SPORTING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7342, 5 December 1884, Page 8

SPORTING.

THE W.J.O. SPRING MEETING AT ISLAND BAY. President, W. H. Levin, Esq., J.P. ; vioeresident, Dr Newman, M.H.K. ; stewards, MeaoraC. W. Gotten, J. Paul, G. Fisher, M.H.11., B Blower. H. ilidtood, H. E. Wallace, H. Butler, E, Stafford, P. l'\ Tancred, W. E. Waters, J. Maginnity, Charles Hill ; treasurer, Mr H. Kember ; judge, Mr O'. W, Cutten ; starter, Captain Hume, J.P. ; clerk of scales, Mr E. W. Jefferd ; timekeeper, Mr S. Kohu ; e'erk of course, Mr T. Smith; handicapper, Mr J.O. Evett, secretary, Mr E, H. Gold-mith,

Yeetei day morning week broke fine and clear, a light breeze just strong enough to militate agaii 8t !he burning power of the sun prevailing; and, * s we predicted, favorable weather granted, the meeting at Island Bay proved in every sense of the word an unqualified success. The day having been proclaimed a public holiday by the Mayor, the places of business in the city were cl< sed, and Welling-, ton, as befitting the occasion, wore a holiday appear nee. Front an early hour in the morning vehicles of ail sorts and conditions were to be seen en route top Inland Bay, laden with crowds of people ; while the tramcars, of which a large extra number had been laid on, were crammed to an extent which almost suggested snffication. As the morning wore on the vehicles became still more heavily laden, while shoals of pedestrians lined the road to the coarse. Strange to say, the outward traffic did not cease till late in the afternoon, and loads of living freight were deposited at the gates of the Island Bay Estate till up to four o’clock One of the most noticeable features of the drive out was the clock-like regulation of the management. Upon entering the estate every person was compelled to produce a ticket of admission, thus obviaMng a “ crush *' at the gates of the course proper. On arrlvtl at the course, the tir*t thing that strikes the eye of the visitor is the wonderful improvement which has been made since the sbf.eplechai-emeetiug was held a few months ago. At that time, it wi 1 be remembered, the whole affair was necessarily in a somewhat crude and unfinished state. The course—that U for flat racing - was of such a nature as t > render it extremely difficult to obtain anything like a good view of whj.t was going on. Too booths were nearly all opposite the judge’s box, and were erected on the banks of creek beds, which were little short of gullies. Inside of the course, too, there were a seri- s of gullies and bogs. This, however, has all b.-en done away with iu such a manner as to suggest something in the way of a transformation scene ; and both as regards utility and beauty little has been left by the management to be desired. Looking at the view from the town end, we see au arena which is greatly improved by the buildings and accessories erected to the order of the management by Mr Haughton, of Wellington. To the left and right the two parallel Hoes of the course stretch out towards the rugged island in the distance, irom which the bay takes its name, brought to almost a circle by two sudden but wellrounded turns. On the right of the valley aro the booths, the grand stand, judges’ box, saddling paddock, &c.— the whole, with the mountains overhanging, forming as pretty a picture as would be witnessed anywhere in the colony. The appearance of the locality on race day, as may be imagined, was greatly improved by the presence of a very large number of people, the bright dresses of the fair sex giving a finish to the scene. All over the hills might bo seen little knots of people and families, who varied the view of the racing by picniciog, while others, more adventurous and inquiring, explored the neighborhood, or paddled their own canoes iu the open sea. Of the grand stand it may be said that if the object of its erection were to provide 'accommodation for the ladies it was not more than competent for its mission, for the more venturesome of the sterner sex who approached the building observed that it was positively packed, affording such an extensive display of all shades and manufacture of costumes as to amply reward inspection. The lawn in front is beautifully turfed and trimmed, and the adjacent sad-dling-paddock is largo and very well arranged indeed. At the rear of the stand advantage has been taken of the precipitous bonk to cut in a series of zig-zag walks, whence an excel lent view of the racing may be obtained. The latter however, is available all over the neighborhood, in consequence of the sloping banks which surround the course. All the arrangements have been carried out in a manner which reflects great credit, not only upon the indefatigable and able secretary, Mr Gold smith, but also upon the whole of the persons who have had to do with the management. The earnestness and enterprise of the Jockey Club in the matter was amply exemplified by the admirable manner in which its members worked to make the meeting the great success it undoubtedly was—a success from