AUCKLAND RACING CLUB: SUMMER MEETING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5651, 27 December 1879, Page 5

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB: SUMMER MEETING.

I BOXING DAY, DECEMBER 26, 1579. J PATROV : HIS EXCELLENCY SIR HERCULES ROBINSON", G.C.M.G, PRESIDENT: ■ Mr. James Dilworth Mr. AJfred Buckland Hi- Fred. WhiUkar Mr. Km. MoLausMan •Mr. Ihoi. Momn Mr. John Kirk»oo.i \fr. Allan McDonald Mr. James Dickey 'f* J' Clark OAptiiu Walm^.'ey Mr. SatfT. Nvrrin Mr. John Cn- ? r*ve Mr. n.irid Ilearl Mr JUtnfts Buckland Air. Jo3eph B.mks ilr William J. Marks. judge: JiA>"Pic.irrEii: Mr. T- -Morrin Mf, STARTER I Mr. Joh'i d. Buckland CLERK OF o*uE SCALES I CLERK OF TIIE COURSE! Mr* Frtd. W,' jilarka ilr. Sam. M*rrin.

Tiie first day of the Auckland Eacing Club's Summer Mer-ticg broke yesterday under somewhat unfavourable auspices. The uncertain and unsettled weather of the previous week or fortnight, people fondly hoped from day to day would take up fine, but changes iu the moon, in which someput faith as changing the weather, had no effect, and did not bijng on the clearing up which was looked for. The previous night was thoroughly wet, and the morning was threatening, the frequently-arising clouds at length breaking iu a downpour of rain, just at noon, as the greater portiou of the people were on their way by rail to the course. The interest in the races, however, overcame the deterrent effect of the weather, and the attendance was more numerous than last year. There could not have been fewer than 3000 people on the course. The grand stand was crowded to excess, even the broad flight of stairs leading to it being crammed during each race ti> its lowest (light. The ladies made a good (igure 011 the stand and course, although they were not, of course, so numerous as they would have been had the weather been finer. The alterations ma le in tlie vicinity of the grand stand were admirable. The broad staircase leading from the lawn to the grand stall.i is of itself a most marked advantage, which was fully appreciated. The extension of the saddlingpaddock also t'i nearly double its former size, with the addition 1 f stalls for horses, a new weighing-room, and a jockeys' ro >m, provided with a scales, were not only agreeable innovations, but greatly facilitated busines?. Perhaps not the appreciable advantage ivas the division ot tho bars of the grand stand. The rear entrance was cut off aud a separate b 10th erected. Mr. J. G. Little, who was hssee of the grand stand bars, provided a luncheon iu the large 100 m off the grind stand. No delicacy of the holiday season was wanted to fill up the bill-of-farc, aud it was quite evident that the proprietor of the Thistle Hotel laid himself out to afford the fullest satisfaction, even if he lost a few pounds on the luncheon. Not only the stewards and their lady frit ndp, but a very large number of visitors partook of the luncheon. There is one other alteration to which we must refer as of great importance. The entrance from the lauding platform of the railway previously was down a steep flight of steps, at the foot of which there was invariably a crush while gate-keepers were collecting tickets. lustead of this an incline roa I now leads down between proper stone fences. The road was a little muddy yesterday, being new, but a few days' dr}' weather would mike it good. The entrance gate t» the course being further down, the crush i-i of course obviated.

