Early Australian Racing

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6972, 27 July 1929, Page 20 (Supplement)

Early Australian Racing

FIRST MEETING HELD IN 1810 U • Picturesque Gathering at Paramatta THE first Recorded race Meeting in Australia was held at Parramatta in 1810, when a galloping and trotting match, respectively, were staged, interspersed with a mam of cock-fighting and the motley mirth of foot-racing, wheel barrow races and jumping in. sacks. Details of this picturesque gathering_ have been compiled by the veteran Turf writer, “Randwick,” of the Australasian, in the following interesting article on early racing in Australia.

The year 1810 is really one of the most notable so far as Australian sport is concerned. Governor Macquarie had arrived, and with him the Lieuten-ant-Governor (Colonel O’Connell) and the 73rd Regiment, the officers df which were veritable sportsmen. According to the report previously mentioned, there was a day of horse-rac-ing and sports at the village of Parramatta on April 30 (1810). Here we have the first printed record of a horse race in Australia, and I can do no better than quote the proceedings in the quaint words in which they are recorded in the “Gazette.” The following express from a correspondent at Parramatta we acknowledge the receipt of by its insertion:— “The annals of this country have never been able to record such a series of pleasant and outre pastimes —such feats of humour and fun so congenial to the temper and spirit of Englishmen, as this day has produced in the village of Parramatta. The sport commenced with a race between the celebrated horse Parramatta and the well-known horse Belfast, which was won by the former. A trotting race succeeded, when the famous mare Miss Kitty was victorious, going over the ground in a style scarcely to be surpassed by some of the first trotters in England.

high to his own door. In turn, he shouted copious libations of the best West Indian (rum) produce. There we have the first report of a- gathering at which horses competed. RACING IN HEATS It is; reported that the attendance at the first Sydney races was the most numerous assemblage ever collected ill the colony, and frequently I have had the pleasure of meeting a descendant of one of the stewards that acted—Mr. Simeon Lord. The pre-sent-day Mr. Lord, though in his youth partial to the sport, rarely goes to a race meeting, except an occasional visit to Randwick when some horse of note is competing. Racing, so far as the official programme went, was confined to one event each day, but as they were in heats, and there were matches between, the sport, was considered good. On the first day, the Sydney Plate, valued at 50gns, was decided over three two-mile heats, and was won by Captain Ritchie's gr g Chase, six years, Sst 121 b. On the following day, Chase again accounted for the Sydney Cup, also of 50gns. The third day’s event, the Sydney Purse, of 50gns, for which tlie winner of either the Plate or the Cup was not eligible, was won by Mr. Bonn’s bl li, scratch, aged, 9st. That Governor Macquarie's strict ordinance was not quite adhered to during the festive week is very certain. The old historian mentions the fact that a main of cocks was fought. Perhaps it was far enough away from the course as not to come under the Act. There were also two balls, which were a great success. In mentioning a supper, held after the ball on the last night of the races, the Governor’s "dry” ideas appear to have been overlooked. Th report in the old paper reads: —

“On these matches bets to a considerable amount were pending. When these animals had retired from the field the old, but not very humane or merciful, custom of cock-fighting was introduced. A main of cocks was fought, the chances of which were for a long time precarious, until at length death decided the victory and the survivor was borne off triumphant. Then succeeded the motley mirth of foot-racing, wheelbarrow races—-or, rather, stumbling, for the heroes who had charge of these wooden conveyances were blindfolded, to give them the fairer chance of effecting that Dy accident which they had no visible means of doing. Jumping in sacks came next in order, and a venerable host gave the calculated compliment of calico for a “chemise,” to be run for by three vestals of the current order, which created a very warm contest. When paying over the prizes, the worthy host was carried shoulder-

After the cloth was removed the rosy deity asserted his pre-eminence, and the zealous aid of Momus and Apollo chased pale Cynthia down the western world. The blazing orb of day announced his near approach,, and the god of the chariot reluctantly forsook his companions. Bacchus dyoqped his head, and Momus could no longer animate the Bon Yivante. Thus ended the first race meeting Held in Australia.