WELLINGTON RACES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4277, 4 December 1874, Page 2

WELLINGTON RACES.

Presdent—Hon. W. Fitzherbert, M.H.R Vice-President —George Hunter, Fsq., M.H.R. Judge—E. Pearce, Esq. Stewards —Messrs. George Crawford, J. Martin, J. Gilligan, J. McDowell, J. Paul, T. Braithwaite, Dr. Diver. Cleric of the Scales—Mr. Geo. H. Jackson. Clerk of the Course—Mr. James Prosser. Honorary Secretary—Mr. William Bromley. FIRST DAY. Better weather than favored Wellington yesterday could not have been desired, and probably not fewer than three thousand people attended the races at the Hutt Park racecourse. The greater number of those present availed themselves of the railway, the ordinary time-table of which was suspended, and an extra locomotive placed on the line. The early trains were not very crowded, but as noon approached the railway officials were kept busy at work. The arrangements made by them had, however, been so well devised that no difficulty was experienced in affording transit for the large number who presented themselves. The steamers StormBird, Mauawatu, and Napier made several trips during the day, and were well patronised, many preferring this route, with its little inconveniences in landing, to the closely-packed carriages of the railway or the dusty road. Mr George Thomas's schooner Herald and Greenfield and Stewart’s schooner Cynthia also conveyed parties, and several yachts and rowing boats contributed their crews to the number of spectators. Omnibuses plied between the railway terminus and the course, and although all the available vehicles were improvised for the service, the number was found inadequate. Every carriage and trap belonging to the city appeared on the course, the demand for vehicles being considerably in excess of the supply. Those who were fortunate enough to secure one, had made arrangements for it a fortnight ago. The livery stable keepers were completely bewildered by the demands made upon them during the last few days for horses and traps, and were unwillingly compelled to admit their inability to meet the demand. The stewards deserve the thanks of all—whether horsemen, or pedestrians for the improvements they hay.e made in the road, or rather lane, leading off the Hutt road to the racecourse. The grand-stand—used yesterday for the first time in a complete state—was filled to excess. The view from it was found to be excellent, a race being visible from the start to the finish. The saddling paddock was, of course, a great source of attraction; and the great and general improvement effected in the course since the meeting in March last, was most marked. The Artillery Band relieved the monotony between the races, discoursing excellent music' in the enclosure fronting the grand-stand. Games of chance were more numerous than in former years, the number of the gentry who appear to live entirely upon their ingenuity being large. The police made several seizures of contraband articles belonging to this class, much to the annoyance, and no doubt to the loss, of the owners. The booths, four in number, excluding that of the grand stand, appeared to have been well frequented, but inebriety was remarkable by its absence. Mr. Andrew Young undertook the duties of starter, which he discharged in a most satisfactory manner, although the number of horses which started in any one race was not considerable. Mr. Edward Pearce occupied the judge’s stand. Mr. Prosser was successful as clerk of the course. The president, his Honor the Superintendent, was present during the day ; but wo are sorry that the vice-president, George Hunter, Esq., through indisposition was unable to attend. Mr. George 11. Jackson found little respite from the duties appertaining to the clerk of the scales, and Mr. Bromley, as hon. secretary, found ample occupation. A few slight accidents occurred on the course, the most severe of which, however, was the injury sustained by the rider of Voltaire in the Maiden Plate, who, unfortunately, fouled a couple of posts. He, however, was able to get about after the accident. The horse suffered considerably, and it is thought that all the engagements for which he is entered for to-day will have to be relinquished. Time was punctually kept in starting the several races, the last race being finished at twenty minutes to five o’clock. The first race, which started at 12'40, was the

Maiden Plate, of 100 so vs. Entrance, 5 sovs. ; one mile and a-half. For all horses maidens at the time of entering. Weight for age. Five horses entered for this race ; hut Mr. J. Emerson’s Sir Walter was scratched. Four started : Mr. J. Walker’s b. g. Lough Beagh, 2 yrs., sst. 1 Mr. J. Watt’s b. f. Eangi, 3 yrs., 7st. 91b 2 Mr. J. Grilligau’s r. f. Princess Mary, 3 yrs., . 7st. 91b. 3 Mr, W. Brown’s b. h. Voltaire, 3 yrs., 7st. 91b 0 The running was made, for the first mile, by Princess Mary and Lough Beagh, who went off at score. Voltaire ran against a post after passing the stand, and dislodged his rider. His chance of winning was therefore out. At the first mile Bangi whipped up and collared, and to all appearance the race seemed over, but coming up the straight Lough Beagh recovered himself, and went in first, although quite at the suffrance of Bangi’s jockey, who declared that Lough Beagh ran inside a post and was therefore disqualified. It was for this reason that no notice was' taken of him on coming up to the winning post. When the riders of Bangi and Princess Mary came in they at once lodged a protest, Eangi’s jockey claiming first place, and Princess Mary asking second. The stewards, however, disallowed the protest and declared in favor of Lough Beagh. The winner is a nice useful colt by Traducer, and considering his condition and the length of the race run, he proved himself a very good horse. —Time, 2m, 575.

