ALEXANDRA SPRING RACE MEETING.

Dunstan Times, Issue 754, 29 September 1876, Page 2

ALEXANDRA SPRING RACE MEETING.

The racing season opened with this meeting on Tuesday last the 26th instant. The weather was everything that could have been desired, being exceedingly mild and calm. The attendance, though not up to the numbers we have seen on previous occasions on the Alexandra Race-course, was yet an average one, most conspicuous, however, by their absence, were the ladies, of whom, but a very few graced the course with their ’ presence. Yet, another thing was most noticeable—namely, the very few vehicles, or horsemen on the course ; of this latter, however, wo do not complain—on the contrary, they were well wanting; horses being led or ridden about amongst the people are not only exceedingly disagreeable, but highly dangerous, and we think it partly comes within the province of the Stewards'of a race-course, to prevent horses being brought right it amongst the people, at all events, in front of the Grand Stand, and we hope at future meetings to notice that steps are taken to stay, what cannot bo looked upon other than as a nuisance. Reverting to the subject of saddle horses, there apparently was a scarcity, not only on the course, but in the district, as there was Trot an entry for the Hack Selling Race, which had to be passed by. For the other events, the fields of horses Were good, five starting for the Maiden Plate, seven for the District Han Heap, three for the Alexandra Handicap, and throe for the Consolation. Of the betting fraternity, two of the members weropresentall thnwayfrom Dunedin, but wo do not think they were much patronised—one of them got, what is styled an upper cut by laying 15 to 1 in sovs. against Freeze winning the District Handicap, which, however, by a little false practice ho did win—the particulars of the swindle is given in the account of the race. Mr H. Tohill, of the Criterion Hofei, had the Grand Stand, and appeared to do during the day a good brisk business. . . Maiden Plate, of lOtboVb. Weight for age. Distance, one mile. Mr Rivers’ Nelly, 9st 121b,... (Mayne) 1 Clontarf, fist 121b 2 Clivers's Johnathan, lOsl lib ... 3 Highlander, B<t 131b 0 Goodman’s Rosemary, fist l3lb ... 0 All got away Well together. Nelly soon took tho lead, with Rosemary last. At the 5-mile post Rosemary passed through her horses and challenged Nelly ; a good raw

'took place till just entering the ropes when Rosemary took outside and lust her chance of a win. District Handicap, of 20 save. Distance, One ririlo ami a half, Mr M’Gregor’a Freeze, Bst ... (Clair) 1 Mystery, 9st ... (Bhrry) 8 Johnson’s Sultan, Bst 121b (Maytic) 3 DaVios’ Hectdi, Bst lOlb v,v ... 0 O’Brien’s Shafnrock, 7st 61b ... 0 Goodman’s Glengarry, 9at 121b ... 0 Oliver’s F.ying Beauty, Bst I2lb ... 0 Sultan jumped off with the lead, followed by Mystery and Freeze, the others in a string, Glengarry last. This position was kept till turning irito the straight, when Sultan fell back tailing third place. Barry now deliberately pulled the riiaVe so as to allow Freeze to win, Which he did just by a neck. After the race a protest was entered by the owner ot Sultan, and on being considered the Committee disqualified Barry from ever riding on the Alexandra course, and the mare Mystery during the pleasui’e of the Club. Hack Selling Race, of 10 sovs. No entries, j Alexandra Handicap, of 15 sovs. I**? tance, one mile. Sultan, Bst 7ib 1 9st 2 Rosemary, 7st 21b 3 Glengarry, flat; Flying Beauty, Bst; Hector, Bst Nelly, Bst, did not acc( / The race lay between Sulten and » As, the mafe being nowhere, and was wod on the post by half a head. The Consolation Handicap, of 5 sovs.; distance a mile, wah won by Shamrock— Hector and Rosemary being the only other starters. Second Dav. A handicap of ten sovs. was won by Rosemary. There was also run a match between Nelly Arid Shamrock for 1110 aside, also Hospital Race, for which £7 Is. was collected on the course during the first day. Not having been on the ground, and our correspondent not having furnished us with notes, we regret being unable to give further particulars.