SPORTING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8062, 8 January 1887, Page 6

SPORTING.

HOEOBATA RACING CLUB. Annual Races. The Hororata meeting has long been one of the most pleasant incidents in the annual routine of the itinerant sportsman, and the gathering held on the borders of the coal country yesterday was no exception to the general rule. The weather was as near perfection as it could well be made, and as the fairly filled special moved away from the Christchurch station, everything promised an enjoyable outing for the holiday makers. The journey to Coalgate, under the most favourable circumstances, is a slow one j yesterday it was rendered particularly tedious by the _ numerous stoppages and the insatiable thirst of the three locomotives attached to the heavily laden train. Where there were no passengers to pick up there was water to take in, and it was long past eleven o’clock when the sporting part of the freight was discharged at the future emporium of Colonial manufactures. Fully 300 persons alighted at Coalgate, and the few public conveyances waiting to convey visitors to the course were at once rushed and literally filled to overflowing. For a time it appeared likely that those whom age, infirmity, or diffidence had prevented bearing a successful part in the scramble for seats would either have to make the journey to the course on foot, or spend the day in pensive contemplation of the rugged bluffs by which they were surrounded, but a number of vehicles, evidently designed for some ruder use, were speedily converted into acceptable conveyances, and with extemporised seats and harness, those who had been denied the splendour of riding on the top of an overcrowded omnibus were accommodated with a lowly, but comfortable, seat in a clay waggon. The drive to Hororata is picturesque enough, but it is not till the visitor attains a point of vantage in the pretty little hamlet itself that the real beauty of the surrounding country is fully revealed. A seat in the grand stand yesterday would have been well worth the 5s charged if only to obtain a view of the scenery it commanded, but the Club had a great deal more than this to offer. The attendance, composed chiefly of residents in the neighbourhood, but including the contingent from Christchurch and visitors from Rakaia and Ashburton, was exceptionally large, fully 1500 people being on the course, and the officials, particularly Mr Cresswell, who took the lion’s share of the work, left no stone unturned to assure the success of the meeting and the comfort of their patrons. Mr Richardson’s handicaps produced a succession of splendid finishes, and the lunch—by no means an unimportant item in a meeting held at a considerable distance from the scene of a hurried and early breakfast—was all that an epicure or a gourmand could desire. The various events were got off with a fair amount of despatch, but a long delay occurred in connection with the Consolation, and a few metallicians and Press representatives who stopped to view this race from the road on their way to the station, only just managed, by the vigorous driving of a most sonorous layer of the odds, to catch the train.

The good sport to follow was foreshadowed by the race for the Hurdles, in which the favourite kept hia backers on thorns until the last half-dozen strides. The fences were narrow and badly placed, and it was small wonder that Master Guy seized an early opportunity to get off. Commission jumped very slovenly, and it is a pity to see a good hunter spoiled by business of this description. Fickle, a daughter of Hornby and Caprice, was never headed in the Farmers’ Plate, and won easily from her three moderate opponents. The Hororata Cup produced a splendid struggle between Archduke and The Gem. The winner was tiring very rapidly at the finish, and a few strides more would probably have reversed the positions of the placed horses. The Handicap Trot was a very tame affair, as Claret’s only formidable opponents appeared to be more occupied with the future than the present. The Novel Race was expected to give rise to an interesting race between Cissy and Maid of Erin, but the latter never gave her opponent a look in, and, after winning very easily, went back to her owner cheap enough at £l4. Mr R. Richardson officiated as auctioneer, in the absence of a professional wielder of the hammer, and acquitted himself most creditably. Although Conundrum had a stone or two the bettor of the horsemanship in the Ladies’ Bracelet, he was hopelessly beaten from the jump, and the Consolation was run some time after the Christchurch visitors had left the course. The following are details of the day’s racing:—

HUBBLE EACE HANDICAP, of 25 sots, over eight flights of hurdles, about 3ft 6in high. Second horse 5 sovs from the stake. Two miles. 51 Mr £. Wilson’s b g Panic, by Marmion, aged, list 41b (Womer) 1 38 Mr J. Higgin’s hg Johnnie, aged, lOst 71b (rearson) 2 15 Mr J. H. Bond’s h g Commission, aged, 10st9lh ... (W. Angus) 3 22 Mr E. J, Bawkins’ blk g Master Guy, 6yrs. lOst 91b (Honor) 0

Master Guy, with Commission at his quarters, was the first to show in front, and this pair led Panic and Johnnie by ten lengths past the stand and round the bottom turn. Going along tho back of the course, Panic and Johnnie closed on the leaders, and at the fourth hurdle Master Guy ran off. In the next furlong Commission, who had been jumping very slovenly, fell back, and Johnnie showed the way a length in advance of Panic until half a mile from home, where the pair closed up, and a splendid race ensued to the finish. Johnnie appeared to have the better of the struggle as they made the home turn, but Panic, coming again under the whip, just got up and won by a head, Commission a bad third. Time—4min 7sec. Totalisator, 126—51—£2 4s.

