NAPIER RACES, 1862.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 37, 13 March 1862, Page 2

NAPIER RACES, 1862.

These races took place, as previously advertised, on Tuesday and Wednesday last, on the course at the Green Meadows. The weather was most propitious, a brilliant sun shining, the heat of which was somewhat tempered by a cooling breeze. The roads, from the late heavy rains, were in rather a “ splashy” condition, which evidently had but little effect on the equestrians who found their way to the course, on reaching which the spectators hud their compensation in that freedom from dust so objectionable at former meetings. A number of booths, some of which were, tastefully decorated with flags, enlivened the scene, and there was no lack of refreshments. Every horse and vehicle in town and neighborhood were in requisition, and the town, we are informed, seemed deserted. The attendance we thought scarcely so large as on former occasions, the bad roads no doubt preventing the presence of many of the inland settlers, and the small number of natives present may be accounted for by the decision of a runanga to the effect that a limited number of natives only should attend. The number of ladies who attended was large, if not larger, than we ever remember to have seen on the course before. As one of the novelties on the New Zealand turf we noticed a roulette table, the proprietor of which announced the game as “ the new French marvel ( merveille ) from London !” into the interesting speculations of which one could engage as well as twenty, and twenty as well as one ! With these great privileges and enraptured by the innocence and facilities of the game, the natives entered into it with intense zest, and, we were about to say, satisfaction, but we question, at least, the pecuniary benefit of their great perseverance in the study of revolutionary bodies ! We now proceed to the events of the FIRST DAY. the first race noted on the card being the PRODUCE STAKES. Of £4O, added to an entrance of £3 2s. For horses bred in the Colony that have never won an advertized race. Weights—3 yrs., Bst. Vtbs ; 4 yrs., Ost. 7ibs. ; 5 yrs., 10 st.; 6 yrs., and aged, 10 st., 71bs. One mile—heats. Mr. Hamlin ns. bk. g. Te Wliatu, 5 yrs (Downes) Oil Mr. Watt’s b. c, Telegram, 4 yrs (Wright) 12 Mr. W. Ferguson ns. br. g. Shamrock.4yrs...(Hague) 3 0 Mr. CoUins’s hr. f. Brown Bess, 3 yrs (Thorpe) 0 0 Nikora’s b. g. One Penny, 3 yrs (Nikora) 0 0 Awapuni’s ch. g. Nga Eangi, aged ( ) 0 0 The Produce brought six horses to the post. Telegram was at once made the favorite, although the light, easy, and graceful action of the Maori black induced many to give him support. An unfortunate accident somewhat marred the interest of the race, and occasioned, we must say, very unnecessary comment. There being no clerk of the scales, one of the stewards inspected the weighing, and having incautiously assumed Te Whatu’s age to be 4 years, when the jockey, a Maori boy, came to the scales, told him he just drew 9st. 31bs., and asked if he was satisfied, upon which he saddled and started. It turned out, after the first heat was run, on objection being made, that Te Whatu was 5 years old, and should have carried 9 st. 10 lbs. For the first heat a go6d start was effected, Te Whatu, having the inner and best position, springing off with the lead, which he maintained through-

