view raw text
vMR. KNAPPS FAVORABLE IMPRESSIONS. By Christopher J. Fitz Gerald. New York, Sept. Hi. No member of the Jockey Club takes a keener interest in all that pertains to the racing and breeding of thoroughbreds than Mr. H. K. Kuapp,, whose horses are run in the name of the Oneek Stable. AVith the season of l!lj Hearing its close, this gentleman was asked one day last week at Belmont Park to give his impressions of the turf as he observed it at the present time. "I think everybody who loves a good horse, whether breeder, owner or mere spectator," said he, has reason to feel jdeased with the progress the turf has made during 1910. AYe have had some really splendid sport, which lias engaged the lest of our thoroughbreds in contests that will compare with those years when we had bigger fields and larger prizes, but never greater enthusiasm. "The manner in which the meetings were attended in 1114 was heartening and gave courage to those who had assumed the responsibility of keeping racing as a part of our outdoor life. It is safe to say, however, that none of us were prepared for the excellent support, which was evident from the opening of the gates this season. Many new and desirable additions were made to the ranks of the owners, hundreds of thoroughbreds of the best blood were brought from England and France, and as a consequence a new interest was injected into the sport. "AVhile these foreign brcds have not taken any of our classics as yet," Mr. Kuapp continued, "they have shown their quality, and as soon as they become acclimated they must be reckoned with particularly over a distance of ground. The advent of these new strains of blood means much to our thoroughbred families, which from time to time need replenishing from channels which have been successful through periods of trial. The breeder of thoroughbreds who gives the work that attention which its importance demands need not worry about the future of the industry, as the prices the public seem willing to pay make his occupation extremely profitable. The figures obtained for recent offerings of both foreign and home bred stock, however, carry their own lesson. Yearlings of obscure families and without individuality never will bring good prices in any market. You must have blood or quality, and the man who offers both gets the high dollar. The thoroughbred matures more quickly than any other horse and he must be fed and cared for from the day of birth if the maximum of growth is to bo expected. Some of our breeders overdo the work of feeding and load their yearlings until they are hog fat. This is a mistake as the happy medium is the course to puruse." "One of the best signs of the times," went on Mr. Kuapp. "is the conservation of the best blood in our own country. AVhile Mr. Belmont received 0,000 for Friar Rock it was not the money that induced the chairman of the Jockey Club to part with his great three-year-old. Having an abundance of the same blood at his Nur.-ery Stud he was actuated bv a desire to imnrove the entire thoroughbred fabric. He regarded it as a duty to give Friar Rock an opportunity to perpetuate himself to the greatest degree, and future generations of racing devotees will benefit by his philanthropy. "Do you know the Germans do that sort of thing in a way which commands the admiration of the world V Incidentally we are to benefit by one of their plans to imnrove their general horse product. AVhen they paid Mr. John Gubbins of Dublin 10,00! for Ard Patrick, the Derby winner, some years ago, this snlcndid horse, which was secured because he possessed the bone and stamina which they wanted so badly, was bred to Hydres by Isonomy. The product was a horse called Hunn II. This second dam was the Hermit mare Fair Marguerite and his pedigree on both sides of the house was faultless, lie was not. a large horse, but he had qualities which were desirable, and it was determined to ship him to Ireland, where he could be mated with the big Irish hunting mares and the progeny sent to Germany. Ihiun was in Ireland when the war broke out and. Jxing confiscated, was sold. He lias been bought by a gentleman living at West bury, L. I., and will shortly arrive in this country. I understand he will be used on cold blooded mares, though with such a pedigree there should be a demand for his services for the best of our thoroughbred dams. "Of course I am especially interested," concluded Mr. K:i;:pn, "in anything that is going to raise the quality of our general purpose horse, and the coming of IIuou II. will be welcomed for this reason also. He will be a desirable addition to the thoroughbreds now standing for service in this state. Reports from those who have stallions of our breeding bureau indicate a larger degree of patronage than ever before accorded them. There is a general realization that the country will need every half-bred that can, be produced for military purposes. The coming yearling competition at the Nork York State Fair at Syracuse on Wednesday next will give the farmers an opportunity to observe the types which may be evolved from the mating of dams of various kinds with thoroughbred sires. The class is for a prize of 00 and is for tiiose individuals which obtained first, second or third awards at the horse shows or agricultural society exhibitions in 1115 in counties where a breeding bureau sire stood for service. There is a large entry and the competition should be keen, as there is the strongest sort of rivalry between the various districts where these sires are located. "
