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FRENCH THOROUGHBREDS PRESERVED. Contends Gene Leighs Pessimistic View of the Situation in France Is Ir.ccrrcct. French breeders are ap in arms abi ut statements made by Eugene Leigh to the effect that French bloodstock will be practically wiped sat by tie- war. and that the thoroughbred mares com-suiadeered for war unite will have lost their identity, as they did in Ameriea during the Civil war. Now Kilgene l.i igh may be a capable trainer, but as regards breeding he has no pretensions to knowledge. The French Stud Book has always been kept scrupulously pure to the English Stud Book, and in France they have been vastly more careful than we have during the war not to let the stock ! e depleted by exportation. The decrease of the foal returns in France has been anything but serious, for whereas in 1913 there were l!ll registered, and in 1914 there were isid. there were 1700 in IBIS, Which in the circumstances is .ui unapprei iable dill, reace. Moreover, sitea bloodstock as has been taken for army purposes consisted either of geldings or others of little value, but in any ease their identification papers went witii them and will always be available, so that there can never be say trouble about their pedigrees in future, if these are ever wanted. Export of Pure Bloods Strictly Guarded. I cannot but think that our French friends are somewhat unduly upset over Eugene Leighs pessi mi-tie report. Naturally, as a trainer, he had no use for France in these days of storm and stress, and he may well have thought because there was no racing to speak of there were no horses to train.. A continuance of present conditions would be disastrous to horse breeding in France as well as in Fngland. but France has set an example to the world both at the front and in maintenance of her great industries under unexampled difficulties. Of those industries horse breeding is one of the most important, and I am glad to be able to show that the fountain-head of it, the thoroughbred, is still being done lull justice to. Since August 1, P.I14. there has not been exported from France a single covering stallion less than ten years old, and no broodmare has i.eeu exported except by a special temporary permit for service in this country and return within the year. The French studs are thus really intact, though we can all imagine the trouble the unfortunate breed, is have had to face. The efforts they have made are not the least among the great national services and sacrifices rendered by the Preach nation to the great cause of us all. and I do not think that Kugcne Leigh would willingly belittle these services and sacrifices; but he seems to have got out of his depth in talking ahsat what lie does not understand, and has thus made hiinst If rospnn-silile for a farrago of ungrateful rubbish — ungrateful. I mean to France, where he had a good time, and where people deserved better of him — W. Allison in London Sportsman.
