WELLINGTON RACES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3376, 3 February 1879, Page 3

WELLINGTON RACES.

[special.]

WELLINGTON, Feb. 1

Rafca, a Cup candidate, has been a good deal knocked about coming across the Strait in tho Napier, and is not likely to start. Fishhook was also knocked about.

Work commenced to-day at an early hour by a trial of Sailor. His owner, trainer, and one or two others were on the ground before daylight, and as soon as light permitted were hard at it. As the early arrival at the Hutt had roused suspicions, some persons planted theraselvos for fun, and from these the result

is heard to be that Sailor was sent away, Little-Thought- Of, a Wanganui hack, mating the pace to the half-mile post, after which Otawa joined issue, young Walker being up, and the result was that Sailor was unable to beat his opponent. The time was not taken. After the affair was over the strings began work. Ray's pair cantered, and aftorwarda Mnritana (lid a slow gallop. The mare was a little lame at first, but soon got right. Agent and Te Whetu cantered together. Merlin and Eversley galloped about a mile and a quarter in company, the jumper pulling hard, but he appears to be a little touched in the off fore-leg. The hard going does not suit him, and unless it rains before the races, his chance of the hurdles is rather small. Lady Ellen and Laertes then did a fast gallop in company. The Australian's peculiar hind action was much commented on, and doubts were expressed as to his capability of compassing two miles. Danebury and Mufti were not on the course, having been despatched to the beach. The former, when viewed in his box, appeared well. The latter has receded ia th« betting, whilst his companion is becoming a favourite fast. Grey Momus did good work of two miles/ and Kin^ Quail also did two miles. He is becoming a cripple, and hifl progress this morning was slow and stiff.