ALEXANDRA SPRING MEETING.

Dunstan Times, Issue 333, 11 September 1868, Page 2

ALEXANDRA SPRING MEETING.

Wednesday, September 9. Wednesday last, the day on which the first of Alexandra's Spring RaceMeetings was held, was a day which will long he remembered by the residents. The weather was gloriously fine, of which all who conld possibly drag themselves from their vocation took advantage. There were about three-hundred people congregated on the course, who, to all appearances heartily enjoyed themselves. The sport was fast and furious, and with the exception of a few spills at tho hurdle race, everything passed off most pleasantly.

First, race.—Sweepstakes of ten shillings each, with ten sovereign* added, for all horses that have never won an advertised race (hack or other,) winners at the Dunsran and Cromwell Spring Meetings excepted. Ilalf-mile heats. Mr. E- Ryan's bm. Witch ... 1 Ml. Ivereen'scm. Rosette ... 2 Six hones started for tbia race;

•after two or three false starts for the first heat, the Witch being too eager "for the lray, Mr. C. Hillbouse the starter, got his team well together and effected a good start. The race lay between the Witch and Rosette from the start, and after a good deal of hard whipping and spurring Rosette was landed first closely followed by the Witch. The second heat was well run Witch being first, Miss Black second, and Rosette third. For the final struggle Witch and Rosette had the field to themselves, Rosette plainly showed fatigue, while the Witch was as fresh as ever and came in an easy winner. Second race.—Sweepstakes of \l. with ten sovereigns' added, open t« all horses that have never won advertised money, hack races excepted. Distance one mile.

Mr. J. Sherwood's e.g. Roderic 1 Mr. J. Cox's b.g. Larry ... 2

Eleven horses started; a most excel, lent start was effected the horses being brought admirably in a line. Tommy took the lead and maintained it for a long way closely followed by the field. At about the half-mile Roderic and Larry drew themselves from the throng and took the lead, between whom a hard and well contested race ensued, terminating in Roderick being landed tins winner l>v about a neck.

Third Race.—Hurdle Race, sweepstake of 10s. each, with ten sovereigns added, open to all horses that have never won an advertised hurdle race, winners at the Dunstan and Cromwell Spring Meetings excepted. Three •quarter mile'heats, over three flights of hurdles.

Mr TarnhulPg c. g. Stockwell 1 Mr. Murphy's b.m. Polly 2

Six horses came to the tront; in ronsequenee of the wings to the jumps being put up Oil the wrong side, confusion worse confounded took place, but as good luck would have it, there ■was no serious casualty, though several of the jockeys experienced a shock they will not get over for a few days. Murphy's Polly took the whole of the jumps and won the first heat. Five started for the second heat; from the start it was apparent the

race lay between Stockwell and the winner of the first heat, and by good generalship, Turnbullbrought his horse in about three lengths ahead. Fur the final contest, Stockwell and Polly took the field alone ; after a very good race, Stockwell reached home first in good stylo, and was declared the the winner.

Hospital Race. Mr. Sherwood's c. g. Roderick 1 Cox's b. g. Larry 2 Six horses started. This was the fastest and best contested race of the day. Mailboy took the lead, Larry close in the re ir, being followed by Roderic. This position was kept unt'l nearing the distance post, when Larry and Roderick crept in front and made the race. Roderick at length got in the nick and c ime in the victor. Some private matches and foot reces brought tin sports of the day to a close. Mr. L. Ryan of the Bendigo Hotel, catered for the visitors.