RIVERTON RACING CLUB

Western Star, Issue 1549, 1 April 1891, Page 2

RIVERTON RACING CLUB

* President: Mr James Gardner; Vice-Presi-dent: Dr Nelson and John Mclntyre; Judge : Mr John Tennant ; Starter • Mr J. Lyle; Hon. Secretary ; Mr W. R. Mirriolees; Hon. Treasurer: Mr A. M. Byes; Stewards: Messrs Man-is, John B. Sutton, K. Fraser, J. Lyle, J. VV. Bridtre, John Wohlers, A. Baird, John McKay,. S. G. Instone, John McNickle, James Ritchie.

Ear and away the m >st successful race gathering held in this part of the country was the Riverton Racing Club’s annual meeting on Monday last. The Club for years past has endeavored, and not failed, to provide sport of the best description, but j Htherto the efforts put forth were sadly discounted by unfavorable atmos- ! pheric conditions. The executive, when the Club was reconstituted, selected Easter Monday—probably the most universally observed holiday in the year for out door gatherings—for the annual tryst. It is matter of history, how, year after year, Eastertide, in this—the Western district — his been a season of storms and deluges, and it was with such accompaniments that the Riverton races were usually held. The Club, however, decided "to stick to the day, hoping that the future would provide more bell tling weather. Such has been the case. Last vear the afternoon of Easter Monday was a most pleasant one, but the rain that fell on the Sunday and on the morning of the day prevented a great many from a distance from attending the rices. Still the meeting was a success. This year the weather left nothing whatever to bo desired, and the result has been a huge success. The aftendance on the c >urse was fully 1000 —a well-behaved orderly crowd —all of whom we are sure will take away pleasurable recollections of what must be pronounced the best day’s sport shown in Southland for a very long time. The management must certainly be complimented on the excellency of all the arrangements, and great praise is due to the zealous chief officials of the Club. Much of the success of Monday’s racing was due to the worthy President, the father of sport in Southland, who induced more than one owner to test his horse over the now famous steeplechase course. The financial head of the Club and the Hon, Secretary were indefatigable and really deserved the success reaped. Such old Club worthies as Mr Lyle, the starter, who by the way was very successful with the flag, Mr Kenneth Fraser, Mr Wohlers, the Clerk of the Course, with Messrs Bridge and John McKay were ac their best and doing aH in their power to make everything pass off pleasantly, and this they succeeded in doing in a very decided manner. There was one fault felt and that was the absence of any properly provided luncheon booth. The fault of this, however, did not lie with tbs Committee, it having been an understood thing that the licenced booth holder should have prepared to supply solid refreshments. It nay be said that the provido™ for the inn p r comforts did a roaring teido duping the day. No less a sum than £l-127 was put through the totalirator, whicli was as last y?ar in charge of Messrs Oowie

and Co., D o nod in. It was hardly anticipated that such a largo stfna would bo invested—which far exceeds, more thaf double, the amount operated on at any previous irjcol iug here and the result is alike satisfactory to the Club and the totalisator proprietors. The stand which had been erected proved most convenient, an 1 was crowded during the continuance of the racing. The majority of the occupants were ladies, and from the vantage noint they could witness tho steeplechases as well as the other races with perfect comfort. Previous the start of the first race the President addressed those present in a few well chosen sentences. He said it gave him md the Stewards pleasure to -me :-nch i large attendance -ims it mas tnttir ; intention to do the ho si. they coni I to ; provide a good davs spr.vt. RiC ;■ -Rewards were di-tcrmiomi pus iown with a strong hind any il'ega practices, and ho thought it uaiv ngu

