CHAMPION RACE MEETING, 1865.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1188, 26 January 1864, Page 4

CHAMPION RACE MEETING, 1865.

Thanks to the liberal subscriptions already received, a Champion Race meeting for 1865 is almost a certainty. Already about £1200 has been subscribed, and it only remains with the public to say whether the meeting shall be held. If they so decide, another £1000 must be forthcoming, and of this we think there can be little doubt. That Canterbury will derive considerable eclat from so enterprising an undertaking there can be no dispute. Already the Province boasts the best course and the best stand. It only remains to do our best to ensure the best in the colony.

The programme published below has been drawn up in anticipation of the funds being forthcoming, and will be submitted to the Jockey Club for revision. It will most likely be passed sis it stands, having been submitted to the inspection of several of the principal racing men of the adjacent provinces, now present in Canterbury, who have been pleased to express their decided approval. All that the Jockey Club will have to do will be to decide upon the weights and penalties. The general opinion seems to be that the programme is most liberal, and is likely to draw very large fields from the Australian colonies. One point is deserving of attention, and, as we think, of commendation.

It will be observed that instead of, a3 has been the custom, making the grand race on the middle day, the Champion will be run on the first day of the meeting. This will prevent the best horses being kept back, and by the system of weights and penalties, will necessitate their being brought together again on the two following days; and thus insure a splendid three days racing. There is, we believe, a general feeling of disappointment because it is believed that Canterbury has no horses likely to run for these great prizes. We would remind the public that a year will elapse before the races cau come off, and besides our young stock we have many racing men in the province with ample means who will doubtless come forward to uphold the honor of Canterbury.

PROGRAMME OF CHAMPION MEETING TO BE IIELI) IN CHRISTCHURCH IN JANUARY, 1565. Fikst Day. Maiden Stakes, of £100, added to £6 sweepstakes, h. f. 1£ miles; weight for age. Lottery Platk, of £50, added to a £5 sweepstakes. Three-quarter mile heats; weight for age. Champion Stakes, of £1000, added to a sweepstakes of £50 each, h. f. 3 miles; weight fur age. Criterion Stakes, of £50, added to a sweepstakes of £5 each; weight for age. I mile. Hack Rack. Second Day. Derby Stakes, of £700, added to a sweepstakes of £10 each, h. f. 1J miles; 3 years old, Bst lOlbs. 10 subscribers (closed). Canterbury Cup, £300. 2 miles; weight for age, with penalties. Entrance £15. Metropolitan Handicap, of £100. 1 mile; entrance £5. Tyro Stakes, of £50, added to a sweepstakes of £5 each. l£ mile; weight for age. Penalties. Third Day. Queen's Plate, of 100 soys. 3 miles; £5 entrance. Weight for age. C.J.C. Handicap, of 200 sovs. li mile; entrance, £10. Railway Stakes, of 100 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of £10 each. £ mile. Weight for age. Penalties. Forced Handicap. 1 mile. Consolation Stakes, of 50 sovs. added to a sweepstakes of £5 each. Handicap. 1 mile.