Widden Stud

1904

9 March 1904
Round About Widden.
BY MILROY.
Few parts possess a more interesting horse history than the wide stretch of country that lies between Scone on the Northern line and Rylstone on the Western, and is bounded further by a line drawn north and south from Dubbo to Gunnedah. The claims of the west as a breeding ground for horses and sheep cannot be disputed, but it is chiefly by their love for the horse and their loyalty to the thoroughbred that the westerners are the best known. Very shortly after the once-thought-impassable Blue Mountains were pierced, and the rich plains and ridges beyond were discovered, the horse was introduced to those parts, and in that country he has thriven beyond measure. Western settlers were obliged to breed from the very best material that they could obtain, as the long journeys to civilisation over great, rough mountains required horses of stamina, therefore none but the thoroughbred or the Arab were of the least use, and invariably they crossed the thoroughbred on the Arab to obtain the article they needed. As time rolled on the railways made many pastoralists independent of the horse as a means of conveyance between the west and the ports, and unfortunately many of them neglected to keep the station hack up to the standard of 40 years ago; but to those settlers that live a distance from the railroads it is still necessary to breed a good animal to carry or draw them to the iron road. To breed the proper kind of horse for this work, 19 out of 20 pastoralists use thoroughbred stallions, and in spite of all that has been said and written to the contrary during and since the South African war, many can show horses of today as good as anything their predecessors bred either for looks or stamina. The dwellers between the Western and Northern lines, have yet long journeys to make, and at most stations there are horses capable of carrying a man or drawing a buggy from 80 to 100 miles between sun and sun, and they can do it every day in the week. Mr. E. R. White, of Merton, who is almost alongside of the railway, drives and rides the best of cattle. A brown horse by Albatross and a brown mare by Butter, which he re serves for his own use, are as fine a pair of saddle horses as could be found from the Gulf to Adelaide, and a pair of bays which conveyed us from Merton to Sandy Hollow on our way to Widden were a couple of the real old sort, that knocked the 12 miles behind in an incredibly short space of time, and could go on all day. At Sandy Hollow, Mr. Alfred Thompson picked us up with a pair that can be relied upon up to 100 miles in a day if pinched. One, I know, is by Cleveden (brother to Chester); the name of the other horse's sire I have forgotten. The pair ran us over the 27 miles between Sandy Hollow Bridge and Widden, the last 10 a very rough road, in 3 hours, which is nearly up to the Manilla railway rate of speed. We crossed the Goulburn River at Sandy Hollow bridge into the Baer ami estate, which appears to be very good country and we followed the river for a greater part of our journey. After leaving Baerami post-office, hills and mountains abound on both sides of the valley we travelled through, and they recalled some of Mr. "Banjo" Paterson's descriptions of rough South Africa. After crossing the Goulburn, Mount Dangar appears. This is one of the landmarks of the district, of which more anon. For some distance the road is cut out of the side of mountain spurs that dip almost straight into the Goulburn, the scenery hereabout is picturesque. The great hills on one side, with immense boulders frowning over, apparently ready to drop and crush trespassers, and the aggressive Goulburn in full sight, running at the foot of the steep hills. We leave the Goul burn at Belmont and make for Widden Creek, which we cross on Mr. Tindal's run, 10 miles from Widden homestead. The Tindals breed purebred shorthorns, many of which we encountered at the crossing enjoying a drink and rest. The owner, Mr. W. Tindal, is brother to the late Tom Tindal, who was very well known in his day among sportsmen as a breeder. At Bylong he bred Myrtle, granddam of Marvel, dam of Cerise and Blue, who won the Sydney Cup and a fortune for Mr. Oxen ham, as well as Colleen, the granddam of Survivor and Reviver, and many others whom I cannot recall. Mr. Tindal owned the imported Blair Athol colt Duke of Athol, stolen by "Midnight’s" gang and taken west, but of him more later on.
Widden Creek drains a narrow strip of deep, rich country, which is securely fenced east and west by gigantic and almost inaccessible hills. Near Widden proper the strip is at its widest, and west of Widden house there is a big angle, which leads into the direction of Nulla Mountain, the hill that frowns over all. Since I was last at Widden, Messrs. John and William Thompson have cleared their property of all timber except apple trees on the flats, and oaks and willows on the creek. The Widden property is bounded on the south by a thousand acres belonging to Mr. Joseph Thompson; then comes Oakleigh, the property of Mr. James Thompson, and a few miles further on we came to the boundary of Holbrook, a nice run belonging to Mr. Tom Harris, with a 14-mile frontage on both tides to Widden Creek, as well as a part of Blackwater Creek, which junctions with the Widden watercourse in front of Holbrook House around about which rich black lucerne and maize bearing flats abound. Mr. Tom Harris was born here over 40 years ago. He remembers this flat when, to use his own expression, the timber on it was too thick for a dog to bark in. Widden Valley answers to the description of Rolfe Boldrewood's Terrible Hollow in "Robbery Under Arms." In the book it will be remembered that the Terrible Hollow wherein "Starlight" and the Marston's planted stolen stock, is overlooked by Nulla Mountain, but the Widden settlers declare that Heffernan's Hole, west of Widden, is Boldrewood's Terrible Hollow. During the bush ranging era the better part of Widden was owned by Mr. John Lee and Tom Tindal, while Hefferrnan's Hole was known only to a select few and the select few, it is said, were crooks, cattle duffers, and) "bush telegraphs." The road to Widden from Muswellbrook is good until the last 10 miles is entered upon. The last part I regarded as particularly rough, but compared with the road from Rylstone to Widden it is smoothness itself. Vehicular traffic on the Rylstone road is out of the question. The last part of it is over mountain tops, and before the land of milk and honey is reached three miles must be travelled up a steep, rocky gully, then through the bed of a boulder-strewn creek, after which a steep spur of Nulla Mountain must be climbed before you drop sheer into the rich grasslands below, where the settlers breed blood horses, the best of saddle-hacks, and fatten bullocks galore.
Among the mares running at Widden are several that came up from the coast to visit Malster late in the spring. It will be remembered that Messrs. Thompson did not purchase Malster until the beginning of September, and the horse did not begin work until October. When these mares arrived they were in very low condition, and had not shed their winter coats, small tufts of which still cling to one or two of them, but they are all as fat as prize hogs now, and look like thoroughbred mares. When they came there they would have easily passed for brumbies. La France came all the way from her Victorian training stable to visit Malster, and when she arrived she was as poor as corkwood, and Mr. Thompson wrote to Mr. George Woodforde, and advised him not to put her to the horse this season. The owner assenting, La France was left over until next season. She is now as fat as butter, and is a handsome, black-pointed, low-set bay mare, by Carnage from the Newmarket Handicap winner Wild Rose, one of the Flora McIvor tribe, Malster had a lengthy list of mares last season. He had the pick of the Widden harem, and was patronised well by the public. Among his visitors were La Carabine and Gaillardia; the latter is by Trenton from Grand Flaneur's sister, Paresseuse. Gaillardia is the property of Mr. George Woodforde, and is suckling a most beautiful filly, by Harmonist. Loch Lava, another visitor by Lochiel from Lava, by Chester is a beautiful chestnut mare, with no end of quality from stem to stern, and her stud mate, Lovelock, is rearing a splendid brother to Bruntwood. Lovelock is by Lochiel from the Queensland celebrity My Love, by Yattendon. Secuela, a half-sister, by Gossoon, to Suivre, is a massive mare of great style and quality, and her dam Sequel, by Chester from The Alpaca, by Kingston, is one of the show mares of the stud. She is a black-brown, bred by the late James White, in 1886, but she carries her 18 years lightly, and is doing a white-faced Grafton colt well. Sequel and her daughter are both judged to be in foal to Malster, and Mr. John Thompson is looking forward to great results from the pair. Chutney, the dam of Mangosteen, by Gossoon from Canella, a sister to Abercorn, lost her foal last season, but is now in foal to Malster, as is Patron's sister, Patrona, who runs mates with Chutney, and has grown into a beautiful brood mare. Patrona lost a beautiful foal early in the season.
Up Widden Creek Mr. T. A. Harris has a very snug home, built under a flat-faced perpendicular mountain, which near the metropolis, where the traffic is thick, would be worth its weight in gold as an advertising medium for somebody's soap or whisky. Mountains frown all round the Harris homestead, and though they appear grand and attractive at first sight constant contemplation of them palls upon one until we begin to think mountains are a nuisance, and are only useful for affording climbing cranks an opportunity of killing or maiming themselves. "Tis the black flats wedged in between the hills and the stock that batten thereon that interest me most; but I must not forget the fruit grown on the Holbrook flats. Except that which we got at Terragone and Turee, I have not tasted such fruit since I was a boy. To a healthy youth all fruit is sweet, even if it is sour. If the fierce-looking, frowning, military-moustached Sydney retailer, who, behind his piles of fruit, always looks as if he had just hurried but of a stage bandit's clothes' and has not duly "washed off," sold such luscious fruit as grows in the Widden Valley the probabilities are that more fruit would be eaten and less whisky consumed in the city than at present. Mr. Harris has a large paddock of standing maize, which looks like yielding a big crop, though there was no rain in the valley for a month before my visit. Except where it was irrigated, all the corn I saw in my travels was past all aid. The horses and bullocks at Holbrook, too, are in grand buckle. Mr. Harris, in conjunction with his old friend, Mr. James Readford, of Ilford, breeds a few thoroughbreds and saddle horses. The latter are of the best description, with plenty of blood in their veins, and anyone of them can do the rough 45 miles to Rylstone with less effort than it takes the average putty-hearted though grand-looking English Hackney to do a turn of Centennial Park.
From this little stud we have had Holbrook, Redeemed, Zibelinej Kinglock, Kensington, Loch Lanthe, and other winners whom for the moment I cannot recall. Mr. Harris is a contributor to this year's yearling list. The two yearlings I saw are by Holbrook, who takes his name from the place of his birth, and is now reigning stallion there. The Holbrook yearlings are out of Cleopatra and Corra Lynne respectively. Holbrook is by Lochiel from Hussy, by Yattendon, and belongs to the same family as The Barb, Barbarian, etc. Corra Lyne is by Kingsbrough from a mare by that stout English sire Lord of Linne. Her youngster is a bay gelding that throws to the Kingston branch of the house. He has a light, clean head, neck, and shoulders, and steel-like legs that will stand plenty of wear and tear. The Cleopatra colt is a white-faced chestnut, a regular Blair Athol in style, well-knit, and is as hard as iron, with a splendid set of timber well under him, with a deep, narrow chest and light oblique shoulders - altogether an attractive colt, a well-reared and a well-bred one. His dam is a black Tocal-bred mare, who has thrown a winner in Malaga. She is by Goldsbrough from the Maribyrnong Plate winner Habena (9), by Yattendon from Atholine (imp.), by Blair Athol.
To Atholine trace Blairgowrie, Geraldine, Gerard, Goodfellow, Narina (Maribyrnong Plate), and other notable horses. Atholine being by Blair Athol from Habena, by Birdcatcher from Bridle, by The Saddler, had a close double cross of Birdcatcher, and was inbred to Whalebone. Her dam, Habena, was a top-notch performer in England in her day. She won the Bretby Stakes, Column Stakes, One Thousand Guineas, and the Newmarket St. Leger. Cleo patra is a very shapely black mare; her foal this season is a big black filly by Holbrook. Cleopatra runs in company with our old friend Confidence, also a black mare (by Pardonyx), with whom Kelso won some nice races a few years ago. Clothilde, by The Friar from Flirtation, by Yattendon, is rearing a fine Grafton colt; and Clarionette is a neat, motherly dame, one of the old Readford breed, by Chester's brother Clieveden from Roulette, by Cheddar from Tibby, by Barbarian from Vanity, by Kingston. She has a big Grafton filly at her side; and that beautiful old Kingsbrough mare Lady's Luck, the dam of Stoddart, Heyday, and Scallywag, is another of the Readford winner-producing tribe that is caring for a good Ruenalf foal. In the paddock we saw a sturdy two-year-old brother to Loch Lanthe, and a handsome two-year-old sister to Kinglock, whom she favours in style. She is reserved for the stud, and should be a valuable brood mare when her time comes. Messrs. Harris and Readford have a jet black brother to Kinglock and Kensington catalogued; he was over at Mr. Readford's place on the Rylstone line, and I did not see him, but I was told he is quite up to his brothers for size, style, and quality.
The Widden air and grass have agreed wonderfully with Egale, a beautiful chestnut Tocal-bred mare, by Goldsbrough from Equation (1), by Grand Flaneur. She has a fine big chestnut colt, by Grafton, at her side, and visited that sire again last season. Graft's dam, La Vivandiere, by Marvellous, is a sturdy, short-legged bay mare, with a lengthy Dorchester filly at milk; and Connundrum, a sister to The Riddle, by Martini Henry from Enigma (1), by Chester, is a good sort of dapple brown mare, rearing a racing-like Grafton filly. Messrs. Thompson yearly set aside a few fillies to keep for stud mares. Among those they reserved in previous years are Suivre, Francesca, Lovelawn, Sentrona, Lady Mary, Graft, and Mangosteen, all of whom are leased for racing. Running among the mares now are two sisters, a yearling and a two-year-old, that have been held back for this purpose. They are by Lochiel from Hamamelis, by Grandmaster from Hazeley Lea (11), a mare selected in England for the late Hon. John Eales, of Duckenfield, by Bruce Lowe. A yearling filly by Grafton from Miss Melos, by Melos from Hirondelle, by Lochiel, is also reserved. She is the property of Mr. Alfred Thompson, son of John of that ilk. A brown yearling sister to Mangos teen might have gone up for sale this season, but when rolling in her paddock she became fast in some dead timber, and remained so for two days, hidden by the long grass that sprang up so rapidly after the drought broke. When found she was a good deal scarred and knocked about, and Mr. Thompson had much trouble with her, but she is now looking well again, and is to be kept for the stud.
Two very old friends in Crossfire, by Goldsbrough, and Gymkhana, by Emulation, are very firm paddock mates, and both are fine examples of the thoroughbred. When I was last at Widden each was represented by a yearling sired by Projectile. The Gymkhana yearling was Ballyrogan, who won for J. E. Brewer in Melbourne, and Crossfire's son is Long Tom, who has so worthily upheld his mother's reputation. Neither has a foal this season, but Crossfire is represented by the crack yearling in the stud, a colt by Lochiel. Goldsbrough's blood also courses in the veins of the best foal at Widden, a bay colt by Grafton from the Tocal-bred mare Gavotte (3), by Splendor from Minuet, a sister to Melos, by Goldsbrough. In a small hundred acre paddock over the creek Mr. Thompson is grazing about 40 dry mares in order to keep the fat down, but so far he has not succeeded, as all are very prime. Lady Mary, who only recently left Fielder's stables to take up her duties at the stud, is as fat as pork, as are several of Mr. R. C. Allen's mares that visited Dorchester last season, and the same may be said of Sentrona and Lovelawn. The latter was recently an inmate of McGrath's stable. Red Gauntlet's dam, Russet, and Hirondelie figure among the dry mares. For looks both are hard to beat. The former is a Stockwell chestnut, and the other favours Lochiel. Attilla, by Russley, is another fine mare, and Dum Dum's dam, Fleetwing, is a true replica of her daughter. Lillias, by Roodee, though 20 years old, is as round as a ball and as juvenile looking as a first foal mare. Without doubt Nevermore's good looks are inherited from her fine old dam, Athene, who was struck in the best Kelpie mould. She is by The Gem from a Roodee mare. The Gem was by Kelpie, and though he left no name worth mentioning as a sire of racehorses his utility horses are famous for looks and stamina.
The select of the Widden yearlings is, as before-mentioned, a dark bay colt by Lochiel from Crossfire (7), by Goldsbrough from Powder (imp.), a nearly full-sister to the famous English stallion Wisdon. The latter was by Blinkhoolie from Aline, by Stock-well from Jeu d'Esprit, dam of the Oaks' winner, Feu de Joie, while Powder was by Blink hoolie from Jeu d'Esprit. The Lochiel-Cross-fire colt is one of the hard varmint type, and a good deal like Paul Pry, built on steel wire, with length and freedom from lumber. His bone is first-class, and the breathing room ample. When extended at exercise in a big ring paddock he gets his hind legs well under him and reaches out as all good horses do - a perfectly pitched, evenly-balanced colt that can safely be included among the crack yearlings of the year. Lovers of the Grand Flaneur type will find a blood bay colt by Grafton from Patrona (5), by Grand Flaneur, to their taste. The long oblique shoulder, deep, narrow chest, and square Hank of Flaneur are there to the life, and, except for the head, reminds one of San Fran at the same age. It is a noticeable fact that many good horses throw to their maternal grandsires. San Fran favours Grand Flaneur, Havoc and Niagara throw to Goldsbrough. Chester inherited the Stockwell coarseness, and begat many of his best children in the Stock well mould, and Mr. Reynolds declares Goldsbrough was a true Fisherman. Grand Flaneur threw to Orlando, his great (maternal) grandsire. Brown Bess was a true daughter of coarse, muscular Camel, whose characteristics Musket inherited, and Carbine favoured his mother's side of the house. "A son of his mother and a daughter of her father" is an old Yorkshire axiom that holds good in horse as well as human.
Next to the Patrona yearling is a bay colt by Grafton from Egale (1), a yearling daughter of Goldsbrough from Equation, by Grand Flaneur and Fair Duchese, by Blair Athol. Grafton as the racing world knows, generally stamps his stock in his own mould, as did Grand Flaneur and Blair Athol, but the Egale colt does not favour one of these in the smallest detail. He is a Goldsbrough from the ground up, and if the old horse were alive and this youngster came from Tocal labelled by Goldsbrough, the critics would not be slow to recognise the Goldsbrough style. This is a fine, powerful colt, with great reach and is a determined goer, who looks all over a Cup horse. Messrs. Thompson also have a splendid brother to Suivre to offer. He is by Grafton from Sequel, by Chester, and as one would expect from such a pedigree, he is a massive, powerful fellow, with great hocks and propelling power. He is the best and truest-shaped foal the mare has yet thrown; he stands as true as a hair in front, and his aristocratic bearing and powerful frame are sure to win him plenty of admirers when he comes down for inspection. There are several other well-grown, shapely yearlings at Widden, by Dorchester and Grafton, but they must stand off for another issue, and we will conclude Widden proper with a word about Malster. The son of Barley has thriven amazingly since he joined the ranks of benedicks, and has given every satisfaction to his new owners, who reckon they have drawn a prize among prizes in the big Derby winner1 .