to let it bo known that the heavies punishaierit would be meted out to any detected in endeavoring to prevent the honest running of the horses. Mr Gardner’s remarks were very properly received with great approbation--13 at enough of generalities; viz., to the racing. A start was made with the hurdles, which after the withdrawal of Victor and Juno and the nonappearance of Volunteer, left Maxwelton, May Boy and Patchwork to contest the event. Maxwelton stripped fitter than we have ever seen him before; at first glance he appeared to be big, but there was no superflous flesh about the horse, he being as hard as nails. No fault either could be found in the condition of Patchwork, and bearing in mind his meritorious win at Mandeville a few days previously, the good looking son of Golden Butterfly had no lack of supporters. May Boy looked well enough, but his subsequent running would indicate that he was not quite himself. The starter lost no time in despatching the trio, and once they had settled down to work Patchwork had a slight lead of Maxwelton, May Boy ' whipping in. At the half mile post Cotton took Maxwelton to the front where he remained to the end securing a comfortable victory. Seven saddled up for the Maiden Plate, several of them rather green. More than one of the jockeys, too, were evidently novices at the art of race riding. The winner turned up in the little fancied .Juno, who won with considerable ease. The mare is by Pertobe and hails from Wrey s Bush. The owners, we understand, held the four tickets on the mare in the machine and therefore drew the whole of the money, a litile over £IOO. Although there were only three horses in the Miideu Steeplechase thence engendered the keenest interest, it, b ing thought that there was littl • to choo-e between them. Sandy, from his reputation as a jumper, coupled with tin fact that Cotton had the mount, was a slightly better favourite than Tally-ho whose second appearance in public it was, and his first essay at racing over big jumps. .Jerry is a well-known performer with the flircbwood pack, and had not Ppeviously been raced. His owner, Mr JS. Thomson, decided to ride the horse Irmself —his maiden appearance in co'ors. The - race is easily described-fally-ho and Sandy kept together the whole of the journey, alternately leading, but never more than a few lengths from one another, with Jerry some distance in the rear. Haifa mile from homo the two chestnuts wore hard at it Tally-ho came again and again, and under punishment, Sandy struggled gamely to the end, but had again to submit to defeat, the young horse being landed a winner by about a length. The leaders were going back to Jerry at the end, and he was not more than six lengths away, when Tally-ho passed the post. It was a splendid race, and had Mr Thomson male a little more use of his mount he would have finishel alongside the others, if not in front of them. His initial ride between the flags, however, was a capital achievement, and we hope before long to chronicle a win for ■mch a genuine sportsman. The Cup was looked upon as a two horse race, and such it was, for Hawthorne was nit of place in the company of Victory and May Kang. Mr Crockett’s old nag was looking fresh and well, but Mav King was rather jo'ly to bo seen at his best. Soon after the start, Victory vent to the front, and never being ready asked to go, won easily. This is the third successive occasion on which Victory has secured the race. The time returned for the mile and a half was slow— B minutes. It is quite safe to say that the Hunt Club Steeplechase of last Monday was the best contested, the m )st interesting and exciting crosscountry event ever seen in Southland —many present, who have been spectators of ’chases in all parts of this and other countries declare that the big evont of the Riverton Club’s meeting was the finest contest they had witnessed. Of the eight that figured on the card only one was scratched, and the whole seven left in had a certain following. As the horses were being saddled the two ancient greys, Waiau and Victor, both trained by John Smith, jun., Otantau, were eagerly scanned. Victor was in rather better condition than when he won at Mandeville, and Waiau was big and muscular and in perfect health, but, alas, his last gallop found a weak spot; one of his legs failed. He had pilled up lame, but afterwards appeared not to feel the injury, and it was decided to start him. The horse on his previous performances had been chucked into the handicap, his record having boon six wins without a failure on each occasion carrying big hardens with Mr E. Saunders fu* his pilot. It was not unreasonable to suppose therefore that the old fellow would have a big say notwithstanding his somewhat lengthened retirement. Victor could only expect to succeed in the event of several of the starters coming to grief. Ranger, last year’s winner, was made favourite on the machine. He was looking well and hearty. As before s lid Maxwelton and Patchwork were both turned out by their respective trainers in first rate trim, and Harry Telford had Jerry in good nick, albeit the horse was only off grass for a few weeks. Tally-ho, after his exertions in the Maiden was hardly thought to have much of a say. At the post Mr Lyle did not keep them long, and the seven horses flew the first jump in close qrder. Once settled down to work Patchwork, Waiau and Ranger comprised the leading division, Victor and Tally-ho bringing up the rear. The first and only casuality oocunod going into the road for the first time,

Jerry getting away from his rider. Running on the course opposite the stand the first time round, Maxwolton had gone into a prominent, position, R inger, Patchwork and Waiau being with him all close together. Thus early Victor and Tally-ho wore done with. Before leaving the course

again Waiau dropped back and thereafter the leading trio com- 1 menced to get away from him. Along the paddocks towards the Thornbury road Maxwelton, Patchwork and Ranger each in turn led. Patchwork was first over the final double, but as they raced for the fence leading into the racecourse Maxweltor, ranged alongside, Ranger only a length or so away, Waiau still fourth but separated by a wide gap from the leaders. All round the racecourse proper, a great struggle was fought out, Patchwork assorting his superiority and winning by a clear length from Ranger who in turn was only a neck in front of Maxwelton. Waiau pulled up verv lame, and it would appear that the old horse’s dicky leg gave way when he fell back during the first round. The veteran has run his last race. Victor was never prominent during any position of the journey, and Tally ho was not persevered with when ic wis found he was losing ground. It «peaks well for the capabilities of the horses, that of the ten starters in the two steeplechases only one slight mistake was made; this is a performance seldom equalled, especially when the size of the jumps is taken into account, and that in the three mile event no less than 21 had to be negotiated. The win of the President’s horse, Patchwork, was received with great demonstrations of delight, and no more popular victory could be conceived. Three cheers were also called for Parquhar McKay, the rider and trainer not only of Patchwork but of the winner of the Maiden Steeplechase. Both the steeplechase winners are by Golden Batter fly, the handsome chestnut, that was so poorly appreciated when in the land of his birth. Patchwork’s dam is a Croydon mare, while Lady, the dam of Tallyho, has previously given us some tip top jumpers. Matamata had very little difficulty in disposing of the lot opposing him in the Plying Handicap, and an easy win of the Consolation by

