THE CROMWELL RACES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 715, 31 December 1875, Page 2

THE CROMWELL RACES.

■ —-O It seems but the other day that wo reported *he Spring Meeting [and now wo are upon the end of the old year aud verging on the new and the annual races. At a very oa ly hour on the morning of the 28th inst. some of the horsey men were to be seen stirring about, and others engaged in oiling wheels, getting vehicles in order to ply to and from the course, but the weather, the all-important desideratum to a successful meeting, was most threatening, the sky being draped with clouds, assisted by a southerly wind. A drizzling rain sot in it 9 o’clock, and culminated in a very heavy shower at about half-past one, the hour appointed for the first race. By many it was thought that the races would bo postponed, but the Stewards very judiciously delayed the race till two o’clock, when old Sol bin s, forth in all his glory, and the public rapidly wended their way to the scene of excitement. On arriving one was greeted with the familiar cry, “A card, gentlemen, a true and correct card of the races,” when, af.er doling out the veritable shilling, ho was allowed to wander into the bar of the Grand Stand and greet the inimitable “ Charlie, ’’ who, as usual, was courteous to his customers, manipulating the bottles as though they were familiar friends, and surrounded by a circle of obliging barmen, of which he was the undoubted centre, but all of whom were likewise anxious to give every satisfaction. While upon this subject wc must congratulate Mr Hylands upon the improvements made by him to the Grand Stand. The seats were covered with calico, while a large awning was thrown over the top, furnishing a protection both against the rain and the scorching heat; in fact, everything in connection therewith was better than on any other occasion. We trust the returns warranted the outlay. The tables were committed to the charge of Mr Webb, of Clyde, who acquitted himself in his wonted style. The course was a little heavy but nothing to speak about. The following is a resume of the events : Maiden Plate of 25 sova. For all horses that have never won an advertised prize of over IG Bovs, Weight for age. Distance, one mile and a half. Taylor’s g g Haricot, 5 yrs, 9st 41b ... ... ... (Laing) 1 Keenan's c c Freestone, 3 yrs, 7rt 31b ... {-Tno Malone) 2 Stewart’s ch f Spinaway, 3 pis, Cst 121b .. ... ... ( Clare) 3 Harrington’s g g Bismarck, aged, 9st Clb (Fraser) 0 Bismarck, who was the only one in the field who cou'd not find backers, made play, closely followed by Haricot, Freestone, and Spinaway. At the half-mile it was evident to all that the race was between Laing and Malone. At the mile post each jock tried the strength of the other, and a good race ensued till the straight was reached, when Haricot answering bravely to tho whip succeeded in shooting two lengths to the front and was landed a winner, being splendidly ridden by Laing. Mr Parsons’ chestnut filly Mystery was scratched. Time, 3 minutes 6 seconds Grand Stand Handicap, of 40 sovs. Distance, one mile and a half. Keenan’s c g Gamecock, aged, 9at 31b ' (Jas. Malone) ... ... ... 1 Kidd’schg Wexford, aged, Sat (Richnrdaon) ... ... ... ... 2 Taylor’s Haricot, 7st 121b ... (Clare) 3 This race was regarded by many as a certainty for Gamecock, but there were a few who fancied Haricot, and backed him liberally, while poor old Wexford was left out in the cold. From the jump Gamecock was “ spotted” as the winner, but as the ruck neared the mile post, bets were freely offered and accepted as to second place, which, after a game rush, was secured by the old “ screw,” who proved that he could run as well now as he did eight years ago. Time, 3 minutes 4 seconds. Hack Selling Eace, of 15 sovs , for bonafide hacks. The winner to be sold for LIS, the surplus to go to the Race Fund. No weight less than 9 stone, Frances, (Laing) ... ... 1 Laing’s Flora, (Fraser) ... ... 2 Bungaree, Moonlight, Young Doctor, and Biddy Mackay also started. This was a good race, and if Flora had better condition and form tho result, in all probability, would have been very different. Tho winner was put up and sold for L2l 10s, netting L 6 10s to the Club. Flying Handicap, of 30 sovs. Distance, one mile. The winner of the Grand Stand Handicap to carry 51bs penalty. Parsons’ b f Mystery, 3 yrs, 7st 51b (Richardson) ... ... ... 1 Keenan’s b g Wild Manx Boy, aged, 9st (Malone)... ... ... ... 2 Freestone was scratched. At tho drop of the flag Mystery dashed away at a rattling pace, and was closely followed by the Boy, who stuck to her quarter, and at one time it seemed impossible to shake him off. Approaching the starting point, Richardson called upon the filly, to which she quickly answered, and won by three lengths. Tim, 2 minutes 5J seconds. A protest was entered to tho effect that Mystery was a four and not a three yearold, but wc are unable to furnish tho decision arrived at. Selling Stakes, of 25 sovs. Weight for age. The winner to be sold by auction, and any surplus to go to the Race Fund. If entered to be sold for L2O, allowed 71b; for Lls, allowed 141b ; for LlO, allowed 211b. Kidd’s Wexford, (L2O) aged, Bst 111b (Richardson) ... .. ... 1 Newton’s Pillbox, (L2O) aged, Bst 111b (Malone)... ... .. ... 2 This race was a gift to Wexford, who won easily, ban ’s down. Tho winner was sold to Mr Parsons for L 33. Second Dat—-Wednesday, December 29. Tho morning looked very threatening, and dark clouds were passing towards tho westward, Up till 12 o’clock there wove several