1910

9 February 1910
Yearlings of 1910 - Some Widden Youngsters.
BY MARTINDALE.
There is no better-known breeder in the State than Mr. James Thompson, of Widden. Some of his stock have made a great name for themselves and the stud on the race track, and so far as the eye can tell, the batch from Widden to be submitted at the forthcoming Easter sales are quite up to the standard. Mr. Thompson will offer this season, several youngsters by Sylvanite, who while under the care of that capable trainer James Scobie was recognised as one of the best racehorses of his year in Victoria. A son of Grafton, who has made a name as a sire of racehorses in modern years second only to Musket in Australia, Sylvanite's dam, Gold Dust, is especially well-bred, as she was by Niagara (a son of Anteros from famous old Frailty, by Goldsbrough from Goldlike, by Trenton (by Musket - Frailty), from Aureola, by Angler (Fisherman - Marchioness) from Chrysolite, by Stockwell - Juliet, by Touchstone. Thus we have a continuation of Galopin - Musket and Fisherman blood - the best in the world. In this issue we present our readers with portraits of two youngsters by Sylvanite, and a glance over them will prove that they are all that could be wished, in the way of size and conformation.
AT NEWMARKET STABLES.
In looking over & number of yearlings, it is difficult to make a selection, and which is the pick of the lot is a matter of opinion. There are between 60 and 70 yearlings now located at the Newmarket Stables, and I should say that there is accommodation for more than three times that number. Thus, those who go out to inspect have a busy time as at the most, they can only take a brief look over, which is hardly the thing where a horse is concerned. Perhaps the majority might select the bay colt by Sylvanite from Twilight, as their pick of the lot. This colt is a particularly splendid one, and those who have been privileged to see him are loud in their praise. His dam Twilight is by Cobbitty (a brother to Coil and Cocos, and half-brother to that great galloper Camoola), from Slumber (a dam of La Siesta), by Trenton from Nightmare (a sister to Commotion, and dam of Mentor, a Melbourne Cup winner, Dreamland, and La Tosca, and granddam of Wakeful, F. J. A., Class, and La Notte, who was the dam of the famous New Zealanders, Nightfall, and Noctuiform), by Panic from Evening Star, by Lord Clifden (winner of the English St. Leger Stakes in 1863), from Maid of Derwent, by Flatcatcher from Miss Lydia (dam of Maid of Masham), by Belshazzar (by Blacklock) from Nutwith's dam, by Comus. This is a capital pedigree on the dam's side. I have said something above about the sire. Putting aside the performers on the English turf that appear in it, we have some of the best-remembered racehorses' names on the colonial turf. Twilight's sire, Cobbitty, was full brother to Coil and Cocos, and half-brother to Camoola. Here we have a trio that won between them the Caulfield Debutant Stakes, Australian Cup, A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derby and St. Leger, and Champion Stakes. Commotion was a champion in his day, and Mentor accounted for a Melbourne Cup. So far as looks go, he takes a lot after his sire, Sylvanite, a fact that may appeal to that astute Victorian trainer, James Scobie. At last season's sale the representative of Light Heart was a brown colt by Ayr Laddie, who passed into the possession by Mr. A. Wynne at 155gs, and now racing under the name of Hartfell. (Mated with Grafton, mares having Musket blood have done well, and there is no reason why such a promising sire as Sylvanite, a son of Grafton, should, not be quite as successful, seeing that he was not overdone driving his racing career, when mated with such a mare as Light Heart, who is by Musk Rose, who was by Musket from Bright Heart, by Precious Stone (a Toorak Handicap winner) from Ace of Hearts, by Ace of Clubs (imp.) from Eloise, by Hermit from Sweetheart, by Red Heart from Melesina (imp.) (dam of The Fawn, dam of Richmond, Bosworth, Palmyra, and Segenhoe) by Harkaway. With such credentials, there is no doubt but what the brown son of Sylvanite - Light Heart will attract a lot of attention.
THE BREEDER'S VIEWPOINT.
It is always fortunate for a breeder if the early produce of a mare shapes well on the race track. It is a great recommendation to be able to say that this is a brother or sister to some good performer; thus there will be no special effort required on the part of the auctioneer to secure the attention of ringsiders when the bay colt by Sylvanite from Waihine is led in. Trenton mares have invariably produced something above the average, and Waihine is a daughter of Trenton, from Lady Grenville, by Chandos (by Oxford), from Lady Chester, dam of Chester), by Stockwell from Austrey, by Harkaway from Lelia. In producing Tangaroa, who was by Grafton, Waihine gave to the turf, a racehorse which is still doing well, as late Indian files tell that he was winning against such a good performer as Soultline. Then, following Tangaroa, she produced Vavasor, who ran second in the Gimcrack Stakes to Armlet, and later on won the Grantham Stakes at Randwick, and second to Lord Nolan in A.J.C. New Stake and St. Leger. Waihine herself was a very fair performer, as she won the River Handicap at Flemington. Warwick Farm Cup, and Clarendon Handicap. Another taking colt by Sylvanite is a son of Cello (dam of Nancy Stair, and Savori). Cello is by Splendor from Orchestra, by Goldsbrough from Melody, by The Barb from Mermaid, by Fisherman from Sweetheart, by Red Heart, which traces back to Young Blacklock. With the late Mr. William For rester this was a favorite pedigree, which is not to be wondered at, as Melesina; dam of Sweetheart, was the grand-dam of those famous horses, Richmond and the flying Palmyra, winner of the Maribyrnong Plate in 1879. There are also a brace of specially fine fillies at the Newmarket Stables, by Sylvanite, from Ury (dam of Black Buck) and Jeanette, by Lochiel from Helene.
ANOTHER PROMISING COLT.
There is sure to be a lot of attention paid to the bay colt by Grafton from Silver Coin, when he is led into the ring, seeing that he is a full brother to that first-class performer Peru. This youngster is bred by Mr. T. Payten, who also bred Peru. Trenville's Daughter, by Grafton from Lady Trenville, by Trenton from Lady Granville, by Chandos, mated with Ayr Laddie has produced a real good sort - a chestnut, who thus follows in color the dam's great great sire Chandos, and if he can gallop as well will repay his purchase money. Then, again, he is closely related to the West Australian Derby winner, Jolly Beggar, as the latter is a son of Lady Trenville, by Ayr Laddie, and Trenville's Daughter is by Grafton from Lady Trenville who is a full sister to Walhine, and daughter of Lady Grenville, dam of Dora, Lord Grenville. First Lady, and a close relation of those famous New Zealanders, Putty and Solution. It will thus be seen that the lots bearing the J2 (2 upside down) brand, from Oakleigh, Rylstone, are quite up to that well-known stud's standard.
OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.
Already our series of pictures of Yearlings of 1910 have attracted a great amount of attention from followers of the turf, the five youngsters illustrated each having admirers. All the prominent yearlings will be pictured in due course; and the fourth set of Illustrations will appear in next week's issue.
Br c, by Sylvanite — Light Heart.
B c, by Sylvanite — Waihine.
Ch c, by Ayr Laddie — Trenville's Daughter
B c, by Grafton — Silver Coin2 .

