Sporting. NELSON RACES.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 38, 12 May 1869, Page 2

Sporting. NELSON RACES.

[From the Nelson Examiner, April 2-I.] If the Nelson Eace Meeting of 1869 has not been so successful as in some former years in respect of the number of horses j brought to the post, it has not suffered in the character of the animals, or in the racing afforded. But there is one circumstance which will always mark the Eaces of the passt week as pre-eminent above all other Meetings, inasmuch as the first day was honoured by the presence of royalty, in the person of the second son of our gracious Queen, his Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. This event undoubtedly added greatly to the attraction of the Meeting, but the tour which his Eoyal Highness is making through the colony deprived us of the chance of seeing horses from the other provinces contending for our stakes. Canterbury, Otago, and Auckland has each its special race meeting for the Prince's entertainment, and owners of horses will not send their animals a long distance to run when they have a meeting awaiting them at home. But for this circumstance the attractiveness of our programme must have brought horses here from a distance — especially had it been made known that the formidable Manuka had been thrown out of training. Another circumstance also lessened the number of competitors. There had been

great uncertainty as to the time of the Prince's visit to Nelson, which at one time was believed would be during the last week of March ; then the first week in April was confidently assigned for it ; but a delay in the departure of the Galatea from Sydney, threw back the Prince's arrival in "Wellington by ten days. It was then expected our races would have taken place in the latter part of last week, but at length came the information that his Eoyal Highness would positively land in Nelson on. Monday last. Now nothing is more difficult than to keep horses in top condition lor three weeks together, ready to be called upon to run at a few hours' notice, and the chances ai-e that when required to be brought out they may have gone off, and thus disappoint their trainers. This was the case notably with Mr. Redwood's stable in the present instance ; and Mr. Stafford, though suffering less, was compelled to scratch what he believed his best filly from all her engagements. Mr. Eedwood was particularly unfortunate. A fortnight ago he had all his horses at their best, and had every reason to be satisfied with their trials, but within the last week Blackboy, always so true and game a runner, went so far wrong that he never showed upon the course, while both his fillies became affected with colds, which, though not severe, told greatly against their running. This fact was known to us a week ago, and his want of success did not take Mr. Eedwood in the least by surprise— it was, indeed, contemplated by him. But we are getting into the races before bringing the Duke of Edinburgh upon the course, for which we humbly beg his Eoyal Highness' pardon. As the weather in all out-door amusements is of primary importance, we shall state at once that in this respect nothing was left to be desired. A few showers during the preceding week had laid the dust on the roads, and having entered on what, in this part of New Zealand at least, is the most pleasant season of the year, we had what in England iwould have been called "Queen's weather " during the Prince's short visit to Nelson, and to all appearance the same may continue for another month. Bright skies, little wind, and a bracing atmosphere are the charms of autumn and winter in Nelson, broken it is true as winter advances by an occasional downpour of rain for a few hours, which however is only the prelude to renewed sunshine. On Tuesday morning his Eoyal Highness set an example of punctuality which it would be well if all of us were to practice. The first race had been fixed for noon, and at ten minutes to twelve the Prince arrived on the course in a handsome light carriage made by our townsman Mr. Balme, to Mr. Newton's order specially for the occasion, drawn by four greys, which his Eoyal Highness, who appeared to be an expert whip, had "tooled" smartly along the road from town. His Eoyal Highness, accompanied by four of his suite, was received at the gate of the Stand enclosure by the Judge and Stewards of the Eaces, and conducted to the Grand Stand. Another carriage and four arrived a few minutes afterwards, containing his Excellency the Governor, his Honour the Superintendent, and other gentlemen, who were similarly received and conducted to their seats. The portion of the Stand appointed for the Prince and his party was at the western end, and was divided from the other part by a low rail. A door had been opened from the saddling-yard to the dining-room underneath the Stand, which on this occasion was used exclusively by the stewards and members of the Turf Club for entertaining their distinguished visitors, who were able