SPORTING.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 547, 20 March 1876, Page 2

SPORTING.

OXFORD ANNUAL RAGES. Friday, March 17. President—R. L. Higgins ; Judge—Joseph Pearson ; Haudicapper ; Clerk of the Course —J. B. Pearson ; Clerk of the Scales— G. Plaskett; Treasurer —J. Mullen; Stewards—S. J. Gammon, D. Sladden, T, Wooddeld, T. W. H. Lee, H. Sedcole, F. Jackson, W. F. Pearson, R. Perham, J. Free, D. Fisher, J. Paul, H, Moody, L. D. Benjamin, T. B. Howson. The Oxford meeting promises to be one of the most enjoyable and successful country fixtures in Canterbury. The stewards are always indefatigable in their endeavors to promote sport, and now that the train runs right up to the township, both owners of horses and visitors have more facility in reaching the place than heretofore, and this in itself is in no small way conducive to the success of any meeting. In every respect the racing of Friday was a great improvement upon last year. In spite of the threatening appearance of the weather the previous night, the day was fine and pleasant. The attendance was perhaps the largest we have ever seen here at a country meeting, and we were glad to notice a large proportion of ladies upon the course. The people were particularly orderly during the day, and gave Sergeant McGuire and hia staff no trouble whatever. The booth was under the supervision of Messrs Mullins and Olphert, who succeeded in giving very general satisfaction. The course was not in firstclass order, the going in many places being terribly rough. We have no doubt, however, that the stewards will before this time next year see the necessity of expending a small sum of money upon it, which would be the means of making it an admirable course. The officials were particularly successful in the various posts assigned to them, and without making any invidious distinction, Mr Brettargh deserves great commendation for the capital starts he effected. Coming to the sport proper, it appeared to be the geneal opinion—and one in which we felt inclined to coincide—that the date was somewhat inopportune, owing to the fact of most of our cracks being away in Dunedin, and we hope that the promoters will see their way clear next season to have these races at a date which will not clash with any other important meeting. The various fields under the circumstances were, however, far better than could have been anticipated. The first event of the day was the Open Hurdle race, for which four acceptors figured on the card. Mousetrap was an absentee, Mr Markey thinking Kapai good enough to meet the field opposed to him. The old horse was made a strong favorite, and ran well, but the winner turned up in Mr Burton’s Barmaid—a big, strong, cross bred mare, whose only previous performance we believe, was the winning a hack hurdle race at Hurunui. There was nothing to boast of by way of condition in either of the four competitors, but Kapai stripped the best. The little v grey gelding Bantam, well handled by Mr Thomson, went well while he lasted, but his fall at the fifth hurdle was fatal to his success. Star of the West was a compact little mare, and would to a certainty have won the race, had she carried her proper impost; but three stone overweight is rather much for a three-year old under the most favorable circumstances. We only hope that the owner upon the next occasion will endeavor to obtain a rider a little nearer the required weight. The race was a very good one ; Kapai and Barmaid having all the best of it in the last half mile. Barmaid stayed the longest, however, and just managed to land the stakes for Mr Burton. The Hack Hurdle race produced a field of three, and was a well contested race between Satan and Shillalah, Midnight, who was in no condition, being completely outpaced. , The winner was Satan, a useful little roan horse owned by Mr Moody, which, if we remember

