RACING IN HAWKE’S BAY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 257, 27 September 1935, Page 13

RACING IN HAWKE’S BAY.

THE EARLY DAYS. WAIPUKURAU, Sept. 26. At the annual meeting of the Waipukurau Jockey Club, the president, Mr P. F. Wall, gave interesting information as to the early days of racing in Waipukurau. “The first record- of races in Hawke’s Bay,” said Mr Wall, “appears on February 19, 1859. The races themselves took place over a fortnight before, actually occurring on February 2, 1859. The racing, considering that (with the exception of Morning, Satin, and two Maori horses) the contestants were untrained, was very good, and even if the time did not equal Ascot time, tho racing was as fully spirited.” The officials were as follow: —-Stewards, Mr H. R. Russell, Captain Newman and Mr Jno. Tucker; judge, Mr F. S. Abbott; clerk of course, Mr Wm. Rich. There were five races, the first being the Waipukurau Cup, of £ls, 1£ miles, which was annexed by Blancs (C. G. Morning). Other races on the programme were: —Woburn Whip of £2O, 1 mile and a distance; Hurdle race of £ls, one mile and a distance; Consolation race of 5 guineas added to sweepstake, distance one mile at catch weights; and Scurry race of 5 guineas, once round, at catch weights. On February 3 and 4 in 1860 races were again held at Waipukurau, there being six events on tho programme. On February 21 and 22, 1861, a further two days’ meeting was held, there being three races each day. On March 15 and 16, 1859, the Napier races were first held, when a cup valued at £IOO was advertised for competition in the following year.