AUCKLAND RACES, 1860.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XIII, Issue 768, 17 March 1860, Page 3

AUCKLAND RACES, 1860.

(From, the ' Southern Cross.') First. Day—Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Sight-seeing in hot weather is rather an awful enterprise; and to walk many miles for the purpose beneath the scorching influence of an almost vertical sun is allowed to be no joke; but, nevertheless, such is the peculiar attraction of horse racing to every son of Britain that there are not wanting .numerous individuals who will not only go through the ordeal, but also assure you with the utmost blandness that they like it—far be it from us to call the truth or the taste of this assertion into question, for we are of opinion that if it were possible to trace back the current of one of our "old countrymen's" blood to its early foundations there would be found amidst the strange compound, unmistakeable proof of an inherent love of sport which the most adverse circumstances cannot dispel, or the,hottest sun dry up. Now we are of this number; but we also possess a keen relish for the comfortable; so, turning from this appalling subject, and the rich, sunny luxuriance, and classical fictions connected with glorious Apollo, we threw ourselves upon the tender mercies of an ordinary " but" determined on visiting the Ellerslie Race Course on Tuesday last, the 21st instant; — it may not have been considered " the thing," but the almost super-human difficulties connected with the peripatetic philosophy, left us no alternative. On the road we met many who seemed to be acting on the same determination, and preferring it, and who for the furthering of their designs had placed horses in harness, which, if we might judge from their restive procedure, had never before been subject to it; others there were whose animals exhibited a docility which gave evidence that they would never, or ought never, to be in harness again; and pur greatest surprise consisted in the fact of there being persons willing to place faith in their powers. It is on days like these that the least blemish in a horse's temper comes out in the darkest colors, and it is not uniVequently that you find quadrupeds— who have, by the i energetic application of whipcord, succeeded in conveying you half way,—suddenly seized with a profound conviction that they

have dpn^e enough: happily, however, it is seldom that the driver is of precisely thp same mind, and the difference of opinion accordingly has to be settled on the spot. We noticed one of these wicked beasts, who, after indulging in a prefatory kick or, two, coolly backed into a family " four wheel in his rear, and immediately 'after we lieard a Bpft crushing noise, then a subdued tinkling, followed by a rush of somo bibulous cum pound through the bottom of the vehicle, which told the dismayed family a tale of disappointed hope. Then there were others who took to settled kicking, which was decidedly objectionable; and many individuals, who had failed to1 screw themselves to the " outside" of their animals, met with a summary notice to quit, .which they had not time to object to. Then straps and shafts got broken, and latent halters were brought forth from the inmost recesses, of "the hoot,' and bound affectionately round the dilapidation; and wheels, *' wheeled- off" in the wrong direction, exhibiting a decided objection to progression. But, in spite of all these amusing contre temps, the course was reached at last. And here a : very animated scene met the eye,—immediately on | the right of the entrance was "set up" a wooden ; grand stand, which was to be, in more than one ; sense," knocked down" immediately after the races, i and from which an admirable view of the sport was j obtained, and beneath which, as if to make up for i the absence of a " hurdle race," " stone fences" were ; taken in galore; Opposite to this temporary edi- | fice was placed the Judge's chair; and in the j centre of the course were erected numerous booths, i gaily decorated with colored flags, and bearing large /"black letter" announcements, which told us that sthese "local habitations" were possessed also of a i " name," — there was Harkins' " Commercial," : Sims and Fielding's " Wheat Sheaf/ Collins' "Prince of Wales," and.Darby's " Thistle" Hotels, (arid, numerous others who supplied, amidst bois- ■ terous merriment, 'f creature comforts," both solid I and fluid, in ample