The Sun.
London, England, 1857-02-09 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES.

IN WORK AGAIN.
The sudden disappearance of the frost has roused al
sporting men into activity. The Fox-hunter is again
enabled to resume his exhilarating diversions, the lovers
of the leash are again out with their long tails, trainers
have commenced their work of preparation in earnest,
and racing-men, who were becoming weary of the
tedious interregnum, will enjoy three days good sport
during the current week. A little-go meeting, which
was postponed from Tuesday last, will take place at
Westbury tomorrow, and the long postponed steeple-
chases, regulated by the good old system of Welter
weights, will be run off at Oundle on Thursday and
Friday. The probabilities have not yet attracted much
:►ttention, and, indeed, it would be somewhat difficult to

5..) •
determine them. I shall, therefore, dismiss the events
appointed for decision with the wish that the best horsed
may win ; a wish that is seldom realised in these "de-
generate days" of steeplechasing.
People have discovered that, after all, Mr. Tophani
has made a good handicap for the Chester Cup. The
scratching of the two top weights has caused the icr
post to be increased 91bs., and this has effectually silenced
the clamour which the lightness of the handicap raised.
There is, however, a complete lull in the turf market.
Backers of horses scarcely relish the raising of the
weights, and they seem to fight shy. A formidable can'
&date is likely to be furnished from Mr. T. Parr'e
stable in Sir Colin, an animal that has been described
to be as wonderfully good-looking and racing like. I
"performed" twice only last season, and was beaten ea°
time.
The handicaps at Newmarket are sadly shorn of
their fair proportions. The acceptances at Epson,
Northampton, and York may be deemed numerically
satisfactory. When the betting becomes settled I will
endeavour to explain the movements in the market, and
express my opinions on the probable result of the n3oBt
important of the spring handicaps.
I see that Mr. Dowson, a gentleman who was men.
ciated with Mr. Davies, "the Leviathan " some fel(
years ago, has announced his intention to execute con'
missions. Now that persons who live in the country
experience a difficulty in getting their money invested'
Mr. Dowson is likely to obtain a large share of publie
confidence, for his integrity on the turf, and the prompt'
ness with which he has ever carried on his business, rel'
der him a most trustworthy "commissioner." 1"
many persons have of late been trading ander false colour.'
I have been induced to refer to Mr. Dowson to remote
any doubts which might exist as to his identity.
The Derby favourites have of late been unsteady'
Both Blink Bonny and Loyola seem to have had a heat
night. By the way, amongst the many rumours aflos'
is one to the effect that a certain Oaks mare, and a_
"clipper," too, is losing her sight, and that the diseae°
was first discovered by her tendency to run out in certain
of her races towards the end of the season. An extraort
,linary rumour is spread about regarding Saunterer. 1.
is said that his owner, Mr. Jackson, has signified I'l4
intention of giving the Derby stakes to John Osborne'
provided he wins it—a promise calculated to prove.*
great stimulus to his trainer to bring him to the pot in
admirable condition ; while Dawson has a similar pro'
raise if he can make the Sprig of Shillelagh perform ttje
same feat at Epsom as Ellington did.
A FRESH MAN'

.11limn
WESTBURY STEEPLECHASES. These steepiec{I.aSO
will take place to-morrow (Tuesday), the 10th inetap;
The line of country selected consists, with the excePtl°
of one piece of stubble, of grass lands. The entire rou,o
will be visible from the stand. The sport will commen,e,
at one o'clock. The express train, which leaves
.L'add'vu.
ton at 9.40, arrives at Westbury at 12.50.
()BINDLE STEEPLECHASES. - These steeplechase
appointed to take place on Thursday and Friday
the 12th and 13th instant. The first event—the ,ril6
mere' Steeplechase—is fixed for two o'cloak. The 9"
txpress train is due at Oundle at 12.26.

fIee'OUNDLE STEEPLECHASES.—See LONDON RAO'„l
DICATOR of this day, 48 pages, price 6tl , or 7d. Poßt
Lor Chifn_ey's Tip. Also for 2,000 Guineas, Chester co,
inetronolitan Handicap, Ike. Office, 1 Savoy-hill) slhl°l
steps, Strand, London.

Norfolk Island is to be severed from the diocesg:e
Taspania and to be annexed to that of Sydney, the
Qeeen being empowered, by a bill, to issue letters rote
to that effect. .
id
Not withstanding the evacuation by the allies it is
that an Anglo-French squadron will remain it, t
Pisa us. tiog
An official despatch says the Russians are evacue
the Station at Sulina, mouth of the Danube.