MATAKANUI ANNUAL RACES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 768, 5 January 1877, Page 3

MATAKANUI ANNUAL RACES.

Stewards :—Messrs J, Handvside, Jas. Stewart, lias. Ramson, J. G. Mellor. W. Green bank, M. Sammon, J. S. Dickie, Jno. McLean, Jno. Kpratt, Wm. Jack, Thos. Keenan. Judge :—J. P. Davidson, Esq. Starter : Mr Jno. Elliott. Clerk of «ie Course Mr Jno Mellor. This mooting, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday last, 'the 2nd and 3rd instants, was in no way short of its predecessors in so far os true legitimate sport was concerned, but I was sorry'to notice the attendance was below tho average. This, however, can be attributed to several causes: first, and perhaps mainly, tho weather, which was anything hut fit for racing, it being a succession of heavy rain storms from early monilng, was sufficient to deter many from putting in an appearance wbq otherwise would'; secondly, the ladies had bad sufficient of amusement lor one week at the picnic, soiree, and hall, which took place at the Matlikanui School House, only a few days before, The two combined was doubtless the cause of the paucity in the attendance of the ladies especially, though there is no doubt the unsettled state of tho elements had more to do with it than the other ; yet, with all these drawbacks tho number on the Course, considering the limited population of the surrounding locality

was fair, and of which no greater evidence | can bo given than the remarks of some of the strangers who expressed surprise at I the attendance being so largo. Another | reason, and of which a good many may lose sight of, nan be ascribed : I refer to the class of competing horses. To sec a field of hacks, that one is in the habit of seeing daily, competing for the stakes, without some other amusement to fill up the gap (as a rule long and wearisome) between the events is not so attractive as it might bo ; ami a foot race, or some athletic exhibition interspersed between the events would, I think, tend to make all up-country meetings —whore all the little etceteras to bo found at a largo meeting are conspicuous by their ■absence—a very great deal more attractive ; and I presume, in throwing out tho hint, that some may deem it worthy to bo acted upon. A still further reason can he urged : at and about the New Year tho runholders are principally engaged in securing their clip of wool, consequently all hands are engaged, and their number, which is by no means small, are debarred from putting in an appearance. In a district like the Matakanui either the spring or autumn would be a more suitable and convenient season for a few days’ outing. This also is a question worth consideration by the Stewards. Mr J. G. Mellor had charge of tho booth, and, so far as I could see, ho had made every effort to satisfy all. Resides the general bar, there was a special bar for those avho preferred “ tho glass that cheers but not inebriates.” There was also a fruit stall, supplied with the choicest fruit of the season from tho orchard of Mr Fcraud, which had its share of patronage. The racing detailed below will speak for itself. First Day. Maiden Plate of 10 sovs. For all horses that have never won an advertised race. Weight for age. Distance, one and a quarter miles. J. Jones’ Little Charlotte ... ... 1 Mellor’s Dagworth ... ... 2 Cogan’s Capper was also entered and started, but for running off the Course coming into the-Straight, would have won. The race between the. two others was a game one and won by about half a length only. Matakakui Handicap of 20 sovs. Open to all horses. Distance, one and a half miles. Keenan’s Gamecock, 10st 11b (Malone).. 1 Cogan’s Rambler, 7at 121b, (Frederick)... 2 Miller’s Spinaway, 7st 51b, went -to the post, but did'ndt start. Keenan’s Jack the Flat, Oat 121b, did not accept. This was a game run, though the “ Cock ” had it all in his own hands. After the race a protest was entered against Gamecock taking the stakes on tho grohnd that his rider forced Rambler off the Course. The decisiomof the Stewards was that the evidence was not sufficient to disqualify Gamecock, but cautioned Malone against riding in such a manner in future. Selling Stakes of 10 sovs. Tho winner to be sold by auction after tho race, and the surplus over entered price (if any) to go to the race fund, Distance, one mile. Jones’ Backbiter ... ... ... 1 Martin’s Charlie ... ... £ Mellor’s Dagworth ... . ... 3 Sprat’s Lucy ... ... ... 0 The old horse had it alt his own way from the start, and won easily. Newtown Handicap, of 15 sov«. Open to all horses. Distance, one. mile. Miller’s Spinaway, 7st 7!h .. ... 1 Cogan’s Rambler, Bst 21b ... ... 2 White’s Miss Grant, 7st 51b ... ... 3 Jones’ Backbiter, Bst ... ... () Capper, Cst 121b, went to the fore but did start. Gamecock 10st 41b, and Jack the Flat 10st 11b, did not accept. Spinaway carried 211bs over, Miss Grant 171bs over, and Backbiter 121bs over. This was an excellent race, and for the first three quarters of a mile it was hard to tell which had tho beat of it; here, however, Spinaway crept into the position of leader, and coming away won easily. Miss 'Grant did not get away from the start till the others had got 100 yards ahead, hut when once away she made up for lost ground, and ran Rambler hard for second place. Had she got a level start Spinaway might have been stripped of her honor. Hurry Scurry, of 5 sovs. Distance, one and a quarter miles. Catch weights. Mellor’s Dagworth ... ... ... 1 White’s Miss Grant... ... ... 2 Martin’s Rocket, Hurley’s Lauder, and Pitches’ Maggie also started. This was a bad start, and Dagworth petting well away with the lead had it all his own way and won easily.