RACING MATTERS.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 603, 25 April 1882, Page 2

RACING MATTERS.

The committee appointed to carry out the German Bay {Steeplechase's were much disappointed on Friday when the lion, secretary announced that only four horses had been entered for tho various events. It certainly was poor encouragement for such a liberal programme as that offered, but, then, there is not tlu; least doubt of the cause of the failure, so tlie committee need not be depressed. The cause to which we refer was the unsuitable date. The Queen's Birthday is the fixed date of the Grand National, which will be hold in Chns'chureh thib year, and as there is a very liberal programme offered, no doubt o.vevy horse in ihe vicinity of Chri.stchureh fit to iace sticks at all will be engaged. It was certainly ridiculous to suppose ihat they would com J down here, with such goud things going at the metropolis, and the proof is that no horse without the county is nominated.

It is said that there is another cause for the few entries ; that some busybody who knew nothing about the course has been in Christchurch represe ting the country to be travelled over as a perfect trap for all but Peninsula horses. We hear that his appalling description of seven feet fences, tremendous:, water jumps, fallen timber, and rough country, was of such a nature as to terrify any man from bringing a horse to compete. " The course," said this gentleman, " is only made for Peninsula horses ; they know the country, car* jump, but have no pace, and no Plains horse will stand a chance against them on such a course."

We do not for a moment believe that such s: at omenta as those, met with any credence from racing - men. As we said before, the real cause of the paucity of entries is the fact that the Christeliuich llaces occur on the same day. Nevertheless, we think it our duty to publicly expose the relater of the falsehoods above referred to. The fences are very moderate indeed, and the water jumps, compared with those ww are accustomed to see at the Grand National, ridiculously easy. As to fancying that the course was picked for Peninsula horses, such a suggestion is beneath notice. It was picked for its capital position, being in the immediate vicinity of Akaroa ; and it was hoped that die races would be so liberally supported as to w.rrant the establishment of a regular Peninsula Jockoy Club. Let us hope that the extension of time may have the desired effect, and that ou the Bi.li of May there will be such a large number of entries

that the hearts of the committee may be gladdened, and the success of the meet-

ing rendered a certainty, if the weather bo propitious.