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QUESTION OF THE STAYERS "Kettledrum" and Madden Express Their Views on Subject. 9 Develop Luces Instead of Stomachs Is Some Sage Ad* ice That Is Offered— Mnst Be Bred to Stay. a— — The English turf is greatly alarmed just now over the apparent deterioration of stayers in that country- It has been a subject that has been taken up by writers on the Uirf and from time to time remedies have been suggested. Then with the announcement of the weights for some of the English fixtures it was found that French horses were treated so harshly by the handicapper that few accepted the weight allotment. "Kettledrum" in the Iondon Sporting Chronicle, had the following to say on the subject : Apropos my recent remarks advocating th«» inclusion of more long-distance races in our programs, which surely must come to pass sooner or later, I think it would be wise seriously to deliberate the advisability of debarring foreign competition from such new events. As matters stand, there is every incentive for French owners to compete for the rich prizes offered in this country, more especially the long-distance events, few though they be at present. In the event, as one hopes, of more races over a distance of ground being introduced, so much greater will be that incentive. FRAXCE WELL SUPPLIED. Whatever may be said to the contrary, it must be agreed generally that France is possessed of a much greater proportion of stayers than this country. How can it bo otherwise when the encouragement on the other side of the Channel is to own stayers in complete contrast to our scheme of racing? The thought, therefore, occurs to mind that the suggestion, if and when carried into effect, may lead to a wholesale raid from Franco which would prove very difficult to withstand, and, in consequence, the object of forming such races might be defeated. I say "might," though it need not necessarily be so, seeing that our owners would have their eyes opened, and, having the desired encouragement in full view, could set about purchasing stock bred on the stoutest lines, while breeders would naturally cater to the demand. Some may think we have plenty of animals in this country winning races over about a mile who would, if properly trained over a longer distance, prove capable of getting a course, say, over two miles. But no argument could be more erroneous, unless such an animal be bred to stay. STAYING IS INHERITED. An idea seems to exist that the few trainers in this country who lay themselves out to capture the long-distance races have a gift for developing a nonstayer into a stayer, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is Hue that one trainer sometimes detects stamina in an animal which others hav missed, and one trainer may be cleverer thaa another in developing the staying qualities of a certain thoroughbred. Yet the fact remains, as a prominent trainer agreed with me, that stoutness has to be born and bred in an animal, without which no trainer in the world can hope to develop it in a stayer, more especially as races now are usually run at a great pace from, end to end. Our own John Madden, the master of Hamburg Place, and the most successful breeder in this country, has his views on the subject and they are of interest and they reflect the wisdom that has kept him at the top of the list of breeders for many years. Mr. Madden, reviewing the subject, sail recently in the Thoroughbred Record : UP TO TURF WRITERS. The European writers are free from prejudice when they admit a weakness apparent in the English race horse. Before long the same complaint will be coming from writers here. The turf writers are in a position to know the class of horses better than anyone else. I see nothing the matter with the blood lines of the thoroughbred horse, either here or abroad. The remedy must be looked for elsewhere. The blood lines are of the best. If we breeders would have the race course in view instead of the market and pay attention to developing the lungs of our yearlings instead of developing their somachs, better race horses would follow. Not enough advantage is taken of our wide range of pasture. It would be useless to increase the number of long-distance races under existing conditions. The horse must be bred and reared to fit the race. At present we have to make most of our races to fit the horse. With improved methods in rearing, the trainer would have better material to work on, and rac-s longer than a mile could be increased in number to the benefit of the breed, but e.i present such races would do more harm than good. John Madden is always worth listening ro whether he is discussing the thoroughbred horse and the product of the best or any other subject on which he may express an opinion. He is just a bit canny in not putting in his oar unless he knows whereof he speaks. For nine consecutive years the produce cf Mr. Maddens Hamburg Place have won a greater number of races on the American turf than those of any other breeder and that surely gives him the right to spe;ik with authority. It is lxxssible that Mr. Madden expects too much of those who write on matters of the turf, but the compliment is appreciated, coming ;ls it does from a man of his breeding wisdom. Writers on the turf have ever been striving for the best in the sport and the best in breeding, so essential to turf greatness. From time to time siu;jiestions have been made looking to an improvement in racing, and, as is so aptlv a*t forth by Mr. Madden the best succ*ss will follow breeding for racing. Then it is up to the writers on the turf to constantly strive for racing that will demand a bettering of the breed.
