THE CHAMPION MEETING OF 1865.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1331, 15 December 1864, Page 3

THE CHAMPION MEETING OF 1865.

. Preparations for this event are now beginning to be, rapidly made. And we are commencing to feel some of that excitement naturally incidental to the greatest meeting hitherto held in New Zealand. One great drawback is, however, felt, from the fact that no horses are coming from Australia. It is a fact that Tarragon will not be down, as he goes for other events in Melbourne; so the struggle lies between the islands of New Zealand.

We cannot report any material change daring the last few days, and the betting remains in statu quo— at least so far as the general public are concerned, inasmuch as no distinct rules have been made; but a getleral meeting of the Jockey Club is to be held on Saturday next, for the purpose of considering this subject, when we believe that all matters connected with the betting ring will be placed on a more satisfactory footing than they are at present. None of the Nelson horses hare as yet come down, but Ott« rules here as the reigning favourite, and stands at 4 to I, at which price he is in good demand. Neither Opera nor Corona haTe appeared in the betting and we do not expect them to do so until we hear of their being landed in Lyttelton.

Viscount is, we hear on good authority, thought a good deal of in Dunedin, and of all horses entered we think he shows the greatest signs of improvement. His style of going has mended a good deal, and if he can manage the pace, his condition will be of great assistance to him. and very probably may help him to a place. He has been offered at 10 to 1, and is pretty readily taken at that figure. We do not notice much change in the Wellington horses, Elswick and Mary Avenel, but they have scarcely had time to show themselves much since they came down. Nourmahal, still with her owner at Oamaru, is said to be improving,_ and finds a good many fanciers. Bungaribbee is said to make rathe? an uncomfortable noise when galloping. The Ham 1 stud are looking well, and show that they are well attended to. None of the other horses call for any special notice, and we must wait patiently for the second of January, when we shall see the list of acceptances declared. The Calcutta Sweep which is being got up under the superintendence of a committee promises very well, numerous tickets having been sold, and there is no doubt that all will be disposed of before the end of the month.