SPORTING.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3298, 23 April 1885, Page 1 (Supplement)

SPORTING.

SOOTIX CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING.

Fihst Day— April 16. Stewards— Messrs T. Hall, M. Jonas, EG. Kerr, D. Maclean, A. Perry , E H. Rhodes, Jun., R. R. Taylor. A. St. G. Hamersley, J. W White, \V. 8. Arinitage, E. Richardson. Jn'ii C. N. Orbell, and T. Teschemakor ; Judge, Mr M. Studholmo ; Starter, Mr J. Sleikle ; Clerk of the Course, Mr R. Stansell ; Clerk of the Scales, Mr J. R. SUnsell ; Treasurer, Mr E. G. Kerr ; Secretary, Mr F. W. Cook.

The annual Autumn meeting of the South Canterbury Jockey Club was held yesterday, on the racecourse reserve. The weather could not certainly have been more enjoyable for people desirous of indulging in a holiday, or better for racing purposes, for though the sun shone bright, and the sky was clear, the heat was at no time excessive, a fresh sea breeze blowing the greater part of the time. The attendance was hardly what we expected to see, or what the Club had a right to expect, not more than 1400 people being on the ground at any time. The lawn and Grand Stand were, however, exceptionally well patronised, not a few ladies gracing both by theft presence. As we mentioned in yesterday's issue, it is to be regretted there were not more acceptances for the big events, but though the competitors were few in number the stakes were none the less hardly earned. Indeed, as regards the Cup itself, we doubt whether a better race has ever been witnessed on the Timaru course. It is certainly not encouraging to the Club after their earnest and untiring endeavors to raise the standard of and generally encourage a liking for sport in South Canterbury that their principal meeting sheuld be so poorly patronised. They would have been perfectly justified in looking forward to seeing at least double the number of persons on the ground than were there yesterday. Of those present the trains from Timaru conveyed about 400, the Express from Christchurch about 50, and the special excursion train from the North some 150, the re3t proceeding to the course by road. Our own idea is that thero are by far too many race gatherings in the district during the course of the year, and that the sport as a whole suffers in consequence. It may be argued that country meetings are, to a great extent, training places for horses preparing for metropolitan or semi-metropolitan events. Nurseries they may be, but it is feared that in not a few instances so much money is spent in the nursery, that very few horse3 ever get beyond it. We do not by any means wish, to discourage country racing, but we would submit that if owners of promising youngsters wish to bring them out, they have a capital opportunity of doing so by placing them in good company on the Tin»aru course, where, if they are worth anything, they will be afforded an opportunity of securing handsome stakes, and at the same time keeping a lot of money in the district, that is now pocketed by outsiders. To put it in another way : Why should South Canterbury folk with all the advantages they have at their back, not attract to their midst, year by year, a proportionate number of people from all parts of the colony, in the same way that Christchurch, Dunedin, and other places do ? We have easy communication by road, rail, and sea, andacourse not tobe outrivalledin the colony, and yet there seems to be something wanting to infuse life. The S.C.J.C. cannot certainly be charged with want of enterprise or energy ; for for many years they had a hard up-hill fight, and it is to their pluck, combined with the support received from the public, that the racecourse reserve has been so much improved. On glancing over the reserve yesterday almost the first thing that struck us was the satisfactory growth of the trees planted ou various parts of it. With an exception here and there they look wonderfully strong and healthy, and in a few years will bo a marked feature in the landscape. The young trees along the avenue are also shooting very well. The course itself had evidently been well attended to. It was rather hard, but this was in faror of fast time ; the course indeed, could hardly have been in better order. The Artillery Band played on the lawn during the day, antTenlivened the proceedings not a little. A force of police were " about," but we did not hear of their services being called into requisition, indeed tho gathering was a most orderly one. The betting fraternity did not muster in force, and those who were present did not appear to be filling their books. Mr J. D. Kett had the Grand Stand booths and luncheon room, Mr Bowden the two outside general license booths, Mr Palmer the refreshment booth, Mr Cork the games, and Mr J. D. Kett the gates.' Tea was provided for ladies at all hours of the day in the private room underneath the stand. We have to thank Mr Cook, the Secretary, and the Stewards for assistance afforded, and also for the use of the Steward's stand.

