DUNEDIN PLUMPTON MEETING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2046, 11 May 1893, Page 31

DUNEDIN PLUMPTON MEETING.

Second Day— Thursday.

There were probably few local persons interested in coursing sanguine enough to expect that the fine weather which was experienced on Wednesday, when the May meeting, under the management of the Dunedin Jockey Club, was commenced, would continue throughout the gathering. Mr Paulin's forecasbs indicated that the reverse would be the case, and coursing meetings in the past in Dunedin have been, as a rule, attended by such atrocious weather that the expression "coursing weather" has been invented as synonymous with a continuous downpour of rain. As very few of those who witnessed the first day's proceedings expected that the good fortune which was then theirs of seeing the courses run on a dry turf, and under the influence of bright sunshine, would be extended to the sport on the two following days, there was, therefore, not much disappointment expressed at the fact that there were some smart showers of rain before breakfast yesterday morning. The clouds seemed to break, however, in the early forenoon, and it was with the prospect of a pleasant enough day's sport that owners, bookmakers, and others interested left town shortly before mid-day. The scene that was presented to their view on their reaching the Plumpton was dismaying in the extreme. The Forbury racecourse was enveloped in a heavy mantle of fog, which was so thick that not only was it impossible for the eye to stretch across the course, but at a distance greater than 100 yds objects were seen very indistinctly. From the grand stand the slipper's tent was at times quite invisible— at times its outline was faintly distinguishable — and the escapes, the lower portion of the course, and the opposite side of it were completely shrouded by the misty vapour. Occasionally the fog seemed to be lifting, but only for a few minutes, as it would steal over from the sea with as great an intensity as before. During one of those intervals, when the course seemed to be comparatively free from the enveloping mist, it was decided — over half an hour's delay having already occured— to make a start with the second round of the May Cup. While the preparations were in progress, however, the fog again descended, but the judge rode out on his horse and the spectators, who could see nothing from the grand stand, rushed down to the fence inside the plough, in the hope of gaining a glimpse from there of the running. The hope was a delu3ive one, however, and the judge, who himself was lost to sight as he cantered after the dogs, was the only person en the ground who saw anything of the exchanges— and it was f rsm him that our description of the course was obtained. It was clearly out of the question to continue under such circumstances, and an adjournment until after luncheon was decided upon, the question as to whether the attempt to run any more courses at all during the day being debated in the meantime. Over an hour had to be passed away, the time being spent by several of those present in a little mild gambling, which probably left no one appreciably the richer, and by the majority in discussing the odds against certain dogs, the handicaps for the race meeting this month, and the weather, along with Mr Li&ton's luncheon. At 2 o'clock the fog, or Scotch mist— it had become the latter rather than the foimer— had lifted somewhat, and the voice of tbe owners of the dogs was requested as to whether it was advisable to proceed or to postpone further proceedings till next day. The majority determined that, having come out to the Forbury and having waited so long, they would have the sport proceeded with. The minority declared that if their clogs lost they would like to see the courses run, and not be deprived of that luxury by the fact of the Plumpton being partially enshrouded in mibt. The wisdom of proceeding was evidenced by the turn which the weather took almost immediately afterwards. The rain commenced, softly but heavily, and the mist at once disappeared, so that the courses were all seen to capital advantage. The going was, however, against the

