Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 14 November 1928, page 20


TRANSFER OF STUD.

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AN IMPORTANT DECISION.

Richmond Park (S.A.) to Kismet (V)

By 'SNOWDEN OF 'THE AUSTRALIAN '

Finality was reached on Tuesday by Messrs L F Aldridge and D C Cudmore, owners of Richmond Park Stud, Adelaide, in their negotiations for the purchase of Kismet Estate, Sunbury (V.), the business being conducted through Messrs. Wilkin-

son and Lavender.

For some considerable time Mr Aldridge has had in mind a transfer from the pre-sent stud at Adelaide, as in recent years it has become such a large establishment that it has become practically cramped for room, though the homestead block is eminently suitable for a stud conducted on smaller lines. Richmond Park stud was established in 1890 by the late Mr James Aldridge, the first sire used being the Australian Cup winner Carlyon who was succeeded by Pis-tol. Later came St Anton, French bred Monitor (for one season only), Lucknow, Whittier, and Manfred. The lastnamed two and St Anton are the sires now at Richmond Park. The mares on the pro-perty, which is divided into three sections, and is within three miles of the centre of Adelaide, number about 50. Richmond Park proper comprises 50 acres, Netley 80 acres, and a further 450 acres is leased. This block is valuable building land, and as the security of tenure is somewhat un-certain, the prospect of the loss of its use has been a disturbing factor. Mr. Aldridge is much wrapped up in the home he has known for so many years, and the contem-plated move has been a severe wrench. However, as a studmaster he must consider the proposition from the business point of view. Last Friday week he inspected Kis-

met, and from the moment he entered the front gate he felt that he had found the right property for his purpose.

Comprising an area of about 950 acres, Kismet has for many years been associ-

ated with members of the Clarke family,

and is on the opposite side of the Sunbury railway line to the still better known Rupertswood. The country is undulating high, and has perfect natural drainage. It is thus naturally sweet and healthy for horses and conducive to sound feet It is on the same line of country as Mr E. E. D. Clarke's celebrated stud at Melton, which was for so long the home of The Welkin and on which have been bred Trivalve, Wolawa, Furious (all Victoria Derby win-ners), Trey, Isa, Hyades, Thrice and many other high class performers.

Racecourse on Property

Possession of Kismet will be taken on December 1 and the stallions and mares will leave Richmond Park about the middle of that month. The whole of the staff em-played wiill also come across. The 50-odd horses will not go straight to Kismet (or Kismet Park Stud as it will be known in future). They will be quartered for a while at Mr. Ben Chaffey's Woodlands estate Oaklands Junction. On Kismet is already an ideal stallion paddock but further yards and buildings will have to be constructed. The homestead is a commodious building To bring the appointments on the property up to date for a first class thoroughbred stud a considerable outlay will be incurred. Sunbury racecourse is situated on Kismet and when the stud is well settled down Mr.

Aldridge might undertake the training of one or two of the horses owned by the part-nership. Years ago he had considerable suc-cess when he trained Antilles (winner of the A.R.C. City Handicap and Birthday Cup), and other winners for his father.

The transfer is sure to find much favour with owners of blood mares in Victoria, as it should enable them to give full pat-ronage to Manfred and Whittier. Adelaide was rather too far to send mares. Whit-tier's first yearlings will be sold in the coming autumn. They have already created much favourable comment. Manfred's first foals were dropped this spring and their breeders are very pleased with them. Man-fred was an extraordinary racehorse and first class individual. Only last week R. Lewis stated that of all the great horses he has ridden Manfred impressed him most by his immense speed and galloping ability.

The transfer of such a large stud is a serious loss to the South Australian turf, but there is no doubt the move will prove of great benefit to the industry in Victoria, and will give the young Australian bred sires the chances which their breeding, quality, and racing ability merit.

(Sporting items continued on page 22 )