SPORTING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7222, 18 July 1884, Page 8

SPORTING.

WEIjTjTNOTON JOCKEY CLUB . STEEI’LEGHAMK MEETING,

President —W. IX. Levin, Esq., J.P, ; VicoPresident—Dr Newman, M.lf.K. ; Stewards —Messrs 0. W. Cutter., J. Paul, G. Fisher, XJ Blower, H. Redwood, 11. Butlor, E. StnfTord, P. F. Tanered, W. R. Waters, J, Maginnity, J, Ames, It. B. Wallace. lr-;a-,ursr_Mr H Keinber ; Hamlioapper—Mr J. 0. Mvctt ; Judge—Mr 0, W. Gotten ; Starter —Captain Horne, J.P. ; Timekeeper—Mr S. Kol.n ; Clerk of Scales—Mr E. W. Jeiferd ; Clerk of Course—Mr T. Smith. Up till Thursday night tho wealho—rrnlor of tho destinies of sportsmen—promised all that wan fair and bright ; but toward.) Friday, and gigiiilicautiy tjwards Saturday, a very marked change eventuated, and the holding on Saturday of the first steeplechase meeting in Wellington became very doubtful. “If the weather is outrageously wet,” it wan announced, “ the meeting will not take place.” Unfortunately, however, on Saturday morn-eg the weather, though scarcely outrageously wet, was anything but reasonably fine, and the’stewards found themselves ca'led upon to consider whether or not they would hold the races. A visible break iu the weather took place at about halt-past ton, and it was the refore decided to go on with the meeting. 1 or many reasons this decision was a commendable one. Supposing tho weather had even b' en worse than it was, a postponement would have meant a little expense to owners, and a gi at deal to those people who came in from the country to sto the races. Nor would the diliiculty have ended here. It is by no means probable that the weather to day (Monday) will bo better, if it is as good, as that of Saturday, and thus a further postponement would have been inevitable. This, however, by the way. Having decided to defy Jupiter Pluvius, the pou era that be at once went into the work of making the meeting an enjoyable one. Seeing that the first race was billed for 12.15 (which means, in sporting phraseology, that it will come oil at about 1.15) crowds of people began a general exodus in the direction of Island Bay about and trumears laden with all sorts anil condition of holiday makers ; cabs, more aristocratic, and brakes, pressed tor tins nonce into tho service, threaded their way along the road to the course. Of the course itself we need say but Jittlv. Everybody who lives in the city knows Island Bay, its bold scenery, and, above all, its suitability either for a race meeting or any other large gathering. But Island Bay at ordinary times—magnificent and quiet—is very different to tho Island Bay of a race meeting, with Its booths and stands, and crowds of people. Perhaps in tho latter instance it loses something, hut, at any rate, that loss was not visible on Saturday. Tho visitors, too wore not so evil disposed as those of ’their sort usually are, for, whereas by long experience one comes to look upon a race meeting as an institution, where a certain class of people go with the sole purpose, kept religiously in view, of having a “ spree ” when there is very little danger of being “ run in ” in consequence, that of Saturday was noticeable for its temperance—a temperance suggestive of poor business for tho drinking booth. A good deal of betting was done, and sweeps, despite the presence of a posse of police, were curried on to a very great extent. Two totalizators were on tho ground, tho one inside the saddling paddock doing very good business. The number oi people on tho ground was not by any means so large ns might have loon expected, but this was probably due to the bad weather and the Wellington-Wuirurapa football match at Newtown. Still, tho attendance was anything but poor. As fur as the olHcera of the club are concerned, we may remark that everything, as a whole, was en regie—in all departments, cloiks of scales and course, secretary, judge, and all others evidently doing their very Owing to the non-arrival of the judge, Mr Colton, tho first race was not started till considerahly after tho stipulated time. However, finally a commencement was made with the Maiden Steeplechase, for which there were six starters—Surrey, King Arthur, and Ngatitoa being scratched. For this event Early Bird and °ilmue Rule were served up warm. Doubtless, li.nl Early Bird not _ fallen, we should have seen either him or Home Knlo at the front, but unfortunately ho did fall, and there was an end of it. Parnell, from whom great things wore expected, disgusted his friends by baulking in this and the big event, at the.first hurdle after passing the stand, and declining moat unmiatakeably to have anything to do with it. After a good stiff race, Eaily Bird having mot his quiclui at Parnell’s unlucky hurdle, the wiuuer turned up iu the little thought of Jumbo—literally the dark horse of the race. At least, iu the opiniuu of many people standing near the judge's box, Mr Simpson’s horse had an advantage of a clear head. However, tho backers of Jumbo had to be content, on the verdict of the judge, with a divided dividend. Jumbo, it must be said, ran a good horse, both in this race and afterwards in the big event. The Hack Steeplechase brought out three starters, Egmont, Sir William, and ’Beauty Bright. The latter camo to grief very quickly, and from from the way he made tho pace it looked like a moral for Egmont, a sturdy-lookiug animal, who fenced magnificently. Sir William, however, showed a rare good turn of foot, and although he lost quite 200yds by having to return in consequence of a mistake iu the course, would doubtless have run very forward had ho not come down a cropper at the last jump. The next event was the W.J.G Steeplechase, for which there wore eight starters, Clarence and King Arthur beino scratched. In connection with tho scratching of Mr Pilbrow’s horse, it may be said that there is something very questionable about .if. It is ascribed to a cut in the leg received at Napier, but it oanuot bo denied that hud it been made known that a horse who was largely taken in trebles and doubles was Buffeting from a hurl, much illfeeling towards Mr Pilbrow would have been saved. Altogether the subject is a nauseous one, and the least said oboot it, perhaps, the bettor. Among those left in the race, nothing looked better than Early Bird and Coacher, the latter of whom, presumably on his Napier running—was a firm favorite. Whether he would have been able to win from Early Bird, to whom he was conceding 2st Blbs, or not, it is of course impossible to aay, fur at the hurdle over which so many fell’ Coacher met with such severe injuries as to necessitate his destruction. However, Early Bird, beautifully ridden by Allan Herd, was never collared afterwards, and won as be liked. That game and sound little horse Wide-awake would certainly have had a big say in the race had he not been so unfortunate as to fall. As it was he came in second, Jumbo third, Home Xlule being evidently pumped. Black Doctor was evidently far and away beneath the compony, for he never at any time saw the leaders. Surrey, too, was scarcely up to the mark, although he ran very forward in tho Selling Steeplechase, and fenced in a good high style. For the flat race a fine field started, Coacher, of coarse, being scratched. In this race Jester carried 141 b overweight. Pilgrimage (Jack) easily disposed of the remainder, Glaiks, the Wniratapa candidate, running like a rare good one. The winner was ridden by Webster. For the last event, the Selling Steeplechase, Ngatitoa, Surrey, After Dark, and Blackbird started, Jumbo and Wideawko being scratched. Tho winner turned up iu Blackbird, who showed good form, both in jumping and racing. This concluded the day’s sport. Altogether, the maidcu Steeplechase Meeting of Wellington may be pronounced an unqualified success. The racing was good, and the arrangements so thorough that thueventaweregotoff withoutthe slightest undue bustle or confusion. We trust that this meeting will bo the forerunner of others of a similar nature, for there can be but little doubt that they will be successful to a great extent. Following are the various <jveuta Maiden S.EEW.EOIUSE, of 50 sovs ; 2 miles ; weight for age. For ail horses that never woiTan advertised steeplechase. Mr C. T. Simpson’s hr g Jumbo, 6yrs, 12st (LyDrd) % Mr P. F. Tancted’s b g Homo Rule, syrs list 121 b ... ... (Hedge) t Mr A. Gower’s blk g Blackbird, aged, 12st 31b , 3 Parnell (12st 31b), Early Bird (12st 31b), and Wideawake (12st 31b) also started, Ngatitoa, Surrey and King Arthur being the non-starters. A very good start was effected, Parnell at once assuming a slight lead. Wideawake coquetted at the first fence, and thus gave the remainder a deal of advantage. At the fence crossing into tho straight. Early Bird went to the front, but passiug the stand the first time. Homo Rule had the lead, Early Bud being second. Crossing the ditch at tho end of the straight, Parnell came to the trout, and led to the next hurdle, where he remained, his rider being unable to get him to rise at it. At this hurdle, too, Early Bird fell, and thus there were only four horses left in the race. Jumbo and Horae Hole were leading by several lengths. Blackbird and Wideawake, however, going well. Over the hill the same order was preserved, all tho jumps being safely taken, bat at the water jump Wideawake refused, and Jumbo assumed a strong lead. Coming over the last jump, Heme Rule overtook Jumbo, ana the pair

