AUSTRALIAN PATRIOTISM.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 35, 12 February 1890, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN PATRIOTISM.

Mr Wakley, the judge of the Victoria Racing Club, who has been granted 12 months' leave of absence, recently made a sportsmanlike offer to Mr Norman Wilson in regard to Blue Mountain. He undertook To defray all expenses incidental to a trip to England, pa V all entry mol)eys a»d sweeps, and retorn to Mr Wilson, the horse and every penny ot his winnings. Tina patriotic overture can be better appreciated bytho3e who are aware that Mr Wakley never bet?. His sole ambition in approaching Mr Wilson on the subject was the desire to see our champion jumper shape over She Grand National Steeplechase course at Aintree, where the distance to fee traversed (4 miles and 1.,000 yards) and the number of fences (30) to be negotiated would serve to show to the fullest advantage Blue Mountain's three strong points— speed, stamina and all round jumping ability. Most Australians will regret that Mr VYiison did nob me his way clear to permit the redoubtable son of Croagh Patrick a chance of seeking fresh honours on the historical battle grounds of old England ; but the Ballarat sportsman is too fond of hia old favourite to lose sight of 'Mm, even during a temporary absence, and in all probability the crack will be specially reserved for the purpose of carrying the green spotted jacket and red cap at the next V.R.C. Grand National meeting at ■Jlemaujton.