GRIFFINS FOR CHINA

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 November 1931, Page 8

GRIFFINS FOR CHINA

A FAMOUS EASTERN SPORT. When the linei Tanda sailed from Sydney recently she -carried away no fewer than 53 ponies. Upon arrival .n the land of the Dragon, it is stated these quadrupeds will, be balloted for among Eastern sportsmen, and many ;f jlmrn used in what is known throughout the East as “Griffin racing" (says a Sydney journal). Thir, is otto of the chief sports of China. The “griffins,” that is ponies, that yhave - never raced in Shanghai, Hongkong, Foochow, Pekin, and other forbidden places, must be the bonafido property of members of the Tientsin Race Clul# Starters in this class range from 12 to 13 -hands in height, and all racing is “weight, for inches.” Ten stone twelve pounds is the burden.a 13-hand griffin is-scheduled to carry, and the rule insists that their pilots must bo members of the Tientsin Race Club, officers of the armies and navies, or visitors approved by (he stewards. :Enstern racegoers come from far and wide, and a. griffin meting is, in consequence, an event, of social importance, as well as a veritable racing feast. There are re-unions of friends who have long been separated, am' tho fair sex bring forth their most charming creations, while males appear in whites and topees. The whole gathering, with its Oriental setting, makes a pleasing picture of multicoloured splendour and attractiveness.

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