Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 522, 11 February 1882, Page 9

Sporting.

fixtures. February 15 & 16.—Marlborough R.C. Races. February 23, 24, and 25.—Dunedin J.C. Annual

Meeting. March 11 and 12 —Wanganui .T.C. Annual Meeting March 10 and 17. Oaraaru J.C. Annual Meeting. Hawkes Bay J.C. Autumn Races. March 30 & 31.—Taranaki J.C. Annual Races.

SPORTING NOTES. The summer meeting of the Wellington Racing Club is past and gone, and it eannot be said that it has been characterised by any remarkable features, except that the favorites could not, as a rule, secure the judge’s verdict, and that the running appeared to be straight throughout. The Cup race has left just a shadow of a doubt as to whether Salvage, who was a very decided favorite, did not actually secure first place, and this has been strengthened by the very ill-timed and injudicious remarks of two of the stewards who happened to be near the judge's box, and who lost no opportunity for expressing the opinion, that Salvage had a substantial advantage when he passed the post. No doubt these officers had a right to do so, but it would have been more creditable to the Club, as a whole, had they remembered the well known rule, that silence is golden. I am, however, drifting from the subject, my intention being, to say a word or two with regard to the meeting as a whole, and also to comment on one or two of the details of the events. The first thing that is likely to strike the observer, is the ill-luck which attended the stable of Messrs Lance and Robinson. The Cup fell to them in 1880, when Foul Play started favorite. Iu the following year, it was generally believed that Natator had only to start and he could win as he liked ; and Derrett, who rode him, proved that he was, at any rate, good enough to snatch the money at the post. This year they brought out a stranger in Salvage, a little chustnut of splendid proportions, and their name was sufficient to cause him to assume the leading position in the betting. He very nearly justified the expectations of his owners. Weight for age, Hilda, who beat him, would be nowhere beside him ; yet the coveted prize slipped away. On the second day, On Dit started for the Hutt Park Stakes Handicap, but only to disappoint everybody by coming in last, although the best pilot in the colony was on her back. The stable has, therefore drawn nothing but second money in the Cup, which, clear of expenses, represents £47 10s. It must have surprised many, to find that neither Somnus nor Sir Modred could do more than drive in the field in the races in which they started. For my own part, Ido not wonder in the least, for the handicappers were extremely liberal with them in allotting the weights. A longer distance would, however, have told in favor of both. Mr Bate’s doubt was, of course, the surprise of the meeting. I must confess that, I did not think Hilda, a mare with a remarkably scrubby appearance, could go near winning the Cup ; nor do I indeed consider the win a credit to the New Zealand turf, for except in handicap races, and thrown in with a feather weight, she will never have a ghost of a chance of winning. Were the allowance one of time or distanco, the thorough absurdity of the thing would be seen in a moment. The Poet’s running is more creditable, and I am not,. by any means alone, in entertaining the belief that he could have won on the first day, despite penalty and overweight, had he been sent for the money. Mischief has added two very creditable performances to her record, and has proved herself one of the best short distance performers in the colony. We shall yet see better things of her. Lady Emma also showed a splendid turn of foot, and good staying powers, by her running in the Cup on the first day, and by run-, nlng a very close third on the second day, and then winning the very next race over a longer distance. The Hurdle races served to illustrate what utter rubbish is occasionally brought out on a race course, and also that Agent can certainly not concede even an ounce to Clarence. On the first day, Clarence got 41b from the crack, and won by a neck, though he certainly had more in him. On the second the two started even, and I feel perfectly convinced that, even had Agent not tumbled over the last hurdle, the result would have been just the same, and that Clarence would have won by as much as he did on the first day. Agent has evidently seen the best of his days. It seems that Mr T. Ray, the owner of Annie and Taratahi, who ran in one of the hack races and were disqualified for having won advertised money, is not dissatisfied with the decision of the stewards, but no fixed rule having been laid down, he saw no reason why he should not start. With the two horses out of the way, hack races ought to show up again. They have certainly been little better than farces of late. Acceptances and general entries for the Wairarapa Jockey Club Races close on the 14th inst. The forthcoming race meeting at Nelson is likely to, be held under favoring auspices. The “Mail” understands that the stewards of the race< have accepted Mr W. Stafford’s offer to provide a course for the meeting to be held in March. The course, which lies between the railway and.sea at the foot of Jenkins’ hill, is a mile and a quarter in circumference, and Mr Stafford undertakes to put it in thorough order, to fence the straight run in, and to hand over all the privileges to the Jockey Club for the sum; of £2O. At so convenient a spot the attendance should, and no doubt will, be a very good one. U ru. ai ■■ .mot a At a meeting of the stewards of the Wellington Racing Club, which was held on the course Feb. 3rd, the protest which had been entered’against Mr .T. Ray’s Annie and Taratahi, who secured first and second places in a hack race, was considered. The stewards considered that they bad t won advertised races, other than hack races, and therefore disqualified them. The money therefore goes to Toppice, who thus secures two hack races, the second being the Hack Hurdle Race, through entering protests. The total amount of money which passed through Messrs Hill & Poole’s totalisators during the. two days of the late race meeting wan £3550, .

