The Sun.
London, England, 1855-04-16 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES.

NEWMARKET AND YORK.
The old business routine was scarcely varied at head-
quarters. It regu'ated the supply of sport, and the pro
ceedings were conducted in accordance with it. One
innovation was, however, made in the construction of
what was intended to be an improved " telegraph" by
the Judge's box for the display of the winning numbers.
A. more clumsy and unwieldy contrivance, however,
was never witnessed. The only actual improvement
which has been made at Newmarket is in the erec-
tion of the really elegant and commodious Sub-
scription Room, but for this accommodation the
public are more indebted to private enterprise
than to the Jockey Club. Still matters are about
to mend at Newmarket, certain measures of re-
form are under consideration, and I am credibly in-
formed that they will be now speedily adopted. The
projected removal of the Ring is short!y to be com-
menced, and I trust that, while the authorities are
about it, they will have the enclosure paved, in order
that the pain and annoyance which were experienced
last week from the dust may not be again repeated.
The sporting incidents were many and varied, but
they produced no decided effect on speculation. The
most important encounter was perhaps for the Column
Stakes. That Habena won that event with evident ease,
despite the marks of the "prickers," which were seen en
her side, is unquestionable. Little Bonnie Morn, who
pulled up lame on Monday, after sweating, ran with
much gameness. The accident which occurred to the
grey has been variously described. I believe, howiiver,
that the correct version of the story is that be twisted
his shoe, and somewhat severely pricked his foot. The
result of the race for the Column caused the further ad•
vance of Dirk Hatteraick in the Derby betting, that
horse, it will be remembered, having defeated Habena
by half a length for the Ham Stakes at Goodwood.
Judging from the noise which Virago and Acrobat made
on passing the post in the race for the Poet Stakes both
these animals are confirmed roarers.
The Newmarket Handicap merely requires notice
from the accident which befel Crown Pigeon, and the
subsequent objection which was made by Wells, the
rider of Dr. O'Toole. The rumours which I referred to
in my notes despatched from Newmarket on Monday
last relative to the owner of "the Pigeon" hav-
ing been forestalled in the market were founded
in truth, and not until the morning of the race was all
uncertainty as to the horse's starting removed. Her-
cules, in whom his stable placed no faith, won easily.
Crown Pigeon, whilst running second, fell over the ropes
within a few strides of the chair, thus enabling my
" pick," Dr. O'Toole, to obtain second honours. Had
" The Tumbler" ran straight and " kind," it is question.
able whether he could have snatched the victory from
Hercules. The course adopted by Wells in lodging an
objection against the winner was impolitic and unad-
vised, and the win-tye, or wrangle principle which it in-
volved, was very properly discouraged by the stewards.
Indeed he bad no reasonable pretext for the protest
which he entered. The running of Quince excited sus-
picion, but in my opinion the horse was fairly beaten on
his merits.
They who have read my notes will, I am sure, acquit
me of any intention to conceal any instance of wrong
doing connected with the turf, for I am always the first
to expose malpractices, and not, I hope, the last to endea-
vour to remove unwarrantable suspicions. A better or
more honest jockey than Torn Cliff never crossed a
saddle, and it would be unjust to cast any imputation
upon his character.
In the " notes" on the Newmarket Handicap, which
were published in The Sun of Monday last, was the fol-
lowing remark :—" The winner will, in say opinion, be
either Dr. O'Toole or Clown Pigeon." But for the un-
unexpected appearance of a little-thought of outsider
my selections would have run first and second.
St. Hubert encountered strong opposition during the
week. For both the Two Thousand and Derby the hostility
which was displayed against him was steady and deter-
mined, and caused his retrogression ; still my faith in
his ability to win the first-mentioned event at least is
not destroyed.
The Great Northern Gathering at York will com-
mence tc-morrow. An attractive programme has been
published, and the sport seems likely to be satisfactory,
bath in character and quantity. The visit of the Em-
peror and Empress of the French will, however, doubt.
less, produce a diminishing effect on the attendance of
gentlemen and aristocratic turfites.
The unlucky little King of Trumps may give his
owner " a turn" by winning the Craven Stakes, but my
present fancy is for Scherz. Of the twenty-seven
nominations to the Zetland Stakes, Flyaway is unques-
tionably most worthy of notice.
The support conceded to Vandal for the Great Nor-
thern Handicap unequivocally attests the growing con-
fidence of his partisans. The horse is most leniently
handicapped, and if he be only a moderate horse he
ought to be capable of achieving an easy victory. It is
said that Little Joe Rogers will ride him. Neville will
doubtless run respectably, but I shall be scarcely pre-
pared to witness his success. Fandango, despite his
extra weight-41bs. more than he carried for the Metro•
politan—must not be slightingly regarded. He proved
himself at Epsom to be a horse of indisputable merit,
and he will be a most dangerous opponent over the
Knavesmire. Crown Pigeon is somewhat fancied,
albeit the " currish " display which he made at New.
market renders it dangerous to place implicit faith in
him. Much uncertainty apparently exists relative to
Wild Huntsman and his party's intentions. This horse
I believe to possess considerable racing ability, and
should he be actually intended I shall expect to see him
obtain a very forward, if not the foremost, position
in the race. St. Clare has been backed, and
will doubtless figure not ingloriously. He, how-
ever, is too small to be trusted. The "power of
money " induces me to regard Vandal with some par-
tiality ; albeit I have a well-founded distrust of " dark
horses." Report states that Vandal was tried with
Hobby Horse at even weight,, and won. Should, how-
ever, the calculations of his party he upset I shall look
o one of the undermentioned to " pull me through" :
WILD HUNTSMAN, FANDANGO, or CROWN PIGEON.
The Exile of Erin I shall reserve for a "cock-boat."

The race fur the Spring St. Leger will be somewhat
interesting if Saraband enters the lists. Jack Shep-
pard may be required "at home." Fandango's " per-
formance " will be materially regulated by the " order
of running." Saraband is, therefore, the only animal
I can select with safety.
I shall not hazard a guess about the result of the race
for the Biennial Stakes.

The lot which comprises the winner of the Louder
borcugh Cup will, perhaps, consist of Vindex, Hospo-
dar, Catherine Parr, and The Medway. When "the
numbers are up" my readers may take their choice.
Until alter the race for the Great Northern it will be
difficult to make a satisfai:tory " selection" for the Fly-
ing Dutchman's Handicap. On paper, the
chalices
Ivan, Jonathan Marti'', Fandango, and Crown Pigeon
seem noteworthy. The running of the three last men-
tioned will, however, materially depend upon their per-
of
formance for the Great Northern.
April 16.