THE OTAGO JOCKEY CLUB RACES.

Otago Witness, Issue 641, 12 March 1864, Page 11

THE OTAGO JOCKEY CLUB RACES.

Thursday was the first day of the Jockey Club Annual Races, and they can fairly be pronounced a most decided success. The weather was, as is too frequently the case at such reasons, most unfavorable in the early part of the day, squalls of rain and sleet saluting the travellers to the trysting place. The course, too, is most inconveniently distant, and it is a matter of surprise that the sportsmen of Dunedin should have rested content with a racecourse eight miles distant. In addition to having to traverse a distance of eight miles, the road is most abominable, and it is to be hoped that an effort will be made to find or form a course nearer to town. By retaining the present one hundreds are debarred from going, and the funda suffer in consequence, for if the ground was within a reasonable distance the extra trade would enable publicans to give more for the booths, the gate purchasers more for their privileges. The example of the cricket club might be followed with advantage, and what nature denies art could accomplish. The expense of forming a course might be great, but a year or two would repay it over and over again. The road yesterday was not. nearly so bad as might have been expected, the strong winds drying it fast. In spite of the discouraging aspect of the weather a large number of persons attended, and the number of quadrupeds that put in an appearance was marvellous. Vehicles, too, of all descriptions were present in force, and the livery stables were pretty well emptied. Two coaches started from Cobb and Co.'s. and a great many cabs filled up with passengers at 10a each way. The course is situated at Silver Stream, eight miles on the Taieri road. It is on au extensive and fertile plain, dotted with farms, and if only about five or six miles nearer to Dunedin would bo everything that cou'd be desired. It is oval in -shape, and as near as passible a mile in circumference. It is perfectly level, and a gooi view of the horses can be obtained during the whole of the races. The rain that fell during the last two days had done great good, and the ground was in very good running condition. Mr S. Jones had the Grand Stand, and the manner in which the luncheon room was decorated was most creditable to his taste. At the commencement of proceedings several large national flags were hoisted in front of the Stand, bnt it was found that tbey obstructed the view, and were therefore hauled down. Mr Osgood had the adjoining bar, or rather three bars— for the booth was divided into three large bars— with a luncheon room at the back. It is only justice to both Mr Jones and Mr Osgood to say that their catering was all that could be desired. Whilst every accommodation was provided for the bipeds the quadrupeds did not fare nearly as well ; and it is surprising that a bush stable, with at least a roof constructed of branches, or something of the sort, could not have been made. The wind wns blowing bitterly cold, and every now and then a fleet or rain storm occurred ; but no shelter whatever was provided for horses. All that they got was a little hay, whilst tied up outside the saddling paddock, and for this the very moderates charge of five shillings was made. It is a matter that might with advantage be attended to by the stewards or other authorities. The first race on the card was the Hurdle Race, and the hurdles were fixed ready for action early in the morning. They were very light and very partially fixed up, so partially in fact that very slight concussion must have knocked them down. Half- past twelve o'clock was the appointed hour, and at that time the bell rang for saddling. As was expected, the whole number of entries showed, and one of the best races ever seen resulted. Birthday, on coming out, looked stiff and anything but like a winner, and some imprudent persons peppered him to their cost, but not to such a degree as would have been the case had his friends been more numerous. His going, however, showed that the old horse was still *' all there/ and his owner was warmly congratulated on his success. As we remarked inyesterday's ifsue, "if he had recovered anything of his old form, he would yet be a caution to his enemies/ 1 and at the same time, we exSressed a belief ia the probability of one of the espised outsiders carrying off the race. Doctor is a fine horse, rather light below the knee, but he made a good race of it, and gave them some trouble to beat him. Falcon looked as fine as a star, and fit to run fora man's life. He was made an immense pet of, and was backed freely against the field. He failed to justify the confidence of his backers, but it is alleged that he lo9t the raw through jostling. There must be a reason for everything, but there is every ground for considering that the best horse won. Tommy ia a neat little horse, but was scarcely of stamp enough for the company in which he found himseif. Squire is a big and rather coarse horse, but is a reputed safe fencer. Will o' the wisp is a latby looking horse, but has to all appearance won all the races he ever will do. The betting in this, as in fact on every other race, was nominal, the only feature being the strong support that Falcon received, anything like odds being snapped up in a moment. Apropos of this subject, would it not be well in future to make arrangements by which betting men could be brought .together, and something like reliable quotations obtained 1 We omitted to state that in this race Tommy carried 13 lbs and Birthday 4 lbs overweight.