rightly, scored a win at the same meeting last year. Five starters came to the post for the Maiden Plate. Of these Satan was pulled out to run again, Dudu and Banagher were competitors in this race last year. Fly was a useful-lookiug grey mare, but both in condition and pace the winner, Rebel, was far and away the best, and would show with credit in better company than he had to meet ou Fiiday. Apropos of district races, it would be perhaps as well if some distinct definition were decided upon as to what constitutes a district horse. At present there is a vagueness about the matter which, to say the least of it, is far from satisfactory. The race requires little or no description, Rebel winning easily all the way from the jump. The Hack Hurdle race brought out a field of six, and possessed a more than usual amount of interest among the local sportsmen. After a very good race, it was won by Rose Alba. Four came out for the Oxford-Cup (Diavolo being scratched), and all had their respective admirers. Nectar stripped well, and there was little to complain of ou the score of condition in either the Chief or Manuka. The latter ought to figure with advantage in a steeplechase, for which business he is admirably adapted. Mousetrap was a good bit on the gross side of condition. The Chief and Manuka made all the running up to the last half mile, when Nectar, who had been lying behind, came away and won. Mousetrap was quite outpaced, and, as was pretty well proved some years ago, the flat is most assuredly not his forte. Seven, all useful animals, started for the Hacks, the race being won by Ladybird, We must here protest against the absurdity of an outsider rding in with the leaders, a practice which it is needless to say is discountenanced everywhere, and lays the offender open to the penalty of a fine. The Consolation was perhaps the best race of the day. It was a match between the Chief and Manuka,and after a very close thing the former just managed to drag it off. It might be advisable on the next occasion if the stewards specify a fair sum for their Consolation, which might go some way towards paying the expenses of an owner who had been unsuccessful in the Cup or Hurdles. Thanks to the exertions of the officials, and particularly the clerk of the course, Mr John Pearson, the various events were pulled off with commendable punctuality. We append a detailed account of the various events in the order in which they run: — Handicap Huedle Race, of 30 sovs, added to a sweepstake of 3 sovs each ; 1 sov ®n nomination, and 2 on acceptance ; distance, two miles ; over eight flights of hurdles. Mr W. H. Burton’s ch m Barmaid, by Troubadour, 4yrs, 9st ... (Murfitt) 1 Mr L, Markey’s br g Kapai, aged, lOst, (Sinclair) 2 Mr W. Paget’s br m Star of the West, 3 yrs, list (including 3st overweight), (Fisher) 3 Mr S. Mullins’s g g Bantam, aged, 9st (Mr W. Thomson) 0 Betting—2 to 1 on Kapai. At the fall of the flag Kapai rushed at once to the front, with Barmaid close up, Bantam and Star of the West lying a little back. They ran thus about three- quarters of a mile, when Barmaid and Kapai held a good lead, Bantam third, and Star of the West a length behind. They kept their places with very little alteration till the fifth hurdle, where Bantam fell, which lost him any chance he had in the race. For the next half-mile the two leaders ran stride for stride, Star of the West about six lengths behind. At the turn in Barmaid drew suddenly to the front, and outpacing Kapai won a very good race by about a length and a half, Star of the West a moderate third. A protest was entered against Barmaid by the rider of Kapai, on the ground of a cross, which was subsequently disallowed by the stewards. Hack Huedle Pi ace, of 10 sovs; U miles ; over five flights of hurdles ; post entry, 1 sov, Mr H. Moody’s r g Satan, 5 yrs, lOst 61b (Sheehan) 1 Mr H, Sharplin’s b g Shillalah, aged, lOst 81b (Murfitt) 2 Mr H. Pearson’s br m Midnight, 5 yrs, lOst 61b (Mr W. Thomson) 0 Betting—Even upon Satan. Shillalah was first to show in front, with the other two in close attendance. At the second hurdle Midnight baulked, which