Sporting Sprints.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 2, 8 December 1911, Page 16

Sporting Sprints.

When P. F. Warner last visited Australia he won "the rubber" with a side that was not as powerful as some of those which failed in the same mission. I do not believe in the putting forward of excuses for a beaten side. The luck may or may not be with the victors ; there may be excuses legitimate enough, which one discusses privately with his friends, but which should not be put forth in public either verbally or in. tbe press. It is the acme of sportsmanship when beaten to accept-the result with good grace and a few words of congratulation to the victors. That was one's attitude in 1903-4, when Warner won "the rubber." He was perhaps lucky in some directions; but in my opinion England deserved to win that season. But to-day there is no slur on the "Recovery of the Ashes" when we say that one matter which helped P. F. Warner to success eight years ago is absent to-day—it is an illjudged underrating of the enemy. No matter how the rubber ends we in Australia (writes the • "Referee") will not be able to say that the Englishmen liave been underrated by the cricketers of Australia. Charles Wheeler, The Parisian's drainer, rode many races in his young days, and horses had to be ridden or saddle. In his own words, he travelled with horses from Omeo to Bourke. There was no train travelling in hi 3 days and horses bad to be ridden or walked from one meeting to another. » . - » •'- W. A. Woodger, who went Home to represent the Dominion at-the-Festive*, df Empire Sports, has returned to Wellington. Woodger looks in the best of health. He stated that he regretted being unable to do better for New Zealand, but his medical adviser absolutely prohibited his training, and although he Competed in several events, he had to 80 so in a half-trained condition. In reply to an enquiry re his representing New Zealand at:the forthcoming Australasian championship meeting, Woodger said he feared lie, would not have time to get into" condition. _ He would, however, undergo ;ian examination and be guided by the advice of his medical adviser. _■ ■ « .'*-- Kid McCoy, has-been of many years ago, is responsible for the latest pugilistic sensation. He says he can beat Jack Johnson. Just listen to the modest come-backer : "Many people will laugh when I say I expect to beat Jack Johnson, but I feel that I shall. When I get through with my preliminary practice, Johnson will probably be on the down grade, but whether or not he is as good as ever he was in his life, I shall win over him. Johnson never knew, and never can know, the boxing game as I knew it and know it to-day. There are many persons who will wonder at my desire to re-enter tlie ring, in view of my reform and the fact that I am prosperous financially. This is my reason: I know boxing better than I know anything else in the world. It 4ias been a life study with mc. Ido not desire to throw away the knowledge that I have acquired af£er long years of study. 'If, as I expect,.! shall become champion of the world, I will be the greatest pugilist that ever lived, for two reasons —First, because I was able to 'come back' after being thrown into the junk heap; second, because I beat a negro champion." ■a- '"'*'" « Tho following is the story of the career of The Parisian, the latest winner of the Melbourne Cup:—Br. g., by Bobadil —The Parisienne, 6yrs, Bst. 91b; owner, Mr. J. F. Kirby * trainer, C. Wheeler- 'colours, blue, gold arm hands and cap. At two years did not race, and form at three years only m< derate. At four years won Hamilton Cup, l£ mile, 9st. • W-arrnambool Cup, 1 mile 3 furlongs, 9st.; and V.R.C. Coreena Handicap, I_\ mile, Bst. 81b., 2min. 37-J-sec. -Was backed early for last Melbourne Cup, but, had to be withdrawn, owing to one of his feet giving trouble, but in the Autumn, ' with 7st.. 71b., he fairly ran away with the Australian Cup, 2_\ miles, 7st. 71b.. in 3m,in. Apple, 7st. 101b., running second, and Diabolo, 7st. 131b., third. Then was heavily backed for the Sydney Cup, with Bst. 121b., but owing ' %o his foot again bothering him, he did not show up. At the same meeting ran well with 9st. 21b. in the City Handicap, 1 mile 5 furlongs, won by Auroffodina, 7st. 71b. At Flemingtou, at the commencement of last month, was third with 9s. 171b., to Flavian, 9st. 41b., __Mid Radiator, 7st. 111b., in the October Stakes \_\ mile but was subsequently a bad foairth (five runners) in the Oaulfield Stakes, the distance, nine furlongs, being too short for him. « * » Owing to the popularity and increas.ing demand for Dunlop motor tyres in the Dunlop Co. are making extensive additions to their rubber mills at Montague, Melbourne. The Hew additions, costing about £50,000, ,will enable the Australian company to turn out 1000 motor covers a week