Wellington Cup, a handicap of 200 bovs. with a sweepstakes of 10 sots, each ; the second horse to receive 25 sova., and the third horse to save his stakes. Two miles. The winner of any handicap race of the value of 200 sovs., after declaration of weights, to carry 71b.; of two or more such races, 101 b. extra ; of any such handicap race of the value of 100 sovs., to carry 51b. extra ; of two or more such races, 81b. extra. There were four entries for this race, but only three came to the post ; Mr. D. O’Brien’s b. g. Tambourini, 6 yrs., 9st. 131 b., including 71b. penalty ... 1 Mr. J. Emerson’s br. h. Guy Eawkes, 3 yrs., 7st. ... * ... 2 Mr. V. F. Tanored’s ch. c. Premier, 4 yrs., 7st. 91b ... 3 ■ Owing to the accident in the previous race, Voltaire was scratched. Premier and Guy Eawkes went away at score, and both seemed determined to cut each other’s throats. They made all the running—tremendous running—for the first mile and a half, and not a length divided them until Tambourini went up, and the race was over. Guy Eawkes was awarded second place, owing to Premier running inside a post. Tambourini won easily in the quietest canter. A very slow race ; time 4m. ss. Selling Race of 50 sovs. Entrance, 3 sovs ; one mile and a quarter. Weights as for one mile. 1 , The winner to be sold for £SO. If entered to be sold for £4O, allowed 71b.; £3O, 141 b.; £2O, 211 b. The winner to be sold by auction, with his engagements, and any surplus to go to the fund. Four entered, but only two came to the post, Mr. Redwood’s Remnant and Mr. Emerson’s Sir Walter being scratched. The horses that ran were— Mr. R. Mclvor’s b. m. Lurline, aged, 9st. 101 b 1 Mr. J. Watt’s ch. c. Tui, 3 yrs., 7st. 111 b. 2 This was no race. The mare had it in hand from the start to the finish, as the colt immediately on starting fell lame on the near hind leg, and for the first half mile could not raise a gallop. Lurline won easily at the finish. Time, 2m. 355. Hack Race of 10 sovs. Entrance, 10s.; catch weights ; mile and a distance ; post entry. For all horses that have not won public money, hack races excepted. Six horses started for this event. Mr. McMaster’s Raupo ... ... ... 1 Mr. Baird’s Dick Turpin ... ... ... 0 Mr. Craig’s m.. Polly 0 Mr. Wright’s Mawke ... ... ... 0 Mr. Ralph’s Miss Whitefoot ... ... 0 Mr. Bruce’s Darkie... ... ... ... 0 This race was looked upon as a certainty for Raupo, a Wairarapa horse, who has vanquished all comers for hack honors at the club’s meetings for two or three years past. The start was not a good one for Raupo, another horse having all the best of it for twothirds of the distance. At this point Raupo began to make the pace too hot for his adversaries in front, who gradually came back to him, and at the distance post the race was virtually over, three of the six competitors being completly pumped out, the fourth having bolted off the course, and Dick Turpin running a game second to Raupo, who was skillfully piloted home by young Walker four lengths in advance of Turpin. Provincial Plate of 100 sovs. Entrance, 5 sovs.; the second horse to receive 20 sovs, and the third to save his stake. One mile and a half. For all horses owned for six months prior to the race by bona Jide settlers of the Province of Wellington. Weight for age. This was the race of the day, as five horses came to the post, Mr. Madden’s Phoenix-.not putting in an appearance. Betting : 2 to 1 against Premier, 3 to 1 against Glenavy, and 5 to 1 against any other. The result was as under : Mr. P. F. Tanored’s ch. e. Premier, 4 yrs., 9st 1 Mr. J. Walker’s ch. f. Glenavy, 3 yrs., 7st. 91b 2 Mr. J. Gilligau’s r. f. Princess Mary. 3 yrs., 7st. 91b. 3 Mr. J. Stevens’ bk. c. Nanakia, 3 yrs., 7at. 91b ... 0 Mr. T. Rowe’s g. g. True Blue, 6 yrs., 9st. 121 b, ... 0 Nanakia was the first off, and made the running. The pace was a cracker for the first half mile. He was then collared by Premier, and the horses raced together for the next half mile, first one, then the other having a little the best of it. At the turn, Glenavy and the Princess Mary went up and got within two lengths of Premier, but never could head him, and he won comparatively easy at the finish by a length and a half, but with nothing to spare. Time : 2min. 53secs. Tins was the best race of the meeting, considering that Premier ran such a severe race for the cup, finishing as he did. His condition was very good. Glenavy did not look in form; but ho will doubtless improve. Nanakia ran a much better horse than he was thought capable of doing, as he is an overgrown, coarse, large three-year-old ; and with luck he will see a better day.

The Jockey Club Handicap. —The weights for this event were declared last evening:— st. lb. Tambouriui ... ... ... 10 3 Rarawhenua ... ... ... 8 9 Phoenix ... ... ... 8 5 Premier 8 0 Ngai'o ... ... ... 7 6 Guy Fawkes... ... ... 7 0 Remnant ... ... ... 7 0 Rangi 7 0 Voltaire ... ... ... 6 10 Princess Mary ... ... 6 6