FIRST DAY'S SPORT. THE ROAD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XVII, Issue 966, 12 February 1862, Page 4

FIRST DAY'S SPORT. THE ROAD.

The morning of Tuesday at an early hour was very unpromising. The north-east horizon was hidden by.a mass of leaden-hued clouds; and the whole hemisphere had a watery aspect; but very little rain fell, and that most resembled a sea mist. About ten o'clock the sun struggled through the clouds and gave promise of a fine daj', rendered all the more agreeable by masses of fleecy vapour mitigating Sol's heat. The road was in admirable condition the whole distance from Ghristchurch, and the improved aspect of the country since last turf gathering was a theme of general comment. Pleasant live fences have taken the place of mud banks and skeletonlike posts and rails. Young copses give promise of rich woods in years to come. The plain pied with verdant paddocks and fields of golden grain ; the clover scented morning air ; the roadside fences alive as it wore with birds; and the grassy margins of the roadside decked with tiny flowers presented a taut ensemble dear to every British sportsman. Add to this the stream of bursting lifts rushing onward to the same goal, and you have no meai* copy of the coup tPoeil on Epsom Downs, ortho

triV^ ririTr~*^ >- m""*"^^'*'^^-":^J"F'*^^^'Jt"""-°'ir-! *''*: *™Tirr'l**""^*iiiiiii South road on the Derby day. Here we have the same variety of vehicle and quadruped. The barouche and four, with gay postillions, the omnibus, carriage and pairs, gigs, dog-carts, and whitechapels ; spirited hacks, heavy cart horses miserable nondescripts with swinging legs, bullocks' donkeys and goats. Dust-powdered pedestrians of all ages, sweating, chaffing and laughing good humouredly, complete the motley group.

TUB COUJIBB

Is in fair condition, and provokes the admiration of all -who have not seen it before. Certainly when its belt of English grass is matured it will be one of the finest race courses in the world, its circle having a stretch of two miles almost as level as a billiard table. The Grand Stand is not an imposing structure, but it is considerably improved since last meeting, and crowded as it is now with the beauty and fashion of the province, it looks like a grand bouquet, redolent of bloom and sweetness. Beneath are the refreshment rooms thronged with thirsty wights and eager hungry mortals. In the rear of the stand were booths of various kinds. The strains of the Christchureh Band in one, superintended by Mr. Mann, appeared to be the centre of attraction. The true " British Bull Dogs" had a tent adjoining, in which was exhibited the "noble art" at a "bob" a piece; and drew large audiences. Refreshments of superior character and at town prices were to be had in abundance; Aunt Sally, too, had her share of admirers ; nor was there any desirable thing wanting to remind one of the old English race course. The. weather was mild throughout the day.

THE HACKS

Commenced a little after one .with the Maiden Stakes, for which six horses started; Lady Bird was disqualified having won money at Nelson; and Kattan was scratched. We can to-day only briefly notice the different events.

Maiden Stakes, £6 each, h f with £100 added; l£ miles. For all horses that have never won a sweepstakes or plate previous to starting. 2 years old, sst 2lbs.; 3 years, 7st 71bs.; 4 years, Bst 7lbs.; 5 years and aged, Bst lllbs. The second horse to receive £20 out of the stakes. 13 subs.

Mr. H. Redwood's en m "Waimea, 4 yrs (Redwood, jun) 1 Mr. Lance's b g Market Gardener, 3 yrs (R. Maine) 2

Prunella took the lead at the starting and made the running for three-fourths of the distance, Avhen she was passed by Waimea, quickly folloAved by Market Gardener. In this position the race was finished. Market Gardener Avas unexpectedly beaten only by a neck; Prunella, tAvo lengths behind; King of the Gipsies, Avell up; True Bill bolted. Waimea was backed at evens against the field; time, 2 minutes 54 seconds.

Lottery Plate, of £3 each, with £30 added; heats, fof a mile; 2 years old, 7st; 3 years, Bst lOlbs.; 4 years, 9st 4lbs.; 5 years and aged, 9st 6lbs. The winner of the Maiden Stakes slbs extra. For horses the bona fide property of residents in the settlement for six months' previous to the day of entrance. Mr. Moneys br g Rob Roy, 6 yrs (Money) 1 1 Mr. Sliand's gr m Snowdrop, aged (R. Ray) 2 2 Messrs. G. and H. Lee's b m The Nun, aged 3 3 The first heat was won by Bob Roy, Snowdrop a good second"' In this heat, True Bill again sold his friends by bolting. The second heat Avas a beautiful race, as a blanket might have covered the three horses just before reaching the winning-post, at which point Nun lost about half-a-length, after a resolute struggle for first place. Rob Roy was the only horse that found favour in the ring. The first heat was Avon in 1 mm. 25 sees. The second heat in I mm. 24 sees. Sleight-of-Hand Cup, of .£SO ; H miles; 3 years, Bst 7lbs., Avith alloAvances ; 7 subs. Mr. MaUock's b f Emeh'ne, 3 yrs (R. Maine) 1 Messrs. G; arid H. Lee's b h Koh-i-noor, aged (J. Free) 2 Messrs. Gr. and li\ Day's b f by Sleight-of hand out of-Alice , ........ 3 Koh-i-noor took the lead, Avhich he maintained for the first mile, and then succumbed to-Ernmeline, avlio came in an easy Avinner by several lengths. Day's filly Avas a good third; Starlight bolted Avhen half over the course. At starting the betting was all in favour of the winner* Time, .3; nrins. 2 sees. Canterbury Gup of £50, added to a sweepstakes of £5 each; l£ miles; C.J.C Aveights for age, viz., 2 years old, 6st lOlbs; 3 years, Bst 9lbs; 4 years, 9st 13lbs; 5 years,VllOst .7lbs; 6 years and aged, list. Winners in 1861 or 1862 of any race of the A ralue of £50, to carry 3lbs extra; of £100, 71bs extra; of £100 twice, or £150 in yne stake, lOlbs extra. Mr. .EL Stafford's br ni Ultima, 6 yrs (E. Stafford) ... 1 Mr.' Morse's b m Revoke, 4 yrs (E. Cutts) 2 Major White's b g Rob, 6 yrs (R. Ray) 3 A start declared to be false was made for this stake. Prince Charlie had the lead, and his rider refused to return, asserting that both flags Avere doAvn when he Avas at the post, and he ran in solus. A second start was then made, and a slashing race took place betAvixt Ultima and KeA'oke, the latter being beaten only by a feAV inches; Rob a fair third. Barbara, Avhich had been heavily backed, Avas noAvhere. At the time our reporter left, the decision of the SteAvards on the dispute as to the first start Avas not made known.