As regards the races themselves, they wee, c-iii-si Iwing the heavy state of tho eo.irse, vxcelh-ir:. They were well contest-d, a->d not run to suit b >okm.\kers or ownos. lud' cd, t':ier» could be no doubt as to the honesty of iut< union of each horde coming to tho post. It is true the time was not so fa?t as it would have been had the coursa been in a better form, but this could not be altered. Mr. Walters scored his firtt win in the Maiden Plate, with that small, but compact and well-built Yatterina colt Libeller ; Mr. Lvnnard's two-year-old colt, imported from Australia, racing a splendid second. If we are not deceived by j'esterday's performance, this colt will yet make his mark. The Hurdle Race, although it only brought out three starters, was a grand race, and wa3 the first boil-over. It is true a dead-heat is not a satisfactory finish, no matter how exciting it may be, but Mc« Ivorrode LochLomoudtowin ; and, although Lone Hand made a dead-heat with him, it was only because Loch Lomoud struck the last hurdle, and sent his rider on his neck. The great event of the day (the Cup) was a moft complete boil-over, and struck the bookmakers heavily. Sinking Fund was made a strong favourite, and Lara and Hippocampus were next in order. None, except the owner, jockey, and a few others, ■were much on Ariel, and he was quoted low, but was quietly backed to win a good put of money, and tliis he did. As much or more credit is due to the game, spirited, and cool riding of Fred Matthews as to the horse which he }kih won with, aud we are glad to hear that he haa not ouly backed hia horse, but won largely on him. In this race neither Rinfire nor Lara made tho show expected—both cutting -up badly ia the heavy ground. Laertes made a game race for his owner, and Balmoral made auother effort to land Mclvor's colours in the front. The Railway l'Jate proved an easy gift to Mr. Waltere'a Billingsgate, although Ray's Maritana was held over for tho race, and made a favourite for it. She, however, made only a moderate figure, and the colt Kenilworth again scored second honours in what must be considered excellent company. The Hurry Scurry, which brought the fir3t day's meeting to a close, was on the wlinle a very satisfactory finish. So far as the officers aud stewards are concerned, we have to add .that they deserved every credit for the satisfactory manner in which the duties were performed. There was not a single hitch. Mr. T. Morrin, at very short notice, in the absence of Mr. R. Graham, assumed the office of judge, and his ruling afforded complete satisfaction. Tiie starter, owing to the fractious disposition of some of the horses, had a difficult time of it, but, by painstaking and a display of patience and equable temper, he succeeded in getting good starts. Altogether, the Auckland Racing Club aud the public of Auckland may congratulate themselves on the success of tho opening day of the Summer Meeting.

Maiden' Plate of SOsovs., with sweepstakes of 2sovs. each; amount accruing from sweepstakes to go to second horse. Entrance, 4sovs. each. Weight for age. Distance, l.j mile. For all horses that have never iron an advertised prize (two-year-old races excepted) exceeding 2osozs. at the time of entry. W. Waltors's br c Libeller. 3yrs., 7st. Dibs. (Clifford) 1 J. Lennard's ch c Kenilworth, 2yrs., Gat. 51bs. (T. Taylor) 2 J. Smith's br f Mnid of Honour, 3vrs.» 7st. 41 bs. (Allom) 3 A. McDouald's ch f Daisy. 3yrs., 7st. 4lbs. (/Wilmot) o C. H. Owen's f Introduction, 3yrs., 7st. -Jibs. (Herd) 0 E. Farmers's ch f Lady Gertrude, 3yrs., 7st. 41bs. (Williams) 0 Maid of Athol (7si. 4lbs.) was scratched ; a l the rest came to the poßt. Betting :2to 1 on Libeller, 3 to 1 against anything else. Waltera's brown colt looked so fit and was such a hot favourito that there was little betting, although there were not a few who fancied the chances of Kenilworth. This colt carried 41bs. over weight, and Libeller lib. over. There were two false starts, Kenilworth being eiger to get away, and Lady Gertrude somewhat tractious. At last a good start waß made, Ma d of Honour and Daisy making tho running, joined by Kenilworth, who went for the lead, and Libeller and the rest hanging back. Mr. Smith's mare ran gamely, but the heavy ground told on her, and Libeller, biding his time, came through liis horses ftom fifth, passed Maid of Honour and Kenilworth in the straight, and won by a length; Kenilworth a good second ; and Maid of Honour, two lengths behind, third. The winner was greeted with loud cheers on entering tho paddock, and on weighing satisfactorily. Time: 2mins. 27secs.

