RAKAIA SPORTS AMD RACES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2316, 28 December 1889, Page 2

RAKAIA SPORTS AMD RACES.

The annual Boxing Day Sports and Ra cs ' were held m the Domain on Thursday. The weather m the morning was everything that could be desired, the showers of the night before freshened everything up, and there was no dust. This year the committee have made many permanent improvements much to the convenience of tbt public generally. The small lagoon around which the willows have grown well, and thi>. belts of trees alll round the grounds presented a very pleasing effect to the eye as seen from the natura grand stand. The stand was decorated with flags of all nations, and dotted over with all kinds of tents, &c ; besides these the gay dresses and bonnets of the ladies and children added much lo the brightness of the scene. The attendance was larger than ever, and at one time there must have been some thirteen hundred on the ground from all parts, There were visitors from Christchurch, Ashburton, Leeston, Southbridge, and all the neighboring townships and districts. The Burnham Industrial School Band, m charge of Bandmaster Craze, was on the course and greatly added to the day's pleasure. The boys played well, and reflected great credit on their instructor ; richly did they deserve the praise accorded. Mr A. J, Howell, of the Railway Hotel, had charge of the publican's booth, and those m charge were kept busy all day. Mr Morton, with several fair assistants, had the refreshment booth, and the cravings of the hungry were satisfied with all sorts of good j things. A few of the betting fraternity were present, but they did not do much. The Stewards ran off both races and athletics at the advertised hours, and no time was lost between the events. All worked with a will and used their beat endeavors to give satisfaction to the public. It is pleasing to record that there was not a loafer amongst them and not even a growl. During the early afternoon a heavy shower fell which somewhat interfered with matters, but everyone seemed satisfied that the rain was needed, and took their wettings with smiling faces. Ihe crowd was a most orderly one, and not a sign of over indulgence was to be seen on the ground. Mr Upton acted as starter for the horses, and Mr Lyttelton as judge, both giving satisfaction* The racing was excellent all through, Marmion winning the Hurdle 3 m splendid style. This was a most popular win, and owner, rider, and horse were loudly cheered when the " all right" was given. In the evening the annual ball was held m the Town Hall and was the greatest success we have had. The weather although beautifully wet seemed to keep no one away, and some hundred and fifty couples were present, Mr W. Pearce made a first-rate M.C, and excellent music was provided by Messrs Gates and Ward. Mr Morton had charge of the refreshments which were geod and plentiful. A more orderly crowd, for such it must be called, could not be. A little, perhaps too much, continued chaff at the outer door caused considerable amusement, and there was not a hitch the whole evening. Dancing was kept up till between three, and four, and thus ended m spite of the rain one of the best day's amusements ever held m the R*kaia. The following is the results of the races and sports : Hurdle ~xCA.ce, of io so vs. Over six flights of hurdles, 3ft 6in high, and three brash jumps ; second horse 1 £ov from the stake. Two miles and a quarter. Mr H. Hairison's b g Marmion, aged, I2st 71b .«- „., ,„ (G.Harrison) 1 M. G. Herron's b g Roy, aged, I2st 71b (T. Watt) 2 Mr Welsh's b m Lotto, aged, I2st 7lbs (Owner) 3 Irish Kate was scratched. This was a splendid race from start to finish, and the win a most popular one. ; Flying Stakes, of 7 soys j second horse 1 soy from the stake. Three quarters of a mile, Mr Stubbs' g m Hetty, 4yrs, I2st (O'Brien) 1 Mr T. Watts' b m Sorella, 4yrs, i2st (Owner) 2 Mr A. Richards' g m Tit Willow, 4yrs, i2st (G. Harrison) 3 Carbine, Lotto and Nellie were scratched, Lyndoova and Rangi also ran. Protests were laid against Sorella and Hetty, and these will be considered at a meeting to be held on Monday evening next. Ladies' Pubse, of io soys j second horse to receive i soy from the stake. On j mile and a half. " ~" - Mrs N. Welsh's b m Lotto, aged, i2st ?lb Miss • Osborne's b m Sorella, 4yrs, last (Watt) 2 Mrs Stubbs' g m Hetty, 4yrs, I2st 71b (O'Brien) 3 Rangi was scratched owing to an accident m the last race* Lyndoora also ran. The race was a good one from start to finish. A protest against Lotto will be taken on Monday evening* Handicap Saddle Trot, of 10 soys j second horse to receive 1 soy from the stake. Three miles. Mr N. L» Buchanan's eh g Roy, syrs, I2sfc 7lb, scr. .. f Owner) I Mr F. Russell's b m lolanthe, Syrs, I2st 7lb, scratch (Helmore) 2 s/Lt Hood's b m Polly, aged, I2st 71b, 80yds behind scratch . . „. (Owner) 3 Ballykilbeg was scratched. Tarn 6'Shani.er, Maid of Athens, Blucher, Faugh, Wild Boy and Gispy alsD ran* . From the start it I was seen that the race was between Roy and lolanthe, who kept well together throughout, and the finish was close. Polly being well up for third plac aad^ Tommy Dodd some little distance behind. The winner was loudly cheered on weighing m. Farmers' Plate, of 10 soys ; second horse 1 soy from the stake. One mile and a half, Mr Welsh's b m Lotto, aged, I3st (including 71b penalty) „ (Owner) 1 Mr Harrison's b g Marmion, aged, I2st 7lb _, _ , (G. Harrison) t Mr Stubbs' gr m Hetty, 4yrs, I3st _ . (O'Brien) 3 Rangi was scratch. Lyndoora, Roy and Sorella also ran, Marmion and Hetty made the pace quiak, Roy assisting, but half a mile from home Lotto came to the front and>won "easily. Hurry Scurry ; a sweepstake of ios each horse, with 1 soy added. Catch weights. About three-quarters of a mile. Mr A . Richards' g m Tit Willow (O'Keefe) 1 Mr Ward's g g Brian Bora (Knyvett) 2 _ Coinage, .Lyndoora, Master Raven and Te Kooti also ran. The race was an excellent one from start to finish. . I