Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 365, 8 February 1879, Page 11

Sporting.

WELLINGTON RACING CLUB. President: Sir William Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G-., M.H.R. Vice-President: Mr. George Hunter, M.H.B. Judge: Mr. E. Pearce. J. P. Stewards: Mr. G. Crawford, J.P., Dr. Diver, J.P., Mr. J. R. George, Mr. "W. V. Jackson, Mr. D. Jobberns, Hon. J. Martin, M.L.C., Mr. J. S, M. Thompson. Starter: Mr. A. Young. Hon. Treasurer: Mr. J. Stuart Reid. Secretary : Mr. C. M. Crombie. Clerk of the Scalei: Mr. W. Bromley. FIRST BAY. Thursday, February 6. The great annual sporting meeting of this part of the colony commenced at the Hutt course on Thursday. The anticipations that were formed of the success of the meeting have been realised so far as the first day was concerned. Although the weather was extremely uninviting—a heavy downpour of rain being threatened constantly from early morning—the attendance was satisfactorily large, but there is no doubt it would have been more numerous still had the weather been more agreeable. Of Course' the greater balk of the people proceeding to the Hutt from the city were conveyed by trains running at convenient intervals, and the railway arrangements were of the most perfect order, and were carried out under the personal supervision of Mr. Ashcroft, the traffic manager, who provided for the emergency in a manner that reflected the highest credit" on his foresight and intelligence. Some visitors weie conveyed a portion of the way ,to the course by water, landing at Dowry Bay, and either walking from thence to the course or proceeding by traps which were put in requisition for the occasion. A large number of private and hired conveyances took out a considerable number; and Prosser's six-horse coach, which left the Nag's Head at 9.30 a.m. and the Pier Hotel half an hour later on, was crowded both inside and out. By the time the first event was announced to start, there were several thousand spectators on the course. Here the usual games inseparable from a race gathering were in full operation, and the gambling propensities of the crowd were afforded every means of displaying themselves, as the owners of wheels of fortune and the like were allowed to carry on their business without any hindrance from the authorities. The Yankee notion man was there also, and he drove a capital trade. Liquid refreshments were supplied from several publicans' booths, and luncheon was obtainable underneath the grand stand, and the price charged for it, considering its quality, was unanimously voted to be as unblushing a piece of extortion as could well be practised. The eatables were of good enough quality, except the fowls, which were remarkable for their toughness and antiquity, but it was not of this that people most complained. The forms only ran half way along the tables, and when there was a rush one-half the people had to take their luncheon standing, and this was not the worst part of it. There were only two waiters in attendance, and of course they were almost useless, so far as their ability went, to attend to visitors. Under these circumstances, the people had to rush backwards and forwards in order to help themselves in a kind of pell-mell fashion, and the difficulty of obtaining knives, forks, plates, &c, added naturally to the exasperated feelings of those who wanted to get something to eat, and accomplish that object without missing any of the sport. Little wonder, indeed, that visitors from Christchurch and Dunedin, where matters of this kind are properly attended to, spoke in derisive terms of Wellington, and openly declared that nothing better could be expected in such a place. And when they were asked to pay five shillings for what was not honestly worth more than a, shilling under the circumstances, their grumbling was unbounded. It is to be hoped for our own credit that in future years some better arrangements will be made, for those of on Thursday will admit of a vast amount of improvement. Regret was pretty generally expressed at the absence of a brass band, as a little music at intervals would have imparted to the day's proceedings a much more lively and inspiriting