AUCKLAND MILITARY RACES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 276, 30 September 1864, Page 10

AUCKLAND MILITARY RACES.

The Epsom Spring Meeting of 1864—ti3 we imagine we may fairly call it—commenced on tho 20th ult., under tha most favourable circumstances. Tho meet- , ing, although under tlic peculiar inauguration of our military friends, was nevertheless of such a free and liberal description as to throw a largo share of competition open not only to the Colonial Military Forces, but also to tho purely civilian element. Much care and earnest consideration, had been bestowed in perfecting all the preliminary arrangements. Men, lorses, and the arena of display were subjocted to judicious training. It was, therefore, a matter of "some anxiety whether, at this season of vernal equinox, tho weather would so far hold good as to make or mar tho sport proposed. From the wet and wintry aspect of the previous week, there was but little to be hoped from the atmospheric tendencies of yesterday. And, indeed, as morning broke, sharp and successive sliowors augured but indifferently for a day of pleasure. Nevertheless, as morning verged towards noon, tiie watery clouds dispersed; and tho clerk of the weather seemed to opine that Auckland having proclaimed a day of universal festival it would be very ungracious on his part not to subscribe to the public desire. It is the custom of our British sporting contemporaries not only to dwell, at length, upon tho merits of horses and riders; but to furnish elaborato portraitures of "tho road" and it.s incidents. We, however, are no sporting chroniclers ; nor is the road from Auckland to Epsom so distant as to ho fruitful o1 description either for pen or pencil. If wo say thai every sort of vehicle—among which we may instance a few of tho " Albert" ears, —a recent Melbourne importation—and, by the way, (as we think) an ugly transposition of the far-famed Irish jaunting car— was pressed into tho day's service, we shall still comt farshc.it of the means that were employed in the conveyance of lier Majesty's liegemen .to tlx " Potter's" field. There were Cobb's Yankee coaches, Sydney-built 'buses, spiders, dog carts, nay ever ambulances were brought forwaid for the nonce— ■whilst " Shanks' mare" was on the active trot fron an early hour. To old foggics, like ourselves, " the liglitof otliei days" seemed to burst in pristine brilliance arouuc us, as -we entered tho once familiar course; whert " Zaccho," " Jack," and " Tomboy" were the feature! of iheir day, and where many of enthusiastic minds— now gone to sleep—were not less joyous than tin , choice spirits of yesterday. The " Potter's" field vrai yesterday more brilliant than ever. Some remnanti of by-gone times were there, with their ancient leavei still unsubdued. And if the gathering was larger the love of the sport was not one whit less appro ciable. The Committee of Management are fully entitled and will, no doubt, receive the hearty acknowledge ments of the public, not merely for the paiiis the; have taken in providing such sport as that the; yesterday presented, but for the courtesy 1 mid con sideration manifested in all their arrangements ; am in which, we arc pleased to learn, our fellow townsman Mr. Hnrdington, liberally participated. Mr. Har dingtm is the lessee of the field. Be placed it at th disposal of the Committee. And, as Anckland ha "not been wise enough to purchase, likellobait Town a public race-course, but has been driven; scasoi after season, —now to Epsom—r.ow to OtaliuliU—ain tiow to Ellersh'e—the tender of such a courso as tha leased by Mr. Hnrdington cannot be over estimated The Hobait Town lace-courso was purchased by joint-stock ccmpany. It has a capital giand-stand is of considerable extent; well laid out; and in addi tion to its value as a place of frequent colonial recrca tion, we may add that it yields a i ery handsom annual per centage to the shareholders for the capitc invested in its purchase. To return to the doings of 3'estcrday. Shortly afle cue o clock, tlie first lace was set in motion. We ma; observe Hint llicre was n very largo concourse of spec lulois; th at the couiEe thouph heavy, was in capit? rider; and ti.at, under the charge of a few mounte mi n of the Military Train and Auckland Police, th jneaiest dicoinm prevailed. Captain Gicen,M.T f tinier, Lieut. B. Creapb, M.T., Clerk of tho Coursi and Mr. Do BuTgh Adiims, Judge, accoiding to th mot of the day, weie " all there." IIIEVIJiST i:vi KT, Woe for (he Ladies'Pune, value S5 fov., added t u sweepstakes of is fov. each, half forfeit; fc hoites bona fdo the property of cflicei of the liimy, r.avy, or <oloninl forccs, on ridden by the same; 3 years old, 9st j 4 yeai ckl, lCst. 