ATHLETIC SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13399, 30 January 1907, Page 4

ATHLETIC SPORTS.

ATHLETICS.

£50 SHEFFIELD HANDICAP.

The first night of an athletic meeting at Alexandra Park was held last evening, under the direction of Captain Mutton Taylor. The chief attraction is'a £50 Sheffield Handicap, for which over 40 acceptances had been received. The grounds were well lighted by tome dozen large electric lights. There were upwards of 400 people present, and an interesting night's racing was witnessed. There were a. number of bookmakers present and betting on the different heats was very' brisk. Seven heats of the Sheffield Handicap were run, and on the whole the finishes were excellent. Beside tho racing there were a number of side shows. A band was in attendance, and played pieces con-

tiuuously. To-night the semi-finals and final of the Sheffield Handicap will be run, as well as the consolation race. The first two in each heat are eligible for the semi-finals. The racing should be good, and will no doubt attract, a large attendance. The following | are the results of last, night's running: — ! SHEFFIELD HANDICAP, 130 yds. ! First heat: V. Little (10yds), 1: R. • Sprague (12vds), 2. 'Lime. 12 l-ss. 1 Second heat.: G. Hunt (13vds), 1: J. H. : Edwards (llvds). 2. Time, 15s. I Third heat: F. Cladding (7J,vds). 1; Tate !. (4viM. 2. Time, 13s. I Fourth-heat: .1. M. Simpson (12yds), 1; • V. Jackson (13yds). 2. Time. 12 2-ss. ! Fifth heal: C. Davidson (13yds), 1; G. i Hirst (IHyds), 2. Time. 12 2-ss. |: Sixth beat: P. P. Miles (11yds), 1: M. j Hicks (14yds), 2. Time, 12 4-ss. Seventh heat: C. Humphries (lliyds), 1; I A. Morris (Bvds). 2. Time. 13s.

At the request of intending country competitors the Manchester Unity Oddfellows' Premier Picnic Committee have extended the time for receiving entries for sports events to Saturday next. February 2. Capital entries have 'been received from city athletes, but country pedestrians have not ■responded so liberally. The extension privilege can, however, be availed of by both town and country runners. Mr. \V. P>. Eyre will handicap competitors in the professional events, and Mr. H. J. Fielder will adjust tho distances for the amateurs.