SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

THE RACE FOR THE DERBY.

VICTORY OF LEMBERG.

Hie ereat question yesterday as the time set for the Derby approached was as to the condition of Lord Rosebery’s Neil Gow. It could not be forgotten that both last year and this he had met Mr. Fairie’s Lemberg and beaten him. Excuses had been forthcoming for the defeats, and there may conceivably have been some sort of foundation for them; nevertheless, that Neil Gow won the Two Thousand Guineas from Lemberg to some extent told against the contention that Lemberg ought to have beaten Neil Gow in the Champagne Stakes. Lord Rosebery’s colt, however, had sprung a curb ; and, although it was stated to be not a very serious mishap, anything that told against him when the issue between him and his chief rival seemed so exceedingly narrow could not be without its serious side. If Neil Gow were himself, the probability of his winning Lord Rosebery Iris fourth Derby was evident; if he were not, the way seemed cleared for Mr.

Fairio. Reports about Neil Gow were to the effect that he remained sound; but Iris trainer made the statement in a way which appeared to indicate an undercurrent of anxiety, whilst all accounts of Lemberg were flattering in the extreme, and when presently the starters were on view in the paddock there was evident confirmation of them.

The Pabade.

Of the 17 coloured on the card all but two were saddled, and turned out punctually to parade in weather which contrasted with the unpleasant conditions of the previous day— an important matter on such an occasion, as a bright, clear afternoon enables spectators to obtain a satisfactory view of the contest. Mr. W. M. Cazalet’s Sari Antonio led, followed by the stable companions Mr. A. P. Cunliffe’s Charles O’Malley and Mr. E. A. Wigan’s Ulster King, the two colts being remarkable for the length to which their tails are allowed to grow. Lemberg came next, sweating slightly, but his muscular development showed him : to have been trained, it might be said, to the hour. Neil Gow not only walked jauntily but, when he turned to canter, moved with a perfect freedom and liberty of action, which to no small extent revived the hopes of his friends ; although it was remembered that the uphill gallop at the beginning was not at all unlikely to find out the weak place. How he would comport himself was also a matter which gave rise to some anxiety,for he is a horse of humours, and a few days ago absolutely declined to move in the direction of the Limekilns at Newmarket, where it had been proposed to gallop him. Here, having passed through the paddock, he was seen walking up the hill towards the start in the most placid fashion; but when he had reached the gate he began to swerve and draw...