SPORTING.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7653, 11 June 1896, Page 3

SPORTING.

THE GRAND NATIONAL MEETING,

From the Auckland papers we take the following out of the reports of the racing at EUerslie. When the number board for the Grand National Hurdle Race -was hoisted it was found that the field was reduced to ten. For the first few strides the colors of Lord Vivian and Aughadowey were the most prominent ; but the field had not travelled far before Hopgarden shot into the lead, and carrying the field along at a slashiug pace he soon had a commanding advantage. Leading across the top stretch and down the straight by half a dozen lengths, it was thought he would be a spent light when the last half mile came to be undertaken ; but when they got to that portion of the race, the son of Daniel O'Rorke was still bowling along merrily with no evidence of a collapse imminent, Donald McKinnou made a game endeavour •to overhaul the leader approaching the straight ; but he never had a chance with Hopgarden, and , the latter jumping the last hurdle pro- i ficiently, came on and won by half a dozen I lengths. The surprise of the race was the ease with which Hopgarden gained his victory, for it may be said that he had his field beaten from the first furlong, and the hollow victory which he gained gave rise to much talk on the point us to how much i additional weight it would have required to stop him. Donald McKinnon ran a really good horse, and by getting third in his maiden efforts over the sticks St. Kilda did not do at all badly, though, it may be remarked, he had to be ridden right out to get there. Liberator, who was in the rear division during the greater part of the journey, managed to get up into the fourth place ; and the old horse was undoubtedly distressed at the finish. So ended the Grand National Hurdle Race of 1896, which by the runaway victory gained by Hopgarden, was in keeping with Mutiny's feat three years back. Mr Clarke, the owner of Hopgarden was present to see his horse win, and as he bred the son of Darnel O'Rorke himself at his estate in Gisborne, ib need scarcely be Baid that he was extremely pleased over bis victory.

Thirteen horses started in the Great Northern Steepleohase. When they were sent on their long journey, the colors of Kaitoa and Conscript were the most prominent ; bub Forella was in front before they had gone far, and held command until the last time round, where Conscript was in the van, with Levanter olose handy. Conscript was first to reach the brow of the hill ; but at the second post-aud-rail fence Levanter was on terms with him ; and the latter taking up a three lengths' advantage as they raced down the hill a great cry went, up iv his favor. But before the bottom of the hill was reached Liberator came on the scene with a marvellous run, and as Levanter leaped the Btone wall at the head of the course the top weight had got within two lengths of his opponent; and as both horses were still going well the assemblage Straightened themselves up to witness what promised to be a great battle, aud in this they were nob disappointed. Inch by inch Liberator began to lessen the gap separating him from the leader, and when the two horses leaped the last hurdle head to head excitement was raised to fever heat, and cries of * Liberator wins ! 1 Levanter !' ' Levanter 1' rent the air. Fighting out every stride of the journey with the bitterness of battle fairly upon them, the two horses flashed past the post stride for stride, and it was impossible to say how the verdict of the judge would be. Amidst a scene of much excitement Major Banks declared in favor of Levanter by a nose. The favorite Donald McKinnon disgraced himself the first time round by baulking at the water ; and though he was subsequently persuaded over he was shortly after pulled up and brought back to the paddock. Prior to the start Donald McKinnon showed unmistakable signs of weakening in favor. By some this was regarded as an alarming omen, and his not completing the course was in some quarters quite anticipated. The Tally-ho Steeplechase attracted a field of thirteen, for which Bombardier and Donald McKinnon were the most fancied. Tho latter went to the front as they went up the hill the last time, and, fencing proficiently, he romped home the easiest of winners in front of Bombardier.