effect. The body of the grand stand was largely patronised, and there was a considerable sprinkling of ladies amongst the company. The top, however, could have given accommodation to a great many more spectators. One source of complaint—and it was very justifiable—was the exceedingly unsatisfactory way in which the cards were printed. Irrespective of the inconvenient style in which the cards issued on the previous night were got up, they were far from being the k'rect article. Not only were the colors most thoroughly unreliable, but in some instances the weights were incorrect, and in other cases neither weights nor ages were given. But the unreliable nature of the colors as printed, not only in the first programmes but in those subsequently issued, was found to be exceedingly inconvenient, except to those who knew all the horses that were going. Their number

was, however, as one to every hundred of those who did not know the horses, and who were left in a state of bewilderment by the incorrectness of the cards. It is to be hoped that the second day's programmes will be free from the mistakes which characterised those of the first day of the meeting. In running one's eye through the programme it was something unusual to perceive that the familiar name of Mr. Henry Redwood was conspicuous by its absence. There was only one representative from his part of the country, but Kata was running in Mr. O. Redwood's name. Mr. H. Redwood was on the course, however, and it would have been a matter of re°ret if he had absented himself, although he had nothing entered in his name. Sporting men must havemissed from the course on Thursday a face that was once so very familiar in turf circles, and as thoroughgoing a sportsman as was ever in New Zealand. It is unnecessary to say that the gentleman referred to is the • late Mr. James Gilligan, whose lamented death a short time ago was not only a loss to the sporting interests of the colony, but was a matter of general regret to those who knew so well Mr. Gilligan's kindness of heart and amiable disposition. Before proceeding to summarise the various events on Thursday's card, it may be as well to refer to the tips made by " Mousetrap " in Thursday's issue. His spotting of Undine for the Maiden did not turn up trumps, as the 1 Plate went to Merlin; but his anticipations of what was likely to occur in the Hurdles were fully verified. He named Te Whetu, with Agent second ; but he added: "this is the order in which I shall expect them to run past the post, if the horses are sent away on their merits, and the next day's Handicap is not considered." Now, besides being weighted 3 pounds above the Agent, Te Whetu carried 11 pounds overweight, in order that JJan O'Brien's services as pilot might be secured. By allowing the smaller prize to go to another stable, Te Whetu will escape the penalty which would have been imposed upon him in the handicap of the second day. i To run as he did on Thursday, after giving 131bs. to The Agent, coupled with the apparently good chances he had before coming to grief at the last hurdle, and considering also that he has escaped the penalty that would otherwise have been imposed upon him if he had scored a win, will all tell in his favor in the handicap event, and no doubt secure him a host of admirers. " Mousetrap" gave the straight tip when he said he pinned, his faith on Maritana for the gold cup, and the bay mare most nobly fulfilled his prophecy. " Mousetrap" tipped Bribery for the Hutt Park Stakes, and the mare did not deceive him, but in the Flying Stakes Handicap he was not so fortunate in spotting the winner. The following scratchings were posted at the times set opposite to each :—Danebury for the Cup, at 12.5 p.m.; Mufti for the Cup, at 12.5 p.m.; Grey Momus for the Weight-For-Age Hurdles, at 12.35 p.m. ; Eversley for ditto, at 1.25 p.m.; Expectation for the Hutt Park Stakes, at 1.46 p.m.; Doncaster for the Hutt Park Stakes, at 4.2 p.m.; Merlin for the Hutt Park Stakes, at 4.15 p.m.; Rata for the Hutt Park Stakes, at 4.20 p.m.; Laertes for the Plying Stakes Handicap, at 4.40 p.m.; and Maritana for ditto, at 4.55 p.m. The Maiden Plate, the first event on the