SPORTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5514, 14 March 1896, Page 5

SPORTING.

HAWKE'S BAY JOCKEY CLUB. [Per Press Association.] NAPIER, March 14. It is likely that there will be only seven starters for the Cup on Tuesday, those at present under a cloud being North Atlantic, The Possible, Gipsy Grand, Brooklet and Mahaki, while Saracen will probably be withdrawn in favour of Lady Zetland. At Hastings this morning some interesting, winding-up gallops were witnessed. Bloodshot beat Torpina over five furlongs in linin 14£ sec, Searchlight following with a sound mile and a half gallop in 2min 50sec. The Possible and Bessie M'Carthy did a mile and a quarter in 2min 21sec, the latter beating her opponent. Bonnie Scotland and Tireuse were associated over a mile gallop, the latter having the better of the trial. Three Stjii* - accomplished one circuit, the last seven furlongs of which were done in lmin 37sec. Acone had Mysterious as companion in a mile gallop in lmin 50see. Acone looks a mass of condition. Retribution and Triton were treated to once round at a rattling pace. The Gisborne horse was very fit. Liberator, Kapua, Rip Van Winkle, Popgun, Lotion, Donald M'Kinnon and others were given useful work. The tracks are very hard, and trainers are all anxious for a good shower. THE TOTALISATOR QUESTION. WELLINGTON, Makch 14. The Acting-Colonial Secretary has written to the Secretary of the Wellington Racing • Club; stating that he is not prepared to consider any applications for permission to use the totalisator at race meetings in the Wellington districtviintil the restriction placed upon the MastertonOpaki Jockey Club is removed. The Metropolitan Club declined to approve of the programme of -that club except on condition that no totalisator was used at the meeting. It is understood that in consequence of this decision the Wellington Racing Club and the Wairarapa Racing Club will withdraw their autumn programmes, as the Metropolitan Club is not likely to recede from the position taken up. The stewards will meet on Wednesday to finally decide the matter.