'libs.; 5 years old, lOst. 101b.; Gycai and aged, list. About 1 mile. 'ilicie were thirteen entries, all of' Ahem with th the cxccpfjcn of Mr. Anderson's Little Charlie, cam to the post. They were— Mr. Graham's Herald, aged Captain Buck's (C.T.C.) Cyclop-, aged Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) "Dainty Arie aged Mr. Way's (D.F.) First-Class, fyed Mr. Appletcn't(M .T.) Virginia. 5 yrs Mr. W oilfield's (A.M.) Flateatclier. £> yrs Major Walmesley's (D.F.) Maori Cliu'f, 5 yi Mr. Kelly's (0."V.) Lottery, 5 yrs Mr. Cnittpbrll Md/vcr's Mountain Deer, Mr. Mark's Locket, 4 jis Mr. Spillers's (C.T.C.) Kemesis,4yTs Captain Euck's (C.T.C.) Kathleen. 5 yrs This was a good race, run in two minutes, and wo easily. The following were Ihus p'accd—Dnint Ariel, Kathleen, Virginia. THE SECOJS'D DACE, Was the Criterion Stakes, of 4 eov. each, ha! forfeit, with 40 eovs. added ; for horses boil Cdc and unconditionally the property of officer on full pay of llie regular army, or navy, on th day of entry, and ridden by the same; llsl 71bs. each. About 2 miles, over six flights c hurdles. Mr. Anderson's (8.A.) Kiwi Lieutenant-Colonel McNeil's (A.D.C.) Sydne; Captain Stone's (M.T.) Little Dick Colonel Moront (68th) Harkaway Mr. Toogood's (1?. A.) Shamrock Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) Fly Colonel Hamilton's (12lh) Wine Merchant The Kun was the only one that failed to prescn herself. At starting the others got away well to gelher, ijiltla Dick, an old often tried favourite leadin| and looking very like a winner. He look liis leap in his accustomed style, and appeared to be in bette: temper than usual; but he had a younger and deter mined antagonist in Wine Merchant, who poppc( into the first place, leaving Dick a good second, an< Fly a very fair third. THE THIRD RACE. as the Auckland Stakes, of 5 sovs. each : hai forfeit, with 50 sovs. added; for liorseß flu property of or nominated by officers on full pai of the regular army or navy. The winner to b< sold immediately after the race for 100 sov., i demanded, or carry 71bs. extra; if entered, It be sold for 50 sovs., allowed 71bs.; winners o: 100 50V3.., at any one time, to carry 71ba. extra The winner of the Ladies' Purse to carry 71bs extra ; mares and geldings allowed 31bs. Three horses, the property of different owners, to start; or only 25 sovs. will be added. lOst. each, About 11 miles. Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) Dainty Ariel aged, list. Mr. Bailey's Young Towton, 3 yrs, lOst. 71b. Mr. Appleton's (M.T.) nB Virginia, 5 yrs, lOst, 41b. Captain Harris (43rd) ns Dundee, 5 yrs, lOst. Captain Smith (R.A.) ns Mountain Deer, 5 yrs, lOst. 71b. Mr. Anderson (R.A.) ns Merrimac, 4 yrs, 9st. 111b. Mr. Toogood (R.A.) nB Flatcateher, 5 yrs 9st. lllbs. Mr. Eobson (R.A.) lis Cyclops, nged 9st 111b Dainty Ariel took the first place; Virginia the second, Cyclops the third. THE FOURTH HACK Was the Open Steeplechase, value 50 " r sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each, half forfeit, open to all horses, list. 71bs. each. About two and a-half miles. Mr. Appleton's (M.T.) Balsam Mr. Anderson's (R.A.) Kiwi Mr. Toogood's (11.A.) Shamrock Much interest seemed to bo attached to this event, Shamrock, from his breeding, standing well in estimation. He, however, declined fencing, so that the contest lay between Balsam and Kiwi, the former leading and looking as if bent upon distancing his adversary. Kiwi, nevertheless, pulled up and passed his rival, coming in an easy winner. THE FIFTH RACE Wcs the Open Pony Race, of 1 sov. each, with 25 added, open to all ponies 14 hauds 2 inches and under ; catch weights. About three-quarters of a mile. Mr. Stanton's Prima Donna Mr. Kelly's Young Princc Mr. Toogood'n (R. A.) Bill Downy Mr, Leir's (M.T,) Tops?

