AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1895, 16 March 1888, Page 24

AUCKLAND SPORTING LETTER.

(Fbom Oub Special Sporting Cobre« SPONDENT.)

Auckland, March 13. 111-luck still sticks tenaciously to the plucky Thames sportsman, Mr W. Bobbett. Hardly has his filly Lady Norah recovered from the mishap that befell her while on her passage from Wellington to Dunedin, than Tetford must run into a post while contesting in a race at Wanganui, from the effects of which he is not likely to recover for some weeks, if he races at all this autumn. Oarey, who was riding tho son of Musket s.t the time, had one of his legs badly hurt. I learn that Lady Norah and Tetford return here by next boat. So straight a goer as Mr Bobbett deserves better luck than has befallen him.

Donald Taylor, the well-known trainer, left last week for Sydney for the purpose.

of brihging Escutcheon over to Auckland. It is, I understand, quite 1 on the cards that the whole of the string will return, but so far no definine decision has been come to on tho subject. Escutcheon will join the string under the Charge of Jas. Kean at Kohimarama.

Training operations have been a good deal interfered with of late owing to heavy rains. Among those doing the best work are Tainora and Friendship. The latter is again in George Wright's hands, and with only Bst 21b to carry in the Henderson's Mill Cup, to be run on Saturday, she should hand back some of the amount incurred in her lease.

Though no selection has yet been made, I understand that the Auckland Racing Club have two or three names under consideration for the position of starter at Ellerslie. Though Mr Stephens} the late wielder of the flag, is generally popular^ everyone was pleased to see him retif c, for both horse owners and the public had somehow lost confidence in bim. FOOTBALL. The annnal meeting of the Ponsonby Club was held on Saturday. The report Bhowed that the first fifteen had played 11 matches, of which nine were won, one lost, and one drawn. The junior team bad played 12 matches, of which they won ten, lost one, drawn one. Both senior and junior cups therefore fall to the club. This club has a* very brilliant record since its formation. They have played in 94 matches, of which they have won 70, lost 13, and drawn 11. I understand that the balance sheet of the Auckland Rugby Union for last year will show a credit balance of some £275. It will require all this, however, and a little more to cover the expense of the Southern tour to take place in August.