every point of view, as well in the merit of the racing as the regulation of accessory machinery. The meeting, it might be added, drew one of the largest concourses of people ever Been in Wellington, over 5000 people paying for admission. This, wj take it, is u sufficient guarantee of the future of the Jockey Club, and there is every indication that the people of Wellington, as well as of the district generally, are perfectly willing to support and maintain race meetings which commend themselves in essentials. It is perhaps hardly necessary, in refutation of the many damaging statements made about the ciurso, to point to the rcc >rd of accidents, no casualties having occurred except iu hurdle races. The sport commenced shortly after 1 o’clock. And here it may bo well to remark en passant thst there a alight diversion from punctuality which, although appaipntly indispensable to a race meeting, was happily obviated at the steeplechase meeting held by the same club a few months ago. For the first event, the Flying Stake*, niua starters appeared, Mata and Fairy Queen having been scratched. As was generally expected, the victory fell to Ugly Buck, who ran such a fast mile iu the Canterbury Derby, That he is scarcely up to a longer distance was shown by his running later on in the big handicap (a mile and a half), when, although be ran a gime horse, be was unable to get near Black Rose at the fi Lb. The Consul, who was giving Mr Pilbrow’s colt ten pound*, ran a good horse, and had he not stumbled once r r twice (at the turn of the course, by the way, where there is rather a rough spot), the result might hare been altered, The Hurdle Race brought out ten starters,.whose identification was a matter of some difficulty, in consequence of an indiscriminate mixture of‘‘colors ”.ncontravtntion of the “ correct card.” The winner turned up in that sturdy little animal Wideawake, who was beautifully ridden by Edge- : cumbe at the Steeplechase meeting at Island Bay, Wideawake, it will be remembered; caine very near wresting the big event from Early Bird, falling at a moat critical period of the race. There was very little in the hurdle race yesterdaybeaidea the firzt three—Wideawake, BarbVry, and Liability—although Royalty, who threw his rider at the first hurdle and finished the race riderless, taking hia hurdles in the grandest style, was much fancied ; Barbary and Royalty were almost equal favorites in the betting. The Hack Hurdle Race was a aeries of falls, for out of seven or eight starters three came into the straight to fight the battle out (that is, exceptiog Mignonette, who, although riderless, stuck to the game and finished first amid great applause). As the candidates for the big event, the W.J.C. Handicap, weighed outreach was surrounded by a select circle of admirers, and betting at this time was brisker than at any other. 1 “Fifty-to twenty-five Black Rose ” was shouted all v over the paddock, ■ after 30 to £ had been taken fr'eely, though | whether or not the fifcojrfcer price was extensively laid is another matter, Black Rose was undoubtedly the best admired, and perhaps Administrator had the next greatest circle of admirers. In the betting Ugly Buck was supported to a considerable extent, principally, no doubt, because Dorrett had toe mount; but there were not wanting many who pointed at Leonora as likely to do great things, despite her very recent sea voyage. The race itself needs little description, Derrett bad it all bia own way with Ugly Buck until the Derby hero was called upon at the entrance to the straight, and then there wauacom parative lull as Sutherland brought the son of Anteros in the easiest of winners. Leonora rhu in grandly home, weighted with 9st 31b. One of the remarkable features of the race was the conduct of The Administrator, who went like a demon for a little way and then as suddenly collapsed. He has anything a swpet tjemper, J)Ut probably his worst enemies would gpafcely ajcc.use Jjlm of being a shirker. Refrigerator was eparcejy so bad as Administrator, but he would have been very near the end of the race bad the horse ta&en to bis work kindly. The popularity of the colors once so potent on the New Zealand turf may be judged by the cheers which greeted the wiu of Black Rose. The Hack Race whiim foljoyred wag won by Minna, who showed a rare turn of Toot, pop the Inland Bay Handicap, Leonora, Bayard. Majnbpom, Witiora, and Dynamite cried content, leaving Mato. Speculation, The Consul, Aimourer, and Fiitangjltapgl jo, Jhls race was remarkable for the fact that pnora money WAfl jpyeated on the totalizator in conception with it than on any other race, Mata apd Speculation being the favorites. A series of false starts proved a blessing for the totatisator people, for as the Worses 'time after time were called bock by Captain Hume 30 or people were battling for admission into the narrow passage In front of the machine, At this lime twenties were put op in one or twp places. The result of the pace wap & comfortable wjn for Speculation, Qopssl ogam running a good second.

