THE AROWHENUA RACES.

North Otago Times, Volume VII, Issue 149, 26 October 1866, Page 3

THE AROWHENUA RACES.

( FROM A. CORRESPONDENT. ) Tho above events came off on tho Eacecourse here on Wednesday last, and certainly the pleasure-loving could have no fault to find with the clerk of the weather, as tho day wai as beautiful a summer one as you could wish for. The Course, which is situated close to the Township, was not in the very best condition, but was mado in the best going order possible under tho circumstances. Tho entries had to be made for the several events at 10 o'clock on the morning of the moos at the Treasurer's office, and consequently at that hour a goodly number had mustered at both the Eoyal and Crown Hotels, awaiting the result of the nominations, and some little betting took place on their being made public. Prime Minister was favorite for the Maiden Plate, and Zohrab for both the races he was entered for. Tho favorite horse was rather " out," and possessing also a little stubborness, he made up his mind not to win ; but when in the humor ho will yet pull off something good. Zohrab justified his backers' expectations, and won his two races tolerably easy, being excellently ridden by his trainer, Peckham of Orari. As the hour of starting approached, a large assemblage had arrived on the ground, and strangers from a distance, in all sorts of vehicles, kept pouring in ; and we must not forget to mention " the Derbv four-in-hand ' from Timaru, admirably tooled by Mr Melton, the worthy proprietor of the Livery and Bait Stables iu connection with the Timaru Hotel ; and it was to all intents and purposes a " Derby Drag," as, after the Cup Eace was over, the creature comforts were fished up from tho boot, and duly appreciated by a host of friends. The racing, which was tolerably good throughout the day, finished with the Consolation Handicap, which was -won by Bendigo, after an admirable race. The arrangements were carried out in a first-rate manner, and the Committee of Management certainly deserve great praise. I am sorry to have to record a couple of accidents — one which happoned to Mr Ghmty, who was riding a fractious horse in the Hurdle Eace j and the other to Mr Gosling, who ■was rather severely shaken by a fall. Dr Eaynor was promptly in attendance, and no serious result was anticipated. Mr Gosling's horse broke away, and galloped towards the crowd, jumping over a perambulator, but, slightly catching the top, upsetting it and capsizing two little children out of it ; and, strango to say, without doing the slightest injury, tho little occupants seeming to enjoy the upset rather than otherwise. There were several booths on tho ground, and the Timaru Band was engaged to enliven the proceedings. Altogether everyone appeared to be highly delighted with the day's amusement. Tho particulars of the races are as follow : —

Maidhn Plate. — One Mile. Mr W. Gosling's Gilderoy, 9st 10lb ... (Owner) 1 Mr Or. MThorson's Manchester, lOst 101b ... 2 Mr Parlterson's Prime Miniate, lOst 71b ... 3 Bd ting : — Even on Prime Minister, 2 to 1 against GHldoroy. Gilderoy won easily; Prime Minister was pulled up.

GrERAiDiWE Cup. — Two Miles. Mr G-amack's Zohrab, lOat 71b ...(Peckhani) 1 Mr Brown's Bendigo, 9st 101b ... ... 2 Mr D'Oyley's Mustang, lOst 71b ... ... 3 2 to 1 on Zohrab. Won easily ; Mustang a bad third.

IIfrdle Race. — One-aud-a-half Miles. Mr M'Bratncy'a Sinking Fund (Mr Moorhouse) 1 Mr M'Pherson's Cruiser ... ... ... 2 Mr Murphy's Emerald ... .... ... 3 Mr Gamack's "Wanderer ... ... ...dis. Mr Young's Badger ... ... ...dis. Even on Sinking Fund, who made nearly all the running, and won easily.

Innkeepers' Puese — One-and-a-half Miles. Mr G-amack's Zohrab, list ...(Peckham) 1 Mr Brown's Bendigo, 9st 101b ... ... 2 Mr M'Bratney's Sinking Fund, lOst 71b ... 3 ' Mr M'Kinlay's Peckhnm, lOst 71b ... ... 0 Mr Parkerson's Prime Minister ... ... 0 2 to 1 on Zohrab, 3 to 1 against Bendigo and Sinking Fund. Won easily by two lengths; bad third. Peckham bolted. Hack Kaoe, of 10s. each ; heats. Half-a-mile. Catch weights. Ten horses started for this race, vrhich was won in two heats by Mi* M'Kinlay's Blink Bonny, ridden by Frank Forward, but was disqualified by the Stewards, and the race still remains in abeyance.

Consolation Handicap. — Three-quarters of a Mile. Mr Brown's Bencligo ... ...(Williams) 1 Mr M'Pherson's Cruiser ... ... ... 2 Mr Murphy's Emerald ... ... ... 0 Mr Young's Badger ... ... ... 0

A capital dinner was put upon the board by Mr J. A. Young, the Boniface of the Royal Hotel, and to which ample justice was done by about sixty gentlemen. The chair was taken by John Hayhurst, Esq.,, and after the usual toasts had been got through, the company adjourned to the ball room, where the "light fantastic" was kept up until an early hour the following morning.