SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1990, 10 July 1880, Page 4

SPORTING NOTES.

[By Sikbab.] My confrere, “ Old Turfite,” in his remarks on the Canterbury Metropolitan programme in the “Auckland Weekly News,” expresses 3ui disapproval of the conditions of the Maiden Handicap, and thinks, owing to the Maiden Jockey ” clause, it should he called a “ mnff race.” He goes on to say that many so-called jockeys in this country would not he entrusted to ride a valuable horse in a gallop in England, much less a race. This is probably true enough, but I presume the condition in the race under notice “Old Turfite ” objects to was introduced by the 0.J.0. for the express purpose of giving • uch horsemen a chance to learn. In England there may be dozens of rising Archers and Fordhams who never get a chance of showing they can ride a race. Hero there may be one, or perhaps two, little lads every season who, only for ■noh an opportunity, might waste their fragrance on the desert air indefinitely. On the whole, I scarcely think the race will be the fiasco “ Old Turfite ” anticipates. The same writer objects to the Spring Nursery on account of its being a handicap. The handicapper will be able to get a fair idea of the form of most of those engaged by their performance in the Welcome Stakes on the first day, and Two-year-old Handicaps are not quite unknown in England, even pretty early in the season. “Augur,” of the “Australasian ” is authorised to contradict the statement that Corrigan has purchased Lcne Hand. Idalium (the Tradncor —Idalia colt) and Somnus (the Tradncor —Hammock colt) have been both nominated for the V. 8.0. Derby. It is at present uncertain whether Mata or Foul Play will cross the water, but I do not think their respective owners have much reason to be dissatisfied with their imposts. Oamballo’a disqualification is a great pity, and I can scarcely understand how it occurred. Those present, says “ Mazappa,” at the adjourned meeting of persons interested in the promotion of a Tatteraall’s Club in Dunedin were furnished by the interim secretary (Mr S. James) with a copy of the Victorian Tattersall’s rules, and also a copy of the AttorneyGeneral’s Gaming and Lotteries Bill, which has passed through the Legislative Council. Some time was spent in discussing those clauses of the Bill which had reference to the .position occupied by Clubs, and there appearing to be of so stringent a nature as to interfere greatly with the objects aimed at by the formation of a Tattersall’s, it was decided to do nothing further until the secretary had communicated with some of the representatives with the view of having the Bill so amended as to permit of the Association being formed without fear of interference. The following resolution was unanimously carried “ That it is advisable, in the interests of racing and betting, that a Tattersall’s Association be formed, to be called the Otago Tattersall’s Association, the headquarters to be in Dunedin.” In last week’s “ Saturday Advertiser ” my confrere “Mazeppa” commences what virtually amounts to a condensed Turf Register. It is his intention to summarise alphabetically the performances of nearly every horse that performed on the New Zealand turf last season. Any racing man taking the trouble to keep the whole series will find them invaluable for future reference, and I consider “ Mazeppa ” is entitled to the thanks of the sporting community generally. This step on his part will, I hope, lead to the ie-pnblication of a New Zealand Turf Register. A little meeting recently came oft at the Forbnry, which “ Mazeppa ” informs his readers was net a great success. This was partially owing to the bitterly cold weather. The various events consisted of a pony race, a hurdle and trotting race (both handicaps), and a hurry scurry. The animals competing were I fancy, mostly local ones.