SPORTING NOTES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2750, 13 December 1894, Page 3

SPORTING NOTES.

(By “ The Plunger.”) , Since writing my lest notes on the above subject, considerable improvement has taken place in the way of spectators every evening on the Victoria Park Trotting track. Amongst the most assiduous in their attendance and constant work on the track, I notice J. Murphy, T. Daley, J. Angland, J. Gregory, and A. S. Jenkins (who, by the way, has purchased the trotting horse “ The Duke ”), and it speaks well for his chance considering his present owner has had him in training for a considerable time. However, I don’t think he has the slightest chance against such a well-known performer as “ Rata,” especially as Te Wanahu and Josephine were not game to face the starter with only 20sec difference. I have not seen Rata performing, but I have been informed that he never was in better condition, and I am also informed that his trip to Ashburton did him no harm. Of the other local horses Fairchild is under a cloud, but I understand that the company connected with him have a very good representative in Relief who, it is said, has a kind of mystery attached to her, but, mystery or no mystery, I consider there is nothing to beat her in the Selling and Farmers’ Trots, I sincerely regret to have to chronicle a serious mishap which occurred to “ Temptation ” last evening while being exercised along with Waihi and The Duke. When they had gone about a quarter of a mile, Waihi, who was about a length in front of Temptation, wheeled round and kicked him on the fore arm, cutting an artery, from which the blood gushed freely. This, I am afraid, will spoil his chance of winning. Universal regret was felt for Mr Story, whose chance was considered second to none in the Farmers’ Race. 1 wish you would reserve for me a space to give full details, and final selections on Saturday.