DUNSTAN RACES.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2126, 28 February 1870, Page 2

DUNSTAN RACES.

(Abridged from the Times.) This meeting was inaugurated on Thursday. For a considerable time past it has been the all-absorbing topic of conversation, not only here, but for miles around, oven in Dunedin and (jhriatchurch, and in other parts of New Zealand where sporting men do congregate. Creat additions and improvements have recently been made in the stable accommodation, but, in spite of all, there was not sufficient for the number of horses. The horsey fraternity was in full force. The following are the results of the first day’s races : District Handicap, of 75 sove., with a sweepstake of 2bo vs. each. Distance, two miles. Mr Dehnaine’s Wild Boy, 5 yrs, Bst 41b 1 Mr Dawkin’s Nelly Grey, 6 yrs, Bst ... 2 Mr Smithan’s Cromwell, 5 yrs, 6st 121b... 3 Seven horses started. This was a very closely contested race but the great strength and fine condition of Wild Boy were too much fir his peers, although he was compelled more than once to put on the steam to keep his position. -At the start Captain Scott took the lead, but he was soon overhauled by Nelly Grey, Cromwell running well and close up. On passing the Grand Stand Cromwell was loading and pulling hard. The speed, however, was too great, and the horses gradually changed their places, Wild Boy leading, followed by Nelly Grey and Cromwell. Handicap Hurdle Hack of 75 sovs. Distance, two miles and a-half; one event; over eight flights of hurdles. Mr Cowan’s Poison (Grey) 1 Mr Barnard’s Don Pedro ... (Ray) 2 Mr Mellor’s Harkaway ... (M‘Gregor) 3 Mr Devine’s Sir Charles (scratched) The three hordes got away at the start well together, but Harkaway was soon parted company with. Passing the Grand Stand for the first time, there was only about a length between Poison and Don. Pretty well this position was kept till coming into the strait, when Poison, by dint of whip and spur, was forced a-head and landed a winner. Throughout, every jump was cleared in fine style, and made the race a really good one. Town Pi. ate of 150 sovereigns, for all horses, second horse to receive 25 sovereigns out of the stakes. Distance two miles and a half. Mr Barnard’s Foretop (Ray) 1 Mr Deliinaiiie’s Atalanta ... (Thorpe) 2 Mr Jolly’s Excelsior (Swan) This was a nr st exciting race, as from the start to the winning post opinion was wavering between the two favorites, Foretop and Atalanta, on whom 2 to I was freely offered against the field. On the fall of the flag the live jumped away all of a heap, and at a rattling pace. Waitaki, however, got the best of his jockey and bolted, leaving the others to contest for the stakes. Just before reaching the stand Game Cock, who was running well, likewise bolted, leaving the field in the hands of the favorites and Excelsior. The three now went along at a tearing rate, Foretop having a slight advantaga which he kept and came in first, the secind place being being well contested for by Atalanta and Excelsior.