THE DOUBLE HURDLE MATCH. TO THE EDITOR OF THE LYTTELTON TIMES. Sik, —I notice a protest in Saturday's Times, signed by Mr. Hope, in which he states the money is not to be paid over to Mr. Hamilton because the umpire did not act in a " disinterested manner," A bold asser-

tion to make. I had not a fraction on " Jessie or rider," and had I had £50 on Banshee, I could not have done conscientiously, other wise than I did. There are many, i believe, ready to back me out in my decision, accord ing to the rules given to me by Mr. Mire house (acting on behalf of Mr. Hope) and Mr. Hamilton, when I was agreed upon by both to ride round in each heat, and order either party to turn back who made a mistake. The conditions were these, viz.: That any horse knocking down a hurdle had to be turned and taken over a standing hurdle of the same flight; and either rider going through a gap (that is a hurdle down), had also to turn and make a clean jump. In the first heat, Mr. Hope knocked down a hurdle, and turned directly I called to him. In the second heat, Mr. Hamilton knocked down the third hurdle from home. He also came back directly I called to him, although the mistake was ap parently fatal to his chance. Mr. Hope, how ever, who was a few lengths behind, was carried by Banshee through the gap; I called to him to turn, he pulled for a moment, then went on again, of course being first to the judge. Mr. Lockhart, who acted as judge, referred to me for my decision, which I at once gave to Jessie, on account of Mr. Hope not returning over a standing hurdle. Many bystanders confirmed the fact, and he there fore declared Mr. Hamilton the winner. Yours, &c., C. V. SHAND.
