SPORTING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10359, 14 May 1895, Page 6

SPORTING.

A RACING FIASCO.

There was something appproaching a scene at j the Auckland Trotting Club's meeting on ! Saturday. After the Maiden Trot Handicap I the public made a demonstration, ifc being j alleged that a ticket had been rung on the j winner at the conclusion of the race. The man in charge of the outside machine tried to allay the feelings of the excited crowd by telling them that it was impossible to put on an additional ticket without ringing the bell, but this would nofc satisfy them. Investigation proved that only four tickets had been sold—two inside and two outside. No account could be given as to how the fifth had been registered. Many persons present allege that they heard the bell j ring afc the conclusion of the race. The " tote " j proprietor, who was in charge of the inside machine, upon being mado acquainted with the j affair, examined tho sale boxes, and found that only two had been sold outside. He could get no explanation as to how the third ticket came to be registered. The complaint of the public ! was, however, justified by the fact thafc tbe i total amount on the machine, less the ordinary percentage, was divided between the four lucky investors, each of whom received £35 15s for 10s invested. The third race was the Maiden Pony Handicap, which brought out a: field of 13, and it also proved an eventful race, having to be twice run owing to a false start. It appears that some * kind-friend in the crowd %round the 'starter usurped the office of that gentleman, calling oat "Go," and needless to say. the field wenfc. An excellent race took place, Kit running home an easy winner by two lengths. Then back fco the postthey were ordered and again started. The next race proved most entertaining from a spectator's point of view, proving a perfect burlesque. It • was the Stewards' Handicap Trot, and was started right in front bf the stand, the handicap being by time. lo'gar (60sec) was the first horse sent away, and then The Judge, and the others in order. The scratch horses, however, moved away considerably before their time, with the result thafc the public exercised what th_y considered their privilege, and indulged^ in behaviour wbrchj ■ unfortunately, of-late is but. too common on our racecourses. It was plain that "someone had blundered," and the horses were ordered back. But this was no easy matter in a time handicap race, as the limit horse had gone three-quarters of a mile before the rider could be made acquainted v/ith the real,state of affairs. The second attempt was no better than the first, : the scratch horses again leaving the post before the time. The crowd jigain- gave vent to their, feelings, and made use*of as many unpleasant remarks as' they could think of, such an " What about your starting ?" '« What about M'Bride ? " The horses were ultimately ,got. together for the third time, and-it was then found that the starter had been'misled. He* had been given a list with the names oEhorses ; entered : ;With..the non-starters not eliminated, :with,the result that he had. been calling out ithe.Wdrd «'Go "and sending one horse away to another's/time. The riders by. this time were j getting tired of the burlesque and one, or two I threatened to return to the paddock if any ,more. trouble took place. After a long delay the horses were started for the third time. Six were sent off, the la.t one being Schoolgirl. The latter had . 2_ec start of Three Cheers and Katie M, but was -.* sent away . before her time, with the- result that the owner of one of the scratch horses rushed through the crowd and commenced to upbraid the -tarter for the mistake. Matters had now reached a climax, and "No start." was declared for the third time. The greatest'confusion followed. .The rider of Tngar had by this time gone another round and wapted to complete the distance. : Nofc being allowed to do this he .took his horse back to the paddock. As nearly an hour's delay had taken place, matters were assuming o..serious outlook for the club. ■ It was .suggested that this race should be held over and tne next, event oh the programme. gone on with, but after a time the /excitement lessened, and the horses were brought to the post for the fourth time, and a ,successful itarb afc last effected. : Ifc was well,nigh dark befora the last race was disposed of, and there was yefc the' Class Handicap to be run. The club at first theught of holding ifc on Wednesday, but afterwards it was decided to run-it off there and then, and not wait for the ttotalisator investments. ~ This was done. ■

: An Auckland telegram states/that Mr J. D. Copnolly, American Consul "and one of-. * the stewards,' has."'resigned.-'.from /.the..Auckland Trotting; Club. Couranto'.has been scratohed for all engagements at the North/New Zealand 'Grand^Natibnal meeting. ■•■■■■■ 7 The "communications from Christchurch conveying, the acceptance of Skirmisher, for the ;Birthday Handicap, and Rangiatea for/ the Tradesmen's Handicap were posted too late for the express-train, and came by the Flora, which arrived on Saturday morning. , Afc the request of a number of Wednesday half-holiday people, the Hunt Club will hold a by r run to-morrow afternoon at Sea View,/starting at 3:30. /'''-/' A '~-"-'";.