Sporting.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 11, 7 August 1894, Page 3

Sporting.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB’S SPRING MEETING. ACCEPTANCES. Christchurch, August 3. The following acceptances have been received for the New Zealand Cup :- Prime Warden, Bst. 81b ;. Au Revoir, 8s 61b ; Liberator and" Hippomenes, Bst 41b ; Rosefcldt, Clanranald, Skirmisher, Bst 31b; Saraceu, 8»t 21b ; Raugipuhi, 8.4; Pegasus, Vogengang, 7st 131 b; Lady Zetland, 7st 121 b; Beadonwell, 7st lllb; Impulse, 7st 91b; Lottie, Royal Rose, 7st 81b ; Monte Carlo, Dreamland, 7st 71b; Pinroso, Dilemma, 7st Clb ; Rangiatea, 7st 51b; Scot Free, Captive. Three Star, 7st 41b ; Outpost,'Magazine, 7st 31b; Artillery, Maliaki, Casket, 7st 21b; Searchlight, West mere, 7st; Pompom, Purepo, Aldershot, 6st 13lb ; Spindrift, Speculator, Leontine, Grenadier, Princess May, Gst 121 b ; Marino, Lovesbot, Britain, Lieutenant, Salvo, 6st lllb; Dunlop, Gst 101 b; Rancour, Nixie, Beau Brummel, 6st 91b; Planet, Gst 81b; Salano, Vista, Gst 71b. The following further payments have been made for the Derby : Loveshot, Pompom, Nixie, Spindrift, Golden Fleece, Anniversary, Salvo, Blarney, Stratbbraan, Blue Fire, Searchlight, Casket, Three Star, Neroli, Versailles, Britain, Bolbeck, Buckshot, Artilleur, Planet, Booby, Marino, King’s Bowman.

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. [Notes by “ Caledon.”] The Grand National meeting takes place at Christchurch next Thursday and Saturday, and with every prospect, from latest accounts, of fine weather, the racing is sure to be as interesting as former fixtures have been. The Steeplechase is the piece do resistance ef the first day’s sport,.and at present 11 still remain in the race. The top-weight and ruling favourite, Norton, will not have the services of his old pilot, as his new owner, Mr S. H. Gollan intends to ride him himself. I cannot but think that the change will be detrimental to the horse’s chance of winning, particularly as the course is the stillest in the colony, and a jockey who knows it well must have an advantage over one who does not. Although I am writing somewhat in the dark, being not in possession of the latest information concerning the track doings of the various candidates, I shall hazard a lip, and place them— Despised ' 1 Norton 2 . Belle 8 The National Hurdle Race still bears a very open aspect, and, if the field remains as at present, is bound to furnish a very interesting contest. Most of the contestants have been doing sound work, but the “ touts ” do not seem altogether pleased with the way Melinite gets over the obstacles. With very meagre information, it is a difficult task to “ spot ” the likely ones, but my impression is that the finish will be between Kulnine Melinite and Musket in that order. Mr J. Paul’s old favourite Boulanger (by Grand Prix—Fleurette) has been placed at the services of Wanganui breeders for the forthcoming season. The same owner’s Rags, by Ascot from Leonessa (dam of Foxton and Westmere) has gone South to take part in the Ladies’ Bracelet at the National Meeting. Mr L. D. Nathan’s colt Three Star has been extensively backed by the stable for the New Zealand Cup, some £7OOO, it is said, having been secured. Fair Nell, dam of Loyalty, Saracen, and Bonnie Scotland, has arrived at Enfield, Riccarton, on a visit to St. George. Mr R. H. Nolan, the delegate to the Racing Conference from the Taranaki country clubs, was unavoidably absent from the meeting held in Wellington last week. Ich Dien and Hybrid have been scratched for the New Zealand Cup. Skirmisher’s spring movements are not yet decided upon. Hippomenes is the popular fancy in Dunedin for the New Zealand Cup, his owner, Mr J. Stephenson, having backed him.