Mr J. E. Hayes is likely to make a good thing out of the totalisator which, he has recently patented. We learn that he has already received orders for three more of these machines.

A gentleman who invested £1 on Hilda for the Cup in the outside totalisator is probably repenting at leisure a hasty action. He had a number of old ticketsinhia pocket, and thinking they were useless he destroyed them. When he found that £2l stood to his credit through the performance of his favorite he discovered that among the papers which he had torn up was the one which he received on account of the Cup race. Nearly all the horses which took part in the recent ummer meeting of the Racing Club have left Wellington. The Poet, Hilda, On Dit, Balvage, Luna, Agent, Clarence, Lady Emma, and Fleur de Lys left per Rotorua for Lyttelton Monday. Nearly all of them will be kept in preparation for the ensuing Dunedin meeting. Sir George and Magnolia left for Picton in the Penguin. Mr A. Snider, one of the leading bookmakers, has started a subscription list for the jockey T. Moroghan, who had one of his legs broken through Fleur de Lys, a horse he was exercising on the Hutt racecourse, running against a post, and who is now lying in the Hospital. Up to yesterday’ £45 had been subscribed, bookmakers and owners of horses being the chief contributors. The amount will be very welcome to the unfortunate lad when he is so far recovered as to be able to leave the Hospital. Settling in connection with the Summer meeting of the Wellington Jockey Club took place at the Empire Hotel Feb. 6th. Very few persons were present, and the proceedings were merely formal. The following are the amounts paid over, together with the names of the gentlemen who received them :—G. Bate, £593 15s ; P. Martin, £133 ; J. PilbroW, £llß 15s ; Sir Hercules Robinson, £76 ; P. Butle-, £6l 15s; Hon. W. Robinson, £47 10s ; C. Redwood, £47 10s ; T. H. Hill, £l4 5s ; Sinclair, £9 10s. Total, £ i 121 103. The bookmakers had their settling on Saturday. evening at the same place, when balances were paid to their entire satisfaction. One of the best meetings that has ever been held .in Wellington has thus been brought to a conclusion. Spur. WELLINGTON RACING CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING. FIRST DAY. Thursday, February 2. President, the Hon, Sir William Fitzlievbert, K.C.M.G., M.L.C.; Vice-President, William Hickson, Esq,, J.P.; Judge, J. R. George, Esq.; Starter, A. Young, Esq,; Stewards—Messrs A Braithwaite, H. W. Diver, J. McDowell, H, D. Bell, H. S. Fitzherbert and J S. M. Thompson ; Timekeeper, Mr C Kohn ; Hon. Treasurer, Mr W. V. Jackson ; Clerk of the Scales, Mr W. Bromley; Clerk of the Course, Mr W. lorns; Secretary, Mr A. E. Grim stone. The annual Rummer meeting of the Wellington Racing Club was commenced yesterday. A more magnificent day for a public holiday has probably never been experienced in Wellington, for the weather really left but little margin for the imagination, there beiug really no room for finding fault. The previous day was damp and gloomy, and a steady southerly rain which set in shortly after mid-day and continued till after midnight gave augury of an interruption in the luck iu weather which has favored the Club with regard to its meetiugs for several seasons past. In addition to this, it became known that those who make meteorology their study had prophesied a very wet day. Under the circumstances it was not, perhaps, a matter for surprise., that the chances of the meeting being postponed entered largely into the speculations of the public. Even at sunrise it was extremely doubtful whether the heavy clouds which. still hung low in the sky would not again close and bring rain. An hour or two, however, sufficed to remove all doubts, for the clouds gradually broke up, rose, and disappeared, and by the time those who were bent upon enjoying the holiday, if possible, thought of starting, the sun shone forth iu all its splendor. The rain which had fallen was sufficient to lay the dust in town and on the course, and, there being no wind, the ground did not dry sufficiently during the day to cause a chauge in this respect. Those who chose to ride or drive to the course had therefore the pleasure of enjoying the soft aud balmy atmosphere, which resembled that of early spring rather than midsummer, without experiencing any of the drawbacks which only too often spoil a day’s outing. Under the circumstances, it was therefore no matter for surprise to find that there were indications of more activity than usual, and that the long strings of vehicles went towards the Thorndon end of the city, proceeding thenoe along the often - described Hutt-road, which leads along the picturesque western shore of 1 the hay to Petone and the Lower Hutt. Excellent provision for the day’s traffic had also been made by the Railway Department. The trains started within a few minui.es of the advertised time, and passengers were thus enabled to carry out their programme for the day without suffering any of the inconveniences which have on previous occasions given ample ground for complaint. The trains appeared to be liberally patronised not only by those who were bound to the racecourse, but by pic-nic parties and others. A special train had been laid on from Masterton, and n large number of Wairarapa settlers availed themselves of the opportunity to be present at the meeting. The road from the railway station to the racecourse presented the : . usual motley appearance. On emerging from the carriage, the traveller was greeted with a regular volley of cries from driveirs and conductors of the miscellaneous vehicles which stood iu readiness to proceed to the course as soon as they had obtained their freight. These, of course, were well patronised ; there was, however, no rush, the prospect of a pleasant walk of a couple of miles with no dust being an attraction to many, despite the knowledge that the road was dangerously narrow for the traffic of the day, and that pedestrians would' occasionally find themselves compelled to jump into one of the ditches at either side to avoid being run over. The course was reached with- * out serious' mishap to anyone, the only accident worth noting being the breaking of an axle on a buggy * at Kaiwarra. Equally lucky was the - crowd in returning. It was calculated that upwards of 2500 people assembled on the course during the day. The utmost degree of order pie- -

