CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 152, 29 June 1935, Page 8

CORRESPONDENCE

EARLY RACING FIRST MEETING IN. NEW ZEALAND (To the Editor.) Sir,—Your Maslerton Special's message of June 25, regarding early racing in New Zealand, and Marlborough and Wairarapa's respective claims of parentage of the pioneer efforts, raises an ocean of interest. Maybe I can elucidate. I have in my possession much data regarding the life and times of a pioneer, much of whose early life was spent in Wellington; during the period 1840-50, and later in Canterbury—E. Jerningham, Wakefield. I hope to publish these memoirs in the near future. Meanwhile, the following is an extract regarding the pioneer race meeting:— "The first organised race meeting in New Zealand was held at Wellington on October 20, 1842. The organisers, (Colonel W. Wakefield, E. Jerningham Wakefield, and Dr. Dorset,.had arranged the programme at a meeting held at Barrett's Hotel. .... "There were two star items on the programme—a Sweepstake of 10 guinea's each; gentlemen riders; heats of one mile and three-quarters. A Sweepstake of one pound each, one mile. Three minor events for which £5 and £1 sweepstake for each were the prize moneys. 'Ponies,' 'cart-horses,' ad ,'bay mares,' as well as 'thoroughbreds' were eligible to compete. "The chief event, the Sweepstake of 10 guineas each, was won by Figaro, 4 years, ridden by his, owner, Mr. James Watt. Figaro was sired by Opera.- The £5 Sweepstake was won by DanSy, ridden by Dr. Dorset. The third sweepstake was won^by a horse (unnamed) ridden, by Colonel Wakefield (uncle of E. Jerningham WakeI field). ■': "The day's sport, which was well attended, was finally closed with a race dinner at Barrett's Hotel." The foregoing is a brief record of the first race meeting, duly organised, held in Wellington nearly a century ago. Marlborough and Wairarapa, with the aid of Messrs. H. Redwood and C. R. Bidwill respectively, have strong claims for fostering the sport in the early days, and each can look with pride to those giant of the Turf, but to Wellington must surely be granted the honour of the birthplace of organised racing in New Zealand. Trusting I have helped to "push the barrow", a little further back, and acknowledging the nearly accurate lines from your Masterton Special^—l am, etc., ■. > ■ . - ALF. J. TYRRELL-BAXTER.