WAIRARAPA RACES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4285, 14 December 1874, Page 2

WAIRARAPA RACES.

(by our owx eepoeter.) Stewards—Messrs. H. Bccthani, J. O. Bidwell, W Lowes, H. McMaster, J. P. Kussell, and W. Smith. Judge—Mr. K. Barton. Starter—Mr. [H.. McMaster. FIRST DAY—FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11. The oldest chroniclers of public events in the Wairarapa have it that in the matter of weather a kind of fatality attaches to all out-door gatherings in the district, and during the week just concluded the weather maintained its distinctive characteristics with aggravating uniformity. The week was one of unusual importance, and of course the meteorological conditions were persistently perverse. On those days when there was nothing to be done the weather was delightful, and on those set down for the show and races it was correspondingly dismal. It was nearly the ruin of the show on Tuesday, but the rain on Thursday was altogether too much for the sporting populace of the inland towns, and the races had to be postponed. Time on that day hung heavily, although the interior of the hotels displayed enough of activity, of a sort to which many of the visitors were unaccustomed. The town was. deluged with rain, and the hotels were deluged with Maoris, who seemed to have mastered the profanities of civilisation with studied accuracy. They smoked, drank, and played poker with a sangfroid only comparable to the coolness with which they accepted the loss of considerable sums at tliis last mentiouod diversion. Such a scene could be looked upon for an hour or so to kill time, and then it became monotonous; but it still rained, and the only chance of securing variety was to go and see the Waiohine bubble and roar, just as the water comes down at Lodore. So the day passed away, and when Friday came still it rained, but the stewards had determined that the races must come off, rain or no rain, to prevent another week being broken into. Fortunately the sun was sufficiently powerful to break through the thin line of leaden clouds, and by twelve o'clock Greytown was all alive. Shops- were closed for the day; everybody was off to the races, and then the one long street which composes the town presented a sight which is, perhaps, to be seen nowhere else in the province. Station owners and station hands trooped in on horseback from all directions, and gaudily-dressed Maoris galloped' along the line of road in squadrons. But the number was not so remarkable as the quality of the horses ridden by these dusky equestrians. They evidently make it a point tosecure the finest horses in the country, and splendid animals they are. There is nothing like them to be seen "the other side of ths hill," bold as the assertion may appear. From all this may be gathered what appearance the course bore when these people had arrived at their destination. On the ground everything was in apple-pie order. The clerk of the course, in the orthodox huntsman's scarlet and spotless boot tops, was stationed in contiguity to the judge's box, the " krect card" was available at the customary figure, the Masterton band tickled the sensibilities of those at all inclined to be jovial the cattle pens were improvised as stabling, the inner ring opposite the grand-stand was laid off for parties in traps, and the course from the distance post was kept scrupulously free from errant dogs. The booth keepers were busily employed, and in their neighborhood the under-and-over tables, the lucky bag concerns, a peculiarly deceptive kind of croquet, and other devices for wheedling the innocent, were ranged. The grand stand is quite as comfortable though not so extensive as that on the Hutt course, and attached to it are a saddling-pad-dock and weighing-room. In front of the stand is " the lawn," set apart for the special benefit of the bookmakers, et hoc genus omne, who were present in considerable numbers. The arrangement of the accessories to the Tauherenikau course are perfect. That is saying a great deal in praise of the stewards of the Wairarapa Jockey Club, but it is not saying one word too much. The course itself is a little uneven and was very heavy after the continuous rain, but these were not its worst faults. It is only a mile round, rather too circumscribed a circle for fast racing, but this possibly cannot be avoided. There are, however, one or two angles in the running ground which ought to be done away with before any more racing takes place on the course. The bend at the straight run in is a very bad one and beyond doubt it created the occasion fo Nanakia to make his favorite " bolt," an opinion which was borne out by Formosa and Phoenix subsequently running off the course at the same spot. Apart from these faults the course is a very pretty one, the little piece of bush to the left of the stand, through which the horses and the colors of their riders were seen, having a very pleasing effect on the eye.