The Tramway Plate—a sort of consolation—which was won by Wittora, brought a very good day’* racing to a conclusion. Some admirable ftua'c was ztippJhd by the bind under the leadership of Mr G. Gray. The selections from popular operas nerved to enliven the rather long intervals between the races, and were greatly appreciated by the ladies. Two totalizators wera on the ground, and were worked, with a slight exception in the Tramway P.ate, to the utmost ratLfaction. It should be mentioned that the starting was not altogether good, several bad “ get aways " being due to mistaken, though well-meant, efforts to have good starts. Following are the details of ihe various events : Fltixq Stakes Handicap, of 60 aovs ; | mile. Mr J. Pilbrow’s Ugly Buck, 3yra, Bst (Derrett) 1 Mr P. F. Taucred’s b h Consul, 4yrs, B>t 10lb (Clifford) 2 M.rF, Hill’s blk rn Speculation (late II»p« poJamla) flyrs. 8?t Hlb ... (Sutherland) 3 Mata (Bit 1 lib) and Fairy Queen (6st) were scratched. Ugly Buck started a warm favorite. From a rather mixed up start Malaboom got away first, sevtrul others following on his heels in a cluster, and Lady Albany being lefc at the post. Witiora was a’so a victim to a bad start, and was thus put out of the running. Coming to the first turn Ugly Buck came up, and pa-sed Mainbomn, who was almost immediately pass'd by The Consul. The Consul and Ugly Buck were now fairly at it, and almost on even terras, th« former losing con* siderably by stumbling on account of the treacherous nature nf the footing in one spot. Coming into the straight Ugly Buck was still In the van, and, -together with Mr Tancred'a horse, bad drawn away from the rpek, who in turn were led by Speculation. A. inagni* ficeut race en->U“d, Derrett landing Ugly Buck a winner by a neck on Ihe post, The Consul being second, and Speculation third. The latter came like a shut at the finish, but was too late. Totalisator—inside, 295 —l24i —dividend, £2 2s. Offidal time, Imio. 20J:*t;ca. Huudle Pace, of 75 sova., second horse 10 Suva, from the stakes ; 2 milts, over 8 flights of hurdles, maximum height 3ft 6iu, Mr O’Brien’s ch g Wideawake, lOafc (bMgecombe) 1 Mr J, Pilbrow’a b g Barbary, ag*-d, Hat (T. Lyford) 2 Mr H. Alexander’s ch g Liab lity, aged lOst 51b ... ... (Alexander) 3

Fur this event all the horses colored on the card started, and some very pretty fencing was expected. They went away to a good start, Jumbo and Royalty leading. The latter and Jim, however, came down at the first jump, displacing their jockeys. At the next hurdle the Druid cried peoc avi aud looked like caving in, but bo was brought up to his work well aud managed to clear the fence, although he was, of course, practically out of the running. Coming past the stand the first time round. Wideawake was in the lead with Barbary H-coud a length or two away, and Home Rule tailing off behind. Half way round the second time Barbary began to go up, and appeared to be rapidly overhauling Wideawake. Liability at this time came into thiid place. Amidst considerable excitement Barbary and Wideawake took the last jump on entering the straight together, and raced up almost neck and neck. The game little chestnut, however, bad too much foot for Mr Pilbrow’s horse, aud although Lyford laid the whip on strongly, he had to play second fiddle to Wideawake, who won by about half a length with a little in hand. Royalty, apparently by instinct, kept on hU course after he had unseated his jockey, and finished fourth, doing the jumps splendidly. Time, 4min Totalisator —inside dividend, £3 16* ; outside, £6 9s. Hack Htjbdlb Race of 15 sova ; miles. Minimum weight, 9*t. This proved rather a remarkable event. There were seven entries—Mignonette, Uncle Tom, Egmout, Lyric, Lottery, Maori Pah, Dan O’Connell, Of these *even, by the time the race was over, only four competing animals were left (one of them riderless) a consequence of frequent misfortunes in taking the jumps. The fir*t three were—Lottery, 1 ; Lyric, 2 ; Egmont, 3, The riderless horse took the jumps magnificently, but be shirked the last, aud bolting up the straight, led the field home. The inside totalisator paid a dividend of £lO 12s, and the outside machine £9 19s. Wellington Jockey Club Handicap, of 200 sovs; eeot.d horse. 25 sovs from the stake l *. miles. Mr H. Redwood’s b c Black Rose, 3yrs, 7s 101 b... ~ (Sutherland) 1 Captain Russell’s cb m Leonora, syrs, 9<t 3lb ... (Clifford) 2 Mr J. Pilbrow’s b c Ugly Buck, Byrs, 7st 121 b ... ... ...(Derrett) 3 Laurel (7st 81b), and" Mata (9st 31b), were scratched. Betting at-the past, 2to X Black Ro-ie.

