CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 19, 6 December 1890, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

(from our own correspondent). November 28th. The number of sportsmen, outside those immediately connected with the horses engaged, that journeyed to Dunedin to assist at the Spring meeting were but few. The results that- have come to hand in regard to the first dav’s proceedings show Dan O’Brien s team to be in great form. The victory of Freedom in the big handicap was not altogether unexpected when it was known that Occident had to be eased in his work. The son of Captivator was very highly tried before the N.Z. Cup, but failed at the Metropolitan meeting to sustain his track reputation, although he ran creditably each time he started. It is also said that the colt’s mission in the N.Z. Cup was merely to make running for Wolverine. How well he accomplished the task of cutting down the favourite in that race you know, although as I said before, I don’t think Crackshot on that day under any circumstances could have annexed the big prize. Freedom, too, has been improving since our meeting at a greater ratio than the few week’s extra age would give, and he stripped at Forbury very fine. Mr. O’Brien has just returned to New Zealand, and was present to see his horse win. Tasman’s handsome daughter Florrie, notwithstanding her penalty, seems to have had little difficulty in securing the Dunedin Stakes, and thus made the third victory for O’Brien’s colours during the day. It will also be observed that Little Arthur, also running in O’Brien’s interest, but secured the Hurdles, the Dunedinowned Waitangi again effecting a surprise in the race. Little Arthur may be classed the most consistent runner of seconds in the Colony. On almost every occasion on which he has started during the last six months he has occupied that unenviable position, his solitary win of the season being at the Christchurch Hunt Club races. The good thing in the Federal Handicap, St. Andrew, came off. . At the Oamaru show Tairoa, the big son of Tubal Cain, gained first prize in the thoroughbred sire class, and Le Loup got a similar award at the Dunedin show. Butler has again got Thackeray at work, but I do not expect the horse will sport silk for some considerable time. Medallion is not likely to visit Auckland this season. Bay King will be Crackshot’s companion to Auckland. Both are going on well, but have not been given any fast work of late. Merrie England has been seen on the tracks occasionally, but he is restricted to walking exercise. Betsy, better known as Our Pony, died on Saturday last from the effects of a kick that broke her leg. The rise of trotting in this colony has been so rapid, and the wonderful performers of one day set aside for the more wonderful of the next, that maybe the deeds of one of the best ponies that ever carried a saddle may be well-nigh forgotten. But to those who have taken an interest in sport for any length of time, the name of “Our Pony” will be cherished. It was some seventeen years ago that the wonderful little mare first saw the light. She was by Ake Ake (a son of Towton), and first became known to fame when the property of Messrs. Chadwick and Belcher in the Wanganui district, but it was not until her victory over the Australian born Native Cat at Dunedin that she was recognised as a trotter of the first order. Betsy was under the 14 hand standard. At the time of her death she was rearing a colt foal by Balderdash. General regret is felt down this way at the likely dispersal of the Sylvia Park Stud, and hopes are expressed that at least Nordenfeldt

will be secured for the colony. There will undoubtedly be big bids for him from Australia. Egalite, even at the increased price, 75 gs., which Gooseman got for the horse after his Wellington win, must be considered an uncommonly cheap animal. He is by The Dauphin from the imported steeplechase mare Cissy, is a tremendously powerful colt, has pace, and if found unprofitable on the flat should make a first-class horse at the illegitimate game. The Ashburton Club has a profit of £l5O over their last meeting.