Mr. Appleton's (M.T.) Liglitfoot Captain Rccvo'b (M.T.) Fanny Alv. Howard's (70th) Kitty Clydu Mr. E. Woolfield's Searlot Kuiuior Mr. Chieno's A wit Sally Mr. Case's .Tack Shepherd Mr. Stafford's Tom Steel Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) Kairy Mr. Gardner's Lucy Mr. Stewart's Katty Darling Fifteen entries, and but ono withdrawn. Bill Downy was the general favourite, and tlio event justified the good opinion entertained of him. He came in a elever first, followed successively by Topsy, Young Prince, and Liglitfoot. TIIE SIXTH HACK "Was the Tradesmen's l'late (tlio gift of the Tradesmen of Auckland), added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each, half forfeit; for horses as qualified in the Criterion Stakes; list. 71bs. each. About, one mile and a quarter. Mr. Appleton's (M.T.) Pngnnini Lieu tenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) Fly Colonel Hamilton's (12th) Charlie Captain Trench's (•10th) The Hermit Captain Baker's The Nun Captain Creagh's (50tli) Niger Mr. ToogoocVs (R.A.) Shamrock This was admirably contested—old Niger doing his work in grand style, and yassing the winning post amidst a storm of approving cheers : Faganini second, Charlie third, and Fly fourth. This event concluded the first day's sports. Everything went off in the most orderly and harmonious manner. '1 here was neither accident nor collision of any kind. It was a meeting convened for the purpose of social enjoyment, and was conducted, from first to last, in a sociable and enjoyable spirit. The grand stand, superior to that of any previous meeting, was closely packed, a large sprinkling of the fair and most attractive part of tlio creation, occupying the benches. The refreshment rooms were managed in u very different style from those which provoked ec much merited censure in January last ; tlio viands and the liquors, and the mode of their presentation being really unexceptionable. The beautiful Bands of the 18tli and 50th Kcgiments, discoursed in turn some of tlieir elioiecst music ; and if we may judgi of the promise of to-day from the performance o; yesterday,we can have no hesitation in allirming thai the Epsom Spring meeting of 1864, will prove to b( the best that lias yet taken pkc> in the provinco o Auckland. f-' iX'oN i) DAY. The sports of yesterday, as far as weather was concerned, came o/l'under most favourable circumstances A more bright or beautiful day, with the exception o a heaTy shower towards the elose, it would be im possible to desire. A bracing morning was followcc by a balmy noon, with a calm and placid atmos phere. The roads had dried up. The course line lost its heavy, sluggish, softness; and had become finn and elastic, —springy—as a sporting friend re marked—as an India rubber ball. Holiday agaii prevailed throughout the city. Cabs, cars, 'buses and all imaginable locomotives —of two days' cliarte crowded the Epsom read. The course, ns son-.i opined, was less densely packed than on Tuesday but this calculation we cannot but consider amis taken one, which may be attributed to the fac that the line of spectators was muih more extendee yesterday, and not congregated in the mor immediate vicinity of the grand stand. Every external circumstance was favorable to tli day's enjoyments, aiid they to whose hands the con duct of the meeting was confidcd, displayed ever; anxiety in promotion of good feeling and good fcl lowsliip —an aim and object in y\liicli they were pre eminently successful. I'JKST JIACi:. The first event on the piopinmme was:— Tlie Possenislie Cup the gift of Sir. Posse nifkie), added to a sweepstake of 2 sovs. end p.p., open to all horses bona fide the property o officers of the army, navy, and colonial Forces list. each. A 1 out one mile and a quarter. Tli winner of the Ladies' Purse to carry 71bs. crtn Mr. Appkton (M.T.) ns Virginia, 5 yrs