vailed throughout. There was nothing even approaching drunkenness, and not the slightest si.'a of r> wdyism. There were no games of any sort, and tho police, even, if they were inclined to look after offenders in this direction, found that thoir services were not required. The £1 for the right to hold games, which was jocularly offered at the public sale of privileges aud accepted by the auctioneer, was therefore as good as a voluntary subscription to the funds of the Club. Here aud there a sweep was drawn, hut those who shared in the proceedings generally took the precaution to make the least possible display during the ceremony. That this pastime has not become a thing of the past, may be gathered from the fact that one person boasted that he bad shared in no less than a dozen speculations. Even with the most rigorous supervision it would be almost impossible for the police to stop this description of gambling, for in many cases a verbal premise and a coin, the head or tail of which decided the number, completed the transaction with the exception of the payment of the stake. Messrs Hill and Poole had two totalisalors on the cour.-e, the new one constructed for them by Mr J. E. Hayes on the principle embodied in his recent patent being placed in >he saddling paddock, and the old one, which has done duty at former meetings, near it on its western side. Both were freely patronised, aud as the favorites did not carry off a single race good dividends were declared. A number of bookmakers were present, and they pursued iheir business in the ordinary manner. As but little betting was done on the winners it may fairly be concluded that, although there was not a great deal of bettiDg, they made a good thing out of the day’s proceedings. With regard to tho Cup, it is doubtful whether Hilda, the winner, figures in a single one of the many doubles that were taken in connection with that event and the Dunedin Cup. The course had been put in capital condition by the night’a rain, and, excepting that the ground held a little, it could not well have been in better order, though the tan which had been spread at the road crossing and

: gun at the turn near the stand was somewlxat soft. The meeting was well managed throughout, aud the verdict of the judge gave general satisfaction in all races excepting the Cup, in which many persons, including some of the Stewards, declared that Salvage won by something less than a head. Mr George, however, had the advantage of being in the box, and as Salvage was gaining on the mare on nearing the post, it is ju3t possible that the stride past the post did put the chestnut’s nose ahead. The matter is not one for dispute, and the owner of the beaten horse accepted the verdict of the judge without question. Good business was done at the booths. An excellent lnncheon was laid out in the Grand Stand by Mr Toohill, really nothing in reason being left to be desired. At 12.30 p.m. his Excellency the Governor and Lady Gordon and suite arrived. They were received at the gate of the lawn by Mr W. Hickson, Vice-President of the Club, who conducted them to the Grand Stand, the Guards’ Band, which had taken up its position immediately in front of the stand, playing the National Anthem.