to pass at once by the staircase over the weighing-room to their seats above, and by this arrangement the portion of the Stand assigned to the Prince and his party was kept strictly private, with the advantage of giving his Eoyal Highness a small sittingroom below, usually assigned to ladies, if he thought proper to make use of it. All this portion of the Stand had been neatly furnished, and appropriately decorated, and presented a comfortable and pleasing appearance. The bell presently rang for saddling lor the first race, and the Prince scanned, evidently with a practised eye, the animals as they came within the enclosure. After the race his Eoyal Highness descended to the saddling-yard, as he did at intervals throughout the day, chatting freely with the gentlemen who had been introduced to him, making a few bets with his suite, and not refusing, when courteously asked by a stranger, to back his fancy with a " fiver." The free yet gentlemanly bearing of the Duke won greatly on all who approached him ; for while affable and open, there was that in his manner which repelled all undue familiarity and rudeness. At the conclusion of the third race his Eoyal Highness partook of the lunch provided for him by the Turf Club, at which thirty gentlemen sat down. It is but doing justice to Mr. Everett, who had prepared the repast, to say that nothing was left to be desired, while the stewards, by ordering wines specially from Melbourne, took care that their guests should not have occasion to complain on a point on which they might be expected to be somewhat critical. There was no formality at the table, which it is believed suited the taste of the Prince. The race which followed the lunch was the steeplechase, and to get a better view of this, his Eoyal Highness expressed a wish to mount to the top of the stand. A spot was accordingly cleared, from which the Prince was able to see all the jumps, and at the same time get one of the most smiling and picturesque views in New Zealand. His Eoyal Highness remained on the course until the sport terminated, waiting even to witness the Maori Hack Eace, and drove back the four greys to town, taking his departure amid the long-continued cheers of all present. It must be a source of satisfaction to the Stewards to have received the thanks of his Eoyal Highness, conveyed to them through the Hon. Elliot Yorke, for the hearty welcome lie had received and for the reception given him by the Turf Club, and to learn that their distinguished guest

had expressed himself well-pleased with the day's sport. Ifc is now time we should speak of the running. "We have already said the only failure of the meeting was the paucity of horses, and what made the matter worse was the fact of there being only two stables, with the exception of one animal, Robin Hood, and ho can scarcely be said to have added to the sport. One cause that has left racing in Nelson so exclusively in the hands of Mr. Stafford and Mr. Redwood, is the removal by death of those sterling sportsmen the late Mr. Newcome, Captain Nicholson, Mr. Robinson, of "Wairau, and Mr. Godfrey. Then also we miss Mr. D uppa, who had always a couple of good horses in training, but who now is enjoying the reward of his colonial enterprise by following the hounds in "Merrie Englaud," or Bailing down the Solent aud round the AVight in his fine yacht the Alarm. Then again we miss the often successful stable with which Wetsail and Otto, not to speak of others, carried many a stake to Mr. C. Redwood's credit. Others have likewise dropped off, and the misfortune is their places are not filled by new blood. Nor do these remarks apply only to horses trained — tbey apply also to horses bred. Who now has a thoroughbred mare which he thinks worth while, after sending her to a good horse, to enter for the Great Nelson Trial Stakes ? The mares we as Nelson men formerly took pride in are scattered throughout the colony, and so few remain to us, save those retained by the two gentlemen above named, that we hear little of them. From this cause our Produce race, the Nelson Trial Stakes, after having maintained a prominent position at our meetings for thirteen years, has had to be discontinued. But if racing has declined in Nelson, it has spread wonderfully in New Zealand. "When racing was at its best in Nelson there were not more than three meetings altogether in the colony, while now the number of one kind and another must be nearly half a hundrfed, and they atill are on the increase. This, at all events, should encourage breeding thoroughbred horses, or good animals that can run in a steeplechase, which has come greatly into fashion, and with the increased stakes now given a good horse either for a flat course or one that can get across the country, is not likely, to long want a customer. Pour horses were entered for the Maiden Plate on Tuesday, but it was reduced to a match between Mr. Stafford's eh f Lacenfeed, out of Symphony, and Mr. lledwood's eh f Misfortune, out of Regalia, both by Towton. The