The Sun.
London, England, 1855-11-05 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES,

COVENTRY AND LIVERPOOL,

The Autumn meetings are now regarded with in
Terence, and man and beast require a short season o
rest and repose. Still, despite inclement weather and
deadened enjoyment, turfites will muster where the ele-
,nents of excitement are supplied, and where an oppor-
tunity is afforded for the pursuit of speculation. The
gathering at Worcester on Tuesday and Wednesday
was, therefore, remarkably numerous, albeit it only com-
prised the principal dreadnought book-makers, who, one
;.id all having the same game in view, found business
neither brisk nor profitable. Still, they conducted their
iperations with stoical indifference to the pelting rain
and nipping cold. The managers of the Worcester
Meeting wero doubtless gratified by the evidence which
vas afforded them of the flourishing popularity of their
4athering, for the steeplechases and flat races were alike
successful, both in regard to the quantity and quality of
;he sport. The incidents which marked the proceedings
possess no prospective importance, and they have
already been so fully described that further
reference to them would be superfluous. I merely notice
the meeting, in order to direct the attention of the com-
mittee to the complaints which were made relative to
the inefficiency of the arrangements in certain respect
for conducting the proceedings. With a sexagenarian
Clerk of the Course, and "officials," with one excep-
tion, totally ignorant of racing matters, it is not at all
surprising that certain essential details of management
were neglected, and that the arrangements were carried
ut with neither vigour nor effect. The jockeys were
sadly " put about," and their attiring room has not
been inaptly compared with the black hole at Calcutta.
[ts atmosphere was close and fetid, and light was ex-
cluded from the reeking apartment by the crowds of
lrenched people that huddled against the window. Sore
throats, lumbago, rheumatism, and other ills that flesh
is heir to, are likely to be the portion of Mr. Johnson, who
presided over the weighing department, exposed as he
vas to the cold and rain. As for the gentlemen of the
Fourth Estate, they were a little better off in their
pigsty - looking " compartment," and would dou'et-
ess have been comfortable enough had not their place
,een invaded by those jockeys who were unable to find
room elsewhere, By the way, the person whose duty
it was to keep the door of this apartment should have
supply of sherry diminished, for he was a nuisance
.o all persons unfortunately brought into communication
vith him.

The p. p betting question is not yet settled, and the
;)romoters of that absurd measure do not construe the

division" which took place on it iuto a defeat. They will
'iring the motion forward again in the spring. It is not
i. little significant, however, that the gentlemen who
voted for it have no reputation on the turf for racing
,:nowledge, whilst the opponents of the motion con-
sisted of " all the talent."

Mr. John Frail, clerk of the course at Shrewsbury,
has just achieved a triumph on which he will be warmly
congratulated by the sporting friends who will assemble
round him next week. He has been elected common
louncilman for the Welsh Ward, and has issued an ad.
iress of thanks to the " Loyal and Independent Elec.
t ,rs" for the " honour they have done him in placing

him at the head of the poll," thereby " prov-
ng their appreciation of those Protestant and con-
equently Conservative principles he has so strongly
►dvocated." I have quoted from tke address which is
printed in " True Blue " colours. The election was
contested with no little warmth and vigour, and while
t lasted the city was in a state of great commotion.
It is said that Mr. Frail's next step will be into the chair
of the Mayoralty, and that he will be ultimately re-
urned to serve his "native city" in the Commons
Elouse of Parliament ! Who knows ?

Mr. Merry's tact in providing sport seems scarcely to
have fair play at Coventry, where he is seldom so suo.
cessful as in his own locality. The meeting, which will

take place to-morrow, will not be remarkable for either
abundant or interesting sport ; still it will be "taken "
by metropolitan turfites "on their way" to Liver-
pool. Five races are appointed for decision, three
being legitimate events. Of the probable competitors
know nothing. Master Horton and Vestige seem

Favourably weighted enough for the Handicap Plate,
three quarters of a mile. For the Handicap Plate Le
30/. I shall select Kate Hardcastle and Diego. On the
" jumpers" I shall not express an opinion.
The Liverpool Meeting will this year be exclusively
devoted to legitimate events. The programme presents
►n attractive appearance, and its promise may be realised.

Should The Chicken start he will doubtless be "cock
,f the walk" for the Aintree Plate. And as he will
incur no penalty for winning, he may carry off the Sefton
Elandicap. His most formidable opponent for this latter
event will, I fancy, be old Speed the Plough.
Napoleon the Third may compensate his party for the
disappointment which he occasioned them at Newmarket
by winning the Nursery Handicap.
November 5. A FRESH MAN.

THE FARMERS, THEM CROPS, AND
THE WAR.