike most stallions he has 'a' very clean shoulder and is in no way lumbersome. It may be judged that his owner has a very high opinion of. him as lie gave 450 of the. best and brightest.- for him to the Hon. -wGeo.

McLean, who bred the colt. Our host had not, at the time of my visit) made up his mind as to whether or not he would take him to Riccarton forv.the Winter Cup, as he was not. sure that his colt could get a mile in good company ; but in the opinion of the writer he would beat a very large number of the field engaged in that race. The Stepniafc— Leda colt 'bore a well-trained appearance. He has a good clean head and shows more muscle than Armamento\' He is a very lengthy colt and his Owner 'thinks'''he ; is still growing. The bestv position to view Landwern is from behind, where one can admire his splendid 'quarters. His legs are as clean as could be wished for, but in the past he has suffered; slightly from shin soreness. The yearlings were then seen and I was greatly taken with the Pilgrim's Progress— Leda colt. He is a fine, big brown colt, splendidly formed, and quality everywhere plainly showing on him. He is ,to be handled next week and his owner expects great things of him, and judging by his present appearance he should, not be disappointed. A bay bolt- by MerrigjjiLlngiand— Matipo has a rvery big^ forehead for a yearling and an unu;sually}tbig- r barrel. He is, perhaps, built aiitrifle light, but will no doubt improve, with age. The two brown mares Wish and St. Winifred have grown into comely matrons and their owner is at present thinking out a suitable mate .for them. Grand Circle, by Gipsy Grand-^Coronal, who was gelded a few months back, has again joined the. active brigade. He has thickened out a good deal and his loins, ! qiiarters and arms are much improve^. He should' show more form next season' to that exhibited by him this yekr. This concluded my rounds and on complimenting Davies on the splendid manners of the whole team, he assured, me that" he takes great troubl^f to knock temper out of any of his h'otses. ! "I do not like a. vicious horse, 'r he said; "and I always try to be gentle but firm with them." An enquiry after Alexieff, the Stepniak—Wish colt, elicited the information that he had been gelded recently and hadnotfyet returned to his owner's place. After speridirig another hour listening to reminiscences of bygone days I took leave of my. host and wended my way homewards after having spent a most enjoyable afternoon., ," . ■> . •