The first event on the programme, the Maiden Plate, attracted but little attention. Only Salvage and Magnolia were entered for it, and although it was well-known that the former could win os be liked were he to start, no money was laid on him. On the other hand, the few who supported Magnolia found no takers, because the impression prevailed that the owner of the colt would scratch him in order net to risk his chances in the Cup. This surmise turned out perfectly correct, for at 12.25 the pen was drawn through his name, and Magnolia was allowed to canter round at leisure. Such a beginning certainly gave no promise of an interesting meeting. There was no betting, and the totalizators were, as a matter of course, not even opened. The hurdle horses quickly made their appearance in the saddling paddock. Clarence looked in grand condition, and was generally admired, though the opinion prevailed that the Agent would prove too good for him. The latter looked big in his quarters, and his hind legs were not at all calculated to give any one a favorable impression. As, however, his owner backed him, a considerable number of those who were only waiting for a lead followed him, and for a time there was quite a run on the favorite in the totalisator. Totara, a bright chestnnt of splendid proportions, and giving great promise for the future, caused a bit of a flutter when he was stripped, and coming as he did from Wanganui he stood next t# Agent and Clarence in public favor. General, hailing from the Wairarapa, looked less showy, but bespoke no lack of power. Scrutineer had but few friends, and it was generally believed that, bar accident, he would bring up the rear. The result proved that he could not only Btay, but pick up a lot of lost ground during the last mile, when the pace was made hotter than has ever before been known in a hurdle race in New Zealand. The race was a very pretty one, and the manner in which Clarence wrested the lead from Agent at the turn for home caused a tremendous burst of applause. It was a pity that stray horses could not have been guarded against. On the last round General made a rush into first place at the back of the course and he looked exceedingly dangerous,' when a horse that had evidently been turned out to graze, crossed him and caused his rider to be thrown. It was certainly a bit of cheek on the part of the owner of Totara to enter his horse for the Hack Hurdle Race immediately after losing the big event. Totara came in a pretty good first, but, as might have been expected, a protest was entered without delay, the verdict of the stewards being in fa.vor of the second horse. It is to be hoped that the result will be taken as a lesson by those who are in the habit of interpreting racing laws according to their own loose notions. In connection with this subject it may also be mentioned that protests on similar grounds were entered against Annie and Taratahi, who came in first and second in the flat hack race.

The Wellington Cnp brought out a lot of horses which must have been a perfect feast to the eyes of all lovers of good blood. There wore seven in all in the saddling paddock, and pne and all of them appeared to be in the ypry pink of condition. There were no ugly marks, no signs of over training, and with perhaps the exception of Salvage, who looked just a shade or two on the heavy side, none of thejn could be said to carry tpo much flesh.

Salvage was the subject of general attention the moment he made his appearance, and his splendid proportions and wonderfully clean limbs were subjects for general remark. If disappointment was expressed nt all it was with his want of size, he and Lady Emma being the smallest in the paddock ; but, his impost beiug light, this was not made a subject for more than usual remark. Sir George, though in excellent condition, looked a little rough, nor are his proportions such as to invite admiration. He was, however, reported to be in great fettle, and there were many who considered themselves clever in turf matters who did not hesitate in taking a shot or two with the bookmakers, and of supplementing this at the totalisator. Piscatorious looked grand, and his appearance brought him up in the market. King Quail —not unlike him in color—has improved wonderfully in his appearance since his previous performance here, and .he also soon obtained a circle of admiring friends. What position he would have occupied but for losing his rider is a matter for conjecture. He certainly had all the appearance of going well within himself at the time of the mishap, and the general impression is that he would have ran a grand race at the finish. Nearly always at oue corner of the paddock were Mr Bate’s almost unnoticed pair, Hilda and the Poet. Though bearing signs that they had undergone the most careful preparation, they did not appear to be such as to be placed alongside of their company. The former has a remarkably ugly neck, and carries her hind feet under her in a most unsightly fashion. The dull color of the latter, aud the fact that he also carried a penalty of 51 b and 31b over, were Nevertheless he stood a trifle better in the sufficient to cause many to pass him over, totalisator than the mare. A curious mistake was made by the crowd with regard to tho result of this race, Hilda, the winner, being mistaken for Lady Emma, although the Zetland spots of the latter were the most distinct of all the colors. The error probably arose from the fact that during the day several jockeys had to obtain permission to ride in colors other than those entered.

In the Plying Stakes Somnus was brought out for the first time in Wellington. His grand appearance did not, however, suffice to make him first favorite, it being generally believed that his impost was rather too much for him. That this was correct the result proved. Luna did not make a very favorable impression, but her stable appeared to be confident about her chance. Mischief did not attract much attention, and Magnolia was quite neglected. The following are the events of the day : Maiden Plate, of 50 sovs. Entrance, 3 sovs. Weight for age. One mile and a half. Mr C. Redwood's b m Magnolia, syrs .. .. w.o.

Salvage, the only other entry, was scratched, and Magnolia was allowed to walk over. Hurdle Handicap, of 60 sovs.; second horse to receive 10 sovs. from the stakes. Nomination, 2 sovs.; acceptance, 2 sovs. About two miles and a half. Mr J. Pilbrow’s b g Clarence, aged, list 101 b (O’Connor) 1 Mr P. Butler's ch g Agent, 12st .. (Lyford) 2 Mr J. Prosser’s b g Scrutineer, aged, 9st (Owner) 3 Mr C. E. Brewer’s ch g Totara, 4ys, 9st (Clifford) 0 Mr T. Hill’s b g General, 9st .. .. (Hamilton) 0