'The start of this race was one of the very best of the day, the only horse upon whose account the slightest objection might be made being the Administrator, who stood at the post £->r about a second after the others had started. Ugly Buck at onoe went away with the lead, going strong and with a long swinging stride, which, augured well for hi* wtaying abilities, Black Rose being well on his quarters. Passing the stand for the first time, Black . Rose appeared to be easing off a little, Derrett with the inside i mining, still having the lead. The Administrator now began to tail off, the others going along in a beautiful cluster. About a quarter of a mile round Normauby went up with a dash and challenged Ugly Buck. The effort was a spasmodic one, and the yellow and black dropped back again almost immediately. Three-parts of the way round Sutherland, who had been apparently laying back for a bruffi, brought Black Rose up like a shot, and on entering the straight was on level terms with Derrett, In coming home Black Rose drew away uteadily, and although Derrett did all be could to eventuate a finish, the Canterbury Derby winner was landed first by two or three lengths, with any amount in hand. The others came in this order—Leonora, Bayard, Normanby, Refrigerator, Administrator, Time, 2min 45*ec, The win of Mr Redwood’s colt was a very popular one, and three cheers were given for the owner upon the jockey weighing iu, Totalisator dividend —inside, £7 4s (£2 tickets) ; outside, £3 11s. Hack Rage of 15 sova; 1 mile; minimum weight Bst 71b. This was a very hollow affair. Mr F. Johnston’s Minna literally spread-eagled a field of fire or six, winning by about fifty yards in a canter. Island Bat Handicap of 80 -mva; 1 mile, Mr F. Hill’s blk m Speculation (late Hippodamia), 6yrs, Bst 41b (Sutherland) 1 Mi P, F, Tancred’s b h The Consul, 4yrs, Bst 41b (Clifford) 2 Mr J, Pilbow’s b g Mato, agod, Bst 71b (Derrett) 8

Leonara (9at 51b), Bayard (Bzt 21b), Ugly Buck (7st 131 b), Mainboom (7at 91b), Witiora (7*t 81b), and Dynamite (6at) were scratched, the remaining starters, besides the placed ones were therefore Armourer, 7st 6lb, and Putangitangi, 6at. Of a bad start Putangitangi got all the ben<fit, being literMiy anchored for a few seconds “at the post,” Derrett at once took Mata to the front, and made the pace pretty warin, Speculation being in close attendance, with Consul next; then Putangitaui and Armourer well iu the background, the little chestnut mare pasdng him as soon as the race was well under weigh. Half-way round, The Consul went up, but was unable to catch Mata and Speculation. The three approached the straight in a cluster, but as they came round the home turn Sutherland made a call, and the black mare, answering gamely, came to the front like a shot, and passed the old horse. Consul also came with a rush, and wrested the second place from Mata. The son of The Premier was unable, however, to get level won with tolerable case by half a length. Official time, Imin 43sec, Totalisator dividend—imile, £3 6s ; outside, £4 16a. Tbaway Platis, of 40 sovs; for Ml beaten horses. Three-quarters ef a mile, Mr O’Brien’s g g Witiora, 6 yrs, 7at IQib 1 Mr D, Campion’s eh m Laurel, 6 yrs, Safe 71b 2 Mr J. C, Eugen's ch g Dynamite .„ ... 3 The weights for this event were declared by Mr Evett as follows Normanby, Bs# 101 b ; Laurel, gat 71b ; Witiora, 7at 12lb ; Barbary, 7*t ; Dynamite and Lady Albany, each 6at. Normanby did not accept, the others all starting. Lady Albany pushed away with the lead, and made the running at a terrific pace till the straight was reached, when she died away completely. A good race home ensued between Witiora and Laurel, the former winning by about a length, with Dyuamite third.

THE RACING CLUB’S MEETING. First Day—Friday. Patron, Hia Excellency Sir W. F, D. Jervoia, 1C.0.M.G., C. 8.; president, Sir William FUz herbert, fe.C.M.'G,, Speaker o£ the Legislative Council; pr Piypr and Mr J. S. M. Thompson ; judge, Mr J. S, M, Thompson ; treasurer, Mr J. McDowell; stewards, Messrs J, D, Baird, C.E, 0. T. H, S, Fitzherbert, F. Franklyn, H. M. Lyon, Ale*. Smith, J. ' Sauudsrs ; startpr, Mp A. capper, Mr J. O. Kvett; dark of scales, Mr John Wilkins ; timekeeper, MrS. Kohn; ?)PF}? Of William lorns. I£ gloriopp weather may he ag a great boon, Wellington sportsmen and visitors to the races have very Utile cause for complaint, for during the last two days nothing was left to be desired in this direction. Thursday’s meeting of the Jockey Club was favored by beautiful weather, and yesterday 'the Racing Club had a still better day* The ; meeting opened yesterday at tfao Halt was certainly a great success, the only drawback:

