AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 300, 28 December 1897, Page 3

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING.

ON THE LAWN AT ELLERSLIE

ANTARES WINS THE CUP.

Brightest of blue overhead, softest of green underfoot, brilliant sunshine tempered by a cooling breeze, myriads of bright eyes glancing over a bewilderation of the bewitchingest frills and furbelows of fashion, these, with a few coins "i' the "poke," which it mattered not to lose if Fateso willed, and verily you were " adainty man to please" if you were not satisfied with the "sport of kings " in Auckland on Cup day. Go where you will, where shall you find a prettier course, or one where, if the field be large and the owners "willin'" (like Barkis), you will see better and prettier racing in such absolute comfort. And assuredly, Ellerslie lawn and paddock have seldom, if ever, been seen to such advantage as on Boxing Day of the year of grace 1897, when the big race of the year was lost and won in the presence of one of the largest and (despite the slump) assuredly the most brilliant gatherings ever organised by the Auckland Racing Club. Under far less advantageous, circumstances the :lay must have proved enjoyable ; as it was, everything conspired to make " Cup Day" one which will live long in the grateful memories of those who were present. To be sure, the getting there was none so pleasant. The roads, if you came that way, were blinding with dust, while if you came by rail well!—though no doubt the railway authorities did their best they were absolutely unable to cope satisfactorily with the traffic to the course. Thousands of people who >vere at the station before sleven missed the first race, which started aver an hour later, while the crushing and overcrowding were terrible. But once arrived on the course, dust and trouble were quickly forgotten. For where could, you lind such another picture or rather series of pictures as are here presented. Bravely •wave the flags over the Grandstand, which as you look up to it from the lawn is for all the worla1 like a vast bank of flowers so bright, so numerous, and so varied are the dresses. It is absolutely packed, and such an exhibition of frocks is only seen o&ce a year. For is not our Cup Day like unto that of Eoyal Ascot, and must not every woman array herself in such purple and fine linen as shall reduce as many of her sex as possible to an "agony, rage, and despair" of envy. Now sweep your eye over the prospect. See the lawn dotted with groups in gay attire, the hill one mass of humanity, and go round the whole unsurpassed panorama of the course, with verdant field and hill and the dark foliage of the firs and the delicate green of the willows to make resting places for the eye en route. But hark, the cry is luncheon, and no snch bad idea either, for we have seen two races already, the winders of both cantering home in the easiest of styles; and whether we've made money or haven't our appetites are sharp set. Up, therefore, to the new dining-room at the first floor. This is for members only, and on duty is a lynxeyed janitor, who knows everyone, apparently, for he makes few mistakes. Open he sweeps the door (for We are members), and we find ourselves walking down the splendidly handsome room, withits delicate colouring of browns, pink and sea green, its stained glass and oriental windows and its general impression of length, loftiness, and space." It is also delightfully cool, and as we take our seats atone of the little _tables._set forth with delicate glass and napery, we compliment the Auckland Racing" Club on the finest of many improvements it has made during the past two years for the comfort of its members. The lunch, served by Host McEwen, is good, and full credit must be given for the same, since the extra work involved must have been considerable. Then merrily pop the champagne corks, and the air is light with laughter. But, come my masters, there is the bell for the Auckland Cup, and we must take our places, for there are a thousand pounds to be lost and won in the next few minutes. Excitement rises high, and higher yet. Everywhere tickets are being made up, and if you choose you can take evenoneandthreepenceworth of yourfancy.. This, of course, is on the stand. On the asphalt in front of the machine we play a bolder game and literally scrummage to put our notes on Waiufcu or St. Paul; notes which, alas, are destined for the pockets of others this time. What a sight it is, what a marvellous sight this mad struggle to sling money into the jaws of the machine, and how we all enjoy doing it. But 'tis high time we were in our places. Justin time we reach ..them. There is a brief delay, a breathless second or two flies by, and then the mighty roar of "they're oft'" from ten thousand throats announces that the struggle has begun. Who shall describe the wild excitement, the all-devouring universal excitement, which tingles through the vast concourse as the field settle down to their work. "Well is this called the sport of kings. Our pulses sing together, our hearts thump and our breath conies with a catch as .with a rising passion of pent, uncontrollable excitement we see the silken jackets sweep past the stand on the first time round. Higher and higher it rises, and nature will have her Avay —we must shout. A thousand voices yell " Waiuku, !" " St. Paul!" "Nestor!" "Daystar!" in a frenzy of tentative hope, but as they round into the straight One mighty roar goes up "St. Paul, St. Paul." From ten thousand throats it rolls, till on a sudden and like a scream for shrillness it is divided with a cry of "Antares." Boar upon roar, as they race past the stand locked in such a splendid struggle as is Worth a year's life to see, and then as the Eton blue and. claret draws ahead and passes the post one last shout of " Antares wins." Then, for a moment silence, for the numbers are not yet up, and many don't know what the winner is. But up goes the six with the two below, and once more ,» hot favourite has been cleverly if flukily ■beaten. Such is the luck, such the charm of racing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RACING.

