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RICHARD CROKERS GLENCAIRN STUD. Interesting Account of a Visit to the Establishment of Orbys Owner in Ireland. Miss Nannie Power ODonoghue, a correspondent of the London Illustrated Sporting News, recently visited Kiehani Crokers country home in Ireland. This is what she wrote about her trip: Fires in July a curious anomaly yet 1 found them in necessary evidence at Glencaim, Mr. Rich-ard Crokers residence at Sandyford, County Dublin, when I went there a few days ago to make some notes and see for the first time a place which has now become historic. I dont believe anyone ever heard much about Sandyford until the Gleneairn establishment was set up there. It is a small district in itself. Approaching Gleneairn, the white granite entrance way, with its slightly pointed central arch, constitutes an imposing feature, and Hit; approacli to the house, when the motor, which the host sends down for expected guests, sweeps through the ornamental gates, is winding and picturesque and mose beautifully cared for and kept. Along a portion of it the route is flower-fringed and the mansion is built in American fashion, the fine veranda being furnished luxuriously with handsome lounges and chairs. Mr. Crokers niece, Mrs. Bowman, received me In the morning room, and soon Mr. Croker appeared, accompanied by his favorite chow. We passed through a really kingly dining room before proceeding to the yard, and in the latter were met by Dr. McCabe, who, as an old friend of mine, took me in hand and showed me over the stables. Orby was led out from Ills luxurious box and did his little "walk round" with an air of conscious superiority. No description of the lovely colt Is needed, but his owner pointed out to nie during ray survey some little traits and particulars which have never got into any descriptive account of him. The most striking of these is his fancy for having his tongue stroked and "petted." He folds the member over like an omelet and protrudes a few inches for manipulative attention. This lie likes best when standing in his box with his nose over the high rail of his doorway, and, mounted on a bucket which Dr. McCabe laughingly procured for me, I gave the Derby winner so many strokings and tongue pats and kisses, that to use Mr. Crokers words, "he stood mesmerized." with eyelids drowsily drooped and a general air of beatitude which was most fascinating. Dr. McCabe mentioned that when the horse was placed under his charge he was very ill-tempered and was suffering, from diabetes. He had never won anything either in Ireland or England. Now he is truly a great horse; never leaves an oat or is a day off color and is one of the most placid and tractable animals in the world. The great difference has been brought about by consistent kind treatment and gentle speaking, no attendant being ever allowed to "shout" at occupants of stalls at Gleneairn. Next to Orby, his half-sister, Rhodora, is located a lovely two-year-old, by St. Frusquin, out of Orbys dam. She won at Leopardstown, and will do well with careful handling, but is inclined to be a bit "jady" in other words, not always willing to do her best. Then comes Yale Blue, a beautiful, untried filly, shaped for work, grandly ribbed and with finely molded pasterns and strong firm feet. Leucosia, Mr. Crokers Derby gift to Dr. McCabe, is a light chestnut marc, four years old. She was trained at the Curragh, but was beaten off in general races and is only now showing her true form as a present and future winner. Georgetown, a line, upstanding bay and very good tempered, ran second to Orby in the Irish Derby. Mr. Croker was told by his trainer that he could win the race easily and leave Orby at home, but he knew that the people cxpeeted to see the "crack," and so lie decided to have him run. I may mention that the master of Gleneairn cares nothing for betting, and when told that he could get a big price for Georgetown, and that Orby would start at 10 to 1 on, he still refused to leave the Idol of the hour at home when the Curragh event was to be decided. I saw also during my pleasant visit Juliet IL, which won her most recent victory with 11 stone 2 pounds, and also Little Cerosus, winner of the first two-year-old race of the season at Leopards-town. Vain Glory, a nice bay mare took my fancy with regard to looks, and so did Hayden, a grand, big three-year-old. He led Orby in all his Derby gallops and won a lengthy race with top weight at the recent Curragh meeting. SHeve Roe is a useful looking two-year-old bay, and Coragb Leah, a conspicuously good bay colt, just purchased for 1,000 sovereigns, came home while I was In the yard. I also made acquaintance with Black Cock, a horse under careful handling. Mr. Croker has altogether about twenty-four two-year-olds In training, and In the center of his busy yard stands a marble elDgy of a favorite American horse, Dobbins, which wou for him stakes worth 20,000.