Sport began with the "Welter Handicap, for ■which the quintette colored on the card •were saddled up. Betting on this event was really nil, the general opinion being, " There is nothing in it but Mr Butler's colt." The result proved that this opinion was a correct one, for Talebearer won the race easily, and looked at the finish as if the il utter had but warmed him. Of the lot he certainly looked the most fit. The Handicap Hurdles also induced live to leave the paddock, but the race as will be seen in the record of it given below, was not such a keen one as was expected. Some enquiries were made about Garibaldi, but the enquirers were not at all satisfied about backing him despite the fact that one of our favorite horsemen had the mount, a rumor having got about somehow that the sticks were just a little on the high side for him. As it was the two top weights, Linwood and Moody, were made warm favorites at about the same price each. Faust and Hector were hardiy mentioned in the betting. The result pruved gratifying and was received with cheers, the local horse winning nicely by about three lengths. Moody was as. usual, capitally ridden by one of his owners (Mr C. Hobbs) ■> who deserved the congratulations he received. ;• Strangely enough yet another • five horses (■ sported silk for the Cup, the Blue Ribbon of the first day's races. As the lot stripped in the saddling paddock they were eagerly criticised by those assembled there, j and opinion was about divided as to who to pick as the winner among Sou'-wester, Wapiti and Lady Emma. Sou'-wester looked very " pink," and by his action showed his remarkably well put together form off to perfection ; the Hon. G. McLean's mare and Major George's horse, on the other hand, were very quiet. • Of the lot, however, Mr Tancred'a horse, Administrator, showed the most •plrit, and on being stripped the remarks his appearance elicited were most flattering. At a glance it could be seen that he was " all there," while the perfect picture he presented impressed everyone favorably, and that ho looked a flyer all admitted. Most of our readers will remember that this horse won the Wellington Gold Cup on the 4th February last, curiously enough much in the same manner as he did our Cup yesterday, jumping away at the fall of the flag and keeping forward position to the finish. Administrator is, perhaps, rather too small to please most lovers of racehorses, but all will admit that he is of the right sort and gallops as gan^ely as if his whole heart was in the race. Wapiti and Sou-'wester, who were made about equal favorites, the former, perhaps, having slightly the call, finished third and fourth respectively, while the " never give in " game old Lady ran a good second. She came remarkably fast from the turn, but was called on a little bit too late. Administrator's win was rather a surprise, the totalisators paying the best dividend of the day on him. Only three faced. Mr Meikle for the District Plate, which, with Derritt up, was almost a gift to Fiirtrader. , Good nominations are always received for this race, but acceptances are generally very few. What is the cause or this we do not know; surely the stake is gqod enough. Tho Hack Hurdles brought together the largest .field, of the day, eight hacks all sizes, ages arid, colors wending their way to the mile post to' do battle for lOsbvs. The race as is generally the case was a regular " sprinter," the pace about half a mile from home being very fast. The winner turned up in, Flor<race r a bay mare owned by Mr Wise or".jOaniar,u. She possepaed too much foot for: the othera, and being carefully ridden finished well. The Flying Handicap, which V>rouab,t tu.it vluee tie,, first day's raciug,

owing to tho scratching of Sou'-wester and Merlin, resulted in a set-to between Mr Butler's colt Talebearer and Mr Quill's mare Princess Royal, the colt securing another winning bracket, and his rider (Stratford) the only second winning mount of the day. The following are the results of the day's racing : —

Welter Handicap, of 30 aovs ; 6 furlongs. Mr P. Butler's blk c Talebearer, 3yrs,

9st 51b ...... (Stratford) 1 Mr T. Quill's b m Princess Royal, syrs, SstlOlb (Derritt) 2 Messrs Murphy and Stock's b g Jack (late Keep-it-Dark) 4yrs, Bst (Blackmore) 3 Mr M. Studholme's ch c Viking, 3yrs, Bst2lb (Rudings) 0 Mr F. Williams' ch g Merlin (late Spofforth) 4yrs, 7st 71b (Johnson) 0 The day's sport began with this race, the five numbers going up announcing to visitors that all the acceptors were quite content. The starter had a little difficulty in getting them in line, two false starts being made before they were finally declared " Off." Talebearer and Jack at once showed the way, and the former (being cased up at the corner let Jack enter the straight first. At the corner Princess Royal was brought along under the whip, but her efforts to get on terms with Mr Butler's colt, who had by this time gone up* to and passed Jack, were unavailing as the colt won easily by about a couple of lengths. A. good third ; the others fairly close up. Time — lmin lVaec.