card, drew to the scratch six out of a total entry of seven, and Merlin took the honors to Mr. Vallance's stable. The Hurdle Race was scored to The Agent, who had for rivals Te Whetu and Harkaway, Eversley and Grey Momus having been scratched. The Gold Cup went to Mr. Ray's stable, who won with Maritana in a field of nine, much to the chagrin and disappointment of a good many who had freely laid 5 to 1 against the mare. Bribery scored a victory in the Hutt Park Stakes, the mare doing just what she liked with Saunterer, her only rival in this event. Ratcatcher scored the Plying Stakes Handicap to his credit, beating Otawa, Expectation, Bribery, Doncaster, and Sailor. Kate was the first past the post in the Hack Hurdles, but a protest was immediately lodged against her, on the ground that she was not eligible to run in a hack race. The stewards were to have considered the protest in the evening but it was withdrawn. The Hack Race was won by Grey Tom out of a field of twelve. The following is a detailed account of the various events : MAIDEN PLATE, Of 75 sovs. Entrance, 3 sovs. For all horses that have never won a sweepstake or plate of the value of 25 sovs previous to entry. Weight for age. One mile and a half. Mr R. Vallance's br c Merlin, 3 yrs, 7st 131 b (Solan) 1 Mr S. Horsfall's br c King Quail, 3 yrs, 7st 131 b and ilb overweight (Carrington) 2 Mr Webb's b m Undine, 4 yrs, Bst 121 b (H. Fuller) 3 Mr D. Knight's b g Roebuck, aged, 9st 81b (Higgins) 0 Mr G-. Stevenson's br f Lady Grey, 3 yrs, 7st 101 b (Cochrane) .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 Mr P. J. Murtagh's blk g Black Prince, 6 yrs, 9st Sib (Owner) 0 Mr. W. Jillett's br h Castillian was scratched. Betting: 3 to 1 against "King Quail, Undine, and Lady Grey ; 5 to .4 on Merlin ; 10 to 1 against Roebuck and Black Prince. In the preliminary canter Merlin's splendid condition, in which he showed great muscle and looked as hard as iron, had the effect of inspiring a great amount of confidence, and he was made a very hot favorite at 5 to 4 on him. Owing to Black Prince twice insisting on getting broadside on to the course Mr. Young had some difficulty in getting them away, but at last he got them all on as favorable terms as possible, and down went the flag. Black Prince at once made a great rush to the front, and led the way for about half a mile, being closely waited on by Merlin, who took up the running after the first half mile was accomplished. On nearing the starting point they all closed well up together, and a beautiful race ensued. King Quail came to the front and led into the straight, but soon the brown colt was collared

by Merlin, and a splendid race up the straight ensued. Carrington found it necessary to call upon King Quail at the distance, but to no purpose, for Merlin, who was never called upon, won cleverly on the post by about a neck ; Undine getting into third place about three lengths behind the Quail. Both the winner and King Quail were capitally ridden, and Carrington did his level best to bring the plate to Mr. Horsfall's stable, but txnsuccessfully. Time, 2min. 50sec. 11-60ths. HURDLE RACE, Of 50 sovs. Entrance 3 sovs. Two miles, over seven flights of hurdles. Weight for ageMr P. Butler's ch g Agent, 5 yrs, 9st 71b (Hawkins) 1 Mr P. J. Murtagh's ch g Harkaway, 6 yrs, 9st 101 b (Owner) •• .»;,' 2 Mr W. F. Neilson's ch g Te Whetu, aged, 9st 101 b and lllb over weight (D. O'Brien) .. .. 3 Mr. Prince's ch g Eversley and Mr. R. Mclvor's gr g Grey Momus were scratched. Betting : 6 to 4" on Agent, 3 to 2 agst Te Whetu, 10 to 1 agst Harkaway. In order that Mr. D. O'Brien, who is admittedly one of the best hurdle and steeplechase riders in the colony, might be secured to pilot Te Whetu, to put lllbs. more upon him was not considered sufficient to throw him out of the race, and but for the accident at the last hurdle there is no telling what Dan might not have been able to accomplish. On the fall of the flag Harkaway and Agent led over the fir3t hurdle. At the next Harkaway baulked, buj managed to get over the sticks sideways. Both Agent and were now going well within themselves, the next two hurdles being taken side by side. Te Whetu improved his chances on coming up to the last hurdle, which unfortunately he managed to hit heavily, coming right on to his head. The saddle shifted, but O'Brien was not dislodged. They were now too near home, however, to allow of Te Whetu recovering himself, and he came in a bad third, Agent winning as he liked, and Harkaway second. HACK HURDLE RACE, Of 20sovs. Entrance, 10s. Mile and a distance. Post entries. Catch weights. Mr Whitehouse's Kate (Prosser) 1 Mr P. Gooden's Black Warrior (Murtagh) .. .. 