feeing the comparatively small attendance, for throughout' tn« Jay there was never at any time a larger number than 1200 people on the ground. Drepite thi-', however, betting was much fre-T thm at Island Bay, and some idea of the mou-.y which chicge l hands may be gathered from the circumstance that cljsc upon £3OOO passed through the one totalizator on the ground. The officer* of th'z club worked well and ably to make the meeting a success, Mr Young’s starting being a feature of the day. Mr F, J, France, the sc-cretary, curled out his onerous duties in au indefatigable manner, and the decisions of Mr J. S. M. Thompson were never questioned. The racing was uuuauilly good, a series of close and ex* citing finishes keeping the interest well worked up. Leonora was scratched for all engagements. In the Free Handicap, for which Speculation (better known as Hippodamia) wa? a warm favorite at 2 to 1, a warm outsider turned up in Fa-ba, a nice looking colt by The Mute—Rose d’ Amour. He is the property of Mr J. C. Vallauce, and, although a lump of a colt, is compactly built, and as nice a looking threeyear old as would be seen on the proverbial day’s pedestrian exercise. He was, at any rate, good enough to lead the field a merry dance until reaching the straight, where he swerved, and appeared to be out of aur a for the rest of the distance, and had to hi almost held in during the Jazt few yards to keep him from running to one side. Had he taken kindly to his work he would, to all appearances, have placed a win instead of a dead heat to the credit of his owner, Mr J. O. Vallance Witiora, who seems to be very much off color, was never in this race. As a result of the dead heat the totalizator backers of Speculation paid four shillings for the privilege of sup porting their opinions, sixteen shillings being the dividend. The Flying Stakes brought out another tough customer from the W&irarapa iu The Slave, who pushed The Consul hard for the first place. The Maiden Hurdle Race proved a great surprise, the winner turning up iu Speculation (late Ngatitoa). a heavy grey, who jumped like a bird Royalty, who was made a pretty warm favorite, jibbed at the first hurdle, and Jumbo, who was also well sup* ported, refused the second jump, and was iu his turn put out of the running. Speculation having thus got a lead of about 200 yards, went on steadily, and-won as he liked, Jim coining in second. Herd, who rode Jumbo, had a narrow escape half way round the second time, being thrown on to the horse's neck. For a moment it appeared ns though he were about to come to grief, but hy a won* derlully smart piece of horsemanship Herd recovered his seat. The Hutt Park Spring Handicap, for which Leonora and Refrigerator vveie scratched, proved almost a moral for Ugly Buck, who won hands down after lend* ing nearly all the way. X’he Grand Stand Handicap, the last event of the day, brought out, Minerva, Normanby, Consul, and Pasha, Mr Tancred’s representative being fancied in tho betting. The event, however, turned out another easy win for Derrett, who brought Minerva up with a rush at the finish and won comfortably from Pasha, who again ran a game horse* Some excitement was created over the Hack Race, for which a magnificent looking lot of animals came out. The a inner turned up in l)au O Connor, a big chestnut, Potaka running second, A protest was entered against Dan, however, and while the stewards were diseasing it the interest in the affair was intense ; for of 515 investors in the totalisator only 27 were on the winner, so that something very handsome in the way of a dividend loomed in tho immediate future. Eventually the stewards decided in favor of the second boize, Potaka, upon whom a good dividend was paid. Following is a description of the several events Fbeb Handicap, of 30 bovs ; 1 mile and a distance. Mr J. C. Vallance’s b c Pasha, 3yrs, 7st 61b (H. Hill) t Mr F. Hill’s blk ra Speculation (late Hipdamia), Bst 21b ... (Sutherland) + Mr M, O’Brien's gg Witiora, 6yrs, 7*t 81b (Bdgecumbe) 3 Consul (Bst 101 b) was scratched. Betting at the post—4 to 1 Witiora and Speculation. From a very good start, Speculation and Witiora went away with the lead, Pasha a length away. The Wairarapa colt went up almost immediately, however, and took the lead, with Speculation close behind. Crossing the road, Pasha was still in the van, and Speculation last, whipping. As they came into tho straight Hill pulled Pasha almost to a standstill, and Speculation came up rapidly. The race now lay between the latter two, and they came up the straight neck and neck, a . magnificent finish resulting in a dead beat, with Witiora a length and a half away. Time, 2miu Sfzec, Totalisator—4so ; 253 on Speculation, 127 on Pasha ; dividend : Speculation, 16s ; Pasha, £1 lie. The owners agreed to divide the stakes. Flying Stakes Handicap, of 40 bovs ; f mile, Mr P. F. Tancred’s b b Consul, 4yrs, Bzt 10lb ... (Clifford) 1 Mr T. H. Hill’s b g The Slave, 6yrs f B*fe 4lb (H. Hill) 2 Mr H, Horseford’a c m Minerva, syrs Set 121 b ... .. ... (Londoodelly) 3 Speculation (Bst lllb), Ugly Buck (7stl2lb), Withra (7at 81b), and Dynamite (6st), were scratched. The starters were—Minerva (Sat 121 b), Consul (Sat 101 b), The Slave (Bst 41b), and Laurel (7st 81b). Mr Young got the field away to a splendid start, Consul getting the lead and the rest close behind him, Laurel slightly in the rear. Across the road the whole were running neck and neck, but as they neared the straight Minerva drew away. Round the home turn Consul came away followed by The Slave. A desperate race up the straight endued, Consul eventually winning by a neck from The Slave, Minerva a good third. Time, Imiu 21aec. Totalizator, 477—202, dividend £2 2b, Maiden Hobdlb Race, of 40sovs ; weight for age ; about 2 miles. Mr J. Prosser’s Speculation (late Ngatitoa), aged, 12st Sib (Prosser, jun.) 1 Mr F. B. Gentry's Jim, aged, 12$t 31b ... 2 Mr O, T. Simpson’s Jumbo, aged, 12at Sib 3 Also started—Royalty (12zt 3lb). Home Rule (12at 31b) was scratched. Jumbo got away first, but was immediately collared and passed by Royalty and Speculation. Royalty, however, refused the first hurdle, and had to be brought back, thus losing all chance of see* ing the finish. At the second hurdle Jumbo swerved, and Speculation was left with a clear lead of two or three hundred yards, Jim being a good fifty lengths behind Jumbo. This order was maintained until coming into the straight the second time, when Jim went up and passed Jumbo, who was beaten in bis exertions in attempting to overhaul Speculation. Speculation thus came in the easiest of winners by about fifty lengths, Jumbo being a bad third. Time, 4miu 30sec. Totalisator, 470 ; 80 on the winner ; dividend, £5 15s. Hutt Park Spring Handicap of 150 bovs ; second horse, 25 bovs from the stakes; If miles. Mr J, Pilbrow’s b c Ugly Buck, 3yrs, 7st 91b ... ... ... ... (Derrett) 1