profusion. Sailors and soldiers, 'bushmen and rovers, young and old, male and ;female, congregated within; and, if "trade was ; werry slack," as we were assured it was by Pro- ': fessor Jones, who was " sticking" to it a good one, ; and whose opinion on commercial matters generally : arid on " the three sticks" in particular, is entitled itp. respect, it certainly was not so at any : one of the hostelries, for we ourselves, when really desirous to dispose of an appetite, could not find the means of doing so. The races. themselves were shorn of much of their attraction in consequence of Princess Royal and Miss Letty being prevented from an appearance, and • the fact that Deception was too first-class for any of the company she met, and accordingly won every thing she went for; and there was also a manifest want of some amusement to fill up the intervals between the various races, and to occupy the attention of the visitors. We missed the regular stock gipsies we have been accustomed to meet at every race-course, the possessors in prophecy of untold wealth, yet always draggling through dust and dirt for the six-pences of_ the credulous: and where was the little redhaired man, who with an indescribable slang in the verybuttons Of his waistcoat* sits upon the grass manipulating three cards and vociferating, " There's the Jack, the ace, and the two; and I'll bet no one names the Jack for one pound or two"; then again, where were the groups of Ethiopian serenaders, who grin with a dental abandon peculiar to their race, the acrobats, minstrels, organ-grinders, infant bands, performing monkeys, and precocious children,—where the tumblers who do everything but stand like human,beings—where the weighing machines, to which every passer, by is invited to try their weight—where, too, that ancient female with a. battered countenance and short clay pipe, who appears, by the appellation she bears, to be everybody's relative, we mean "Aunt Sally," who has had worshippers even among the haut ton. We ask, where were all these trifling absurdities, or even the'semblance of them, which go to make up a jolly day at the races ? Echo answers, where, and yet they were needed to prevent the dullness, and to relieve the monotony which so many complained of. . The weather on Tuesday was as fine as could be wished for, and the attendance numerous, though not equal, we were assured, to former occasions; which may be attributed to the fact that the season of the year is not so favourable as on New Year's Day, when all are willing and ready to make a day of it; the racing too, for the reasons indicated above, was also below the average and sadly wanting in interest; but despite many drawbacks with which the stewards had to deal, they may well congratulate themselves on the success of the meeting. We give below an account of the different races contested during the day, which on the, whole went off extremely well. . Maiden Plate.—£so: one mile and a distance; heats. Mr. Rogers' eh. c. Benedict, four years, 9st ...... J. Mallison 11 Mr. Walters' b.g. Member for the Bay, aged, 9st. 9lbs ....H. Hill dis. First heat.—Benedict started off a length in ad? vance, and won easily by about a length arid a half. Time—2 minutes, 29' seconds. Second Heat—Benedict jumped off immediately the flag fell, but the rider of the Member for the Bay did not observe the signal, and was left behind; distanced accordingly. Innkeeper's Purse. —£30; two miles. Maiden horses allowed slbs. off these weights. Mr..Hargreave's b.f. Deception, 4 years. Bst. nibs R. Pollok 1 Mr. Paton's b.h. Meleager, aged, 9st. 11 lbs. ..M. Robinson 2 Charles O'Malley was entered, but did not run. The horse made play about two lengths in advance, the filly waiting on him hard held until the second round, when, as they neared the haystacks, she drew forward in a canter, passed the horse by the hut, and won by two lengths easily. Time—4 minutes, 4 seconds. On returning to scale, the rider of Meleager claimed the race, on the ground that Deception, ran the wrong side of a post. The case,is reserved for the decision of the stewards, until to-morrow (Saturday.) Ellerslie Plate.—£3o: one mile and a distance; heats. Maiden horses allowed 51bs. off these weights. . ...... ■ Mr. Hargreave's b.f. Deception, 4 years, Bst. lllbs' ........... R.Ppllok 1 1 Mr. Coyle's b.g. Young Jack, 4 years,; Bst. lllbs. 2 dr. Mr. Austin's b.g. Charles O'Malley, aged, 9st. 91b5... '.......3 dr. Mr. Paton's ch.f. Planet, 3yrs., 7st. I libs. 4, dr. j First Heat.