The Sun.
London, England, 1853-07-02 00:00:00

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

THE DOINGS AT NEWCASTLE.
The proceedings at Newcastle were brought to a satis-
factory close ; and although certain shortcomings were
displayed in the quantity of the sport, they were some-
what counterbalanced by the interest and importance
which attached to the principal encounters. The pro-
moters of the meeting laboured strenuously to insure
success, and their well-directed efforts met with com-
mensurate reward. The townspeople are proud
of the high character of their gathering, and
contribute with large and commendable liberality to the
race fund. Yet, the fact admits of no disguise; for,
notwithstanding the active exertions of the committee,
and the cordial co-operation which they meet with from
the inhabitants, the Newcastle Meeting is not so popu-
lar, or so efficiently conducted, as others of less preten-
sions. Southern horses- seldom compete for its prizes,
the remoteness of the locality rendering owners disinclined
to undergo the risks contingent on so long and weari-
some a journey. The same causes, too, contribute
to diminish the attendance of metropolitan sports-
men. The grand stand is inconveniently situated,
and from its enclosure no facilities are afforded for
obtaining an uninterrupted view of the running. It is
separated from the course by a wide road, which was
blocked up by carriages and spectators, and the mem-
bers of the " Ring " were completely shut out from ob-
taining a view of any one race. This objection would,
in a measure, be obviated by the formation of a sloping
lawn, after the plan adopted at Epsom and elsewhere.
The sport now requires little comment. The result
of the Northumberland Plate, although it surprised
many, displeased none ; even the losers were satisfied.
The prize was carried off by an animal of unquestionable
racing merit, and one that belongs to a " stable" of
high and deserved popularity. The cheering which
greeted Kingston's victory was loud and long, and was
3 demonstration of delight. as unusual as it was gra-
tifying. I take no discredit to myself for not
selecting Kingston in my anticipatory remarks on the
meeting. He was then not even mentioned in the
betting, and a strong probability existed that he would
not start. When, however, it was discovered that
he was really intended, and that his party had backed
him, I was convinced of the formidableness of his chance.
The somewhat insignificant position which he held in
the betting was glaringly incompatible with the sound-
ness of his pretensions. Red Lion was first favourite at
7 to 2, and Kingston, who had to concede to him 71b,
only was quoted at 12 to 1. Yet had a match been
made at even weights between these two horses, long
odds would undoubtedly have been freely laid on King-
' sten. Colsterdale and Goldfinder were last throughout
the race.

The " nice little stake " which the Kingston party
won on the Northumberland Plate was partly lost
on the "Cup" on the succeeding day. Kingston's de-
feat by Vindex occasioned sore disappointment and was
totally unexpected. A "movement " connected with
this race excited unmitigated disgust and condemnation.
Peggy had arrived at Newcastle for the obvious purpose
of competing for the prize ; her jockey was weighed and
his number placed on the " telegraph " for the evident
purpose of misleading and deceiving the "Ring," as
Peggy did not go the post, and no intimation was given
of her owner's intention not to start her. This
proceeding admits of no extenuation, and is
calculated to excite suspicions of an unfavourable
character.
The attention of handicappers should also be directed
to the running of the Sally Warfoot colt and Dick Tur-
pin at this meeting.
On Monday I shall refer to the Newmarket meeting
and the minor gatherings of the ensuing week. At
present too much uncertainty and mystification sur-
rounds them to induce me to hazard an opinion.
July 2. A FRESH MAN.