Hr. Applcton (MT.) us Gaiotter, 4 yrs Mr. \Vco!lie!d's (A.M.) J'lalcatcher, 5 yrs Captain Buck's (C.T.C.) Cyclops, aged Mr. Spiller's (C.T.C.) Nemesis,-i yrs Major "VVahncslry's (D.F.) Maori Chief, 5 yrs Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) Dainty Ariel aged Colonel Hamilton's (12th) "Wine Mere limit G yrs Mr. Giahcm's Herald, aged Mr. Anderson's (K.A.) Little Charlie, aged. Mr. "Way's (D.E.) First Class, aged Mr. Tcogood's (K.A.) Bill Downey Of the hcrsrs entered but two failed to put in a; appcaranee, namely Gaiotter and P.ill Downey. Th others came gallantly to the JoM. Dainty Ariel hem, the favourite, although Maori Chief stood well in th good opinion of his admiicrs. Sraicely, however hai a start been efi'ectcd, Use whole oft lit ni well togetlici when Maori Chief c-cme into violent collision wit; one of the mounted men of the military Train. Dowi went horse and rider, the latter (Sir. Calvert) under mof-t, the horse rolling upon him in a terriblemannei the unfortunate gentleman being extricated wit! some difficulty, the horse stiuggling and straining and when laited upon his legs seemingly maimed fo life. Mr. Culvert was convcyed forthwith to a ten pitched within the enclosure* of the grand stanc' wheiehe was speedily visited by Dr. Best,6 Bth, am Dr. Pcakc, 18th, Dr. ilncShane, and other militiir su'gcons. It was then supposed that no bones wer broken, but we have since been told that two or tlire ribs were fractured. The sufferer, when we his looked in upon him, appeared to be doing well The horse is reported to have severely injure* his shoulder, but to what extent we ar unable to my. Great regret wus felt a this unfortv.nate accident, which may liavi changed the fortune of the race. As it wasj DaintAriel followed up his accustomed good luck, takinj I an easy first place, followed at a short distance b' Flateatcher and Wine Merchant. SECOND JtACE. The Grand Military Sfceplcchusc, valuo 5( sovereigns, added to a sweepstake of 5 sovs each, half forlcit; for horses as qualified in thi Criterion Stakes ; 12st. each. About two and i half miles. The winner of the Criterion Stake: fo curry Tibs, extra. Captain Stone's (M.T.) Little Dick Colonel Momnt's (68th) Harkaway Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) Fly Mr. Anderson's (R.A.) Kiwi Mr. Toogood's (K.A.) Shamrock "With the exception of Lieutenant St. Hill's Ely all took up their positions—Kiwi being the fa vourite, and nothing expected from Shamrocli who had- given evidence of his dislike tc walls and hurdles Nor was this opinion amistakei; one. Kiwi went away with a good lead, Little Dick following in his wake, both taking the leaps in fine style ; whilst Shamrock and Jiurkuway both boggled at the stone wall, Shamrock, after great pcrseveitmee on the part of the rider, being urged to blunder over it, hanging half on and half off, in a very precarious position. No persuasion could prevail upon Harkaway. In the second round, Iviwi well in advance, also refused to take this leap, thus allowing Little Dick to come up and collar him. The game little horse never baulked at wall or hurdle. Over ho went- like a bird; and, as if thoroughly ashamed of himself, over went Kiwi in pursuit; but Dick maintained the lead he had thus gallantly won, and camo in a good first, amid the hearty eheeis of oil old Aucklunders. He was well and judiciously ridden. Tn inn Each. The Welter Stakes, valuo 35 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each, half forfeit, for horses as qualified in the Criterion Slakes ; 12st. Vlbs. each. About ono mile. Mr. Appleton's (M.T.) Pagauini Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) Fly Colonel Hamilton (12th) Charlie Mr. Anderson's (K.A.) Kiwi Captain Trench's The Hermit Captain Baker's The Null Captain Creagh's (50th) Niger Mr. Toogood's (K.A.) Shamrock Four of the eight entered were drawn. Of the •emainder, Paganini was tho favourite. Nevertheless, ho took but the tccond place, Cliarlio securing die first, and tho Nun tlie third. Fourth Race. L'lio Stewards' Cup, value 00 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, half forfeit: open to all horses; 3-yearß-old, Bst. : 4-years-old, 9st. 71bs.; 5-years-old, lOst.; 6 years and aged, lOst. 