WAIRARAPAI RACES.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3153, 21 March 1871, Page 2

WAIRARAPAI RACES.

[Fbom Oub Special Repobtbb.] SECOND DAY, FRIDAY, MARCH • The course to-day was in a fearful state after the heavy rain of the preceding evening. But overhead the weather was all that conld be desired. The attendance was larger than on the preceding day, but, owing to the stoppage of the RimutaKa road, it was not on either day near so large as on former occasions. The first event on the oard was the Handicap Htjedlb Eaoe.— Sweepstakes £1 Is each, with £15 added. One and alialf miles and a distance. Heats; Five horses had entered and were started for this race ; all getting off well together, and each leaping the first hurdle very clevqjly ; Rob Roy leading, closely followed by Liberator and Trooper. Tins position was maintained for some time, when Rob Roy made a swerve from the course, which placed him to great disadvantage, of which Post Boy quickly availed himself, as he now took first place, knocking down the last hurdle, and giving hiß competitors a clear stage but no favor. He maintained thiß position in pabsing the winning-post, Rob Roy coming in second. Mr Ray lodged a protest againet the winner, on the ground that his jockey purposely struck Rob Roy across the face with bis 'whip when making the rush in 5 which, after some time, was decided against him, as it was concluded that if the thing occurred at all it arose from accident No one ezpeoted that the race would be deoided in two heats, the whole of the horses appearing so equally matohed ; but expectation on the present occasion was mistaken. In the second heat a good start was made, the first hurdle was cleared most cleverly, and all the horses kept well together until nearly home, when Rob Roy bolted. The following is the order in which they passed the winning post : — H Gillies' Post Boy, lOst 101 b ... 1 1 E. Dorset's Trooper, 12st 3 2 Manawa's Comet, lOst 71b 5 3 T. Ray's Rob Roy 2di». J. Renull's Liberator, list 4 4 A hack hurdle race followed, for which three horses were entered. It was a very poor affair, and was won easily by A. Oilier 'a Old Duffer. Ladies Pubse, of 15 sbvs. Entrance £1 Is added. Three miles and a distance, single event. Gentlemen riders. This was a splendid race, and during the first mile Littlo Wonder, tightly hety, took the lead, Volunteer keeping him company, Commodore not far behind, with Balrownie in bis rear. During the second mile Volunteer had to change places with Commodore, Little Wonder still leading, with Balrownie in the distance. The racing was now between the Greytown and Masterton horses, both koeping neck and neck together, each doing his best to outstrip bis competitor, and Little Wonder receiving vigorously both whip and spur to enable him to retain his position. On passing the winning post he was only a head before his rival. The following is the order they, arrived at home : — Little Wonder 1 Commodore... ... ... «. ... 2 Volunteer 3 Bulrowuie 0 Loud cheers greotod the arrival of the winning horse, which were repeated on Ureathead receiving the well- filled purse, which was gracefully presented to him by Mrs Hastwell. This was the third prize Greathead had carried . off at this meeting. HATCH FOB £50 A SIDE. This result was anything but satisfactory to the friends and backers of Balrownie, who immediately challenged Greathead to run Little Wonder against the old favorite foriJßOaaide. The challenge was taken up by Mr Jailer, and the match is to come off within a meek from date, either on the Masterton or the Tauherenikau racecourse. A good deul of time was wasted in arranging this match, which was, however, the more excusable as there were no entries forthcoming for the CONSOLATION STAKES. Eventually Hikutoto and Nainai came to the scratch, both looking, in good condition. It was even betting whioa would be the win* ner. The mare did her best, but the course and fortune wore against her, the Napier horse coming in an easy winner. Two hack races followed, one of .whioh was won by a- horse belonging to Mr Gillies, and the other by a Masterton horae, the property of Mr Robert Gillies of that place. These events concluded the Wairorapa race meeting of 1871. BACE BALL. An invitation ball took place at the Town Hall on Thursday evening, which would have been better attended had the weather proved more favorable. It was under the management of Mr M. O'Meara, and passed off with eclat. BEMABKS. Much credit is due to the stewards, and to the other officers on the occasion, for the effi» cient and spirited manner they performed their duties. Everything passed off in perfect good humor, but, without that drunken, mirth which is too frequently exhibited at race meetings. There seems to be a general feeling now throughout the province in favor of sobriety, and whioh enables policemen, as on the present occasion, to enjoy themselves 4 like other citizens. ■