Betting—3 to 2 agst Agent, 2 to 1 agst Clarence, and from 5 to 10 to 1 agst others. Totalisator (£1) —Clarence, 89 ; Agent, 99 ; Scrutineer, 27 ; Totara, 41 ; General, 17. Clarence was the first away in a fair start, and led over the first hurdle, followed by Totara, Agent, and General in order, Scrutineer 6 or 7 lengths away. At the second hurdle the last-named had picked up, General and Agent leading him over it in close company, Clarence last. At the- back of the course AgeDt drew up and got the lead, Scrutineer again falling away. Past the Stand the first time Agent led by three lengths, Clarence next, General third, the same distance away, and Totara well np, Scrutineer near the distance post. Under the hill Clarence closed np a little, and near the furze General made a rush into first place, but immediately afterwards unshipped his rider, through colliding with a stray horse. Agent again assumed the lead, and at the turn towards the river was four lengths away from Clarence, Totara well away, and Scrutineer picking up. After the last hurdle and making the turn for home, Clarence drew up, and got on level terms when half way down the straight. From thence he held the race safe and came in easy, winning by a neck, Scrutineer running into a hollow third place, Totara and General (who was remounted by his jockey) nowhere. Time smin 29£sec, being, it is said, the fastest for a hurdle race in the colony. A hack hurdle race brought out three horses, Totara winning pretty easily, but he having run in the previous race, the Stewards disqualified him on protest, and gave the race to Toppice, who ran second. Wellington Cop, of 500 aovp, ; second horse to receive 50 sovs. from the stakes, and third horse 20 sovs. from the stakes. Two miles. Mr G. Bate’s b f Hilda, 4yrs, 6at 41b .. (Thomson) 1 Hon. "VV. Robinson’s ch g Salvage, 3yrs, 6st 61b (Geach) 2 Mr G. Bate’s ch g The Poet, 3yrs, 6st 121 b, Including 61b penalty and 31b overweight (Thompson) 3 Sir H. Robinson’s br m Lady Emma, 4yrs, 7st 71d (Allen) 0 Mr C. H. Owen’s ch li Sir George, 4yrs, Sat 21b

(Heard) 0 Mr W. Walters’ br c Piscatorius, syrs, 7st 121 b (Wattle) 0 Mr S. Horsfall’s br h King Quail, 6yrs (Geacb) 0

Grand Duchess (syrs, 7st 71b), Louis d’Or (3yrs, 7st), and Fleur do Lys (3yrs, 6st 31b) were scratched.

Betting—3 to 2 agst Salvage, 4 to 1 Sir George, King Quail, Piscatorius, and Lady Emma, 8 to 1 Hilda and The Poet. Totali* sator (£2), Hilda, 13 ; Salvage, 77 ; The Poet, 18 ; Lady Emma, 26 ; Sir George, 28 ; Piscatorious, 41 ; King Quail, 61. After four false starts, during which Hilda and Salvage were prominent in breaking away, Mr Young sent them fairly off. Salvage immediately assumed the lead, closely attended by Hilda, Lady Emma, The Poet, Sir George iu a bunch, a length away Piscatorius, and last of all King Quail, who almost stuck at the post. Turning down by the river the latter closed up, and left Piscatorius last. No change took place in this order the first time past the stand, when the Poet- got second place, Lady Emma third, and Sir George fourth—all, however, close together ; King Quail and Piscatorius next. The latter made an attempt to get up under the hill, but failed to pass King Quail. The latter almost immediately afterwards loßt his rider. Coming by the river Hilda showed up again, and on reaching the turn for home was second, and half way down the straight obtained a lead

over Salvage, Lady Emma, The Poet, and Sir George next iu a bunch. An exciting struggle then took place, the mare securing the judge’s verdict by a bare head. A good length away came the Poet, a neck ahead of Lady Emma, then Sir George, and last of all Piscatorius. Time, 3min 45sec. The totalisator dividend was £36 11s, and that outside the paddock (£1 in) £2l 16s. Four horses started for a hack race of a mile and a distance, T. Ray’s Annie winning easily from Taratahi. A protest was entered against both for having won advertised money, aud the Stewards held over their decision.

Flying Stakes Handicap of 75 sovs. Second horse to receive 15 sovs from the stakes. Three-quarters of a mile. Mr P. Martin’s br f Mischief, 4yrs 7st, 10lb (carried 21bs over) (Wattie) 1 Mr.P. Butler’s ch m Luna, aged, Sst lib (Derrett) 2 Mr H. Goodman’s b h Somnus, 3yrs, Bst 101 b