Totalisators— lnside £240, 105 on the winner, dividend £2 Is j outside £188, 9-4 on the winner, dividend £1 16s.

Handicap Hurdle Race, of 80 sovs, with a

sweepstake of two sovs for acceptors, amount of sweep to go to the second horse ; about 2 miles. Messrs M. and 0. Hobbs' b g Moody, aged, lOst 71b (C. Hobbs) 1 Mr J. Kerr's b g Limvood, aged, lOat 71b (Sheenan) 2 Mr A Henry's b g Faust, 4jT3, lOst (Nicholls) 0 Mi' J. Dooloy's b g Hector, 6yrs, Bst 71b (M. Allan) 0 Mr D. H. Mervyn's b g Garibaldi, 6yrs, 95t31b... (Cotton) 0 Betting — Level on Moody and Linwood, 3 to 1 the others.

Mr Meikle got the lot away very evenly, the local horse at once doing the piloting with Linwood close at his girths. All but Garibaldi negotiated the first hurdle, the named horse, as far as could be seen, coming downin landing, and giving his jockey a proper rolling in the dust. At the hurdle placed this side the turn, Hector ran off, and, like Garibaldi, took no further part in the race. Only the trio Moody, Linwood, and Faust were now in it, and racing on they took the hurdle in front of the Judge's box in that order. Before the next hurdle was reached, Sheenan let Linwood out a little, and passing Moody, led him over the hurdle. This did not suit the latter, however, for once more getting on terms with Linwood he stuck to him, and, coming towards the bend, gradually but surely came away, and taking the hurdle in the straight half a length in advance gradually increased the gap between them, and won by four lengths. Faust, who was being left hopelessly in the rear by tho placed pair struck the last hurdle heavily, and doubled Nicholls up rather unexpectedly. On the Clerk of the Soles announcing C. Hobbs "right," he and old Moody were treated to some hearty cheering, the win being a very popular one. Time — 4min 14sec.

Totalisators— lnside, £327, 131 on the winner, dividend £2 4s 6d j outside, £230, 90 on the winner, dividend £2 6s.

Tijiaru Cup, of 200 sovs ; with a sweepstake of 5 sov3 from acceptors to go to the second horse ; If miles. Mr P. F. Tancrod's r h Administrator, by The Premier — Princess Mary, syrs, 7stslb (Vaile) 1 Hon. Geo. McLean's br in Lady Emma,

aged, 7st 71b (Sharp) 2 Major Nelson George's bv h Wapiti, 4yrs, 6stlolb (White) 3 Mr R. H. Vallance's b h Sou 1 -wester, syrs,

Bst (Rudings) 0 Mr T. Quill's b c Grand Duke, 3yrs, 6st 21b ... (Huxtable) 0 Betting — 4 to 1 bar two (Wapiti and Sou- wester).

I Mr Meikle succeeded in sending tho horses on their journey very prettily. Administrator jumped to the front at once, attended immediately by Grand Duke, Lady Emma, Wapiti and Sou'-wester, running side by side last. Sweeping round the corner, at which owing to the cloud of dust no colors were distinguishable,, and down the straight the same order was maintained, past the Grand Stand and round to the back of the course. Here a few changes came off, Grand Duke falling back and Sou'-wester going up, and Wapiti and Lady Emma improving their positions. On approaching the home turn the field closed aad once more entering the straight all might have been covered with a cloth so close together were they. Administrator all this time had allowed none of the othors to pass him, and responding most gamely to Vaile's call he was landed the winner of the Timaru Cup of 1885 by a good length. Wapiti made his effort at the turn, but it proved futile, and Lady Emma came away gamely at the rails ; in fact the way she responded showed very plainly that the call had been made upon her somewhat too late. The result proved rather a " boil over," but the race was a. 'grand one from start to finish, and was worth going a long way to see. Vaile, and Administrator received quite an ovation on leaving the weighing room, which showed that those present fully realised the advantages of tho opportunity given them by Mr Tancred of seeing the Wellington Gold Cup winner perform. The time the race was done in was 3min Bsec, the fastest on record for a Timaru Cup, and was as much a result of. a terrific pace kept up all through as it was of the turf which was favorable to the making of fast time.