Mr D. Campion's blk h Armorer, syrs, 7st 3 b (Laing) 2

Mr J.Paul’s b h Bayard, syrs, 7-t 11 lb (McCormick) 3 Also started —The Poet (Sat 71b) and First Water (6A 91b.) Leonara aud Kefrigerator were scratched. The betting at the post was highly in favor of The Poet and Bayard at 2 to X, Ugly Back jumped away with the lead, with First Water close on his hindquarters, Then came The Poet, Bayard, and Armourer, the latter losing considerably in the start. They came across the road and toward.-, the turn in very much the tame order, Armourer having slightly improved his position. Pass ing the stand, Derrett was slid well in front with First Water well up, Bayaid third, and The Poet and Armourer bringing up the rear together. Going round the top turn, Bayard went up and The Poet fell back, Mr lari’s horse was unable, however, to get on level terms with the two leaders, although First Water began to subside considerably. Laiug made a call half-way round, and Armorer, responding bravely, went up and passed Bayard, who by this time had got ahead of Mr Tuncred’s little mare. The Poet at this time was hanging out distress signals, dropping back into a very decided rear, As they turned to come into home. Ugly Buck led, Armorer and Bayard being neck and neck close behind him, while First Water dropped back. A fine race ensued, Armourer's and Bayard’s jockeys being hard at it; but they were unable to catch the winnerof the Flyingat Island Bay,and Derrett, sitting down to his work, brought Ugly Buck in a winner by a length without patting the whip on. Armourer and Bayard raced bard for second place, the former getting a lead in front. The Poet, who seemed to wake at the eleveuth hour, came home with a rush, First Water being last. Time, 3min XSaec. Totalieator, 390—122 on the winner—dividend (£2 shares), £5 15a. Hack Kaoe of 10 sovs ; catch weights ; 1 mile. , There were nine starters for this event, the winner turning up in Dan O'Connell, with Potaka second. A protest was entered against Dan O’Couneil, on the ground that he had won previous races. This was sustained by the stewards, and a dividend of £§ Is was paid out on Potaka, Gband Stand Handicap of 60 sovs j second horse 10 sovs from the stakes ; 1J miles. Mr B, Hereford's ch m Minerva, syrs, Bst llllb ... (Derrett) 1 Ms J. 0. Vallanoe’s h c Pi»aha, Syr*, 7 at 121 b ... (H. Hill) 2 Mr M. O’Brien's b g Normanby, fiyrs, Sat gib, ~, ~, (Edgecombe) 3 Also [Sat (71b), Speculation (Sat 61b), Ugly Buck (8=1), and Laurel (7»t 111 b) were soratohed. A grand start was effected, The Consul and Normanby rushing away with tbo lead, At the top turn Pasha came with a rush and took first place from Normanby, Consul third, anl Minerva lying back, bringing up the rear. As they came

