LOCAL SPORTING NEWS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 7, 22 December 1869, Page 4

LOCAL SPORTING NEWS.

Peeping Bob was not so far wrong with regard to Reefer's capabilities, as was proved by the recent match between him and our old veteran, Garnet. What has become of our old sports'! Are they keeping pace with the times ? I say, no. Racing has now become an acknowledged pastime or amusement, and I have no doubt that it contributes to improve our breed of speedy and useful horses ; but I think it is a piece of cruelty to be year after year bringing the same horses on the turf, when it would be more to the credit of their respective owners to be pensioning them off on the Cromwell common. By-the-bye, could not the race-course be placed in the hands of trustees, and be utilised, either to bring in a revenue, or to be used as an asylum for some of those horses which have done good service on the turf? I intend to come out strong next week on the forthcoming events. PEEPING 808. As a prelude to the Cromwell Jockey Club races, which take place on the 30th and 31st instant, a match for £lO a side between Mr John Garrett's Reefer Boy and Mr Knudson's Garnet came off on the race-course on Saturday last, the distance run being a mile and a half. At two o'clock, the hour appointed for the start, the course presented quite an animated appearance, a considerable number of horses and vehicles, and a goodly crowd of sporting individuals, combined wi.h a sprinkling of the fair sex, being on the ground. Garnet was the favourite, and when stripped he looked in excellent form. Two and even three to one were freely offered on him, but with few acceptors. The Reefer, ridden by Frank Foote, of Clyde, although hard pushed, never lessened the distance, and Garnet came in an easy winner. A scratch match was afterwards got up, £5 being collected for the winner. There were five entries, the race being won by a mare of Mr Knudson's. A foot-race for £5 a side has besn arranged to come off near Wrightson's hotel, Kawarau Gorge, between Robert Ingl's and Robert Swan, 12 o'clock on Saturday next being fixed as the eventful hour. A good deal of interest is centred in the event, and the race is expected to oe a very close one, A numerously-attended meeting of the Cromwell Jockey Club was held at the Kawarau Hotel on Monday evening, Mr W. Smitham in the chair. Nominations for the undei mentioned races were received and read as follows: Publican's Purse Handicap. — First day Mr Knudsen's Garaet Mr Sinitham's Cromwell Mr Pritchard's Skyonian Mr Garrett's Nelly Gray M r Pollock's Raven Mr Hazlett's Musician Mr Hazlett'3 Novice Mr Ryan's Brunette. District Handicap. — Second day. Mr Smitham's Cromwell Mr Pritchard's Skyonian Mr Garrett's Nelly Gray Mr Jolly's Excelsior Mr Pollock's Lady Ellen Mr Inder's Ladybird Mr Hazlett's Musician Mr Hazlett's x ovice Mr Ryan's Brunette.