CANTERBURY SPORTING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1812, 13 August 1886, Page 24

CANTERBURY SPORTING NOTES.

By Rata.

Christchurch, August 10.

Saturday night was a busy one in racing circles owing to the engagements in the New Zealand Cup, Lower Heathcote, Winter, and the Hunt Club meetings all coming due at the same 'time. Of-course the New Zealand Cup was the most eagerly sought after, and as soon as it was made public a fair amount of betting was indulged in. It may be looked upon as a very fair sign of the handicap that so many are left in, and it is gratifying especially to a scribe successful in not having the pen drawn through one of his selections. Of the 45 still in, I am now of the same opinion as I was *when I discussed the handicap in June, but I reserve to myself the right to effect an exchange in nominating Spade Guinea as one of my six in lieu of Take Miss, the change of ownership having given the latter, in my opinion, a better chance, and though always dubious of mares at the Metropolitan meeting, I believe in the system of training for which Dick Mason is famous. However, one of the three L's is my choice still for a winner. Lochiel has receded in favour lately despite his not going to Melbourne, and his former position is occupied by Nelson, who heads the list in the betting market. The other horses supported since 9 o'clock on Saturday night are Stonyhurst, Winchester, Administrator, Titbit, Brigadier, First Lord, and Beresford ; while the Derby favourites consist of First Lord, Artillery, Ruby, and La Rose.

Betting on the Melbourne Cup is virtually at a standstill. A few odd wagers are laid," but nothing of any consequence.

Tattersall's Club boa&ts another secretary in the person of Mr J. B. Self e, whose contributions to various sporting journals under the norn de plnme of " Hermit " are always such enjoyable reading. He has had no sinecure since his appointment, as his services have been called into request to unravel and adjust a long-stand-ing, and rather complicated account between a local metallician and one resident in the North Island, who have had various dealings in common, but which not being deemed satisfactory to the local man, was referred to the Club, who shunted the onerous portion of the work on to the shoulders of their new secretary and Mr J. G. Harris.

An old identity and one who in his day did yeoman service for the Canterbury Jockey Club, " passed to his checks " this afternoon. Mr E. W. Millett, better known as Tom Millett died to day at the age of 45. He officiated as clerk to the course from a very early date in racing in Canterbury, and was always to the fore in matters affecting sport. Associated at one time with Mr E. G. Griffiths, they owned some good bred ones and ran them gamely and fairly, but of late years he has lived on an annuity and has not figured 'in racing circles much.