raced heme. Although Mr Simpson’s gelding seemed to be a good head in front, the judge gave it a dead heat, Blackbird being two or three lengths away. The totalisator dividend was—Jumho, X” Ills ; Home Rule, XI 13s. The owners agreed to divide the stakes. Hack Steew-kchase, of 20 sovs. Two miles. Open to all horse) that have never run in an advertised hurdle race or steeplechase. Minimum weight, 9st 71h. Mr Prosser’s Egmont ... ... I Mr Smith’s Sir William ... ... ... 2

Beauty Bright also started. Egmont got away with the lead, Beauty Bright coming to grief at tho first jump. Sir William followed Egmont closely, and on coming into view from bc-hind the hill, had a clear lead. It appeared, however, that his jockey had made a mistake iu tho course, and he had to go back some distance aud right himself. This lost him about 200 yards, but he showed a good turn of foot, and, clearing all the jumps in fine style, rapidly overhauled Egmont. The latter, however, though going very quietly between the jumps, kept on his way, clearing everything bjautifudy. At the last jump Sir William, then within n few yards of Egmont, foil, and tho grey won a-, he liked. Sir William's jockey, though evidently shaken by the fall, re-mounted, and brought his horse in second. The totaiisator paid a dividend of X2 ss. Wellinoton Jockey Club Steeplechase, a

handicap of 125 sovs. About three miles. Second horse 20 sovs out of the stakes. Mr W. McConkey’s br h Early Bird, aged, lOst filbs (A. Herd) 1 Mr Williamson's ch g Wide-awake, 10»t (Edgecombe) 2 Mr Simpson's Jumbo, fiyrs, lOst (Gravcstock) 3

