POLO RACES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 33, 10 February 1890, Page 3

POLO RACES.

ENJOYABLE AFTERNOON AT ELLERSLIE.

About three hundred spectators viewed the polo races and sports ab EllersHe on Satur day. Lord Onflow, Admiral Soofcb and Sir John and Lady Thurston were among the visitors, and on arrival, Mr A. K. Taylor, Vice-President of the Auckland Racing Club, duly received them. During the afternoon, Captain Savile's Challenge Cap, givon for annual competition by the "Polo Clubs of the colony, was presented to the Canterbury team, the winners for thia year. LordOrslow made the presentation oncheiawninfrontof the Grand Stand, and in handing the cup to Mr A. 13. G. Rhodes, M.H.R. (the captain), eaid he was glad that the clubs of tho colony had commenced to play together, and he hoped that in another year the other clubs would eive a better account of themselves. Cheers for Bis Excellency and Captain Savile wevo then calif d for by Mr Rhodes, and heartily given. Ab the call of Lord Onslow, choera followed for the Canterbury players. The cup is a very handsome one of silver, and bears the inscription on the bowl: —" New Zealand Polo Challenge Cup, presented by Captain R. Stewart .Savile, A.D.0." Tho boy/1 rests upon three polo sticks, bolow which on the base is a polo ball. The fine band of H.M.s. Orlando was present during a portion of tho afternoon, and among fciio musical selections rendered was a beautiful fantasia from Balfe's " Rose of Castillo." Mr T. McEwin provided afternoon tea in the grandstand, and refreshments for the stewards of the sports. Tho sports and races were very amusing, those that took part in thorn being members of tho Auckland and Christchurch Polo Clubs and officers of tho squadron. Excepting the Polo Cup, the prizes were trophies. The Polo Cup fell to Rosebud, owned by MiBennett, of the Canterbury team, Nigger being second and Baker third. Mr E. D. O'Rorko's Nipger appropriated the Pony Hurdle Race from Baker, Spanker Boom, and three others. The Polo Ball Race was easily won by Mr A. E. Rhodes, and in the Tandem Race the Hon. H. Tyrwhitt drove the winning team, Spanker Boom and Little Nell. The Cin-ar and Umbrella Racs fell to Mr E. D. O'Rorke, and the Saddling and Dressing Race to Mr S. Garforth, of the squadron. Mr T. O'Sullivftn annexed the Compulsory Race.