Athletic Sports.

Thames Star, Volume XX, Issue 6138, 1 December 1888, Page 2

Athletic Sports.

The athletic sports gathering held in Mr Manning's paddock yesterday afternoon was one of the most successful that has taken place here for some years past. There was a large attendance of the public, about 450 persons being present, all of whom appeared thoroughly satisfied with the meeting, the contests for the various events being very kaen, while nothing occurred to mar the day's proceedings. The Banger Society's Band, under Mr Hunter, discoursed musical selections throughout the day, and supplied dance music for those who chose to " trip the light fantastic." Tbe following are the results of tbe events: —

Maiden Bacb, 150 yards.—For this event eight started, J. By an being a decided favorite. The betting was 3tol on him, and he fully maintained the confidence of his supporters, winning with ease by about a yard, W. Johnston 2, M. Ryan 3.

Manning Handicap, Ist heat, 300 yards.—'Ten started for this event, tbe result being—Brady 1, £. Cogan 2, J. Eyan 3. This was a splendid race, Brad, winning by about two yards, Cogan just beating Kyan on the post for second place. 2nd. heat, 400 yards.—Brady did not start for this face, which resulted in a win for J Eyan by over ten yards, Cogan 2. Hastings 3. 3rd heat, 200 yards.—This was "ha best race of the day, the starters being Brady, J. Ryan, Cogao, and ISioolai. Brady quickly overhauled his men, and a grand race down the straight ensued between Brady and Eyan, the former breasting the tape a yard and a-balf in front of the latter, Cogan being third. Brady thus won the Handicap, having scored 18 points, Eyan being second with 15 points, and Cogan third with 10 points

Hubdle Bace, about 380 yards.— Oliver, Skelton, Ryan, and Davis started for this event. Ryan led the field from the start until past the last hurdle, when Davis, coming with a grand rush, succeeded in breasting the tape by about six inches in front of him, Oliver being third.

Boys' Back (under 16). iOO yards.— Fourteen started, the result being—Hart 1, McGregor 2, Johnston 3. Boys' Eacb (under 12) .—Punch 1, Phillips 2, fiolton 3 Maohi Bace—Eight started for this event, the fiaiah being very close between Kupa and Wai, the judge deciding in favor of the former.

Mils Handicap.—Barton (scratch), Oliver, McCormick (40 yards), Cass (70 yards), Conr >y, George (90 yards), Cogao, Anderson (100 yards), Lewis, Sullivan, Gordon, and Johnston (120 yards) started for this erent. The paoe for the first time round was very fast, Oliver and Cats gradually overhauling their men. On coming round for the second time Burton and Cogan dropped out, and on passing the post Cass improved his position, and soon afterwards aesnmed the command of affairs, the others being in a bonch. From this out Cass gradually increased his lead, Oliver and Anderson being close together. When about 150 yards from home Oliver spurted, but Cass maintained his lead to the finish, winning easily by about fifteen yards, Oliver being about two yards in front of Anderson, Lewis fourth, McCormick fifth, the rest nowhere.

Conßoia.tiok Baoe, 150 yards.—Skelton, McConneil, Johnston, Oliver, and Hastings started for this event, the race resulting—Johnston 1, Skelton 2, Oliver 3. ' ' . Mr Q. Boss (Rotated as starter and Mr Bradshaw as Judge. Messrs Battray, Godkin, and Bradshaw are deserving of a meed of praise for the excellent handicaps they compiled, the contests being Tery close and interesting. Mr Manning, the owner of the paddock, left nothing undone that would tend to the convenience of the spectators, while the competitors were loud in their praises of his forethought in setting apart dressing rooms for their use. The gathering Was a very successful one, aad there seems every likelihood of these grounds becoming a popular resort for sports of this kind.