SPORTING.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2289, 3 August 1881, Page 3

SPORTING.

THE HUNT CLUB STEEPLECHASES. Bt Sinbad. The acceptances for the Christchurch Hunt Club Steeplechases, to be run on Friday, seem to augur ■well for a good afternoon’s sport. For the first item on the programme, the Hunt Club Steeplechase, seven have cried consent, and of these Fakir, an erst Grand National Steeplechase winner, and Tawara, are the moat fancied. The latter will be bettor known, perhaps, under his old name of Merry Monarch. He, in his turn, is an erst Dunedin Cup favorite, and in the race showed a big turn of foot for over a mile and a half. He has never, however, figured to much advantage over hurdles, but ho has been hunted regularly during the season by Mrs Lytord, and I hear is jumping in grand style, and is very fit. I should, however, rather question his staying the whole road, and rather prefer the Fakir, than whom I shall look no further for the winner if ho bo as well, as I hear ho is. The piloting will be very good on both horses, as Messrs H. Lunn and T. Lyford will, like the celebrated hunting swoop, ride their “ hown hanimals.”

The whole four have accepted for the open race, the Goneaway States, and it should be an uncommonly good race, I don’t know much about Kelpie, save that ho performed rather creditably at Oamaru steeplechases, but I hear that he jumps well, and nis light impost should bring him pretty handy at the finish. I think this will bo found to be the case, as his owner is not a man to run his horse unless he had a chance. What Quamby’s condition may be like I don’t know, but if he arrives fit and well he should be very near winning, in spite of meeting such champions as The Agent and Clarence. Should Quamby not be up to the mark, I shall go for Clarence, as I believe he is very fit. The Tally-ho Handicap has produced a large entry, but, of course, it is

impossible to predict where the winner will turn up until the weights appear. The course will not be so severe as usual, which, I consider, is a very wise step. A special train has been chartered from Timaru, coming and returning the day of the race, and it is anticipated that the Southern contingent will bo very numerous, us will also bo the Christchurch one. The townspeople have very kindly given a half-holiday to the club, and I think a great number of people will avail themselves of the opportunity.