Handicap Hurdle Race of 50sovs., with a sweepstakes o£ 2sovs. each for acceptors : the amount accruing from sweepstakes te go to aeeond horse. Entrance, 3sovs. Tho handicap will appear a day or two after general entry, and acceptances aa per future 'advertisement. Distance, miles, over 9 flights of hurdles. R. Mclvor's br g Loch Lomond, Oyrs., 10st. 71bs. (Mclvor) 1 R. Ray's gr g Lone Hand, aged, 12st. "lbs. (Maokay) 2 P. Butlers's ch g The Agent, Gyrs., 12sfc.(Lyford) 3 Grey Momus (list.) and Whitefoofc (10st.) were scratched. Betting : sto 4 against Lone Hand, 6 to 4 against Looh Lomond, and 2 to 1

against Agent. There was a email field, and tae betting varied np to the time o£ starting, hit Ume Hand was wantfd to win. Acent haHly appeared as fit as ho was on his last visit to Auckland. Lone Hand, a grand upstanding well-built grey, looked able to carry any weight, but it afterwards ap. peared—perhaps because of the slipperv ground—that he jumped Bhort. It was, however, a fine, although not a very fast r n°t' , , Ivor at r,rst htld back, but when all had cleared tho first hurdle, he took the lead, and never lost it. Lone Hand took second place; Agent holding back, but occasionally Lyfonl was unablo to control mm, and Lis immense stride over the hurdles brought him into second place, which he soon, however, surrendered to Lone Hand. Toward the finish the race became very exciting. At the last hurdle Lone Hand was close up on Loch Lomond, and the Isltter strnck the hnrdle, carrying away the top rail, and throwing Mclvor forward on his neck ; with a great effort he re- ! covered himself, and raced home, bnt the grey had improved the time, and made a dcaJ-hfat at the post Some were of opinion one had won, and soma the other ; but had there been another length to go, it was clcar the victory would have been Lone Maud's. As it was, the jui'ge ruled a dead-heat. In the weigbiog-room Lone Hand's jockey intimated an intention to lodge a protest against Loch Lomond, on the ground of jostling, bat it was not pressed. Lone Hand's owner did not choose to compete again, so Loch Lomond was allowed to win first place. Time, 4uiins. 30secs.

Auckland Cup Handicap of 300sovs., with a sweepstakes of lOsovs. each added ; second horse to receive 2030t5. out of stakes, and third horse to save his stakes. Distance, 2J miles. Entrance, 2sovs., and acceptance 3sovs., to go to the funds. M. Edgar's br h Ariel, aged, Sst. lOlbs. (F. Matthews) ... ... ... ... ... 1 P. Butler's br li Laertes, aged, Gst. ... ... 2 K. Mclvor's br li Balmoral, Oyrs., Gst., 7lbs. over (Kaiser) ... 3 W. Walters'* br h Hippocampus, syrs., 7st. 71bs. (Clifford) 0 George Donne's ch g Sinking Fund, aged, 7st. 51 bs. (Webster) ... ... ... ... 0 R. H. Vallance'd br h Lara, aged, Gst. lOlbs. (Hawkins) ... ... ... ... ... 0 A. McDonald's br h Merlin, 4yrs., Gst. 71bs. (Wilmot) 0 C. Redwood's br g Rata, uyrs., Gst. 71bs. (Herd) 0 R. Farmer's ch ni Lady Elizabeth, 4yrs., 6st. 71bs. (Williams) ... ... ... ... 0 J. Lennard's br g Malvern, Gyrs., 63t. 51bs. (T. Taylor) 0 S. C. Caulton's br h Gillie Callum, aged, Gst. (R. McGee) 0 J. Hunt's br g Yatapa, Gyrs., oat. 121bs. (W. Byors) ... ... ... ... ... ... 0