into the straight, Pasha was still well ahead and looking all over a winner, but Derrett brought Minerva out like a shot, and dashing to the front as though the others were Handing still, won as he liked by a length, Pasha he ug second, and Normauby a good third. Totalizator, 375—64 on the winner, dividend £4 19s.

Second Day. The second clay’d racing at the Hutt was not ao well atteudtd aa Friday's sport was, but the racing was again exciting, and, the weather being excellent, the day was a most enjoyable one. An improvement wa? the presence of two totalisatora which worked as on?, a large sum passing through them in the course of the day. Betting was a little freer than on the previous day. The day’s sport commenced with the Railway Stakes Handicap, which ended rather surprisingly, Minerva, winner of the Grand Stand Handicap on the first day, winning pretty easily. The Hurdle Handicap finished another surprise, Liability coming in alone. Wideawake was the favorite for this event, and would doubtless have been well in at the finish had he not fallen at the back of the course the seco.id time round. For the M-iden Plate there were two starters —Ugly Buck and Dynamite—betting being something like a guinea to a gooseberry on the former, who justified the popular opinion by winning hands down. For the St Andrew’s Handicap, the big event of the day, there was a fine field of seven starters, Minerva being a substantial favorite, The mare, however was never really in it, and The Administrator won with tolerable ease in 2min 43sec. This is very good lime indeed, seeing that the fastest record we have ia the colony for a mile and a ball Lonly three seconds faster (Mis* chief, carrying Bst 9ib), and Mr Taucred may be congratulated on the success of the roan sou of The Premier, who, by the bye, has a half share in the fastest record in New Zta* land for two miles (he having run in a dead beat with Radaraea, at Auckland, some lime ago, at 3min The Local Handicap brought out seven starters, that game little gelding Fotaka winning with a little in baud from Dynamite. The Consolation Handicap was another surprise, Armourer winning easily. Following are details of the several events : Railway Stakes Handicap of 40 sovs ; | of a mile.

Mr H. Horsford’s ch m Minerva, s>rs, 9st 21b ... ... ... (Clifford) 1 Mr J. O. Valiancy’s b c Pasha, 3yrs, B>t (H. Hill) 2 Mr J. Pilbrow’s b c Ugly Buck, 3yrs, Bst 101 b .. (Derrett) 3

Wiliora (7st 51b) and Laurel (7at 21h) also started, Speculation (fiat 71b) being scratched. Mr Young got the field away to an excellent start, Pasha, Ugly Puck, and Minerva being in the van. As they crossed the road Ugly Buck and Pasha were leading by a clear length, neek-and-neck, and they came round the home turn in this order. In the straight, however, Clifford called upon Minerva, who responded by passing the two leaders, and winning, after a grand race with Pasha, by about a length, Ugly Buck a respectable third. Time, Imin 20Jsec. Totalisator dividend, £3 Hs.

HuiiDLß Handicap of 60 sovs ; second horse 10 hovh ; about miles, Mr 11, Alexander's ch g Liability, aged, 10st ... ... ... (Alexander) 1 Mr F. Harrison's br g The Druid, 5yM, lOst (Herd) 2 Mr M. O’Brien's ch g Wideawake, Hat (Edgecmribe) 3

These were the only starters, the non* acceptor being Royalty, 10st 71b. Wideawake was slightly fancied in the betting. An ex* cellent start was effected, Liability and The Druid getting away with the lead. Going round the top torn Wiwleawake went up and assumed first place with The Druid second and Liability third. Edgecombe continued to increase bis lead, the little gelding going freely and well. As they came into the straight Wideawake still led, his jockey putting the pace on as they rounded the top turn the second time. At the hurdle half way round, however, the leader came a cropper, and The Druid and Liability went away together. The former kept a good lead till the last hurdle, where he ran i ff. leaving Alexander to bring Liability in the easiest of winners. Five minutes afterwards Edgecumbe remounted Wideawake and was coming home for second nlace, when Herd brought The Druid up, and entering the straight a few lengths in front of the chestnut, kept his lead and came in second by two lengths. Totalisator dividend, £2 19s. Time, 4miu 30aec. Maiden Plate, of 4 eovs, weight for age. Mr J. Pilbrow’s b c Ugly Buck, 3yrs, 7st 121 b ... (Derrett) 1 Mr J. E. Eugen’s ch g Dynamite, 6yrs, 95t... ... ... ... (Herd) 2