hares, and, though several of them were very strong and dodgy and deserved to escape with their life, there was rather heavy slaughter. There was nothing calling for particular comment in the second round of the May Cup, barring the fact that Lancashire Lad and Nighean, after an undecided— in which the former certainly seemed from the grand stand to have had the advantage — were slipped to a splendid hare with the result that a gruelling course was run, which must have considerably prejudiced the chances of the ultimate success of Lancashire Lad, who, on this occasion undoubtedly won. In the third round Lancashire Lad was pitted against Lizzie Woods, and this smart little slut fairly beat him in an interesting tussle. Thus was a dog disposed of who was strongly fancied for the stake. The running in the other courses in the third round of the Cup had the effect of leaving the stake a very open affair. Razzle Dazzle beat a favourite in Beadonwell, and Marine, whose chances were rather highly thought of, was decisively beaten by an outsider in Motley. King Bruce ran a good dog in his trial .with Briar Leaf, and as he has the bye in the fourth round he must be in the semi-final. The five which are now left in the Cup are Lizzie Woods, Ravenswing, Razzle Dazzle, Motley, and King Bruce. Two of these— Lizzie Woods and Razzle Dazzle — belong to Mr S. S. Myers, who therefore has a pretty considerable lien on the stake. In the third round of the Derby the favourites won in five out of the six courses, the exception being in the case of Thornwell, who was beaten by Philosopher, the former being, however, only a 5 to 4 chance. The backers of another favourite in Sweetmeat got a fright in that puppy's trial with Belfast, what was given as an undecided, seeming from the stand to be, if anything, in favour of Belfast. Of the six remaining in the event two are the property of Mr R. Blackham, being from the same litterSweetmeat and Black Mount, — and as both have been shaping well, that owner has a good show of winning. The other four left in are Philosopher, Bluestone, Lord Zetland, and Victor. For the Oaks only four puppies are left to fight it out, these being Sillwood, Watercress, Break o' Day, and Midge, the first and last-named, though running in different nominations, being from the same litter. Both of them, curiously enough, defeated favourites in the round that was run yesterday — Sillwood beating Mermaid, and Midge worsting Musket Lass. The following are the details : — May Cup.— For an unlimited number of all-aged dogs at £3 each ; winner £50, runner-up £25, third dog £11, two dogs at £5 each, five dog 3 at £3 each ;— total, £111. ' 11. Lizzie Woods beat The Friar Lancashire Lad beat Nighean Ravenswing beat Charlie Fuguist beat Isa Beadonwell beat Cardigan Razzle Dazzle beat Kinsman King Bruce beat Red Jack Briar Leaf beat Biddy Alone Marine beat Alpine Rose Motley, a bye.

Lizzie Woods (5 to 2 on) led up by four lengths and turned, The Friar got the second turn, and the favourite the third, after which The Friar turned twice, but Lizzie Woods raced past her opponent twice to turns and killed. Lancashire Lad (3 to 1 on) led Nighean by half a dozen lengths and got the first turn and a wrench, after which Nighean got in for a few points, and then the favourite raced past the slut, and was in possession when the hare escaped. The judge's verdict was an unde« cided, and the pair were slipped again to a splendid hare, to which Lancashire Lad* led by fully a dozen lengths, and, though Nighean worked smartly, had the advantage all through a gruelling course. Ravenswing (2 to 1 on) raced past Charlie, who was quickest out of the slips, and led up by five lengths, after which she had the best of the exchanges. Fuguist (6 to 4 on) led by three lengths and turned, Isa turned twice, but the favourite had the best of the subsequent exchanges in a short course. Beadonwell (2 to 1 on) was slipped with Cardigan, who secured the first turn, but the favourite had a slight advantage in a fairly even course. Razzle Dazzle (5 to 1- on) led up by three lengths and, by clever working, ran up such a score in the early stages of the course thafc Kinsman, who had possession for several points before the escapes were reached, could not get on terms with him. King Bruce (5 to 4- against) led Red Jack by three lengths, and had a decided advantage in the exchanges. The betting was level on the next course, in which Biddy Alone, after being slipped, got unsighted, and Briar Leaf led up and had the best of the exchanges. Marine (3 to 2 on) was slipped with Alpine Rose, who got the lead, but thereafter stood off while the favourite put in a lot of work.

in. Lizzie Woods beat Lancashire Lad Ravenswing beat Fuguist Razzle Dazzle beat Beadonwell King Bruce beat Briar Leaf Motley beat Marine.

A shade of odds was offered on Lancashire Lad for the first course, but Lizzie Woods led by three lengths and turned. Each scored a couple of turns, and in a lot of give-and-take work which followed the non-favourite held her advantage. Ravenswing (2 to 1 on) led up and turned. Fuguist turned, and a kill followed almost immediately to Ravenswing. Beadonwell (3 to 2 on) led by three lengths, but when Razzle Dazzle got in he rattled up a heavy score, and though the favourite was in possession for several points in the later stages of the course, the brindle dog had a clear advantage. King Bruce (on whom evens were betted) led up by three lengths, and, working in superior style, won handsomely. Marine (5 to 2 on) was led two lengths by Motley, who had the advantage all through the course. The Derby.— For an unlimited number of dog puppies at £2 each ; winner £25, runner-up £12, third dog £5, three dogs at £2 each ;— total, £48.

ii. Sweetmeat beat Belfast Philosopher beat Thornwell Bluestone beat Strathmore Lord Zetland beat Glenmark Black Mount beat Prefix Victor beat Penitent.