FARMERS’ PLATE HANDICAP, of 15 sova; second horse 3 sovs from stake. One mile and a quarter. 49 Mr F. 0. Bull’s h m Fickle, hy Hornby— Caprice, Syrs Bst {H. Pearson) 1 77 Mr J. Higgins’ b g Conundrum, aged, Bst 91b

(Harding) 2 40 Mr G. Gerard’s b g Trixie, aged, Bst 71b (White) 3 6 Mr E. Gemmell’s ch m Miss K., aged, 7st (oar 9st 61b) (Mason) 0 Fickle was quickest away, and when they settled down was running a couple of lengths clear of Conundrum, with Trixie next and Miss K. tailing off. They ran in this order to the top turn, where Conundrum closed on the leader, but the mare drew away in the straight, and won comfortably by three lengths. Time—2min 18sec. Totalisator, 177 —48—j 63 6s.

HOEOEATA CUP HANDICAP, of 60 hots ; second horeo 10 bovs from the stake. One mile and three-quarters. 89 Mr K. J. Mason’s b h Archduke, by King of Clubs—Maria Theresa, 4yrs, 7st i'-’lb (Hurt able) 1 28 Mr A. Comyn’s b m The Oem, aged, Bst 41b (Chapman) 2 58 Mr H. Dunn's b g Kingask, aged, 9st 31b (Kingham) 3 24 Mr J. Brown’s b g Wee Bhoddie, aged, 7at X2lb (Price) 0 37 Mr E. Murfitt’s b m Lavender, 6yrs, 6st (Dodd) 0 Kingask and Lavender got rather the best of a good start, and as they made the first turn, Kingask was leading Lavender by a length, with The Gem, Archduke, and Wee Khoddie following in the order named. Going along the back stretch, Kingask and Lavender were four lengths in front of Archduke and The Gem but at the top turn Kingask appeared to stumble, and lost his position, and as they passed the stand. Lavender was leading with Archduke second and The Gem and Mr Lunn’s gelding on even terms, third. At the bottom turn Archduke ran up to Lavender, and this pair held a clear leitgth lead of The Gem and Kingask at the half-mile post, but at the top turn The Gem commenced to go up very fast on the outside, and disposing of Lavender in the next few strides, joined issue with Archduke. At the distance both the leaders were under the whip. The Gem crept up inch by inch inside the rails, but Archduke, running very gamely under punishment, just managed to get home by a neck;