Mainboom (7st 71b) was scratched. The race needs little description. Ugly Buck started a warm favorite, and for the Hist quarter of a mile, the pair raced together. (Joining to the r.iad, Ugly Buck drew away, and, although Dynamite made desperate attempts to catch him, won hard held by a length. Tofcaliaator, 80 ; 69 on the winner ; dividend, £1 3s. St. Andrew's Handicap, of lOOsovs; second horse, 10 sovs from tke stakes ; 1£ miles. Mr P, F. Tancred'a r h Administrator, syrt, Bst 101 b ... ... (Clifford) 1 Mr F. Hill’s blk m Speculation (late Hipodamiti), Gyrs, o*t fllb ... (Smith) 2 Mr D. Campion's blk h Armourer. syrs, 7<t (Hickey) 3

Also started—Minerva (Sat 61b), Bayard (7-t 111 b), Refrigerator (7-it 41b), Witora (6at I01b) The Poet (Bst 4!b) and Ugly Bunk (Sat 91b) were scratched. Minerva started a good favorite, Speculation being also well supported. At the start Bayard and The Administrator went to the front and led past the stand with Armourer and Witiora together next, Refrigerator and Minerva bringing up the rear. Armourer and the roan were steadied as they went round the top turn, and Witiora shot to the front, picking up a long lead, which at half way round she had increased to twenty lengths, The Administrator being then second, Bayard third, and Armourer next. At this juncture Minerva and Refrigerator began to tail off, Speculation beginning to pick up. At the road the ruck were close on Witiora’s hindquarters, the little grey having evidently bad enough. Nearing the home turn Administrator, Armourer, Bayard, and Speculation had passed Witiora in a cluster, Speculation and Armourer leading, Half way up the straight Administrator came like a shot from a guu, and passing the two leaders won tolerably easy by a length. Speculation being second, and Armourer third. Then came Bayard, Minerva, Refrigerator, and Witiora in the order given. Time, 2mia 43sec. Totalisator—--760—137 on the winner; dividend, £6 6s. The win was a highly popular one, cheers being given for the winner when the jockey weighed in. Local Handicap, of, 25 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 3 sovs ; second horse to receive 10 sovs from the stakes. One mile. Mr F. G. Parke’s b g Potaka, aged, 7st 41b 1 Mr J. 0, Eugen’s oh g Dynamite, 6yrs,

Set 21b 2 Mr A. Stevens' g g Uncle Tom, aged, 10st 3 Also ran—Sir William (7st 7ib), Speculation (late Ngafcitoa) (7at), Fairy Queen (6st 12lb), and Daring Tommy (Cat 71b). Potaka got away with the lead, with Speculation in immediate attendance, and Sir William last. Fairy Queen went up at the back of the course, but died away again ; and Dynamite coming out from the ruck and challenging Potaka, it became evident that the race lay between these two, Uncle Tom coming next abont four lengths away. In the straight the same order was maintained, and Potaka won by half a length, hands down j Dynamite, whipping hard, being second, and Uncle Tom an indifferent third. The remainder came in in this order—Speculation, Sir William, Fairy Queen, Daring Tommy. Totalisator—64B ; 257 on the winner. Dividend—£2 Sa. Hack Face, of 10 sovs. For this event there were seven entries— Minna, Daring Tommy, Germaine, Stella, Giriri, Blue Ribbon, and Woodstock, Minna being a good favorite. The winner, after a good race, turned up in Germaine, who won by several lengths, with Giriri second, and Woodstock third. The totalisator paid a dividend of £2 7s on Germsine. Consolation Handicap, of 30 sovs ; 1 mile and a distance. Mr D. Campion’s blk h Armourer, syrs, 7st 41b 1 Mr T. H. Hill’s h g The Slave, 6yrs, 7st 71b 2 Mr P. F. Tancred’s ch m First Water, 6at 71b 3 Also started, The Poet (Bst 101 b), Normanby (8sl). This was one of the surprises of (he day. From an excellent start they went away together, Normanby making the pace. Half way round, however, he collapsed, and dropped back to the others. They came to the home turn in a cluster, and looked like making a close finish of it, The Slave having having a slight lead, but coming up the straight Armourer came away, and passing The Slave, won by half a length comfortably. Totalisator dividend, £l2 4s.