May King, brought the proceeding? to a close. The following are the events : Handicap Hurdle Race of 15 sovs. One mile and a half. 59—Mr R, Kirk’s hr g Maxwelton, by Oberon, aged, list ... (Cotton) 1 ;;L—Mr J. Gardner’s cb b Patchwork, by Golden Butterfly—out of a mare by Croydon, Syears, 10.7 ( P. McKay) 2 47—Mr A. Baird’s b g May Boy, by Wee Lad—May Day, aged, list (Harvey) 3

Victor was scratched, and on whom £8 was invested on the machine, did not turn up, and the amount was returned to tin ticket holders.

From a good start Patchwork was the first to show in front and led over the first jump, May Boy next, Maxwelton bringing up the rear. At the hack of the course Cotton took Maxwelton to the front where he re mainod, winning rather easily by four lengths ; May Boy a good third. Dividend, £2 2s.

Maiden Plate of 10 sovs. Distance, one mile. Weight for age. 4—Mr J. Enright’s br m Juno, bv Pertove, 6yrs, 9.1 ... ••• (Welsh) 1 33—Mr F. McKay’s b g Prior, 5 years, 91 ... ... ... ••• (Owner) 2 13 —Mr John Reid’s b g Isman, aged

91 (18) Bluejacket, 9.1 ; (33) Rata, 9.1; (17) Merino, 9.1; (3) Zero, 9st, also ran. Spats, Hawthorne. Merry Boy, Quill and Tangle worn scratched. The field, with the exception of Zero, got away well Together. Merino was at the head of affairs passing the stand, and still led at the back of the course. At the far bend Juno went up, and entering the straight went on in front winning easily by half-a-dozen lengths from Prior, Isman a length away third. Dividend, £25 Bs. Maided Steeplechase of 20 sovs. Welter weight for age for all horses that have not won a stake of £ls in value over a steeplechase course. Distance, about two miles, over such course and jumps as the Stewards may direct. Gl—Mr F. McKay’s oh h Tally-ho, by Golden Butterfly—Lidy, 4yrs, list (Owner) 1 83—Mr J. Tennant’s oh g Sandy, aged, li t 41b (Cotton) 2 2G—Mr J. S. Thomson’s b g Jerry, aged, Hat 41b (Owner) 3 "Volunteer, who hal been entered, did not put in an anncaranco.

Sandy led over the first jump, closely followed by Tally-ho, Jerry being pulled back last. At the second obstacle that led into the racecourse Sandy and Tally-ho were together and ran iieck and neck along the back stretch of the course proper, Jerry twenty leng’ths away. At the post and rails there was no alteration, the three horses fencing in grand style. Sandy led over the gorse jump out of the course but was passed by Tally-ho before the big hedga in the paddock at the back of stand was reached. The son of Golden Butterfly led over the following jump and was first over the big double at the Thornbury road, Jerry still about the same distance in the rear. Sandy and Tally-ho were together at the double back across the road and were alternately in front but never more thaai a couple of lengths from one another as all along the stretch to the far tarn of the running track. As they rounded for home Tally-ho, responding to the calls of his rider, commenced to draw away, and Cotton drew the whip to Sandy who straggled gamely aR up the straight. McKay also had the whip out on the young horso who, running as straight as a line, maintained his advantage to the end, winning a splendid race by three parts of a length, Jerry, who had been gaining on his adversaries the last half mile, finished about half-a-dozen lengths from Sandy, Dividend, £2 9s. Riverton Cur of 35 sovs. Distance, one; mile and a-balf. I.7B—Mr J. Crockett's ch g Victory by Fore—Clipper, Bst Blb ... (Dice) 1 100—Mr J. Mc.Farlane’s b h May King by Alluvium—May Day, lyes, 7st 101 b (McKenzie) 2 45—Mi' H. F. Woodward’s cb m Hawthorne, 4yrs 7st 31b ... (Meredith) 3