(Rudings) S Mr C. Redwood’s b m Magnolia, Gyrs, 7st lib (Williams) 0 Fleur de Lys, 3yrs, 7st 101 b, was scratched. Luna was made a very hot favorite, Somnus being next in demand, and Mmchief third, but no regular prices wore quoted. Totalisator— Mischief, 59 ; Luna, 125 ; Somnus, 92 ; and Magnolia, 30. After one break away, an excellent started was effected. Luna, however, at once jumped into a clear lead of nearly two lengths. Somnus and Magnolia were last ; but the latter almost immediately darted into third place, and kept in close attendance on Mischief, who was second till nearing the river, when Somnus again passed her. At the turn into the straight, Luna still led by a length, Mischief two lengths away from Somnus, Magnolia fading away. Mischief gradually drew up, and the two came along under the whip, Mischief winning by about half-a-length; Somnus, who was evidently overweighted, an indifferent third. Time, lmin 23sec. This concluded the day’s racing. SECOND DAY. The Wellington Racing Club, which was at one time almost proverbial for its bad luck with regard to the weather, can certainly not complain of having its meetings spoiled by either rain or wind during the past four years, and amongst the meetings which have been held during that period none have been favored by a clearer sky and a milder sun than the Annual Summer Meeting of ISB2. The first day was unusually fine, the only drawback beiug that the course was just a shade heavy in two or three places ; the second day was as fine as the first, and owners of horses, many of whom are in the habit of saying that the course is hard, had absolutely no fault to find with the condition of the ground. The sky was clear, with here and there a drifting cloud, while light northerly breezes served to cool the atmosphere, which would otherwise have been very oppressive. The racing throughout was very close, and if the fields were not so large as might have been wished, the drawback was fairly compensated for by a succession of most exciting finishes. In only one of the races the favorite succeeded in being the first to catch the eye of the judge, and that was the last ou the programme—the Consolation Handicap. An approach to this was the Hurdle Race, which had been reduced to a match between Clarence and Agent, and in which the odds were just a shade in favor of the latter, the former, however, securing the money. The finishes were far more exciting than those of the previous day, and as there were four important races, whereas there were only two that were worthy of more than the average share of attention on the opening day, it will readily be understood that so far as the sport provided by the Stewards was concerned, the second day was far the best of the meeting, notwithstanding the fact that the cup running had to be set against it. The small fields were, undoubtedly, due to errors in handicapping. This is to be regretted, as the Stewards have hitherto succeeded in securing good fields and exciting struggles in the straight. It is to be hoped that they will meet with their former measure of success at their next meeting. The attendance can scarcely have been said to have been satisfactory, for it is doubtful whether the number of persons on the ground at any time reached four figures. The Grand Stand was but poorly patronised, and very few ladies took seats in it. The lawn and saddling paddock were only very moderately patronised. A large crowd, however, gathered round the totalisator outside of the lawD, which was very freely patronised, and which, probably because the knowing ones were all in the paddock, declared the best dividends.

The wants of the inner man were again well provided for by the lessees of the various booths and stalls. In the Grand Stand luncheon-room, as well as in the Stewards’ room, Mr Toobill had again laid out the tables in the most tasty manner, the viands provided being also unexceptionable. That a large number sat down to partake of them was therefore only natural. The other booths also appeared to do a fair business considering the attendance. It is, however, noteworthy that the day again passed off without any excesses being indulged in. Four out of the six horses nominated for the Railway Stakes Handicap saddled up, the Slander filly and Magnolia, thn two lightest weights, being scratched, the former at 1.30, and the latter at noon. Luna was greatly fancied for the event, and, as she is known as a flyer and had a light weight, she was largely backed both privately and in the totalisator. Mischief also had her supporters, her performance over the same distance on the preceding day entitling her to a good position. That the confidence of her friends was not misplaced was proved by the result. Lady Emma was not by any means without friends, the neat and clean appearance of the little Australian, and her first-class condition, gaining her a considerable amount of support. Her running proved that she is not to be despised over a short distance, for she ran Mischief to a short head, and another half a dozen strides would probably have secured her first honors. Sir Modred stripped a grand horse, and his magnificent proportions and glossy coat attracted very general attention. Hri performance, however, disappointed the public, and, considering the weight he had to carry, this is really no matter for surprise, for Ist 61b between first and second weights is not by any means a trifle to concede, even in a flutter of six furlongs. It seemed almost as if his owner started him just to show how far he could be left behind. The time of this race was a considerable improvement on that of the Flying Stakes, being 4sec better, although the winner carried 21b extra. This was, no doubt, owing to tho excellent condition of the course.

Tho Hutt Park Stakes Handicap also brought together a field of four. On Dit, the top weight, was made a strong favorite on the totalisator when the event was open for investment, and bookmakers also offered very short odds against her, although 3 to 1 was here and there obtainable. Shortly before the race a change took place, there being a run on Lady Emma, who it was for some time supposed would not be a starter, as she had run a very hot finish in the preceding race. Why the public should have been so ready to change its opinion as to whether the previous race was a drawback or not is, of course, one of those things that cannot be explained. She made a splendid finish, having apparently nothing in hand when the judge’s verdict was required. The Hurdle race attracted a great deal of attention, although only the two cracks of the colony and accepted. They met on even terms, aud as Clarence had only won by a neck over the same distance on the preceding day, when he had a concession of 4lbs, the trial at level weights was looked forward to as a test of their respective merits. Under the circumstances it was a pity that Agent should have tumbled over the last hurdle just as Clarence was closing with him for the final struggle ; there is, however, little doubt as to what the result would have beeu, for appearances justified the opinion which prevailed that Clarence would have repeated his performance of the previous day. Agent has evidently seen the best of his days, and no wonder, for no hurdle-racer and steeplechaser in the colony has such an honorable record, and one which extends over Buch a number of years as that which Mr Butler’s chestnut can boast.

