The Sun.
London, England, 1866-12-10 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES.

The promoters and patrons of steeplechasing are
still pursuing their sport with the greatest avidity
and success. The Secretary to the Royal Society
for the Prevention of Critelty to Animals is, how-
ever, it is currently reported, about to import a fresh ele-
ment into this pastime by prosecuting some of the per-
formers in the Croydon Steeplechase mishaps. It appears
to me that Mr. Love will find he is quite out of his ele-
ment in the prosecution of such a case, which is quite
foreign to the objects for which his society has re-
ceived such liberal support from the public, and
most assuredly he and his coadjutors will seriously
damage the cause we all have at heart by taking
any proceedings in the matter. Carried on under rules
promulgated by the Duke of Beaufort, the Earls of Coven-
try and Westmorland, Lords Poulett, Andover, and Grey
de Wilton, Sir F. Johnstone, Mr. George Payne, &0.,
surely legal interference is unnecessary and unjustifiable
in a matter which at most amounts to an error in judg-
ment in not postponing the races owing to the rotten state
of the ground.

The Metropolitan (Kingsbury) Steeplechases take place
on Tuesday and Wednesday under aristrocratic patronage.
The course is principally grass land, situate about six
miles from the Marble-arch along the Edgware-road, and
near to the late Mr. Elmore's farm. The Hunt Steeple-
chase has an entry of six, but it is out of my power to say
which is likely to prove the best of such a lot of "Rips."
The Kingsbury Plate is mostlikely to go to SERIOUS CASE,
nor, indeed, should I be at all surprised to see him also
win the Uxendon Handicap. The Metropolitan Handicap,
three miles, over grass land, will require some animal to
win which possesses a good turn of speed, and I believe
Meanwood is likely to give a good account of himself,
although Merrimac, Sprite, Patience, Fan, and Ben Nevis
are all well in. Should PATIENCE be brought out for this
event, I think she will turn out the most trustworthy in-
vestment ; but under any circumstances IlititrwooD must
not be overlooked.

A FRESR MAN.

THE CATTLE SHOW.—This Day.

The great annual Christmas Cattle show, held
under the auspices of the Smithfield Club, at the
Agricultural Hall, Islington, commenced this day,
and, although the number of cattle, sheep, and pigs
exhibited did not come up to the usual number, yet
the unanimous opinion was that the quality of the
animals exhibited had never been better. The
animals to which the honour of the red ribbon, or
first class, was awarded were generally faultless as
to form and size, whilst those of the blue (second
prize), and orange (third prize), were quite worthy
the honour conferred upon them. Mr. Rowland
Wood, whose celebrated ox last year was the
theme of general admiration and praise, this
year did not carry off even a first-class prize,
and in the pig division General Hood did not, as
usual, secure a prize. The show of agricultural
implements is very large, and some of the stands
are remarkable for the excellence and utility of the
articles offered for sale. The show of roots is very
great. Messrs. Gibbs, of Half Moon-street ; Messrs.
Carter, of Holborn ; Messrs. Barr and Sugden, all
exhibit very largely ; and Mr. Jones, of Gloucester,
also is in his usual place, with all his useful an ides,
which always attract great attention. The judges
commenced their labours shortly before 10 o'clock.
The following is a complete list of the prizes
awarded this day :

DEVON CATTLE.

Class I.—Devon Steers, not exceeding 2 years and 6
months.—First prize of £2O to Mr. John Overman, Nor-

olk ; silver medal to the breeder, Mrs. Clarke, Norfolk ;
second prize of £lO to Mr. William Smith, Exeter.
Class 2.—Devon Steers, not exceeding 3 years aid 3
months old.—First prize of £3O to Mr. Thomas Bond,
Bridgewater; silver medal to the breeder, ditto ; second
prize of £2O to Mr. Smith, Exeter ; third prize 0f...£10 to
Mr. Walter Farthing.
Class 3.—Devon Steers, or oxen, above 3 years and 3
months old.—First prize of £3O to Mr. Walter Farthing,
Norfolk ; silver medal to the breeder, ditto ; second prize
of £2O to Major-General Hood, Cumberland Lodge,
Windsor; third prize of £lO to Mr. John Songing, Nor-
folk; highly commended, Mr. John Paul, Yarmouth.
Class 4.—Devon Heifers, not exceeding• 4 years old.--
First prize of £25 to Mr. John Dasliwood, Ryde, Isle of
Wight; silver medal to the brooder, ditto ; second prize of
£l5 to Mr. W. Farthing, Bridgewater; third prize of £lO
to Mr. Robert Farthing, Farrington Farm.
Class s,—Devon. Cows, above 4 years old.—First prize
of £25 to Mr. W. Farthing, Bridgewater ; silver modal to
the breeder, ditto; second prize of £l5 to Mr. Robert
Farthing, Farrington Farm ; third prize of £lO to Mr.
W. Taylor, Harptree-court, Bristol.