OAMARU STEEPLECHASE MEETING.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 155, 19 October 1876, Page 2

OAMARU STEEPLECHASE MEETING.

[Per Carrier Pigeon Express.]

Stewards: Messrs. A. Paterson, W. Swanson, W. H. Ronayne, James Paterson, J. Dooley, and G. Greenfield. Judge : W. J. Steward, Esq. Starter: T. Shalders, Esq. Clerk of Course : J. Wheatley, Esq. Clerk of Scales : G. R. Taylor, Esq. Handicappers: The Stewards.

If there be any truth in the old saying, " Hope deferred maketh the heart sick," the stewards, booth-keepers, and others holding vested rights in the success of the Meeting, must have felt particularly uncomfortable at about half-past nine this morning, when Jupiter Pluvius appeared to have obtained the whip-hand, and we were promised a repetition of last Friday's experience. It would appear somewhat of a coincidence that, for many days prior to last Friday—the day on which the Meeting should have taken place—the weather had been superb; and that, during the past five days, it was also such that even the veriest Englishman would have a qualm of conscience to claim the national privilege, and indulge in a growl. But affairs wore a different aspect this morning, and if faces were to be taken as a barometer, things looked squally indeed. We overheard one horsey-looking gentleman, who had evidently pinned his faith to the Negro Instrument, assert that he believed the Clerk of the Weather had been "got at" with a view of making the ground a terror to Banjo. Whether there was any truth in the charge, we are unable to say; but, however, if he really had taken the "tip," he must have turned the tables, and "sold" his "buyer," for, about eleven o'clock, Old Sol was seen struggling hard to pierce an inky-looking cloud beneath which his smile 3 were hidden, arid before the train left the station, en route for the Course, he had obtained a complete mastery. A large number availed themselves of the conveyance placed at their disposal by the Railway Department at a most reasonable figure ; others betaking themselves to the Meeting on horseback and in traps ; while not a few patronised Snanks's Mare. The attendance was much more numerous than had been expected, and at one time there could not have been less than 400 on the Course. The booths appeared to do a tolerable business, and, as usual, there were present representatives of the " Wheel of Fortune," "Field Pool," and ot'ier orthodox race-sports. ; The first event on the card was the

11 MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE, Of 35 soys. ; for all horses that have never won a steeplechase (matches and hackraces excepted) ; about 2 miles, over 15 jumps, and across such country as the Stewards may appoint. Weight for age ; entrance, £2 25., with a sweep of £2 2s. each, to go to the second horse. Mr. A. Thomson's b m Forest Queen, 5 yrs, list. 81b 1 Mr. Frazer's b g Larrikin (late Canary) 5 yrs, list. 81b 2 Mr. Paterson's b g Te Kooti, 5 yrs, list. 81b 3 Mr. Frazer's b g Mutineer, 6 yrs, 12st. 31b 0 Swaggerer Peter... were scratched. Good" start. Larrikin*took the lead, with Forest Queen close behind. Both cleared the first water jump, but all the rest fell. Larrikin, howfever,'~came to grief at the second jump, and the Queen had it all her : own way, winning easily, Larrikin comingjpast the post second, with Te Kooti a long way behind. The match between Te Kooti and Forest Queen was decided by thin race. Her Majesty, therefore, scoring a victory. The next event—the Cup—was of course that of the day, for which 4 put in appearance. Banjo was, however, so much in* request that but few would waste a thought on any of the other competitors. OAMAKTJ HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE CUP Of 75 sovs (a handicap). About 3 miles, over such jump 3 and across such country as the Stewards may appoint. Nomina-tions,-£2 2s. ; acceptances, £1 Is., with a sweep of £3 3a. each, to go the second horse. Mr. A. Thomson's bm Forest Queen, 5 yrs, lOst 1 Mr. Fraser's ch g Banjo, aged, 12st. 71b. ... ..? 2 Mr. Frasor's b g Larrikin, 5 yrs, lOst. 71b ... 0 Mr. McKay's (sen;) cfr g Swaggerer, aged, list . ;. 0 There were no defaulters, but all came to grief at the water leap save Forest Queen. Ban jo was ridden- by G. M'Kay, but was no where, the Queen winning easily. ""