1913

17 December 1913
The Turf: Notes and Comments.
By 'Milroy.''
Down in Widden.
NOTES upon the Oakleigh and Widden studs should have followed on the heels of the Wingarra article, under the heading of 'The West Country,' inasmuch as they can lay greater claim to the west than the north; but Merton, which intervened, is in the northern division. Bylong Valley, in which is situated Torrie Lodge and Wingarra, is divided from Widden Valley by precipitous hills, and can be reached on horseback, by a bridle path, in a few miles. But my present-day figure does not lend itself to grace in the saddle; and, not being much of a mountaineer at any time, I cut out the Alpine act which would have transported me to Widden in a few hours. Instead I came around by train from Rylstone to Sydney, and from thence to Muswellbrook, a distance of about 350 miles, and took the flat country for it over the 50-odd miles between Muswellbrook and Widden. That journey in these days of speedy motors is but a mere bagatelle, and widely different from the first I took to Widden with Mr. John Thompson, behind a corking good pair of buggy horses. After all, I am not too sure the generous, good looking, intelligent buggy horse is not better in the end than a snorting, boiling, stink-distributing motor, which at times takes strange notions into its head - or engine. It can glide over a mountain side in the wink of an eye, and find work for a coroner at a record rate.
Over a Hundred Yearlings.
I JOURNEYED to Widden and Oakleigh during that distressing heat wave which swooped down upon us recently. This undesired visitation had little or no effect upon the pastures down in the narrow valley. Everything looked well, and green herbage was still in evidence in well-sheltered spots. Since I was last at Oakleigh the Thompson brothers have cleaned out every rabbit on the place and laid down several of the paddocks in lucerne, which has only a few feet to go to reach the water level. Consequently, it grows luxuriantly, and makes good progress without the aid of overhead moisture. When the yearlings are cleared off and scattered to the four winds of heaven the Thompsons invariably collect heavy crops of lucerne seed before the weaning foals come across from Wingarra and Torrie Lodge to be grown for the following sales. As I mentioned in the previous article, Oakleigh is now kept solely for running the young stock, while the mares and foals are kept at Wingarra and Torrie Lodge. At the present moment the Thompson brothers have 107 yearlings on the place, in charge of Stan Readford, who knows the game from top to bottom, in addition to being an active bushman. There are 68 colts and 39 fillies. Oakleigh, be it remembered, really founded the fortunes of the Thompson family. It was the property of the late James Thompson and his brother Alfred. Their father, one of the pioneers, owned the next property lower down the creek, and at his death left it to his son Joseph. Next door to that is Widden. for long owned by John and William Thompson, brothers of James.
Adeline and Keepsake.
WHEN I first knew James and Alfred Thompson they owned Lochiel and a few good mares. Subsequently James bought Alfred's share and launched out on a bigger scale. When he died he owned the largest stud of mares in Australia. James Thompson began in a very small way with two fillies. One was Adeline, by Kingston, bred, I believe, by his father; and the other was Keepsake, by Yattendon, a present from the late Hon. E. K. Cox, the owner of Rawdon station, near Rylstone. Long ago Mr. Thompson told me he was commissioned by Mr. Cox to buy him a big draft of heifers, and, being so pleased with the Stock Mr. Thompson bought, Mr. Cox presented him with this Yattendon filly and some advice as to how he should mate her. Yattendon was a son of Sir Hercules, a horse whose worth was well known to the Thompsons, Keepsake was sent to Barbarian, a son of Sir Hercules, to whom she bore Scandal, the ancestress of Duke of Grafton, Graceton, Lord Fitzroy, Loch Leigh, Nothos. The Scotchman, Crosslake, Lochabar, Jenny Moore, Francesca, Kaffirpan, Banzai, Blanche Florence, Black Mark, Little Lad, Severity, Grafnell, and quite a number of other good ones. Among Adeline's produce was Barbara, by Barbarian; Affection, by Cheddar; and Nina, by Lecturer, who, by the way, was a son of Adeline's sire, Kingston, and Sappho, by Sir Hercules. From these three inbred mares the Thompsons bred a host of sprinters. Barbara threw Loch Maree, a mare remarkable for her speed and ability to carry weight. Affection produced Amiable, a winner of the Newmarket Handicap, as well as those good horses Affiance and Attachment. Among others belonging to this tribe are Malt Mary, Maltchester, Lady Maltster, Loch Clieveden, Grafton Lass, The Master, Graftondelle, North Head, Contest, Oakleigh (Caulfield Cup), Ghoorka, Amourette, Ayrbrook, Nevermore, and many others.
A One-mare Start.
ALL the Thompson brothers began as horse-breeders with fillies bred at Oakleigh by the late James Thompson. Alfred Thompson (a son of John Thompson, of Widden) was started when a youth with an old mare named Vitesse, by Roodee from Constance, by Cheddar from Barbara. She was a present from his uncle James, and from her he bred that smart Lochiel mare Hirondelle. who was leased for her racing and won several well-endowed events, which gave the boy a good banking account to start life with. From her he bred several winners and producers, which turned him in enough to enable him to buy into Widden when his father and uncle, William dissolved partnership. W. B. and C. L. Thompson, sons of William of that ilk and successful breeders, made a start with a mare presented by their uncle James. From her descendants they bred a Derby winner in Beverage. and numerous other good ones; and by purchase and selection from their own stock they to-day own a valuable stud, though both are very young men. These presentations were made when they were very young boys. The business was managed by the elders, who kept separate accounts in favour of the children; and when the latter reached the adult age they were all well-to-do and had a good stake in the country. James Thompson started all his own sons, and his daughters were given an interest in the stud from childhood. Albert Thompson, owner of Inglewood, a nice property and a fine stud, was a mare owner before he aspired to long pants. His big hit came with Athene, who to Lochiel produced Housemaid, dam of The Master, and later a lucky purchase gave him Loveloch, by Lochiel from my old and good friend My Love, by Yattendon. From this source he bred Bruntwood, Kudos. Inglewood, Confetti, Maltman, Coonabar, Acro spire and Habel, winners of many thousands in stakes.
The First Lochiels.
THE first lot of yearlings I remember from Oakleigh were all by Lochiel, and they were sold by Mr. H. A. Thompson under the pines in Randwick saddling paddock, when a short half-day was sufficient to dispose of all the yearlings catalogued; but in these times it is a squeeze to get through in three long days. Though James and Alfred Thompson had bred Oakleigh, a Caulfield Cup winner, as well as other winners, the talent of the day took little or no interest in their yearlings. I think only two found new owners under the hammer, as less than 20 guineas a head was the general offer for the others. Though Lochiel came to the front with a rush, and frequently headed the list of winning stallions, his stock never sold really well, for the reason, I think, of the public being ill informed, as to their real worth. The public require a lot of reminding, and at the time mentioned there was really only one medium, and that not very great, from which they could draw conclusions in print. What a difference twenty years has brought about! From a few yearlings - I think about eight or nine - the stud established by James Thompson has surely grown, and today is feeding over 100, by leading stallions from carefully-selected mares, to catalogue in April; while next door, at Widden, they have 35 yearlings, and the other Thompsons, I suppose, will muster over 40 between them.
A Valuable Quintette.
IT is all too early to hand out comment on the sea son's yearlings; besides, it is not an easy task to drive through over a hundred youngsters in their paddocks and pull them to pieces, especially when so many shapely figures Hash past you hither and thither, full of life and go. and all mischief. Mr. Read ford certainly has a splendid lot to care for, and doubtless will create a sensation when he brings them to Sydney. In the colt paddock I saw many ripping youngsters, among them a white-faced chestnut colt by Maltster from Comely, also a magnificent bay colt by Royal Artillery from Lady Grafton, a colt by Grafton from Scotch Airs, a splendid brother to Hartfell, and Britain's half-brother by Ayr Laddie. It will be for the judges to decide which is best of this lot. I do not envy them the task. There is very little to choose between them; but perhaps the palm will go to a Lady Grafton colt, who is a magnificent horse, though none of the quintette is very much in advance of a beautiful colt by Grafton from Twilight, or a solid chestnut colt by Royal Artillery from Cagou's sister, Ryl stone Maid. The fillies are noticeable for their fine quality and splendid health. The first that came under my notice was a chestnut by Royal Artillery from Cagou's dam. She is a beauty, as certainly is a chestnut by Royal Artillery from Loch Trenville, and a sister to Firm is one that is sure to catch the eye for her exquisite quality. The same may be said of another filly by Royal Artillery, whose daughters this year are all very good. The biggest among them are a shapely pair out of Lady Florence and Lady Esme.
Maltster.
I FOUND the proprietors of Widden at home, and in great glee over the success of the Linacres in Sydney and Melbourne. Doubtless their satisfaction has been further increased since Hyppolyte won at Warwick Farm and demonstrated her ability to beat a Flemington winner easily. The 35 yearlings owned by Widden are all by Maltster and Linacre. In addition there are two nice colts by Bardolph and Antonio, owned by Mr. Hall, of Wingen. Maltster has improved greatly since I saw him last, and is still. a vigorous, sound, healthy horse, thanks to open-air treatment and sound natural foods. Maltster, though the premier stallion of Australia, would stand a poor chance in a show ring with the average show ring judge if he were paraded under any other name than his own, and it is certain he would not have a thousand to three chance of passing the average Government vet. - unless, of course, the latter was impressed with the fact of his being the champion stallion of the Commonwealth. A well-known show ring pet, the idol of the veterinary eye. but who is not fit to lead Maltster to water, would beat Maltster out of the ring; but up to date none of his stock has been found sound enough to stand training. The Maltsters first came in 1904, when he served a few mares late in the season and sired Maltine. Next year he had a lengthy list of foals, and some of them are racing yet. In fact, the Maltsters are remarkable for their soundness and durability, and are, therefore, the opposite in worth to the stock of the unnamed show ring pet. This little fact Cadonia, By Prudent King (imp.) - Enooma, by Grafton (imp.); bred by S. Reynolds at Duninald Stud, New South Wales. Recently Cadonia was purchased from Mr. Birks by Mr. A. J. Morton for 2000 guineas for Mr. W. Schmidt, acting for the German Government. Cadonia, who is a St. Leger and Sydney Cup winner, will be shipped in January for Germany.
strikes me as worth mentioning at this stage, when a section of this billet-hunting community is grafting to have all sorts of restrictions - or, rather, inspections - placed upon serving stallions. If the ideas of some of these writers and job-hunters were carried out, Maltster would be passed out to be emasculated, providing it were possible to find an official brave enough, or foolish enough, to do his duty according to text-books or Acts of Parliament. It is of little use telling these people over and over again that a majority of the best horses the world has known have been technically unsound. The billet-hunters have their own row to hoe, and the fact of being merely wrong in their premises will not worry them in the least, or affect a vote-loving Minister who has friends to provide for. Brothers to Brattle and Popinjay. IN the Widden lot of yearlings is a brother to Brattle (by Maltster), a mighty fine, well-grown chestnut colt, whose relationship also to Lager and Grist will win him no little attention when he comes up for sale. Hon oast, an important winner in Brisbane recently, is also fully related to this colt. Maltster is responsible for a fine big black brother to Popinjay, a splendid animal, and he is again represented by a brother to Mary Maltster, a medium-sized brown. There is a lovely colt by Linacre out of Lovelorn, and a beauty by Linacre from Red Flag. Among the fillies is a sister to Maltster Lass, a straight-hindlegged brown, and a sister to Hyppolyte (by Linacre), a broad-ribbed bay and a perfect individual; but the pick of the female party, I think, is a filly by Linacre from Gaillardia. I also was attracted by a sweet chestnut filly, and a right-bred one, by Maltster out of Aero, by Grafton from Air Motor; and there are galloping sorts by Maltster from Lady Isabel (by Haut Brion), and a smart, well-bred young lady by Maltster from Lovegraft, by Grafton. In a rich clover and lucerne paddock near the house we saw a bunch of foals that will probably give us something to talk about next year. Among them is a half-brother to Malt King, by Linacre from Patrona, by Grand Flaneur, a lively, strong youngster, whose mother is doing him well, as she should in such a luxurious paddock. La France, the dam of Mala and Aleconner - and a line mare she is - has a predilection for carrying her foals considerably over her time. Her three days old Linacre foal, an exceptionally lively baby for its age, came a month late. Lady Arlington was also late to Maltster with a colt. She is a fine mare and a typical Grafton, purchased some time back by A. E. Thompson from Mr. Harold Lee, of Larras Lake.
A Colour Problem.
LADY ISABEL, who was a good performer among the unregistered, and belongs to Miss Ethel Thompson, had a good Maltster colt to show. Hirondelle, who gave Alfred Thompson his first Start, is 25 years old, and looks 10. No mare on the place is doing better by her foal than Hirondelle is for her Linacre colt. Polly Pry, by Simmer from Medallia, a Medr^ ion mare and a half-sister to the Melbourne Cup winner Blue Spec, is a late addition to the A. E. Thompson stud, by purchase from Larras Lake. Her foal is by Maltster, a black horse and a grandson of St. Simon. Simmer was a black horse by St. Simon. Polly Pry's foal is a chestnut with two white hind feet and a white face. I wonder how Mr. J. B. Robertson and other Mendelites account for this, in view of St. Simon and his descendants being such dominants in dark colours. In this pedigree is Medallion's sire, Nordenfeldt, and his sire, Musket, both strong dominants in dark colours; but Medallion was a chestnut, and Polly Pry's granddam, Specula, was by Splendor, a chestnut belonging to a dark breed on the sire line, but was out of a Stockwell mare. I have no idea how Mendelites explain away the chestnut, the white legs, and the white face in the foal; but I think I can do it without the aid of Mendelism. The foal throws distinctly to a minority strain - to wit, Stockwell, or let us say Birdcatcher. It most surely would look a certainty for a foal, by a black grandson of St. Simon from a mare by a black son of St. Simon to inherit a dark coat; but in this case the Stockwell - much further back than the St. Simon - has predominated. Medallion's dam was by Thunderbolt, a son of Stockwell: and her dam was by Daniel O'Rourke, a son of Birdcatcher; while Splendors dam was by Stockwell from a mare by Faugh-a-Ballagh, a brother to Birdcatcher. If that is Mendelism I am guessing that I know all about it. At any rate, most students of Stud Book history can form a fair idea as to line a horse favours by its colour and style, without knowing a thing about Mendel's theory. Widden Foals.
ONE of the sweetest foals I have seen this season is a bay filly br Maltster out of Lovelorn, by Grafton from Loveloch, and a sister, therefore, to Peck o' Maut, Wassail's sister, Sweet Adeline, has a very good colt by Linacre; and that well-bred mare Blue Bag owns a very big Maltster filly. Lady Addy and Grafina, two recruits from Larras Lake, both have nice Fortunatus foals; and that useful Grafton mare Kummulla has begun her stud life well with a slashing big Maltster colt. Another fine Maltster colt, with splendid hocks and knees, is running beside Lovegraft, one of the My Love tribe; and Bobadea's dam, Ardea, by Wallace, who belongs to Mr. William Thompson has a big, lengthy, good-looking Maltster colt. Brattle's dam, Astron, a splendid Grafton mare, has a lovely Maltster filly at her side; and D. U. Seaton's Mostyn mare Pomp is caring for a nice Linacre filly. A foal of attractive quality is a colt by Linacre out of Messrs. Baillieu's imported mare Carissima, by Ladas from Charm, by St. Simon. Offcast, a sister to Beresina, has a very neat Maltster filly, and I saw a good sort of chestnut colt - said to be by Marlborough - out of Feverish, by Flavus. This mare belongs to Mr. J. H. Bettington. Lady in Blue, by Grafton, owns a well-stamped Linacre colt; and Marco Belle, an imported mare by Marco, purchased in New Zealand by Mr. W. Thompson, has a good boned Maltster colt at milk. Lady Camellia, a mare by San Francisco from Mountain King's sister, Bonnie Crest, and is of the best Wallace type. She has a very nice filly by Maltster, and our old racecourse friend Suivre shows us a nobby brown colt by Downshire (imp.). Princess Ena, another from Larras Lake, has produced a beautiful filly to Maltster, and there is a splendid Maltster filly out of St. Regis, a well-bred Hotchkiss mare belonging to W. B. and C. L. Thompson. There are many other foals to be seen in these well-kept Widden paddocks, among them a gay, lively filly out of that smart young mare Connie; but they must be left till they become yearlings, and I will close this with a remark concerning the management of mares at Widden. At daybreak those down in the book for trial were in the yards, and when I left for the return journey at 6 o'clock the stallions had done their morning's work, had finished breakfast, and were running out at exercise. When the heat of the day is at full bloom they are stabled and kept in the cool till between 4 and 5 in the afternoon, when the mares are brought up again. This is a much better plan than working between 7 and 4 in fierce summer heat.
Sir John Jamison.