It cannot be stated to the blemish of the Wairarapa sportsmen that their meetings have ever been characterised by proceedings of a questionable nature. On the contrary, the district has hitherto been noted for the gameness of its horses, the honesty of their owners, and the perfect good faith that always existed between them and the public. Certain transactions, however, which took place on, the Tauherenikau course on Friday show that this very desirable state of things is in jeopardy of banishment by the system of winning by arrangement. One of the races run furfurnished an illustration of the vicious effects of this system. Three horses started for the Ladies' Purse—-Tommy Dodd, Phoenix, and Lady Grey. The first-named horse was known to be capable of beating the others with ease, and bets were made accordingly ; but to the blank dismay of many, Tommy Dodd lost twenty-five lengths before the first mile had been got over, while Lady Grey made a vain attempt to beat Phoenix. Then, when the grey fell back beaten, Tommy Dodd came with a rush and justified the general estimate of his pace by overhauling Phoanix hand over hand. Buttheeffortproved toolate : the pot boiled over. Of course the result created great dissatisfaction, and Tommy Dodd's rider came in for a good share of public opinion. But this was not the only objectionable proceeding of the day. The Jockey Club had framed a rule stipulating that three horses must start, or no race. Taking advantage of this rule, the owner of Phoenix went to the owners of Premier and Little Wonder, and representing to them that there were only three horses to go for the money, threatened to withdraw his horse unless they each gave him £lO to start. Upon the matter being reported to the stewards, the rule was rescinded instanter and this little move defeated. But there was still another matter which gave rise to some very unpleasant remarks. Tambourini was entered for all the principal events, and, as far as was known, he had met with no accident; yet he was stabled at the Hutt, and the opportunity which it was thought would have been afforded of comparing Little Wonder's powers with those of a iirst-elass horse was denied. Mr Greathead, the owner of Little Wonder, would no doubt have welcomed such a trial, as his spirited little horse, though he has beaten everything in the district for years past, has never run out of it. Tambourini, it was said, was kept away to improve the chances of a horse who was expected to carry everything before him. But again the pot boiled over, for nothing on the ground could get a show with Little Wonder, who cut his fields down just as he pleased. Despite these unpleasant features in the meeting, the races, as a whole, were far more interesting to the spectators than those of the recent meeting at the Hutt. The time in most of the events was not fast, but, what was more to the purpose, the races were, as a, rule, well contested. The Maiden Plate and the Produce Stakes, on the first day, and the Hack Hurdle Kace, the Kaupo-Turpin match, the District Plate, and the Consolation, on the second day, produced splendid races and close finishes. The match between Eaupo and Turpin and the Produce Stakes raised the excitement to an intense degree, and fully gratified the highest expectations of the public. Little Wonder, the pride of the district, was decidedly the hero of the meeting. He is a compact little horse, by no means remarkable for breed or appearance, but he is game to the backbone, and tough as whalebone. He was brought on to the course in capital condition, though the marks of firing on his fore legs showed that he is weak in the tendons. His owner, Mr. Greathead, is proud of his pet, and well ho may be, for he carried