showers, which continued throughout the day, and doubtless deterred many of tho fair sex from putting in an appearance, but the tow who graced tho field with their presence were amply repaid by the amusement provided and tho good racing that ensued. The first event was the Handicap Trotting Race, of 15 sovs. No weight less than list. Distance, two miles. M‘Donald’s Lady Chips, scratch (Hastie) I Scott’s Mary Ann, 120 yards, (Swan) 2 Bones, Lockborry, Nelly Grey, Nora, and Scamp also started, the latter getting 250 yards, and tho others 150 and 175 yards. A capital start was effected, Scamp stepping out well and maintaining his distance to the mile post, when Mary Ann trotted up, and after a hard struggle secured tho lead. Scamp breaking whenever called upon. At this time Lady Chips was going strong, and soon overhauled Bones, Nelly Gray, and Lockberry, stealing past Scamp and worrying Mary Ann. On coming round the turn the others dropped out of the van, leaving it between the two. the lady assuming tho load, which she maintained till the finish, and won by five lengths, with Mary Ann second. Time, 6 minutes 20 seconds. Jockey Cldb Handicap, of 60 sovs. Distance, two miles. Keenan's eg Gamecock, aged, 9st 51b (Jas. Malone) ... ... ... i Keenan's c c Freestone, 3 yrs, Cat (Jno Malone) ... ... • ... 2 Taylor’s g g Haricot, 5 yrs, Sst 31b (Richardson) ... ... ... 3 Haricot declared 2,)lbs overweight, aud Freestone 3Jlbs. This race was watched with considerable interest, as Haricot, on the first day, in the Maiden Plate, with 9at 41b up, against 7st 31b on Freestone, was declared the winner, and it was thought by many outsiders that the protest lodged was inco’-rectly decided, an opinion entertained by Mr Keenan, tiie owner, and others, and therefore he decided to let him mn, carrying 7 stone, with 3£lbs declared overweight, while Haricot had the advantage of 131bs less, 2Jlba overweight. As the flag dropped the grey sprang away at a terrific pace, closely pursued by Freestone, while Gamecock was held well in hand. Haricot held the lead till the mile was passed, and at one time looked a sure winner, but as the rise was reached the Cock came to the front, and a magnificent race ensued Rounding the straight Freestone answered to the spur and took up second place, which order was maintained till the winning post was passed, Haricot being a good third. A deal of money changed hands on this event. Miners’ Purse, of 10 sovs., for bona fide hacks that have never won an advertised prize of LlO. Three-quarter-mile heats. No weight less than 9 stone. This race brought four to the post, and was won easily by Mr Partridge’s Echo, ridden by the owner. Stewards’ Purse, of 40 sovs. Weight for age. Distance, one mile and a half. Tho winner to be sold (with his engagements) by auction immediately after the race, and any surplus to go to the Race Fund, Winner to be sol 1 for L4O. If entered to he sold for L3O, allowed 71b ; if for J2O, allowed 141b;; if for Lls, allowed 211b.; if for LlO, allowed 281b. ~v ■ Harrington's c g Charlie, (L 10) aged, 7»t 7H> (Potter) * ... I Kidd’s c g Wexford, (L3O) aged, Sst lib (Fraser) ... ... ... 0 Newton’s g g Pillbox, (L 10) aged, 7st 61b (Richardson) ... ... 3 Taylor’s Haricot was scratched. Two to one for places were freely offered on Wexford, but found few takers ; and four to one against the field was readily accepted. This was, without exception, tho best race of the meeting. From the very start Charlie and Wexford ran side hy side, it appearing to those on tho Grand S’and, after the mile post was passed, that the two horses represents one. In nearing home they bid adieu to the others, and whip and spur were freely used, Charlie winning hy a length and a half. If Haricot had been saved for this race it is generally believed that he would have shown to tho front and landed his colors profitably for the owner. Time, 3 min. 6 secs. The Consolation Handicap of 15 sovs. was won easily by Mr Laing’s Flora, ridden by the owner. As darkness was making its appearance the Hospital Race was postponed, and run yesterday. Mr Dawkins as Starter, and Mr Pierce as Clerk of the Course ; also Messrs Mackellar and Dignan as Clerks to Scales, performed their respective duties satisfactorily, and the Stewards, as a whole, rendered every assistance. I