CROMWELL JOCKEY CLUB SPRING RACES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1285, 15 October 1886, Page 2

CROMWELL JOCKEY CLUB SPRING RACES.

(From the “ Cromwell Argus.”) Friday morning did not look at all promising for this meeting in tho matter of weather A heavy wind had been blowing from daylight, and the sky ha I a leaden appearance that betokened heavy tain. Tho tatter contingency would have been welcomed as a foe to settle the dust-fiend, which appeared from the township as though it would preclude the possibility of having races at all. Right along the western end of the town stretched a thick bank of dis inaying dust, which to visitors looke 1 farreaching and impenetrable Local residents, however, knew that the cloud was only a comparatively thin one, beyond which and including tho racecourse would be found a comparatively clear atmosphere. Towards noon the wind lulled a hit, and the large crowd who had gathered in the town from many different centres speedily made their way to the convincing-ground. To thcraindeed to all—it was a pleasing surprise to find Ihe course fresh and ver hint-looking, free from dust and but little wind to spade of, the spot being nicely sheltered from the northern gusts by tho lii'ls abutting from Lowborn. By the time the bell rang pro pavatory to the opening evtnt, rifts of blue sky appeared and gave promise of a fine afternoon. And so it proved on the whole, their being only one brief shower during the proceedings. The attendance was considerably better than is usual at our Spring fixtures, a noteworthy feat ire being the large influx of strangers. More than once the remark was made that the number of visitors looked more like the summer in- eting than October. This fact may be taken to indicate the growing popularity of the Cromwell Club’s gatherings, and the favor ihe management finds in the eyes of the sporting public. The Stand was nicely decorated with gay flags and bright, foliage, and the enjoyment was much added to hy the presence of th« Cromwell Bi.ass Band, tho members of which did full jn-tice to their engagement both in quantity and quality of music. It is Wonderful how .a good hand enlivens a roue-meeting, and we should think if one is available at all no club should overlook this attraction. The booth and refreshments generally ware under the charge of Mrs C. Johnston (Victoria Bridge) and a number of active asdstants. Judging from appearances the oatero had a profitable speculation, while