out, and won easily by tlmee lengths. For the first half mile Telegram was third, but improving his position, at about the distance he reached Shamrock, and easily passing him came in second. After the heat, the stewards considered the objection made to Te Whatu’s want of weight. The case was entirely a novel one, for although it was agreed that it was the duty of the enterer to see his weight was right, it was clear that the mistake, arose through the error of the steward, and therefore it was considered unjust to disqualify the Maori horse. After considerable discussion, the stewards almost unanimously agreed to place the second and third horses first and second, but to allow To Whatu to run again. For the,.second heat, Te Whatu's weight was properly adjusted, and again jumping off with a clear lead, though this time in the worst place, he was first round the corner, took a decided lead, and won easily. Telegram again being an easy second. Time—first heat, 2 min. 6 sec.; second heat, 2 rain. 7 sec. For the third heat, Te Whatu walked over, Mr. Watt having drawn Telegram, and protested against the stewards decision and claimed the stakes. In this we think he was altogether mistaken, as he should have protested before running for the second heat; after having run and been beaten, he was too late to object. Nothing would have altered the result, Te Whatu had clearly the foot of all the others. HAWKE’S BAY STAKES. Of £4O, added to an entrance of £3 3s. Second Horse to save his stake. Weights same as Produce Stakes. Mares and Geldings allowed 4fts. Winners, 4ibs. extra. 3 miles. Mr. McDonell’s b. g. Charles O’Malley, 4 yrs (Thorpe) 1 Mr, W. E. D. Ferguson ns. b. g. Lucifer, aged (Mold) 2 Iliikiera’s b, g. Puketi, aged (Hupeta) 3 Mr. Ferrers ns. b. g. Blazeaway, aged (Wright) Mr. Chapman’s g. g. Schamyl, aged ( ) All the horses entered for this race started, Blazeaway being made a strong favorite, but it was evident that be was in a sulky temper, and could scarcely be got to the post. The horses went off well together, with the exception of Blazeawajr, who was not prepared to go, but who soon followed at a sluggish pace, and evidently would not go kindly. Schamyl, Puketi, and Lucifer contended for the lead with alternate success, Blazeaway being far astern. The first mile was run in 2 minutes, Puketi leading, Schamyl second ; and these positions were maintained to the stand the second time, which was reached in 4 minutes -7 seconds. After passing it, Schamyl boiled, and threw his jockey, who, however, was not much hurt. Charles O’Malley now became second horse, and on the far side passed the Maori, and Blazeaway here for the first time showed in the race. He -was, however, too far astern, and though he neared his horses from the distance in, he was still far behind at the finish. Charles O’Malley, after entering the straight run home,'easily disposed of Puketi, who was also passed by Lucifer, Charles O’Malley winning by two lengths. The time was 6 min. 28 sec.; not a bad pace. MAORI RACE. Of £lO. Entrance, £l. For Horses bona fide the property of, and ridden by Aboriginal Natives. Catch Weights. One mile and a half —heats. EraiUia’s b. g. Lucifer, (Mobi) 1 Karaka’s Euahine, (Hupeta) 2 Wi Eaugi’s ch. g. Taupene (Downes) 3 Taupene took the lead for three quarters of a mile, when Lucifer passed Ruahine, and collared Taupene at the mile, when the latter bolted, and Lucifer pulled up to a canter. Ruahine coming up at the distance post, Lucifer was given his head, and came in an easy winner of the first heat. Taupene looked distressed at starting for the second heat, but took the lead for half a mile, when Lucifer passed him, and he again bolted. The heat was easily won by Lucifer. THE INKEEPERS’ PURSE. Of £25, added to an entrance of £2 2s.' Open to all horses. Weights—3 yrs, 8 st. 7 lbs.; 4 yrs, 9 st. 71bs. ; 5 yrs, 9 st. 12 lbs. ; 6 yrs and aged, 10 st. 12 lbs. Mares and geldings allowed 4 lbs. 1 mile and a distance.*" Mr. Hamlin ns. bk. g. Te Whatu, 5 yrs (Downes) 1 Ihikiera’s b. g. Puketi, aged (Thorpe) 2 Mr. Ferrer’s ns. ch. g. First Class, aged (Wright) This race excited but little interest. First Class bolted soon after starting, and Te Whatu came in an easy winner. SECOND DAY —Wednesday. The attendance on this occasion was much diminished, scarcely more than half the people being present there was the day before. The day was rather hotter, but the sport much better. The first event was the HURDLE RAGE. Of £3O. Entrance, £2 2a. Weights—3 yrs., 10 st.; 4 yrs., 10 st. lOlbs.; 5 yrs., list. 7lbs.; 6 yrs., and aged, 12st. 7 Hurdles. Hurdles, 3 ft. 9 in. high. 2 miles.

Mr. P. Eussell’s br. g. Sunrise, 6 yrs Gaisford 1 Mr. W. Ferguson ns. br. £ Shamrock, 4 yrs Danvers 2 Mr. Hamlin ns. b. g. Toware, aged ...Xhiklara

Shamrock took the lead, followed by Sunrise, who refused the first hurdle. Before reaching the second hurdle, Toware led, but refused that hurdle, and bolted. Both Sunrise and Shamrock went over in very good style. Toware was brought hack on the course, and took it—soon reached Shamrock, hut again swerving, remained last. Sunrise refused the next hurdle. Shamrock took it, and passing him, came on with a strong lead, rise being second. All the horses took the next hurdle, and passed the stand in the following position :—Shamrock first, Sunrise second, Toware last. After the next hurdle was cleared, Toware was several lengths in advance of Sunrise, who was muchiraprovingin pace. Shamrock refused the hurdle at the far side and let up Toware, who cleared the timber, but his rider’s foot struck against the top rail, and forced his saddle upon the horse’s neck, and he fell off, and Toware got away, and was therefore out of the race. The black then took the hurdle, and had a very strong lead, Mr. Danvers following far behind, and inducing his horse to take the remaining hurdle, just saved his distance. Before 1 reaching the stand, Gaisford stopped his horse, and won easily. The second race of the day was the WELTER STAKES. Of £3O. Entrance, £2 2s. Weights—4 yrs., 12 st.; 5 yrs., 13 st. ; 6 yrs. and aged, 13 st. 7lbs. Gentlemen riders ; professional riders weighing extra. Three miles. Mr. Ferrers ns. b. g. Blazeaway, aged Gaisford 1 Mr. McDonell’s b. g. Charles O’Malley, 4 yrs ...McDoneU 2 Mr. W. E. D. Ferguson ns. b. g. Lucifer, aged... Ferguson 3 Mr. Hamlin ns. ch. g. Dobbin, aged Hamlin 4 A good and even start was effected. Lucifer leading, Blazeaway, who was restive at the Post, being the last off. At the stand Lucifer still led, Blazeaway coming up strong, Charles O’Malley last. Round the distance post Lucifer continued his lead, Dobbin taking second place, and Blazeaway third; all pretty well together. On making the second round of the course, