TRAINING STABLES.

NZ Truth, Issue 142, 7 March 1908, Page 2

TRAINING STABLES.

MOANA LODGE.

H. Jackson's Team.

On Wednesday last I took a run out to the above trainer's stables to have a look at Ins new boxes and training tracks, • and also the horses that are under his care. The Wanganui jockey-, George Price, very kindly p,laced his pony and trap at my disposal, and after a pleasant drive of- about four miles, Moana Lodge was reached-. Mr Moore's private trainer was very cordial m his welcome, and quickly made me at home. We first of all drove over to the new tracks that 'he had laid down and found them m excellent order, and Jackson must be accounted very fortunate m having such a perfect track to himself. The grass gallop is. of sandy soil, and consequently it will not be bad, m winter time. It is seven furlongs round and is splendidly shaped. Inside is a plough gallop of about six furlongs, 'fhere are six stripping boxes provided, and . on top is a lookout where Jackson can watch a gallop during its whole course. At the lodge are some seven unusually big boxes with

moveable ventillators on each side of the building, so that they can be -Iteft open or shut according to the weather. The H/aut Brion — Rufine horse FonVnoy was the first to be stripped. He is very big and it will take a lonig time, to fine him down. Hje is now perfectly • sound again and is being hacked about the roads prior to being put into strong work. Signor, by Pilgrim's Progress from Mam)ie 'Rosette, represented the stable m the ■ Wanganui Cup. He is a powerfully-built horse, but only a pony, and will only be good under light weights. He shows a lot of muscle and has apparently done a lot of work . He isi bred well enoiißh to win anything, and: already has one Cup to his credit, viz., the Foxton Cup, which he won on January 22nd. l The aged mare Armistice* by, M>ahaki from Meline', has not been too well of *]-i te, and her trainer decided not to ait her on Thursday. She has done a goodis-h bit of work and did it well, but has been .off the tracks for a week/ If she is all right she may be started m the Stakes to-day. The Thompson Handicap winner, Htelen Portland, by l)orchester from Lady Helen-, did not impress me with her looks prior to the meeting. She was getting throur' some good work; on the tracks, anr! lier trainer decided to reserve' for the Jackson-. Stakes ; ' to-day . ' was 'm : the Flying on Thursday/v but her- owner, ;• Mr G. F-. Mid'ore, \v6uid ratlier win one classical..' oraoe than ten handicaps. The 'bay mare Carissima 'by San Fran . from Melinite is a very even temper-" ed beast, and allowed me to ' handle, her all over. Her head and neck arc nothing .to enthuse over, but she has a fine big barrel and a beautiful set of legs. She is very big when you get behind her, and I would venture a tip that she will be very useful when the hurdles get put up m front of her. Guiding Step,! by Stepniak from GUiiding Star, is a great Uiig black colt, and anyone who has not seen him since the spring would not recognise him 1 , so fast is he growr ing. "This was the catise of him beirig put out of commission m November, last. He will ■ commence i wor?<: again m tKe autumn. " :