Sporting-Notes.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 202, 29 September 1888, Page 3

Sporting-Notes.

[By Manuka.) What glorious nominations we have got foil our Spring meeting, and it is quite possible! that the acceptances will, in comparison, bl just as good. Racing has only just com] mencod in Poverty Bay—in bygone days it was the same animals to contest each event. Now we have some of the most brilliant racehorses in New Zealand to compete against our local horses, although the breeding of racehorses lias been carried on in this district for some fifteen years. Still, we are always beaten with a second-class horse. The only leg we have to stand on is Audacity, and he cannot last for ever. The fault lies with the clas : i of mares—they are really not fit to mate with a good sire. They do not possess either blood, bone or beauty. If our local breeders would import a few good mares and mate them with a first-class sire, then we would be able to take our horses over the water to compete against cracks. As regards our local horses, they* are just being wound up. The new arrival, Dancing Master, is in fair form, a little on the big side. Nora and the Flying Filly have lost their pride, and are again working un the Ormond course, where their old companion, Fitz-James, exercises. I thought the filly would have been sent for the Flying Handicap ; instead, she will be pulled out for the Hack Race. Myth works in the afternoons : she will take a lot of beating in the Maiden Plate. Darnley is getting over his fences in grand style, and will hold his own in the Hurdle Race. At Whatatutu, The Witch is getting prepared for the Hack Race : she is a good mare. Nina will be another candidate for the same event; Impostor has cracked up ; The Moor and Bit of Blue are moving strong ; and Ariel is getting into form fast.