SPORTING.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1846, 4 February 1888, Page 2

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES.

NEW ZEALAND.

February 22 and 23— Egmont Racing Club Autumn Meeting March 16, 17— Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. April 3— Auckland Racing Club. April 12 and 13— Taranaki Jockey Club Autumn Meeting. June 9 — Auckland Racing Club. June 21 — Hawke's Bxy Jockey Club,

(notes by trident.)

I was on the course this morning, and witnessed ihe work done on the training track. Ruapehu was the first to strip, and the bay gelding shows signs of having gone through a lot of work since I saw him last at New Plymouth. He did three miles, the first round on the plough ; the latter part of tbo journey, he was accompanied by Jetsam, and the former had all the best oi the gallop, pulling up strong. Nevertheless, he appeared a bit stiff; and it struck me that he was receiving rather too much work. If he stands the preparation, ho will run a big horse at the Egmont meeting. Dick Turpin and Dauntless were next stripped, and started together from the three-garter-mile post. The pace was Blow, and the gelding easily disposed of the filly. Dick was given another round, and performed satisfactorily. Rimu (winner of the lady's hack prize at Egmont), a hack candidate, was treated to exercise, which he appeared to wunt badly, judging from his antics in the saddling paddock. There were no other horses present. Karewa has been an absentee from the training ground for several mornings, and it is reported that he has developed a leg. Clogs, nominated for several events at Egmont, was recently put up for sale by auction in Auckland, and was knocked down at 52 guineas to Mr. L. Levy. She has been nominated for Manawatu races in the name of J. B. Williamson ; and it is therefore more than likely that she will be found running at our races. With the aid of Larry, and under the sporting name of M. O'Brien, this gentleman succeeded in appropriating the first Egmont Handicap, and it is quite possible that he tcay again score a win with the daughter of Leolinus.

Tongariro has not been nominated for the long distance race at Palmerston, though he has for the shorter distance races ; and I am inclined to think that the Castoff gelding is not partial to a twomile race.

I hear that the owner of Blue Bell is dissatisfied with the weight his mare has received in the Hurdle Race here ; but, nevertheless, I venture to predict that her her name will be found ia the list of acceptors.

Nelson and Trenton have each received 9st 121b in the Australian Cup ; and already the old chestnut has been installed first favorite at 100 to 10.

Gipsy King is favorite for the Dunedin Cup, 4 to 1 being the price. Already several loose boxes have been engaged at the local stables; and soon the cry will be " they're coming." Acceptances for Egmont meeting are due this evening.