Sporting.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1193, 9 January 1885, Page 3

Sporting.

INCENT J. C. ANNUAL MEETING. Stewards : Messrs Wm. Jack, Wm, Laidlaw, C. Huddlestone, Jas. Nicholson, Wra. Greenback, D. Fogarty, G. U. Boulton, Dr Hyde, J. C. Jones, C. Bannerman, P. Flannery, P. McDonald, P. Harrington, A. Sutherland. Judge ; G. 11. Boulton. Starter : Mr W. Greenback. Clerk op Scales : Mr A. Sutherland. Clerk op Course : Mr A. Wikinsou.

This now snug and comfortable race meeting was held on Thursday and Friday course known as “ Matakanui Park.” The weather was simply perfect, there not being two such fine days for weeks previous. As was anticipated, there was a very large attendance, fully 500 people being in attendance on either days, visitors putting in an appearance fr -m Naseby, Hyde, St. Balkans, Alexandra, Clyde, and Cromwell. The time between each event was enlivened by the Cromwell Brass Band, which discoursed first-class music throughout the two days. The fields of horses for each event was good, the fine field of 13 facing the starter for the Trot, while all the post entry races filled up well. Speaking of improvements we heard words of praise from all sides as to the amount n! work done by the Club during the past 12 months. The new stand comprises a booth, dining-room, stewards’ room, a most convenient and suitable totalisator shed, and a stand capable of seating fully 200 people. One thing that we noticed wanting is a jockey's room, a tent being temporarily erected for that purpose. We shall hope to see this attended to by next year. The course is a really fine one, being 1J miles round, and being on the most even pieces of land that conli be found anywhere, the whole of which is securely fenced in with a stands ard and wire fence. Tho management of the meeting by stewards was really good, only one protest being entered throughout both days. Beyond this not a murmur of discontent was heard, which speaks well for the future meetings of this club. The racing in itself was remarkably tame, most of the events being won with comparative ease To the minds of many this was attributable more to the conduct of the jockeys, one in particular, than to any ■ fault of the starter, and if a lesson or two were taught these youths in the shape of a reprimand, or indeed a fine of a few pounds for disobedience of the starters’ orders, tho lesson would do them good, and in future bring about more e*en starts. The hero of tho meeting, Kniekei booker Sam, is a horse recently haudit out of the Clyde Pound for the paltry sura of L 3. he ■winning no less than four races, and when it is known that he made small work of B'ackboy, Kesartus, Statesman, and Co., it will Vie adnvtted that he is a flyer. Coburg upheld the good opinion formed of him by •winning the two big handicaps, carrying tho too weights. Thespis also proved that be is more than a match for any three year old of the season, he winning the Guineas and Nursery Handicap in the com monest of cantors. The other races were mostly won by outsiders, the favorite seldom getting home first. Tommy, the winner of the trot, paid those who pinned their faith to him the handsome divi. of L4I 141, which was the best of the meeting. The absence from the meeting of those notorious nuisances (spcelers) was noticeable, the everlasting “ Harry Mooney” and harmless “ Old Frank” being the only ones in attendance Therefore the public was spared the vociferalttas usually indulged in by these worthies/ Several fruiterers were on the ground, and judging from the enormous price charged for all kinds of fruit, and the quantity they sold, the meeting must have proved a perfect harvest to them. Messrs Solomon and Murrell had their totalisator at work, putting through the sum of LISOO. The manner in which these gentlemen get through their work must be very gratifying both 10 tho stewards and public generally, not a mishap occurring throughout. The mere allnsion to tho fact of the booth being in tho hands of M s Gavan. of tho Shamrock Hotel, is sufficient guarantee that everything was up to the handle, and judging from the number of busy hands kept going behind the counter, the returns must have been very satisfactory. Blacks township was quite lively in the evening of the first day by the parading ef the Cromwell Brass Baud, who also .discoursed pleasant music in the schooilicuae

—to a large party of dancers—that is not often heard there. Oa the second night a dance was also indulged in, the music, however, being a kind of scratch team of violinists and other small instruments. Altogether the meeting was a grand success, and will for the next year be favorably remembered by ole and young. Appended are the results of events

