SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 358, 9 April 1856, Page 8

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

The pighth anniversary of the landing1 of the first settlers in Olago was celebrated on Monday, which was observed us a general holiday. An effort had been made, with more success than usual, to get up some horse races. Of the races, as races, we cannot say much ; they were certainly ni>t equal to Epsom or Ascott, but they i affoidi-d a good deal of amusement, especially to the riders, who were amateurs, and seemed to "njoy themselves amazingly. For the Anniversary Slakes the following horses ran ; — lloitsis. Owners. Hjders. , Chuiiipiuii R. Julius 11. ltfjd. i Haik.nvay It. Julius K. Julius tJ<Miiiil);in — C'liuhliin J. Hamilton R;ililan J. Duncan J. Lonjr Champion won the first heat easity, Harkaway being a bad second ; Raglan bolted the course, and Jonathan came in a long way behind. The second heat Champion again won easily—a result naturally to be expected, as Champion carried weight of about 9 stone, whilst Harkaway probably

carried 13 stone. For the Hack Race the following horses ran : — HoRSKS. OWSKIIS. IIIDEUS. Hai-kuway 11. Julius H. Heid . Jonathan - ChiiWliin J. Hiiiniiton Italian J. Dnmaii F. L'm<r Molvncux J. Duncan J. Flatuiao-an Traveller J. J.oikt J. Loper Harkaway won the first ami second heats the rest having- no chance. A third race, nominally for the beaten horses, but in which anything and everything- was allowed to run, was the best contested race. Nine horses started. The first heat was won by Shark, J. Loper, owner, ridden by J. Poll.ek. The second heat was won by Polly owner, Mr. F. Junes.ridden by J. Hamilton. The third heat was won by Shark. The day was remarkably Hue and warm, and there was a goodly attendance on the ground. Several foot races were run. and some few gentlemen laboriously entertained themselves at cricket. In speaking of races, we cannot help minding- those who are fond of this sport that the object of, or excuse for, horse racing is the improvement of the breed of running- horses. Such races as those we witnessed on Monday can have no such effect. It is quite us' less to get up races at a few week*' notice, and to give

prizes not worth accepting. If racing is to form the chief of the animal sports, it should he properly attended to.