It is estimated that the attendance on the fillerslie course yesterday numbered about 12,000 persons, and on no previous Cup day has this been exceeded. The totalisator investments for the day totalled £13.544, against £12,941 for the corresponding day of last year. Among the visitors present were Mr Leslie McDonald, manager of Mr W. R. Wilson's racing and stud establishment in Victoria, Mr A. Yuille (Melbourne), Hon. Hugh Mossman (Queensland), Mr G. G. Stead (Canterbury), Mr T. R. Moore (HaAvke's JBay), Mr W. Hutchison ("Hotspur" of the « New Zealand Referee"), Mr T. Foulsham (Melbourne) t and a number of other visitors.

The meeting was managed in first-class style by Mr W. Percival. Proceedings commenced with the Trial Handicap, the only withdrawal being Reaction. Eton Avas made a very strong favourite, and the confidence was well bestowed, for he Avon Avith something i n hand. In this event The Sharper broke bis breastplate while doing a preliminary, BJid did not get it fixed in time to take part in the race, the barrier being released while he was on his Avay to post. Next came the Great Northern Foal Stakes. Mr Stead started Conqueror and Altair, the pair being bracketed on the totalisator. They were surrounded by a flense crowd when being saddled for the

i fray, each colt coming in for admiration. J Mr J. G. Ralph's fine commanding looking ■ colt Hylas, the diminutive Hermosa, and ; Blue Jacket, a colt of promise, formed the j local opposition to the Canterbury juveniles, j The race is easily described, for Conqueror I won without being extended. This makes ! the fifth time that Mr Stead has annexed j the Foal Stakes. The winner Conqueror ; | was got by Medallion from Siesta, by j I Traducer. '

The Auckland Cup attracted the goodI steed field of eleven. Fabulist was struck I out on the course at 11.30. With the exception of Panoply, who was an extreme . outsider, the remainder of the field had | their respective admirers. The saddling lup of the candidates and their preliminI aries in the straight previous to the con- ; test were watched with keen interest. J. Chaafe had St. Paul trained to the hour, I and no fault could be found with the con--1 dition of Waiuku or Daystar. Favona stripped a much improved colt, and Antares bore evidence that he had done a splendid preparation. Coronet also bore a well-trained appearance. The contest itself resulted in what may be termed a flukey win for Antares, who carried the colours of Mr J. G. Green, a prominent local mining man, the horse being prepared by Mr F. McManemin, the popular Ellerslie trainer. At the very outset of the contest a contretemps occurred at the starting post, for when the barrier was released St. Paul and Waiuku were standing some ten lengths in the rear of the field. This disadvantage, of course, they had to make up. Nestor practically made all of the running next to the rails until nearing the turn for home, when St. Paul shot to the front, and he looked all over a winner coming down the straight. His victory was loudly proclaimed, but at the distance post he was challenged by Antares. A short and decisive battle ensued, but the great amount taken out of St. Paul told its tale and he had to put up with a half length defeat, while Nestor gained third place. Daystar ran a good race until he was asked for a final effort in the straight. Waiuku was ridden in a most erratic manner, while one of the disappointments of the race was Coronet. The sum of £3,217 was invested on the totalisator, Antares paying the nice dividend of £16 OS.

