DUNSTAN JOCKEY CLUB.

Dunstan Times, Issue 459, 3 February 1871, Page 2

DUNSTAN JOCKEY CLUB.

The annual meeting of (he Dunstan Jockey Club commenced yesterday. Tlie attendance w;is not nearly so large as on previous occasions, but the stormy nature of the weather will account in a great measure for this.. Those who were present on the course had to suffer a good deal of discomfort for there was a strong wind blowing, and despite the rain which fell the previous night the dust was something frightful. It enveloped everything, and pervaded everything. Visitors who chose to attire themselves in garments of a sombre hue, being ten minutes on the course found themselves clad in garments of light grey, and those who affected lighter shades of color, had their apparel darkened in a manner anything but agreeable. Tlie countenances of spectators were invisible—layer after layer of dust settled Upon them, obliterating every trace of the creator’s stamp, and their owners walked about carrying as much soil on them as would make a Wai Keri Fori Farm It was of no use to try to find one an acquaintance by his lineaments or garb. The only effectual method was to take a careful note of the area of encasing earth on each individual. Many of what used to bo considered the indispensable adjuncts to a racecourse was absent Wo bad not the pleasure of bearing the melodious voices of the wandering Children o’’ Israel beseeching the public to “ Poppe Down,” “Under and over,” roulette, etc., bad no place on the. Dunstan race-course. We were glad however, to notice amongst the visitors, our old and'much revered relative* “Aunt Sally,” but her charms bad notl the potency they generally pos' scss. A “ Merry-go-round ” was •in attendance, and a burly in dividual with stentorian lungs whothe interests of Aunt. provided the ingenious well known to the rising generaTfon of cities, for making those desirous ofsuch knowledge, acquainted with the weight they could lift from the ground on a moments notice, the average register being about half a ton. Of course the inevitable “ krect card of the races ’’ was hawked about and thrust into everybody’s hands The first event on the programme—the Maiden Plate was a complete sell for tho “ knowing ones,” being won by a complete outsider, who, previous to the race could get no one to look at him. Tho result of the Grand Stand Handicap waste certain extent anticipated as th« weight Nov ; ce was adjudged to carry took Irom Backbiter tile preponderating advantage, lie otherwise would have possessed. Backbiter had however some fronds and although ihu Novice was the favorite by a long Way previous to the race, the tine form shown by the black, on stripping, caused him to advance considerably in public eslimation. For the Handicap Hurdle Race Don Pedro was tho favorite to a certain extent. Sir T’atton was also held in pretty fair estimation, and the other three horses had their .friends. The result of the Town Plbte, although not unexpected, raised of indignation, and the riders of the two horses, which walked round the course, were loudly hooted as they leisurely cantered past the Stand.

The Geancl Stand Booth was under the charge of Mr. Insley, and his purveyance of the good things of this life required on race-courses seemed to give satisfaction—at least to judge from the patronage he received. A number of stalls were on the ground and fruit of all descriptions was plentiful and in good demand. The Grand Stand was pretty fairly patronised. The Clerk of the Course, Mr. M'Morran fulfilled his duties to the satisfaction of the Stewards, and disgust of those who had a weakness for crossing the couise while the horses were passing. Mr. Welsford as starter was ■ exceedingly efficient, getting his horses on every occasion well away. Maiden Plate of 50 Sovs., for all horses that have never won an ad-

verlised race. Weight for age. One mile and a half. Mr. Logan’s hr g Reefer Boy (Swan) 1 Foster’s b g Coquet (Mason) 2 Robinson’s br g Hawkdun 3 Thirteen horses started, Gamecock being the favorite.

• After one false start Mr. Welsford got his horses well away together. About one-third of the distance round Ruby took the lead, but short'y^after-

wards bolted, losing thereby all chance. Heeler Boy then shbwed to the front, closely followed by Coquet; Game-, cock being a little, behind. Towards the finish an excellent race took place between Reefer Boy, Coquet, and Hawkdun, the horses passing tho Stand in the order named. Time 3 minutes 5 seconds.

Gr»nd Stand Handicap of 100 Sova. with a sweepstake of 2 Sovs. Second Horse to receive the sweepstakes. Mr. Hazlett’s c m Novice, syrs, 7st (Edwards) f T. Logan’s c g Excelsior, aged, Bst 41bs (Gray) 2 J. Dawkin’s g m Nelly Gray, aged, 7st 4lbs (Mason) 3 B. Prince’s blk g Backblpr, aged, lOst 21bs (O'Brien)^ I s . Foster’s br g Hamilton, W 7st lOlbs (Cotton) M Novice and Backbiter were hj ,Biu about equal estimation, and both were backed at even against the Held. *

When the flag dropped the horses got away together, Backbiter taking the lead, of which he was immediately deprived by Hamilton, who cutout the running at a pretty stiff pace. Past the Grand Stand, Hamilton still led, the other horses keeping well op. \ t the back of the course, the Novice took first plac n , the black lagging behind. Coming into tlie straight, Backbiter put on a spurt but it was too late, Kovice,, Excelsior and Nelly Gray were too far ahead—the former winning easily. Time! minutes, 11 seconds. i

Handicap Hurdle Bace of 75 sovs,

Distance two miles, over seven

flights of hurdles. Mr Pritchard’s g g Don Pedro, aged, i flst 121b (Goodman) 1 Cowan’s -C'g Poison, aged, 9st 41b (Gray) . 2 Grant’s Iretender, sys, Bst 1 21b (Laing) ' 2 Prince’s c g Sir Tatton, 6vrs, JOat 101b (Prince) Ray’s r g Stackpole, syrs, Bst 121b (Williams) One false start was made, after which the horses got away well, the Don leading. At tjle Sir Tatton was fist, all the horses taking the hurdles in good style. The second hurdle past the stand, Sir Tatton baulked, and Stackpole followed suit. Pretender took the lead, and kept it Throughout, though towards the finish the Don and Poison caqje up pretty close—Don taking second place. A protest was entered against Pretender on the ground that he bad run round a hurdle. After hearing evidence, the Stewards upheld Hie protest and disqualified Pretender

Town Plate of 125 Sovs. Open to i all horses. Second horse to save his stake. Weight for age. Distance 2 miles and-a-half.

Mr. R. M. Morten’s chj Southern Chief, syrs 1 R. M Morten’s b g Atlas, 6yrs 2 Backbiter was scratched.

This event was a walk-over, the horses cantering past the Stand ami. I ironical cheering, hooting, and comments the reverse of complimentary to the owners of the horses, were freely indulged in. Hack Selling Race of 20 Sovs. No weight Under lOst. The winner to be sold for 20 Sovs., any surplus to go to tlie race fund. One mile heats. First Heat—Merry Lass 1

~ Charlie 2 „ Joe Cope 3 Second Heat—Charlie I ~ Welcome 2 The third heat resulted in favor of Chariie, who was sold for £27 10s.