The Racing Club Handicap was, of course, looked upon as the event of the day, although only three horses had accepted. When the weights were declared on Thursday evening the money was considered a moral for Sir George, and 2 to lon him was obtainable. Iu the morning, however, bookmakers had thought better of it, and King Quail was installed favorite at 3 to 2, The Poet also beiug occasionally touched at that price, There was no apparent reason for the change, unless it was to be traced to a report which found vent that Sir George’s condition in the morning did not satisfy the stable. The public did not fancy The Poet very much, and only 66 out of 272 were laid on him in the totalisator. A very fair dividend was, therefore, declared when this plucky little son of Anteros and Fanny came in a pretty easy winner.

The Consolation calls for no special comment, except that it was started an hour late, although the Stewards had kept excellent time in the other events. We cannot conclude our notice of the meeting without alluding to the presence of Mr H. Shafto Harrison, and to the hearty welcome which was accorded him by the old settlers. Mr Harrison, who has for years past been a settler in the neighborhood of Wanganui, which district he formerly represented in Parliament, was at one time among the chief supporters of the turf iu Wellington, and as he had purposely timed his visit to this city so as to be present at the annual meeting of the Racing Club, it was only natural that the old settlers should gather around him as an old and esteemed friend.

The following are the events of the day : Railway Stakes Handicap, of 50 sovs Three quarters of a mile. Nomination, 1 sov.; acceptances, 5 sovs. Mr P. Martin’s br f Mischief, 4 years, 7st 121 b (Wattie) 1 Mr P. Butler’s ch m Luna, aged. 7st 121 b (Derrett) 2 Sir H. Robinson’s b in Lady Emma, 4yrs, 7st 61b (Allan) 3 Mr H, Goodman’s b h Sir Modred, 4yrs, 9st 41b (Rudings) 0

Slander filly, 3yrs, 6st 121 b, and Magnolia, sys, 6st 4lb, were scratched. Betting—3 to 2 agst Mischief, 35 to 20 Lady Emma, 5 to 2 Sir Modred, and 3 to 1 Luna. Totalisator, Luna, 41 ; Mischief, 89 ; Lady Emma, 37 ; Sir Modred, 24. Dividend, £3 ss. Mr Young had a lot of trouble in getting the quartette fairly together, Luna breaking away repeatedly. When they were got away Luna, as usual, jumped off in her usual fashion, and had two lengths to the good by the time she had covered fifty yards. Lady Emma occupied second place, having Mischief close on her quarters, while Sir Modred, although he moved off with the field, fell into a bad position almost from the start. Luna steadily increased her lead, and by the time she made the turn towards the river, she had such a lead that the majority of the spectators got the impression that she could never be caught, and odds were freely offered on her. Mischief, however, began to shorten the gap, Lady Emma, who was three lengths away from her, closing up on reaching the turn for home. Entering the straight Mischief drew alongside, and in a few strides obtained the bad. Sir Modred was altogether out of the race by this time, being nearly twenty lengths to the bad. There was no change in the positions as the three neared the stand. Lady Emma made a splendid rush, and as the three were under whip it was not easy to tell what the result was, except to those who happened to be near the Judge’s box. Mischief won by half a length, only a neck separating Luna and Lady Emma. Sir Modred made up a lot of lost ground in the straight, but was never dangerous. Time, lmin 19sec. Hdtt Park Stakes Handicap, of 100 sovs. Second horse to receive 20 sovs from stakes. One mile and a-quarter. Nominations, 2 sovs. Acceptances, 3 sovs. Sir H. Robinson’s bin Lady Emma, 4yrs, 7st 101 b (Allan) 1 Mr P. Martin’s b m Mavis, 6yrs, 7st 61b (Wood) 2 Mr W. Walters’ blk Slander filly, 3yrs, 7st <lb (Hadfield) 3 Hon. W. Robinson's blk m On Dit, Cyra. Bst 81b (Derrett) 0

