Sporting.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 9, 31 July 1894, Page 3

Sporting.

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. Acceptances.

[Notes ey “ Caledon.”

The acceptances for the above events must be accounted satisfactory, as the majority of those eliminated in each race are either new beginners at the jumping business or were outclassed. I was quite prepared, as I staled in reviewing the handicap, to see Liberator struck out of the cross-country event; and their absence in Australia accounts for the deflection of Waterbury and Mutiny, but I fully expected to see Despised kept in, and not in the Hurdles, the reverse of which, however, is the case. Of my oiigiual selections Norton, Bombardier, Morag and Belle still remain among the ten that cried content, so that we may reasonably expect a good field to go to the post for the big event. In the Hurdles, Couranto, Kapua, Clarence and Fright are the notable absentees, and of the five whose chances I favored three —Kulnine, Melinite and Despised—still remain to do battle ; but a final payment for each race has to be made on 6th August, so I shall defer my final selection till later on.

I understand that Mr E. Shove’s Booties is a safe starter for the Steeplechase, and that “ Pat ” Hickey has been engaged to ride him. It has transpired that Mr S. H. Gollau, of Hawke’s Bay, has purchased Norton, and that he will run in that gentleman’s colors, while Pumau, Lascar and Leontine (belonging to the same owner) have also gone South.

Melinite, in charge of P. Hickey (who will have the mount on this mare in the Hurdles), has arrived at Riccarton, and from all accounts pleases the touts, both as regards condition and work on the track. In the course of discussion in the House on the Totalisator Bill, Sir Robert Stout remarked that it was absurd for Taranaki and Wanganui to be entitled to the use of the machine the same number of days as Christchurch; the member for Riccartou, Mr Russell, coinciding, and stating that clubs in other large centres were provincial institutions, while the latter held a colonial position. What will Auckland say to this ? Spectator,” in the Christchurch Pyess and Referee, picks Norton or jßombardier for the Steeplechase, and Magazine, Barnardo or Melinite for the Hurdles, Royalty is considered by some sporting writers to have a good say in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. In Christchurch nothing but Norton is picked for the Steeple, and Melinite, Magazine and Kulmine for the small sticks.

Mutiny, carrying list and ridden by George Hope, ran second to Alarm Bell (list 71b) in the ilosehill Steeplechase; on 28rd June, and finished fifth in the V.B.C. Grand National Steeplechase on IGth inst., the placed horses all being in the lightweight division, Austral and Lord John, both “in Taranaki Hacks,” the former of whom recently won steeplechases in Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa, are expected

to journey to Christchurch to take part in minor’events at the Grand National Meeting. If horses of this calibre can be sent further afield with success surely there are others on the coast that should be given a .chance to distinguish themselves. The old adage, “ A prophet has no honor in his own country,” applies to a goodly number of Taranaki horses.

2?he tracks at Eiccavlon aie reported being in anything but a fit state for training, consequently mentors experience some difficulty in giving their charges sufficient work on the course, and road exercise has to be resorted to.

Betting on the New Zealand Cup is a dead letter, Au Eevoir and Skirmisher still being favorites. The former had a mile gallop on the road on his own account last week, having broken away from his attendant. The St George—Engagement colt, Magazine, is greatly fancied in Christchurch for the National Hurdle Race. He is four years old next month, a maiden at the illegitimate game, and is handicapped in the New Zealand Cup at 7st 81b, George Wright, the well-known Auckland trainer, has left for Sydney, where he intends to follow his profession. John Chaafe has taken over some horses that were under his care, with the exception of Royal Rose, Stanmoor and Osculation, which are booked for Australia.

As Wright lias permanently left this colony it will be safe to infer that Mr L. D. Nathan’s horses are intended to be raced on the other side, and I have been reliably informed that his New Zealand Cup candidate, Three Star, will not return here.

GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE. st lb st lb Norton ..12 8 Bobin 10 2 Bombardier 10 11 Christmas .. 10 0 Tiritea .. 10 10 Belle.. 9 11 Morag .. 10 7 Nanakia 9 8 Booties .. 10 5 Amalgam .. 9 7

GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES. st lb st lb Liberator .. 12 G Magazine .. 10 6 Kulnine 12 3 Empire 10 5 Melinite 10 10 Barnardo .. 10 0 Despised 10 10 MOrag 9 13 Musket 10 9 Jacob Faithful 9 9