the public were well served throughout. Messrs Solomon and Murrell superintended the totalisator, and that they too had a good time may be judged from tho sum of L 1.091 having gone through their hands for the six events There was the usual contingent ct itinerant race-followers who had a share of the holiday money ; but the u three card” man was on this occasion invisible, so the police, we suppose, took tho hint we gave in last number. The crowd was orderly and well-behaved all through, and the members of the “ force” had a nice pleasant outing, as everything passed off without call for their services. The course itself was in excellent order, and all the appointments as complete as could be wished. As usual the Club officials were alert to their respective duties, and not the slightest hitch occurred. Punctuality in getting off the events was also well observed, and as a result people got into town before daylight had departed. The racing itself was satisfactory throughout, although the fields in a couple of instances dwindled down to small proportions —namely, in the Hurdle and Spring Handicaps, in each of which only three faced the starter. In the opening race all tho horses jumped well after stumbling a bit over tho first Hurdle. The result soon lay between Garibaldi and Foul Play; but the top weight had the best of it. Modesty put an end to her Maiden career up country by appropriating the prise of 15 sovs. with a trifle to spare. For the chief event of the afteruoou- the Cromwell Handicap—Mr Rivers' Don Jose went in gallant and successful style, being ridden by Geo. Rivers with excelent judgment. The Trot brought 13 to the post, nut of which the veteran Coli leen singled herself. But for Jimrr y breaking at a critical point it is almost certain that four lucky individuals would not, have handled the nice dividend of L7O each which the win of Mr Field’s mare secured to them. In the Spring Handicap, Mr Rivers had a handier thing with Cheap Jack than he had in the other handicap, as be had only Garibaldi to compete with. The Hack Selling had eleven candidates, and nut nf the ding-dong for half a-mtle Specimen first caught the judge’s eye in front of last year’s Maiden Plater, Tarragon. Appended are detailed results of this most pleasant and successful gathering Hand’cap Hurdi.e Race, of 20 sovs. Distance, one mile and a-half, over six flights of hurdles, 3ft 6m high. Mr M. Gordon’s b g Garibaldi, agei list 71b ... .. (f). Robertson) I Mr J. Thomson’s r g Foul Play, aged list ... ... (J. Kennedy) 2 Mr J. Cowan’s b g Biots, aged 20-t 7ib (A M'Kay) 3 Pluto, 10st., was scratched. Garibaldi was installed first favorite for ! this event, though many pinned theirfaith on Foul Play, and Boots was not friendless, j The horses were despatched to an even j start, the trio rising at the first jump | abreast, Foul Play striking rather heavily, | After the second jump Kennedy took his 1 mount to the front at a strong puce, Gari- : baldi responding, and sc in gaining an ad- | vantage. At the gate the race became a I clinker—too much for Boots, who trailed off j quite half a-dosen lengths. Eonmling the turn home, Robertson was seen to be taking it easy on Garibaldi, whilst Kennedy was I at work, but without avail, as he could not I wear the leader down, who had about a . length to spare. Time, 3min. isec. On ; tntalisator, 103 ; on winner, 45 ; dividend, L2 Is. Maiden - Plate, of 15. sovs. Open to all ; i horses that have never won over 10 , ; sovs. Weight for age. Distance, one | mile. I Mr G. Robertson’s b m Modesty, syrs , 8-tt 121b (W. Robertson) 1 i MrG.H. Roman’sg mTheGnat, Bst 111b i (Smith) 2 . Mr J. Richards’ b g Sam, agod, 9st 21b (Thompson) 3 , ‘ Mr Huddlestono’a bra Topsy, Bit 1 lib 0 1 . After a little fiddling caused by the 1 i fractiousness of Sam, the horses got off to a ; i pretty even start, Modesty going to the 1 i front, with Topsy close to her, the Gnat j three or four lengths in the rear. At tho 1 Hospital turn Sam made an effort, and 1 though fora little overhauled the leader at i every stride then collapsed, and with Topsy 1 fell back beaten. At this point, Smith, 1 who rode a well judged waiting race, brought the Gnat up with a rush, causing ' the rider of Modesty to stir up his steed, which responded wi'lingly, winning by a 1 necK. Time, imin. SGsecs, 1 Cromwell Handicap, of 25 sovs. Distance, one mile and a-half. , Ml" J- Rivers’ b g Den Jose, aged , Sst 71b (G. Rivers) 1 ; Mr T. Huddlcslone’a b g Knickerbocker Sam, aged, 9st (Mason) 2 . Mr J. Thomson’s r g Foul Play, Bat 9'.b (Anderson) 3 Cheap Jack (Sat 7lb) was scratched. The field was despatched to an excellent start. Foul Play went to the front at a great pace, putting three or four lengths of daylight between himself and the other two before the mile post was passed. At the tate the Den and Sam commenced to pull up lent ground, and at the Hospital turn I closed up together, and a gran t race ensued. ~ All too whips were out, and the 1 ptoe in the fore part of the race tolling on the rcan, it became merely a duel between the other tv/o. Coming into the straight the Dan held pride of place, with Sam close on his girths. He failed to respond to his rider’s call at Dm roues, and the Alexandra candidate h-M his own, winning by a bare length* Foul Play a mo Trite third. Time, -min. 4.’4 eca. On tntalisator, 194; on winner, 87 ; dividend, L2. Handicap Time Tp.oitwo Race, of 20 sovs. Distance, three miles, No weight under I Oat. 1 Mr G. Field’s bra Colleen Dhas, 50 secs . (Davidson) 1 Mr Pun gey s Jimmy, 40 secs (Owner) 2 J lr°. Field’s r g No Use. Gusecs (Barry) 3 Toe other starters were—dlabhitt-r (30 secs), Nelly (40 sees-, Jack (40 sees), Hawk, dun (40 sics), Mabel (50 sees), B inker (55 -era), Birb (75 secs). Nora (85 secs). Mar-do (95 secs), and Governess (95 secs). ° Jimmy was made a warm favorite, whilst rJawkouu had many supporters. After the longest ham neap h-.rs 3 had been started something went wrong with the watch, which necessitated the horses being recalled. Mr Howell’s black mare Govern ss having taken a big lead during the false start was the means of causing her to go up on the machine. After a fresh start bad been effected Governess soon gained ground, and trotting steadily looked as if good eoon hj to win, and on pa-sing the stand tho first time was a good bit in advance of tho field. Jimmy was trotting in grand style, with Colleen Dhas on his’ heels, also going well. Tittle chmge took place till tho gate was reached, when Governess appeared to bo tiring, and at the rise Jimmy Collared her. Colleen Dhas had stuck to Jimmy ail the road, and at the turn into tne stringnt the leader broke, and Colleen passed him. Jimmy hi-aking a second time on nearing the crowd gave the maio ai.) advantage, which was not lost by Davidam, who rode her capitally I li rim shout. Jimmy finished a length aav. with No U-o a bad thud On t.-dabea'or 311 -on winner, 4 ; dividend, LG9 19*. (Won Kce a Chinese merchant, 1 undent of (,’romweU, and cue of the lucky invest tors on tnu race, on the following day

made the handsome donation of 20 guineas to the Cromwell Hospital.] Spring Handicap, of 20 sovs. Distance, one mile. Mr J. Rivers' Cheap Jack, Sat 51b (G. Rivers) 1 Mr M. Gordon’s b g Garibaldi, Sat 1b... (M'Laughlin) 2 Mr J. Rivers’ br m Tni,7st 51b (J. Rivers) 3 Amulet (Oat 41b). Revolver (9st), States" man (fiat 101b), and Boots (fiat 71b), did not accept. This race needs hut little description. At the fall of the flag Cheap Jack, who was a warm favorite, jumped off with the lead, which he kept to the finish, winning by about a length' from Garibaldi, Tui an indifferent third. Time, Imin. 50sec. On totalisator, 123 ; on winner, 82; dividend, LI 7s. Hack Selling Race, of 15 sovs. No weight under 10at, Distance, | mile, Mr H. Craig’s ch g Specimen (M’Langhlin) 1 Mr J. Rivers' hj g Tarragon (G. Rivers) 2 Mr G. Romans’ b m Lyndigo... (Smith) 3 No Name, Furtrader, Barma'd. Pinto, Skipper, Dagmar, Deception, and Wildboy, also ran. Furtrader was the favorite for this event. Mr Turton had a difficulty in getting the field away, and after one or two false starts he despatched them on pretty even teima. Tarragon took the lead followed by the other placed horses,coming into the straight at a -tiff pace. At the ropes Specimen got np to the leader, and coming np on Rivera’ whip hand heat Tarragon by a neck. Lyndigo, a length away, third. On totalisator, 186; on winner, 18 ; dividend, L 9 6s.