The next race was the Maiden Plate, and for this, as for the Hurdle fiace, all the entries came to the post Gallopade was greatly fancied, and the fact of her having so experienced a pilot as young Harry Yeend contributed to the confidence of her admirers. She is a splendid mare, and her stable assert that the race was a certainty had it not been for her unfortunate break down. She has been tender in the near stiflesome time, but by some means she ricked it when called on its this race, and her racing career is certainly closed now. Bob Roy looked and galloped well, far better in fact than the public gave him credit for prior to the race, but bis chances were nil notwithstanding. Separation looked stiff and uncomfortable before going out, but he went as corky as bis greatest friends could wish when out, and though defeated he was by no means disgraced. Nourmahal is the model of a mare, and the way in which she won her race shows that better things are in store for her. She is now absolutely fat, and could afford to waste, materially to her advantage. No doubt her owner ia well aware of the fact and will act as his judgment prompts, in her future management. Fleur de Lis is a nice mare, but, aa was expected, tired before the finish, and she must choose inferior company to Nourmahal before she can expect to achieve success. The betting in this as in the previous race

was all on one side, Nourmahal alone being 1 seriously backed. At the same time it U a matter of regret that Gallopade came to grief, for the two mares would otherwise have had a struggle of a most interesting character. We omitt r d to Btate that a protest was entered against Gallopade on the crround that she had previously won races and was not a maiden mare, but her accident renders further investigation useless The Publicans' Handicap brought out six starters, Prattler being the only absentee. Rambler, with his Ballarat honors thick upon him, was made a tolerable favorite, but old Gaffer Grey was by no means allowed to remain in the back ground. Rambler was in excellent fettle, and Gaffer looked as juvenile as if he were coming out for a Maiden Plate. J. Monaghan rode Gaffer Grey, and his chance v\ as thought to be one of the best. As will be seen, the old horse narrowly missed landing the sbako, and had it not been fop Goodman's whip it is very probable he would have done so. Antonelli was ns fit as he could be made, but he either would not, or could not pace his field, and he added another to his already long liafc of defeats. At the same time it is only fair to remark that he carried 91bs overweieh't, an amount that i« no joke in even a mile and a quarter. Stella wns in good order, and, though inclined to be flighty when first on the r oursc, took to her work kindly atterward?. She was outpaced, however, and could not manage to bring her backers out in the style of her stable companion Nourmahal. Loddon is own brother to Flying Buck, but has hitherto distinguished himself by being beaten excepting in a few hack races. Sam Connell has, however, made sometnincr of him, judging by the manner in which he won this race, for not only did he show foot but he stood rather severe punishment most gamely. It is to be hoped (hat after making 8"> great an amendment on jthe pasf, he will continue to improve. Port Chalmers Pet is a clever looking little mare, but she was not good enough, and had to succumb.

The Shorts produced the three entries as starters. Maxwell was much favnred, but our prediction that the distance was too short for him was verified to the letter, foi he had only just be^un to race when the winning post was reached. Whether he will do any better in the Town Plate remains to be seen. Prattler was in a lather when stripped, and it seems from this performance hardly possible that he will ever pay his way. Young Alma, as he is rather facetiously termed, inasmuch as he is a very ancient youngster, was as game as ever, and but for his bandaged fore leas might have been taken for a three- year-old. He woa his race with ease, and was as upright at the close as at the commencement.

