ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2356, 21 October 1881, Page 3

ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

THE NORTH CHRISTOHURCH SPRING MSBTING. (Continued.) [By thb Fbiab.] Yeßterday I strolled aa far aa the Oddfellows' Recreation Ground, which has been laid out as a trial course, available alike for the horses entered for both the North and South Cbrlstohuroh fixtures, the cause being the preliminary of that old horse Cremation whose pedigree has been given in a previous notice. As might be expected, there was a large concourse of spectators, who at the time of my arrival were busily speculating on the various obstacles to be negotiated in the Bpin, and also on the condition in which the horse would be brought out. At length he was led forth by little Jimmy, the well-known whip of the stable to whom the trial had been confided. I anxiously scanned the performer, to ascertain if he had sustained any injuries in his self imposed work on the Sydenham ground, to which I have previously referred, but to all appearance his condition was in no way impaired thereby—saving that he looked rather puffy in the knees. No time was lost in getting to business —and he_ was soon under way—ambling over the Platitude tussocks in his usual ornamental style, till the Polioy Hurdles came in sight —at which he looked rather shyly—and commenced pawing the ground—his jockey tried to coax him for a set at the eticka, but the old "tin took advantage of the high wind blowing a hurdle over, and cantered leisurely between the Hall and Grey hurdles, which wore still left standing. After this the big double, viz., the Honorarium hurdles and the Ten per-cent. water jump loomed up in the distance. He was put at it, but, knowing his inability to negotiate the same, he quietly turned off on the near side and walked round the obstruction ; in reply to murmurs of dissatisfaction, his trainer promised he should be put at them again, but this was not done. The Press hurdles and the Hansard dyke, both easy jumps, were oleared very gamely, and his following began to breathe again. Then cams the Distribution water jump, whioh was simply rushed through, as he did not take the trouble to gather himself up for a leap. At the Sessions Bills hurdles he proved himself a tartar, knocking the sticks flying and kicking out all round —rearing and plunging in a manner dangerous to the boy up. After a few minutes he was got into a mors tractable condition, and cleared the big Stonewall in grand style. The Custom House hurdles and Squatters gully were then taken in succession, the Licensing drain and also the Lot; tery fence were both negotiated, although with a show of temper. At the Kducation barrier he had recovered his equanimity, and cleared it witb credit. The compensation pond was also splendidly negotiated. After this he oantered leisurely round Wellington corner, and successfully crossed the big Native fenced dyke, his last performances being the little committee barrier and the confidence jump after which being eased off he came leisurely in. I cannot say that I was favorably impressed with the performance. He does not run kindly, but in a constrained manner, not calculated to inspire confidence. Many of the jumps at which he baulked could have been easily negotiated, at least suoh is my idea, as horses with not a tithe of his pretensions have done so What I have long Buspected is now, to my way of thinking, a certainty. He is a roarer, plenty of noise, but Buch negative action aa one moment to almost lead ma to put a pound on him in the totallsator, and then the next moment all thoughts of his being a winner is scattered to the winds by his rashness; but I forbear further remarks till I Bee his subsequent trials, and will not prejudge the final till I bave seen Time o'Day at work, and definitely ascertain if it is likely that any other horses will accept for this important event