SPORTING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6534, 4 February 1882, Page 5

SPORTING.

WELLINGTON EAOEB. [Pbb Pbbss Association.J WELLINGTON, Fbb. 8. The second day’s racing proved much less exciting than was expected in consequence of the poor acceptances, caused by the indifferent handicapping over night. The Racing Club Handicap, which promised to be a grand race, specially suffered, only three orying contest, although these produced some spirited wagering and an excellent race. The weather, as on the first day, was splendid, and the course in capital going order. The attendance was very scanty, not more than eight hundred being present at any one time. Sir Modred appeared in the Railway Stakes, but like Somnus on the first day, made a very poor exhibition. Mischief showed a rare turn of speed in his race, and after giving Luna three lengths, beat her easily. Lady Emma came so fast at the finish that, though beaten, she started first favourite for the Hutt Park Stakes, and just won after a slashing set-to with the outsider, Mavis. What promised to be a splendid finish for the hurdles between Clarence and The Agent, was spoilt by the latter falling at the last hurdle. Public opinion, however, was that Clarence would have won even had Mr Butler’s horse stood up, although the latter started a better favourite! The Poet showed unexpected weightcarrying powers in the Handicap, and won from start to finish. King Quail disappointed his backers by failing to stay borne, and Sir George ran very soft. The latter is evidently quite out of form, as he had all the best of tno weights, and on public performances ought to have won. In the Consolation On Dit and Somnus refused to accept, and Luna put the stake to her owner’s credit after disposing of Mavis and Pieoatorious pretty comfortably. Mr Bate’s victories in the two principal races of the meeting were very popular, and numerous enquiries were made about both The Poet and Hilda for the Dunedin Cup, without however leading to any business. During the afternoon the stewards considered the protests against Totara for the Hack Hurdles, and Ounce and Taratahi first and second for the TT>/>v on the first day, the result being that all wen disqualified. The stakes in the

Hurdles go to Stag, and in the flat race to Toppeo. The decision is viewed with favour, as tending to discourage the practice of farming hack races so prevalent. No doubt all three were racehorses, and have no business to run as hacks. Railway Stakes Handicap. Mischief (Wattle) 1 Luna ... (Derrett) 2 Lady Emma (Allen) 8 SlrModred ... (Endings) 0 Betting: 6 to 4 on the field, Luna having the call, with Mischief at 2 to 1. After two breaks away a good start was effected, but Luna qaiokly showed her heels to the others, and led by fully throe lengths after going 200 yards. This was increased to four at the bend, and the race appeared over. Crossing the road into the straight, Wattie brought up Mischief with a great rush, and yesterday's finish between the two was repeated, Mr Martiu’s mare striding over her opponent from the distance, and winning cleverly by half-a-length, Lady Emma came with a wet sail at (he finish, and was only half a length behind Luna, and SirModred out of the hunt all the way. Time—2min Idseo. Totalisator—l4l shares; 89 on the winner; dividend, £3 ss. Herr Pabk Handicap. Lady Emma (Allen) 1 Mavis A (Wood) 2 Filly, by Hippocampus*-Slander ... (Hatfield) 3 On Bit (Derrett) 0 Somnus and Luna wore scratched.

Betting; 6 to 4 agst On Dit and Lady Emma, 8 to 1 agst Slander filly, 5 to 1 agst Mavis.

At the start, which was effected with very little trouble, On Dit was pushed to the front and led Mavis by a length, at the tarn to the stand, the Slander filly, who had the worst position and looked very light, being last. Mavis and Lady Emma went up to On Dit on the far side, and passing the river all three were together, the filly still behind, but drawing on the field. At the road, she was on terms. Here On Dit fell back, and had no more say in the struggle, which turned out a most interesting one. The filly, after looking formidable for the moment, gave way to Lady Emma and Mavis, who came into the straight neck and neck. A slashing race ensued, the Lady just landing by a short head, Slander filly two lengths off, third. Totalisator—9o shares ; 83 on the winner j dividend, £2 9s.