wretched ruuning of the Symphony filly at the Canterbury naturally created a prejudice against her, although when brought to Baddle she looked an exceedingly dangerous animal, and remembering that her dam had a greater turn of speed than any animal that ever raced in Nelson, she was not to be taken liberties with. Misfortune, the last of old Eegalia's foals, lost her dam when only a week old, and was reared on cow's milk. "Whether the rearing had anything to do with the filly's temper, we will not venture to say, but she is a far more docile animal than several of the blood, noted for their great speed but untractable temper which always destroyed their chance of success. Misfortune, though standing low, is an animal of considerable power and exceedingly handsome, and at the start the odds were a shade in Tier favour. The race was prettily rim, and for a mile the pair kept head and head together, but in coming home the Symphony filly took the lead, and won without difficulty by three lengths. The Duke of Edinburgh's Plate (handicap) came next, and out of six horses entered, only three came to saddle — Mr. Stafford's Magenta and Lacenfeed, and Mr. Redwood's Peeress. Magenta, from having run at Nelson the two preceding meetings, was well known to us, and the manner in which he last year bowled over Knottingley in the Town Plate of three miles, stamped him as being then the best horse at a long distance in New Zealand. Most disappointing to Mr. Stafford, his horse could not live a yard with Knottingley when they met at the end of January in Canterbury, and Magenta, although looking well, could not win a single race at the Metropolitan Meeting. Either the air at Annesbrook agrees better with the gelding than that of Christchurch, or our course better suits his feet, for from some cause or other Magenta certainly runs better in Nelson than at Christchurch. Lacenfeed we have just spoken of, and the third animal, Peeress, by The Peer, out of Miss Rowe, is, we think, the finest filly ever bred in New Zealand. Whether she will prove one of the fastest racehorses is another matter, but her fine frame will require another year's furnishing before an opinion can well bo given. Peeress received 21bs from Magenta, aud gave 51bs to Lacenfeed. Mr. Stafford instructed his lad to make the running with his filly, aud she went at her best, leading for about a mile, when she gave way, and Peeress got a strong lead, and looked very like winning. Magenta, who had hitherto lain off, now gradually crept up, caught the filly at the distance, raced her home, and won by a length. The Waimea Plate, a race for hacks, was well contested, and was won by a very smart little mare belonging to Mr. Blundell. The Galatea Steeplechase brought out a field of five horses, Gamester being the favourite. Gamester and Bones led alternately over the first three fences, when they were joined by Rustic, with Quicksilver in close attendance. Both Bones aud Gamester shortly afterwards got each a fall, and Rustic went on with the lead followed by the mare. Rustic came in an easy winner, the mare second. The Ladies' Purse brought out Nebula, XXX, and Robin Hood, but the race lay entirely between the two first, the gelding appearing to have no pace, or being a bolter his rider was afraid to push him. Possibly Nebula's recent visit to the West Coast told against her, for the race, though gamely ruu, never appeared to bo in doubt, and was won easily by XXX. A Maori Hack Race finished the first day's sport.

The first race on the second day was the Turf Club Plate of two miles, the only starters being Magenta and Peeress. The filly ran at 21bs. advantage to what she carried on the former day, and the odds were slightly in her favour. At the start she was fidgetty, and lost ten or twelve lengths, which she did not recover until getting into the straight run. The pair then raced together past the chair, round the corner, and down the back of the course. At the swamp the gelding went to the front, and came on a couple of lengths in advance to the distancepost, when the mare being called upon she made a gallant struggle to reach the gelding, but failed by a head, though she passed him in her next stride. The Handicap Steeplechase followed, but Rustic, the winner of the steeplechase of the preceding day did not come to the post. The starters were Gamester, Bones, Quicksilver, Sea King, and Subaltern. Gamester and Quicksilver took the first fence in company, followed by Sea King, and after a baulk, by Subaltern and Bones. The three leading horses also bleared the second fence in good style, but Mahouey, who was riding Subaltern, pushed his horse at it without judgment, and the grey struck the top rail, and making a complete somersault came over on his back, with his rider underneath, who was struck violently on the head. The crowd which gathered round the injured jockey prevented Bones from trying his chance at the leap, and he was at once ridden back. After crossing the road Gamester baulked, and Quicksilver, ridden