DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB RACES.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2146, 23 March 1870, Page 2

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB RACES.

This Day. It is impossible to imagine a more favorable day for the races than we have had to-day. The sun rose brightly, the sky throughout has been cloudless, and there was just sufficient wind to render the air cool and refreshing. The road to Silverstream was in beautiful order, and notwithstanding the distance, not the least enjoyable part of the races was the journey. Many parties took advantage of these uncommonly favorable circumstances, and as early as half-past nine o’clock in the morning the road was. thronged with vehicles of various descriptions—cars, buggies, dog-carts, vans, and farmers drays, each with its load of pleasureseekers. Of course, we need scarcely add, horsemen were in plenty. It is seldom that so many have visited Silver Stream. The course itself was in good condition —perhaps a little hard, but not so much so as to interfere with the miming. Some delay took place at starting, for instead of noon it was half-past 12 before tin) start took place for the Maiden Plate. Some disappointment was felt on it being announced that Sir Charles was scratched, and as a report became current that Waterwitch was out of sorts, large odds were freely offered on Southern Chief, with no takers. This was the less surprising when the horses were stripped for saddling. Southern Chief was in excellent form and condition and although weighted somewhat heavily none entertained any doubt as to the result. The following are the results of the various events up to the time of our reporter leaving : Mat of, X Plate.—o3 sovs ; entrance, 3 sovs ; Imiles ; weight for age. Three started. The hor s, s got well away together, and Tomboy rushed in front, but after a few strides he was passed by Southern Chief and Waterwitch, and evidently never had a chance afterwards. About a quarter of a mile from the winning post, a stroke of the whip brought Southern Chief up to his work, and he came ip an easy winner by some lengths. Time, 2min. 52sec, Southern Chief - - - - 1 Waterwitch - - - - 2 Tomboy - - - - - 3 Handicap Tuottiso Paco.— 4o sovs, entrance, 2 sovs ; three miles and a distance. Optional saddle or harness. JS o weight under 10st 111b, Three started. From the first Magic against the field was freely offered, notwithstanding the advantage given, but there were few takers. Hanger, a likely-looking

horse, found backei s, but his capabilities were not so generally known as were those of Magic. Few appeared to have confidence in Straggler. The race was uninteresting. From the first it was clear that the distance given -was not to be recovered, at least by Magic. Straggler came in, follo'wcd at a distance of 50 yards by Ranger, Magic bringing up the rear at a distance of 500 yards. Betting, 5 to 1 on Magic, Straggler 1 Banger 2 Magic 3 Match for L2O aside; catch weights ; two miles. Little. Tim - - • 1 Sir Hercules - • ■ - 2 Won in a canter ; Little Tim having had all his own way from the iirst. Dunedin Handicap of 130 sovs, with a sweepstakes of 5 sovs each. Second horse to receive the amount accruing from the sweepstakes. Nom. 2 sovs, accept. 3 sovs ; distance, two miles. Southern Chief - - - ■ 1 Lady Ellen . . - - 2 Atalahta 3 Six started. This was the event of the day. Captain Hutehisonis Miss King was the fa vorite, but did not answer the expectations of her admirers The race lay between Southern Chief and Lady Ellen, the other horses being nowhere. Southern Chief maintained the lead throughout ; and although the mare tried hard to gain leading position, the horse came in a winner by at least two lengths. Taieri Stakes of CO sovs.— Entrance, 3 sovs; distance, 1 mile ; weight for age. Atlas - - - * * 1 Wildboy • 2 Bobby Burns - - - • 3 Ladies Purse of 50 sovs ; entrance 3 sovs ; 1 i miles ; welter weight "for age. Tantrum 1 Musician - - • • - 2 Banjo 3 Banjo was the favorite ; and great disappointment was caused by the inferior position which he held throughout the race.