2 The following also ran :—Mr. Crocker's Rob Roy, Mr. E. Bright's Uncle Tom, Mr. R. Mclvor's Loch Lomond, Mr. Carswell's Grey Tom, and Mr. Macara's Porest Queen. Betting : 3 to 1 agst Loch Lomond, 3 to 1 agst Kate, and 4 and 5 to 1 agst the others. The lot had not gone very far before two or three of their number came to grief. Kate and Black Warior drew away from the others and raced well together. The former won cleverly on the post by a short head. Immediately after the race, the owner of Black Warrior entered a protest against Kate, on the ground that she won trained hurdles at Porirua on New Year's Day. Mr. Gooden contended that Kate was ineligible to run for a hack race, until she had been six months out of clothing. The stewards were to have considered the protest last night, but it was withdrawn before the time of meeting. WELLINGTON GOLD CUP, A Gold Cup valued 100 sovs., presented by the club, with 500 sovs. added ; second horse to receive 50 sovs. from the stakes. Two miles. The winner of any handicap race of the value of 200 sovs., after declaration of weights, to carry 71bs extra ; of two or more such races, lOlbs. ; of any handicap race of the value of 100 sovs. to carry 51bs extra; of two or more such races, Slbs extra. Mr P. Ray's b m Maritana. aged (including 101 b penalties), 9st 41b (R. Bay) 1 Mr D. Knight's b h Lara, aged, Bst 21b (Wattie) .. 2 Mr G. Fraser's ch g Longlands, 4 yrs 7st 121 b (Clifford) 3 Mr T. Bay's ch g Diver, aged, 6st 121 b (Walker) .. 0 Mr P. Butler's br h Laertes, aged, Sst (Nolan) .. 0 Mr S. Horsfall's br c King Quail, 3 yrs, 6st 21b (Carrington) .. .. .. ... •. .. 0 Mr Stevenson's br f Lady Grey, 3 yrs 6st 41b (McConckey) 0 Mr. C. Redwood's b gßata, 4 yrs, 7st (Farrell) .. 0 Mr A. Young's b g Sailor, aged, sst 71b and 21b overweight (Lang) .. .. . - • • .. 0 Mr. W. P. Neilson's b g Pishhook, Mr. R. "Vallance's ch h Danebury, Mr. R. Vallance's br g Camballo, and Mr. R. Vallance's ch g Mufti were scratched. Betting : 5 to 2 agst Laertes, 3 to 1 agst Longlands, 4 to 1 agst Lara, 5 to 1 agst Maritana, 10 to 1 agst Diver, 10 to 1 agst Rata, 100 to 4 agst Lady Grey, 100 to 1 agst King Quail, and 100 to 3'agst Sailor. The moment the weighing out bell was rung the real excitement of the day commenced. The interest of the general public was increased from the fact that Pishhook's nonappearance at the scratch would leave it a very open race. There was a more numerous company than was expected, as it was not anticipated that above eight at the very outside would start. There never was a more open race run on any racecourse in the colony. Lara was much fancied when he stripped, but looked if anything rather on the big side. Maritana, who had not been in the betting at all until the last day, stripped much better than anybody expected to see her,.aDd in her preliminary canter went strong and The fact that Bob Ray was on the mare inspired a great deal of confidence, as Bob's judgment, just as much as a horse's capabilities, has been known before now to pull off a victory. Rata, a fine raking colt and a dangerous customer to meet if in proper condition, gave signs of having been much injured in coming across the Straits, and he was evidently short of work. Nevertheless, he had his admirers. Sailor, who had been a favorite with Wellingtonians, had gone back in public estimation, but looked very well in the paddock. His bolting off the course when he was going so fit and well was to be regretted, as it would have been very satisfactory to know what he is really capable of doing. The Diver stripped well, and with Lady Grey, had a few decided fanciers. Laertes stripped uncommonly well. He had been made first favorite for the last two days, and started as such, but some of the knowing ones would not have him. Longlands, the betting on whom has been very erratic, - was much fancied the night before, and was almost made an equal favorite with Laertes. He ran into the place which " Mousetrap" assigned him—namely, third. As soon as Mr. Young got them well together, the flag was lowered, and Sailor rushed off with the lead at a hot pace. He was going in fine form, when he bolted off the course, played some antics down by the