MR. LYNDON G. JAMISON, of Warranger, Rylstone, writes to the Editor under the above caption: - "In the Sydney Mail" of the 26th of November appears the following from the pen of the esteemed writer 'Milroy':- 'I have told the story before. But why not again? Bylong Valley was originally taken up by William Lee, of Bathurst, one of the pioneers who crossed the fountains in Governor Macquarie's train and secured land there. He was the original of the well-known Lee family of Bathurst, and father of the late Hon. George Lee, the owner of Sappho. One of his sons was William Lee, who, I believe, once owned Sir Hercules, the Stockwell of Australia; and another was John Lee, the most noted Shorthorn breeder in existence He made some wonderful transformations from pure-bred stock given him by his father when he was a 17-year-old boy, back about 70 years ago. William Lee, the original, squatted on a large piece of land in Capertee Valley, which is some distance this side of Rylstone. He had established cattle and stockmen there. Sir John Jamison, a man with great Government House influence, happened to come along that way on a journey from Bathurst, saw the country, coveted it, and on arrival in Sydney proceeded to have Mr. Lee removed in his favour. Mr. Lee protested; but what was the use? He was told to move off, and informed that if he could find any suitable country the Government would give it to him as a grant. The local blacks put him on the Bylong Valley, and instead of doing the old pioneer a bad turn Sir John Jamison unwittingly did him a mighty good one, for one acre of Bylong Valley was worth a square mile of Capertee. Another of these eastern drain valleys is Umbiella, now held by Mr. William Pitt. It was a Lawson grant. The Bylong property was left to Mr. John Lee, who died not long since, and the place has been cut up for closer settlement, and is now held by a number of prosperous settlers.' Statement Denied. PERMIT me (writes Mr. Jamison) to give an emphatic denial to several of the above statements through the columns of your widely-read journal? I feel bound to acquit one of the literary attainments and worldly experience of 'Milroy' from even a semblance of desire to cast any hurtful aspersion upon the memory of the old pioneer, Sir John Jamison; yet I am astounded to think that he should allow statements of such a disparaging nature to filter through the press to the gaze of tens of thousands of readers without first satisfying himself, 'beyond all questionable doubt,' as to their veracity.
Capertee History.
"THE true facts of the case are as follows: - Umbiella was acquired previous to 1828 by Major Innes, who in that year came to live in the Capertee Valley with his wife. In those days this beautiful property was used as a cattle station, and its treeless areas were undisturbed by few people, save the wild Australian blacks. As nearly as can be ascertained from the most authentic records, Umbiella passed by sale from the hands of its original owner (Major Innes) to Sir John Jamison in the year 1838. Sir John Jamison established a convict settlement on his newly-acquired property; and it remained in his possession until his death at Regentville, Penrith, many years later. Sir John's executors (the Hon. Robert Lowe and Captain Russell) subsequently sold Umbiella to Mr. Thomas Lawson; and at his death the property came to Mr. William Lawson, who a couple of years ago effected its entire sale to Mr. T. C. Ashe, of Bogie, Rylstone. About the time Umbiella was acquired only two other properties existed in the Capertee Valley, and the three comprised every single inch of its area, save Bogie and Brymair. The first of the latter two was Warranger, which was a grant to Jonathan Maclean (Administrator of Norfolk Island) in the year 1823, and the second Glen Alice, which was a grant to Captain James Innes about the year 1827. Glen Alice was subsequently sold to Mr. John Maclean, and Warranger is the property of my parents to-day. The statement that Mr. Wm. Lee once owned land in the Capertee Valley is equally as false as that which proclaims one acre of Bylong to be worth a square mile of Capertee. I trust 'Milroy' meant this figuratively, otherwise he could only be referred to in the most uncomplimentary terms. Perhaps 'Milroy' is hitherto, unaware that Capertee Valley has always been famous as a cattle-fattening, horsebreeding, and wool-growing centre. For many years past the butchers of Lithgow, Portland, Capertee, and Wallerawang largely obtained their fat stock supplies from the Capertee Valley.
A Fertile Valley.
Away back in the sixties the Indian market was supplied with remounts from Glen Alice and Umbiella to the extent of hundreds per year; and to-day several properties are clipping a similar kind of wool from the backs of thousands of sheep to that removed over 60 years ago by their ancestors. As to the agricultural nature of the Capertee Valley, I would refer 'Milroy' to Mr. Richard Binnie (a director of the Bank of New South Wales), who described hundreds of its acres as being the equal, if not the superior, of the best Hunter River lucerne flats. It might also be news to 'Milroy' to know that over 40 years ago the late Mr. Dixon offered Mr. John Maclean £10 an acre for 500 acres of land situated in the heart of the Capertee Valley. Mr. Dixon was the founder of Dixon and Sons, Ltd. It is at least sure that no person should make a comparison of the two places. One (Bylong) is varying in richness, and very much limited in area, while the other (Capertee) is also diversified in soil characteristics; yet, in comparison, a colony in extent. I trust that the above facts will make it clear that - Firstly, Sir John Jamieson was not Mr. Lee's persecutor; secondly, Umbiella was not a grant to Mr. Thos. Lawson; thirdly, Mr. Wm. Lee (the original) never owned any land in the Capertee Valley.' Source of the Story. IF Mr. Lyndon Jamison is as familiar with the customs that obtained in the times of Sir John Jamison as he is with the history of Capertee Valley it would not be difficult to make him understand that during the rule of Governor Macquarie and up to the time of Governor Sir George Gipps there was no need to apply to the Sydney powers for the right to occupy land. Any discoverer of unoccupied lands could just squat upon them, and make his own boundaries. Hence, the title "squatter," which Hyman, By Havoc - Bridal Morn, by Thunderbolt bred by the late Charles Baldwin at Durham Court, N.S.W. He was a wonderfully brilliant middle-distance horse, and has been purchased by Mr. A. J. Morton from Mr. Theo. Cooper for 1750 guineas for Mr. W. Schmidt, who is acting for the German Government, holds good, today. If Mr. Lyndon Jamison had been a regular reader of these columns for, say, six years, he would have read the original story, which appeared in an article dealing with the Lee family as stock-breeders, and would then have known my authority for the statement concerning the eviction of Mr. William Lee. My informant was his son, the Hon. George Lee, who died some time back, and as that statement about the eviction has since been repeated during the lifetime of Mr. Lee, it seems to me rather a pity that Mr. Lyndon Jamison - and, of course, many others in a position to know things; from records of the past - did not contradict it, and charge Mr. George Lee with false statements during his lifetime. I incline to the belief that not one man in this State, high or low, friend or enemy, would be so daring as to charge Mr. Lee with perverting the truth, and if there was one other man - with the exception of the late Mr. John Lee - in a better position to relate facts concerning the career of his father, it was Mr. George Lee. One of the Hon George Lee's daughters, Mrs. Marriott, I believe, has kept careful touch with the past from printed and word of mouth records, which her grandfather, father, and uncles have passed on to the present generation. This lady and her highly-respected father read the original article. I know Mrs. Marriott scrap booked it. Does Mr. Jamison or any other individual on earth acquainted with the Lee family suppose for one moment that if the story were untrue, or misstated by me, they would not have stepped in and corrected it? I guess not.
Macquarie's Crossing.
I AM in possession of a diary and scrap-book records which began at Parramatta in 1802 and were continued by father and son until early in 1890. They were mine by right in 1896, but I have only recently got possession of them. Contained in these are many instances of Government House power, and of removal by ukase of one squatter in favour of another. I recall an interview I had long ago with the late Mr. Charles Baldwin, and which was published in the "Mail," of a similar happening, when his grandfather was "moved on" by the Governor in favour of a Macquarie street favourite and founder of a family which there is no occasion to name. Many of these instances in the early life of the colony would make admirable reading in book form, in which some day they may appear. The authors of these notes and scraps make frequent reference to Sir John Jamison, and always in complimentary terms, especially in respect to the manner in which he treated his servants and subordinates, and his general idea of fair play, but when Sir John went after a bit of land he generally got it, and he invariably made better use of it than most men of his time. The story told me by Mr. George Lee, I am perfectly certain, is true, but I cannot see how it reflects on Sir John Jamison, who wanted the land, and in return used his undoubted influence to get Mr. Lee a large grant - which meant freehold. Mr. Lee was one of a large number of adventurous spirits who followed Governor Macquarie in his triumphal march over the Blue Mountains in 1813, and was one of the applicants for land when the Governor parcelled out lots with regal hand, first to his favourites, and then to "other people."
Not a Grant.
WILLIAM LEE was one of the "other people," and I fancy Mr. George Lee told me the founders of the Suttor and Kite families were among those who had to wait till the appetites of the influential were satisfied. At any rate, William Lee was parcelled out a small piece some distance away from the river flats, and in time to come his stock were too many for his comparatively small holding. Then a very dry season compelled him to shift his cattle, and he was led into Capertee Valley in search of grass and water by an aboriginal retainer. About that time Sir John Jamison was in Bathurst on business. He was a man of hardy and adventurous character, and greatly interested in the country, more so perhaps than even Governor Macquarie himself. Mr. George Lee, who, of course, got all his information from his father - a really great pioneer - was of opinion that Sir John followed the track cut by William Lee more out of curiosity than any idea of despoiling him, but he fell in love with the land, and took it. What he did with it afterwards I am not in a position to state. He probably abandoned it in dry times for fresher fields, as so many pioneer squatters did. At any rate, Mr. Lee was down in that valley prior to 1828, and his son said he was the first white man in it, as he surely was the first in Bylong Valley. The statement about one acre of Bylong being worth a square mile of Capertee is, of course, a mere figure of speech, and at best only a re-echo. The statement about Umbiella being a Lawson grant is wrong, according to Mr. Jamison. I first heard of Umbiella from its then owner, Mr. Willie Lawson, who gave me to understand that his grandfather or great-grandfather owned it, and I jumped to the conclusion that, like so many other Lawson properties, it was a Crown grant. Government Grants.
THESE grants, be it understood, were given by the Governor to free Settlers to induce settlement and open up the country. Though almost any decent man could obtain one, Government House favourites had first pull. Then, as now, the man with the longest pole gathered in the most persimmons. Even a Labour Government, has its favourites, much less an autocratic ruler, but to say that a man had a Government House pull in respect of grants, which he settled men and cattle upon, and therefore helped to open up the country, is disparaging the memory of that man, and accounting him anything but a square man, is, in my opinion, a foolish statement. Sir John must have been blessed with great courage and stamina to tackle so many pioneer undertakings in a country consisting of about four and a half million square miles, inhabited by a few thousand people, though it was headed by an administrator keenly anxious to make a country it, and who was a born coloniser, but had little or no money to help him. What was he to do? Sit by and ask people to come and buy the land, which, in so far as markets were concerned, was valueless. He did the right thing. He induced strong-loined settlers to make their homes upon it, and helped them with cattle and labour, but, naturally, he leaned towards his friends and those in sympathy with his policy. In this respect Sir John Jamison was an easy first. Mr. Lawson, the pioneer of the Mudgee country, was another history-maker, who could get almost anything asked from the Governor, because he was a man capable of putting it to good use. When Governor Macquarie founded Bathurst, William Lee was a boy. He was born at Norfolk Island, and was the son of a soldier. Being but a boy, he, of course, did not loom largely in the eyes of the Governor, though no man in all our early his-tory did so much towards the improvement of cattle and horses than William Lee. No doubt, had the Governor known the kind of stuff William Lee was made of, he would have got a bigger cut out of the Bathurst Plains cake than he did. I may add, in conclusion, that in my first writings about the Lee family in Bathurst (written in March, 1906), Surveyor Evans, from information derived from Mr. George Lee, received credit for being the real pathfinder over the Mountains, with Lieutenant Lawson second on the list; This statement I remember was discredited and laughed at, but at the Bathurst Centenary the other day Surveyor Evans received the posthumous honours which were denied him when he was alive, and Mr. George Lee's statement was thus borne out to the letter. He got the information from his father. These two lengthy remarks will answer other correspondents.
A Curious Inheritance.
MR. MURGHA MACK, of Narromine, writes of a curious happening: - 'There is a Triem foal on this place whose peculiar marking may be of interest to some of your readers. The foal's dam belongs to a share farmer, and is a hard-pulling, excitable mare that has done a bit of "pub" racing in her time. One day last June, when she was within about three months of foaling, she was used to run in a mob of horses. Bridles being scarce in the west, the rider made one up for her with an old pair of winkers, and a piece of No. 8 wire for a bit. After a bit of galloping the horses were yarded, but not before the wire had badly torn the mare's mouth each side. Well, the foal was duly dropped in September, and though the mare's scars on her mouth have almost disappeared, yet the foal's mouth hears a large distinct scar on either side, just as if it had been very badly torn, and the scars, though more distinct, are the exact shape of those on the dam. Have you ever seen any other horse affected by anything that made an impression on its dam?" Questions.
NOT RELATED. - 'Subscriber' (Albury): Glad to hear from you again. Been away for some weeks. The party referred to is not related to the Lochiel men.
NOT REGISTERED. - H.C. (Hidden Valley, Q.): Neither Serius nor Gift has been registered in the Stud Book. Have you confounded Serius with the Brisbane Cup winner Sirius, by Warlike?
REGISTRATION. - J.S. (Gundagai): Any race meeting, advertised or not, for trophies or money prizes that are not registered by the A.J.C., entail disqualification upon horses, riders, and owners taking part thereat.
TRAINING MANUAL. - M.X. (Fifield).: Acquire "Stonehenge." There are so many thousands of names registered - too many for me to wade through. Why not fix upon a nice-sounding aboriginal name?- "Copranah," for instance.
RETENTION.- Maori (Auckland, N.Z.): (1) Use any accepted antiseptic, lysol for choice. Tackle the job at once. (2) Secure a hernia clamp (Pottie's), with instructions how to use. (3) The cord should be tied or ligatured. (4) "The Horse," by Professor Wortley.
EYE GROWTH.- Glen Eva (Darlington Point): Caused by an injury - a blow or a burn. Will eventually form into a cancer. Remove by operation, which is very simple, and painless if you use cocaine. After the operation dress daily with Pottie's astringent eye lotion, obtainable from John Pottie and Sons; 154 Castlereagh street.
ARSENAL, BY GOLDSBROUGH -T.G. (Hobart, Tas.): Arsenal was bred by Mr. F. Reynolds at Tocal Stud, Paterson River, New South Wales. He was pur chased when a yearling by the late Hon. William Pearson, of Victoria, who raced him as a two-year-old, winning one race - the Criterion Stakes, at Caulfield - out of ten starts. The colt was sold to Mr. William Gannon (of Sydney), for whom he won the Melbourne Cup.
CLEAN-BRED.- W.W.R. (Surat, Q.): If clean-bred in every other line, the presence of an imported Arab does not debar the mare from inclusion in the Stud Book. Somnus (5), by Orest (7) from Yule Cake, by Sweetmeat (21) from Hamptonia, by The Colonel (8) from Belvorina by Stanford (30) from a sister to Silver, by Mercury (9), The Drummer (1), by Rataplan (3) from My Niece, by Cowl (2) from Vanity, by Camel (24) from Vat, by Lan gar (6) from Wire - a sister to Whalebone.
FIREWORKS. - A. A. (Turramurra): According to the Turf Register, Fireworks won the Derby Stakes on No vember 1 at Flemington, and on New Year's Day won a race described as the Victorian Derby. The first of these events carried £100 added money, and the second £500. There was no Derby run at the special meeting given, in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh, but on that day Fireworks won the Galatea Stakes, a fixed-weight race, worth £250, in which he beat his stable mate Glencoe in a canter; 3 to 1 was laid on Tim Whiffler, but he ran into a post.
NUMBER NINETEEN.- "Bruce Lowe" (Gresford): Though not rich in classic winners, the No. 19 family has produced many great horses. The best probably was Isonomy, sire of Isinglass; thus, Vedette, sire of Galopin; Gallinule, sire of Pretty Polly; Heron, sire of Fisherman; Sir Hugo, sire of Sir Foote; Alarm, sire of Panic; Monarque, sire of Gladiateur; Cambuscan, sire of Sir Modred's dam; Idalia; Vespasian, King Lud, Fernan-dez, Ben Webster, Surefoot, Garfield, Archie, Calma, Singapore, St. Blaize, and Count Schomberg.
A CORRUPTION - R.D: (Dungog): It is evidently a corruption of Ali. A Turkish merchant here does not recognise Agi. CLOTH OF GOLD.- J. D'A. is anxious to get the pedigree of a mare named Cloth of Gold. Perhaps a reader can supply it.
THE BEST MATE.- W.A.S. (Goondiwindi): They are suitable for the horses. Laurel reads much the best on paper.
FISHERMAN'S GHOST.- Q.: Thanks for verses and prose. Have only just returned from a month's holiday. Will give your matter attention as soon as space permits.
NOMENCLATURE. - H.T.H. (Ipswich, Q): Cannot find a good name to apply to either sire or dam, unless I manufacture one. Will Amorlad do?
LUNAR ECLIPSE.- G.F. (Redfern): A horse of that name appears in books of re-reference, but neither he nor any other horse ever ran a mile in a minute. UABBA. - Boronga (Moree): Uabba was bred at Tocal, and was foaled in 1890. He did not win the Sydney Cup. His big race was the Epsom Handicap of 1894. His pic-ture has already appeared.