Sweetmeat (2 to 1 on) and Belfast ran an undecided, and in the run off the former (3 to 2 on) led off, and maintained his advantage in the subsequent work, although Belfast ran up a good score in the early stages. Philosopher (3 to 2 agst) led up and turned twice, and then Thornwell dashed in and killed. Bluestone (3 to 2 on) led up from Strathmore, who then got in, but the favourite had, on the whole, the advantage in the exchanges. Lord Zetland (2 to 1 on) led up from Glenmark, and scored neatly everything. Black Mount (3 to 1 on) was slipped with Prefix, who led up, but the favourite was the better worker, and had a trifle in hand when the hare escaped. Victor (2 to 1 on) led up from Penitent, and made an exhibition of his opponent, winning all the way. The Oaks. — For an unlimited number of bitch puppies at £2 each ; winner £18, runner-up £9, two dogs at £2 10s each. ;-total, £32. ii. Sillwood beat Mermaid Watercress beat Starry Night Break o' Day beat Papanui Midge beat Musket Lass,

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Sillwood (5 to 4 agst) led up by three lengths and did nearly all the work, the favourite only getting a turn in front of the stakes. Watercress (3 to 2 on) led up from Starry Night, and in some interesting exchanges more than Held her own, both puppies working smartly. Break o' Day (2 to 1 on) beat Papanm m pace and, working keenly, scored nearly everything. Musket Lass (3 to 2 on) led up from Midge and turned, bub the latter then got in for a fair innings, and though the favourite was in possession when the hare escaped the judge s verdict was in favour of Midge. Third Day— Friday. Though several showers of rain fell, the weather was not altogether unfavourable j yesterday when the May coursing meeting at the Forbury was brought to a close. The attendance was not any larger than on the preceding days, though it might have been expected that a fair number of persons would be desirous of witnessing the final courses. They would have seen something more than that — they would have seen a spectacle which has surely been unparalleled at any coursing meeting ever held — that of the judge striking one of the owners. This disgraceful incident occurred after the final course in the May Cup was run. The comjfgting dogs were Lizzie Woods and Motley, of whom the former was the favourite. On the night of the draw Lizzie Woods was installed an equal favourite for the stake with Lancashire Lad (whom she defeated in the third round), while Motley was a complete outsider. That the latter should have lived to the last round was one of the surprises of the meeting, and his running with Lizzie Woods in the final was another surprise. The pair had a neck-and-neck race to the have, first one and then the other showing in front, and it was hard to say from the stand which had the lead and first turn— some inclined to one opinion and others to the different view. The course having been run and decided in favour of Lizzie Woods, a disinterested person inquired from the judge (Mr Thomas Kett) which had led up. Before the latter could reply, Mr Black (one of the owners of the runner-up), •who was waiting to pick the defeated dog up, replied, "Motley." Thereupon, it is. stated, the judge gave him the lie, and the et tv quoque ■was retorted. Incredible as it may appear, the judge so far forgot himself as to dismount from his horse and strike Black, who retaliated. It would have been a ludicrous scene had it not been so disgraceful— the judge, who, as all who know him are aware, is of Herculean proportions, shaping up to a man of whom he would easily have made two. There were several exchanges between them— Black, after vainly attempting to reach the other's face, putting in a few body blows ; while his antagonist, toweriDg over him, struck at him fcwo or three times, without apparently being able to get in a blow. It was a cowardly exhibition while it lasted, but the parties were .eventually separated. It is impossible to acquit the judge of blame in the matter. It is only in terms Gf the severest