SPORTING NEWS.

RACING AT NAPIER.

Vast crowds witnessed the great race for the Derby Stakes on May 25. The Prince of Wales, L;ord Rosebery, the Qrowri Prince of Denmark, and many other persona of distinction were present. The course was slightiy heavy and the weather was threatening. The Baron, the favorite, appeared to be in good form. Merry Hampton was ridden by J. Watts, The Baron by T. Cannon, and Martley by F. Barrett. The last betting was : 11 to 1 against Merry Hampton, 5 to 4 against |b,e B.aron, 1Q to 1 against Martley, f to 1 against Eiridsprod, 12 to 1 against Aintree, 22 to 1 against Blanchland, 50 to 1 against Eyrandism, 50 to 1 against Porcelain, 100 to 1 against Savillo, 200 to 1 against Conlolide, 220 to 1 against the Shannon c>lt. A capital start was made. Porcelain and the Shannon colt first showed in the advance, with Aintree and Eiridsprod following, and the Baron and Merry Hampton coming next. Procelain soon dropped back, bub the Shannon colt kept the lead. Martley was last. At the mile piistj Eiridspord drew up, and ran level With the Shannon colt, and he was joined directly after by Blanchland, Grandison, and The Barun, The pace ff«4 too hot for the Shannon colt, and he gave way. Aintree was now at the tail of the string, and Blanchland and Eiridsprod were three lengths ahead oi the Baron and Merry Hampton. On entering the straight, Cannon rode The Baron vigorously, and Blanchland and Eiridsprud very soon fell back beaten, tyleyry Hampton then took th.c lead, wit I: Martley and Aintree heading the others '|'he Baron ran with gamenesa, but failed to reach Merry Hampton, who won by four lengths, Martley third, Aintree fourth, and Eiridsprud tifth. Tho Shannor colt came in last. A correspondent writes that the defeal of the favorite of the Derby was a fore gone conclusion. The ring laid to< heavily against him to allow him to win jpd the ring suffered so heavily at roceni raeetinga, that had the Baron won, ; great pioportion of the winnings of his backers could not have been paid. Othen are equally conGdent that the horse wai beaten on his merit or demerits. All however, agreed that the field was a poo: one. p*r C. Keller, of Zurich, claims tha spiders perform an important part in th< preservation of foreßts by defending th< treea against the depredation of aphidsi and insects.

Napier, to-day. The following were the results of the remaining events of the Napier Park meeting yeaterday : — "WINTEK OATS HANDICAP. Orwell... X Salisbury 2 The Laird 3 Dif., £G 9a. HANDICAP HURDLEH. Owhaoko 1 Erebua ... 2 Belle 3 Div., £1 12s. ' "THE DERBY.