WHICH IS BEST?- M.J.Q. (Gatton, Q.): The answer was mine. The first consideration is always the dam's line of descent from daughter to mother, back to the original founder of the family. En Haut and Rack are both members of the No. 1 family, but En Haut's branch of this family is very much stronger than Rack's, inasmuch as he descends from White and Blue (imp.), a great family-founder. His lines by Haut Brion (1) from Trieste (1), by Chester (8) from Tempe, by Somnus (5) read wonderfully strong. Haut Brion ranks, in a pedigree calculation, really higher than Maltster, and Chester equal to Goldsbrough.
POSEIDON'S BROTHER.- "Subscriber" (Dulacca, Q.): Orcus was purchased as a yearling by Mr. H. R. Denison, the owner of his brother Poseidon, who as a two and three year old raced in the name of "U. R. Robertson," which was then Mr. Denison's registered racing name.
A FEW POSERS.- M.C. (Memerumbi, Q.): There is not much to choose between Goldsbrough, Chester, Grand Flaneur, Maltster, Yattendon, and Sir Hercules. It lies between Goldsbrough and Yattendon, with Grand Flaneur third. These were bred in Australia. Trenton and Carbine were bred in New Zealand. The best Australian-bred racehorse over a distance was Abercorn. Carbine is a bay horse. I am unable to answer your fourth query, as I do not know which Silver Maid or which Maid Marion you are interested in. Alawa has not left Australia. He serves near Melbourne at 50 guineas.
ORLOFF HORSES.- R.C. (Jundah.Q.): They are Russian harness horses, and originated in Southern Russia. There is nothing in any of my books of refer ence that gives an inkling as to their start in the world. Orloff is a Russian noble family name. According to scientists, there were horses, of a kind, in England both before and after the Ice Age - say, about ten million years ago! There were horses on the island long before the Romans annexed it. Get J. B. Robertson's "Descent of the Horse," which he traces from a reptile from out of the sea up to St. Simon. (Turf Notes Continued on the Next Page.)
The Highest-priced Yearling on Record. A colt by Desmond from Silver Pheasant; bred by Sir John Robinson, and sold to Mr. Enoch at the Doncaster (Eng.) sales for 6100 guineas.
(Continued from Page 33.) Saturday's Racing.
THERE was racing on Saturday at Rosehill, Aspen-dale Park (Melbourne), Helena Vale (W.A.). Hobart, and Brisbane. The northern meeting was for the benefit of Brisbane Tattersall's Club, and the principal race, the Summer Handicap, fell to Royal Risk, a 7 to 1 chance, who got home cleverly from Onoma, II Duello, and five others. Royal Risk was bred at Wingarra by Thompson Brothers, and is a bay horse by Royal Artillery from Venturess (11), by Lochiel from Perilous, by Chester's brother, Clieveden. About the same hour as Royal Risk was scoring, Cocoatea was adding to Royal Artillery's fame by winning the Helena Vale Cup of £500 at Perth. Cocoatea was bred at Rawdon by Messrs. Cox Brothers. He is by Royal Artillery from Malvana (8), by Maltster from Rubiana, by Clieveden. The Trial Stakes at Brisbane fell to Nyora (by True Blue from Apsley), bred by Mr. A. Hooke at Tia; and Doolpogra (by Ladurlad) won the Flying Handicap, while another Ladurlad, Kareela, won at Aspendale. Olga Ulinda took the Two-year-old Handicap. Ruenalt, who is by Ruenalf and was bred at Bell trees, captured the Final Handicap; and Mr. James McGill, after a long absence from the winning list, won a welter handicap with Fitzsimmons, a well-bred fellow, by Simmer from FitzGrafton's sister, Olive Branch. By the way, I read somewhere, during my recent holiday in the country, that FitzGrafton was purchased at the December sales in England for 800 guineas, and is to be returned to Australia. Such a fine horse will be welcome. Gigandra the Great.
ROSEHILL races were opposed by an unregistered meeting close to Sydney, and though the attendance was good it was certainly affected by the opposition, which attracted not a few of the regular "horse" bookmakers. Those who stayed for the city fixture missed an excellent day's racing, and perhaps a good time, for backers went well throughout the afternoon. The class of cattle competing was quite up to Randwick form. The presence of Gigandra alone was an attraction. He ran for the Clyde Stakes and met a field of 23. Gigandra carried top weight, 10st 10lb, and was giving away from 16 to 59 lb to his opponents. Notwithstanding this welter impost the public showed their appreciation of the big horse, and confidence in his powers, by making him favourite. He opened at 7 to 1 and was backed down to 4 to 1. That figure was certainly on offer against him, but not by the big men who were unable to quote him at any price, so determined and consistent was the support accorded him. Maltchester opened at 8 to 1 and closed at 6, while Ruby Hampton- who started at 7 to 1- was introduced into the betting at 12 to 1. Willow Green was well backed down to 8 to 1, and there was solid money for Lady Denman (10) and Portrush (12); but the others were not much fancied. Gigandra drew an outside berth, and Maltchester had an inside marble. The last named was away smartly, and had a length advantage in the first fifty yards. Here he was joined by Kelso's Haut Brion filly Bretelle, and at the bend they led La Fiancee, Popinjay, Portrush, Abbcite, and Gigandra. In the straight, Bretelle had the measure of Maltchester, while Popinjay and La Fiancee under pressure were struggling hard to get on terms; then Manning brought Gigandra on the outside, and at the half-distance La Fiancee moved up with him. After an exciting struggle Gigandra beat Bretelle by half a head, and she in turn accounted for La Fiancee by a head. Then came Popinjay, Selbrook, Oweenee, Maltchester, and Malt Mary pretty much in line.
Villiers and Carrington.
GIGANDRA is engaged in the Villiers Stakes and Carrington Stakes with 10st 4lb in the first and 10st 8lb in the second. In the Carrington Stakes he meets La Fiancee on 2lb better terms, but as the English mare was on Saturday ridden by an inexperienced apprentice the probabilities are she will reverse the Rosehill running if she meets the crack at Randwick with an experienced jockey in the saddle. I cannot find Bretelle's name in the Villiers or Carrington Stakes, but Popinjay is in the first with 8st 5lb, and in the short race with 8st 91b, therefore meets Gigandra on pretty much the same terms; but as he looks big and hearty the public gallop is likely to improve him greatly. The same may be said of Malthusian; but Woolerina and Abbcite shaped too badly at Rosehill to expect winning form from them at Randwick, and Ruby Hampton will have to improve out of knowledge to repeat her last year's success in the Carrington Stakes. The Villiers Stakes is run on Saturday next, and there are still a very large number of horses in the race; but the field is not likely to be very big. Gigandra doubtless will be one of the favourites and a hard one to beat - in fact, it is difficult to name one in the crowd that looks like having an even chance with him, except La Fiancee. The best of the others may be Malthusia, Willow Green, and Sir Willie. A Son of Tartan. The club added £250 to the Rosehill December Handicap, and got a field of 22. They looked an even lot at the weight, but the bookmakers displayed no great desire to launch out as they did in the Clyde Stakes, and contented themselves by mildly offering 3 to 1 on the field, which seemed sailing very close to the wind with such a crowd to work on; but it would appear that that five out of every ten backers held views opposite to that, for they charges in head down and took the 3 to 1 as if they were betting on a selling race and a field of six. Their selection was a New Zealand mare, Soultoria, whom her owner, H. Conlan, had in fine buckle, and expected her to win. The mare shortened in the betting till she reached 7 to 4, which I saw taken; then our old friend "Jim" Agnew and his many friends came on the scene with support for Tartanus, and he quickly came down the scale to 7 to 1, while there was always fair support forthcoming for Ely at from 8 to 10 to 1. Bar three of them 15 to 1 was freely offered, and at that figure Electrakoff, Didus, and Kilmeadon were written. From 20 to 33 to 1 was going against Border King, Rovigno, Hallmark, Barlow, N.S.W., St. Carwyne, and Blueberry; but some of the others were on offer at much longer prices. In fact, I saw an "auctioneer bookmaker" vainly offer 200 to 1 against Lady Warpaint and 100 to 1 Miss Legation, Soultoria was never in the real race; but the despised Miss Legation went to the front after they passed the mile post and led into the straight, where Tartanus, Irish Figure, Didus, and Blueberry were all in the fighting line. Later on Miss Legation and Tartanus settled down, to a finish, and opposite the grandstand N.S.W. crept up on the rails; and after a ding-dong battle Tartanus got home by a short , half-length from Miss Legation, who beat N.S.W. a neck, with Kilmeadon some distance off fourth, in front of a bunch consisting of Irish Figure, Crown Grant, Voldon, Blueberry, and Electrakdff. Lady War paint, St. Carwyne, and Rovigno were the last to get home. First Principle Fails.
TARTANUS, who has already won a mile and a half race at Randwick, is in the Summer Cup with 7st 4lb and Tattersall's Cup with 7st 5lb; and her weight will put N.S.W. in the picture. Both these light weights look well in the coming Cups - certainly the best of all those below seven stone - but it is not unlikely that Britain and Matouree will both have a lot to say in these races. Tartanus is trained by Joe Burton, who bred him and owns his sire, Tartan. First Principle - who, I believe, is a Rosehill fancy for one of the short races at Randwick - was produced for the Parramatta Mile and made favourite at 6 to 4 over 20 others. One in commission against him was Odist, who was backed from 12 to 1 down to 5 to 1, while Grail, Multum in Parvo, Stabler, and Canaque all figured at 10 to 1 and under. Kittle made running to the bend, where First Principle took charge and looked like pulling his backers through comfortably; but inside the distance Canaque and Odist appeared on the scene, and catching the leader opposite the stand the trio passed Mr. Shaw almost in line, with Stainer close up fourth. Canaque got home by a head, and First Principle beat Odist a head. The winner was bred by Thompson Brothers at Wingarra, and is by Ayr Laddie from The Intended, by Grafton from Fiancee, by Marvellous from Affection, by Cheddar. He is trained by John Allsop for J. and P. Brun, owners of Ladies' Man and Cagou, and residents of Noumea. In the Villiers Stakes First Principle meets Canaque on 9lb better terms; but Odist meets First Principle on 2lb better terms, there-fore should have an outside chance in that race. Bred in England.
THE Rosehill Hurdle Race was regarded as the best of good things for the New Zealander Marton, who was top weight (12st 10lb), and he was backed at 6 to 4; but he went weakly in the market at the finish, and Foothold, who came from 15 to 1 to 6 to 1, ran over him at the finish and beat him by six lengths, with Wadden a neck away third, clear of King Lucre. On their return to scale Marton could not make weight, and it was discovered that he had by some means dropped a lead bag the jockey weighed out with. He was disqualified from second place, and the stewards began an inquiry concerning the lead bag. When these notes went to press the inquiry was still proceeding. There was a big field out for the Maiden Handicap, and at the close of operations there was little to choose between three - Comedietta, a half-sister (by Positano) to Comedy King, Laggard (a brother to Elystan), and Mr. Sam Hordern's imported filly Marsinah. Comedietta, who is a nice little filly of quality, and the very opposite in bulk to Comedy King, made running to the distance from Laggard, Valior, and Marsinah; but at the half-distance the imported mare got her head in front and won by about three lengths from Valior, who beat Comedietta a length, and Laggard was fourth. The winner is one of the draft purchased in England last year by Mr. W. A. Bryans for Mr. Hordern, and a very attractive mare by Martagon and Santa Regale (2), by Royal Hampton from Santa. Mana, by Minting. She is likely to make into a beautiful brood mare and splendid mate for Bronzino. A large party of 23 started for the Nursery Handicap, and a favourite was found in Mount Mostyn, with Esteban second in demand at 7 to 2; then came Maltster Lass at 6 to 1, while Indiscretion, a Prudent King colt belonging to Mr. Adrian Knox, was backed from 10 to 7 to 1, and Well Dressed came down from 20 to 7 to 1. None of the others were fancied. Well Dressed got a slight advantage at the start from Velours (Traquair-Chiffon), Tau (Ibex-Lellamine), and Mount Mostyn; but Tau took charge and led to the distance, where Mount Mostyn got to the front; but further on Well Dressed challenged and worried him out of the race by a neck. Maltster Lass with a late run filled third place in front of Esteban. The winner is one of Mr. A. W. Whitney's, and is trained by Scully. He is a black colt by Mimer from Fashion (20), by trident from Etiquette (imp.), by Caractacus. He was bred by Mr. H. Bourne at Nowra, and is a half-brother to Hobble Skirt. Increase in Prizes.
THE Rosehill management have decided to add not less than £1000 per day to its programmes next year, and to raise the Rosehill Guineas to a thousand padded money. Of course, odd meetings will carry more than the thousand. This departure is much appreciated by horse-owners. The other proprietary clubs are bound to follow the Rosehill lead, and Tattersalls Club contemplates greatly increasing their stakes with the surplus money in hand; therefore values in horseflesh will surely improve, for the greater the stakes the greater the values. The conditions for the A.J.C. Doncaster Handicap (of £2000 added money) and the Sydney Cup (of £5000) are published on page 3 by Mr. C. W. Cropper, and a fine autumn programme of events other than these will follow later. If all the Sydney clubs put on prizes proportionate to their profits, next year's stallion statistics will show out well above the £622,000 won in stakes in Australia last season. A first class Indian paper some time back scoffed at the prices asked for Australian racehorses; but in an article it published a while back by another Calcutta paper the writer sees no reason to wonder at the uprise in Australian demands, and in support of his argument quotes largely from the returns published by the "Sydney Mail's" statistician, who showed that over £622,000 changed hands during the season, and compared these returns with the English. About 60 per cent of this money was won in New South Wales and Victoria where the totalisator is not tolerated; and the balance came from the four totalisator States, where the cost of entry is very much greater than in New South Wales and Victoria. White Star for Australia.
A REPORT from Melbourne states that Mr. S. Green has purchased White Star from his breeder, Mr. J. B. Joel, to use as a stallion among his fine collection of mares at Shipley. White Star is a brother to Sunstar, who won Mr. J. B. Joel the Two Thousand Guineas and Derby and was sold for a big figure to go abroad. Prior to that Mr. Joel sold another classic winner, Your Majesty (by Persimmon), for over £20,000 for export; but if he owned the horse to-day it would doubtless take much more than that to buy him. Yetman, who is by Persimmon out of a half-sister to Your Majesty, was sold to Australia, and his yearlings are to be disposed of in Brisbane in May. One who has seen them sends me a very glowing account of the young Yetmans. Belltrees Stud.
ON page 3 of this issue Messrs. H. Chisholm and Co. make a preliminary announcement respecting the disbandment of the Belltrees stud of mares, the property of Messrs. H. E. A. and V. White, who have bred some corking good horses, since they began raising thoroughbreds from a draft of mares presented them by their uncle, the late Hon. James White, of Kirkham, the most successful winner-breeder Australia has known. The proprietors of Beltrees have not bred for the yearling market, except on one occasion. They have invariably sold their youngsters at three-years-old locally, and the records show they have won a fine percentage of races. I suppose every horse racing by Ruenalf during the past three or four years - except Lady Ruehalf - was bred at Belltrees, and the stallion returns go to prove the success of Belltrees stock by the position Ruenalf has held every year. On the same page Messrs. Wm. Inglis and Son draw attention to their blood stock sale on January 2, when they will offer a large catalogue of mixed thoroughbreds, including the Persian Knight horse Omar Khayyam.
Two Mishaps.
MR. W. E. WHITE'S luck is surely execrable. His latest misfortune is the loss of a promising Flavus colt, Stapho, who ran into another two-year-old at Randwick on Saturday morning and broke his back. His trainer, W. Kelso, was much distressed at the mishap, which was a pure accident. A couple of his own two -year-olds were in the gallop, and the trainer declared with emphasis that he would rather they both had been killed than a hair to be knocked off Mr. White's colt, in whom he had the greatest confidence and expected to land a decent race with him at the Christmas meeting. The tracks at Randwick are very hard just now, and badly need rain. Not a few horses are suffering from soreness, and on Saturday, while engaged in a gallop, Mr. Francis Foy's horse John McElhone broke down badly. John McElhone was got in England, and is by Santry from Ellen Terry, a Multiiform mare who was sent from New Zealand to England by the late Mr. G. G. Stead, and was purchased there and brought back to Australia by, Mr. Foy, who, I regret to learn, is in Paris and seriously ill.
News From the Murray.
THE Ladas horse Andria has had an excellent season at Howlong, on the Murray. An enthusiastic friend sends me a few lines concerning some of the mares visiting his paddocks. He writes:- Snivel (by Swiveller), a big winner in Calcutta, and afterwards reshipped to Australia, has a fine brown colt by Andria. Attraction, by Pilgrim's Progress from Bright Eyes, has a brown colt by Andria. Attraction is the dam of 88, a Harmonist mare who in turn produced to Andria that very recent good Queensland winner Sweet Sixteen. My old mare La Traviata has a brown colt by George Frederick, and therefore full brother to La George. These three mares are all served by Andria. I have a fine yearling just taken in from the paddock. He also is full brother to La George, a brown colt, and I have not often seen a finer colt. The dams of Aurifer (Caulfield Cup) and Relieve, (Newmarket Handicap) are both over from South Australia to Andria, and will stay for a second season. They are a common-looking pair of mares. I forgot to mention that a bay mare by Positano from Bright Beauty (name unknown to us) has a lovely chestnut filly with a lot of white by Andria, and goes to him again. She has been at Howlong since last season. In view of the success of Positano mares, she should be a gold mine.
Anticipations.
A.J.C. SUMMER MEETING.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20.
TRIAL HANDICAP:
SELBROOK or CORADIL.
NURSERY HANDICAP:
MOUNTAIN KNIGHT or SECRET SERVICE.
VILLIERS STAKES:
GIGANDRA .... 1
LA FIANCEE ....2
ODIST or FIRST PRINCIPLE .... 3
HOLIDAY HANDICAP:
N.S.W. or CROWN GRANT.
HIGHWEIGHT HANDICAP:
MALTHITSIAN or ALFRED JACKSON3 .

