SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1293, 11 May 1878, Page 3

SPORTING NOTES.

By Sinbad. After a week's postponement in consequence of bad weather, the Hokitika Easter meeting came off on April 20th and 27th. The Trial Stakes, which opened the meetiug, was virtually a walk over for Kensington, the other two animals engag- d being in the same stable. Five weighed out for the Hokitika Handicap, of which Falcon, an old local favorite, defeated four others, including Jasper and Elfin King. After a Hack Race, won by the old Bat, and a novel Selling Race, six went to the post for the Booth holders' Purse, which, after a good race, was won by Banker, Jasper and Native running second and third respectively. On the second day the sport commenced with a Hurdle Race, which was won by Bluebell, Phantom only succeeding in running into a place. Five saddled up for the Kumara Handicap, in which Native came home in front of Elfin King, from whom he was receiving thirty pounds. Banker, Jasper, and Falcon also competed. Kensington, who will be recollected as an inmate of the Bush Inn stable'here, placed the Selling Race and Ladies' Purse to Mr Clarke's credit, and the Consolation Stake was won by Nutcracker, a mare who attained some celebrity here under the name of Rosy Smart. The meeting appears to have been universally successful. Mr Redwood during this week purchased York from Mr C. F. Barker. It will be remembered this colt ran second to Natator in the Champagne, in which he showed an undoubted turn of speed, and, but for his running so unkindly, would certainly have been very troublesome to Mr Redwood's representative at the finish. In addition to Naiad, the fine looking sister to Lurliue pur. chased by Mr G. G. Stead atMrNosworthy's sale, Mr Stead has recently become the possessor of Lure, the yearling sister of Naiad. She is a most racing looking filiy, and promises so far as appearance goes to emulate the performances of the elder sister Lurline, who in many respects she closely resemb'es. I had a look during the week round the Chokebore stables, where she is at present located, and saw for the first time since their arrival Orange Lightning and Repo. The former is a three-year-old chesnut gelding with four white legs, standing about fifteenone, with droop ng quartcis and rather ragged hips. He is a bit slack in the loins, but has good arms and deep shoulders. Orange Lightning is by Dead Shot from Fair Puritan. He wai tried before the Wellington races to be a good 'un, and was backed by the stable in consequence for a considerable amount to win the Dunedin Cujp, He went amiss after running a trial,

and had in consequence to be thrown out of work,- He is now quite recovered, and is doing well. Eepo is a bay filly two years old by Towton out cf Raupo (the dam of Mata). She stands about fifteen hands high, with great length and substance, and beautiful quarters. Altogether a very workmanlike looking animal. She is engaged in the eouiiug Christchurch Derby. Repo is the last, and I think will prove one of the best of the Towtons. *

. The Waimate steeplechase is postponed to June Ist. The committee have for some reason decided to accept fresh nominations, which must be sent to the secretary, either at Waimate, or Radcliffe's Hotel, Christchurch, on or before 8 p.m. on the 24th May. Of the horses engaged in the Grand National meeting, I may mention that Turk performed at the last Geraldine meeting, where Phantom defeated him in the Hurdle Race. Tallyho is a very powerful horse, and by report a good jumper, but has never raced. Stockman is a long, low animal, and not a bad looking one. He won the Steeplechase recently at Leeston, beating old Lunatic, Silverstream, and others.

Mr Egan, the secretary of the Grand National Steeplechase Club, calls the attention of owners to Rule 42, which states that the highest weight must not be under 12st 71bs. Eversley will consequently have to carry that impost in the Grand National, and the others raised proportionately. I remind those breeders who have not already sent in their Stud Book returns to Mr G. Elliott, Blenheim, to lose no time in so doing, as the sixth volume will shortly be published. The following are the prices offered on the coming steeplechase meeting : GRAND NATIONAL. 3 to 1 agst Ev< rsley and Te Whetu sto 1 Mousetrap 6to 1 Shark, Sliillelagh, and Fakir Sto 1 Moose, Ivanhoe, and Agent 12 to 1 The rest. For the Maiden Plate, Sir Tatton seems to be the favorite selection, scarcely anything else being enquired for.