CAP AND JACKET

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 64, 3 December 1881, Page 180

CAP AND JACKET

WAI KA TO TURF CLUB RACES

(fICOJI OCX SIVEOIAL UKPOKTEII.) H'\miltox, Thursday morning. The AVaikiilo 'Lui'f Club Meeting was n great success, the races being far above the average of country rimi'mii*, and most interesting. A special train brought about fifty sporting men from Auckland and several bookmakers. The opening event was the Hurdle Race, of 40sovs, over two flights of hurdles ; distance, two miles. There were three starters— Mr Rutherford's Sportsman, Mr Brown's The Lark, and Mr WetheriU's Davie. The race resulted in a most unexpected turn up, for everyone thought it a certainty for old Sportsman, on whom sto 1 was freely laid. One or two put a pound or two on The Lark at G to 1, and these were rewarded by seeing the UKire win rather easily, Sportsman apparently lacking condition. For the great race of the day, the Waikato Turf Club Handicap, there was a grand field of eight thoroughbreds. Up to Monday evening King Quail was first favourite, but it having- leaked out that Dewdrop had won a good trial, became with it rush, and was bucked against the field, odds of G to 4 being accepted by backers. Yatapa seemed stale, and both Lara and King Quail were too fat, but Maori was iv wonderful trim. The betting at the start was 6 to 4 atrainst Dewdrop, 2 to 1 Maori, 5 to 2 Kiu«' Quail, 4 to 1 Yatapa and Lara, uud f> to 1 any other Rocket cut the work at a great pace, followed by Lara and Dewdrop ; King Quail last. After passing the stand the first time, Maori crept up, but could not reach Dewdvop, who won at least by about a length, Maori second, and King Quail third. In the Marsden Plate Mr Lennard scored an easy victory over Miss Domett, the only other starter; and in the Hack Race Mr Joe Ellis' old horse, Ben Nevis (now in the possession of a Hamilton butcher), spread-eagled a field of six. Five came to the post tor the Railway Handicap, and, King Quail being scratched, Maori became first favourite, and though carrying a heavier weight than in the Spring Handicap, won ridiculously easily from Dewdrop, Vampire third. The Consolation only brought two to the post, the owner of Yatapa giving the owner of Miss Domett 5 so vs. to start her. The latter did so, and to the astonishment of everyone, won the race. Miss Domett has nuiwoved greatly, and no longer bolts as she used. I hear Grip is coming to Auckland for the Cup. He has been ba*ed in Hamilton at 5 to 1, the same price being accepted about Foul Play.