creek, and fell in attempting to surmount some obstruction, young Lang sticking most pluckily to him all the time, and eventually bringing him past the post after the race was over. As soon as Sailor left the course the running was taken up by Lara for a mile and a half, when the Cup winner of last year was challenged by Maritana, and the mare was landed a pretty easy winner at the finish ; Lara was a good second, and Longland's third. King Quail, against whom odds of 100 to 1 were offered on leaving the paddock, was left at the post, and walked back across the course. Some timetakers made it 3min. but this was evidently a mistake, and the official time was registered as 3min. 48 2-10th sec. HUTT PARK STAKES, Of 50 sovs. Entrance, 3 sovs. Weight for age. One mile. Mr P. Pay's b m Bribery, 5 yrs, 9st 51b (P. Pay) .. 1 Mr D. Knight's ch c Saunterer, 2 yrs, sst 3ib (Lang) 2 Mr. G. Stevenson's ch h Doncaster, Mr. Thomas Ray's ch g Diver, Mr. W. H. P. Neilson's b g Pishhook, Mr. John Belcher's b m Expectation, Mr. C. Redwood's b g Rata, and Mr. R. Vallance's br c Merlin, were scratched. Betting: 4 to 1 on Bribery. This race was the slowest event of the day, as, limited to Bribery and Saunterer, it was looked upon as a moral certainty for the former; consequently, speculation was very limited. There was a good start, but it was evident from the very beginning that bribery was like a cat playing with a mouse so far as her antagonist was concerned, and Bob scored another victory with the greatest ease. Time, Imin. 55sec. Young Lang was unable to pull up Saunterer, and the chestnut went right into the creek at a short distance from the saddling paddock. The jockey was thrown into the water, and was drenched from head to foot. After coming out he swooned, and was carried into the stewards' room in the grand stand, where he was attended to by Dr. Diver. His wet clothes were taken off, and he was wrapped in warm clothing, and some brandy and water administered. He was afterwards taken home in a buggy, and is now reported to be all right. The lad has a great deal of pluck about him, as was shown in the way he stuck to Sailor after bolting. HACK RACE Of 10 sovs. Entrance, 10s. Catch weights. Mile and a distance. Post entries. For all horses that have not won public money, hack races excepted. Mr Cartwell s Grey Tom 1 Mr Bryant's Tiger 2 Mr. Russell's Darkie, Mr. Harrington's Princess, Mr. Mclvor's Loch Lomond, Mr. Whiteman's Lucy, Mr. Jackson's Straight Tip, Mr. Whitehouse's Roney, Mr. Reddings' Polly, Mr. Minifie's Sarah, and Mr. Hume's Polly, also ran. Hack events generally create a good deal of amusement, and this race was no exception to the rule. Grey Tom won with ease. FLYING- STAKES HANDICAP, Of 50sovs. Three quarters of a mile. Mr S. Horsfall's br h Ratcatcher, 4yrs, 7st slbs (Carrington) .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Mr W. H. Gibson's ch g Otawa, aged, 7st 91bs (Walker) 2 Mr John Belcher's b m Expectation, syrs, 7st Gibs and Slbs overweight (Farrell) 3 Mr P. Pay's b m Bribery, syrs, Sst 41bs (Wattie) .. 0 Mr G. Stevenson's ch g Doncaster, syrs, 7st 51bs and 21bs overweight (McConckey) .. .. 0 Mr A. Young's b g Sailor, aged, 7st, (S. Harris) .. 0 Betting : 2 to 1 on Bribery, 3 to 1 agst Otawa and Sailor, 6 to 1 agst the others. After one or two false starts, all the horses got away together, with the exception of Bribery, who was left at the post. He did not get a start until the rest were ten or twelve lengths ahead. Otawa started a great favorite. Ratcatcher and Expectation cut out the running. When opposite the grand stand Ratcatcher was leading, with Otawa close on his quarters, the rest tailed off. In coming up the strait, Ratcatcher took the lead, and won a good race by a couple of lengths. This event brought the first day's meeting to a termination. Our representative desires to express his acknowledgments for the courteous treatment he received at the hands of the Stewards and other officials of the Club, especially their secretary, Mr. Crombie. SECOND DAY. The weather was splendid, and the attendance was greater than anticipated. The Derby.