SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8886, 24 May 1892, Page 5

SPORTING.

THE TAKAPUNA JOCKEY CLUB'S MEETING. IBY PHAETON. J Tnr. " howling south-easter," with Its accompanying rain, which ushered in yesterday morning, and continued throughout the day, had the effect of making matters bear a very doleful aspect for the holding of the Takapuna Jockey Club's meeting to-day: but towards midnight the weather showed signs of clearing up, and the popular tryst may not, after all, have to contend against a wet day. The programme to be gone through consists of seven events, the first of which is set down on the card to be started punctually at noon. In all cases Mr. Knight appears to have well concealed the winner, and with a heavy course to be reckoned with in addition, the task of unearthing winners will be rendered even more perplexing. The programme opens with the Maiden Plate, in which Assassin may prove the hardest to beat; and for the Hurdle Race, Rewarewa and Hune, read like a pair that wil prove very dangerous. Ida reads as well as anything in the Birthday Handicap, and she may encounter most opposition from Coalscuttle. The result of the Hurdle Race may throw some light on the Steeplechase. It is said that Stepper has shown his ability to safelly negotiate the country; but should Mr. Burke elect to start Hune, I should be inclined to favour her chance most. The Welter Handicap may be won by Te Kooti, and for the Victoria Handicap, Master Pat and Vasator read to me like a pair that will be very handy at the finish. The following are the acceptances :—

Maiden Handicap, one Warrior 8.12, Transit 8.0, Spot 5.2, Assassin 7.4, Bombadier 7.4, Mascotte 7.0, Fort-a-Bras 7.0, Walter Scott 7.0, Maid of Klin 0.12, Shelah 0.12, ltangatira 0.7, Flint 6 7. Hurdles, one mile and three-quarters.Fish-monger 11.12, Theorem 11.0, nune 10.0, Stepper 10.4, Re ware wa 9.10, Ika VnkaSUO, Kate 9.10, Pretender 9.10, Delmont 9.9, Fabulous 9.9, Papaknra 9.7, Dainty 9.4, Te Kooti 9.4, Assassin 9.2. Detective 9.0, Onslow 9.0, Warwick 9.0, Neli 9 0, Megoulet 9.0, Potentate 9 0. Birthday Handicap, one mile and a quarter.— f.eorina 9.2, Ddosa 8.8, Coalscuttle 8.4, Vattaphan 7.10, Lady Belle 7.8, Master Pat 7.8, Ida 7.0, Warrior (5.12, Liquidation 0.12, Te Kooti 0.12, Ironbarlc 0.7, Stamford 0.7. steeplechase, three miles and a half.—Hopeful Kate 11.7, Fishmonger 11.7, The Colonel 11.4, Hune 10.12, Hurricane 10.4, Kate 10.4, Stepper 10.0, Rewarewa 9.7, Onslow 9.7, Neli 9.7, Tim 9.7, Forest King 9.7, Te Kooti 9.7, Mistletoe 9.7, Potentate 9.7. Handicap Pony, five furlongs.—Antic 11.4. Spot 9,0, Sepoy 8.4, Walter Scott 7.10, Helena 7.4, Rakau 7.4, Philippa 7.4, May 0 7. Welter Handicap, one mile.—Leorina 11.4, Dolosa 10.10, Master Pat 10.0, Lady Belle 9.8, Te Kooti 9.0, Belmont 9.0, Ida 9.0, Liquidation 9.0, Warrior 8.8, Ironlmrk 8.8, Memorandum 8-0, Octopus 8.0, Vasator 8.0, .Stamford 8.0, Snake 8.0, Fort-a-Bras 8.10, Oiini 7.10, Ttangatira 7.10, Megoulet 7.10. Victoria Handicap, five and a half furlongs.— Dolosa 9.2, Lady Belle 8.8, St. Clem-nts 8.8, Vie US Rose 8.2, Master Pat 8.0, Helen McGregor 7.12, Brigade 7.12, I'apakiira 7.8, Tamar 7.0, Antic 7.0. Octopus 7.2, Warrior 7.2, Stamford 7.2, Te Kooti 70, Vasator 7.0, Orini 07, Assassin 6.7, Rewarewa 0.7, Maid of Erin 0.7, Flint C.7, Bill- Ribbon 6.7.

It is a remarkable fact (says the Horse Breeder) that last season's crack two-year-old of America, His Highness, won between £21,000 and £22,000, thereby rivalling the entire winnings of our most successful stable in England last year, Mr. Noel Fen wick's (£20,519). But when we remember that the Great Futurity Stakes, run at Sheep'si Head Bay, on September Ist, is already roughly estimated at £2-2,000, it seems pretty certain that they are likely to continue rivalling us in the future, as regards the netting of stakes.

The latest novelty in snorting circles m Vienna is playing billiards on horseback. The table was fixed up in a riding school, and a cannon game of 50 up was played. Though there must be considerable difficulty in managing a pony and a cue at the same time, it is asserted that the game was got through in 25 minutes. In the absence of proof to the contrary, or being minus the rules governing the play, the above may be taken for what it is worth

A successful operation in laryngotomy was recently performed in America. The subject was Mr. Steele's trotting pelding, G.B. he operation, which was performed while the subject was under the influence of chloroform, was done with a view of curing the common disease known as roaring, and consisted in removing the left arytenoid cartilage and vocal cord. Drs. Pierce and Butler, of Minneapolis, Minn., performed the operation, and it was anticipated that the horse would be able to go into exercise at an early date

A pony (12 hands 2 inches) was recently matched" in England to trot 15 miles in an hour. The little fellow won with 18 seconds to spare, and without making one break in the whole journey.