OUR SOUTHLAND LETTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 1933, 7 December 1888, Page 24

OUR SOUTHLAND LETTER.

By Geohgk Reuben.

The programmes of the Clinton, Gore, Cromwell, Dunstan, and Arrow I notice pretty conspicuously posted before the local owners' gaze, and I would here remind them that sqme of them claim attention from intending nominators as early as the 4th December, and they should fill well, as they ars all creditably got up, Gore commanding a special air of respectability. One thing I notice about the Arrow programme : the handicappers are not named, which is a matter of some importance. The Western District Racing Clvb — better known locally as the Otautau — are intending caterers of a good day's sport on Boxing Day, comprising a Maiden Hurdle Race, Cup (20sovs), Maiden Trot, and Flying Handicap. I would like to here suggest that this club consider the advisability of making hurdles a welter handicap for maiden horses, and I am sure it would bring a good field of hunters together that could not be expeoted io nominate otherwise, and a maiden hurdle (w.f.a.) is not a very lucrative undertaking for a club like the Western District,* where the horses are so well known,

Breeders beware! I believe there has been considerable mortality among stock (horses)up .Winton way again, Mr William Keith having lost a full sister to Drap dOr, which" I believe was a very promising mare that 40sovs had been refused for only a few days before. A Winton sport has promised to ferret put information respecting this peculiar complaint, which I will endeavour to reproduce in a future effort with my own convictions anent the same.