censure that his conduct -can be described. Had the owiaer been the aggressor the judge would not have been justified an leaving his horse — it would have plainly been Iris duty to have simply reported the offender, who would then probably have been disqualified ; but the case would appear to be very much worse against him. The statement of the only disinterested party — one of _ the owners of the dog Cardigan — who innocently asked the question which led up to the unseemly occurrence, is directly to the effect that Kett was the aggressor, first in addressing an abusive remark to Black and then in dismounting from his horse and striking the first blow. Indeed it is said that when he first struck at Black the latter's back was turned, in which case, especially when Kett's gigantic stature is considered, his conduct was cowardly in the extreme. In any event, it evidenced an entire lack of appreciation of the dignity which ought to appertain to the position of judge that a person acting^n that capacity should during the progress of a coursing meeting and in view of all the spectators ■engage in a fight with one of the owners. The fact that he did so, coupled with the additional fact that more than one of his decisions .during the day were unsatisfactory — that in the course between Bluestone and Lord Zetland, in the third round of the Derby, grossly so— should be sufficient to disqualify Mr Kett from again acting as judge at a coursing meeting on the Forbury. In the course in question between Bluesfcone and; Lord Zetland the latter won easily in the opinion of most competent judges, and the display of the white flag, which indicated that he had won, was acquiesced in by all, but immediately after showing the white flag the judge put it away and exhibited the red one instead, giving the course to Bluestone. The result of the previous two days' running had been to leave Mr Myers's pair Lizzie Woods and Razzle Dazzle, Ravenswing, Motley, and King Bruce in the May Cup, the last-mentioned having the bye in the fourth sound. Lizzie Woods disposed of Ravenswing ■after a sharp but decii»ive struggle, and Motley, after an undecided, landed the odds which were laid on Razzia Dazzle. In the semi-final Lizzie Woods had the bye, and Motley put King Bruce .down; while in the final, as already stated, Lizzie Woods was the winner. In the Derby, the third round produced the defeat of Fhiloso,pher, Lord Zetland (by a glaringly erroneous and Victor ; and, as Bluestone .•was beaten in the Bemi-final, Mr Black■faam's pair, Sweetmeat and Black Mouat — who were whelped in the same litter — •divided the stake. There were four puppies remaining in the Oaks for the third round, and the defeat of Watercress (after an even course, the judging in which did not give unmixed satisfaction) and of Midge reduced the final to a match between Sillwood and Break o' Day. The latter was the favourite and she left the issue uncertain for not a moment, scoring all the points. Sillwood had prior to being led to the slips been detected in the act of attempting to swallow a meat pie, which had bsen thrown down in front of the stand, but she was promptly relieved of the mouthful. The Consolation Stakes produced some interesting trials. In the first round, favourites were beaten in Biddy Alone, Fuguist (in his course Isa reversing the previous day's running in the Cup), and Beadonwell. Biddy Alone, it was discovered, broke a toe in her course with Prefix, and will now be sent to the stud, a visit to Padlock being contemplated. In the second round Maori Boy, Cardigan, and Isa were the surviving trio ; and Maori Boy won the two remaining courses, Isa being the runner-up. The meeting, which, after opening with every good promise, terminated unsatisfactorily, was concluded about 345 p.m. The following are details :—: — May Cup.— For an unlimited number of all-aged dogs at £3 eaoh; winner £50, runner-up £25, third dog £11, two dogs at £5 each, five dogs at £3 each ;— total, £111. IV. Lizzie Woods beat Ravenswing Motley beat Razzle Dazzle King Bruce a bye.