'Albs. The winner of tlio Auckland Stakes or Ladies' Purse to carry 71bs. extra; of both, 141bs extra j winners of 100 eovs. at any one time, to carry 7 lbo. extra j niareu and geldingo tdlowod Slbs* ®brc? liorssfl the prpi>tr f v cf di-Qtrsnt

ovrnors to shirt, or only 25 sovs. will be added. About one mile and a half. Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) Dainty Ariel, ugecl Major Wahncsloy'y (I).l' 1 .) Maori Cliief, 5 yrs. Colonel Flumilton's (12t.1i) Charlie, () yrs Mr. Appleton's (M.T.) Garotter, 4 yrs Mr. Bailey's Young Towton, 3 jrs Mr. Paton's Mcrriniae, 4 yrs Mr.AYooHield'a Flatcatclier, 4 yra Captain Buck's (C.T.C.) Kathleen, 4 yrs • Mr. Graham's I'riucess Sophia, 4 yrs Mr. Stewart's iC > tn!uin Deer, 5 yra Maori Chief, Klatcatch v, and Mountain Deer were drawn. This was a capital race, in whicli Garotter was expected to show out, more especially as Dainty Ariel, as a winning horse, was heavily weighted. The plucky little ling notwithstanding, set weight at defiance, taking his well earned precedence, Garotter running a close second, and Mcrrimac, third. FIFTH KAOJ:. "Was the .Tockey dub Cup (the gift of the Auckland Jockey Club), added to a sweepslt.kes of 3 sovs. each, half forfeit, for horses as qnalilied for the Criterion Stakes; 3-year-old, 9st. ; 4-years-old, 10st. 71bs. ; 5-ycars-olel, list.; (i-vears and aged, list. 'llby. The winner of the Tradesmen's Plate to carry about Vlbs. extva. About one mileand a half. Captain Reeve's (M.T.) Kolieroa, 4 yrs Lieutenant St. Hill's (A.D.C.) l r ly, aged Colonel Hamilton's (12th) Wine Merchant, (> yrs Captain Trench's (40th) The Hermit 5 yrs Mr. Toogood's (K.A.) Shamrock, aged Captain Baker s The Nun, 5 yra Captain Crengli's (50th) Niger, aged This whs a very interesting race, ilie Nun being the only absentee. At starting, the wholo iield got away well together, "I'iy well in front, but hard pressed by Kolieroa and AVine Merchant. At. the outer turn, Kolieroa took up the running strong, and gained upon his antagonists, with every appearance of a winner. The result, however, proved otherwise, Shamrock taking the iirst, and AVino Merchant and The Hermit the second and third places. the sixth ham; AVas for tho Consolation Stakes of two sovereigns each, with for beaten horses. Fivo started, Virginia being the winner. 'ibis was the concluding event of tho day, the course being forthwith cleared of the larger portion of visitors. Tho splendid bands of the 18th and 50th regiments were again in attendance, contributing largely to the general enjoyment by tho excellence of their music and the admirable style in which they rendered it. Thete races, though originally limited to two days, have been extended to a third. It has been universally remarked that a more orderly or more enjoyable meeting could not. possibly bo organized. All have been well pleased with the entertainment and the entertainers. And it is to be hoped that at the annual gatheiing in January tho samo satisfactory results may be accomplished. Timtn Day. The weather of to-day was if anything an improvement 'ipon yesterday, but the course did not present that crowded appearance which it. presented the two first days ; in fact, in front ol the stand wastheonly place occupied bv spectators. The sport, however was kept up 'with as much spirit as ever. l'"or the iirst race—t'weepstakes of 2 tovs. each, with £10 and a best hunting saddle (the gift of Mr. Wiseman, saddler), ]ost racli, threequarteis of a mile, there