. Totalisators — Inside, £582, 44 on the winner, dividend £11 18s ; outside, £359, 25 on H.o winnpr. dividend £12 18s.

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.District Plate, of 40 soys; H miles[Horses competing in this race must have been owned and trained by residents of Sputh Canterbury, viz., between the Eangitata and Waitaki Rivers, four months previous to the date of meeting.] Mr M. Shorwiu's ch g Furtrader, agod, 9st 21b ... (Dorritt) 1 Air "W. Burgess' br.g Jackdaw, aged, 9at (Owner) 2 Messrs M. and C. Hobbs' b m Hinerua, 6jrs,Bst4lb ;-.. ... (Blackmore) 3 Only the three named left the paddock for this race, which really lay between Furtrader and Jackdaw, as Hinerua -was in Buck: poor fettle' it waa hardly worth while stripping her. Furtrader and Jackdaw raced together till entering the straight, when the veteran oaljed on' Furtrader, ttn d, though Watlie

Burgess plied the whip on Jackdaw all the way home, brought him in the winner by two lengths. A very bad third. Totalisators — Inside £73, 47 on the winner, dividend £1 7s 6d ; outside, £145, 94 on tlio winner, dividend £1 7s 6d.

Selling Hack Race, of 10 sovs ; no weight under lOst ; winner to be sold by auction ; any surplus over 20 sovs to go to the race fund ; 1 mile. Mr O. V. Wise's b m Florence, aged

(Kerr) 1 Mr W. McS. Gentlemun's b m Little Doll,

syrs (Johns) 2 Mr H. McLean's blk m Otter, agod

(Jones) 3 Mr W. Moore'a b m Florence, aged ... 0 Mr F. Feddon's b g Seven Bells, aged .., 0 Mr W. Burgess' g g Sultan, aged ... 0 Mr J. Wilson's b m Fanny, aged ... 0 Mr M. Coulter's b m Idalia, aged ... 0 Eight hacks, as will be seen, faced the starter for this race, and at the fall. of tho flag at once got away. The pace was made a regular Cup one for about a mile when the inevitable result followed, the horses tailing out till they covered at least a quarter of a mile of the course. The winner kept a good position to the turn when she emerged from the ruck and won hands down by lengths. A good race resulted for the other honors. Florence was bought in by the owner at the upset price. Totalisators— lnside £268, 107 on the winner, dividend £2 53 ; outside £143, 64 on the winner, dividend £2. Flying Handicap, of 40 sovs ; six furlongs. Mx" P. Butler's blk c Talebearer, 3vrs, 7st9lb ... ''(Stratford) 1 Mr T. Quill's b in Princess Royal, syrs, 6st9lb ... (Huxtable) 2 At 3.15 p.m. Mr Yallance put the pen through Sou'-wester'B name. Mr Williams omitted to scratch Merlin, and it was only found when tho horses mentioned were saddling that the gelling was not to be sont for this race. It is to be hoped Mr Williams will bo more careful in future and let the Secretary know what he intends to do, as it is taken for granted all horses whose numbers go up are going to start. The Handicap produced a very good finish, Talebearer, who led from the fall of the flag, just winning by a neck. This race brought the iirst day's proceedings to a close.

Totalisators— lnside £260, 196 on the winner, dividend £1 3s 6d ; outside £218, 161 on tho winnor, dividend £1 4s.

Second Day — Arnii, 17.

