THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S FIRST SPRING MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 61, 24 September 1891, Page 6

THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB’S FIRST SPRING MEETING.

President: Mr. L. D. Nathan. Vice-President: Colonel Dawson. Stewards: Messrs. J. H. M. Carpenter, A. E. Devore, R. Garrett, H. I. Gorrie, Hon. E. Mitcheisoii, M.H.R. Committee : Messrs. A. Buckland, Richard Duder, W. McLaughlan T. Morrin, J. P. A. Philson, J. Russell, H. Thompson. Judge: Mr. J. Kirkwood. Treasurer : Mr. J. Dickey. Starter: Mr. E. D. Halstead. Clerk of Scales: Mr. F. IV Marks. Clerk of Course: Mr. T. A. Brown. Handicapper: Mr. J. O. Evett. Secretary: Mr. Wm. Percival. On Saturday afternoon last the curtain was rung 1 up for the racing season of 1891-92 by the inauguration of the Auckland Racing Club’s first spring meeting at Ellerslie. The weather ■which had borne a threatening aspect all the morning became showery in the afternoon, which no doubt militated considerably against the attendance. Mr. Ruddy had the lawn and flower beds in beautiful order, and everything was in perfect harmony with them, which rejects great credit on his taste and energy. It is estimated that a little under 2,000 persons were present, which was quite up to anticipation, considering the counter attractions. The arrangements from start to finish were admirably carried out, for which Mr. Wm. Percival, the secretary, was in no small measure responsible. Mr. John Kirkwood was in his accustomed place as judge, and as there were no very close finishes he had no difficult question to decide, and consequently gave, every satisfaction. As Mr. George Cutts was absent in Australia, the stewards handed over the starter’s flag to Mr. E. D. Halstead, and the popular vet. acquitted -himself right worthily. The totalisator arrangements were entrusted to Mr. W. Blomfield, who satisfactorily negotiated the sum of £3,924, during the day, without the slightest .hitch of any kind. Mr. Impey’s well-known band was at their usual post, and contributed . the musical part of the programme with their wonted proficiency, J, The first race on the programme wis the Trial Stakes, which brought out a field of six naoderates. Tupara, who was the greasest outsider, furnished the winner and rewarded his backers with the comfortable dividend fora start of £23 odd; Miss Cole, who was greatly fancied, came in absolutely last. Vieux Rose got away with the best of a very fairly even start, and passing the six furlong post she led Miss Cole by about three.lengths. Then came in a bunch a length behind Major George’s mare, Tupara, Woodbine, and The Dancer. At the half mile post Tupara began to go up, and Miss Cole had fallen back last. Entering the straight Tupara was on nearly equal terms with Vieux Rose, and sticking gamely to his task he succeeded in catching the eye of the judge by half a length. The Dancer came up with a great rush at the finish, and got within a length of Vieux Rose. Six came to the post for the Hurdles—Sentinel, Cloth of Gold and Fragrance being scratched. Mr. Halstead got his horses away to a beautiful start after several breaks away. At the first obstacle Fishmonger had about three lengths to the good from Cynical; then followed Theorem, Bit o’ Blue, The Colonel and' Kate. At the top stretch Cynical came up to Fishmonger, and they negotiated the next ’ jump simultaneously, Theorem close behind, and at the Derby stand the three took the hurdle together. Going round the bottom turn Theorem was at the head of affairs, a length in front of Cynical, Fishmonger next, and The Colonel fourth. The pace now began to improve, which found out Cynical. Fishmonger and Theorem fought out a sharp struggle to the three-quarter mile post, when the former began to show signs of trouble, and Theorem sailing away across the top stretch very strongly it looked as if the race was over, and he was loudly proclaimed the winner. The declaration, however, was premature, for The Colonel after being patiently ridden rapidly came up to the leaders, and taking command at the last hurdle, and won easily at the finish by three lengths from Theorem; Fishmonger seven or eight lengths away third. The September Handicap of 120 sovs., was the next event to be decided, and a half-dozen again made up the field, which was again sent away to a gbod start. Hilda drew out slightly, but immediately after The Dreamer had the premier position, which he held right through the straight. Then came Morion and Dolosa. Hilda now fell back fifth. At the half mile the field began to close on the leader, and at, the turn for home Hilda was within half a / length of The Dreamer, but she shortly after

died away. Morion and Dolosa came very fast at the finish, and for a second or two it looked as if the former would be successful in his effort, but Moore shaking up The Dreamer, he responded gamely, and got home three-quarters of a length in front of Morion who was a neck in front of Dolosa. Then came Hilda, Coalscuttle and Dishonour.

Eight juveniles came out for the next race, and Brown Alice, by Nordenfeldt—Ouida, was immediately made a warm favourite, and the half sister to Hilda fully justified the confidence reposed in her by winning easily. Brown Alice and Welcome got away best, and they ran neck and neck till the straight was reached, when Welcome died away. Queen Rose and Dorothy came very fast at the finish, the former beating Dorothy by a length for second honours. For the Steeplechase there was a splendid field of fourteen contestants, Sentinel being the only absentee. The start was a perfect one. Jupiter and Hurricane were the first over the sod wall. On coming to the water jump Hurricane led Bit o’ Blue by a length, which position was reversed at the stone wall. At the back of the course Bit o’ Blue was leading by about two lengths, and showed his field up the hill, followed by Hurricane and Omata. At the stone wall the latter was almost on terms with Bit o’ Blue, who was first over the double, and crossing the old water jump he was a length in front of Hopeful Kate ; Omata four or five lengths behind. Hopeful Kate catching Bit o’ Blue the pace was made a cracker up the back of the course, but at the cutting the little roan began to draw away from the mare, and placed a couple of lengths between them; Hurricane six or seven lengths behind, Omata close up to him. When they came out from behind the trees Bit o’ Blue was still in front, and going strongly gave his admirers every hope of avictoiy, but they were doomed to disappointment,' for he came down after negotiating the post and rails, leaving Hopeful Kate in command of affairs ; and being only about half a mile from the coveted goal post she looked all over a winner, being three lengths in front of Omata racing down the hill. But the son of Bedouin was not yet done with, and by the time the stone wall bounding the course was reached he had caught Hopeful Kate, and led her over that obstacle by half a length. The mare began to hold out signals of distress, and Omata increasing his lead at every stride ran home a winner by six lengths, Hopeful Kate three lengths in front of Justice. Hurricane was fourth.

The sixth event to be decided was the Flying Handicap, for which Mr. Halstead had to handle ten starters, Dishonor, Morion, and Tupara being scratched. An even start was effected. The Baron and Priscilla were the first to assume the lead, Cissy being their close attendant. At the cutting Master Pat came up to The Baron, and the pair raced together to the half mile post, Priscilla, Cissy, Lady Belle, and Vieux Rose following in that order. On entering the straight The Baron had disposed of Master Pat, and drawing right away from his field won by three lengths with the greatest of ease from Vieux Rose, Lady Belle being third, Dolosa fourth, and Cissy fifth. The final race of the day was the Hunters’ Welter, for which eleven came to the post; Tawhana being made a great favourite. After the fall of the flag Mangere was not long in assuming command of affairs, and led his field into the straight, and without being called upon to exert himself won comfortably from Satanella by a couple of lengths, who was about the same distance in front of Dan. Mangere rewarded his five backers on the outside machine with the handsome dividend of £4B 155., whilst his eleven admirers inside were rewarded with £24 6s.

The racing throughout the day was splendid, and has seldom been excelled on the Ellerslie course.