—Young, Jack took the lead at an easy pace, two lengths in advance of Charles ,o'Malley, who was;closely, followed, by Planet — Deception lying about four lengths in the rear. This order was maintained till just before the haystacks were reached; when Pollok; called on her, j and she passed all her horses before the turn into the straight run, winning easily in a canter. Time—2m. 25'seo..'-.'.. ! Second Heat.—-Deception walked ; over. Maiden Produce Stakes;—£2s.; For the produce of horses bred in New Zealand.' 1 mile, heats. Winner of the Maiden Plateto carry 71bs. extra. Mr. Roger's eh. c. Benedict, 4 years, 9st ..........*. ........J. Milliso.n 10 1 Mr. Walterls b.g. Member for the Bay, aged, 9st. 91U • 2 12 Mr. A. K. Taylor's b.f. Woodbine, 3 years, 7st. lllb. 320 Mr. Coyle's b.g. Young Jack, 4 years,,Bst lllb. Mr. Paton's eh. f. Planet, 3,years, 7st. lllb". Mr. Willett's m. f. Deceitful, 2 years, 6st, lilt). First Heat. —Young Jack jumped.off first, but was soon headed by the Member, who shortly after gave place to Woodbine. This order continuing

till they neared the. Hut, when Benedict deprived Young Jack of the third place, and then challenged the Member, whom he passed, and won by two lengths. Time—2 mm. 29 sec. Second Heat.—At the start Benedict was several lengths behind; Young: Jack rushed forward two lengths in advance; Deceitful, planet, and Woodbine following in the order named. Just before reaching the Hutfc, the member drew forward, de: pnved Young Jack of the lead, raced with him into the straight run, winning by a length; Benedict* who was not pushed by his rider, saved hia distance.Time—2 mm. 14 seconds. ' _ Third Heat.—The race was reduced to a match, this heat, the Member went a length in' advance of Benedict, till just before reaching the Hut; when the latter challenged him, and they raced neck anj neck for about, a distance, when he pasged him and won by twp lengths easily. Time 2.mm. 19 seV. Hack Race.—For a Silver Cup, value 12 GoineW catch weights; 1; mile, single event, ■'• Mr. Crewe'sch.g. Mai1man,........T. McKenna 1 Mr. E. Graham's gr.m. Lizzie............... 2 The following also ran:—Mr. Storey's gr. G.Newmarket; Mr. Gardiner's b.g. Prince; Mr. McGhee's ; Auckland; Mr. Fisksg.g.Nimroud; Mr. Sroilh-sKe, I Pokari; Mr. Keefe's Sam Slick; Mr/PollockV Bush Ranger; Capt; Barton's Hump;; arid Mr. Keightley s Ginger. ' This was the most exciting race of the day, and I was won cleverly. Prince, who:came in fourth, had his girth straps broken, but bis rider managed, with i goodjtact, to keep his seat notwithstanding. " A race for a Saddle and Bridle, won; by Mr, Gardiner's " Prince," and several Matches, brought the day s sport to a close. . , ! •: - Second Day—Wednesday 22nd. i Up to, the hour of starting there was a continual and steady flow of equestrians/mounted on aniinala of various degrees of excellence; and specimens 'of' . every description, of conveyance, from the heavy i one-horse dray to the light one-horse "chay " • ; arriving on the course. ' , Am9nS pleasure-seeking pedestrians might have been seen numerous "jolly Jacks," from the Nigeiy ; rigged in full holiday "gear," and " beating down * ; with the tide," occasionally "coming to an anchor" !at■ « way-side "public," just to take in some' .'ballast, —worthy matrons of rising families, undeterred by the formidable accompaniment'of a babe ra arms,—brothers and sisters, sweethearts : and wives—were all bound to the same destination," and appeared bent on having a right merry day. at the races, come what would.. ,:, : > The, racing, for the most part, was devoidjo.f; i interest, the same horses, appearing in mosttofithe^ j races; and, as it. was, of course, a foregone. con- i ) elusion that if Deception started she would, barrings I accident, win—the element of doubt was wanting;' jto create amusement. We subjoin particulars of l :the running. .'■ m ■-..":. j Metropolitan Plate.—£so: two miles. Heats.' The winner of the Metropolitan Plate: last year.. to carry 4 lbs. extra, over these weights. Maiden. ; horses allowed 5 lbs. less than these weights." - Mr. Hargreaves' br.f. Deception, ,4 years, "Bit. . nib 5.............. ;.....;....;..,.,.R.p6iiok; i, i Mr. Paton's b.h. Meleager, aged, lost. 21b.... 2 ! No further description of this race—if race; it - can be called, is needed than this—The. firstheatj :was won easily; the second heat the mare walked J." iover. ■ .■■.••■ > ■ ;•: ■ ' : .; - : ...■;■; . •.-. .••■, IDeapeb's Plate.—£3o: one mile and a half. : Heats; 51bs. less for hiaideh'horses. ' i Mr. Hargreaves' br.f. Deception^ 4 years, • : nib.... ................. : 11 : Mr. Rogers' eh. h. Benedict, 4 years. 95t...; 2 dr ' } Mr. Walker's b. g. Member for the Bay,l ! aged, 9st. 9fe............... ..;........;....• .-.•■• 3;dr ; First heat won easily; second heat' tKe 6mare? walked over. .yw!..\r Fobced Handicap of.£lo, added to a sweepstakes - of £1 each: 1 mile and a distance. .' Mr. Hargreaves'br. f. Deception, 4 years, 9st. . ' „4^ ..................;...;.......: r; Pbiio^i: Mr. Paton's b.h. Meleager, aged, 9st. 4f1v...'.v.f., -2" This race was simply a match with ahorse^ wHo . stood no chance against the mare, who won as atiei > pleased, hard held. ; v ■■.•':•'•.•.'•.':';, Consolation Stakes of £10, added to a sweepstakes of £1 each, for all beaten horses: 1 milei ' Mr. Coyle's b. g. Young Jack, 4 years) test;. 8ft........................... J. Millison 1 Mr. Austin's b. g. Charles O'Malley, aged, Bst. 12lb 2Mr. Walker's b. g. Member for the Bay, aged, . Bst. 10ft. .........,..v...! 3; This was a capital race, won by a neck • a length between second and third. A Silver Vase: value .12 guineas, for Hackscatch weights; 1 mile heats. Mr. R. Graham's gr. g. Lizzie......McGuire 1 1 Mr. McGhee's Tarn O'Shatiter .... '.'.'..';„■.'... 2 2 ' The following also ran :■ —Messrs. Gardiner's Prince, Fisk's Fanny, Paul's Turi, and Willett's Norfolk. The first heat was won.by. Charles O'Malley^ by a length, but a protest was .put .in, against his running as.a hack, and; he was withdrawn. The second heat was a capital race, Lizzie ; winning by half a length. . Two Silteb Cups : the large one for the first, and the other for the second horse: 1 mile; catch weights, was won by • ■. Mr.'Story's gr.g. Newmarket . 1 Mr. Taylor's Tommy Tickle.. 2 Four others ran. A capital race, won by half a length. .' , ' ' Races for a Lady's Saddle and Bridle, and,two, Silver Cups, concluded the meeting. The stewards and all connected with the arrange* . ments exerted themselves most vigorously, and deserve much praise, for they made the most of the materials at their disposal, which were meagre in the extreme, and it is to be hoped that another year may witness a very considerable improvemexjt'in many respects. The onerous duties of Judge'were discharged by Thomas Beckham, Esq., with the same strict impartiality and justice which characterizes that gentleman's decisions in another arena. Mr. Wayte acted as starter, and gave general Batis-■faction-.1 ' ;- . '" . '""'•'■''.■, ..." V.-.'. ■...7"' We are pleased to learn that it is. the initentibn of the Race Committee to convene a public.,meeting, at an early day, for the purpose, of consulting as to the beutmeans to be ; employed for ; the purpose of securing an eligible.piece of land suitable for a public race course—and we will, venture. :to express a hope that certain gentlemen in high places will give their influence and suppprtto the attain* ment of that most desirable object. We cannot close our report of the Auckland, races of 1860 : without tendering our tribute of thanks to the worthy owner of the Ellerslie Course, who handsomjely placed it at the service of^the Race Commitj«e, ; and who has thus been instrumental in furnishing, two days of healthy recreation to the inhabitants of the City of Auckland and its vicinity. THE DECISION OP THE STEW/ABDS. In our report of the above races, on Friday last, we mentioned that the rider of Meleager had entered a protest against Deception in ,'tlie race for the Innkeeper* Purse, on the ground that she ran on the wrong side of a post, and. that the case had been reserved for the consideration, of the Stewards, to ; Saturday, the 25th instant. After patiently: hearing evidence on both sides, which' occupied considerable time, the following decision was agreed to' unanimously:— c: ■; , " From the weight of evidence, and after careful ' consideration of the] matfer, wej the undersigned, are of opinion that the mare, Deceptiorii' went' jdn rf .the wrong] side of the post, and that;th^horie^ ■ Meleager, is entitled to the stakes for thylhkeeperji^,' Purse.../ , ,' ... ■.. ••-.'. ...":•' ','■ v ..'■y...';\j>,".j ] "(Signed) William Gabdinbb,<sejO. T. Amviv, V Geo. Howakd, L. D, HalßT3ad. Stewardß A. R., 1860^..: •:,<■:{■:,:■.: ,:v-,-. -.j:^^?.;^^^