SPORTING.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2232, 28 May 1881, Page 3

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON STEEPLECHASES. President, E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.8.; vicepresident. W. C. Walker, Esq.; stewards — Messrs E. S. Coster, H. T. Smith, S. Saunders, J. Eawdon, P. J. Eaine, Dr. Ross, Messrs C. H. Dowding, O. Digby, L. E. Corsbie, D. McLean. E.. Friedlander, Joseph Hunt, Lyttelton, P. B. Passmore, and E. Q. Crisp; judge, Mr M. Stitt; starter, Mr N. McLean ; clerk of course, Mr E, Saunders; clerk of scales, Mr John Carter; hon. treasurer, Mr C. C. Fooks; handioapper, Mr E. Griffith ; secretary, Mr J. C. Bell. The Ashburton races yesterday were ushered in by a glorious morning, but about midday a gale of wind sprung up, and the day became most unpleasant. The attendance, under the circumstances, was fair, but the sport was very moderate. The only one who got ronnd in the first race was Quamby, who fenced splendidly. The District race was a walk over for Why Not, and the Tradesmen’s Plato for Clarence, Raven was not allowed to start for the District Steeplechase owing to some mistake about bis nomination. This produced a walk over, as Quamby had been sent homo. Another walk over, a race between Why Not and Lonehand, and a Hack race finished the meeting. We had almost forgotten to say that the racing took place over the country of Mr J. Carter, at Tinwald. Ashburton Handicap Steeplechase of 40 sovs, added to sweepstakes of 2 sovs each for acceptors ; over about 3 miles of fair hunting country. Mr St. James’s b o Quamby, 5 yrs, list 131 b (Owner) 1 Mr J. H. Lmm’s b g Clarence, aged, 12st71b (Mr H. Lunn) 0 Mr H. Muir’s b g Lone Hand, lOst 51b (Owner) 0 T. Shoenan’s b g Kosciusko,, 4 yrs, 10st 51b (Owner) 0 Quamby and Clarence cut ont the work, leading over the post and rails and double in to the stand paddock. Kosciusko was third as they passed the stand and turned off to the water jump. Here Clarence and Quamby got over, but with a regular scramble, both riders being unhorsed. Mr St. James was quickly up, and soon got a very strong lead, as Clarence had cleared right out. Lone Hand and the Polish hero made several attempts to get over, but without success. Quamby, therefore, had all the rest of the fun to himself, and won in a walk alone. He received a nasty wound with the spurs jumping the water jump the first time. The second round he never turned bis head, and cleared it beautifully. District Handicap of 25 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs for acceptors; 2 miles; for district horses only. Lonehaud was scratched, and Raven being disqualified for informal entry. Why Not was allotted the stakes. Why Not and Raven, not to disappoint the public, jumped the three fences that preceded the stand. Tradesmen’s Plate of 30 sovs; weight for age; 2 miles. Mr J. H. Luna's b g Clarence, aged, 12st 31b (Mr H. Lunn) w.o. Farmers’ Steeplechase of 20 sovs; about li miles; weight for age; for district horses only. Mr Saunders’ ch g Why Not, aged, 12at 31b (Owner) 1 Mr Muir’s b g Lonehaud, aged, 12st 31b (P. Hedge) 2 Mungo Park did not put in an appearance. The two ran together to the water jump, where they refused, and after a long delay ensuing, at last the two got over somehow simultaneously, and resumed their journey at a fair pace. Why Not coming away at the lost turn and winning easily. The Hack Steeplechase produced a field of three, and was won easily by Cassandra. This brought the day’s racing to a close.