CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 491, 21 December 1899, Page 14

CANTERBURY.

THE CHRISTCHURCH RACING CLUB’S SUMMER MEETING. Chbistohveoh, December 18. The Christchurch Racing Club’s Summer Meeting commenced at New Brighton on Saturday. Rain fell in the morning, and the attendance suffered thereby. The sum of £1776 10s. was passed through the totalisator Melita was not allowed to start in the Nursery Handicap, so only three two-year-olds — Macintosh (7.12), Whirlwind (7.7), Olytie (7.7)—faced the starter. Whirlwind, who is a nicely - shaped filly (by Stepniak — Tempest) was made favorite. She never gave the others a chance, and, after leading throughout, easily beat Clytie by two lengths, Macintosh being another half - length behind Olytie. Dividend, £1 4s. Seven saddled-up for the Maiden Plate, six furlongs. Fireside (7.13), a three-year-old filly by Perkin Warbeck II. —Blythside, who was nominated for last New Zealand Cup, was better backed than the ultimate winner—Leather Medal (8.12). The two favorites took the lead at the start, and Fireside, after holding command for four furlongs, had to give way to Leather Medal, who won by a length and a half. Silex (8 1) was third, ten lengths behind Fireside. Legerity (9.0) and Gold (8.10) came down at the top turn, but neither horses or jockeys were much hurt. Dividend, £3 12s.

There were only four starters in the principal race—the Windsor Handicap, one mile, and a distance. Huku (8.4) was made a strong favorite. Sequin (7.3) and Ben Farley (8.3) made the running for a few furlongs, when Sequin drew out, and at the half-mile post was three lengths in front of Lapidary (7 8). The field closed up at the top turn, but once in the straight Huku soon settled Sequin, and beat her in the run home by half a length, Ben Farley four lengths away third. Dividend, £2 2s. The Selling Hack Race, five furlongs, was won by Gold (8.8), a five-year-old mare by Master George out of Trinket, who beat The Dodger (8.10), and Ringwood (7.13). Dividend, £1 18s. The winner was bought by Dan O’Brien for £22. The Flying Handicap produced an interesting race, all the five starters being well backed. Suzannah (8.5) was the popular selection, Lapidary (7.10) coming next in demand. Belligerent (7.9) showed the way right into the straight, where Phryne (7.3) passed him. Skirmisher (8.13) then came throngh with a great rush, and passing Phryne in the last hundred yards, won by nearly a length, with Belligerent third, three lengths behind Phryne. Dividend, £6. The High Weight Handicap brought out four starters —Rangefinder (10.3), Shekel (9.8), Pensioner (9.7), and Simpleton (9.0). Rang- finder was made a hot favorite, but he sufferec. defeat from Shekel, who won by two lengths.

The meeting was continued on Monday and attracted a large attendance. The sum of £2203 10s passed through the totalisator. A start was made with the Handicap Hurdles, one mile and a half. There were only four starters, Pensioner (10.2) being considered most worthy of support. Shekel (9.11) led the field over the first two fences, when he gave way to Umslopogaas 10.13 and Sub Rosa (9.11) The latter took command in the last half ,mile and won very easily from Pensioner, who was five lengths ahead of Shekel, Umslopogaas was outpaced. Dividend, £4 ss. Only St. ton aid (8.0), by Clanranald, and Simpleton (7.11) started in the Trial Stakes, seven furlongs. St. Ronald won easily by five lengths. Dividend, £1 6s. The four starters in the Christchurch Cup, one mile and a quarter, were Skirmisher (9.9), Huku (9.5), Ben Farley (8.2), and Sequin (7.10). Huku, on the strength of his running on the first day, was made a pronounced favorite. After going a couple of furlongs Sequin was striding along four lengths in front of Ben Farley, the other pair being close behind Sheenan’s horse. Sequin was still at the head of affairs at the half mile post, Huku, Skirmisher, and Ben Farley being to gether three lengths behind the daughter of Cuirassier. The last named was first into the straight and being kept going won by three lengths from Ben Farley, who finished two lengths ahead of Huku. Dividend, £4.

The Disposal Stakes, of four furlongs, was won by the well bred horse Maximus, by Maxim —Miss Kate, who defeated Dan. O’Brien’s latest purchase Gold by five lengths, Miss Rudstone finishing in third position. Dividend, £2 18s. The winner was bought in for £lO. Backers plunged on Rougeihont (6.10) and Suzannah (8.7) for the Electric Handicap, six furlongs, but they had no chance with the Gorton — Mayflower filly Hawthorn (7.3), who led all the way and beat Phryne (7.10) by three lengths, Suzannah just failing to catch Phryne. Dividend, £l2 2s. A field of four went out for the Welter Handicap, one mile and a distance. Sub Rosa (8.12) was in the lead at the end of the first half mile, and holding her own right through won by three lengths from Relic (8.7), with Vulcan (9.5) third, and Rangefinder (10.9) last. Dividend, £3 6s.