Somnus (3yrs, Bst 10lb) and Luna (aged, Set 31b) were scratched. Betting very uncertain—--3 to 1 was offered against On Dit, 2 to 1 against Lady Emma, all sorts of odds beiug taken against the others. Totalistor—-Lady Emma, 33 ; On Dit, 20 ; Luna filly, 20 ; and Mavis, 17. On Dit got a little the best of the start, Mavis on her quarters, Lady Emma a length behind her, and the. Slander filly last. This position was maintained till nearing the hill, when Mavis got alongside On Dit, Lady Emma holding her place, while the filly dropped a little further behind. Opposite the foot of the cutting she drew up, and getting level with Lady Emma, the two commenced to make the pace uncomfortable for On Dit, who fell away rapidly, and was nearly half a dozen lengths to the bad on getting to the river. Lady Emma assumed the lead oh nearing the turn for home, the filly still in close attendance apd about

level with Mavis. A splendid struggle then ensued between the two game littlemares, and it was hard to tell which would getthe best at the finish, as both were whipping-; and doing their utmost. Lady Emma, however, secured the verdict by a bare head. TheSlander filly was a length away, and On DitBowhere. Time, 2min 24Jsec. Hurdle Handicap of 75 sovs. About twomiles and a half. Nomination, 2 sovs. Acceptance, 2 sovs. Mr J. Pilbrow’s b g Clarence. 12« t (O’Connor) 1 Mr P. Butler's ch g Agent. 12st .. (Lyford) 2

Batting was nearly even, the difference being slightly in favor of Agent. Totalisator— Clarence 38 and Agent 38. Dividend, £1 16?. Clarence was first away, and cleared the hurdle a length to the good, and was then passed by Agent. The position was, however, again reversed immediately afterwards, and Clarence led by three lengths all along under the hill and through the furze, the gap being occasionally shortened, Clarence always drawing away again. At the turn into the straight Agent made a rush past his opponent, and led by four lengths over the hurdle in front of the stand. Here Clarence nearly came to grief through tipping the timber. O Connor was shaken in his seat, but saved himself very cleverly, all the harm done being the loss of three or four lengths. I here was no change in position till nearing the river for the second time. Clarence then gradually increased his pace, but as soon as he came up to Agent’s' quarters the latter drew away again with a spurt, which lost him all chance of winning the race. He led by two lengths at the last hurdle, but in negotiating it he came down an awful cropper, and Clarence, who it seemed certain would have won in any case, was allowed to gallop in. Lyford recovered his feet a few secouds after the accident, but immediately dropped down again. It was, however, ascertained that neither he nor the Agent were seriously hurt. The race was run in smin, 45sec.

Wellington Racing Club Handicap of 200 sovs. Second horse to receive 25 sovs from the stakes. Nominations, 3 sovs. Acceptances, 5 sovs. One mile and threequarters. Mr G. Bate’s ch g The Poet, 4yrs, Bst lib (Wattie) 1 Mr C. H. Owen’s ch h Sir George, Bst 31b (Heard) 2 Mr S. Horsfall’s br h King Quail, 6yr3 .. (Ivory) 3

Betting.—6 to 4 against King Quail, 2 to 1 Sir George, and 3to 1 The Poet. Totalisator —King Quail, 106 ; Sir George, 101 ; and The Poet, 66. Dividend, £3 14s. The Poet got away with a good lead, KiDg Quail being second, and Sir George, who got away badly, last. Coming into the straight for the first time Sir George ran 'into second place, and led King Quail by three lengths past the stand, still further improving his position under the hill by getting level with the Poet, and for a short distance obtaining a slight lead. At the foot of the cutting King Quail made up for lost ground, and looked very dangerous at the furze, where he appeared to collar The Poet. The latter, however, was not to be disposed of, aud immediately pnfc a cafe distance between himself and the brown Australian. Sir George also made an effort, and after a struggle regained second place. This position remained unaltered to the finish. Poet led into the straight by fully half a dozen lengths, almost the same distance separating the other two. The gap between first and second was reduced by a length or two on passing the post, but it was done on suffrance. King Quail was a bad third. Time. 3min 15sec.

A hack race, contested by Annuity and Good Templar, fell to the former after a game struggle. Consolation Handicap, of 50 sovs. Second horse to receive 10 sovs from the stakes. Entrance, 2 sovs. One mile. Mr P. Butler’s ch m Luna, aged, 7st 21b (W. Butler) 1 Mr P. Martin's b m Mavis, syrs, 6st ltlb (Wood) 2 Mr W. Walters’ br c Piscatorius, Gjrrs, Bst 21b (Wattie) 3 On Dit (Bst 21b) and Somnus (7st 101 b) also entered, but did not accept. Totalisator—Luna 22, Mavis 22, Piscatorius 10. Luna got away after some trouble, Piscatorius second, and Mavis last. At the far side of the course Mavis crept up, and the three gradually drew closer together, till at the river they were all in a bunch, Mavis then getting a slight lead. Luna, however, got away again, and won a good race by two lengths, Mavis second, and Piscatorius a bad third.