Grand weather again favored the Club for the final day's racing ; in fact, seldom indeed has a gathering been so favored with such beautiful weather as has the S.C.J.C. annual meeting this year. The attendance was again very good, and was especially gratifying in the sense that Buch a largo number of ladies graced the occasion by their presence. By far the largest number of visitors went out by the trains, the arrangements of which rctlected credit on Mr Jos. Jones, the station master. Private carriages made a fair show alongside the mils at the southeastern corner of the course, mnuy people preferring the pleasures of a drive to the short journey in a possibly crowded railway carriage. The racing yesterday was again first - class, more than one of the finishes proving very exciting ; and the Club is to he sincerely congratulated on the very pleasant way the meeting has altogether gone off. Well known and frequent visitors to the Club's meetings were greatly pleased to see Mr M. Studholmc once more occupying the Judge's box, and to hear that his health has much improved of late, and heart-felt were the wishes that ho may for years yet again be found occupying a post he has for so long so ably filled'. The Stewards and officers all worked hard and well, especially the Secretary. The Artillery Band played on the lawn again yesterday, their playing, especially of the "See Saw," waltz, being much appreciated. The waltz mentioned is quito a novelty. It took immensely, . and at the request of Beveral ladies and gentlemen was played twice over. The racing yesterday began with the Steeplechase, which was started punctually at the advertised time. In the saddling paddock each horse had a small crowd of admirers, the most admired being Berrington, who looked in fine form. The winner of the hurdle race of the first day was slightly the favorite, but owing to the nature of the ground but few indulged in "plunging" on any of the horses. The race proved rather disappointing, Linwood out of the five starters being the only one to finish. Moody fell about three furlongs from home, but for which' mishap ho would probably havo gained tho victor/. Waverley and Berrington fell early in the race, and Hector showed that lie was not much good over a steeplechase course. For tho S.C.J.C. Handicap fourdid 8 preliminary canter, and of them the Cup winner was the most fancied. Sou'wester was a good deal thought of, as was also Lady Emma, but Wapiti had but few ( admirers, so wof ully did he . disappoint the public on the first day. Sou'-wester repeated his 1883 performance by again carrying off the HanUicap in Buch time as to astonish everybody. He was ridden with judgment, and when called on gamely responded. Wapiti finished a good second, while the Cup winner did not behay_e at all satisfactorily, running very wildly indeed at the critical period of the race. The Selling Eaco .was won easily by Princess Royal, who was far too good for the others, though Jack stuck woll to her to within six lengths of the winning post. The Polo Pony Race was. a new feature in the Club's programme, and found immense favor. The best field 'of the day faced Mr Meikle for this race, which, however, could not be called a good "one; for Mr Jefferson's little- mare, ably pilpted by her owner, won rather easily. A good race resulted for the other places, This' race should prove very successful at future meetings, as the game of polo promises to become very popular in . this district. Mr Butler's colt scored another victory in the Winter Oats, and as usual tho win of the green and white hoops was a popular one. Mr Agnew's Unil;, earned off the 20 s'^vb for the Hack Hurdles without, much trouble, Mr Burgess' Sultan coming to grief at the first, hurdle ; and Little Poll surprised everybody by galloping away from Bordermau and Nay lor in the Consolation.. During the meeting £5822 were passed through the two totalißators, but dividends, with two exceptions, were not large. . ■ . The following arc dotails of yesterday's racing : — Tijtabu .Steeplechase, of 100 sovs, with a ' sweepstakes of 3 sovs for acceptors, amount accruing from sweep to go to second horse ; about 3J miles.. Mr J. Kerr's b g Linwood,. aged, list 71b (Sh'eenan) 1 Messrs M. and C. Hobbs' b g. Moody, aged, list ... „.(0. Hobbs) 2 Hon. B> Rodney's b g -Berrington, aged, 10s£71b:.. ... ."\.. (TvLyford) 3 Mr P. Jones' b g.Warerlby, Qyrs, ldst ..' .•> , (Owner) 0 Mr J. Dooldy'a b g Hector, 6yra, 9st 71b •. (Johns) 0 The course raced over in this event was the same as is. used at Grand National meetings,, and, to tho credit of the Club he- it said, the; jumps wero all in first-class . order. .: To, got them so costs no trifle, but, as is well-known, the management are ever ready to make theinterests of the public: their first consideration.Owing, to the ground being so dryvand hard jit was necessary, to prepare it a little in the vicinity of the jumps, and. this, in a great measure prevented accidents— though a very serious one occurred, of which, liqwever, more anon* The start was, made at the back of tho course, ,the first obstacles, to. be negotiated being the park fence and ditch. All got over this but Hector, who , ran off, and though his rider made: great efforts to keep him straight he declined to take further part in, the race, distinguishing himself by career-, iqg all over tho reserve, finally bringing up opposite the Grand Stand. Waverley,' Moody, Berrington and Linwood jn that, order came past tho Stand, all clearing the , stone wall opposite ,yery ■ neatly. -Over .the .double .on the Tem'uka road and .into ;tj;e : stubble Waverley Btill led the field, Linwood haying improved his position and ran into, second place. The. double into the atra.ght,,waß cleared almost simultaneously by, Waverley, Mob4y and Linwood,. Berrington Jying- a length behind. last.. All closed, together on approaching the 'ditch and fence, at which Berrington and .'Waverley came, down, and thus left Linwood and Moody to continue tho journey tbeujßelves,. Th^jrai^.lhen kept

