WAIMATE RACES. (BY OUR OWN REPORTER.)

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2081, 3 January 1879, Page 2

WAIMATE RACES. (BY OUR OWN REPORTER .)

Stewards : Messrs Molloy, Sice, Dooley, M'Owen, Falconer, G. Pratt, Middleton, Cuming, Freeman, C. Clark, M'Goverin, M. Sherwin, and Dr Webb. Judge : Mr M. Studholme. Handicappers : Messrs M. Studholme and M. Sherwin. Starter : Mr M'Goverin. Clerk of the Scales : Mr Potts. Clerk of Course : Mr G. R Freeman. These annual events came off at Waimate, on New Year's Day, in a paddock adjoining the residence of Mr M. Studholme, situate about two miles from the township. A more beaut* ful spot for a race meeting could not well be chosen. The ground rises gently from a table land (on which was the course), forming a natural grand-stand, which being easy of access, was largely taken advantage of by crowds of the Waimate folk. There were more ladies present at these races than could be seen at any of the recent meetings in the Waitaki district. Mr Studholme, to render the races, if possible, a great success, had himself supplied the material and superintended the erection of the different enclosures, &c. Messrs Sherwin and Dooley (both late of Oamaru) catered for those who indulged in the cheering cup. There only being one booth, they held the same on a mutual understanding. All the officers of the Club performed their duties in a satisfactory manner. The racing in most of the events was very good, but in the Handicap aud the Cup there seemed to be a pretty general impression that the racing was hardly square. Lady Ellen was described as running rather " unkindly " in the Free Handicap ; and in the Cup, when entering the straight, the mare's head looked as if it was pulled towards the hill, bat for what' purpose, your reporter is not aware. If it was done to prevent her passing Blue Peter, it was done very clumsily, and in any case it was hardly worthy of a " tinuhed " jockey to allow his horse to " swerve " in the manner described. It may have been a mistake, but at Kakanui where Blue Peter was carrying nearly a stone less than Lady Ellen, the mare beat < him easily. Here there was only a difference of 71b, and the distance suited the mare better. In the Hurdle Race, the rider of* Weka " pegged " at it in such a desperate fashion that he brought his horse to a standstill a quarter of a mile from home. This allowed Pakeha and Shillelagh \o pass him. No doubt, if he had ridotai', his horse with discretion he could have won the race. The racing, with the former exception, was very satisfactory. The day was pleasant, and all seemed to enjoy themselves. There were a good many visitors from Oamaru. The means of locomotion (in the way of vehicles) to and from the course were very limited, and many had to use the oldest known horse—" shanks' nag."

Free Handicap of 30 50n.; l£mile. Mr Swanson's q q Blue Peter, 7«t 71bs ... 1 Mr R. Mason's c m Lady Ellen, 8»t ... 2 Mr C. Bourne's b q Seven Bells, 7«t ... 3 Seven Bells went off with a good start. Half -a- mile from home Lady Ellen collared him and ran with him to the tarn for home. •-In the straight Blue Peter came up and beat the mare on the post by a head. Lady Ellen was supposed to have run " unkindly " in this race.

Handicap Trotting Race, of 10 sovc; 3 miles. Mr J. Dooleys Bushman (450 yds) < ■ .*.. 1 Mr G. Luke's Fanny (450 yds) 2 Mr Swanson's Tommy (scratch) 3 Fanny led for half -the distance. Bushman then passed her and won by three lengths.

Handicap Hurdle Race, of 30 tors.; 2 miles. MrR. Ravenhill's c q Pakeha, lOst .. 1 Mr \V. M 'Kay's b q Shillelagh, 12st ... 2 Mr J, Rickua' b q Weka, 10«t 3 Weka led off, with Tommy Dodd second. The rider of Weka kept his hone at it, and at one time held a lead of fully a-quarter of a- mile. Before reaching the turn for home, his hone collapsed, and Pakeha and Shillelagh coming up passed him easily. Pakeha won by two lengths.

Maiden Plate, of 20 sovi ; 1£ mile Mr A. M'Kay's b m Minnie, 9«t 91b ... 1 Mr R. Rav*nhilTs b h Maori, 9at 91b ... 2 Mr J. Vinitfg's eg Batsman 3 Maori went off with the lead. Patting the Stand Batsman' led, bat on going round the tarn past the stand Minnie took the lead, with Maori second and Batsman third. They ran in this order the remainder of the distance. Minnie won rery easily.

Waimatk Cur Handicap, of 50 tors; 2 mile*. Mr Swsnson's q q Blue Peter, 7nt 31b ... 1 Mr R. Mason's c m Lady Ellen, 7«t 101b 2 Mr R. C'amiiig's c q Don John, 7«t ... 3 Blue Peter h»d the best of the start, and went off with a strong lead, which, however, was decreased by Don John and Lady Ellen. At the turn for home Ladj Ellen, whose chance of winning was good, was suddenly observed to take a turn up towards the hilL This gave Blue Peter the opportunity of winning, which he did by about three lengths.

Hack Race. Buxhman won the first heat, but Sultana winning the second and third easilj, took the stakes.

Coxsolatiow Handicap, of 10 sots; 1 mile. Mr C. Bourne* Seven Bell» 1 Mr T. Thompson's Rosemary 2 There mi not much excitement over this raon, m Seven Bells iron rather easily.