SPORTING.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 255, 30 March 1860, Page 3

SPORTING.

ISVEROARGU/L-RACKS.

These races came off on the 10th ult., and exceeded the expectations of those who took an active part in them, as well as of all. who were present as spectators. The day, with the exception of one or two slight showers, was favorable, which enabled lady equestrians to make a good, show, taking into consideration our limited popu-

lation'

The hurdle race was appropriated by Mr. Stuart's Pilgrim, ridden by Mr. Shea Law] or, after a good contest, Mr. Francis Hamilton's Rocket, ridden by. himself, being close on his quarters, and all four that ran coming in of " a lump," making a good rage. Then followed the Hack Hurdle Eace, in heats,- won in gallant style by a mare belonging to the Maori chief Toby, and having a foal at her foot It uyis amusing to see the excitement the Maories displayed as the mare neared the winning post, their gestures and antics being ludicrous in the extreme.

The Murihiku Oup was run for by nine horses. Having a fair start, they rattled along at a good pace, all keeping well together for some time. Mr. Richardson's Speargrass at length shot ahead, Mr. M'Kay's Murihiku making desperate efforts to pass her; but the foraiejfsa.me in about two lengths ahead.

The ConsolatWn Stakes were earned by Murihiku, Will-if-I-can making a good 'secona.

On the following day a match for £50 _a-side came off between the owners of Murihiku and Speargrass, when the latter was again victorious.

We only heard of one slight accident. One of the steeple chasers, it seems, on his way homewards1, mistaking his riders wish, leapt over or at an unfortunate individual and knocked him down, thereby bruising him. The man however was able to walk into town on the following day, seemingly not much the worse for being mistaken for a hurdle'— Otago Colonist.

CANTERBURY GRAND STEEPLE CHASE. On Tuesday the 20th March, the last event of the season will come off; those who are interested in the matter will see. that the entries comprise six well known horses, whose past performances guarantee that on this occasion they will afford a certainty of a good day's sport for the amusement of those who attend. The course will be marked out as near the race course as circumstances will permit, a day or two before the appointed time.

We are sorry to say that the entries for the Stockmen's Stakes did not reach the number required, and therefore there will be no second race. We'suppose that the fact was not sufficiently well known, or surely there must be numbers with pluck enough to enter their horses for the fun of the thing, supposing the money were no object. ——-—