THE BIRTHDAY SPORTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5189, 8 November 1877, Page 2

THE BIRTHDAY SPORTS.

A correspondent sends us the following “ tip ” for the Birthday sports :—The sports on the Basin Reserve to-morrow should, I think, prove the best attended that have ever occurred in Wellington, everything having been done to insure and make them a thorough success. Through the energy of Mr. Edwards a quarter-mile course has been made, and the Wellington public will now have a chance to see some good running and walking. The Birthday Handicap should prove a very close affair; but I would fancy the following order; —Donovan,!; Woods, 2; Major, 3. If Major was in any condition, with his start I would place him first. Webber, I think, is engaged in too many other contests to stand any chance for this one. The great walking match— Edwards v. Bowley—will be a treat to all lovera of fast walking ; and as they will walk on the new course the public will be able to see the competitors well. Taking the performaucea of both the men into consideration, I should fancy Edwards, who seems in splendid condition. Bowley is also in very good order and condition, and walks with a good, strong, and fair stride. I think I may predict that the seven miles will be done considerably under the hour. The Two Mile Walking Handicap will, there is no doubt, prove a very interesting race. W. Hodge’s performances at the last sports justifies the handicappers in putting him at scratch, and as his brother (J. Hodge) is supposed to be as good as h« is, he (J. Hodge) has the honor of being at scratch too. J. Moran, with his start of 50yds., will keep them going, and make the pace very merry. Although quite a youngster, he has a nice long and easy stride, which I think be should not dwell quite so long upon. Fraser has not gone in for any heavy training this year, but I expect to see him well up at the finish. Knight walked very fairly last year, but will not be in the race unless he has greatly improved. Grainger and McFlat are new men. It will be seen how they show up on the eventful day. I think that Moran may be placed as the winner, although it is a very open affair. The 440yds. Hurdle Race, if all the men run, should prove a race worth seeing, as both the scratch men (Webber and Donovan) are good hurdle-racers. I think that Webber, being in better condition, and having good staying powers, will win, with Donovan second, and Woods very close up. Hearn runs a hurdle race very fairly, but will not stand much show against the scratch men. Smith, I hear, does not intend starting. The Two Mile Handicap promises to be a very good race, as all the men intend starting. Moran, though not in the very beet of trim, I think will manage to win, with Webber very close. Smith, Hearn, and Judd are in fair form, and will make the pace pretty, fast for the scratch men. Nonquast Dobmio.