everything before him without being once colled on to gallop. The Premier cut a very sorry figure when the two horses met, though it is only fair to Bay that he was not in the best of condition. Little Wonder, on the contrary, was as fit as a fiddle, excepting, of cours», the dicky condition of his legs, which are always a source of trouble to him. Mr. Greathead had evidently taken great pains to prepare him for the meeting, ami his success was well deserved, though no small share of the credit is due to Cotter, who has ridden the Wonder throughOut his very successful career. Mr. Gilligan scored his maiden win with Mary, whose performances at the Hntt during the previous week justified the prediction that she would be too good for the company she would have to meet. When the seven horses entered weighed out, however, it looked a very doubtful thing, for Warrior, a well-bred, powerful six-year-old, and Policy, a mare owned by Mr. J. O. Hayward, looked very likely animals. In addition to this, Princess Mary had injured the stifle joint in her near hind leg and walked a little lame. Mr. Gilligan doubted the filly's ability to go the distance, especially as the course was heavy, but she galloped even better than she did on tile Hutt course, and won in splendid form. It was a pity she was not entered for some of the other events, as she would undoubtedly have credited her owner with some of the prizes. However, she has satablißhed herself as a first-class hors?, though a little too finely brad, and she is sure to come to the fore next season—that is if Mr. Gilligan carries out his present intention to put her under careful training. Premier ran all wrong. The horse was evidently not fit, and his chances for other races were not improved by putting him into the three mile race on the first day. He could not have won itif he had been in the best of form, as the distance was fully a mile too far for him. In addition to that he was. badly ridden. , Young ' Winteringham sawed the horse throughout the | race, but that did not matter much, for he coidd not possibly beat the 'Wonder at the distance. He ran much better on the second day, but even in the Jockey Club Plate, two miles, he could not get on anything like even terms with the Wonder. Nanakia's wretched temper put him out of everything ; in fact his performances were so bad that the betting public would not look at him. In the Maiden he stood still at the starting-post, and when he did get into swing, he bolted off the course, though that was perhaps not so much the fault of the horse as the badly formed angle at the straight ran in, which also put Formosa and Phcenix out of two subsequent races. Nanakia, however, justified the bad opinion formed of him by coming to a complete standstill in the Consolation within six lengths of the winning post. He was leading Hatter by three lengths at the time, and could have won the i-ace easily, but he was evidently scared by the people on each side of the straight run in, which is very narrow. Coming all up the distance he swerved from side to side, and the sight of a dog, which bolted across the course at that important moment, caused him to jib and come to a standstill. It is needless to mention that he met with general execration, nobody being more annoyed than his owner, Mr. Stevens, who has great faith in the horse's powers. The most advisable course in future would be to run him in blinkers, as was done with Shillelagh, the Tasmanian champion of 1862. The running on the first day gave great satisfaction, and just as the events on the card were concluded the rain began to fall and the spectators quickly dispersed. The events were run off in the following orber : The Maiden Plate, of 3 Osova.; entrance 2sovs. One mile and a half, weight for age. Mr. S. Gilligan's r. f. Princes 3 Mary, 3 yrs., 7st. 61b. (Winteringham) 1 Mr. G. Drummond's b. g. Warrior, 6yrs., 9st. 91b. (Bovey) 2 Mr. J. O. Hayward's c. m. Policy, aged 9st. 91b. (J. Greathead) 3 Mr. J. Stevens's bl. c. Nanakia, 3yrs., 7st. 91b. (Potter) 0 Mr. E. S. Vermeil's br. c. Pretender, 4yrs., 9st. (Tucker) 0 Mr. F. Dillon's rn. g. Hatter, 6yrs., 9st. 91b. (Gay) 0 Mr. Williams's c. g. Ea, ayrs., 9st. 51b. (McCoy) 0

Betting : Even on Princess Mary, 3 to 2 against Warrior and Nanakia, the others not mentioned. Princess Mary walked a little lame from an injury to one of her stifle joints, •which raised the hopes of the backers of NaD akia and Warrior, both considered a 3 having a good chance. The first attempt at a start was a failure, and some delay wa3 caused by Warrior, who was very restive and went half a mile before he could be pulled up. At the second time of starting the lot got away pretty evenly excepting Nanakia, who was left at the post. When he was induced to move he put on a fine stride and seemed to overhaul the others, but at the " corner," an ugly bend at the straight, he bolted off the course and was never again in the race. In the meantime the others kept pretty well together, and passing the .stand the fh-3t time Princess Mary, Ba, and Policy were in a line abreast of each other, Warrior close at their heels. Going through" the bush Ba fell back beaten, and Warriof challenged. Policy, Princess Mary having drawn away a couple of lengths in advance. At the back of the course Warrior improved his position, but Prince 33 Mary shook him off again and led by five lengths at the corner, the same distance dividing Warrior and Policy. In these positions they raced all the way up the straight, no material alteration being observed when they passed the post. The time was given .at 2min. 55secs. The Wairarafa Stakes, of 75sovs., added to a sweepstake of Ssovs. Entrance, 2sovs., to go. to the fund. Three miles. Weight for age. Mr. R. Greathead's b. g. Little Wonder/ aged, 9st. 91b. (Cotter) 1 Mr. P. P. Tancred's c. c. Premier, 4yrs., 9st. (Winteringham) 2 Voltaire, Tambourini, and Phoenix were scratched. The betting was all in favor of Little Wonder, who was known to be good at the distance, and was brought to the post in capital condition. At the fall of the flag he went to the front, was never headed, and won in the commonest of canters, Cotter allowing Premier to get within a couple of lengths at the finish on sufferance. The little horse was greatly cheered on entering the saddling paddock. The time was slow, as the Wonder was never asked to gallop. Tub Pboducb Stakes, of 30sovs.,,added to a sweepstakes of 2sovs. For horses bred and trained in the district that have never started at time of entering. One mile and a quarter. Weight for age. Mr. G. Drummond's b. g. Warrior, Gyrs., 9st. 91b. (Bovey) 1 Mr. It. Greathead's b. f. Formosa, 4yrs., Bst. 111 b. (Cotter) 2 Mr. J. O. Hayward'B c. m. Policy, aged, 9Bt. 91b. (J. Greathead) 3