—Only two horses started, Barbelle being scratched. After four false starts the two were started away, Merlin getting a good lead. On passing the stand Merlin led by five lengths, both horses hard held. Opposite the stand Dundee was let ©ut, and both horses went a tremendous bat. Entering the straight Dundee was looked upon as a certain winner, but the winner of the Maiden won a fine race by a neck. Time, 2min. 17sec. Hurdles: Te Whetu After two false starts, the four were sent away together. Eversley cut out the running, followed by Grey Momus, Roebuck third, and Agent last. All horses took the jumps splendidly; on passing the stand first time the'same order was kept. A grand neck-and-neck race then took place between Agent and Grey Momus, the three last hurdles were cleared together. In the strait, Grey Momus was called on by Mclvor, and the Agent commenced whipping, but it was no use, as Grey Momus won a splendid race by a couple of lengths. Time, 4min. Usees. The Wellington Racing Club Handicap.— Laertes, Ist ; Otawa, 2nd ; Lady Ellen, 3rd. Maritana was scratched. Bribery was very restive at the start, and j>itched its jockey. After ten minutes had elapsed a good start was effected, Bribery and Lara getting the best of it and passed the stand at a great rate. Opposite the stand all horses got in a lump. At at half a mile from home, Bribery and Lara tailed off, leaving Laertes, Otawa, and Lady Ellen all together; in coming up the straight a grand race took place between Laertes and the Maori. The latter commenced whipping, and though he ran a grand horse could not collar Laertes, who won by a length. Time, 2m. 45sec. Pree Handicap :—Laertes, 1 ; Sailor, 2 ; Saunterer, 3. At the fall of the flag, Sailor

and Saunterer rushed to the front, with Laertes about four lengths behind. In coming into the straight Saunterer, who had a strong lead, swerved off the course. Laerte3, on the other hand, was beautifully ridden, and in up the straight overhauled Sailor, and won by three lengths, hands down. Time, Imin. 16isecs. Empire Plate.—Expectation, Ist; Lara 2nd; Otawa, 3rd. This was a capital race. The winner started a hot favorite. She got the lead from the jump, and was closely pursued by Lara; the latter whipped hard corning up the strait, and lost by half a length. Time, 2mmutes 20f seconds. Consolation.—Lady Ellen, 1 ; Otawa, 2 ; Undine, 3. Rata and Black Prinee also ran. Otawa and Lady Ellen started away with the lead, with Rata next. Undine and Black Prince retired. Opposite the stand Lady Ellen took the lead, which she gradually increased, winning by four lengths. This brought the race meeting to a close. The conditions in connection with the Waikato Derby, of 150 sovs., have been published. The race is to be run at the annual summer meeting in 1881, and nominations will be received up to and inclusive of February 28th of this year. The following general entries for the Dunedin races were made on Saturday night : Hurdle Race : Loyalty (late Shillelagh), Larrikin, Te Whetu, Dandy, Agent, Eversley, Dalesman, and Kildare. Novel Race : Exile, Jack-the-Flat, Larrikin, Moose, Numa, Rosemary, Swede, Duntroon, and Tommy.

Steeplechase : Loyalty, Te Whetu, Agent, Eversley, Te Kooti, Dalesman, Kildare, and Forbury. Handicap : Chancellor, York, "Vampire, Pishhok, Natator, Venus Transit, Templeton, Titania, Sinking Fund, Rata, Maroro, Lara, Boiardo, Dundee, Fallacy, Sapphire, Laertes, Sir James, King Phillip, Cloth of Gold, Dead Heat, Nemo, Foul Play, Oberon, and Atlantic. Flying Handicap : Chancellor, Yor!r, Vampire, Fishhook, Natator, Venus Transit, Templeton, Maritana, Sinking Fund, Maroro, Undine, Blue Peter, Boadicea, Sapphire. Laertes, Benjiroo, Foul Play, Drone, Oberon, and Atlantic.