1915

31 March 1915
Thompson of Widden.
AT least one familiar figure will be missed at the coming sales - that of John Thompson, of Widden, who a few months ago departed this life rather suddenly and unexpectedly while on a visit to Sydney for the spring races. Mr. Thompson was a sterling citizen, and one of many thousands who spent his life on the land, producing for the benefit of the country, and this city in particular. He was the eldest son of the original Widden Thompson, and for many years was partner with his brother William in the Widden property as utility horse-breeders and cattle-graziers. When Lochiel was brought into the valley by James and Alfred Thompson all the Thompson family profited largely by the acquisition of this bonny son of bonny Prince Charlie. John and William Thompson soon got together a stud of mares, and their sons were apportioned a share of the blood stock. Success followed and in due course the stud grew. It is now one of the largest in the States. John and William Thompson became most successful racehorse-breeders. Among the many good ones they raised were Long Tom and Alawa, who were out of Crossfire, a splendid racer and a prized brood-mare, whom they secured at the break-up of Mr. W. A. Long's stud. I mention those two for a reason. In England there is a party, named, I believe, Becker, an authority upon Austrian and Continental racing, who uses the pen-name of 'Boulanger.' He appears to be 'agin everything, ' except 'Boulanger,' and is strongly opposed to any theory of breeding unless it happens to be 'Boulanger's.' He never misses an opportunity to disparage Lowe's figures, the main reason for his so doing being, seemingly, because the opposition paper, the London 'Sportsman,' uses the figures and advocates their use.

'Boulanger's' Great Mare Theory.
'BOULANGER' is frequently quoted in the Sydney papers. One recently published one of his statements, in which he boldly asserted that no great brood mare has ever produced a first-class animal by an unapproved or, I assume, a second-class stallion. According to 'Boulanger,' she can only be successful with a first class horse. This is a most remarkable statement, as humorous as it is untrue. I have not the time to wade through a hundred years of history for instances to dis count 'Boulanger,' but will just for one mention the product of such a stallion failure as Projectile and Cross fire. This is Long Tom, a rare good racehorse and undeniable stayer, whose equal I would admire to see in the Mining Sydney Gup with something like nine stone on his back.' And it also occurs to me, at the moment, that the greatest brood mare in all Australian history, Frailty, threw a high-class racehorse, in Niagara to Anteros, a high-rate stallion. Niagara twice dead-heated with Abercorn, and if any reader of these notes has reason to doubt his class they might ask his old trainer, Ike Foulsham about the horse. Pocahontas was the greatest brood mare England has yet produced. She was the dam of six first class winners, and the two best were Stockwell and Ratapian, whose sire, The Baron, was a failure except with Pocahontas. But this is a subject that will keep into the cold weather, when there is less to do than at present, and we will return to the Widden stud, which is now conducted by Mr. Alfred Thompson, second son of John Thomson. This season he has nominated fifteen yearlings in the Inglis catalogue.

Widden Winners.
LAST season the Widden yearlings sold wonderfully well, and they have done wonderfully well during the present season, for among the two-year-old winners from the stud are Red Signal and Nicanor, while Celosia was reared there. Three Star, Jaunt, Sir John Barleycorn, Coeur de Moineau, and Lineage came out of the last Widden lot, and among the best in the present draft are several promising subjects, including a half-brother to Malt King by Linacre. This is a bright bay colt without white; he is a medium-sized youngster, with most shapely shoulders and legs, and well-set, 'high quarters. Another colt I liked very much is a black brother to Liquid Malt, Little Lill, and Sweet Brew, by Maltster out of Fusile, a hall-sister to such speedy goers as Grattondelle, Maltsterdelle, Barley Brew, and Miss Melos, the dam of Grafton Lass, Debutante, and Kummulla, all smart winners. Fusile is by Projectile out of Hirondelle, one of the speediest of Loehiel's daughters, and a descendant of Adeline, by Kingston. Maltster has got few if any foals so much like himself as the Fusile colt, who is now what the old Horse was like at the same age. Probably the best of the Widden lot is a brown colt by Maltster from the above-mentioned Kum mulla, who is by Grafton out of Miss Melos. This colt throws unmistakably to his maternal grandsire, and is a true Grafton of the best sort, powerfully built and active. A brown filly by Maltster out of Aureity, a half-sister to Golden Hop, by Grafton from Aurous, by Wallace, is not only a high-bred one, but a beautifully built little lady, who may top the Widden sale; and there is another very nice filly, a sister to Lord Malt and Zosia, by Maltster from Conne, a sister to Grafton Lad, by Grafton; while there seems much brood mare and racing value in a bay filly by Charlemagne II. from the Debutant Stakes winner Miss Bass, the dam of that handsome two-year-old Sir John Barleycorn.

Descended from My Love.
STABLED opposite the Widden lot at Payten's are the yearlings bred by Mr. Albert Thompson, of lnglewood, eldest son of the late John Thompson. They were all bred and reared at Widden, and are related to many winners. A brown colt by Maltster out of Lovegraft, a sister to such good racehorses as Bruntwood and lnglewood, and a half brother to Coeur dc Moineau, Maltman, Confetti, and Coonabar, is a fine stamp of a horse, and a high-bred one, his dam being by Graft on from Loveloch, dam and grand dam of several winners. She is by Lochiel from that famous Yattendon mare My Love. The Lovegraft colt is a powerfully-built fellow, with a determined head, great arms, and thighs, and he is splendidly let down on magnificent hocks. Another of this breed is a brown colt by Lenacre from Loveday, by Projectile from Loveloch. He is a half-brother to Acrospire and Habel, both flyers, and is perhaps the best of the lnglewood lot. He has lovely flat shoulders, big fore-ribs, and well-defined cords. A filly that is likely to attract much attention for her racing shape is a brown by Maltster from Lovelorn, a sister to the before-mentioned Lovegraft. She is a very stylish youngster; and a colt, by Maltster from Lady Arlington is a big fellow, who looks like carrying weight. His dam is a sister to Milner and Yalu, both fine performers, and she is a half sister to the famous Maltine, who is by Maltster, while Lady Arlington is by Grafton out of Loch Lava, a Lochiel mare coming from the same source as Ibex4 .

