It was here that some of the most famous racers and winners 

 of the day were bred. "It was here that Sir Amyas Leigh, Hark- 

 away, St. Augustine, Champagne Charlie, War Eagle, and many 

 horses of fame, pedigree and real merit have followed one another 

 at stud through half a century and gave the racing world such 

 cracks as Prosecutor, Debtor, Friendship and others. The pro- 

 geny of the Arab "Damascus" increased the list with Robroy. 

 Hantam Belle, Witkous and many more." 



"The atmosphere of the old homestead is redolent of the 

 Thoroughbred. How could it be otherwise when in the entrance 

 hall one of the first things that catches the eye among a fine col- 

 lection of horns, heads and sporting trophies is the pastern of the 

 famous "Champagne Charlie" the sire of Hard Cach, Evelyn 

 Wood, and others whose names are written in the classic records 

 of great performers." 



These were the palmy days of racing in South Africa when 

 with the importation of some of the best Thoroughbreds from Eng- 

 land the Standard was a high one and the speed terriffie. These 

 days are gone and the horses too, but they are great records to live 

 up to — to breed to. What has been done can be done again. 



An encouraging feature is that the breeders in this greatest 

 and best horse-breeding district are all aiming at reproducing tlie 

 old Hantam type with improvements. "And it is gratifying to 

 know," remarks Mr. McDermot in 1905 after an extensive survey 

 of most of the studs in these localities, ' ' that there is every prospect 

 of the breed being revived as soon as suitable mares are available. 

 It takes time only; with the introduction of such excellent blood 

 into the district, the day should not be far oflE when the old glories 

 are revived." 



Other Thoroughbred studs exist in the Eastern districts. Most 

 famous perhaps is that of Senator Charles Southey who bred Camp- 

 fire II that went to show England that South Africa can breed 

 Thoroughbreds equal to its own. At Holesowen Mr. Hilton Barber 

 also keeps up an excellent stud with good blood stock both colonial 

 and imported. Both the Transvaal Orange Free State studs breed 

 from Thoroughbreds mainly. The Transvaal Turf Club is well pro 

 vided for by the studs of several of the great mine owners and other 

 wealthy men. The Hon. Wyndham and Mr. Charles Wood are 

 very prominent breeders of great winners. And many excellent 



77 