side by fide almost till again reaching the back of the course, when Moody was let out and showed tho way over the next gorsc fenco. Linwood, howover, soon responded, and beforo the post and rails at the corner were reached the pair were again on terms. Both were put fast at this obstacle, so fast indeed that ono of them (Moody) came down and rolled over his rider. Hobbs, however, quickly rose, and gamely remounting his horse rode him in and secured second place, Linwood having in the meantime quietly cantered in a winner by several lengths. Berrington was an indifferent third, and Waverley a very bad last. On reaching tho post it was seen by theway Hobbs was stooping over his horse that he was seriously hurt, and no time was therefore lost in getting him off and conveying him to the Steward's room. Here ho became insensible, and was attended by a medical gentleman who fortunately was on the course. Hobb3 remained insensible for hours, and was conveyed to town still in the same condition. The accident was a very unfortunate one, as Moody looked liko giving Linwood a very hard struggle for first place. Totalisators — Inside £249, 84 on the winner, dividend £2 13s ; outside £180, 62 on the winner, dividend £2 12s.

South' Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap, of 150 sovs, with a sweepstakes of 5 sovs for acceptors to go to the second horse ; 12- miles. Mr R. H. Vallance's b h Sou'-wesler,

by Goldsbrough — Sea Breeze, syrs, Bst2lb (Riidings) 1 Major Nelson George's br h Wapiti, 4yrs, 7et (White) 2 Hon. G. McLean's br m Lady Emma, aged, Bst (Keen) 3 Mr P. F. Tancred's r h Administrator,

syrs, Bst4lb (Vaile) 0 Owing to Mr Quill having scratched Grand Duke only the four named were led out for the " big money" of tho second day. At tho fall of the flax the Cup winner jumped away, and on passing the Stand he had a length's lead of Sou'-wester, his immediate attendant, Wapiti coming next on the bay horse's quarters, and Lady' Emma half a length off whipping in. Just before reaching the mile post Lady Emma went up with a great rush, and passed all but Administrator. On reaching tho turn, however, she was on terms with him, as was also Wapiti, and the trio turned into the straight side by side. Just before reaching the rails Rudings brought Sou'-woster through grandly, and the issue, doubtful for a few moments, was soon decided by Sou'-wester coming on full of running and winning by a length. Wapiti just bent Lady Emma for second place on tho post. Whips were out on all but Ludy Emma at the corner, and the roan horse did not seem to relish this at all, as ho swerved right off the track, and Lib rider had to be very careful to keep him from colliding with tho rails. The race, especially towards the finish, was quite as exciting as the one for the Cup tho previous day, and owing to tho cloud of dust carried along to the rails it was a dillicult task to say which was leading, oven with a good iield glass. Time — 2min 39sec.

Totnlisatora— lnside £29-1, 83 on the winner, dividend £3 3s (id ; outside, £156, 50 on the winner, dividend ;t'2 16s. .

Seluko Race, of 40 sovs ; weight for age, with 71b allowance for every £25 reduction in selling price ; 6 furlongs. Mr T. Quill's b m Princess Royal, syrs

