SPORTING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1490, 21 January 1882, Page 3

SPORTING.

At the recent Alexandra Park races (England) an incident of a very exciting character occurred. It appeared that a betting man known as "Hoppy," an appellation applied to him because he is lame, attempted to leave the grounds of the palace without paying those who had made wagers with him on the last event. His movements being understood, a cry of " Welsher " was raised, and a crowd of several thousands of persons quickly assembled. The man was attacked in a furious manner, and his clothes for the most part were torn off. Ihe noise soon attracted a number of policemen, who fought their way through the mob and surrounded "Hoppy," who, but for the timely assistance rendered, would have been most seriously injured, if not killed. He was escorted across the course by the police, and allowed to pass through a gate leading to private grounds nearly opposite to the grand stand. What became of him afterwards is unknown. He had conducted his betting transactions from a waggonette, and when he was taken away by the police a considerable crowd remained behind. A call was made for paper, and showers of newspapers, race-cards, letters, books, etc., came from the multitude in response. In a few seconds the vehicle was almost covered with inflammable articles, and these being set fire to, the woodwork of the trap, cushions, and lining were soon in a blaze, the lookers-on cheering lustily. The appearance of the flames brought a strong body of the police to the spot, and after great difficulty the carriage, well alight, was drawn out of the burning heap of paper. Had the rescue been longer delayed nothing but the ironwork would have remained. Cushions, rugs, aprons, and a portion of "Boppy's" wearing apparel were damaged beyond repair. The shafts were broken off to stir the fire, and the harness was cut into pieces, the horses being allowed to stray away. Up to November 12th, F. Archer had won 205 races out of 506 mounts ; C. Wood 147 out of 499 ; T. Cannon 73 out of 249 ;G. Fordham 60 out of 324. W. M 'Donald stood twelfth on the list with 29 out of 284. Wallenstein's victory in the Great Shropshire Handicap was not a victory for Mr Lorillard, for Lord Ellesmere had purchased the horse a month before. Bruce and Gerald, coupled, have been backed for this year's Derby at 500 to 150. Blue Gown.