ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2390, 30 November 1881, Page 3

ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

THE AVON STEEPLECHASE.

[By thb Friar.]

This important event, for which nothing but a real good ’un has the ghost of a ohanoe, will come off on Friday, December 9th. Ae <> n two or three previous occasions, there is little doubt but a walk over will bo tho result, and that sterling old horse. The Super, will have it nil his own way. Owing to engagements in the North Island preventing his preliminary trial taking place earlier, it was deferred till last Saturday, when it took place on the newly laidout Papanui course, which, although somewhat formidable from the long-oonlinued drought, and the many obstacles to be negotiated, was in fairly good condition. Shortly prior to the hour appointed for tho spin the enclosure was thronged by an eager crowd, who always manifest a keen interest in this fixture, and when the big black horse was led into tho saddling paddock a simultaneous burst of applause from the different coteries of the fancy told conclusively that this careful performer had gained and added to the list of his friends. The preliminaries of saddling were speedily accomplished, and the mount was entrusted to the same honest old jockey, from tho A 1 corner, who has so often previously piloted Tho Super to victory, and the confident look of the boy as ho vaulted into the saddle, and tho easy way in which the grand old horse responded to the gentle applioation of whip and spur, showed that man and horse alike understood each other. The first obstacle on the course was the Party Hurdles, and tho black went at it gamely, and over amidst ringing cheers, and an exclamation from the boy Duke that the old horse had lost none of his previous well known form. At the Property Tax Fence he was equally good ; and, beset though this obstruction is with difficulties by tho very nature of its snrsoundings, it never gave him a moment’s trouble. Then on at a clinking pace to the great Land Barrier he sped with determination, the pace getting very warm indeed. This is a throe folded jump, closely set together, but they were all disposed of in detail amidst the growing enthusiasm of the vast gathering. Then the Electoral Reform Hurdles, also a jump in the triplicate were seen looming in the distance. At the first of these he went grandly, and over. The second, viz., tho Triennial Sticks, did not seem to altogether please him, but he crossed it fairly, whilst at the third of the series, the Representation Hurdles, he gathered himself well together, and cleared it splendidly. At the Local Government Fence he showed very good form indeed, and this most difficult jump was crossed in a way not to be excelled. But now the crack jump of the course ensued, and one at which many a good horse has gone to grief. I refer to the Native Fenced Ditch, Bank, and Hurdle Jump, but at this the Super fairly revelled, and it was cleared in a style that showed he was fully equal to the requirements and exigencies of the position. If any lingering doubts had hitherto existed in tho minds of the spectators as to the condition of this grand old fencer, his action as just detailed must have convinced the most sceptical that no apprehension need be entertained on his behalf, and tho warm plaudits of the unbiassed spectators were both prolonged and deafening. The remaining obstacles were mere child’s play, and it is needless to say they were all crossed .with skill and judgment, and in the most satisfactory manner, and then being eased off he cantered briskly home, not the least blown with his extended trial. When he was pulled up the condition ho was in waa very carefully scanned by all present, and the leviathan of the ring openly expressed his unbounded confidence in the hero of the day, offering to lay heavy odds in hia favor against all comers ; but no acceptors were forthcoming. Reviewed briefly, this trial was in every way satisfactory, more especially when it is considered that all manner of slurs have been oast on him and his performance. Indeed, one of'a rival stable once expressed his opinion openly that he was fit only for a donkey cart, and would never shape well ; but time has proved the fallacy of the aspersion, and the fact that nothing can live on the same course with; him is the most flattering testimony to his intrinsic worth and sterling merit as a performer on the Assembly turf.