Antares claims Wellington Park as his birthplace, and last July he became Mr Green's property at £275. He is by Castor from Hilda, and last season his only win of note was the Takapuna Cup. Subsequently, it transpired that J. Chaafe, jun., the rider of St. Paul, was kicked above the ankle while the horses were at the starting post, the injured member becoming greatly swelled. This of course interfered with Chaafe in the riding of the colt. It is alleged that Favona was interfered with in the race for the Cup. In this connection a complaint was laid against T. Taylor for interfering with Favona.

Sir Stead timed the various stages of the Cup race as follows : — Half-a-mile, 56£ sec; one mile, lmin 50sec; 1£ mile, 2min 43£ see ; 2 miles, 3min 36sec. After the excitement of the Cup contest had cooled down, attention was turned to the Hurdle Race, for which only Tally-ho, Nor'-west and Miss Nelson went to the post. The last-named won just as she liked, the favourite, Nor'-west, finishing last of the trio. The Railway Handicap attracted a field of ten runners, Which Eton again had no difficulty in winning. For the Nursery Handicap twelve juveniles faced the barrier. Dayntree and St. Innis disputed favouritism, but the result was a bit of a surprise, the Hon. Hugh Mossman's Lady Harriet winning by a length and a half*from Dayntree, who got in a bad position in the race. The winner returned her supporters a dividend of £13 13s. ftangiuru easily won the Pony Cup in the colours of Mr L. Harris, while the programme was brought to a close with Swordfish easily appropriating the Christmas Handicap, the Papakura horse evidently benefiting by his gallop in the first race of the day. Details of the racing are as follows :— Trial Handicap of 100 soys. Seven furlongs. 329—Mr E. J. Evans' b c Eton by Castor—Lady Walmsley, 3yrs, 7st slb (Creamer) 1 19—Messrs Blaikie and Philpott's b m Lufra, 6yrs, 6st lllb (Stewart) 2 194—Mr S. Bra*dley's br h Swordfish, ,-- 4yrs, Sst 61b (McTasrgart) ... 3 Other starters : 90, W raioron<romai) Sst (Taylor); 53, St. Gordon, 7st f2lb (Mobberley; 32, Rex, 7st lllb (Dunlop); 91, Woodstock, 7st 81b (Gallagher); 20, The Sharpbr, 7st 61b (Satman); 173, Miss Anna, 7st (Waldron) ; 4, Tamaki, Cst 71b (Jellings) ; 12, Castoria, 6st 71b (Tait). Eton was first to show in front followed by Miss Anna and Rex, but when the cutting was reached Miss Anna was at the head of affairs, the most conspicuous of the others being Eton and Lufra. At the half-mile post Lufra took command and she was first to reach the straight, followed by Eton. However, a little further on Eton was given his head and soon smothering the leader he came on and won easily by two lengths. W'aiorongomai was fourth and St. Gordon fifth. Time, lmin 30sec. Dividend, £2 los.

Great Northern Foal Stakes of 50050v3 ; second 50sovs, and third 25sovs out of stake. Six furlongs. 818—Mr G. G. Stead's b c Conqueror, by Medallion — Siesta, Sst 101b (R. Derritt) 1 S7—Mr W. F. Inder's eh f Hermosa,

by St. Leger—Lady Evelyn, Bst slb(Sceats) —Mr G. G. Stead's b c Altair by Castor — Cissy, Bst 10lb, (Holmes)

Other starters : 29, Bluejacket, Bst 101b (Monigan) and 151, Hylas, Bst 101b (Taylor). Conqueror and Altair were bracketed on the machine.

When the signal Avas given the colours of Hermosa Avere conspicuous for a few strides, only to give Avay to Conqueror and Altair. When the cutting was reached Altair Avas a neck in front of Conqueror, then at an interval of half a length came Hermosa, Avhile four lengths aAvay folloAved Blue Jacket and then Hylas. Bound the top stretch Conqueror, Hermosa and Altair raced in line, but before the home turn AVas reached Altair fell back and Conqueror and Hermosa came into the straight together. However at the Derby stand Conqueror made his effort, and leaving the local filly as he liked came on and Avon by three lengths from Hermosa, who Avas a length in front of Altair; then came Hylas and BlueJacket. Time lrain 19hrin. Dividend, £1 4s.

