OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1875, 28 October 1887, Page 25

OUR AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

(From Our Special Sporting Correspondent.)

Auckland, October 25.

The Pakuranga Hunt Club, which at the end of last season showed signs of going to the wall, is, I am glad to say, again in a most flourishing condition, and their meeting on Saturday last was in every way bne of the most successful held since the club has been in existence. The racing throughout was excellent, and as six out oE the eight events were ridden by " gentlemen,'' the amateur division had a big day, and I must do them the credit of saying that they acquitted themselves more than well. The Hunt Cup, of 50sov8, which is run over exactly the same course as the Auckland Steeplechase, drew out afield of six — Falcon (18st), Whalebone (list 101b), Hawthorn (list 101b), Torpedo (12st 4lb), Cardinal (lOst 101b), and Hatpeg (lOst 101b). l'alcou was most fancied, but after two miles and a»half had been covered the pace began to tell on him, and Torpedo, sailing away in capital style, came into the straight with a good lead, and eventually won by four lengths from Whalebone ; Falcon third. The win of Torpedo was a bit of a surprise, and a dividend of £9 8s was the result. He was ridden by Mr W. Hays, whose maiden effort it was. In the light-weight Hurdles Orangeman (list 41b) and Ma Petite Fille (lOstlOlb) finished as named, but in tho Members' Hurdle Race, in which the latter met her opponent on 101b better terms, she beat him easily, though some were inclined to think that the gelding would again have won had his rider not have been j waiting for fisherman to win. There was a good deal of talk as to the manner in which Orangemau was ridden, but the stewards took no action. The Flying Stakes (three-quarters of a mile) drew out a field of six — Tamora (Bst 61b), Antelope (7st 10lb),Tupaki (6st 101b), Pink Rose (Bst), and Cannon (6st 71b). Antelope was made favourite, and though she got badly away, she had everything beaten at the distance-post, and won easily by two lengths from Tupaki; Tamora third. Dividend, £2 10a. The Ladies' Bracelot (a mile and a distance) had six competitors, and after a grand race Ma Petite Fille (list (3lb) came out and «ettled her opponents, end won by two lengths from Woodpecker (12st 41b), Lonehancl (12st 101b) being third. The annual meeting of the Auckland Tattersail's Club was held last week, when affairs were shown to be in a flourishing condition, the deficit of £40 having been wiped off, while a credit balance of £39 was in hand. It was proposed that the club should hold a race meeting during the season, but after some discussion the question was referred to a committee to deal with.

Backers of Silver Prince for the Melbourne Cup experienced a slight shock on Saturday last on its becoming whispered about that a wire received from Robinson gave Thunderbolt as the most likely one. The telegram did not, } find, exactly state this, but it was certainly the inference that anyone reading ' it would draw. Mr Robinson states that both horses are very Well, but as he sent Abercsrn or Tranter for the Derby, he cannot fancy Enfilade's chance. The two-year-old Hotchkiss has been sent back to Sylvia Park, it being found dangerous to persevere further with him at present, on account of his great size. He is without aoubfc the biggest two-year-old ever raced in this district. Puschka (by Musket— Lady Ravensworth, has also been thrown out of work, on account of his not being well. The latter is without doubt a great bred 'un, but I fancy that he is one of the sort that the knife should ofe applied to, for to keep him entire is to give aim an' opportunity of contributing to racing « class of weeds. Nelson is in great request here for the New Zealand Cup and though 3 to 1 »s quoted about him, I doubt whether 60 to 20 could be got in one pop. Artillery is the hope or the ring to bring about the defeat of Major «eorge'B crack, and though they offer 8 to 1 about i him they do not feel inclined to take any jiberties. Lochiel is not in much favour here, Put hw stable companion Maxim has been well I

supported at Bto 1. Regina continues to be nibbled at, and from a letter which was read from Fred Gentry, who is training her, I gather that he is most sanguine about her chance, The veteran steeplechaser Lone Hand figured as a starter in two of the events at the Pukuranga Hunt Club's meeting on Saturday last. In the Hurdle Race he went as straight as possible, but could only get third, and with the steadier of 12st 91b he had a like position for the Ladies' Bracelet. The old fellow is now almost white in colour, and considering he must be bordering on 18 years eld he looked fairly well.

Jimmy Kean seized the opportunity of the Hunt Club races on Saturday last to give his two-year-olds a sight of the crowd. They are indeed a beautiful lot, and Kean has good reason to be proud of them. The colt by Leolinus, owned by the Hon. Mr Mitchelson, claimed a' good deal of notice; but it was on Pearl's halfsister that most gape-seed was expended. She is, I doubt not, a slippery customer, and will stand a lot of beating in the Welcome Stakes next month.