OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1865, 19 August 1887, Page 25

OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

(Fhom Our Special Sporting Correspondent.) Auckland, August 16. Tho Committee of the Auckland Eacing Club have fixed the dates for the meetings to be held during the forthcoming season. It has been decided to have two days' racing in the spring, the dates selected being the 9th and 12fch November. The Summer meeting will, as usual take, place on Boxing Day and the Ist aud 2nd January, while the Autumn meeting will be held on Easter Monday and Tuesday (2nd and 3rd April). The Winter meeting has been fixed for the 9th June. The Programme Committee have framed the bills of fare for the ensuing season, but as they have to be submitted to the General Committee, the results of their labours have not transpired. I understand, however, that the Great Northern Derby has been reduced to 500sovs, and that many other of the stakes also show a, reduction in value of about £900 in all. Silence still continues the public fancy here for the New Zealand Cup, and any offer over 8 to 1 is eagerly snapped up about him. From what I hear to-day, I think your readers may look for Nelson's early withdrawal from the Melbourne Cup. It is said that the owners of Bangle last week received an offer for her, but they declined to part with her. The Hon. W. Robinson being in Auckland at the time the offer was made, his name has been mentioned as the would-be purchaser, but I am assured that such was not the case. The sister to Thunderbolt has grown a bit, but has not furnished much. She is a sweet mover, but it is doubtful if she will ever be the stayer her sister Necklace was. The A.R.C. have re-elected Mr Evett handicucapper O n the understanding that his handicaps in future pass through the committee's hands, l also hear on good authority that Mr Bvett will be notified that his salary has been reduced from £150 to £100 a year. Sydney papers to hand by the Alameda show that the New Zealand horses are all doing good work. Silver Prince continues at the head of affairs for the Cup at 100 to 7. Enfilade had 500 Written against his name at 9 to 1. For the V.R.C. Derby, Niagara is still favourite for the blue riband at 4 to 1, for which race Abercoru has improved in price on the strength of good work he has been doing with Trident.