SPORTING.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1309, 14 April 1883, Page 3

SPORTING.

” Beacon 11 writing shout the late Christ ehurch Autumn Meeting, says i—“ During this same meeting) by-the-bye, something very like a scene occurred on the lawn. When Gitana won the Easter Handicap Mrs George M’Lean was warmly congratulated on the victory of the Zetland spots, and regret was expressed that Mr M‘Lean did not also present to see his mare win. All this Was very pleasant, but presently it began to be whispered about that Gitana did not really belonged to Mr M‘Lean for some time and that the congratulations were being showered in the wrong quarter. These teaching Mrs M‘Lean's ears, that lady promptly made inquiries of Kean, (Mr M'Lean's trainer) and discovered that Mr M'Lean had long ago sold Gitana, privately, io a Dunedin legal gentleman, who was present on the ground. Gitana was about this time being saddled for the Balling Base, and Mrs M'Lean immediately ordered her husband’s colours to be taken off thq jockey, this was done, and Gitana won her second race of the day in Mr P. Butler’s green-and-white hoops, instead of the familiar Zetland spots.” ▲ PopnUr Josksy. Pbxd AnCHUt, the celebrated jockey, was married at Newmarket on January 31st, and the event excited not only local but general interest. Excursion trains were actually run to Newmarket from the neighboring towns, and thousands of spectators surrounded the chnrch to witness the arrival of the wedding party. The bride is a Miss Nelly Dawson, daughter of Mr John Dawson, and niece of Matthew Dawson, to whom Archer was apprenticed, and with whose stable he has been ever since identified. On reading the list of presents displayed at the house of the bride’s father, one would fancy that the marriage ceremonial of the heir to some mighty empire was the event being celebeated, instead of that of a popular jockey. Lord Hastings sent a prize ox, and this was roasted whole on the Severals (inst outside the town) and given away to the poor, or indeed to all comers, with bread and beer. Lord Falmouth, for whom Archer has ridden most of his celebrated winners, gave a splendid solid silver dinner service. Prince Batthyany gave the bride a splendid bracelet. Sir Henry Hawkins a loving cup with this Inscription i “From Sir Henry Hawkins to > F. Archer.” In fact, the presents were hundreds in number, and were given by some of the best known names in England. They included, too, not only a valuable but useful articles, such as a brougham and pair, and another horse (and dog-cart. The procession to the church seems to have almost resembled the welcome home some victorious general, as the cheering was tremendous, and the i object of it was continuously raising his hat 1 as an acknowledgement. In the evening , there was a grand display of fireworks, in which Archer was represented astride of i Beau Brummel, now a prominent favorite j for the English Derby, and the animal which I in all probality, Archer will ride in that races ! Altogether, Newmarket seems to have run I well nigh crazy over the nupitals of its hero; ; but it must have been very gratifying to the : famous jockey to find himself so much re- ■ spected by those noblemen and gentleman : with whom he has been so long associated in J his profession.