The Sun.
London, England, 1859-02-08 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES.

IN HARNESS.
• The-weather promises well for the steeplechase
meeting which will take place at Readieg to-mor-
row, nd the programme of sport is sutheientli-
.
attractive to draw together a large attendance ct
metropolitan and local sportsmen. Last year great
complaints were made respecting the undue severit
of the course, and Mr. Hibburd has exercised a
wise discretion by attending to the wishes o
owners of horses, and by altering the line or
country. Since the abolition of many minor
meetings, which were principally promoted for
disreputable purposes, and the nefarious proceed-
ings at which proved prejudicial to nearl3
every cross-country gathering in the kingdom,
steeplechases are exhibiting signs of a renewed
popularity, and although it would be absurd to
expect the good old days of Waterford and Strath-
more to be revived, yet the sport seems likely to
regain much of the prestige which was once at-

tached to it. The promoters of the Reading steeple-
chases have set a good example, and Mr. Topham
is about to make another venture in the vicinity of
the Metropolis, and to endeavour to establish a first-
class legitimately conducted meeting.
The Berkshire Stakes, which will be run for on
Thursday, have been operated upon in City circles.
but the betting has been more remarkable for its
fluctuations than for its extent. Bon Vivant,
Chelmanton, Greyling, Barney Williams, and
Tamworth have received the chief support, but
it is said to be doubtful whether the Grey of
Chelmanton are really intended. Should Greyling
go to the post and be meant, I shall couple him
with Barney Williams to play the principal parts.
The minor events I shall not touch upon.
The increased attendance which is now witnessed
at Tattersalls' shows that turfites are once more in
harness and are preparing for active work. Still
the betting on the Liverpool Steeplechase and on

the Spring Handicaps is not veiy brisk, and the
movements have a vagueness which renders the
outer lot of speculators, or these persons who only
look upon the doings in the turf market from the
loopholes of retreat, somewhat cautious in theii
dealings. Drogheda is nominally the first favour-
ite for the Cup, but a rising favourite, named Bank
rupt, is also much talked:about. Bankrupt is in
Joseph Dawson's stable. lle only ran once last
year, and then over his own ground at Ilslev.
Promised Land has been again made a " lion'.
for both the Two Thousand and Derby. For flu.
latter event Marionette, Gaspard, and Merryman
are also in increased force. The first-mentioned
colt is as good a looking animal as ever wore a
saddle, and I shall be much surprised if he do not
restore the prestige of Danebury. A quietness about
Electric is maintained which may not be desirous,
but it is certainly significant of something.
Of interesting sporting gossip there is literally

nothing to communicate. - The great Ralpho scandal
has been almost forgotten ; and although report
states that it will be investigated by the Jockey
Club, I have no faith in the rumour. I regard the
whole affair as a case of Much ado about Nothing.
When a game of "besting" is played, only one
side can win. A FRESH MAN.