ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2358, 24 October 1881, Page 3

ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

THE LINCOLN HURDLE RACE [By thb Fbiab.]

This is a new fixture, and although the stakes ate considerable, an unaccountable shyness ia beicg manifested by the various owners of likely horses, as up to the present time only ono nomination has been reoeived. This Is the well known big upstanding blaok horse Georgics, by Cincinnati from Vivandiere, who, although new to Assembly raciDg, has figured well In minor events, having at different periods during the last few years been first in at the flolah for the School Committee Stakes, Road Board Plate, Selwyn Council Handicap, and the Education Board Hunt Cup; and although this is the first crosscountry event for which he has shown, considering his fitness, added to the fact that he always ran honestly, without the least symptoms of vice or fractiousness, his chancps on the pre sent occasion, despite what might be entered against him, are very good indeed. Hearing that he was to have a trial spin on Friday l»Bt on the Prebbleton ground, I drove out to the spot, and after renewing my acquaintance with several old Prebbletonians, and partaking of some of Host Anderson's best, I, in company with a string of local turfites, adjourned to the saddling paddock, and the well-known Georgics was brought out for inspection. A very cursory glance was sufficient to settle the question of his condition, which was i declared by all present to be very satisfactory. He stripped w«U, and not having an ounce of loose flesh about him, and as his breeding is undeniable, I do not think the stable have any c use for uneasiness on _ the score of.'subaequent acceptors. After a little delay he was led out on the straight, with local talent up, in the guise cf James Maskrey, who has on previous occasions been entrusted with the mount. The Government Hurdles were the first to be encountered, and, gathering himself well together, the obstruction was crossed in splendid style. Next came the Representation Jump, whioh was cleared without the slightest effort. After which the Bailway Fence, a very high jump, was seen looming in the distance, .by this time he was well warm to his work, and the obstacle was negotiated in a manner leaving nothing to be desired. The Uirect 3team Service Water Jump was next in order. This too w»a cleared gamely, after which a long spin on the plough tended to show he was equal to any amount of work, as he spun over it at a clinking rate. The Pension Hurdles ware next In order, after that the Legislative Council Sticks were placed. Both these jumps reflected credit alike on horEe and rider. The West Coast Railway Jump, the Education Barrier, and the big Native Fence were taken seriatim in like careful mannor, when he was eased off somewhat. The big Squatters Gully was cleared with care and judgment, after whioh the Grey hurdles were taken. The brewery drain and the. compensation jump were the last obstructions on the course, and these deposed of, ho trotted leisurely round Sabbatarian's corner into the straight, homo. Despite this trying preliminary, he was landed in good fettle, being all right in wind and limb. And therefore the boy up might be pardoned for the exulting way in which he tried to place a few ponies on the final result ■ That it is thought he is likely to win may be surmised from the faot that Jimmy was unable to get anything on; but I hear

I that it is more than likely that a j horse from the Peninsula will be nominated. Indeed, I notic d his traiuer Jasper on the ground. But in spite of being pumped, he was dark as to the intentions of his stable. The horse in question is Tempieton, and will be remembered by your readers when I mention that he ran a few years ago for the Coleridge Assembly Stakss, whioh wore appropriated on that occasion by Kniokerbooker, Priestcraft second, the third place falling to Tempieton. I can give no idea of his condition, but he has done nothiDg for a long time, having been turned out to grass ever Binco. I forbear further remarks on his probable ohances till I know for certain if he will accept, and have an opportunity of seeing him at work.