The Sun.
London, England, 1854-06-14 00:00:00

THE MILITIA.

The Brecon Regiment of Rifles is forthwith to be em-
bodied for permanent duty. The corps has been under-
going the usual period of four weeks' drill, under the
command of the Lord-Lieutenant of the county, Lloyd
Vaughan Watkins, Esq., and the muster has been 320
strong. It is not known whether the Carmarthen Rifles
will be embodied ; the officers have expressed a desire to
volunteer for the purpose.
During the period that the Royal Cornwall Rangers
Militia was being trained at Bodmin, an evening school
was opened for the benefit of such men as chose to avail
themselves of that means of receiving instruction in read-
ing, writing, and arithmetic. The paymaster-sergeant
was the schoolmaster ; and, on an average, he had about
30 scholars each evening. Colonel Coryton took a warm
interest in the school.
On Monday, the 12th inst., the whole of the officers
and men of the Royal Montgomery Rifles, when ad-
dressed by their colonel, volunteered their services to
their Queen, with loud and prolonged cheers, the band
playing the national anthem.
Upwards of 30 of the Royal South Devon Militia
have volunteered into the Royal Navy, and hare been
entered for service.

SPORTING NOTES.

SOMETHING ABOUT ASCOT.

The sport at Ascot yesterday was drearily celebrated ;
at short intervals during the day the rain fell with
drenching effect, driving the spectators to seek shelter
in booths, stands, and covered carriages. The gaiety
which on former years marked the "opening day" had
departed ; no dashing equipages were to be seen, and
neither men nor women, as was their custom at "Royal
Ascot" figured in the resplendent variety of summer
costume. The interest of the proceedings seemed lost
upon the disappointed pleasure folk, the racing to
them being szarcely sufficiently exciting to sustain
their curiosity or indeed not to become tedious.
Circumstances conspired to diminish almost to in-
difference the popular interest in the leading
events—the Vase and the Stakes —and to render them
even dull and unprofitable as betting races. For the
Vase, Stockwell and Virago were withdrawn, and only
two animals, Hermit and Rataplan, met to dispute pos-
session of the prize. Both seemed determined to make a
waiting race, for they alternately trotted and walked
until they entered the Old Mile Course, when the young
one went away at a strong pace, was never headed, and
won easily by a length and a half. The result was not
unexpected, for although much money was betted at
evens, " at the close" G to 5 was laid on The Hermit.
The policy of allowing Rataplan to make only a mile
race, for that is what the encounter virtually resolved
itself into, was widely questioned, and the prevalent
opinion was, that had he gone from end to end, his de-
feat would not have been so signal. _ _

Kingston's success for the Xscot Stakes really looked
a certainty on paper, but they who remembered his run-
ning two years ago at Warwick with Little Harry were
induced to withhold their confidence. This circumstance,
coupled with the fact that Wells, the lucky lightweight,
was announced to ride Little Harry, caused him to be
supported with considerable spirit. Inside the distance,
however, Kingston appeared to be winning cleverly,
but the severe finish made him " shut up" within a few
strides of the chair, and Little Harry won by a length.
Basham eased Kingston when he found he was beaten,
and Grapeshot came with a rush on the post, and ob-
tained•the second place. The winner was backed largely,
and it is said that, pecuniarily speaking, he was the
" worst horse" the Leviathan had on his book. Time
will not allow me to extend my remarks to the other
events. _ _

The withdrawal of Stockwell and Virago has left the
Cup "an open race." The result seems likely to be in
favour of one of the undermentioned :—West Australian,
Kingston, Rataplan, and Cobnut. Should West Austra-
lian go fit and well to the post, I shall without hesita-
tion place confidence in his ability to achieve success.
In his default, however, Kingston shall, notwithstanding
his running yesterday, do battle for me. Cobnut I
shall reserve for a " cock-boat." Should West Austra-
lian compete for the Triennial Stakes to-day, his chance
for the Cup will be pretty accurately determined. The
meeting between Wild Huntsman and Hospodar for the
Windsor Castle Stakes to-morrow will excite some in-
terest. Taking their Derby running as a criterion of
their degrees of merit, I shall give the preference to
Hospodar. Border Chief and Flatterer are the most
attractive nominations for the New Stakes. With a
start I shall " stand" on the fernier. For the St. James's
Palace Stakes, my fancy is for Prince Arthur. The
other stakes are surrounded by too much uncertainty for
me to venture a " pick."
June 14. A FRESH MAN.