refusal put him out of court, Sheehan now cut out the running at a pretty strong pace, aud soon held a commanding lead. At the turn Shillalah began to come up, and catching Satan at the last hurdle a capital race home ensued, terminating in favor of Satan by a neck, A protest was entered against Satan by the rider of Shillalah, on the ground of a jostle, but the protest was not entertained by the stewards. Maiden Plate, of 15 sovs, added to a sweepstake of 2 sovs each ; 1£ miles ; weight for age ; for district horses only, Mr R. McQuillan’s chg Rebel, by Cedric, 3 yrs, 7st 121 b (Gibbs) 1 Mr P. Stark’s br m Banagher, 5 yrs, 9st 61b (J. Wilson) 2 Mr R. Henry’s g m Fly, 4 yrs, Sat 131 b (H. Murfitt) 3 Betting—2 to 1 on Rebel. Rebel made all the running from the jump, and won easily in a canter, a good race for second place resulting in favor of Banagher, Faemees’ PLATE ; one mile; first horse, £7 108 ; second, a saddle ; owners up ; no weight less than 11 stone ; post entry, £l, Mr McQuillan’s Rose Alba ... (Owner) 1 The following also ran, Mr McGowan’s Black Boy, Mr W, Pearson’s Fiery Cross, Mr J. Pearson’s Lady of the Lake, and Mr Moody’s Satan. A capital start was effected, Lady of the Lake and Satan making the running, the others following in a cluster. At the turn Rose Alba came through her horses and passed Lady of the Lake, whose bolt was shot. Satan and Rose ran together to the distance post, when Rose came away with a flowing sheet, and won comfortably by four lengths ; Satan second, the rest beaten off. Oxfoed Cup (handicap), of 40 sovs, added to a sweepstake of 3 sovs ; open; two miles. Mr J. Lunn’s br m Nectar, by Golden Grape— Etbelred, 5 yrs, 9st (Milne) 1 Mr W. Murfitt’s b g Manuka, aged, 7st 91b (Murfitt) 2 Mr T. Shand’s br c The Chief, 3 yrs, 7st 121 b (Moore) 0 Mr L. Markey’s gr g Mousetrap, aged, Bst (Sinclair; 0 Diavolo was scratched. Betting—2 to 1 against Nectar and Mousetrap ; 3 to 1 against Manuka and The Chief. The lot got well away together, Manuka making the running, with The Chief close

on his quarters, Mousetrap about a length behind, and Nectar lying back. Opposite the stand the grey horse fell back outpaced, and Nectar took third place. They ran thus to the last turn, where Nectar, who had been gradually improving her position, came to the front, led up the straight, and won a good race by two lengths ; Manuka second ; The Chief a very moderate third. Consolation Race ; 1 mile. Mr T. Shand’s br g The Chief (Towton — Queen of the South), 3 yrs, Bst (Moore) 1 Mr Murfitt’s b g Manuka, aged, Bst 51bs (Gibbs) 2 The Chief, who was quickest on his legs, made the running from the jump, with Manuka in close attendance waiting on him, They ran together for the whole journey to the straight, when the Chief drew slightly away. Manuka came with a rush on the post, but the Chief stayed the longest, and won a capital race by a short half length. The Hack Race produced a field of seven, aud was won by Shillalah. This horse, however, was disqualified by the stewards on account of being a trained horse, and the stakes were awarded to Mr Tomlinson’s Ladybird. The racing was brought to a conclusion in good time, and a general adjournment was made to the township. In the evening the usual race dinner was held at Olphert’s Hotel, Mr John Pearson occupying the chair, and Mr Parish the vice chair, The spread was very creditable, and the guests were exceedingly numerous. During the evening a number of patriotic and other toasts were duly honored, and several songs excellently rendered. ASHBURTON RAGES. The following nominations were received on Saturday : Wednesday, April 5. Handicap Huedle Race of 25 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 3 sovs for acceptors, aud 1 sov nomination ; distance, 2 miles over eight flights of hurdles ; open to all comers Mr J. F, Mitchell’s Madras Mr W. Smith’s Billy Buttons Mr G. F. Cradock’s Phantom Mr P. Campbell’s Tommy Dodd Mr Wm. Travis’s Theodore Mr W. Smith’s Unity Ashburton Cup— A handicap of 50 