SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7006, 1 May 1884, Page 5

SPORTING.

CAMBBIDGE RACES.

[bt telegbaph.—own corbestonbekt.] Cambridge, Wednesday. There was a larger' attendance than ever today at the first day of the Cambridge Joakey Club's Autumn Meeting. Although the previous. day there had been every appearance of a change from the frosty mornings and bright days of the laet fortnight or three weeks, the morning broke bright and clear, and the weather was all that could be desired. The course was in excellent condition, and the stewards and committee, with their energetic Secretary, Mr. Walter Scott, had made every possible arrangements for the comfort and convenience of the public. The number of horses entered for the several events, the time of year lelected for the meeting when farmers have nothing special to detain them at home, and the bright fine weather, as was indeed expected, caused a large attendance of the general public. The totalisator wae on the ground, and did a fair share of business. A large contingent of visitors arrived On the ground from the steamer Delta, which left JXgaruawahia- and Hamilton early in the morning, landing her paesengere about a mile from the course, and is a favourite means with the people of Lower Waikato, especially family parties, for reaching the Cambridge course. Though there was no music, the races themselves were bo good,_ and the several events so well kept up to time, that the interest never flagged. The inner comforts of visitors were well attended to by Mr. Rose, of Cambridge, who leased the principal booth. The first race started punctually at one o'clock. - Maiden Plate. — Dressmaker was scratched. Five ran, Alpha being the favourite, and the betting 2 to 1 against the chestnut. Grasshopper went off with the lead, Carter's Anteros filly bring up the rear. After going half a, mile round, the filly bolted off the course, and Alpha now made the running hot for the other three, taking the lead to the last, and winning easily. Alpha, 1 ; Eansfield's colt, 2. Rangipo and Grasshopper also ran. Time., 2mins. 27sees.

Handicap Hubdles. — Native was scratched. Betting: 3 to 1 against Guilp, Fairplay,' and Woodpecker. A good start •was made. Whalebone took the lead, followed by Quilp, Fairplay, and Chandler, the latter playing a waiting game. At the second hurdle Whalebone fell, and was thrown out'of the race. Woodpecker also waa thrown' out, as he went round the first hurdle. Fairplay then pushed Qailp for first place, and on passing the judge's post Guilp, Chandler, and Fairplay were close together. At this point the other two horses ferged past Gnilp, and Fairplay and Chandler made a close run round, raoing in from the back of the course. Chandler, however, kept the lead, winning by some three lengths. Chandler, 1; Fairplsy, 2 ; Qailp, 3. Time, 4min. 7Jsecs. Cambridge Cup.—Eleven horses faced the starter, "Victory alone being scratched. The start was not a good one, the horses getting away in a string,' Rewi leading, and Larry bringing up the rear, which h<s kept throughout. On reaching the post the first time Kewi was leading, with Woodpecker second, and Normanby third, all three being olose together except the grey. It waa not till reaching the straight again that Normanby, who raced Rewi the second round, pulled him up. Rewi then fell baoky Fishwoman and Administrator passing him and pressing close on Normanby. The mare made a gallant push for first plaoe in the last round, but too late, missing it by a length. ■ Administrator was a good third. Time, 3mins. 41seos. ftadames, Witiora, Maori, andGilderoy also ran. Betting : 5 to 4 on the field, 4 to 1 against Administrator, 5 to 2 againet Radames, 4.t0 1 against Witiora; £200 to £20 was taken against irishwoman.

Shorts Handicap.—The etart was made with great difficulty. Williams, the rider of Witiora, was fined £5 by the starter for insolence, and £5 for disobedience. Victoria, Grasshopper, and Bansfield'e colt were scratched. Eight started. After a number of false starts the field got well away, Mitrailleuse leading and keeping the lead to the finish. Consul, who waa the favourite, made a good second, and Witiora a bad third. Witiora, Rewi, - Smike, Snake, and Bangipo, also ran.'; Mitrailleuse, 1; Consul, 2; Witiora, 3. Maiden Stbbflkchase.—Chantiole'r and Fisherboy were scratched. Tidal Wave, Rotorua, Native, Fairplay, and Queen Mary, also ran. Native led, followed by Tidal Ware. Native, however, fell at the second hurdle, and Fairplay drawing ahead made the running hot, and passing Tidal Wave at the hast hurdle, won by about half a length. Fairplay, 1; Tidal Wave, 2 ; Queen Mary, 3. • - TAKAPUNA RACES. Horse owners and others are reminded that nominations for the Birthday Cup of lOOsovs., Handicap Steeplechase of 55iovs., and Winter Oats Handicap of 35soye., to be run at the above meeting at the 24th instant, are due at eight o'clock to-morrow night. ■ [by telegraph, press associatiok.] CHBisTCHr/aoH, Wednesday. For the Plumpton Park Club's second meeting on Friday and Saturday next the entries closed to-night with 12 • for the Plumpton Park May Cup, 17 for the Selling Puppy Stakes, and 4 for the Veteran Stakes.