in capital stj'le, leffc both him and Sea King far behind, and came in an easy winner. Next followed a match between the produce of two of Mr. Stafford's mares and the produce of two of Mr. Redwood's. Lacenfeed represented Mr. Stafford's stable, and Peeress the Hednesford stable. The distance was a mile and a-half. The two ran in company to the Stand, when Peeress increased the pace, and led down the dip and along the back of the course by a couple of lengths. As they finally approached the distance post, Lacenfeed caught Peeress, but on being roused she again got the lead. The rider of Mr. Stafford's filly persevered, and won on the post by a rush. The Free Handicap which followed, was the best race of the Meeting. Misfortune (7st 41bs), XXX (9st lib), and Magenta (lOst), were the only horses that started. The gelding gave the black mare 131bs, and the chestnut 161bs, and their years. Mr. Redwood declared to win with the black mare. Magenta was first away, followed by XXX, the filly getting a bad start, and lop : ;ig three or four lengths. After passing J ' ?op corner, Magenta increased his lead, aud the black mare began to fall off, but her place was quickly; taken by the chestnut, who steadily gained upon the gelding, raced him neck and neck up the straight run, headed him within the last twenty 3 r ards, and won a ' most exciting race by a length. The Consolation was a walk over for Robin Hood, and this, with some hack races, terminated the Meeting. Tuesday, April 20. Tho Maiden Plate, of 60 soys ; second horse to save his stake. For three-year-olds, Bst lib; four, 9st lib ; five, Oat 61b ; six and aged, 9st 81bs ; 31bs allowed to mares and geldings. Entrance, 5 soys each. Ono mile and a-half. For all horses, maidens at tho time of entering. Mr Stafford's eh f Lacenfeed, 3 yrs j Towton— Symphony 1 My EeclwoocL's cv f Misfortune, 3 yrs ; Towton — Regalia (Martin) 2 Betting: 5 to 4 on Misfortune. The pair ran neck and neck for the first mile, when Lacenfeed drew away and won easily by three lengths. Time, 2 mm. 52 sees. The Duke of Edinburgh Handicap Plate, of 100 soys, added to a sweepstakes of 5 soys each, 2 soys ft ; second horse to save his stake. Entrance, 5 soys. One mile and three-quarters. Mr Stafford's eh g Magenta, by Scud, 5 yrs, 9st 81bs (Bright) 1 Mr Redwood's eh f Peeress, 3 yrs, 7st 12lbs (Martin) 2 Mr Stafford's b f Lacenfeed, 3 yrs, 7st 71bs . . 3 Lacenfeed made the running as fast as she could for the first milo, followed closely by Peeress, Magenta lying oiF. The Symphony filly then gave way and Peeress led by several lengths, but Magenta, who gradually improved his position, caught her at the lust turn, raced her hard up the distance, and won by a length. Time, 3 mm. 23£ sees. The Waimea Plate of 15 soys, added to a sweepstakes of 1 sot each ; for all horses that have never run for an advertised race of the value of 20 soys. Catch weights. Entrance, 1 soy. Once round. Mr Blundell's b m Deception .... 1 Mr Stafford's r m Occult 2 Mr Gibb's b g Jerry 0 Mr Page's b m Eainbow O Mr Barrett'B b g To Kooti 0 Mr Marr's eh g Sultan 0 Mr Sellon's Heartsease 0 A good race, but won easily by the black mare. The G-alatea Steepleciiase, of 100 soys, second horse to receive 10 soys out of the stakes. Entrance, 8 soys each. Over about three miles of fair hunting country. Three-year-olds, 9st ; four-year-olds, lOst ; five-year-olds, lOst lOlbs ; six and aged, list. Mr Thomas' b g Rustic, by St. Aubyn, aged (Hope) 1 Mr Sellon's eh m Quicksilver, 5 yrs . (Cook) 2 Mr. Richardson's br Gamester, aged . (Taylor) 3 Mr Redwood's b g Bones, 5 yrs . (Mahoney) 0 Mr Harford's b g Ranger, 4 yrs . . (Owner) 0 The horses got away well together, but baulked at the hurdles placed across the course which formed the first leap. Bones was the first over, followed by Gamester aud Rustic, the others in close attendance. Gamester now took up the running, and was first over the second jump, which the other horses took in succession. The third jump (leading off the course) was taken by all the horses, the lot pretty well together ; but presently Bones got a fall, and Gamester baulking at a jump gave Rustic a good start, with Quicksilver at no great distance behind, Gamester and Bones having again commenced running, tried to catch tho leading horses, but failed, while a second fall knocked Bones altogether out of time. Rustic, who took all his jumps in a determined style, won easily ; Quicksilver a good second. The Ladies' Purse of 50 soys ; entrance, 4 soys ; second horse to save his stake. Three-year-olds, 7st lOlbs. ; four, Bst 12lbs ; five, 9st 41bs ; six and aged, 9st 91bs ; 3lbs allowed to mares and geldings. One mile and a-quarter. Mr Redwood's bk m XXX, by Golden Grape 5 yrs (Martin) 1 Mr Stafford's eh m Nebula, 6 yrs . (Bright) 2 Mr Sellon'e br g Robin Hood, 4 yrs (M'Gla9han) 0 Nebula was tho favourite at starting, but the black mare won easily, while Robin Hood, although got safely past his bolting corner, could not ruu home with his company. Time, 2 mins. 22 sees.