The Hack Race was won by Native Cat, and we regret to say that young Goodman, who won the race with Loddon, was seriously injured in it. He was riding Bquirrel, when by some mean" the saddle slipped back, the horse qommeuced buckiue. The saddle finally turned round and threw Goodman off, the horse treading on him the same time. He was immediately taken up. and recovered sufficiently to walk to the staal with assistance. It is certain, however, that ba will sewcely be able to ride again this Meeting, even if he has suffered no material injury. In connection with Goodman, we omitted to state that a protest was entered by the owner ot Gaffer Grey after the Publican's Handicap, against L^dion, on the ground that Goodman struck the Gaffer two or three timea with his whip on the nose. The blows were admitted, but it was shown that they were accidsntal, and the protest was disallowed.

The duties of Starter were well discharged by Mr Maclean, and Mr F. D. Hamilton pxoved a most efficient Clerk of the Course. The Stewards too, were assiduous in their vocation, and all passed off most pleasantly. The following are the def ails of the running: - The Hurdle Rack, of 80 soys : 2 miles; weiaht for age ; 51b allowed to maidens. Entrance, 5 soys. Mr Teschmaker's b g Birthday, nped. lOst lib— carrying 4lbs over ... (R. Coleroan) 1 Mr Abbott's gg Doctor, aged, lOst lib

(Dickens) 2 MrD. Corsan's bg Falcon, aged, lOst lib

(Connell) 3 Mr Saxton'a b g Squire, aged, 10*t lib

(Mart'r^ 4 Mr Hope's g g Will o' tho Wisp, aged, (Owneri 5 Mr C. J. Hoyt's bk g Tommy, aged ...(West) 6 Bettina: even on Falcon against the field. At starting Squire led, closely waited on by Falcon, . and the first hurdle was got over- safely by the lot. Falcon and Squire raced for the lead over the next two obstacles— Tommy in attendance. On coming round the first time, a tolerable tail was found at the back of the course, but tbe horse 3 got on better terms again before passing the stand. The whole jumped well, and no contretemps occurred. Doctor now crept up, and Birthday, who had been ridden very patiently, also improved his position, end b'gan to close with the leaders. At the back of the course Doctor got the lead, and the horses were in a cluster, not a mistake in fencing having been mnde during the journey. Doctor held the lead till coming into the straight, when Birthday challenged, and a good race with Birthday, Doctor, Bqui'e, and Falcon ended in the former winning by about half a length, Doctor second, the other two close together; Tommy and Will o' the Wisp very little behind them. This was as good a race as peed be seen. At its conclusion, on coming into the weighing yßrd, a fracas took place between two of the riders, I which wa< however promptly put a stop to. Time, 5 mm. 2 sec.

The next race was the Maiden Plate, of 100 soys; lj miles; weight for age. Entrance, 7 soys. Mr Noble's b m Nourmahal, 4 yrs,{ 9st 61bs (Kay) 1 Mr Hope's b g Separation, aged, IQst lib (Martin) 2 Mr Wentworth's b m Fleur de Lis, 3 yrs, 7st 6!bs 3 Mr C. J. Hoyt's c g Bob Koy, aged, lOat lib

(G. Smith) 0 Mr J. Milner's ns c m Gallopade, aged, lOst lib (H. Yeend, jun.) 0 Nourmahal was backed freely at 2 to 1, and in , some instances, even against the field ; 3 to 1 was taken about Fleur de lis. and the same about Gallopade. Fleur de Lis rushed off with a slight lead, but Bob Boy soon dispossessed her, and the lot came in a cluster round the turn into the straight running. Gal'opade now came up, but before passing the Stand was entirely amiss, and after doing so, kept going on three legs. It was at Swt supposed by some that she had struck lier lsg unly, but it proved that she had slipped her stifle joint, and she was stopped. The other