FIRST DAY. Selling Stakes of 15 sovs. Distance, 1] miles. Post entry, 20s. L entered to be sold for LIS to carry lOat, for Ll2, 9st j for LlO, Sst; for LB, 7st. The winner to be sold after the race, and the surplus (if any) to go to the Race Fund, * Mr R. Sheppard’s b g Knickerbocker Sam, aged, 9st ~ ■ ... (Clare) I Mr 8. Hanger’s b g Marmion, aged, 7st (Rivers) 2 Mr Urquart’s b g Moose, aged, Bst (Smith) 3 Chorister, Reefer, and Jim also ran. Sam took command of affairs at the fall of the flag, and although hard pushed by Marmiom, succeeded in passing the post with a couple of lengths to the good The winner was bought in for Idi. Time, 2min 40 eca.' Totalisator 83, 16 on winner, divi. L 4 13s. Vincent Jockey Club Guinea Stakes, a sweepstake of 4 sovs, with 40 sovs. added, 1} mile. Closed with II nominations. MrT. Foster’s b c Thespis, 3yra, gst 41b (including 71b penalty) (Johnson) 1 Mr G. G. Mounteny’s bo Tan-ogan, 3yrs, 7st IHb, (Rivers) 2 Mr J. Compton’s bcOphir, 3yrs7st lllh (T.averty) 3 This was a most hollow affair, Thespis making his own running all the way, and winning hands down by three lengths from Tarrogan. Time 2min 55seca. Totalisator 44, 33 on winner, divi. LI 4s Matakanui Handicap, of 45 sovs. U mile. Nomination 255. Acceptance 25s The winner of any handicap rac" of 45 sovs. or upwards after declaration of weights, to carry 101 b penalty. MrJ. E. Kennedy’s b g Coburg, Gyrs Bst6!b, (including 4tb ove ) (Owner) 1 Mr D. H. Mervyn’sblk g Blackboy, Gyre Sst s'b (G. Rivers) 2 Mr S. Holden’s gm Lilas, aged GstlOlb (J. Rivers) 3 The trio went off well together at a rattling pace, keeping well together for the first mile, here the little grey mare retired beaten, Blackboy sticking gamely to Co burg till half up the straight. The latter, however, came away when wanted without the slightest effort, and won hard held by three lengths, Lilac 20 lengths off. ■ Time, 3mm ssec. Totalisator 130, 93 on winner, divi. LI ss. Time Handicap Trotting Hack, of 10 sovs. 2j miles. Weight list each. Nominations 10s. Mi W. Pitches’ b g Tommy,aged, 75secs (Waldron) 1 Mr J. Reid’s b m Wanderer, syrs, 33se.es (Owner) 2 Mr W. Holt’s ch g Scamp, aged, 05rocs Acrobat, scratch ; Dolly, Ssecs ; Colleen Dhas. ISseos ; Hawkdon, uosccs ; Toby, 55secs; Nelly, 55sees ; Beas.GOsccs ; liniiy, GOsecs ; Campbell’s Mangle, 63 ; Sutherland’s Maggie, 75secs ; also ran.- -

This race caused a great amount of excitement, Acrobat, On) y, Wanderer, and Toby being much fancied by the public. Tommy's long start enabled him to get a Me lead, which he maintained till within a few lengths of the post. Wande.er, who had con rapidly coming up on him during tho ast round, succeeded in getting a head in front when about two lengths fr.-m the .vinn-ng post, but much to the disgust of the pirn ic she broke, thus allowing Tommy to v. in the race by a half length. Scamp a good third, with Acrobat. Dolly, and Hawkdnn close up. A protest was entered again* the winner on the ground ihat his rider bad struck Wanderer while passing hj m After consideration the protest was dismissed. Ladies Bpaci.et. value 10 guinea*. Welter Handicap Gentlemen riders. Distance, 1 mile. Nomination 7s 61. Acceptance 7s 6d. Mrs McNanghton’s blk g Jackey Jackey aged. 9st 21b (Marlin) 1 MrsDnndas’ bg -Spark, aged Sst 2 b 2 Miss M. Watson’s blk g Magic, aged 10-t 71b. 3 Miss G. Hamilton’s cb m Wild Bose aged, Bst 101b ... . .. 0 A splendid start was effected, tho four being altogether till entering the straight. Here Jackey and Spark singled themselves ont, and after a short straggle Martin landed Jackey first past the post by a length, Magic a bad third. Totalisator 97, divi. L2 3s.

Cphir Handicap, of 15 aovs. One mile

and a distance. Mr R. Sheppard’s bg Knickerbocker Sam, aged, 7st (Lavcrty) 1 Mr J. Rivers’ b g Resartus, 6yra Set 7tb

(G. Rivers) 2 Mr J. Reid’s hj g Benedict, aged 7st 7ib

(Johnson) 3 Lilac, tst ; Prii cess Alice, Cst7lb ; Freebooter, 6st 101b ; also ran. This was one of the worst starts of the meeting, Resartus getting off wilh 4 or 5 lengths in front of everything, Benedict following, the others getting away together. Resartus cut out the running at a clinking pace, and maintaming his place til! the straightjjwas entered, benedict and &am now closed on him and a grand race resulted in Sam winning -by half a length from Resartus, Benedict a length away third. Resar tus having run inside a post was disqualified, Benedict oeing placed second and Pi incase Alice third Time 2min 20secs.

Totalisator 159, 11 on winner, divi. Ll2 12s.