were three entries : 1 Captain Buck's (C.T.C.) Cyclops 2 Captain Baker's 'The Nun 3 Mr. Anderson's (H.A.) Little Charlie On (lie three taking their eanler in front of the stand, oin- impressions were decidedly in favour of Cyclops. On the dropping of the flag, tlicy got well away together, Little (. harlie lrndirg, the Nun about a length behind. At North's refreshment booth, the Nun (aught up, but immediately C\elops forged a-hend, ai.el cnir.o in a winner by a lengUi ; the Nun second ; Litth Charlie a bad third. The event evidently gave much satisfa; lion to the men of the C.T.C., they 1) tiling the appeal anee of the tiinner with loud and repeated cheers. 31ANDICAV BWKI'H'KTAKIiS, 5 sovereigns each, 2 forfeit, 1.) sovereigns added; about 2 miles. 1 Licuf. St. Hill's (A.D.C'.) Dniniy Arid 2 Mr. Applcton's (M.T.) Garrotter 3 Captain C'reagh's (00! 11) Niger ■I Colonel Hamilton's (12110 AVino Merchant ■j Captain Kuck's (C.T.C.) Kathleen 0 Captain lieevcs' (IW.T.) Kolieroa All came to the seiateli except Captain Beeves' Kolieroa. Long oc!ds were given on Dainty Ariel against the field, the leputation be bad earned during tho last two days having' a gieat effect upon tho sporting community. AVinc Merchant, on faking his eanfer in front of the stand, bolted, and after passing the booth of Mr. North, he took the wall and threw his rider, but happily did no damage, his lidcr remounting and taking his place for the slait. At the start Garrotter get the lead, Wine Merchant close up, Dainty Aiiel two lengths in rear. First time icund AYine Merchant took the place in front. On' arriving in fiont of the stand, all were nearly abicast, and ke-pt their positions until they came to the starting post, when Dainty Aiiel gradually fell 1o tho rear, an el the lace was entire ly between GaiTotter anel AVine Merchant. To the last it was hotly contested, Gail otter winning bvlialfa length. HANDICAP £.TE1?1'1 I'.CIIASE, 5 sovereigns, 2 forfeit with Jo acldeel 2i miles. 1 Colonel Hamilton's (12th; Charlie 2 Mr. Anderson's (J!.A.) Kiwi 8 Mr. Ifobinson's (-iOlh) Baltam letting at long odds was the order of tho day on Kiwi, for, frrm his previous achievements, it was judged he would carry all before him. All the horses that were entered showed for this I race. '-fbe start was a good one, Kiwi taking tho lend. Kiwi's Charlie took the first hurdle gallantly, Balsam knocking over tho top of the hurdle. At the second leap ot tho stone wall, Kiwi threw his rider anel ran away, but was recapturcd; he then took the fourth hurdle, anel bets ruled high on him, until he came to the fifth hurdle, posts anel rails. At tho fourth hurdle, Balsam refused, but alter several attempts he got over. At the fifth hureile, all reftiscel to take the leap, anel hero they stuck for a considerable lime, but all their efforts were of no avail. The race had to be given up, all bets being declared drawn. THE LEWJ.ssOJf CL'l', A r alue £10, (the. gift of Mr. Lewi «son, jeweller), added to a sweepstake of 1 sov. each ; 2 miles. 1 Captain Trench, the Hermit 2 Captain Beeves (M.T.) Kolieroa Betting even at starting. At starting Hermit took the leael by several lengths, hut it was cvieirr I that, both were nursing their horses. This position was kept, the wholo of the iirst and second time round, until they came to the straight run home, when Koheroa bolt eel, anel of course Hermit was an easy winner. In the match between Mr. Anderson's Little Charlie anel Mr. Toogooel's Bill Downy there was some good running. Both got awav well together, Little Charlie leading by a neck, until a little past tho Grand Stand, when Bill Downy gradually shot ahead, and maintained his advantage to the winning post, winning by a couple of lengths. ° A scratch match was then got up, which terminated the day s sports, anel so ended the Spring Meeting of tho Aueklanel racing fraternity.