K. ch p Harold, ageJ, Gat. lOlbs. (lliggiosou) ... ... ... ... ... 0 Templefcon, Maritann, Pinfire, Maid of Honour, liepn, Libeller, Lalla l!ookh, and. Loch Lomond were scratched, leaving a good fioltl of 13 to 4 against Sinking Fun<l, 4to 1 Hippocampus and Lara, G to 1 Ariel. 100 to S Laertes, 100 to 5 Lady Eiizibeth, 100 to 4 Harold and Malvern, 100 to 3 Merlin, Gillie Galium, and Yatapa, 100 to 2 Balmoral. The excitemmt at the start and throughout this race was intense. The The batting-men were eag< rly pressing the odds upon all, and sundry swcep3 were eagerly drawn, and amongst those professing judgment in horseflesh, the appearances and relative merits of the horses were discussed in brief ejaculatory sentences. After one false start, the lot were sent well away together, Hippocampus and Malvern leailine, and maintaining this position to the cuit.ng ; the rest in a cluster. Oil emerging, all closed together, Hippocampus surrendering tirst place, but racing strongly and playing a prominent pint till the lir=t round, win-re Rata had secured prrinier position, Hippocampus taking fouitli positlm, and the favourite tifth. At the cutting the same order was maintained, except that L«!\erte3 had come well to the front, having improved his position aud chances, aud secured a lead ; coming towards the straight, Matthews, who had been watching his opportunity and riding with the most consummate skill and judgment, by fair jockeyship brought Ariel through the horses, . collared Laertes iu the straight, when the latter, thoroughly beaten, gave in, and Ariel, amidst loud cheering, wou a grand race by four lengths. Mr. Eilgar, the owner, was loudly cheered and warmly congratulated, and when t-he rider weighed in, the enthusiasm became enthusiastic. Merlin, a horse from which something was expected, hung oil the post at the start, aud never tiqured in the race. Time, 4mius. 23Jsecs. L'alway Plate, of COsovs. Weight for agß.

Distance, J-irile. \V. "Waltera's b c Billingsgate, 3yrs., 7st. lllbn. (Clifford) ... 1 J. Lennard's ch c Keuilworfch, 2yra., sst. lOlbs. (T. Taylor) 2 Captain W&lmsley's g f Maid of Athol, 3yrs., 7st. Gibs. (Allom) 3 11. Kay's b ni Maritana, aged, Sat. 121bs. (J. Nolan) 0 C. Redwood's f Introduction, 3yrs., Tat. Olba., (Herd) 0 J. Smith's b c Tim Whifiler, 2yrs., ust. lOlbs. (G. Thorpe) 0 Templeton, Harold, Omega, and Edward James were scratched. Betting :6to 4on Maritano, 2 to 1 against Billingsgate, 4 to 1 anything else. There were three gets-away before the start was effected. Billingsgate leadin» off with Tim Whilll-r in comp.iuy, but Billingsgate held in, surrendering first place to the cutting, through which Tim led. He was collared by Billingsgate coming to the turn, and passed in succession by Kenilworth, Maid of Athol, and Maritana. 1 hey passed the post' in this order, Billingsgate winning by a length, Maid of Athol and Alaritana making a close race for third place.

Hurry Scurry o£ lOsovs. Entrance, lsov. Catch weights. Distance, o-jce round. Winner to be sold by auction immediately after the race for 25soVf.; any surplus to go to tho funds. Post entry. There were six entries, and it was won by Mr. McGee's Old Times (late Pakuranga), with Johnny Morgan second. The winner was put up to auction by Mr. A. E. Isaacs, and bought iu for the owner at £27. This brought to a close the first day's races of the Summer Meeting. We may add that amongst other novelties on the course was the introduction of the much-talked-of totalisator. These machines obtained but a moderate patronage. The only accident on the course was that one lady, who attempted to cross tho c >urse when the horsts were coming out for the Cup Race, was knocked down, but not injured. We are informed that the stewards have made arrangements to have the telegraph laid on to one of the rooms under the grand stand, by the Ist instant, and this will prove a very great convenience.