GRIFFINS FOR CHINA

Evening Star, Issue 20959, 25 November 1931, Page 1

GRIFFINS FOR CHINA

A FAMOUS EASTESH SPOUT When the liner Tanda sailed from Sydney recently she carried away no fewer than fifty-three ponies. Upon arrival in the land of the Dragon, it is stated these quadrupeds will, be balloted for among Eastern sportsmen, and many of them used in what is known throughout the East as “ Griffin racing ” (says a Sydney journal). This is one of the chief sports _ of China. The “ griffins,” that is ponies, that have never raced in Shanghai, Hongkong, Foochow, Pekin, and other torbidden places, must bo the bonafide property of members of the Tientsin Race Club. Starters in this class range from twelve to thirteen liands in height, and all racing is “ weight for inches.” Ten stone twelve pounds is the burden a thirteen-hand griffin is scheduled to carry, and the rule insists that their pilots must be members of the Tientsin Race Club, officers of the armies and navies, or visitors approved by the stewards. Eastern racegoers come from far and wide, and a griffin meeting is, in consequence, an event of social importance, as well as a veritable _ racing feast. There are reunions of friends who have long been separated, and the fair sex bring forth their most charming creations’, while males appear in whites and topees. The whole gathering, with its Oriental sotting, makes a pleasing picture of multi-coloured splendour and attractiveness.

Much heavy wagering is indulged in by the sporting fraternity, and, win or lose, it is a time of great enjoyment for all - who attend the four consecutive days’ sport. After the fourth race each day it has become customary for everyone to adjourn for a “ tiffin.” Members (who by the way receive a 192-pago race book bound in vellum with their names engraved thereon) and their families have free admission to all enclosures.