NELSON ANNUAL RACE MEETING.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 15, 21 March 1866, Page 2

NELSON ANNUAL RACE MEETING.

SECOND DAY. The interest in the races was by no means diminished to-day, almost every person who could get away from business having wended his way to the Stoke Race-course. At aa early hour in the morning vehicles of all descriptions started from the town, with loads of passengers. The number of horsemen and ladies on horseback was, perhaps, greater than that of the day before. Tired tradesmen, excited clerks, and jolly diggers, had pressed every available quadruped into their service, to such an extent, that many of Our most estimable feliow-citizens had to exercise their pedestrian powers, or forego the exciting pleasures of the race. Many would have paid for horses who could not get than., so that rnauy of the walkers could not be classed with those of whom it is said — ' When we are rich we rides in chaises, "When we are poor we walks like blazes. At any rate, au immense concourse found their way to the race ground and entered with the greatest zest iuto the exhilirating sport. Match of 50 sovs, -weight for age, 1 inile 4 furlongs. This race excited great interest, and a large amount of betting was the result. A fair start was effected, bitt from the commencement Corsair drew ahead, and when- passing the Grand Stand led by about 20 yards, both horses being evidently up to their • work. This continued' until they reached the hollow when Gamester began to draw. up. ' It was thought that lie would pass Corsair, bets of- two to one were offered in his favor. On the horses approaching the winning post the excitement was intense, and it soon became evident that Corsair would win the race, which he did by about three lengths ; Gamester pressing hard to the end. Time, 2 min. 53 seconds. The Maidjbn Plats of 100 sovs; entrance, 10 sovs each, h ft. Compensation ... ... Tt Biaekboy ... ... ... 2 Trust ... ... ... ■ 3 There were seven entrances for this race and six started. From the commencement Black Boy waa immensely the favorite, three to one being' offered against the field. At the start Centurion got slightly in advance, and in passing tlie stand led by about a length, the others following close. Towards the hollow Compensation collared him and- took the lead followed close by Trust, Black Boy well behind. Then Biaekboy began to pull up rapidly, passed Centurion, there Trust, towards the stand, approaching Compensation. The excitement at this time was very great. Biaekboy and Compensation being almost neck and neck. Biaekboy the favorite, and tising every exertion to overtake Compensation but without avail ; Compensation coming in first "by about a length; Biaekboy second, and Trust- third. Time 2 min.,23 sees. The result took everybody by surprise. Biaekboy would have stood a better chance but for a stirrup breaking not far from the grand stand going down tho hill. The Town Plate of 100 sovs ; entrance, 8 sovs eachLady Bird, ch m, Mr. H. Stafford's 1 Harebell, ch m, Mr. C. lied wood's... 2 Centurion, br g, Mr. li*. M'liae's ... 3 There were five entries for this race, and three started. The horses got well away together. In passing the Grand Stand the first time; "Centurion led by about a length; -Ladybird; second, and Harebell third. •In this, order- they-' -continued to the hollow,- when' Harebell dropped-. behind, then Lady Bird gradually drew up past^Cehturion, increasing her distance during the last-round, and winning by fully 100 yards. There-was -a hard struggle for the second place, which terminated- in favor of Harebell 'by a'neek. Time, 6 min.- 10 sec. The Hack Race of sovs ; entrance, ss. each. The winner of the Hack Race of the preceding day not allowed to start. Bluebell '. ... 1 For this race 15 horses started, and caused great amusement. There was some difficulty in starting, but eventually they got away pretty well together. Mr. Bird's grey mare, Blue Bell, led, but a bay belonging to Mr, M'liae soon passed her. The race was very good, the horses keeping very well together, Mr. Bird's Bluebell leading and winning by about 30 yards, Mr. M'liae's horse second. The Licensed "Victuallers 'Free Handicap of 50 sovs. Acceptors, 4 sovs each. Lady Bird, eh tn, Mr! H. Stafford's' 1 Biaekboy, bk g, Mr.' Redwood';. 2 Tom, bg, Mr. li. M'liae's, .". . 3 There were 18 entries for this race, but five horses started, Black Boy the favorite. There was a good start. - As they rose the hill approaching the stand Lady I3ird led, Black Boy second. This order was not ; altered during the first round, the- racing being -good. From the hollow, the second time, Biaekboy. pulled 'up, but on ncaring the winning- post -Ladybirdi. in- - creased her distance, and came in a-head. by _:0 yards. J. There was a splendid race for-, the- second ipjace between Biaekboy and: Tom; -Biaekboy,; however, •winning by- about -haU-^he^j" ; Timo ; -4v4_ua.- 29 i seconds,: -v" v-- -..".-. '-iXX-^ '••-...: .• v.': rixy-^ <:;■£'■ . ... j.

The Comedy Troupe. — The performance on Friday is for the benefit of Miss Kate Grant. We were glad to notice the improvement in the attendance last night, aud doubt not that ithe company will, on longer acquaintance, become decided favorites with the public.