WELLINGTON RACE MEETING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4278, 5 December 1874, Page 2

WELLINGTON RACE MEETING.

At the conclusion of the first day’s racing, the meeting of 1871 promised to be a great success in every respect. As the evening advanced, however, the sky to the north presented a most threatening appearance, the scud flying fast and low—unmistakeable evidence of rain. At five yesterday morning rain commenced to fall, lightly at first, but by eight o’clock it had apparently set in for a day’s hard raining. At ten, however, the clouds appeared to be breaking, which raised hopes of a fine day. People who had made up their minds to proceed to the races then made a start, it having been ascertained—at least, it was generally understood— that the races were not to be postponed on account of the bad weather. Accordingly about four hundred people assembled on the course, most of whom had come from town by railway, the eleven o’clock train being crowded. In the meantime the wind, which in the morning had been from the northwest, shifted to the south-east, and blew strongly, with heavy rain. Notwithstanding the fact that almost every one was enveloped in a macintosh, all appeared to be thoroughly wet and uncomfortable. At twelve o’clock Messrs. Andrew Young and Martin, and Dr. Diver, arrived on the course. A few minutes later it was whispered that a meeting of stewards had been held, at which it was decided to postpone the events till the following day. When the decision was announced officially, the disapprobation of all present was most marked, the action of the stewards being denounced as a gross breach of racing rules. Shortly after the postponement had been announced, the judge (E. Pearce, Esq.) arrived. Messrs, Young and Martin, and Dr. Diver had taken , their seats in a trap with the view of returning home, the crowd expressing intense disgust by hooting and yelling. The three stewards, however, descended and proceeded to the grand-stand, where another consultation was held, at which, it was understood, their former resolution was rescinded, and a determination arrived at that the events on the cards should come off that day. The fresh resolution was approved of by all present, the weather just then indicating a change for the better. But a new difficulty now presented itself. When the owners and trainers of the horses had been informed of the postponement, they stabled their nags and gave them corn and water. The horses, therefore, were rendered unfit for racing, and the owners refused to run them. It was thus evident to the stewards that they would be compelled to abide by the decision first arrived at, which was again made known to those assembled. People then became furious. The three stewards named again mounted their trap, and Tlrove off the course amidst the hooting and hissing of a dense crowd, which had collected around the vehicle. A number of gentlemen present endeavored to point out that the stewards had done what they considered best for all parties, but they were quickly silenced. Considerable inconvenience will be experienced by those who have come from the country. They will either have to miss to-day’s races, or remain in town during Sunday, as no coaches leave for the Wairarapa on that day. It may, also, in a measure affect the owners of horses who intend to send their animals to the Auckland races by tire Wellington, which leaves on Monday next. It was half-past one yesterday when the final determination that no races would be held ■was announced, and, as no train left the Hutt for Wellington before four o’clock, people were compelled to drown their sorrows in the flowing bowl at the several hotels in the Hutt. Several of the booths were almost denuded of their canvas ; the ground in places where most trodden was very muddy ; and, altogether, the course presented a most dilapidated and forlorn appearance. The following are the events on the card for to-day;— TO START HALF-PAST 12 O’CLOCK. Handicap Hurdle Eace, of 76 sovs. Two miles, over seven flights of hurdles, 3ft. Bin. high. 1. Mr. J. Stevens' b. g. New Zealander, 4yrs., Bst. 2. Mr. E. McEae’s br. h. Monarch, 4yrs., Bst. 71b. 3. Mr. E. Mclvor's b. g. Tommy Dodd, aged, Bst. 121 b. Hack Hurdle Eace, of 10 sovs. Entrance, 1 sov. Mile and a distance, over four hurdles. Post entry. The Wellington Derby, of 100 sovs., added to a sweepstake of 10 sovs. each; h. ft. ; for 3 year olds. Colts, Bst. 101 b. : fillies, Bst. 61b. Distance, one mile and a half. 1. Mr. J. Emerson’s br. c. Guy Fawkes, Sst. 101 b. 2. Mr. W. Brown’s b. c. Voltaire, Sst. 101 b. 3. Mr. J. Stevens’ bk. c, Nanakia, Sst. 101 b. 4. Mr. J. Walker’s ch. f. Glenavy, Sst 61b. 6. Mr. J. Watts’ b. f. Eangi, Sst. 61b. ' 6. Mr. J. Watts' b. f. Ngaro, Sst. 51b. 7. Mr. H. Eedvrood’s b.f. Eemnant, Sst. 51b. The Jockey Club Handicap, of 100 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each. One mile and ahalf. Second horse to save his stakes. 1. Mr. J. Gilligan’s r. f. Princess Mary, 3yrs., 6st. 61b. 2. Mr. J. Emerson’s br. c. Guy Fawkes, 3yrs., 7st. 3. Mr. W, Brown’s b. c. Voltaire, Syrs., Cst. 101 b. 4. Mr. P. F. Tancred’s br. h. Premier, 4yrs., Sst. 6. Mr. Madden’s b. m. Pbmnix, syrs., Sst. 61b. 6. Mr. J. Watts' b. f. Eangi, 3yrs., 7st. 7. Mr. J. Watts’ b. f. Ngaro, Syrs, 7st. 61b. 8. Mr. J. Watts' b. c. Parawhenua, 6yrs.. Sst. 91b. 9. Mr, H. Eedwood’s b. f. Eemnant, 3yrs., 7st. 10. Mr. D. O'Brien's b. g. Tambourini, 6yrs., lOst. 31b. The Consolation Handicap, of 50 sovs. Second horse to receive 10 sovs. Entrance, 2 sovs. Once round the course. Horses to bo named within a quarter of an hour after the race for the Jockey Club Handicap. Hack Eace, of 10 sovs.. Entrance, 10s. Catch weights. Post entrance. The winner of the Hack Eaco on the first day not allowed to start for this race.