SPORTING.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2550, 24 May 1881, Page 2

SPORTING.

TIMARU GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE MEETING.

President —M. Studholme. Yice-Prbsi-dent—E. Menlove. Stewards F. Egan, T.Acland, T. Brittan, L. Walker, G. J. Dennistoun, F. J. Kimbell, E. JCI worthy, S. A. Bristol, A. L. Barker, M. J. Godby, J. H. Baine, T. Teschemaker, J. Brabazon, A. St. G. Hamersley, W, S. Lindsay, Hon R. Campbell, J. O’Meagher, J. Grigg, H. Maclean, C. Turnbull, A. E. Cox, H. Ford, C. N. Orbell, C. H. Dowding, J. Stephenson, Judge— M. Studholmo, Starter— C. N. Orbell. Clerk of the Course —A. St. G. Hamersley, Handicapper—E. Griffiths. Clerk of the Scales— M. Mitton. Treasurer— Geo. F. Clulee, No people arc perhaps more loyal than

the colonists of New Zealand, and when loyalty and pleasure can be combined a “ good time ” as our American cousins put it, is almost sure to follow. Today’s meeting has therefore been largely attended as might have been anticipated, and the ladies too, tempted by the bright blue sky and warm sun, put in an appearance in considerable numbers* The course presented the usual animated appearance, the proprietors of wheels of fortune, Aunt Sallies, and other ingenious amusements mustering in good force and helping the visitors or some of them, to while away the intervals between the events. The course was in excellent condition for steeplechasing, being light and springy. There were twelve jumps, including a stone wall of formidable proportions, two natural doubles on the Christchurch road and a double of sod and post and rails, the last jump coming home being a 4ft Gin sod wall, a field stiff enough to satisfy the most ardent sportsman. Hobbs and Goodwin’s totalisator was on the ground, but human totalisators, i.e., bookmakers, were conspicuous by their absence. The following are the results : New Zealand Grand National Handicap of 200 sovs., with a sweepstake of 5 sovs. e*ch for acceptors, to go the second horse ; nominations of 2 sots. to go to the fund ; distance, i miles, Clarence, 12st 21b ... (Hedge) 1 Sailor Boy, 12st 61b ... (Poole) 2 This race brought out a field of six, Blush Bose being scratched. Sailor Boy got well away with the lead, but was quickly displaced by The Agent, who with Sailorßoy and Clarence took the first double in the order named. A large amount of baulking took place, the remainder of the field going out with the exception of Mousetrap, who quickly followed suit. Coming into the course for the third time Agent held a good lead, closely followed by Sailor Boy. The third jump from home was cleared by Agent first, who, in landing, fell, and was out of it, his rider being thrown. Sailor Boy in following the Agent ran round the jump, but still kept on without turning or pulling up. Clearing the sod wall, the last jump from home, about three lengths ahead, Clarence, who was very cleverly ridden by Edge, won a magnificent race. After Hedge had been declared weight be went out, and mounted Agent, finished the remainder of the course, came in declared weight, and claimed second money. Maiden Plate of 100 sovs., with a sweepstake of 5 sovs. eaclx for acceptors, to go to the second horse; nominations of 2 sovs. to go to the fund ; weight for age ; distance, 2 miles. Quamby, list 12ib ... (Cullen) 1 Sailor Boy, 12at 31b ... (Poole) 2