Coaeber (list), Black Doctor (lOst 101 b), Parnell (10.)t 10lb), Surrey (lOst 101 b), and Home Rule (lOst 71b), also started, Clarence and King Arthur being scratched. For this—tho big event—Coacher was made a hot favorite, Early Bird being also served up warm. Hume Rule bad his circle of friends, and Jumbo (though not so well supported as he might have been under different circumstances) was backed a good deal, despite the distance and the company. After several false starts, Captain Hnmo got the lot away in a cluster. Home Rule and Early Bird being the first to show in front. At the hurdle in front of the hotel Parnell again baulked, nud refused persistently to make tho slightest attempt to clear it. All the others, however, got safely over it, Black Doctor thus early in the day beginning to tail off. Kmergiog from behind tho hill Coacher was still in tho lead, Early Bird being in close attendance. At the hurdle past the water jump Earl} Bird baulked, but Herd brought him to it again beautifully, and, clearing it this time, ho came up rapidly, and, passing the stand the second time, the order was—Coacher, Early Bird, Homo Rule, Jumbo, and Wide-awako, Black Doctor being a very decided last. At the fence where Parnell had stuck, Coacher came to grief, nud fell over on the other side, witli Menu's legs under bis body. The other horses having got away, a number of people went to the jockey’s rescue, and be was speedily liberated. Coacher, however, lay perfectly still, and it was believed that be bad broken bis hack. (Late in tho afternoon be was able to stand up and walk,or rather stagger to the hotel, where ho had to be destroyed.) Meanwhile Early Bird, Homo Rule, Jumbo, Wideawake, and Black Doctor had negotiated the jump behind the hill, and as they came into view again Early Bird was still in the load, Wideawake having overhauled and passed Home Rule. Shortly after the water jump, however, Wideawake fell, and thus lost any chance of catching up. Home Rule, in the meantime, was banging out the flag of distress, and his stable companion, Jumbo, name to the relief. Wide-awake, having recovered his fooling, soon passed the latter, and appeared to be coming up rapidly. At the last jump but one Early Bird came down, but Herd, for the second time, picked him np wonderfully, and vaulting on to his back again, brought him over the last jump, aud lauded him a winner a length or two ahead of Wideawake, Jumbo and Homo Rule being very close together. The totalisator dirideud on Early Bird was £7 10s. Time, Bmin 45seo. The Sessions Handicap, a Handicap Race of 60 sovs ; one mile.

Mr H. D. Bradley’s b g Pilgrimage (lato Jack), 4yrs, 9st 31b .. (Webster) 1 Mr T. H, Hill’s ch g Glaiks, 4yrs, 7st Clb (H. Hill) 2 Mr W. McConkey's ch g Hero, aged, Bst (Herd) 3 Coacher was scratched. Gabble (8 it 61b), The Field (7st), Shamrock (6st 121 b), Little Scrub (6st 71b), Woodstock (6st), Jester (Cat), and Potaka (6st), also started. Pilgrimage was a hot favorite for this the only flat race of the meeting. After a number of false starts, the field got away well together, Glaiks appearing to be in the van. When about onethird of the distance had been traversed, Pilgrimage came away aud won by a couple of lengths from Glaiks, Hero being a good third. Totalisator dividend, £3 13s. The time declared by the timekeeper was Imin 38&»ec. This record, however, partakes a little of the phenomenal, and was duo to the fact that iu consequence of the many false starts the starting bell, from which Mr Kohn took bis cue, was not rung till the horses had covered a deal of ground. Selling Steeplechase, of 30sovs. Weight for age. Distance about two miles and a half. The winner to be sold for 40 sots, any surplus to go to the funds of the club. Mr A. Gower s blk g Blackbird, aged, 12et 31b (Owner) 1 Mr T, H. Hill’s ch g Surrey (late Mountain Deer), 12st 31b ... (Hedge) 2 The other starters were Ngatitoa and After Dark, Jumbo and Wideawake being scratched. Blackbird went away with the lead, closely followed by Ngatitoa and After Dark, Surrey evidently laying back. At the unlucky hurdle in front of the hotel After Dark baulked, the re. maiuder getting over it and away. After Dark, however, managed to clear the hurdle, aud gave chase ; but he had lost so much that on coming from behind the hill bo was far in the rear. On the flat the chestnut began to creep up, and, overhauling Blackbird, passed the stand a length or two in front. Very much the same order was preserved the second time round, Ngatitoa gradually coming up. About a mile from home, however, Blackbird was let out, and a fine race ensued between him and Surrey, Mr Gower landing his horse a winner by about three lengths. ' Totalisator dividend, £1 19s. The winner was put up to auction, and bought in at £4l. Black Doctor was also put up, and bought jin at £3O.