SOUTH AUCKLAND RACING CLUB SUMMER MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 74, 24 December 1891, Page 5

SOUTH AUCKLAND RACING CLUB SUMMER MEETING.

The inauguration of a two days summer meeting of the above club was most successfully brought to an issue on Friday ahd Saturday last, 18th and 19th inst., in the presence of a large concourse of people of all classes and distinctions. By the 9.35 a.m. train front Auckland about two hundred passengers journeyed to Hamilton on Thursday, and to the most casual observer it was at once apparent that there were more than the usual number of “speelers,” three card gentry, their companions and accomplices on board, and were on business bent. The weather being fine and the company more than lively, the trip was by no means, monotonous. The only thing of interest to attract the eye of racing men en route, was a sight of Mr. Walter’s yearlings at Papakura as the train dashed past, while on the opposite side of us to them the new Papakura racecourse was on view, which shows that great pains are being taken to put the turf in fair order for the resuscitation of these once popular gatherings, which takes place dn the 20th February next; Tne next point of attraction to the passengers was Mercer, the point of the railway which first touches the bank of the majestic Waikato river. The train stops here 20 minutes for dinner, and there was a great rush and scamble at the refreshment room, where the “ geiitry ’ above referred to helped themselves ad lib, and as is usually the case on such occasions, they, have conveniently defective memories, and forgot to pay. Mr Tom Porter of the hotel supplied the wants of his patrons, but a large number were left unattended. After leaving Mercer there are various points of great interest to the casual traveller, the principal his admiration for the occasional glimpses he gets of the beautiful river. The sites of the famous battles during the Waikato war, and places of equal interest during the troublesome times of from ’63 onwards, are pointed out and gazed at with various feelings. They include the Mere--mere redoubt, the site of the Rangiriri battle, and the hill which the Maoris had undermined, &c. Not far from this Mr. Donald McKinnon’s farm at Ohinewai is on view, and on the platform of that station we find the popular owner of Loch Ness, Barshotj Scot Free, and others awaiting to proceed with Us to Hamilton, but few of us thought he had the winner of the South Auckland Cup with him in the Ingomar—Albatross horse Loch Ness.: A little further on we reach the coal mines of Huntly, and the scene of the recent disaster is pointed out. Proceeding onward we reach Ngaruawahia, which is probably the most beautiful township in the Waikato, and is . greatly admired by all who are now paying their first visit to the Waikato. The tomb of King Potatu is shown us. The delta of the Waikato, Horotu, and Waipa rivers are visible. At this point there is a large magnificent bridge across the Horotu, which has weeping willows growing luxuriantly on both banks. The river itself has beautifully clear water, and is like a mirror. The township being profusely planted with trees, and situated at the bottom of a large range of hills, gives us a most enchanting picture, and one we are sorry to leave so hurriedly. Twelve or fourteen miles further on we arrive at the Hamilton West station, and find a large number of rather primitive conveyances awaiting to convey us or our luggage to the various hotels or elsewhere in the township, which is about half a mile from the station, and as was the case at Mercer, there was another scramble at the hotels, this time for beds and those who came last had to be satisfied with the floor. It mattered not that several who were treated thus had engaged their rooms a fortnight previously. A large number of visitors from town were unable to find even house accommodation. Hamilton is a place of between 1,000 and 1,500 inhabitants, has both a railway and a traffic bridge across the river; possesses two large hotels on each side of the river, and the usual proportion of churches. On Thursday evening matters were somewhat enlivened by the strains of the Hamilton Light Infantry Band; the cries of a shooting gallery man were less attractive ; and an Aunt Sally show which had been erected alongside Gwynne’s Hotel and lit up by torches was doing fair business. A fair amount of speculation was goingon for the various events of the meeting, all our principal metallicians