From Warrior's performance in the Maiden he was spotted as the favorite for this race, thou"h the betting men had little idea what a close"thing it would be. The trio got away on pretty level terms. Policy, having slightly tho best of it, was first round the corner, closely followed by Warrior. Formosa made a clean bolt across to the booths, but was quickly brought back and started in pursuit of the other two. Passing the stand Policy was a length in advance of Warrior, who was hard held. Formosa was roused up by Cotter, and had recovered bo much of her lost ground that she was within a length of Policy going through the bush, Warrior in tho meantime having gone to the front. Half a mile from home, Formosa crept up to the leader and a splendid set-to resulted, each leading alternately by half a length. Warrior turned the corner rather wide, which was taken advantage of by Cotter, and a magnificent race home ensued, whip and spur being very freely used by both jockeys. Warrior being the stronger horse recovered the lost ground, and led by half a length to within twenty yards of the post whore Cotter's skilful riding forged the mare's head on a Mvcl with Warrior's shoulder, but the latter managed to pass the post just half a head in advance of Formosa. Both horses and jockeys were loudly cheered. Policy was several lengths behind at the finish

Hack Race of lOeovs. Entrance, 10s. Catch weights. Once round ; heats. Mr. M. Band's Dick Turpiu ± £ Mr. Gilles's Bushman - - Mr. Greathead's Nutwith .... ••• « « Mr. Ray's Little Nell " " Mr. Beetham's Boots ... ••• . ••• » " Nutwith was backed at 2 to 1 to wm this event, but Dick Turpin, the winner of numerous hack races, and a great favorite m the d»tnct, won both heats without any difficulty, Bushman being a good second. The Ladies' Fukse, of 20 guineas. Entrance, 2sovs. Welter weights. Two miles. Gentlemen riders. Mr. J. Maddeu's b. m. Phcenix, oyrs., list. Mb. (Owner) •■■ ••• L Mr. E. Mclvor's b. g. Tommy Dodd, aged, 12st. lib. (Owner.) ... ••• •■■ - Mr. E. Meredith's g. m. Lady Grey, 4yrs., lOst. 91b. (Dillon) ... ■" - 3 Offers of 3 to 1 that Tommy Dodd would puU this race off went begging, so prevalent was the opinion that he would run away from the other two. A few long shots were taken j about Lady Grey and Phcenix, but the race was nevertheless regarded as a moral for the Dodd. At the fall of the flag, Phcenix went away with a slight lead, Lady Grey being m close attendance. The Dodd was not asked to trouble himself, and passing the stand the second time he was about twenty lengths behind the others, Lady Grey lying close upon Phcenix's quarters. Half-a-mile from home, Phcenix and Lady Grey began to race hard, but Lady Grey fell back beaten after a short trial of speed. The Dodd was then set going, and rapidly overhauled Phcenix, coming with a tremendous rush up the straight. The mare, however, had been trifled with too long, for although she exhibited no great pace when called on, she finished a length in advance of Tommy Dodd. This terminated the day's proceedings, and the rain which came on at the conclusion of the last race quickly cleared the course. SECOND DAY. The racing on the second day was if anything more successful than that of the first day. For the first time during the week the glass marked set fair. The weather was splendid, and remained so throughout the day, and as a matter of course the attendance was much greater than that of the previous day. There were fully 300 horsemen on the ground—a greater gathering of quadrupeds than had ever before been seen in the district. All available space in the upper portion of the grand-stand was occupied by ladies, and " the lawn" presented a scene quite as bustling as that observable at the "Metropolitan" meeting, large numbers of visitors having come over from Wellington on the previous day. As already remarked, the racing was excellent, the Raupo-Turpin match causing greater excitement than any event on the card. Unfortunately it led to no result, or rather it led to a very unpleasant, result, for although Raupo won the race by nearly a head, the judges declared the finish to be a dead heat, an error of judgment too palpable to be quietly accepted by the public and those interested in bets on the event. The stewards of the club did not officiate in the race at all. Mr. D. O'Brien, who backed Dick Turpin, and Mr. Greathead, who. backed Raupo, applied to the stewards for the use of the ground, the understanding, on the part of the stewards, being that their own officers should officiate. The backers of the horses, however, selected their own starter and judges, and the race was run while the stewards were at lunch, Mr. Tancred and another gentleman being the judges selected. Under these circumstances the stewards de-, clined to interfere when asked to do so, and refused to allow the iace to be run over again. General dissatisfaction was expressed, but the decision had to be accepted, nolens tolens, and bets were divided. Premier ran a much better horse than on the previous day, but still had no show against Little Wonder, who gave him 161bs. and an easy beating ia the Plate, a twomile race. The Hurdle Race was reduced to a walk-over for Tommy Dodd, through New Zealander stumbling at the first hurdle and throwing his rider. The races were run in the following order : Hurdle Race, of 25sovs.; entrance 2sovs. One mile and a half, six jump 3 over hurdles, 3ft. 9in. high, darkened. Heats. Mr. R. Mclvor's Tommy Dodd, aged, lOst. 111 b. (O'Brien) 1 Mr. J. Stevens's b.g. New Zealander, 4yrs., lOst. (Simson) 2