1930

10 December 1930
Through the Wonderful Widden Valley
Home of Many Famous Horses
Over 50 Years of Breeding
(By W. M. SHERRIE)
TO the man who sees it for the first time, Widden Valley (long famous for its production of the highest class thoroughbred horses and cattle) is at once a revelation of landscape beauty and awe-inspiring grandeur and material values all combined - an arresting and satisfying picture drawn by Nature on a titanic scale. When the late Mr. John Thompson (pioneer in this district of the family which has won world-wide distinction as producers of bloodstock) first sighted this land nearly 70 years ago he must have felt like the explorer who goes forth into the wilderness and suddenly finds himself in a new kingdom of vast interest and possibilities even though the 'king' may be little more than a primeval savage who is blissfully indifferent to the fluctuations in the prices of clothing material.
WHEN Mr. Thompson acquired land it was mostly wild bush and wild blacks and virgin forest.
He came from the Mudgee side and for some years was engaged in the breeding of utility sorts of horses. About 50 years ago he set about the task of building up a great thoroughbred stud. The first sire used on the place was Imported Russley. Later came such great sires as Maltster (five times premier of Australia), Lochiel (also five times premier), Linacre and Grafton, perhaps the most prolific sire the breeding world has ever produced.
Grafton (by Galopin from Maid Martan, dam of Polymelus) sired winners of over 2000 races in Australia, sprinters, stayers, middle distance horses and jumpers.
In selecting stallions the Thompsons have made few mistakes. Experience, allied with inherently sound judgment, has enabled them to buy horse after horse that has proved of great worth at the stud. Linacre was one of the most cherished of the equine possessions of the family and he did much towards establishing the fame of Widden stud, but the most sensational success was achieved by means of Valais. This magnificent Individual (who had not been much of a success on the turf, but had the best family credentials) was acquired when the Moses brothers' Arrowfield stud was dispersed. The price, 14,400 guineas, was a record for a sire in Australia, and the majority of the racing men held the view that the Thompsons had not made a good deal. It was not long before that view was shown to be entirely erroneous. Valais had a phenomenal career and in Heroic (now at Tarwyn Park) he has left a son well qualified in every way to carry on the tradition, one of the most perfect types of sire that Australia has known and already & marked success on the real testing ground of a stud horse's value.
In beauty and productiveness the Widden Valley is unsurpassed in any part of Australia. The valley runs for nearly 25 miles and right through the centre (with rich flats on either - side) there stretches Widden Creek, which at this time of the year is merely moist sand on the surface, with an inexhaustible underground flow of water. Right through this country, and over the flats of Tarwyn Park (which will be dealt with in a later article) abundance of water flows at a depth of from 3ft to 13 or 13ft - the perfect lucerne country which needs no irrigation to produce a constant, dense and luxuriant growth of this priceless fodder plant.
Picturesque
The entrance to the valley (which begins about 35 miles from Denman, and runs west) is narrow, but it opens out and in parts may be from a mile to two miles wide. On either side there extends a chain of practically inaccessible range and mountain, basalt and grim, towering battlements of iron stone. The flats and the slopes constitute ideal country for cattle and horses. Along the slopes are charming belts of forest timber, while in summer time the giant she-oaks which grow in thick clumps all along the creek make a restful picture in the landscape and provide shade and shelter for the stock whenever the weather indulges in extremes of heat or cold.
The whole valley is magnificently picturesque. At intervals mountain peaks lift their spires to the sky like Alpine sentinels challenging the dare-devil spirit of more mortals. At one time the haunting, doleful howl of dingoes might have been heard re sounding through this valley. Now the yap of the pushful fox may be heard instead, eagles soar gracefully over the tree-tops, their restless, piercing eyes searching for prey, while overhead go flocks of screaming white cockatoos. Passing into the valley any one with a little imagination may feel that he is in a wild land of enchantment - a veritable land flowing with milk and honey. Occasionally one sees from 30 to 100 beehives under gum trees, so that the 'milk and honey' idea is not by any moans illusion, since show-conditioned milch cows are also dotted about the landscape, imparting to it an air of serene and homely dis tinction.
Owners of the beehives may live many miles away, but no one interferes with them, if they were left thus under trees about Sydney they would be stolen, probably, or used as targets for stonethrowers.
When Mr. John Thompson died, the Widden property was carried on by his sons, Messrs. Alfred W. and Albert E. Thompson. Later Mr. A. E. Thompson sold his interest in Widden to his brother, and now has two beautiful properties of his own at considerable distances apart - Canema, which is just off the Widden valley, and Bylong, which is situated across the range and adjoins Tarwyn Park, which is 35 miles from Rylestone. Mr. A. E. Thompson has his stud at Canema, Bylong being devoted to sheep and cattle.
Among the noted horses bred at Widden were Beverage (winner of the Victoria Derby), Malt King, Maltine, Desert Rose, Lager, Lingle, and Alawa, regarded by some members of the family as the best horse produced at Widden. Alawa was difficult to train, but he often proved too good for Trafalgar, later the champion stayer of his time.
Mr. A. W. Thompson's home is Merton, which is some miles nearer to Denman, but he spends much of his time on his beloved Widden estate. Merton is one of the oldest homes in the district and is noted for the beauty of its old-world type of rambling garden. On this property and at Widden upwards of 1000 head of cattle are running.
The manager at Widden is Mr. Cecil Frost, who was for some years, engaged on Mr. R. C. Allen's South Wambo stud in the Singleton district. Associated with him in the direction of affairs at Widden are Mr. Ernest N. Larkin, B.V.Sc. of the Sydney University, and Mr. Frank Thompson (young son of the owner), who is already pretty well qualified to carry on the Thompson tradition in the breeding world. These young men are as full of enthusiasm for their work as they are of energy, and the whole place is admirably organised and conducted on the most up-to-date principles.
An interesting figure on the place is Tom Murphy, who is in charge of the stallions. Tom was at one time a jockey, and his eye lights with affectionate remembrance when he talks to you about Dan O'Brien, famous as the man who owned and first raced Car bine.
'Dan was my first boss,' says, Tom, 'and what he didn't know about a race-horse wasn't worth a tinker's cuss, anyway.'
He is full of reminiscences of the shrewd Dan, but cherishes his memory with a loyalty and affection to disarm even the incurable cynic. Tom can tell no end of 'inside' stories and secret history of the Turf and racing men, but it would never do to publish them.
It is good to see this man with his horses. If you were to offer Tom a holiday he would not take it. He can not tear himself away from his beloved horses. His extra special pets are High Art and Silvius. He and High Art play together like a pair of foals: They are true mates. Silvius ('a most determined bloke,' says Tom) plays with him, too, but if not pulled up with a round turn occasionally shows a tendency to have his own way.
Stallions now being used at Widden are High Art, Backwood, Silvius, and Riopscup, a class racehorse who is developing into a very attractive sire type. When he lets down a little more he will be seen to greater advantage still. Many of the best horses racing in England and America and on the Continent to-day belong to the same branch of the Bend Or line, (through the great French sire, Teddy) as Rions cup.
Buckwood looks hard and would appear to help to keep himself fit by being always on the move. He is a very active horse and does not need to be given a great deal of exercise.
Silvius was a brilliant racehorse, and he looks like developing into a high class sire. He is as lively as a two-year-old.
Fine Horse
When you got to High Art, Tom, in an aside; says: 'D'yer know, the boss has as soft a spot in his heart for this new bloke as he had for Linacre and Valais.
The imported horse is a truly worthy subject for admiration. He is a massive horse, showing great power and quality all over. It is difficult to fault him. He has a beautiful, intelligent head, good legs, is strongly coupled, has a splendid crest, and is one of the sweetest tempered horses it is possible to imagine. A child could handle him without risk. He is a great individual and should sire horses to carry weight and stay.
Though he won only one race in his four starts, there is no doubt that High Art was a high-class racehorse and a true stayer, as one would expect him to be on his stout breeding lines. He is inbred three times to Hampton, and is also inbred to Musket and Bend Or.
He was unplaced twice at two years and was then put by for the Derby. Later it was discovered that the colt had not been entered for the classic races. At three years his first start was in the Column Produce Stakes, one mile, won by Coronach (Derby winner). with Lancegaye second. His next start was in the two miles Ascot Gold Vase, which invariably, attracts the best w.f.a., horses. The best filly in England in 1920 was Bongrace, who had won six races in succession before she met High Art. In the Vase she appeared to have the race won when High Art came with a fine finishing effort and beat her by a length. There were 14 runners, and the third horse was Invershin, the champion stayer, of England, and twice winner of the Ascot Gold Cup. Unfortunately High Art struck himself in the race. He sustained such injury that he did not race again. The horse shows no sign of injury now and is a noble specimen of the thoroughbred. He was selected and bought by Mr. Alfred Thompson when he was in England about three years ago. High Art's young stock give great promise, and he is getting every opportunity at Widden.
He is by the great horse, Gainsborough (Bayardo-Rosedrop, by St. Frusquin) from the stoutly bred mare, Whitetor, by Torpoint from Lily of the Valley, dam of Valais and second dam of Highfield. Lily of the Valley, was by Martagon (Bend Or-Tiger Lily) from Hamptonia by Hampton from Feronia, a famous member of the No. 8 family. Torpoint was by Trenton (Musket-Frailty) from Doncaster Beauty by Sheen (sire of Otterden, dam of Martian and third dam of Manfred) from Doncaster Belle by Doncaster, sire of Bend Or. It is a remarkably strong pedigree in every way.
Whitetor was a full sister to Scarlet Martagon, dam of Plantago and a half-sister to Rock Savage and Valais.
Among the youngsters at Widden is a very nice bay yearling out of Lynjane; a very good sort. A bay with a white star (the almost invariable sign of Silvius) is out of Aurilina and Girilong has a brown to Moabite. He is well grown and possesses plenty of substance. The smart mare, Jimmie B., is represented by a good class yearling to Moabite, but this one is not going to the sales. There is a very fine, black colt by Moabite out of Alone, and a good sort of bay by the same sire out of Stillworth. Miss d'Or has an attractive youngster to Moabite, Strait Lace, has a colt, to Silvius and, a very finely grown youngster is the Roman-nosed brown colt by Moabite out of Mooch Along. Lady Buckwheat has a colt by Silvius. Periwoo has a bay colt by Moabite and Seraphyna, a fine big brown colt by the same horse. There is a very good one by High Art from Ash Queen, who has a foal this season by Moabite.
There is a very nice yearling by Silvius from Black Battery, dam or Quicktirer and a member of the same family as Artilleryman. Bronze Cross has one by High Art that gives promise and Hippolyte has a good one to the same sire.
Among the many good yearling fillies may be mentioned a bay, by Silvius from St. Patricia (imp.), and a bay by the same sire from the Shepherd King mare, Shepherd Princess, the disputed dam of the Derby winner. Prince Humphrey. This is a very fine youngster. There are charming bay fillies by Heroic from Pereskia and Sarrawonga, respectively, with typical Heroic heads. Whatever color they may be that brilliant horse stamps himself unmistakably on the heads of his stock. Uniformly they show heads which indicate spirit and character.
There are good sorts by Moabite from Lady Nan and Urania, respectively, by Rossendale from Royal Goon. Backwood, from Steady Glass, Moabite from Tributary, Silvius from Molly Crag, and Silvius from Malt Crag.
Forest Witch has a brown filly by Moabite and so has Elstree.
Among the season's foals is a very fine bay or brown filly by High Art from imported Quintanona, a St. Frusquin mare. Yes (imp.) has a bay filly by High Art and Bronze Cross, a ch. colt. Suggrapho has a brown colt by Magpie. A filly and two colts are by High Art out of Identity, Joan Alorie, and Lileacre. Shepherd Princess and Sita have colts to the same sire. The Moabites include black and brown colts from Forest Witch, Black Battery, Lady Nan, and Lynjane. Rangiriri has a brown filly to Moabite, and Periwoo a bay fllly. Tamara (by Tamar) has a colt by High Art, and Peeka a brown colt. Baby Doll (who was sent from N.Z. to the Gainsborough horse) has a foal by High Art.
Lady Nan is out of a sister to the great little stayer, Lord Cardigan, winner of the Melbourne and Sydney Cups.
Amata and Mufti
There is a good youngster by Backwood out of Military Lady. Luna Luna (imp.) has a brown colt by Moabite. Mooch Along a bay colt by High Art and Egalite a bay filly, Sarrawonga has a bay colt by Moabite.
Two interesting mares who have good looking fillies by Backwood are Mufti and Amata. It is a long time since they raced but they are looking younger than their years and are in fine condition. Mufti was a stayer and ran third in a Melbourne Cup. Amata was an exceptionally good mare and after registering a great win in the Newmarket Handicap ran into a place in the Caulfield Cup. She is a very nice mare.
Five famous horses have graves side by side at Widden. They are Linacre, Malster, Kenilworth, Claro, and Valais. On appearance the present star of the establishment is High Art, but he is not such a 'handful' as Valais was. The great Cicero horse had to have a yard specially constructed, as no ordinary stallion yard, was of any use to him. 'Go through it like tissue paper.' Tom Murphy tells you. The one designed for him would hold a turbulent elephant.
There are scores of highly bred mares at Widden. Seraphyna (bred in 1923) is by Linacre from Serinette by Grafton from Melema. Amata, is by Wallace from Carissima by the Derby winner, Ladas. Bronze Cross, is by imported Bronzino from Criss Cross by Malster. Sarrawonga is by Tressady from Lady Ayr by Ayr Laddie. Forest Witch (dam of Royal Flavour) is by Linacre from Bewitch by Birkenhead, and traces back to Sylvia and Musket. Black Battery is by All Black from Cross Battery by Stepniak. Imported Joan Alone is by Lally from Vortex by St. Angelo. Lady Nan is by Sir Dighton from Lady Capulet by Positano from Lady Trenton. Royal Goon is a half-sister to Rampion, by Berragoon from Royal Pet. Military Lady is by Valais from Military Cross by St. Alwyne.
Mufti is by the Australian Cup winner, Almissa, from Kirtle by Wallace from Cretonne by Bill, of Portland. Mooch Along is by Linacre out of Steal-away by Flavus from Destiny by Des-mond. Molly Crag is by Linacre imported Molly Dolan by Sir Edgar. Pereskia is by St. Anton, from Liane (imp.) by Wolf's' Crag. Pereskia is the dam of another brood mare on the place, Suggrapho by Chrysolaus, Urania is by Linacre from Aureity by Grafton. Tributary is by Tressady from Trebia by Cooltrim. St. Patricia is by Santry from Irish Denton by Forfarshire, sire of Eudorus.
One gathers that the foundation mare of the great Widden Stud was Keepsake. This mare was by Yattendon from imported Scandal. She was bred by the late Hon. E. K. Cox (breeder of Chester) and was presented to the late Mr. John Thompson. Keepsake came into the possession of the Thompsons about half a century ago.
Near the head of the Widden Valley is Holbrook, in charge of the brothers, Messrs. W. and G. Harris. This stud was established by their father, Mr. T. A. Harris, who has retired to reside in Sydney but continues to take a keen interest in the place. Mr. T. A. Harris is a native of the Mudgee district and was one of the pioneers in the Hol brook country. He had been associated with it for something like 70 years.
This country is practically a continuation, in point of character of that of Widden, the same creek, (which up here is joined by Blackwater Creek) serving them both.
The sires at Holbrook are the veteran, Eaton Lad and Sun Cure. Eaton Lad is now 26 years old. In the old country he was a good and versatile performer on the turf, and won on the flat and over jumps carrying all sorts of heavy weights. It was a case of the survival of the fittest. If the horse had not had a wonderful constitution he would probably have 'gone to the pack' years ago. On the contrary he has worn well, and has produced good horses for every department of racing. Perhaps his best flat racer was Easingwold, but he has also sired many other good ones, including some of the best jumpers we have had. Rain, hail or shine, Eaton Lad has consistently led an outdoor life and has never been in any way pampered.
Among the yearlings by him is one from Sweet Singer, a sister of Dunwil, who was a very good sprinter. One with a blazed face is by the same sire from Posida, a Poseidon mare. A first foal is a nice black filly by Eaton Lad out of Grace Dighton, and there is a bay filly by Sun Cure out of a Burri mare. Running among the young ones is Neith, the mare who won fame on the turf, and once defeated Trafalgar at w.f.a. There is a very nice sister to Income, by Sun Cure from Lady Ett. Another good yearling is by Sun Cure from October Belle.
The foals this season include a bay filly by Sun Cure from Nightie. Tissue has a ch colt by Sun Cure, and Grace Dighton a filly by Eaton Lad. Savinrie has a bay, colt by Sun Cure and Lin Queen, a ch. filly by Eaton Lad. October Belle has a bay filly by Sun Cure. There is a bay filly by Eaton Lad from Lineith and Tresheith has a bay filly by Silvius. Forever has a ch filly by Sun Cure and Cool Melba a ch filly by Eaton Lad. The whole of the youngsters on Holbrook are in hardy condition, and there are some very, finely-grown yearlings among them.
Tissue is by Eaton Lad from Lady Melba by imported Metal. Nightie is by imported Night Hawk from Duckie by Bobadil, and going back to Stockwell. Savinrie is by St. Savin from Gowrie by Morocco. Lin Queen is by Linacre from Queensley by imported Kingsley from Aleathe, by Splendor. October Belle is by imported October (sire of Bitalli and Wirraway) from Heather Belle by Pilgrim's Progress, son of Isonomy and Pilgrimage.
Lineith (who has a bay filly by Eat on Lad) is by Linacre from Neith by Holbrook. Tresseith, (who has a very nice bay filly by Silvius) is by Tressady from Neith, who was out of Cleopatra by Goldsbrough from Habena by Yattendon. Forever was bred by Mr. T. A. Harris. She is by Eaton Lad from Posida by Poseidon from Court Beauty by Royal Artillery from Tres Belle by Hotchkiss.
Eaton Lad belongs to a great family. He is by Orvieto from Hush by Hermit from Knavery by Lord Clifden (sire of Hampton) from Flutter by Alarm from Little Finch by Hornsea (15). Alarm was by Venison, (II), a son of Kingston. Hermit (Derby winner) was by Newminster from Seclusion by Tadmor (son of Ion, sire of Wild Dayrell) from Miss Sellon by Cowl (2) from Belle Dame (5). Orvieto belonged to the famous Sunshine family. He was by Bend Or from Napoli by Macaroni (son of Sweetmeat and Jocose) from Sunshine by Thormanby from Sunbeam by Chanticleer (23).
Sun Cure, is a very fine, well balanced chestnut horse with a good head and good action, and is beautifully bred. He is by great Sunstar from Curia by Cicero (sire of Valais) from the famous mare Sceptre, by Persimmon from Ornament, a full sister to Ormonde, by Bend Or from Lily Agnes by Macaroni from Polly Agnes. Cicero was by Cyllene from Gas by Ayrshire from Illuminata.
Sun Cure is related to Buchan and Saltash, as they are by Sunstar from a daughter of Maid of the Mist, by Cyllene from Sceptre. Sunstar was by Sundridge (Amphion - Sierra, by Springfield) from Doris by Loved One from Lauretta by the great horse, Petrarch, son of Lord Clifden and Laura (10). Loved One was by See Saw (son of the Derby winner, Buccaneer) from Pilgrimage, one of the best mares in the stud book. Cyllene was a grandson of Bend Or and Isonomy.
Sun Cure was bred in 1919, and imported to N.S.W. by Messrs. T. A. Harris and Sons in 19245 .