Auckland Cup of l,000sovs; second horse 150sovs and third horse 50sovs out of the stake. Two miles. 179—Mr J. G. Green's b h Antares by Castor—Hilda, 4yrs, 7st lllb (Sceats) 1 743—Mr J. Chaafe's b h St. Paul, by St. Leger—Satanella, 4yrs, 9st 2 345—Mr A. E. Byers' Nestor, by St. Leger—Tamora, 4yrs, 9st (Taylor) ... 3 Other starters: 540, Waiuku aged, 9st 71b (Russell); 557, Daystar, 4yrs, Sst 101b (Gallagher); 91, Panoply, aged, 7st 31b (Holmes) ; 290, Coronet, Syrs, 6st 121b (Coulthard); 252, Favona, Syrs, 6st 9lb (Whitehouse); 50, Canopus, 3yrs, 6st 71b (Higgot); 38, Pyroxylin, 6yrs, 6st 71b (Tate); 102, Anita, 6yrs, 6st 7lb (Waldron).

When the barrier Avas released St. Paul and Waiuku Avere left standing and lost fully ten lengths. The first to show in front Avere Nestor, Canopus and Panoply, and Avhen a couple of ' furlongs had been covered Waiuku had run into fourth place. At the cutting, Canopus

J and Nestor were at the head of affairs, while running next could be seen i Waiuku, Panoply, Favona Daystar and I St. Paul, the field being whipped in by j Coronet and Antares. Sound the top ! stretch Canopus and Nestor continued to 1 be at the head of affairs, and the pair came I into the straight on close, terms, while of | the others St. Paul and Antares were conspicuous. By the time the Grandstand I was reached Pyroxylin managed to get to • the head of affairs, theli followed in line Panoply, Canopus and Nestor, with Coronet last. Nestor showed the way out of the bottom turn and up the | back, hotly pursued by Panoply, St. Paul, ! Daystar, Favona, Canopus, and Waiuku. ! Through the cutting Nestor held his own, while Waiuku was in second place and Antares improved his position. Round the top stretch Nestor pluckily stuck to his task, followed by Waiuku and St. Paul, while An tares came with a run on the j outside. Once the home turn was reached St. Paul was at the head of affairs, Nestor, Waiuku, Antares, and Daystar being all prominent. By the time the field got to the Derby Stand Antares was only two lengths away irom the leader St. Paul, and sticking tc his task in a game manner he caught the little horse in the last dozen strides, and won by half-a-length. Nestor was three lengths away third, Daystar being fourth, Waiuku fifth, while Coronet and Pyroxylin were in the extreme rear. Time, 3min 36sec. Dividend, £16 3s. Handicap Hurdles of ISOsovs. Two miles. 279—Mr A. E. Byers' eh m Miss Nelson by Nelson—Tamora, oyrs, lOst 121b (Katterns) 1 184-Mp J. T. Blake's Tally-ho, list Bst (Mitchell) 2 605 —Mr C. Gordon's b g Nor'-west, ayrs, list 71b (Hall) 3 Nor'-west led over the first and second hurdles, but when the straight Was reached the three starters were in line. However Nor'-west was again in front racing out of the bottom turn, and he showed Miss Nelson and Tally-ho the way up the back. When the sixth hurdle was reached Miss Nelson was on terms with the leader, and she was first to enter the home turn. At this point Nor'-west ran unkindly, and Miss Nelson coining on won easily, while Tally-ho secured second place in the last few strides owing to Nor''west being eased. Time, 3min SSsec. Dividend, £3 Bs.

Railway Handicap of lOOsovs. Six furlongs.