SPORTING INTELT,IGENCE.

ASCOT HEATH RACES-TUESDAY.

Various causes contributed to render the opening of
the Royal Meeting on Ascot Heath less brilliant this
year than usual. In the first place, the weather, that
relentless spoil-sport, was so unfavourable that it must
have hindered many people from venturing abroad for
pleasure's sake alone ; next, it was known that her
Majesty would not honour the meeting with her presence
on the first day—this circumstance alone must have
lessened the interest considerably ; lastly, the war in the
East had called away to "rougher fields" the Duke of
Cambridge and many of the military patrons of the turf,
whose presence was wont to give life and spirit to the
meeting. Under these circumstances, we were not sur-
prised to find that the attendance had fallen off in num-
bers, though not in respectability.
Arrangements had been made by the Great Western
and South-Western Railways for the conveyance of
passengers by special trains ; but, with the exception of
the sporting amateurs and leading partrons of the turf,
very few persons availed themselves of the opportunity
of visiting the heath.
To the sporting section of the community the pro-
gramme was not less attractive than usual, and there
was, accordingly, a numerous muster of professionals in
the enclosure of the Grand Stand. The rain, which fell
with little intermission throughout the morning, had,
however, literally, as well as figuratively, damped the
spirit of the meeting ; and the road frem Windsor to the
course presented none of the gaiety which usually cha-
racterised it. Waterproof coats and oilskin capes and
umbrellas darkened the roofs of coaches and omnibuses,
and the lowered heads and closed-up windows of other
vehicles, gave the road a lugubrious and sombre ap-
pearance. The display of private carriages on the further
side of the course was very meagre ; never, indeed, do
we remember a more cheerless opening to an Ascot
meeting.
Since last year a new stand has been erected adjoining
the weighing-room, iu the enclosure of the Royal Stand.
It is intended to accommodate those members of the
aristocracy who had hitherto been inconvetnitehnecud
having no place to see the race from,h cxhcepsome theoery
gallery of the Queen's Stand, o w
domestics of the Royal household were also admitted.
The present edifice, which is capable of accommodating
100 persons, has been built from a tasteful design by Mr.
J. F. Clark, of Newmarket, who is also judge of the
races. A largo refreshment-room has been constructed
over the back part of the stand, and the lower portion is
occupied as a printing office by Mr. Oxley, the printer of
the race-cards.
An improvement has also been made by the trustees,
at the suggestion of Mr. E. Hibburd, in the lawn
oppo-
site the Grand Stand, by raising the western end and
lowering the eastern extremity, so as to afford a clear
uninterrupted view of the New Mile from the betting
ring.
Although the rain had diminished the attendance, it
had the effect of putting the course in the best possible
condition—the turf was of that firm springy quality that
could scarcely be improved for racing purposes.
Shortly before three o'clock the weather cleared up a
little, but the day never became quite fine until towards
the close of the racing, when the sun shone forth with a
watery smile that reminded us more of showery April
than glowing June.
The Queen's Gold Vase is a strange instance of a mis-
nomer ; for it is not gold, nor is it a vase, but a silver
tankard, on the lid of which is moulded a group, con-
sisting of a startled horse, held by an Arab, while an-
other Arab appears to be soothing an irritated snake by
the music of a pipe. This beautiful piece of workman-
ship was exhibited in the Grand Stand and in front of
the Steward's Stand daring the day.
The sport is eruggeitive of few commenter, the with.

