Obituaries Australia

John Horsley Possessed Fine Qualities

BY the death of John Horsley, who for so many years had control at Fulham Park Stud, South Australia has lost a notable figure in the racing world.

A most unobtrusive man, he was for more than 40 years responsible for the matings at the stud. He was at Fulham Park when the Blacklers owned the establishment, and when the late Sir Sidney Kidman bought in, Mr. Horsley was quickly re-engaged.

For 30 years I have regularly attended Fulham Park during the foal season, and to know John Horsley and his work was an inspiration. It was always delightful to watch the kindliness with which he handled the young foals, and his familiar "Co-on, co-on" as he called the youngsters round him reflected a thorough understanding. He loved his horses and his work, and he knew every blade of grass on the estate.

Mr. Horsley never sought the lime light, neither did he bother about the betting side of the business — his whole ambition was to see winners turned out from Fulham Park. His pride was to stand back and watch visitors admire the stock.

One of his greatest thrills was to listen in at home to the progress of Silvius in Melbourne, and another the mating of Inchaquire and Heliope (for which he was wholly responsible) which gave the prizewinning Allunga.

Several times I endeavored to get him into a photograph among the foals, but he would move away as soon as he realised that the camera was pointed at him. We caught him unawares one day, however, when he was holding up the first young foal sired by Silvius. John Horsley has gone — it will be difficult to find again his like at Fulham Park or any other stud. Outstanding quali ties were possessed by the late John Horsley. His re gime as studmaster at Fulham Park was marked by courtesy and loyalty to his masters over a long period. Outstanding quali ties were possessed by the late John Horsley. His re gime as studmaster at Fulham Park was marked by courtesy and loyalty to his masters over a long period.