The Maori Hack Race, of 5 soys. Entrance, 10s. each. Once round. Barrett's Te Kooti 1 Perryman's Flora i 2 An easy victory to Te Kooti. Wednesday, April 21. Tho Turf Club Plate, of 100 soys; Becond horse to save his stake. For three-year-olds, Vst lOlbs ; four, Bst 121bs ; five, 9st 41bs ; six and aged, 9st 91bs ; 31bs allowed to mares and geldings. Entrance, 8 soys. Two miles. Mr Stafford's eh g Magenta, by Scud, 5 yrs (Bright) 1 Mr Redwood's eh f Peeress, 3 yrs . (Martin) 2 Betting: even. The filly got a bad start, losing thereby several lengths. When she had Bettled down to her running, Martin brought her along steadily, and with her immense strides gained gradually upon the gelding until she caught him at the rails. The pair then raced together past the Stand and down the dip. As they approached the flax, the gelding went in front and headed the filly by a length to the distance. Here the struggle commenced, Martin trying his utmost to catch the gelding; but it was too late, for Magenta passed the chair first by a head. Another twenty yards might have reversed the victory. Time, 3 mins. 57 sees. The Handicap Steeplechase, of 40 soys, second horse to save his stake. Over about two miles of fair hunting country. Entrance, 6 soys each, 3 60V8 ft. Mr Sellon's eh m Quicksilver, 5 yrs . (Cook) 1 Mr Richardson's br g Gamester, aged (Taylor) 2 Mr Meadow's bk c Sea King, 3 yrs . . .3 Mr M'Rae'6 g g Subaltern, aged (Mahoney) 0 Mr Redwood's b g Bones, 5 yrs . . (Powell) 0 The first fence was taken very prettily by Quicksilver and Gamester, followed by the colt and Subaltern, Bones, not understanding his new rider, refused for sometime to look at it. The three leading horses took the second feuce likewise pretty well, but when Mahoney came up on the grey, ho got too close to the fence (post and rail) before his horse rose, so that the animal struck his knees on the top rail and fell over on his back, Mahoney unfortunately sticking close to the saddle and coining down on liLs uead, fractured his skull. This accident diverted our attention for a time from the other horses, but when wo got sight of them again, Quicksilver was leading by a quarter of a mile, G-amester and Sea King vainly trying to catch her, and Bones quietly walking back to his stable. The race was won easily by the mare. The Hack Uace, of 5 soys. Entrance, 10s. each. Catch weights. Once round. Mr Page's eh in Rainbow . . . . .1 Mr Stafford's r m Occult 2 Mr Barnes' b g Frantic 0 Mr Barnett's br gTe Kooti .... 0 The Free Handicap, of 40 soys. Acceptors, 3 6ovs each. One mile and three-quarters. Mr Redwood's eh f Misfortune, by Towton, 3 yrs, 7st4lbs (M'Glashan) 1 Mr Stafford's cli g Magenta, 5 yrs, lOsfc (Bright) 2 Mr Redwood's bk m XXX, 5 yrs, 9st lib (Martin) 3 Betting : even on Magenta. Mr. Redwood declared 31bs overweight on Misfortune, and his intention to win with XXX. Magenta was the first off, followed by tho black marc, the filly some lengths behind. The three came up the course in the order in which they started, the filly, however, having lessened the distance between herself and the leaders. After passing the Tui'f Hotel, the black mare could not maintain the pace, and gave place to the filly, which, after passing through the flax began to get on better terms with the gelding, and catching him a few lengths from the post, made a beautiful run home, and won by a head. Time, 3 niius. 25 sees. Match for 50 soys, h ft, Mr. Redwood's b c Manuka, by The Peer, out of Wainiea ; or his b f Peeress, by Tho Peer, out of Miss Rowe, against Mr. Stafford's br filly Lady Florence, by Towton, out of Miss Nightingale, or his b f Lacenfeed, by Towton, out of Symphony. One mile and a-half. Mr Stafford's eh f Lacenfeed, 3 yrs, by Towton, Bst4lbs 1 Mr Redwood's eh f Peeress, 3 yrs, Bst 41bs . 2 Betting : 5 to 4 on Peeress. The pair went off together at an easy pace, and ran side by side for half a mile, when Peeress imprOTed fclie speed, and ehot » couple of lengtlis alieud. At the distance, she was caught by the Towton filly, but Peeress again went to the front, aud looked very like winning. Lacenfeed however again came up with a rush, and won on the post by a head. Time, 2 mins. 52 sees. The CONSOLATION HANDICAP, of 30 soys, added to a sweepstakes of 3 soys each; second horse to save his stake. Entrance, 2 soys each, p.p. One mile. This was a walk over for Robin Hood. Some hack races followed, but the accident in the Steeplechase had a depressing effect on the concluding races of the day, for it was generally known that Mahoney could not survive many hours. An accident also occurred to a Maori, who, in riding into town, got thrown from his horse; but this, though causing a slight concussion of the brain, was not likely to prove in any way serious.