four went on together, but on rounding the last turn Nonrmahal sailed through her hordes, nnd, despite a gallant effort on the part of Separation, won a good rnce by a length and a half. Fleur de Lis and Bob Roy were in close attendance on their leaders. Time, 8 mm. 10 sec. The next race was The Publicans' Handicap, of 125 soys, l\ mile. Mr D. Corsan's b g Loddon, aged, fct (Goodwood) 1 Mi S. Jones's g g Gaffer Grey, aged, 9st 41b (Monnghan) 2 Mr D. Corsan's br h Antonolli, 5 yrs, Bst 61b (carried 91b overweight) 'Byan) 0 Mr M. JVdble's br m Stella, 4 yrs, B<t 4lb (carried lOlbs over) ( Ray) 0 Mr G. Dodson's b m Port Chalmers Pet, acfd, 7st 51bs , (S« Powel!) 0 Mr Milner ns b g Bambler, a^ed, Bst 6lb (Hill) 0 After a false start Antonelli and tiambler went to the front, the latter very soon securing the lead. Stella, Gaffer Grey, Loddon, and Port Chalmers Pet lay quietly behind till coming to the back of the course, when Gaffer Gr r ywent un and took the third place. After this the Gaffer challenged Rambler, Stella and Loddon at his quarters. A fine rsce ensued, but at the straight «un in Loddon got through his horses ani Antonelli retired ; Gaffer Grey now came with a rush, but never quite reached Loddon, who ran a good race under severe punishment Ramble- was th'rd, Stella close up, and Antanelli in close proximity to her. Time. 2min. 22sec It wa3 in this race that the protest of the ow/ier of Gaffer Grey relative to Goodwin striking the Gaffer was made. The Shorts, L4O. Three-quarter mile. Mr Corsan's c g Noting Alma, aged, lOst lib (Oonnell) 1 Mr J. Milner's ns c g Prattler, aged, lOst lib (Yeend) 2 Mr Dickens br g Maxwell, aged, lOat lib (Owner) 3 There was but little betting on this race, but in what there was. Maxwell was made the favorite. The race after the first start, however, wns never in doubt. Prattler took the lead, but was only allowed to keep it till rounding the turn before reaching the straight run in. Young Alma then went up, passed Prattler, and won by a dozen lengths. Maxwell a bad third. A Hack Race, winner to be sold for L3O, was won by Native Oat, beating three others. The winner was put up by auction after the race, and realised LSO, giving thereby L2O to the Race Fund. To-day there are five events for decision, viz., the Corinthian Hurdle Race, the Town Pkte, the Taieri District Handicap, the Trotting Race, and the felling Race. The first race appears to be a repetition of yesterday's performance in the Hurdle Race. The difference is, that two new preforraers are introduced, viz : Tnm and Rimbler, and a still greater difference is that the occiiDants of the pigskin are to De members of the Otaso Jockey Club. Amateur riders are like amateur actors ?otnetirr es tiood but more times indifferent, and it is probab!_e;thatthebestri(l u rratherthan the best horse will win the race. There may be a doubt whether Birthday cm repeat his yesterday's feafc, but as at least three of bis competitors did the same wnrk as himself, it does not seem unrenson .able to expect him to occupy a similar position For the Town p late, Gallopide is, ot course out, though we Inve nob heard of any official scratching. The list is thus reduce.l tn six, viz : Fleur de Lis, Maxwell, Mifjnionette. Viscount, Shillelagh and Kathleen Maxwell did not distinguish himself yesterdny. but it is probable he will 6V better to-day, and will have Viscount and Mignionette for his iramerihte follower. The Trotting Race will bring out four, including the addition of a howe named Daddy. The Taieri District Handicap is a pretty open race, but Nourmahal is the uWt likely candidate for honors if she starts. The distance in the Celling Race will suit Young Finn's tentW understandings and the race Fbonlrl be his if he has not tuffrred from yesterday's victory. There will, in a!! probability,' be weU-con-contested races, and if the weather is fine no doubt n large number of persons will attend.