714—Mr E. J. Evan's b c Eton, by Castor—Lady Walmsley, 3yrs, 7st 101b (Creamer) 1 416-Mr G. Wright's b h St. Elmo, 4yrs, 7st 71b (Satman) 2 185—Mr E. J. L. Rae's b h Bowshot,

6yrs, 7st 21b (Holmes)

Other starters:—99, Picklock, Bst 9lb (Gall); 85, Miss Emmy, Bst Blb (Gallagher); 30, St. Gordon, Bst (Mobberley); 106, Cuiralba, 7st 101b (Sceats) ; 59, Lady Cuisine, 7st (Higgot); 123, Record Reign, 6st 111b (Whitehouse) ; 61, Reaction, 6st 111b (Jellings). Eton and St. Elmo were quickest to move, but the latter showed the way through the cutting and across the top stretch. St. Elmo was first into the straight, but at the Derby stand Eton put in his claim, and he had no difficulty in winning by two lengths. Bowshot, who finished with a late run, gained third place. Time, limn 17£ sec. Dividend, £2 7s. Nursery Handicap of lOOsovs. Five furlongs. 116—Hon. H. Mossman's eh f Lady Harriet, Hotehkiss —Pungawerewere, 7st 4lb (Satman) 1 607—Mr J. Taylor's gr c Dayntree by Castor—Vivandiere, 7st (Coal-.... thard) - ... ... ... ' ... 2 181—Mrs J. Lennard's br f Roxana, by Cuirassier—Yieux Rose, 6st 10lb (Whitehouse) ... ..'. ... 3 Other starters: 38, Swiftfoot, by The Workman—Swiftsnre, 7st 51b (Creamer); IST, Kettledrum, by Hotchkiss—Weazel, 7st slb (Gallagher); 502, St. Innis, by St. ■ Leger—lnnisfail, 7st 21b (Jellings); 18, St. Lawrence, by St. Hippo—Bellona, 7st (Howard); 47, Bluejacket, by St. Leger— Antelope, 7st (Holmes); 10, Lord Devon, by Fabulous-Loo, 6st 71b (Tate); 19, Aurega, by Castor —Victoria, 6st 71b (Waldron) ; 20, Regulus, by Regel— Tamora, 6st 71b (Heaps); Panacea, by Blairgowrie—Pandora, Cst 71b (Stewart). Kettledrum was first away, and he led into the home turn, but when the distance post was reached he was done with, and Lady Harriet, Dayntree, and Roxana then joined in an interesting struggle ending in Lady Harriet winning by a neck. Time, lmin 6sec. Dividend, £13 13s. Pony Cup of lOOsovs. Seven furlongs. 42G—MrL. Harris'b m Rangiuruby Cap-a-Pie—Duchess, 4yrs, Gst 101b (Howard) 1 62—Mr E. J. L. Rae's eh m Mavonrneen, aged, 95131b (Taylor) ... 2 277—Mrs J. Hand's brg Napoleon, 4yrs 9;t(Sceats) 3 Other starters : 65, Miss Rose, 9st 9lb (Gallagher) ; 35, Pororua, Bst 9lb Creamer); 650, Fair Nell, Bst 71b (Dunlop); 71, Bob, 7st (Satman); 6, Shamrock, 6st 91b (Maine); 51, Nora, Gst 81b ; 15, Topsy, 6st 71b. Rangiuru and Fair Nell made most of the running, but while the latter retired below the distance the other went on and won by a length from Mavoureen, with Napoleon close up third. Time, lmin 32sec. Dividend, £3 10s. Christmas Handicap of ISOsovs. One mile. 3S9_Mr S. Bradley's br h Swordfish, Hotchkiss — Fisligirl, 4yrs, Bst 41b (McTaggart) 1 227—Mr D. McNiccol's b m Waiorongomai, 4yrs, 7st 121b (Holmes) ... 2 625—Mr D. Stewart's St. Crispin, 3yr3, 8t 121b (Smith) ... 3 Other starters:—449, Porangi Potae, 7st 91b (Creamer) ; 160, Miss Anna, 7st (Waldron). Porangi Potae made the running until four furlongs from home, where she dropped back beaten, and Waiorongomai took command. The last-named was first into the straight, followed by St. Crispin and Swordfish, but when the Derby Stand was reached Swordfish took command, and coming on in good style won by two lengths. Time, lmin 44sec. Dividend, £4 ss.