OKAIN'S BAY RACES.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 673, 27 December 1882, Page 2

OKAIN'S BAY RACES.

Judges: Messrs E. Malmanche and G. Crolty, Jun. Handicappers: Messrs Coffin and Harris. Clerk of Scales : Mr Thomas Shackel. Crerk of Course : Mr A. E. Harris. Secretary: Mr J. C. Neligan. These races come off yesterday. About 200 people were present, including the Akaroa contingent, and a good day's fun resulted. Mr Rodrigues had the publican's booth, and seemed to do well ; and Mr Hahn from Akaroa. and two other confectioners did a really good trade. The people in the Bay were most kindly and hospitable, and if one had accepted all their invitations, one would have had little either to eat or drink elsewhere. The officers of the races weie most kindly, and did all they possibly could to give information. The Hon. Sec, Mr Neligan, was indefatigable, and so were those who helped him. The racing, however, is like that which used to take place at the Head of the Bay on the soft beach—a great mistake, for if the farmers would agree, and a good turf coirse could be procured, the races at Okain's would soon be a Peninsula instead of a local institution. As it was, the contests were entirely con fined to horses from tho Bays in the vicinity. The entries were, however, full, and there is no mistake that they went for every event. Mr Montgomery was present, and took great trouble iv getting up races for the youngsters, who thorougii'y appreciated his amiability. We append a detailed account of the races :— The Busidian's Purse of 8 soys. Nomination, 10s; acceptance, 10s. Mr Condon's eh in Shamrock, 3 vrs, Bst 111b Condon 1 Mr Russell's eh g Slashing Harry. 3 yrs, Bst 111b G. Hartley 2 Mr Hol-teiti's b g Balterzer (late Dick), 3 yrs, Bst 111b R. Hartley 3 This race wa_ run in heats of three quarters of a mile, the course not allowing of greater length. All the horses got away well together, but Shamro-k assumed the lead half way, and kept it easily, Slashing Harry being second. He also won the second heat hands clown, but this time Balteraar was second. Slashing Harry and B&lterzar then ran for second place, which was secured by the former. The Okain's Bay Cup, of 12 soys. Nomination, 10. ; acceptance, 15s.

Mr Crotty's Maid of Honor (late Nelly), 5 yrs, 9sl 51b 1 Mr Condon's Chester, aged f } 10st 41b ) j ( Mr Fahey's Butterfly, 6) eg (2 yrs, 9st 91b (. J 2 Mr Olson's Dolly, 4 yrs, 9st lib 4 Mr Harris's Romponboy, 5 yrs, 9st 51b 5 All the five horses on the card started for the Cup, but Maid of Honor soon made it too hot for her opponents, and won as she liked, Butterfly running second, In tho second heat Maid of Honor again had it all her own way, but Chester pushed ber a bit at the finish, and secured second honors. Instead of running off for second place, Chester and Butterfly divided second honors. Ihe Sapling Stakes, of 5 soys, for two-year-olds only ; weight Bst. Mr Graham's Merrylegs 1 Mr Crotty's Black Champion 2 Mr Condon's Quick Lime 3 Miss Harris's Dandy, and Mr Hammond's Colonial Boy also ran. Black Champion was tho favorite, but Merrylegs showed him the road, winning pretty easily. The Consolation Race, of 5 soys. Mr Condon's Chester, aged 1 Mr Olsen's Dolly, 4 years 2 Won by Chester in a canter. Hurry Scurry, for untrained horses, for whip and spurs, presented hy Mr Kissel, of Akaroa. Mr Geo. Mason's Gipsy 1 Mr J. Morris's Leo 2 Mr J. Craws's Blank 3 There was great interest in this race, for which no less than thirteen horses entered, those who did not secure places being, D. O'Rourke, Foxhall, Mr Shadbolt's Deception, Mr A. Lelievre's Minnie, Mr Boyle's Bessie, Jessie, Jenny, Mr Turner's Young Bantam, Mr J. Hammond's Gipsy, and Mr Neligan's Jessie. The start was a moat indifferent one, and the starter hailed the leading file to come back, but, as tbey wonldn't told those behind to go, Every one rode eyes out, and thanks to the course, all but the leader were a mass of mud. The winner, a roan mare. looks a very useful roadster. This concluded the day's fun, as far as horse racing was concerned, but there were sports for the children kept up during the afternoon, and a ball in the evening, which the young ladies enjoyed n:ore than all the rest. It was a pleasant day for Okain's, and we hope all the residents will spend many more of an equally enjoyable kind.