Comet was entered but did not come to the po3t The betting was itol on Tommy Dodd, who cleared the first hurdle in fine style and sailed away on hi 3 journey, arriving at the winning-post without any mishap. New Zealander got over the first hurdle, but came down badly on the other side, pitching Simson over his head. The fall gave Simson a shaking and cut his face, but he was not badly hurt. Tommy Dodd walked over for the second heat. Hack Hurdle Race, of 10 sovs. Entrance, 1 sov. Catch weights. One mile. Single event. Mr. Stafford's Don Juan (Henderson) 1 Mr. Master's Kangaroo ... (Maori) 2 Mr. Jone3's Rainbow ... ... ... 3 Mr. Stevens's Kangaroo ... ... ... 0 Mr. Stuart's Stop at Nothing 0 Mr. Gilles's Kiwi 0 Mr. Braggius's Tararua ... ... ... 0 Previous performances of Mr. Masters's Kangaroo made him a hot favorite for this event, and his appearance justified the confidence. The lot went away from the stait With a rush, but the pace was eased off a little as the first hurdle was approached, where Mr. Stevens's Kangaroo and Kiwi baulked. The remainder got over in fine style, with Don Juan and Kangaroo well to the front. By the time the second liurdle was reached the Don had increased his lead to two lengths, and taking the jump beautifully, it was seen that he would never be caught, bar accident. Mr. Master's Kangaroo, however, was not easily shaken off, and a splendid race home ensued, all the horses taking the jumps without a mistake. Coming up the straight Kangaroo picked up some of the ground, and at the last hurdle was pretty close to the Don's quarters, but the Maori was too much for him in weight and he hung at the jump, which allowed the Don to get away again, and ho won by two lengths, the others I being placed in the order named. Match, £2O a side ; weight for age. Mile and a half ; heats. Mr. 11. Greathead's Raupo, 9st. 91b. (J. Greathead) 1 Mr. Baird's Dick Turpin, 9st. 51b. (F. Gay) 2 The betting was slightly in favor of Kaupo, who has beaten Dick Turpin at previous meetings. Dick's powers, however, were confidently believed in by Mr. O'Brien, who backed him for the sum named, and the result shows that his judgment was not far wrong. At the fall of the flag the two horses jumped away, and for the first half mile they were so close together that from the stand they appeared as one horse. Just before reaching the stand Gay let the pony out, and he drew away half a length. Going through the bush, Raupo .vent up to Dick, who had the inside running all the way, and a magnificent race ensued. For a quarter of a mile the two again appeared as one horse, but at the back of the course opposite the stand Dick drew away again, and led Kaupo by a length. Greathead then called upon his horse, and Kaupo was again on Dick's quarters, though he got slightly the worst of it at the turn into the straight, being on the outside. Both jockeys then commenced flogging, every inch of the ground being determinedly contested, for Kaupo had the longest and strongest stride, and littlo by little he got his nose in front until he was nearly a head in advance, when the post was passed. The judge declared tho race to be a dead heat. The advantages were all in favor of Dick, who hold tho inside position throughout tho race, and was beautifully ridden by Gay. The race caused a great deal of excitement amongst tho spectators, who cheered loudly when the horses returned to the paddock.