from town being present. Friday morning broke beautifully fine, although in the early morning there was a heavy fog. Everyone seemed to be early astir, and after a hurried breakfast wended their way to the course, which is about a mile from Hamilton West post office, on the opposite side of the river towards Ngaruawahia. It is pleasantly situated close to the Hamilton East Railway Station. Nearly half Of the course (the whole of which is visible from all parts in any situation) is backed by a clump of,.picturesque native bush, which gives a charming picture to the colours of the various riders and their mounts as they stride along in their exciting and sometimes dangerous task. The Ngaruawahia and Pirongia ranges are in the distance, and indeed all the surroundings make a most enjoyable change to anyone who is a constant visitor to our immediately surrounding njeetings. The course was, contrary to the expectations of a great number of owners and trainers, in the best of order, and was a credit to Messrs. Jupiter Pluvius and G. H. Carter, the hon. secretary. The latter had the harrow and roller going immediately after the former gentleman had done some of his work (he did the best half of it on Wednesday night); he did nothing to help the worthy honorary secretary on Thursday and Friday, but again put in a heavy claim to his right to assist the South Auckland Racing Club by coming down heavily, on Friday night. The accommodation on the course is “first class,” there being a nice grand stand with ladies’ rooms most conveniently attached. A large publican’s booth and luncheon room underneath, which was under the charge of Mr. Buxton of the Royal Hotel, and did a gnod business. The pew totalisator house was a special feature on this occasion, it being the most conveniently constructed place for the purpose in the Province of Auckland—not even excepting Ellerslie, and although the present structure is only a temporary one it was built with the intention of making it a permanent one if found suitable, and it more than fulfilled expectations. - The machines were worked" for the Club by Mr. W. Blomfield most satifactorily, the amount put through amounting to £ 2,984. 10s. For the first time on any course in this Province three of the Jenkins-Hayes patent machines used in one totalisator house, their furnishing and appearance being quite an attraction. About two hours before the start of the first race the fraternity were seen to be hard at work in four different groups playing the “ three card trick,” and the representative of this paper asked a friend to have a look at the game (?). There was an interesting crowd of Maoris, including wahines, present We were there ten minutes, and with the aid of two “ pals ” two young Maoris were fleeced to the extent of £ly. The operator used an open umbrella as his table, and it was only the approach of a man who looked like a police officer that stopped his nefarious practices for the time. The educated goose was there, so was the precocious monkey (but perhaps we can find plenty of them in Auckland). There was a boxing tent erected on the first day. and. numerous sham impromptu fights were started to advertise it. The first exhibition was well patronised, and the Maori women showed their appreciation of the love they had for the “ noble art ” by arranging themselves in a prone position on the ground outside the marquee, as thick as “ herrings in a tin. to watch the proceedings under the fly. This scene would have made a better subject for Mr. Steele’s brush than his “ Starlight’s Last Stand,” which was on view at the Choral Hall last week. The stewards of the Club, however, did not such appreciate scenes, and ordered the “boxing saloon” to be pulled down next day. The Maori women made free use of the totalisator, and were peculiarly fortunate in their investments. Ice cream was in abundance at a refreshment stall, the lessee of which appeared to do a “ roaring” trade both days. The stewards of the Club, we think, were unr wise in deducting Iper cent, from the totalisator, in contradistinction to all other Clubs using the machine in Auckland, although there were few complaints from the public at the time, the majority being apparently quite indifferent as to what percentage was deducted; The energy displayed by the hon. secretary, Mr. G. H. Carter, cannot be too highly commended, and it is in a great measure due to his ability that the success of the gathering is due. Mr; George Edgcum be was also most assiduous