1933

2 November 1933
Famous Thoroughbred Studs
BIRTHPLACES OF CUP WINNERS
X. Widden and Havilah, N.S.W.
ONE of the oldest established studs in New South Wales still sending yearlings to the Sydney sales each season is Widden, which has been owned for many years by Mr. Alfred W. Thompson, cousin of Mr. Herbert S. Thompson, owner of the far-famed Oakleigh stud in the same district. One of the first mares owned by Mr. A. W. Thompson was Vitesse, bred in the early 80's of last century by Mr. James Thompson. As related in the first of these articles on Australian thoroughbreds, Mr. James Thompson began with two mares, Keepsake, by Yattendon from Scandal (imp.), and Adeline, by Kingston from a mare by William Tell. William Tell was a full brother to Archer, the only horse to win two Melbourne Cups. Archer's name is at the head of the list of Melbourne Cup winners, he having won in 1801 and 1802. Vitesse was by Roodee (full brother to the 1877 Victoria Derby winner and Melbourne Cup winner Chester) from Constance, by Cheddar out of Barbara, by Barbarian (full brother to The Barb, one of the most celebrated of all Melbourne Cup winners) from Adeline. Mr. James Thompson bred one foal from Vitesse, and then passed her on to his nephew, Mr. Alfred Thompson. The second foal the new owner bred from her was the Lochiel filly Hirondelle, foaled in 1801. In the last 35 years numerous descendants of Hirondelle have been bred at the Widden stud. It is a good winner-producing line.
Maltster, winner of the Victoria Derby in 1900, and second to his stablemate Clean Sweep for the Melbourne Cup that year, began his stud career at Widden stud, and he remained there until his death on 29th June, 1923. In five seasons Maltster headed the list of winning sires in Australia. When Maltster's sun was nearly set Linacre was installed as chief sire at Widden. He had great success, and became head of the winning sires. At the time Maltster was in his heydey Widden was owned by Messrs. John and William Thompson. Later, when Mr. William Thompson (breeder of Regal Son) had established his Yarram Park stud, at Scone, Widden was carried on by Messrs. John Thompson and Son. When Mr. John Thompson died he was succeeded by his son, Mr. A. W. Thompson, who has had about 40 years' experience as a breeder of blood stock. The sires standing at Widden in the last few seasons have included Moabite, High Art, Silvius and Backwood. Moabite was sold in England to Sir Samuel Hordern for 9000 guineas. High Art, whose dam was a close relative to Valais, was imported for use as a stallion. He did not race in Australia. Backwood was imported in 1923 by Mr. E. L. Baillieu. He won only one race in Australia. It was a good one, for it was the 1924 Melbourne Cup. In the following autumn Backwood fell while racing at Randwick, and he was retired to Widden stud.
Some of the Widden-bred horses are raced in Melbourne by Messrs. A. W. Thompson, E. L. Baillieu and "Constable" (a well-known Sydney identity) in partnership. One of their horses is Jimmie Boy, by Moabite. Silvius was bought in Ireland when a yearling for 1750 guineas by Sir Sidney Kidman, and imported to Australia. He was at the top of his form in the spring of 1927, when he won the Moonee Valley Cup, Melbourne Stakes and C. B. Fisher Plate, and ran second to Trivalve for the Melbourne Cup. At the end of that season Silvius was leased to Mr. Thompson and sent to Sydney. Last autumn Mr. Thompson had 38 yearlings sent to Sydney for sale. All of them were by Silvius, Moabite, Backwood or High Art. Three of these stallions are in use at Widden this season. In April a leading sire of the day was added to the strength of sires in the Widden Valley. This is the handsome Phalaris horse Brazen, sire of Kuvera and Shakuni. For some years Mr. Thompson had at Widden the Phalaris horse Moabite, who sired many speedy winners, Moabite died of a fractured skull at Tarwyn Park in May-last year. Brazen was imported to Australia by Mr. H. C. Rouse, and used at Biraganbil stud, Gulgong, where he got Kuvera, Shakuni, Bronze Hawk, Bronze Eagle and other winners. Mr. Rouse died in April last year, and Biraganbil stud was dispersed twelve months later. Brazen was bought for 4100 guineas by Messrs. A. W. Thompson, H. S. Thompson and P. C. Basche.
Three of the best performed of the New South Wales horses in Melbourne for the Spring meeting are Rogilla, Dermid and Closing Time. Each of these was bred at Mr. Hunter White's Havilah stud, near Mudgee, N.S.W. For many years Mr. White has been a member of the A.J.C. committee, to which Mr. A. W. Thompson was elected a few years ago. An uncle of Mr. Hunter White was Mr. James White, who died in 1890. From 1877, when Chester won the Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup, up till the time of Mr. James White's death, that sportsman had remarkable success on the turf as an owner. In the 43 years since 1890 his tally of notable successes in Australia has never been equalled. The last great bearer of the famous blue and white jacket was Carbine's doughty rival Abercorn. These two met six times at weight for age, and each won three of those races. In the only handicap in which they met Carbine was successful. It was the Sydney Cup, won by Carbine, three years, 9.0. Abercorn, four years, 9.4, was third.
Mr. James White's brother, Mr. H. C. White, acquired the Havilah stud in 1880. Havilah is the Biblical word for "land of gold." Among the many stud masters who pioneered the breeding of pure stock in Australia on skilful lines, Mr. H. C. White stood out as a master mind. Since his death in February, 1005, Havilah has been carried on with conspicuous success hy his son, Mr. Hunter White. When Mr. H. C. White purchased Havilah the estate was stocked with one of the best-known merino flocks in Australia. From this foundation Mr. White developed and improved the Havilah merinoes to a foremost place in the wool industry. Havilah is typical sheep country, and for many years Mr. Hunter White has bred from his mares only in alternate years. Such policy gives mares on comparatively poor horse breeding country a better chance to nourish their offspring.
On several occasions H. C. White journeyed to England and made his own selections of stud stock. Devons and Here ford cattle have made their mark at Havilah. Mr. White also selected good class thoroughbreds in England. He was not only successful in winning with English-bred horses in their own country, but he also carried off many races, including the coveted Cambridgeshire Stakes at Newmarket, and other important races, with Australian-bred horses. His Cambridgeshire winner was Georgie, the third dam of Rogilla. Sir. H. C. White was one of the most enterprising breeders in Australia, and his many importations of stallions and mares have had far-reaching effect on Australian bloodstock. He first bred thoroughbreds at Woodlands, on the Upper Hunter. In 1872 he purchased from Mr. Otto Baldwin, of Durham Court, Manilla, N.S.W., the English mare Valetta, and three of her daughters for £100. From these he bred many winners at Woodlands, where he used Roodee (brother to Chester), Lecturer (the famous grey son of Sappho), Meteor and other stallions to beget remounts and utility horses. The first of the Valetta family to bring Mr. White into public notice as a horse breeder was Pentagon, by Roodee from daughter of Valetta. Later came the famous Valetta descendants Paris and Bungebah, both bred at Woodlands. Mrs. H. C. White owned Paris from foalhood, and for her won two Caulfield Cups, an Epsom Handicap and an A.J.C. Metropolitan. Later Paris was sent to England and returned to Australia. Bunge bah, who was sold untried to Mr. A. Busby, became one of the greatest of Australian sprinters. Since Mr. H. C. White moved his bloodstock to Havilah, the Valetta line has had its successes down to the present day. Among the many mares imported from England were Muta, Felucca, Lady Randolph, Antithusiast, Mint ing Queen and Georgie's daughter by Melton. In conjunction with Havilah has been used Wollara, a property of some 10,000 acres, and having a double frontage to the Goulburn River.
When Mr. H. C. White died while on a visit to Hobart in February, 1905, Mr. Hunter White had already had years of experience in controlling Havilah estate and stock. The stallions in use when Havilah became his properly were the importations Skopos, Louis XIII. and Impetus, and Australian bred Atlas. The English horses got some good class winners. One of the earliest of Mr. Hunter White's successes on the Victorian Turf was when the great steeplechaser Bellis won the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase in 1905. Since the days of Skopos, Louis XIII. and Impetus, a number of stallions have been imported to Havilah. Among them was Brakespear, one of the first horses bred by King George V. after he ascended the throne. Brakespear got a number of winners, but was not an outstanding success. Mr. White did much better when he bought in England in 1924 the three-year-old colts Tipple and Roger De Busli. Retired to the Havilah stud, each of these horses quickly made his mark as a sire. About the time of their arrival the chief stallion in use at Havilah was The Welkin's son Three. Three sired very fast stock. His best daughter was the brilliant mare Figure, raced on lease by the Sydney trainer J. A. Donohue. Another very fast daughter of Three bred at Havilah was Trice. Leased to the Countess of Stradbroke, Trice was trained at Mentone by J. Holt, and she carried Lady Stradbroke's colors to victory in the Standish Handicap and other races. At the end of their turf days Trice and Figure were returned to Havilah, where they are now brood mares.
Tippler and Roger de Busli quickly made their mark as sires. Almost without exception the Tippler stock have been only sprinters. They are very fast. Though Mr. White sells a few yearlings each autumn in Sydney, he leases many of those he breeds. Two that he still owns are Dermid, leased to J. A. Donohue, and Closing Time, leased to J. T. Jamieson. The Roger De Busli horses have much better stamina than the Tipplers. The best two sons of Roger Do Busli are Rogilla and Oro. Oro is trained for Mr. White by J. King. Rogilla is held on lease by the Newcastle trainer L. Haigh. When Rogilla was a youngster he was presented by Mr. White to his son for picnic racing. With the depression, however, picnic racing in New South Wales was suspended and the gelding was then leased by Mr. White, jun., to L. Haigh. Rogilla is at present the best horse over all distances in training in Australia. With Dermid in the Cantala Stakes and Rogilla and Oro in the Melbourne Cup, the possibility of Havilah bred horses winning the two principal handicaps at the V.R.C. Spring meeting is not remote.
Studs previously reviewed in these columns are: - Oakleigh and Sunnyside, New South Wales, 4th October; Northwood Park, Victoria, 9th October; Kia-ora, New South Wales, 11th October; Rook House, Victoria, 13th October; Maribyrnong and Wariaby, Victoria, 17th October; Underbank, Victoria, 19th October; The Nook, Yandra and Riverside, Victoria, 24th October; Toolamba and St. Albans, Victoria, 26th October; Towong Hill, Victoria; and Khancoban, New South Wales, 31st October6 .

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