Thk Jockey Club I'latu of lOOsovs. Entrance, ssovs.Distance 2 miles. Mr. R. Greathead's b.g. Littlo Wonder, aged, 9st. 91b ... ... (Cotter) 1 Mr. P. F. Tancred's c.c. Premier, 4yrs., 9st. (Potter) 2 Mr. J. Madderi's b.m. Phcenix, syrs, 9st. 51b. (Owner) 0

Tho betting was all in favor of Little Wonder. Phoenix was first away, with Littlo Wonder and Premier in close attendance in

the positions named. Going through the bush Premier got on a level with the Wonder, and both got so close to the mare that they were all in a cluster. Phcenix again drew away at a quarter of a mile, but at the fatal corner she bolted off the course and was never after in the race, although she went in pursuit of theother two. Passing the stand the Wonder went to the front and gradually increased his lead until coming into the straight, where he was four lengths m advance. The race was then virtually over, the Wonder being eased off so that the Premier was within a couple of lengths at the winning post. Time, 3min. 42sec. A Hack Rack of 10 so vs. was won by Mr. Gilles' Bushman, beating Raupo, Don Juan Mayflower, Kangaroo, audHeketoto. Raupo was not expected to win it after his severe struggle with Dick Turpin. The District Race, of 30sovs., added to a sweepstake of 3sovs. Entrance 2sovs., to go to the fuißl. For horses owned in the district for six mouths previous to entrance. Distance, one mile and a half. Weight for age. Mr. R. Greathead's b.g. Little Wonder, aged, aged, 9st. 91b (Cotter) 1 Mr. E. Meredith's g. m. Lady Grey, 4ys., Bst. 111 b (Dillon) 2 Mr. G. Drummond's b. g. Warrior, 6yrs., 9st. 91b

Premier, Pretender, Hatter, and Ba, were scratched. Little Wonder was first to get away, and led the other two by a length to the corner where he made a wide turn, which enabled the other two to get on level terms with him. All up the. straight and past the stand the three were in a line, Wonder on the outside. Going through the bush Cotter calltd upon the little horse, and he at once jumped to the front. From this point the race was not further in doubt, the Wonder finishing four lengths in front of Lady _ Grey, who was a length in advance of Warrior. Consolation Handicap, of 20sovs. For all horses that have not one a race during the meeting. One mile. Mr. F. Dillon'sr. g. Hatter, Oyrs. ... 1 Mr. J. Stevens's bl. c. Nanakia, 3yrs. ... 2 Mr. R. Greathead's b. f. Formosa, 4yrs ... 3 Premier, handicapped at 9st., was scratched. The three went away in a line upon the fall of the flag, Nanakia being very restless. _ Formosa, who was considered a certain winner, had the inside place, and made the most of it at the turn past the stand. In the bush Potter took Nanakia to the front, and led by a length, which he increased to three at the back of the course. The backers of Formosa looked very blue, particularly when the colt came round the corner all right with a commanding lead. Hatter passed the filly in the straight, but it was looked upon as Nanakia's race, until suddenly he became scared by the people and their shouting, and jibbed when within six lengths of the post. Hatter, coming with a rush, pulled the race out of the fire, and Nanakia then walked past the judges' box.

This race concluded a most successful meeting, which was carried out in a manner reflecting great credit upon the stewards.