SPORTING.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5238, 31 October 1885, Page 2

SPORTING.

'By Bucephalus.)

The first day's races of the Y.R.C. Spring Meeting opens to-day, when the principal events set down for decision are the Maribyrnong Plate and Derby. Considerable interest is centred in the latter race this year, owing to this colony being so well represented. There seems every probability of a field of tea starting for the Blue Kiband, and with such clinkers as Nordenfeldt, Thunderbolt, and Dunlop, there can be no doubt that it will be a great race. When the wires flash the news across the waters, I expect to see the following result:—Dunlop 1, Nobdenfeldt 2, Thunderbolt 3. For an outsider, I would rather stand First Chester than anything. Turquoise is reported to be getting through his work as well as his most ardent admirers could wish, and the best offer against him is 6 to 1.

A number of our local peds are in active training for the sports to be held at Parawai on St. Andrew's Day. I am pleased to notice that two of our local meu —Messrs J. Paterson and H. Gordonhave entered for the athletic sports to be held at Ellerslie, Auckland, on November 9th.

The Melbourne Cup cornea up for decision on Tuesday next, and there are still 40 horses left iii. I shall defer my tip for this event, however, until Monday evening. It is said that Black Hose, who arrived at Christchurch last week with the rest of Mr H. Bedwood's team, is thoroughly sound. He also Jopks as if he had done plenty of work, and is as hard as nails. Second payments for the New Zealand Cup and Derby are due to-nighti The programme for tb.e Takapuna Jockey Club's Spring Meeting on the 28th of November comprises seven

events, the principal of which are the Spring Handicap of 40sovs., Hurdle Raoe of SOdovs., St. Andrew's Handicap of SOsovs., and Steeplechase of SOsovs. The next Caledonian fete in Otago, is expected to be a great success ; some of the best athletes in Australia will compete. Prime Minister and Oudeis are scratched for the Melbourne Cop.