=~
-7

d rawal of Virago and Stockwell rendered the race for
the Queen's Vase comparatively uninteresting ; it was
reduced to a match between Hermit and Rataplan—the
former, who had the " call" in the betting, won very
clever* by a length and a half.
Sixteen ran for the Ascot Stakes. Kingston was the
favourite, but he tired in the last few strides, and finished
third, Grapeshot, when close on the post, obtainiet
second place by a head. The result of this race, although
in favour of an outsider, gave no turn to the majority of
bookmakers, for towards the close the winner was very
spiritedly backed.
The afternoon's sport same off as follows :
The TRIAL STARES of 5 sovs. each, with 60 added ; for
two-yr-olds, 4st 41b ; three, 7st 41b ;lour, Bst 71b ; fire,
9st ; six and aged, 9st 31b. The winner to be sold for
6001. ; 91b extra if exemption claimed. New mile.
Twelve subs.
Captain Lane's Crosslanes, by Slane, 3 yrs, ist 41h
(Garvey) 1
Lord Exeter's Filbert, 4 yrs, Bst 71b (Vlatman) 2
Mr. Ewbanks's Snowdon Dunhill, 4 yrs, Set 71b
(G. Oates) 3
Lord Lonsclale's Welham, S yrs, 7et 41b (S. Steggles) 4
The following also ran :—Orinoco, Lord J. Scott's b
by Cowl, out of Miami,'Donum, Joe Miller, Mr. Spencer's
ch cby 'ago, dam by Gladiator, out of archesina, Mr.
G. Munro's fby Don John, out of My Dear, Paxton,
Eliza.

Betting-7 to 2 agst Welharn, sto 1 each agst Elia*
and Orinoco, 6 to 1 aget Filbert, 10 to 1 agst Snowdon
Dunhill, and 13 to 1 agst any other. Won by a length;
a neck between second and third, and between third and
fourth. Miatni filly was fifth, the others pretty well
together in her wake. The winner was claimed. She
goes into Mr. Rogers's stable.
The WELCOME STAKES of 20 sovs. each, with 50 added ;
for three-yr-olds ; colts, Bst 71b ; fillies, Bst 21b ; cer-
tain winners extra. Swinley Course. Eight subs.
Lord Bruce's Bribery, by the Libel, Bst 51b (including
31b extra) .................. (Flatman) 1
Duke of Bedford's Weathercock, Bst 71b...(5. Rogers) 2
Mr. E. Batson's Malmsey, Bst 21b (Sly) 3
Betting-6 to 1 agst Bribery,
5 to 4 aget Weather-
cock. Bribery made all the running, Weathercock and
Malmsey lying alternately second and third. At the
Stand Malmsey was quite run out. Weathercock made
a good effort, but was beaten by three-quarters of a
length. Bad third.
SWEEPSTAKES of 50 sous each, h ft, for two-yr-olds ;
colts, Bst 71b.; and fillies, Bst 31b. Three-quarters of
a mile. Six subs.

Lord Eglinton's Corcebus, by Slane (Marlow) 1
Mr. Vicker's Namur, by the Hero (A. Day) I
Mr. Greville's Gerald, by Alarm (Flatman) 3
Betting-5 to 4on Namur, 3to 1 agst Corcebus.
Won by a length and a half. Bad third.
The GOLD VASE, given by her Majesty, added to a
Sweepstakes of 20 sovs each, for three-yr-olds, 7st
31b ; four, 9st ; five, 9st 71b ; six and aged, 9st 91b.
Certain penalties and allowances. Two miles. Niue

subs. _
Mr. Gully's Hermit, by Bay Middleton, Tat 71b (in-
cluding 41b extra) (Wells) 1
Mr. T. Parr's Rataplan, by The Baron, 9st 71b (in-
cluding 71b extra) (Flatmsn) 2

Betting-6 to son Hermit. When the flag was
dropped Hermit walked off, followed by Rataplan.
After proceeding about 300 yards Hermit ventured upon
a gentle trot, and so they went on until they arrived at
the foot of Swinley-hill, when a canter was raised, and
after entering the Old Mile Course the pace was gredu•
ally improved until the race began in earnest ; Hermit
then made strong play, and at last won easily by a length
and a half.
FIRST YEAR of the SIXTH ASCOT TRIENNIAL STARES Of
10 SON'S. each, with 100 added ; for two-yr-olds ; colts
Bst 71b, fillies Bst 41b ; the second horse to receive 50
sovs. out of the stakes. T.Y.C. Fifty-three sub..
Mr. Bowes's The Bonnie Morn, by Chanticleer, Bst 71b
(Templeman) I
Mr. Greville's Joshua, by Jericho, Bst 71b (Flatman) 2
Mr. J. Clark's The Hind, by Venison, Bst 41b
(Whitehouse) 3
Lord Eglinton's Corcebus, by Slane, Bst 41b (Marlow) 4
The following also ran :—Shoreham, Hazel, Katie,
Stewart, Charmian, Constance.
Betting-2 to 1 agst Bonnie Morn, 4to 1 aget Con'
stance, 6 to 1 agst Joshua, 100 to 15 agst The Hind.
The Hind, Bonnie Morn, Hazel, and Shoreham jumped
off in front, and ran nearly in a line to the half distance,
where the last-named two dropped off ; Joshua then
took third place, and when opposite the Stewards' Stand
he passed The Hind, but failed in his effort to reach
Bonnie Morn, who won by three-quarters of a length.
Three lengths between the second and third, and a length
and a half between the third and fourth. Charmian,
Constance, and Hazel were well with the fourth. Katie
Stewart in the rear.

