RACES AT WHITFORD PARK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9255, 8 January 1889, Page 3

RACES AT WHITFORD PARK.

On Friday last, at Whitford Park (by kind permission of Mr. L. D. Nathan), the settlers of the district held a very pleasant race meeting, the competitors being confined to those owned in the district. The prizes were not large, but the spirit that animated both, riders and owners was as keen as if a, Derby had been the contest. A number of Auckland visitors came by the steamer. Mr. Adams personally worked his totalisator, assisted by Mr. Kirkwood, the tickets being half-a-crown, an amount within the means of all. A large number of tickets were sold on each race. There were a large number of settlers present. Mr. F. Lawry, M.H.R., acted as judge, and the committee (of whom Mr. J. iS. Buckland was the moving spirit) exerted themselves to make the gatiiering a> success.

1 lie Hurdle Race, one mile and a-half, opened the ball. There were twelve runners. Cannonade won by two lengths, Damsel second, and Blue Peter third. A protest was entered, but the committee declined, to entertain it.

The Maiden Handicap also produced a field of twelve. Waitoa was the favourite, but being badly ridden, was easily beaten by Blue Peter, Forsaken being third. A Held of six went to the post for the Whitford Cup, and iu the hands of a jockey Waitoa won easily. Damsel being second, Arawa third.

For the Hack Race five contested, Jenny winning in a canter. The Pony Race sent twelve to the post. McGee's Ihumata led all the way, winning easily, Pika, being second, Dorritt thifd. The Settlers' Race was won in a canter bv Waitoa.

The Consolation was taken by Forsaken. To those who did not .care for the racing, a great treat was afforded by watching the ostriches. The natural curiosity of the birds caused them to come to the visitors, and then probably something or other attracted their attention on the other side of the paddock, away they would go with that peculiar swinging stride which takes them over the ground so rapidly. The s.s. Waitoa took up a large number 01 excursionists from Auckland, and, except for the delay caused by the state of the tide, and consequent late arrival of the steamer on her return, the trip was a most enjoyable one. The race meeting was a financial success, and some of the proircoters have suggested the desirability of holding another meeting at some date during the present summt-.