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LOUIS CAVALIER

Mr Louis Cavalier, well known in both trotting and racing circles in Canterbury has been left a fortune in Trieste, with one stipulation, that he has to go to Italy to collect it. Of French descent, Mr Cavalier came into the money on the death of his uncle, formerly a major-general in the French Army, who owned a factory and property and lived in Trieste.

Mr Cavalier earned a reputation as a horse breaker. He said: "I have broken in 1500 horses in my time, starting when I was 16, and am proud to retire undefeated. I have not had a horse under my care that I could not subdue, and now is the time to give up."

Born in Akaroa, Mr Cavalier began breaking horses in 1917. For 15 years he trained trotters and pacers at Addington, living in Division Street. For the past 10 years he has trained gallopers, and has his headquarters at 65 Buchanans Road, Sockburn. He has driven winners in both trotting and pacing races. "Lexia is the best galloper I have had under my care, and she has won more than £6000 in stakes."

It is for his ability to break in intractable horses that Mr Cavalier is best known in racing circles. He has been sent fiery horses from as far away as Wellington and Dunedin, and has always been successful with them. He believes in breaking in horses when they are yearlings and 2-year-olds.

Amongst the better-known pacers he has broken in are Loyal Nurse and Integrity, both NZ Cup winners.

Mr Cavalier leaves for Trieste, via Melbourne, in about two weeks.

Credit: NZ Trotting Calendar 15Feb50