Lizzie Woods (2 to 1 on) led up by two lengths, turned, wrenched, and turned to Ravenswing/s teeth. Motley (5 to 2 against)

led up by a length and got the turn ; Razzle Dazzle turned twice and raced past the nonfavourite and broke the hare as it sprinted to cover ; the judge's verdict of an undecided was well received. In running off Motley (3 to 2 against) led up by three lengths and turned, Razzle Dazzle wrenched and turned, and the non-favourite chased the hare to cover, v. Motley beat King Bruce Lizzie Woods a bye. Motley (6 to 4 against) led King Bruce by three lengths and scored all the points in a short course until King Bruce destroyed his own chances by killing. FINAL ROUND. Mr S. S. Myers's w f b Lizzie Woods, by Brewer— Deception, beat Messrs Leslie and Black's brd d Motley, by Kinsky— Miranda, and won the stake. Lizzie Woods (2 to 1 on) and Motley had a slashing run up, and it was difficult to say which got the lead and first turn. Lizzie Woods, however, secured the next turn, and Motley then got in for a fair innings, but the favourite was again in possession when the hare escaped. The Derby. — For an unlimited number of dog puppies at £2 each ; winner £25, runner-up £12, third dog £5, three dogs at £2;— total,2 ;— total, £48. in. Sweetmeat beat Philosopher Bluestone beat Lord Zetland Black Mount beat Victor. Philosopher, on whom evens were betted, led up and turned ; Sweetmeat raced past and flicked the hare, and then raced past again and turned to the escapes. Bluestone (3 to 2 on) led up and turned, but Lord Zetland had the best of the exchanges. The judge displayed the white flag for the non-favourite's victory, but to the surprise of the spectators substituted the red flag immediately afterwards. Black Mount (2 to 1 on) led up from Victor, who got in through the favourite falling, but Black Mount had the advantage in the exchanges. * 1V - Sweetmeatbeat Buestone Black Mount a bye. Sweetmeat (3 to 2 on) was led a couple of lengths by Bluestone, who got the first/turn ; but the favourite then secured possession, and, maintaining it to the escapes, rattled up a long score, winning easily. FINAL ROUND. Mr R. Blackham's r w d Sweetmeat, by Red Pine— Whiff, and Mr R. Blackham's blk w d Black Mount, by Red Pine— Whiff, divided. The Oaks.— For an unlimited number of bitch puppies at £2 each ; winner £18, runner-up £9, two dogs at £2 10s each ;— total, £32. in. Sillwood beat Watercress Break o' Day beat Midge. There was a shade of odds on Sillwood, who led up and got the first turn, after which Watercress got in without making much use of her opportunity. Both sluts dashed in at the hare, which just got out of their clutches, and the pair collided as they rushed after it and rolled over. The non-favourite was quickest on his feet, and turned twice before Sillwood darted in to kill, securing the judge's decision, which was not received with unmixed favour. Break o' Day (2 to 1 on) led Midge by three lengths, and, working closely, scored everything. FINAL ROUND. Mr S. S. Myers's b b Break o' Day, by BrewerStormy Night, beat Mr A. T. Price's r w b Sillwood, by Red Pine— Fownhope, and won the stake. Break o' Day (3 to 2 on) led Sillwood three lengths and, working cleverly, scored eight turns, nearly as many wrenches, and wound up with a kill ; while the non-favourite did not score a single point. CONSOLATION STAKES. For 12 beaten dogs at £2 each; winner £15, runner-up £6, third dog £3;— total,3 ;— total, £24. Mr G. Grove s r w d Prefix, by Cliff— lona, beat Mr S. S. Myers's r b Biddy Alone, by Red Pine— Jeanie Deans. Mr J. Kirkby's blk w d Maori Boy, by Kinsky — Las3ie, beat Mr J. Cooper's w f d Arawa, by Aorangi— Snowflight. Messrs A. and J. Deaker's f w d Cardigan, by Rotoinahana— Kathleen, beat Mr Cooper's w f d Blucher, by Aorangi— Fly. Mr A. T. Price's blk b Isa, by Hawkesbury — Glucina, beat Mr J. N. Mills's r d Fuguist, by Red Pine— Fugue. Messro Scanlan and Swan's br w d Marine, by Mariner— Miss Theresa, beat Mr B. Crawshaw's f d Beadonwell, by Red Pine— Meg Dodds. Biddy Alone (3 to 2 on) was led up several lengths by Prefix and beaten pointless. Maori Boy (3 to 2 on) led up from Arawa and gave him no show. Cardigan (5 to 2 on) led up by four lengths and turned twice, after which Blucher drove to cover, but did not score sufficient to wipe off the favourite's record. Snowdrop (4 to 1 on) led up from Magic 111 and turned, and a turn to the non-favourite was the only other score before a speedy hare escaped. Isa (2 to 1 against) led up and turned, Fuguist turned, each turned in succession, and the other exchanges were fairly divided. Beadonwell (2 to 1 on) led up three lengths, but stood off while Marine rattled up a good score, and then the favourite dashed in and killed.

ii. Maori Boy beat Prefix Cardigan beat Snowdrop Jsa beat Marine.

The betting was level on the first course, in which Maori Boy led up by a few lengths and scored nearly everything. Cardigan, on whom evens were betted, led up by three lengths, and in frequent exchanges both scored so evenly that there was not much to choose between them. In the next course the dogs were both unsighted when slipped, and were close on the hare, which had run towards the fence, when they gained a view of it, and a sharp course followed, in which Isa, on whom short odds were laid, had the advantage.

Maori Boy beat Cardigan

Isa a bye. Maori Boy (3 to 2 on) led up from Cardigan, and had a good deal the best of tho trial.

FINAL ROUND.

Mr J. Kirkby's blk w d Maori Boy, by Kinsky — Lassie, beat Mr A. T. Price's blk b Isa, by Hawkesbury— Glucina, and won the stake. Maori Boy (3 to 2 on) led up from Isa, and beat her pointless.

The sum of £193 10s has been paid over in stakes in connection with the coursing meeting, the principal winners being : S. S. Myers, £65 14s; R. Blackham, £35 11s; Leslie and Black, £22 10s; A. T. Price, £13 10s; J. Kirkby, £13 10s.