(£7O), Bst 121b (Derritt) 1 Messrs Murphy and Stock's b g Jack, 4yrs (£45), Bst7lb •... (Blackmore) 2 Mr O. R. Wise's ch m Florence, aged (£2O), 7st 121b (Lewi B ) 3 Mr ¥. Williams' ch g Merlin, 4yrs (£2O) Bst. (Johnson) 0 Mr M. Sherwin's ch g Naylor, syrs (£2O) . Bst ... (Rudings) 0 Mr T. Quill's b g Dagrid, and Mr Gentlemun's b m Little Doll, were scratched. The lot were sent, away very evenly. Jock at once cut out the running at a clinking pace, but at tho corner Derritt brought, Princess Royal through, and landed her an easy winner by a oquple qi lengths. Totalisators— Inside £300, 194 on tho ! winner, dividend £1 7s ; outside £291j 20S on the winner, dividend £1 6s. Polo Pony Race, for a trophy value 10 sovs ; ponies to be owned and ridden by members of Polo Clubs only ; weights, 12st 71b for 14 hands lin with allowance of 71b for jevory inch under that height ; 1 mile. . . Mr.C. A. Jefferson's . b m Mary Ann (Owner) 1 Mr W. S.; Lindsay's br g The Shifter . (Mr Brown) 2 Mr C. W. Miles' gr m Nellie (Mr Campbell) 3 Mr G. C. Miles' b m Sarah Brass (Owner) 0 Mr W. Sugden Armitage'B b m Veva i (Mi- P. Jones) 0 Mr Gv H. Rhodes' b in .Titania (Mr Boyle) 0 Mr W. Sugden Annitage's Wakatipu (Owner) 0 Mr J.'R. Brown's g g Billdad : (Mr Delamain) 0 A great: deal of interest was taken in this race, as tho owners of the horses and most of their riders reside in this district, and as the game of polo has bnb recently been introduced heroji curiosity was keenly aroused as to tho kind 'of .'animal which plays a most important part in tho gamo. Tho ponies, with, two or three -.exceptions, : were very -strong and compact-looking, :and ' fudging, by appearances* should stand any amount of work. After. the oxcitement of measuring the ponies and weighing-in had subsided, all quietly trotted to the stortingipost at tho back of the course, and wore -sent away well. It was evidently Mary Ann's day_ out; for she won almost from start to finish- very easily. A good race-resulted between The Shifter and Nellie for'seebnd honors. The' others came ; in in very straggling order. Mr Jefferson and Mary Ann were enthusiastically cheered on weighirig-iri. , Totalis'ators— rlnside £224, 47 'on the winnoly dividend £4 ss ; outside, £182, 23 on the winne'rj^dividend £7 7s. • Winter Oat3, of 50 sovs, with a swoepstake of 2 sovs for acceptors, to go to second horse j 1 mile. Mr Butler's blk c Talebearer, 3yrs,.9st 51b ■ . ':, ' ■ , ' . (Stratford) 1 Mr R. H. Yallaneo's b, h Sou'-wester, syrs, lOst 31b ... ■ . ..." (Rudings) 2 Mr T. Quill's b c Grand Duke, 3yrs, Bst '.)-:.- ..-. (Derritt) 3 Mr P. Tancred's r h. Administrator,' syrs, . lOat : ... ... ... (Goodman) 0 MessrsiM- and .C. Hobbs' b h Borderman, . . ,syrs, 9atslb : -■- (Thompson). 0 v itf Quill's. i Princess Royal was, scratched. A rather . bad start .was effected* Borderman getting : alHhe ;■$ orst 0f it. At tlia corner all but the Uorae named olosed, and swept into tjie straight- together. About a f urloug-froiri

home Talebearer left the others and won. comfortably by two lengths. A good third. Totalisators— lnside £297, 87 on tho winner, dividend £3 Is ; outside £149, 45 on tho winner, dividend £2 19s 6d.

Selling Hack Hurdle Race, of 20 bovs ; no weight under lOst ; about H miles. Mr Agnew's Unit (K.Dunn) 1

Mr Burgess' Sultan (Mazengarbj 0 Sultan foil at the first hurdle, giving his ridor an ugly tumble and breaking his left arm. Unit took all his jumps cleverly and cantered in. Totalisators— lnside £52, 34 on the winner, dividend £1 7s ; inside £69, 53 on the winner, , dividend £1 3s. Consolation Handicap, of 30 bovs ; 1 mile. Mr Gentlemun's b m Little Doll, 6st, (M. Orton) 1 Messrs Hobbs' Borderman, 9st (Rudings) 2 Mr Shenvin's Naylor, 7st 71b ... (Sharp) 3 Little Doll cut out the running and won easily by three lengths amid great excitement. Totalisators — Inside £197, 1 9 on the winner, dividend £9 6s; outside £143, 19 on the ■winnor, dividend £6 15s.

This race brought the S.O.J.C. meeting of 1885 to a most satisfactory termination.