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 3 sovs for acceptors ; 2 sovs nomination ; distance, 2 miles ; open to all comers. Mr P. Campbell’s Tommy Dodd Mr Ray’s Tadmor Mr Lunn’s Rob Roy Mr T. Shand’s The Chief Mr T. Shand’s Wild Rose Mr R, Mclvor’s Hercules MrWm. Davis’s Mignonette Thursday, April 6, Handicap Huedle Race of 20 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs for acceptors ; 1 sov nomination ; distance, 1£ miles, over six flights of hurdles ; district horses only. Mr J. P. Mitchell’s Madras Mr E, Saunders’s Barry Lyndon Mr W. Smith’s Billy Buttons Publican’s Puesb —A handicap of 20 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs for acceptors ; 1 sov nomination ; distance ]$ miles ; open to all comers, Mr J. F. Mitchell’s Madras Mr A. Heron’s Bezique Mr P. Campbell’s Tommy Dodd Mr Ray’s Tadmor Mr T. Shand’s The Chief Mr T. Shand’s Wild Rose Mr R. Mclvor’s Hercules Mr W. Smith’s Icicle Mr W. H. Hankins’s Mountain Maid Mr W. Davis’s Mignonette HOKITIKA SUMMER MEETING. (West Coast Times) Second Day. Handicap Huedle Race, of 40 sovs; distance, to miles. T. Hungerford’s b g Nero, aged 9st ... 1 D, Cameron’s g g Septimus, aged, Bst 101 b 2 Dick Turpin was scratched. Septimus seemed to be held, apparently in expectation of another start being made, but subsequently followed, and both made good running and clean work at the hurdles, but Nero’s advantage was too great to give any chance of him being overtaken. Westland Handicap, of 59 sovs, with a sweep of 5 sovs added ; distance, two miles ; nomination, 2 sovs, as per Hokitika Handicap. H. Redwood’s b g John Stofel, 5 yrs, Bst 101 b 1 T. Hungerford’s b g Nero, aged, 6st 81b 2 W. Walter’s b c Isaac Walton, 2 yrs, Bst 121 b 0 D. Cameron’s g g Septimus, aged, 6st 101 b 0 H. Redwood’s c c Banker, 7st 0 Kingfisher was scratched. There was a fine start, and a close race throughout, Banker leading, with John Stofel a close second, and the three others neck and neck. The positions were maintained to the straight running on the third round, when John Stofel forged ahead and Banker fell behind, the others passing the post closely together, Nero having the advantage and coming in a good second. Few or no better races have been run on the same course. Selling Race, of 25 sovs. Black Eagle, 9at 71b 1 Wideawake, 9st 2 Dick Turpin, Bst 71b 3 Stormbird, Bst 0 This race was one and a half miles and a distance, and was won by Black Eagle, with Wideawake a fair second. Consolation, of 25 sovs; distance, one and a half miles. Entrance, 2 sovs. This was simply a walk-over for Septimus, Dick Turpin being the other entry, and only an entry. GREYMOUTH JOCKEY CLUB AUTUMN MEETING, (By Electric Telegraph.) Fiest Day, Maech 18. The, races to-day were attended by 800 people, who were conveyed to the course by rail. The weather was fine. Tkial Stakes, of 25 sovs; 1J miles; weight for age; winner of a stake of £4O to carry 51bs extra, of £SO 71b extra, and of £IOO or over 141 b extra; entrance, 2 sovs. Mr Redwood’s John Stofel won easily, heating Jasper, who pulled up after going on’o round. The Hack race of £lO, 1 mile heats, minimum weight 9st, was won by Rover,

Greymouth Jockey Club Handicap, of 80 sovs, with acceptances added; second horse to receive 10 sovs from the stake; distance, 2\ miles, Mr Hungerford’s Nero, 6st 121 b ... ... 1 Mr Walters’ Kingfisher, 7st 101 b 2 Banker, fist 121 b ... ... ... 3 Five started. Nero took the lead, and won by fifty yards. A splendid race ensued between Kingfisher and Banker for second place, terminating in favor of Kingfisher by a head, . The Hurdle Race was won by Nero (10st 31b), who beat Sultan (lOst 71b) easily. Both horses jumped beautifully. Railway Stakes Handicap, of 35 sovs; If miles ; nominations, 2 sovs ; acceptance, 2sovs; nominations, declaration, and acceptances as in Jockey Club Handicap. Jasper, Cat 1 Banker, 7st 21b ... ... 2 Black Eagle, fist 41b 3 Isaac Walton (fist 121 b) also started, and could have won easily but ran off the course.