Kingask, who came with a great rush at the finish, two lengths away, third. Time 3min llsec. Totalisator, 236—89—.£2 7a. HANDICAP TROT, of 25 sova. Second horse 5 sovb from stake. Horees handicapped behind scratch; break and turn. "Weight not less than lOst. Two miles. 66 Mr W. O. M’Fadden’a br g Claret. 300yds behind ... (Frame) 1 S Mr J. Barrett’s oh m Madcap, 260yds behind (Edwards) 2 23 Mr W. Kerr’s br g Narrow Gauge, 430yds behind (Kerr) 3 Pocket (ISuyds), Titokowam (126yds), Bob (75yds), Biddy (75'ds), Felix (75yds), Larrikin (75yds), Bepoee (50jds), Venus (4Cyds), and Moses (scr) also started. , Titokowaru at once settled down to a . good gait, and held a clear lead of the rest at the end of the first mile; he then broke, and Claret, who was also trotting in good form, assumed command in the next round, and won easily hy fifteen lengths from Madcap, who was ridden right out, and finished twenty lengths in front of Narrow Gauge, who broke three times, and took things very leisurely during the early part of the journey. Time—6min 18sec. Totalisator, 127—66—£1 14s. NOVEL RACE, of 20 sovb, the winner to be sold by auction after the race i the whole of the proceeds to go to the Club. Weight, not less than 9st. Three-quarters of a mile. 52 Mr T, B. Jones’ blk m Maid of Erin, hy Young Tradncer, 6yrs ... ... •••(Chapman) 1 45 Mr Mark Hoott’s b m Cissy, 6yrs ...(Miller) 2 25 Mr J. M'Laughlin’a b m Maude, syrs (Bartlett) 3 11 Mr J. M'Pherson’s b k g Jack, a<ed (E. Brown) 0 Maid of Erin was quickest away, and holding her advantage throughout, won easily by four lengths, balf tbat distance between second and third. Time—lmin 24sec. Totalisator, 133 —52—£2 6s. NEW YEAE GIFT HANDICAP, of 40 sots; second horse 5 sots from stake. One mile. 21 Mr A. Comyn’sb m The Gem, by The Painter —Fides, aged, Bst 81b ... (Chapman) 1 15 Mr B Murfltfs b m Lavender, syrs, 6st 101 b (Dodd) 2 67 Mr H. Lunu’a b g Kingask, aged, 9st 91b (Kmgham) 3 19 Mr J. Higgins’ b g Conundrum, aged, 7st 101 b (White) 0 88 Mr E. J. Mason’s b g Teddy Yni'lo, 3yrs, 7st 51b (Huxtable) 0 19 Mr P. C. Bull’s b m Pickle, 4yrß, 7st 21b (H. Pearson) 0 The field was despatched to a capital start, and they ran in a line to the stand, where Teddy Yuille and The Gem drew out and led Kingask by a length round the bottom turn, with tbe other three close up. There was little change as they ran along the back stretch, but at the top turn Lavender and Kingask began to move up, and as they swept into the straight The Gem had a slight advantage of Teddy Yuille. At the distance the latter gave way to Kingask and Lavender, and a slashing race between the three leaders resulted in a bare head victory for The Gem, while the latter beat Kingask by a neck for second place. Time —Imin 46sec. Totalisator, 219—21—£9 7s, LADIES’ BRACELET, of the value of 5 sovs, with 10 sovs added; second horse, 5 sots and a bracelet. Welter weight-for-age, with certain penalties and allowances. One mile and a quarter. 69 Mrs J. Brown’s b g Wee Ehoddie, by Traitor, aged, 12st (Mr Brown) 30 Mus M, M’Lean’s b m Haidee, aged, list 71b (Mr A. Derrett) 2 53 Mrs D. Mitchell’s b g Conundrum, aged, 12st 71b (Mr Cresswell) 3 Conundrum got all the best of the start, but the others caught him at the first turn, and Haidee cut out the running four lengths in advance of Wee Rhoddie to the half-mile post, where the latter went to the front, and, drawing away, won very easily by ten lengths, six lengths between second and third. Time—2min 23sec. Totalisator, 131—69—£1145. Mr E. Murfitt’s b m Lavender, by Python—La Vendetta, syrs, Bst 121 b (Dodd) 1 Mr J. Biggins’ b g Johnnie, aged, 7st 101 b (White) 2 Mr E. J. Hawlfin’s blk g Master Guy, 6yrs (U. Pearson) 3 Won after a good race by balf a length, three lengths between second and third. Time—lmin 53sec. Totalisator dividend, £1 14s. [Pee Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Jan. 7. The racehorses Disowned, Torrent, Silver Prince, Nelson, Waitiri, Master Agnes, and a number of yearlings purchased at the New Zealand Stud Company’s sale, were shipped South this morning by tbe Hauroto. AUCKLAND RAGING CLUB. AUCKLAND, Jan. 7. The settling in connection with the Summer Meeting of the Auckland Racing Club took place this evening, when the Club paid £5624 in stakes, as follows: — Major George, £1095 ; Mr Chaafe (nominator), £961; Hon W. Robinson, £839 ; Mr Munu, £826 ; Mr Lennard, £304 ; Mr Robertson, £253; Mr Bobbett, £190; Mr P. Butler, £173 ; Mr Wright (nominator), £170; Mr Raymond, £150; Mr Twohill, £126; Mr J. B. Williamson, £121; smaller amounts, £416. TIMARU RACING CLUB. [Per Press Association.] TIMARU, Jan. 7. The following nominations for the Summer Meeting of this Club, to be held on Feb. 10, were received to-night:— BUEDLh EACE, of 30 sovs. One mile and a half. Mr M. O’Keefe’s bg Paddy, syrs Mr M. Sherwiu’s b g Tenakoe, 4yrs Mr J. Hammond's h g Opawa, Syrs Messrs M. and O. Hobbs’ b h Boraerman, aged Messrs M. and C. Hobbs' b g Moody, aged Mr T. H. Clark’s b g Effigy, 4yrs TIMARU RACING uLUB CUP, of 60 sovs. One mile and a half. Mr I. Markey's b m Tasmania, 4yrs Mr R. Crooner's oh m Nelly, 6yrs Mr J. C. Wilson’s ob g Bed Bobin, Syrs Mr M. i-herwm's b g Quibble, 6yrs Mr M. Sberwin's oh h Viking, syrs Mr E. Orr’s b h Fusilier. syrs Mr J. Warner’s b m Zealot. Syrs Messrs M. and C. Hobbs’ b h B >rderman, aged Messrs M. and C. Hobbs’ b g Jack, aged PUBLIC AUCIXON STAKES, of 20 sovs. One mile. Mr A, M’Xeod’s b g Nipper, aged Mr J. Sewell’s b g Paddy, aged Mr J. C. Wilson’s ch g Bed Eobiu, Syrs Mr J Wheelan’s b m Kitty, 4yrs SDMMEE HANDICAP, of 45 sovs. One mile and a half. Mr L. Markey’s b m Tasmania, 4yrs Mr M. Scott’s ch m Goldfinch, aged Mr E. Crocker's ob vjl Nelly, 6yrs Mr F. Simmons’ b g fongariro, aged Mr M. Sberwin’s b g Quibble, 6yrs Mr M, Sherwiu’s ch h Vikitg, syrs Mr A. Butterwortb’s b g Jackall, aged Mr J. Warner’s b m Zealot, 3yrs Mr J. Hammond’s b g Locknado, Syrs Messrs M. and C. Hobbs’ b g Jack, aged Messrs M. and C. Hobbs' b g Melville, 4ycs Mr J. O. Wilson’s oh g Bed Robin, Syrs