The Sun.
London, England, 1854-06-26 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES.

BIBURY, STOCKBRIDGE, AND WINCHESTER.
The sport in Hampshire will commence on Wednes-
day at Stockbridge, and terminate on Friday at Win-
chester. The preparations for its due celebration are in
active progress, and the meeting at the first-mentioned
place is likely, to be attended by the leading aristocracy
of the turf. Few features of general interest mark the
programme for the opening day, which will be devoted
almost exclusively to the equestrian exploits of the gen-
tlemen of the Bibury Club. On Thursday, however, no
shortcomings will be displayed in the supply of sport,
and no lack of public interest will characterise the pro-
ceedings.
Six items are contained in Wednesday's list, including
two handicaps, a two-years-old race, a three-years-old
race, and two selling plates. Of these three have yet to
close. The difficulty of selecting a winner from the
horses weighted for the Bibury Stakes-would perhaps, be
somewhat obviated, could the riders be ascertained with-
any degree of accuracy, for, with amateur jockeys, the race
is seldom either to the swift or to the strong. Panto-
mime, Waterfall, and Cock Pheasant, seem entitled to
some notice. For the Champagne Stakes, Oulston is
liable to a penalty of 81bs, but notwithstanding this
additional impost, I shall not, should his owner be in-
clined to start him, deem his chance of achieving success
utterly destroyed. The animals likely to be arrayed
against him apparently possess the slenderest racing
pretensions. Should Oulston, however, be withdrawn,
William the Third shall do battle for me. The once for-
mida`Nle Autocrat is among the seven nominations for
the 50 Sovs. Sweepstakes, but I presume that his
absence may be calculated upon with some certainty.
Whether the stake will even occasion a contest is some-
what doubtful. The Empress Catherine may secure the
prize.
Long lists of nominations are appended to the five
stakes which have already " closed" for the Stockbridge
Meeting, " Triennials" constituting the leading items in
the programme. The Triennial Stakes for 4 years old
will, perhaps, be carried off by Cobnut. Report states
that Andover is not likely to start for the Triennial
Stakes for three years old, but at present it certainly
lacks confirmation. His 71bs penalty for winning the
Derby, will scarcely militate against his success, although
in Ivan he will unquestionably encounter a formidable
antagonist. For the Two-yrs-old Triennial I shall select
the intended of Mr. Bowes's lot, and Joshua. Oulston
and Border Chief will undoubtedly be, despite their
extra weight, the most trustworthy competitors for the
Moltisfont Stakes. For the Stewards Plate I shall
select RE taplan and Hermit. The extra Sibs. which the
latter will have to carry, may cause his Ascot running
with Rataplan to be reversed.
The Winchester Meeting will certainly form an insig-
nificant "tail-piece" to the sport at Stockbridge. For
the Hampshire Stakes my fancies are Lascelles and
Cleveland. The Grange Park Stakes will, perhaps, be
carried off by either Titmouse or Mary.
Mr. Thomas Arber, the respected proprietor of the
London Club, is not, I am happy to state, dead, as was
reported a few days ago. He is recovering slowly from
his recent severe illness. His sufferings have been most
acute, and at one time it was feared that his foot would
have to be amputated to save his life. All symptoms
of mortification have, however, disappeared.
June 26. A FRESH MAN.