Hack Race, of 5 sovs, t mile heats without dismounting, for bona fide hacks. Post entry 7s 6d. Mr Hancer’s Marmiom (Clare) 1 t 1 Mr Dundas’ Whiskey, (Gilligan) O t 2 Backbiter, Laura, Bobby, and Reefer also ran. i

Marmiom won the first best easily, the second heat resulted in a desperate race Iretween him and Whiskty, the verdict being a dead heat. The third heat was another fine race, Marmiom, splendidly ridden by Clare, winning on the post by a head.

SECOND DAY. Maidev Plate, of 15 sovs. For all horses that have never won an advertised race. 1J miles. Weight for ago. Nominations, 15s. Mr J. White’s ch g Agitator, syrs (Clare) 1 Mr Laverty’s ch m Beeswing. syrs (Lavcrty) 2 Mr J. Naylor’s ch m Wild Rose, aged (Johnson) 3 Trust and Laura also ran. Agitator jumped away with the lead and was never caught, winning by a couple of l-ngflis, from Beeswing, whojv-atWiM Rose by a similar distance. Time, 2mm 33seos. Dividend, LI Ula.

Vinobst Jocks* Club Handicap of 35 sovs. 1} miles. Mommatiou 20a. Aoceptanco 20s. Mr J. E, Kennedy’s b g Coburg, Cyrs 10sb 91b ... ... (Owner) 1 Mr T. Foster’s g c Eacket, aged. 41b (Johnson) 2 Mr J. Elvers’ b g Eesartus. Cyrs, Sat 2ib (liiveiHi 3 Blaekboy, Jackey Jackey, and Gamecock a!s ran. Coburg took command of affairs at the start, followed by Eesartus and Blaekboy, Eooket bringing up the rear. This order was maintained to the quarter mile post, when Eooket came with a rush, passing everything but Coburg, who held his own to the finish, winning a fine raoe from the prey by three parts of a length, Eesartus pushed Eocket hard for second honors, hut had to cry content with third place. Blackhoy close up. Time, 2min 25!b. Totalisator 174, 87 on winner, divi.

LI 16. Novel Handicap, of 30 sovs. 1 mile. Nomination 10s. Acceptance 10s. The winner to be sold by auction after the race, and the proceeds to go to the Race Fund. Mr R, Sheppards’ b g Knickerbocker Sam, aicd, 9st 71b ... ...(Clare) I Mr Urquhavt’s b in Lignette, aged, Gst 12U) (Rivers) 2 Mr M 'Kay’s ch g Freebooter, aged, Bst 51b ... (Johnson) 3 Spark Sst, Beeswing 7st, Josephine Gst 12ib, and Lilac Sst 21b, also ran. From the start this race lay entirely betivee i Sam and Ligaetle. the marc stick iug close to Sam for a considerable distance of the journey, when he gave her the go -bye, and won easily by two lengths, the others close up. 'lime, Imin. 574sccs Tntnlisatur, 173 ;81 on the winner. l)iv., H 19s. Nursery Handicap, of 25 sova. For all three year olds. Distance, 1 mile. Nomination 15s. Acceptance 15s. Mr T. Foslei’sb c Thespis, 3yrs. 9st 71b (Johnson) 1 Mr 6. G. Mounteny’s b c Tarragon, 3yrs Sat 31b (tliveis) 2 Mr P. HArlington's bf Young Migni'-n etle, 3yrs, 7st ... (Lavjity) 3 Thespis won in a canter from Tarragon. Totalisator, 49 ;37 on she winner. Div. LI 3s. Members’ Handicap of 15 sova. 1| mile. Welter Handicap. Gentleman riders. Second horse to receive 5 sova from the stake. Post entry, free. Acceptance, 10s. For members ef the Vincent Jockey Glnli enrolled before the Ift of January, 1885 Mr H. Sheppard’s b g Knickevnocker Sam, age-1, 9st 81b . (B.ikei) 1 Mr J. Rivers bg Statesman, Gris (Hirers) 2 Mr W. Dundas’ b g Whiskey, (Baverty) 3 Blackboy and Agitator also ran. A bad start was i ffacte I for this event, Sam and Whiskey getting all the worst of it. They soon ran up to the leaders, and before onteiing the straight were in tne leading division. Sam came with a nrdi in the fas* 50 yards an I won by a length, a head separating second and third horses. Totalisator 153, divi. i 5 10. Consolation Handicap, of 10 sovs. For a:l beaten horses. Distance, 1| miles. Post entry 10s. Mr J. Reid’s b g Benedict, aged, 7st 121b (Liverty) I Mr D. H Mi rvyn’sb'k g Blackboy, aged S.-n Gil) ... .. (Johnson) 2 Mr Duiul s’ Whiskey, ... (McKay) 3 Resarins. Freebooter, and Princess Alice also ran. A good race, won by a length by Benedict from Blnckb y, Whisk y close up. 'Totali atoi-91, 13 on winner, divi, I.G Cs. The Hospital Race was won by Spaikl