Ngaruawahia Races.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1326, 30 December 1880, Page 2

Ngaruawahia Races.

Stewards : Mr E. Fitzpatrick. Mr B. H. Keesinjr, Mr W. B. Orombie, Mr E. Simmelhag, Mr A. Booth, Mr P. Kay, Mr B. Brenimn, Mr K. Morrison, Mr T. Paterson, Captain Lindsay. 3t;irter: Mr K. Morrison. Glerk of Course: Mr R. Blencowe. Clerk of Scales: Mr T. W. Davies. Handicappers, Messrs. K. Morrison and E. R. Liing. Judge: ! Captain Lindsay. Those who availed themselves of the opportunity of attending the sports held on Boxing-day at Ngaruawahia, were well repaid. The attsndance on the ground in the afternoon was large, there being between five and six hundred people present. The day was beautiful and fine, and everything passed off well. The Steam Navigation Company laid on three steamers —one from the Coal Mines another from Whatawhv, ta, and one from Hamilton, whilst a good many were conveyed by the train. The Maoris mustered in strong force, and behaved remarkably well, no disturbance of any kind occurring. The racing was good, especially the Ngaruawahia Handicap, and the reault must have been highly gratifying to the handicappers. The stewards did all in their power to make the meeting a success. There was no grand stand, and owing to the den^e scrub only a part of the running could be Been. Had the committee taken the trouble to have cleared away some of the ti-tree, the spectators would have had a much better opportunity of seeing the contest". Mm Hood of the Delta Hotel had a booth on the ground, aud Mr Simmelag, of the Royal Hotel one also and it is needless to say that they were well patronised. There was an absence of the gambling fraternity, and not even a solitary " under and over" on the ground. The betting was very limited, and, barring a few sweeps got up, very little money appeared to change hands. In fact it was simply an " outing " got up by a few enthusiastic residents who had the interests of the township at heart, and they may be fairly congratulated upon the day's proceedings. Some little delay was caused at the start, as Sportsman, who wai to run in the first race on the card did not put in an appearance until after the arrival of the train from Hamilton. The first race was a boil over for the knowing ones, as Sportsman was never in it, having to yield the palm to Blinkbonny who won easily. The Maiden Plate fell to Stanley, but the owner of Marchioness entered a protest against the winner for carrying 21b. less which was dismissed. In the Hack Race a protest was laid against Sweet Briar's jockey for foul riding, he having struck Wee Pet on the head. The stewards after fully investigating the matter entertained the protest. Captain Lindsay acted as judge, and gave every satisfaction, while the indefatigable secretary (Mr Keesing) carried out the arrangements admirably. The racing was brought to a clo.se .shortly af tor six o'clock, and a rush immediately set in for home. The steamer Delta arrived in Hamilton with her portion of the pleasure-seekers about 9, and Mr Sutcliffe deserves » word of praise for the ample provision made by him foi the comfort of +.he passengers. With regard to the Pony Race I have been authorised to state that the owner of Eureka is willing to back his pony against the winner for £10 wide, and have posted the money in Mv Buck's hands. I am glad to see that our vetran sport Mr Hope still keeps to the front in sporting matters. He was successful in carrying off two matches at Ngaruawahia on Boxing-Day, and I understand has again backed his already well-known hack, Buck»traw, to run a horse beloneing to Mr Bromfield of Taupari, for £10 aside, match to come off on the Whatawbata course on New Year's Day, being the day of the races there. Whatever the result may be, I am satisfied the names of the two gentlemen connected in the matter U sufficient guarantee that the mutch will be conducted honorably. The match is causing considerable excitement, but it seems to be thought that Mr Bromfield has got a good thing on. The following i» the result of the day's racing: — HANDICAP HLRDLE RACE Of 20 soys.; distance, 2 miles, over 8 flights of hurdles 3ft. Cm. high; 2nd horse to receive 5 soys. from the stakes. Nomination, 2os; acceptance, loa. E. R. Laings r m Blinkbonny, 3 yrs, (Sidwell) 1 E. R. Laings eh q Harold, aged, (Kelly) 2 Rutherford's eh q Sportsman, aged; (Wilson) 3 Betting: 3to 1 Sportsman. After a little delay, owing to one of the hurdles having been knocked down, Mr Morrison despatched the trio on their journey to a capital start. Sportsman led over the first hurdle, followed by Blinkbonny, with Horold close up. On turning the bend, Blinkbonny gradually closed up to Sportsman, aDd after a few strides passed him. The race after this, was never in doubt, Blinkbonny winning by about ten lengths from Harold. Sportsman being clean out of it.

MAIDEN PLATE Of 10 soys.; distance, l£miles; weight for age. Entrance, 20s. Owen Gayer's b q Stanley, aged, (Sidwell) 1 A. Booth's b. m. Marchioness, 3yrs, (McGee) 2 G.Wilkinson's b. m. Coleen Bawn, — years, (Bond) 3 Although Stanley waR left behind at the start, he soon overhauled Marchioness, who was the favorite. Coming into the straight, Collen Bawn dropped back, and Stanley passed Marchioness and won easily by six lengths. NQARUAWAHIA HANDICAP. Of 30 soys.; distance, 2 miles, with a sweepstake of 1 soy. to go to second horse. Nomination, 30s; acceptance, 20s. Owen C. McGee's b q Bundarrah, aged (McG'e) 1 E. R. Laings eh q Harold, aged, (Kelly) 2 G. Wilkinson's b q Orakau, aged, (Bond) 3 The starter had no difficulty in getting the three off upon even terms. Orakau made the running and led for the first mile and a-half when Bundarrah rushed to the front, closely waited upon by Harold. Despite the efforts of Kelly he could not

overhaul Bundarrah, and coming homo tho two were under the whip. A most exciting race ensued, Bundarrah winning by a nose from Harold.

PONY RACE. Of 8 soys. ; distance, l£ miles ; for ponies 14 hands and under ; weight for inches. Post entries, 15a Lucy 1 Eureka .. 2 Amateur 3 A splendid race from start to finish. Lucy wining by a neck from Eureka. HACK RACE Of 8 Boys. ; distance, l£ miles ; catch weights. Post entries, 15s. Mr. Donovan's Swe&t Briar 1 Mr. Wilkinson's Wee Pet 2 CONSOLATION STAKES HANDICAP Of 10 so vs. ; distance, 1J- miles. Eatvance, 1 soy. Mr. Laings eh. g. Harold 1 Mr. Wilkinson's b. g. Orakau 2 t There were only two entries. Harold winning just by a head. Blue Gown.