SPORTING.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1048, 6 November 1877, Page 2

SPORTING.

THE METROPOLITAN OF 1877. [BY « T’OWD ’UN.”] FIRST DAY. Stewards : Sir J. C. Wilson, Messrs W. Reeves," J. Brabazon, L. Walker, L. Harper, M. Studholme, and P. Cunningham. Judge ; Hon. E. W. Stafford. Starter ; Mr F. Brittan. The annual carnival of Canterbury—when as it were we, by one consent, shut up shop and determine to enjoy ourselves—was commenced to-day by the Metropolitan meeting. For some days past, it has been impossible to go where even merchants most do congregate without hearing reference to Trump Card, Mata, Danebury, or one or other of the numerous horses engaged in the various events. The conversation in the haunts of commerce have not been of wool and corn, but rather of what the odds were against some particular favorite. Enthusiasts have risen at unearthly hours to go to the course, returning nearly as wise as they went out. And so the time wore on until at last—as is generally the case when the much to be desired virtue, patience, is exercised —the day arrived. The change from that dismal quarter of an hour of bumping, dust, and general disagreeableness which one had to experience previous to the extension of the line was most pleasant. If ever mortals underwent penance it was those trusting individuals who rode in ’busses from the station to the course. One had to endure being jolted almost to pieces, smothered in dust, and an off-chance of about level money that a rival vehicle would come into collision with the particular instrument of torture in which you were seated. The journey by train is now pleasant, and there js ample food for study of character during the short trip. Here on one side of us is the gay sport, the gentleman who considers himself a perfect oracle as to turf matters. He discourses learnedly as to the chances of the various horses in a way which would make <£ Sinbad’s ” hair stand on end, and “The Wizard” give up tipsting in disgust and retire. He has heard the names of the horses, perhaps, and this is about the extent of his knowledge. But he informs all and sundry that it’s all oyer, bap the shouting, and that so and so apd so and so must win the race he indicates. At the far end of the carriage, on the platform, discoursing in a strange tongue, are the vendors of that jewellery peculiar to Birmingham, and precious stones from the Emerald Isle, which are displayed in such profusion on the course. Truly the articles are fearfully and wonderfully made, and it is matter for wonder as to wlio are the purchasers of some of the antediluvian brooches, &c. However, they talk over successful ventures at past meetings with high glee, and do not object to put their half-crown in the inevitable sweep which our sporting friend is getting up. He draws a blank, and we hear no more of him. Not by the humble train do the gentlemen of the metallic fraternity travel. For them the swift hansom or cozy buggy and pair, with a chosen few and a little of the right sort on board. Our complement is made up with a oouatry oontisgfiOt, some ,( owd uns,” like

myself, going to see the nags run, and in due time we are landed on the new platform, just in rear of the Grand Stand. The train rapidly disgorges its occupants, and we stream forth, by a narrow lane, to the stand and paddock, where the horses are already having 1 heir toilets made. For the race of the day—the Derby—the various candidates were scanned with great interest, Trump Card, who looked as fit as a Sddle, taking a large share of public attention. Foul Play, Puriki, and Mata were scratched. The betting was all on Trump Card, 5 to 2 being given on him, 4 to 1 against Mireille, and the rest merely nominal. The following is an account of the racing up to time of going to press. Free Handicap of 50 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs each for acceptors. One mile. Mr F. W. Delamain’s hr h Templeton, aged, 9st 31b (Rowlands) 1 Mr D. O’Brien’s b f Xantippe, 3 yrs, 6st (Allen) 2 Mr S. Nosworthy’s b h Traitor, aged, 7st 101 b (Mattie) 8 Mr G. Fraser’s b f Equation, 3 yrs, 6st (S. Clark) 0 Mr W. Reeve’s Chancellor 0 Mr F. W. Delamain’s b c Parthenopoeus, 3 yrs, 6st 71b 0 Some delay occurred at the post, Mr Delamain’s colt being fractious. A false start was made, Parthenopoeus and Traitor going a docker for a bit. Xantippe threw her rider, and Templeton did not go, a false start being declared; another start was made, Templeton and Xantippe going away to the front, with Traitor and Equation hopelessly in rear. Rowlands had the race in hand from the start, and after the veriest shadow of a race the old horse won by three lengths. Betting : 2 to 1 on Templeton. Derby Stakes —A sweepstakes of 15 sovs each, with 150 sovs added. For three-year-old colts, Bst lOlbs ; fillies and geldings, Bst 51bs. Second horse to save his stake. One mile and a half. Closed with 36 subs. Mr G. Fraser’s ch c Trump Card, Bst 101 b (H. Fuller) 1 Mr C. F. Barker’s b f Mireille, Bst 51b, 211 b over weight (R. Ray) 2 Mr W. Reeves’ br c Chancellor, Bst 101 b (Cotton) 3 Mr D. O’Brien’s ch c Mufti, Bst 101 b (Wattie) 0 Mr H. Redwood’s ch g Chokebore, Bst 51b (Ryder) 0 After a little bit of playing up on the part of Mireille, during which she dislodged a sporting gentleman from the judge’s stand, the lot were depatched to a very good start. Mireille went away with the lead, Chancellor second, Trump Card third, Chokebore and Mufti in the ruck. At the turn past the stand Harry Fuller put on a little steam and went up to Chancellor, who raced with him until the back of the course was reached. Here the Trump assumed command of affairs, Chancellor being second, with Mireille third. Mufti and Chokebore dead in rear. Coming into the straight it was seen that the Trump had it all his own way as he was coming along easily. Mireille coming towards home went up to Chancellor and about a length from home collared and passed him, the Trump winning by about two lengths easily, half a length between Mireille and Chancellor. Mufti and Chokebore hoplessly in rear. Time—2min 47secs.

Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap of 500 sots, added to a sweepstakes of 20 sots each for acceptors. Second horse to receiTO 50 sots from the stake ; third horse to save his stake. Nomination, 2 sots to go to the fund. Two miles. Mr H. Eedwood’i b g Mata, 3 yrs, 6st 31b 1 Mr R. Farmer’s b h Ariel, 5 yrs, Bst 81bs 2 Mr W. C. Webb’s b c Jangler, 3 yrs, 6stl2lb 3 A good race.