DUNSTAN DISTRICT RACES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 410, 25 February 1870, Page 2

DUNSTAN DISTRICT RACES.

Stewards.—Messrs."William Eraser, It. A. Loughnau, R. M. Turnlmll, J. A. Douglas, H. G. Glassford, J. Tlazlctt, W. Smitham, H. S. Thomson. Judge—Vincent Pyke, Esq. Clerk of the Course—R. M'Morran, Esq. Starter-*-.!. S. Handyside, Esq. This meeting wrs inaugurated yesterday. For a considerable time past it has been the all-absorbing topic of conversation, not only here, but for miles around, even in Dunedin and Chistchurch, and in other parts of New Zealand where sporting men do congregate. Great additions and improvement* have recently been made in the stable accommodation, but, in spits of all, there was not sufficient for the number of-horses, The horsey fraternity was in full force, and grooms and jockeys might be seen congregated at the various corners, discussing the merits and demerits of the various horses. The people ot this district are noted for their sporting proclivities, and this, coupled with th<ir openhanded liberality in subscribing the necessary funds, has raised the reputation of i lie Duustau District Races to a posision Becond to none in Otago. Loose l.oxis were in great demand, and great were the exertious of those who expected to profit by the occasion to meet the demands. Morning after morning have e iger sporting men watched the galoping of the hj rises, and hpecula v ion has been pretty high. The morning broke fair and mild, with little wind and therefore comparatively little dust. At an early hour the usually quiet township of Clyde was all astir, everybody concluding urranngeme ts for enjoying the sports provided. One might almost fancy he was resident in a suburban district in the Owl Country, and that the people were all going, as a uiatte.i of course, to the " Derby." Soon the residents of the surrounding districts, and from Dunerlin, Christchurch, and from still more distant places, flocked in, on horseback and iu every kind of vehicle, from the humble spring-fart to the aristrocatic four-in-hand. The idle fears of the "croakers" were j never more completely set at rest, and those who, a short time ago, prognosticated a decided failure were to I lie seen, at short intervals, as Dickens j remarked, '-waging their hand-; with I invisible soap, in imperceptible water," ! while smiles beamed upon their hitherto dismal countenance-;, and smilingly said to one another, " Well ! lis not so bad as L expected." The hotels weie ail fail, and though it must bo confessed there wis more than one intoxi rated individual rolling about the street, the town was remarkably free from rowdyism. Messrs. Oobo and Co. put on their coach winch was '-.ell tilled with pleasure seekers on he three rips it made to the racecourse, and every available horse ami trap wa-i iu use. The number on 'he course far exceeded ihe average, and there was a very fair muster of the Rofter sex. The grand .stand had a good appearance, and the liqi:orsseetn"d to attinct the special attention of vis.to'-s. The refreshment depart- | mer.t was very cre-litable to the purj veyor,Mr.Moore, The rooms devoted : to the solids were much improved, i being comfortably papered, thereby ex- ! eluding dirt, a benefit which all who have triod to take refreshments at the I previous meetings, will not fail to ap- ] preciate, in fact, we may say that, | from the Stewards downwards, all | seem to have worked well, and to have striven to keep the annual nieet- | ing here in its present proud position ; of the foremost up-country races in Mew Zealand. The Maiden Plate brought eight horses to the post, Mr Cox's M iss Ennis taking the stakes. Fourteen horses were nominated for the District Handicap, but only eight accepting, while the Hurdle itace Handicap produced four, and the. Town Plate, live. The last event on the programme for the day wis the Hack Selling Race, and for this event eight horses startfd. The first event, was the authodox Maiden Plate ot 50 sovereigns, foi all horses that have never won an advertised prize of more than 25 sovereigns. Weight for age. Entrance £3 3s. Distance one mile and a half. Mr. Cox's Miss Ennis (M'Kuy) 1 Devine's Sir Charles (Foote) 2 Glassford's Dick (Bock) 3 Miss Ennis took to the fore from the start, and to the great delight ot the St. Bathan's folks, came in a winner. Mr. Keenan's Game Cock bolted off the course and thus lost all chance of the race. District Handicap of 75 sovereigns with a sweepstake of 2 sovereign! ouch. Distance two miles. .Mr. Delamaine's Wild Boy, 5 years, Bst. 41b. ... ] Dawkiu's Nelly Grey, 6 years, Bst, ... \ Smitham's Cromwell, 5 years, 6st. 121b ... i Seven horses started. This was t i very closely contested race, but th< great strength and line condition o j Wild B<>y was too much for hi : peers, although he was compellec more than once to put on the steam b j keep his position. At the star fOtiptaiu Scott took the lead, but hj„

was soon everhaiiled by Ncl y Grey, t Cromwell running well and close up, | C On passing the grand stand Cromwell 1 was leading and pulling hard. The ; t speed, however, was too great, and the ! t horsos gradually changed their places, t Wild Boy leading followed by Nelly 1 Grey and Cromwell. Handicap Hurdle race of 75 sove- , roighs. Distance two miles and a half. One event. Over eight flights ! of hurdles. t Mr. Cowan's' Poison (Grey) 1 t Barnard's Don Pedro (Ray) 2 < Mellor's Harkaway (M'Gregor) 3 Dovine's Sir Charles (scratched) The three horses got away at the start well together, but Harkaway wis soon parted company with. ( Passing the grand stand for the first. ( time there whs only about a length j between Poison and Don. Pretty \ well this position was kept till coming , into the strait, when Poison, by di t i of .whip and spur, was forced ahead and landed a -winner Throughout, . every jump was cleared in fine style, , and made the race a really good one i Town Plate of 150 sovereigns, for 1 all horses, second horse to receive < 25 sovereigns ont of the stakes. Distance two miles and a half. Mr. Barnard's Foretop (Bay) 1 ' Delamaine's Atalauta (Thorpe) 2 j Jolly's Excelsior (Swan) 3 , This was a most exciting race, as ■' from the start to the winning post ' opinion was wavering between the ' two favorites, Foretop and Atalnnta, '■ on whom 2 to 1 was freely offered ' ugainst the field. On the fall of the ' flag the Eve jumped away all of a heap, and at a rattling puce. VVaitaki, however, got the best of his jockey and hoped, leaving the others to contest for the stakes. Just, before reaching the stand Game Cock, who was running well, likewise bolted. I leaving the field in the hands of the I favorites and Kxcelsior. The three I now went, along, at a tearing rate, | Foretop having a slight advantage j which he kept and came i-i first, the ' second place being well contested for j by Aialanta and Excelsior. Hack Selling' Race of 20 sovemtjns. One mile heats. Winner to be sold j for £2O. i Mr. Glassford's Dick mock) Oil! Wrightson'sDoodlembuck (Swan) 10n! BritWs Banshee 22 0 ! Eight started. Each heat was well cont'-sted. \ protest was entered ' Rgainßt Dick. As it was late the stewards notified their decision would be givr n on the following day. when r the winning horse would be sold.