Hawthorne was the first to show in front, but passing the stand, Victory was at the head of affairs. Bounding the turn, Mav King, running wide, ran. into second place. Along the hack stretch. Victory went father away from his field, and the race was never in doubt, the old horse running home an easy winner by four lengths, Haw-

1 born lost ball: a length from May Kino-. Time, 3 minutes. Dividend—£l 12s. Riverton Hunt Cmiis StkepIiKCHASE of 30 sova., with a sweepstake of 10s each for second horse. A welter handicap. Distance, about three miles, over such course and jumps as the Stewards may direct. For all horses that have been hunted during the past season with any recognised pack of hounds. will not be received unless accompanied by a Master’s certificate. To bo ridden by members of any recognised Hunt Club, member of S. A. Turf Club, or member of Riverton Racing Club. Professionals to carry 71b extra. 50—Mr J. Gardner’s oh h,Patchwork, by Golden Butterfly—dam by Croydon, syrs, 10st 71b ... (Mr F. McKay) 1 71—Mr J. Ritchie’s b g Ranger, aged, 10at 71b (Cotton) 3 32—Mr R. Kirk’s bg Maswelton, aged, 10st 71b (F. Smith) 3 (53) Victor, 12st; (38) Jerry, 9st 71b ; (39) Waian, 10st also ran. May boy was scratched. The considerable held of seven were sent away well in line and the Qrst fence—that out of the racecourse proper—was taken first by Patchwork, Victor being last over. Along the paddocks at the back of the stand, Patchwork led, the two greys —Victor and Waian, —Ranger, Tally-ho, Jerry, and Maxwelton in that order. As they raced for the road Waian momentarily led, but Patchwork was first over the double, Ringer third, Jerry at the first of the two fences making a mistake and losing his rider. Victor was the last to cross the road. At the second double Patchwork and Maxwelton were in the van with Ranger and Waian in close attendance, Tally-ho and Victor bringing up the rear. Along the back of the racecon rce Patchwork, Maxwelton, Ranger and Waian were within a few lengths of one another, a wide gap separating these from Victor and Tally-ho. At the turn of the course and facing the post and rail fence Waian dropped back, and was with Victor as the fence leading ont of the racecourse was crossed for the second time. Over this Maxwelton led with Patchwork and Ranger handy. Going for tho big double the second time the order was Patchwork, Maxwelton and Ranger close together, Waian, Victor and Tally-ho. When the horses again came in sight with their heads turned homeward Patchwork led bat Ranger and Maxwelton were within a few lengths of the leader’, Waian plodding along fourth, but some dis' < - VV'ttl the loading trio, Victor sj.u , j igths from Waian,-Tally-ho whipping in. Along the back of the course Maxwelton drew up to the leader and Ranger also went on in hot pursuit. Patchwork, however, drew away when called upon and once in the straight had established a lead of three lengths and this he maintained to the end. A struggle took

place for second honors, Ranger just pipping Maxwelton on the post. W aiau came in fourth, Victor fifth, and Tally-ho sixth. Dividend, £5, The following is the table of winners of the Riverton Steeplechase : ISB6—Pre-Emptive Right, 12.3, Mr Saunders. 1858—Waiau, 12.10, „ 1889— Derby, 10.12, W. Duncan 1890— Ranger, 9.12, Mr P. McKay 1791—Patchwork, 10.7, „

Flying Handicap oE 15 sovs. Distance, G furlongs. Winner of Riverton Cap to carry 7ibs penalty. 115—Mr J. Crockett’s e’fl-g Matavnata, by Apremont Speargrass, syrs, Bst (Bice) 1 33—Mr M. Hannan’s blk m Taffrail, aged, 7st 71b (McKenzie) 2 17 —Mr F. McKay’s b g Prior, syrs, 7st 121 b (Cameron) 3 (40) Surprise, Bst, also started. The Lad, derino, Hawthorne, Tangle and Nebula were scratched.

Matamata, got tlie best and Prior tbe worst of a straggling stai-t. Matamata and Taffrail ran together tbe top of tbe straight where the former came away and won with any amount in hand by two clear lengths ; Prior third and Surprise last. Dividend, £1 12s. Consolation Handicap of 10 sovs. For all beaten horses. Distance, one mile. 91—Mr J. McFarlane’s b h May King, Bst 71b ... ... ... (McKenzie) 1 32—Mr M. Hannan’s blk m Taffrail, aged, 7st7lb (Rice) 2 31—Mr H. F. Woodward’s ch m Hawthorne, 4yrs, 7st 101 b ... (Bleo) 3 (30) Mayboy, Bst 131 b ; and (3) Prior, 7st 71b, also ran. From a good start May King at once went to the front, and never being headed won rather easily by a length from Taffrail ; Hawthorne a good third. Dividend, £1 14s.