The ASCOT STAKES of 25 sous each, 15 ft, and 5 only if
declared ; the second horse to receive 50 soya out of
the stakes, and the third to save his stake. Certain

winners extra. Two miles and half. 78 subs, 55 of
whom pay 5 sovs each.
Mr. Howard's Little Harry, 5 yrs, Bst 71b...(We115) 1
Mr. Milner's Grapeshot, 4 yrs, 7st 101 b.., (J Osborne) 2
Mr. Morris's Kingston, 5 yrs, 9st (Basham) 3
Mr. Blake nd Little Jack, aged, 7st 21b (Charlton) 4
The following also ran :—llex, Ethelwolf, Montague,
Cock Pheasant, Rackapelt, Bracken, Veteran, New-
bold, Pancake, Waterfall, Sweetness, Hercules.
Betting-5 to 2 agst Kingston, 4to 1 eget Little Jack,
7 to 1 each agst Bracken and Ilex, 10 to 1 each against
Little Harry and Hercules, 12 to 1 agst Waterfall, 20 to
1 agst Rackapelt. Veteran took the command, with
Bracken second; and on passing the Stand the colours of
Sweetness, Montague, Little Jack, and Cock Pheasant
were seen slightly in advance of the ruck. In going
down Swinley Hill Veteran increased his lead, but after
passing the Kennels Bracken and Little Jack began to
draw upon him, and by the time they entered the Old
Mile Course Bracken reached the front, and at the Brick-
kiln Farm Little Jack became second. Meanwhile,
Kingston and Little Harry, fullowed by Grapeshot and
two or three others, began to take close order with them.
In rounding the turn into the straight, Little Jack ob-
tained a slight lead, which lie held until they arrived at
the distance, when he dropped off. Little Harry imme-
diately bore his colours in the van, with Kingston next.
In the last few strides, however, Kingston tired, and
Grapeshot shot up and secured second honours by a head,
Little Harry very cleverly obtaining first place by a
length; two lengths between the third and fourth. Pan-
cake was fifth, Ilex sixth, Ethelwolf seventh. Rackapelt
and Montague in the extreme rear, pulled up and walked
in.

The ASCOT DERBY STAKES of 50 sovs each, h ft, for S-
yr-olds ; colts Bst 71b ; fillies Sat 31b. Certain penal.
ties!subs.
SI ley Course 15

Lord Exeter's Phaeton, by Phlegon, Bst 71b (Flatman) 1
Lord W. Powlett's Bobby, Bst 71b (S. Rogers) 2
Mr. Combo's Apropos, Bst 31b (Crouch) 3
The following also ran :—Marble Hill, Brother to
Singapore, and Marley Hill.
Betting-2 to 1 agst Marley Hill, 3to 1 agst Bobby,
4to 1 agst Phaeton, 4to 1 agst Marble Hill. Won by
a length—same distance between second and third ; bad
fourth. On passing the Brick-kiln Farm Marley Hill
struck into Bobby's heels, and Templeman was jerked
into a very perilous position. The off spur caught in
the stirrup-iron and, as he hung over on the other side,
he had to cling to the horse's neck for some distance be-
fore he could extricate himself. Ho then slipped down,
and fortunately escaped without injury. The horse
followed the others in.

ORDER OF RUNNING THIS DAT.

3.3o—Hunt Cup.
4.0 —Fifth Triennial.
4.3o—Fourth Triennial.
5.0 —l5 sovs. Sweepstakes.

LATEST BETTING-.
DERBY.
6to 1 agst Mr. Bowes's lot (taken).
15 to 1 agst Gmeculus Esuriens (taken).
1000 to 60 agst Oulston (taken).
1000 to 60 agst Flatterer (taken))
1000 to 60 agst Bonnie Morn (taken).
1000 to 60 agst Aurifer (taken).