in rendering him all assistance, and made a most efficient totalisator steward, while Dr. Kenny and Mr. Sandes also worked hard. The ball opened with the Maiden Plate, for which nine figured on the card, Onslow, Antic and Tulloch being scratched. It was eventually won by Vieux Rose comfortably. The second event was the Maiden Hurdles, only three coming to the post. Barshot was made a warm favourite, but did not justify the confidence placed in him, and would have finished a bad last had not Capella, who was pressing the winner, Scaltheen, not come to grief at the last hurdle in the straight. The South Auckland Cup was the next event on the card, six of the eight acceptors putting in an appearance, the absentees being Dolosa and Scot Free. Pinfire was considered the “ dead bird ” by the knowing ones, but had to be content with second place to Lochness. Haricot led for the first mile, but “ peaked ” when challenged by Pinfife at the entrance to the straight, who now looked all over a winner, but Lochness came with a well-timed run and beat him on the post cleverly by half a length, Ingorina third. The Steeple on the first day was a hollow race, only bringing out three starters. Yardman baulked repeatedly, and eventually returned to the paddock. Scaltheen fell, and left Justice to win as he liked, Scaltheen finishing about ten minutes behind him. Pinfire won the Tradesmen’s Plate easily, Tulloch, Mountain Maid and Tupara in that order. Mistake won the Novel Race, Sceptress second and Mararoa third, the field of nine having an exceptionally long tail. Ingorina annexed the Flying Stakes, followed home by Vieux Rose, Helen McGregor, and three others. This was the last event of the day. In the evening heavy rain fell, which again favoured the course, the good order of which is testified to by the good times recorded. The first event of the second day was the Christmas Handicap. Five, crying content, faced the starter, Leorina being made a warm favourite, but she could get no nearer than third to Priscilla and Clarion, the latter being beaten by a head after a splendid finish Only two faced the starter for the Hurdles, and Yardman beat Barshot as he liked in the straight. Great interest was taken in the Produce Stakes, the whole of the acceptors coming to the post. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the youngsters away, and a wretched start was the result. Peerless won comfortably, beating Lottie, Secret, and two others. The winner is by Muskapeer out of a Derby mare. The Publican’s Purse proved to be the race of the meeting. Leorina, Ingorina and Tulloch, who have recently fought several tough battles, were the only starters. The start was an excellent one. The proverbial blanket would have covered the three at any part of the mile and a half journey, and numerous spasmodic exclamations of admiration of the race could be heard from all quarters of the stand and paddock. The owners of the two “’Rinas” could be observed to be nervously excited during the progress of the race, and that is sufficient evidence of the keenness of the contest, as both gentlemen are well known for their cool and calm demeanour under more than ordinary circumstances. On entering the straight for home nobody knew who was first or last, and the three jockeys were hard at work with heels and whip twenty yards from home. However, Leorina gradually wore Mr. J. Hill’s horse down, and won the best race this season by a neck, Tulloch close up. The next race that followed was the South Auckland Steeplechase, and it is equally as worthy of note as its predecessor, although, taken in the order of merit, it is far removed from the Publicans’ Purse. There were four starters. Justice went away with the lead, but fell at the sod wall at the back of the course, allowing Scaltheen to lead going through Edmonds’ paddock to the left of the stand. Coming out of this Yardman ran off, but soon got over the obstacle, and Scaltheen was first into the straight, while The Colonel, Yardman, and Scaltheen all negotiated the water jump together, with Justice, whom Byers had remounted, apparently out of the race. At the wattle Colonel came down, rolling over Jack Rae, and before the horse could recover

himself the plucky horseman was in the saddle, and rising with his mount, resumed his journey, catching his two leaders at the next jump. Evidently the surprise of such a recovery was too great for the riders of Scaltheen and Yardman, for the former fell and Mr. Kurp’s horse ran off. It now looked “a guinea to a gooseberry” on The Colonel, and Rae was taking matters at his leisure, but came down at the next jump. Scaltheen, who had pulled up, on seeing this again started, and came in second to Justice, who walked in. Rae finished third on The Colonel about ten minutes afterwards. The steeplechase country is a very good one, but the jumps are very stiff. Nine faced the starter for the County Plate. There was some trouble at the start, and in one of the breaks away Helen McGregor fell and threw her rider. She eventually won the race hard held from Mountain Maid and Lupin. : The Railway Stakes brought out four starters. Clarion proved best by winning easily from Capella and Vieux Rose. Five faced the starter for the last event of the meeting, the Welter Handicap, and Ingorina proved too much for Priscilla; Ma Boughal being third after a good race. A rush was now made for the Auckland train, which was waiting at the station, and the visitors were all landed safely in town at the appointed time, shortly before midnight. Our representative, however, remained behind, and had some lively experiences in a drive and ride between Hamilton and Mercer with some friends on the following afternoon and night, some particulars of which will be given in our next issue. A special word of praise is due to Mr. E. D. Halstead for his excellent handicapping on both days. A pound difference to any of the three placed horses in several of the races would, to all appearances, have reversed the verdict.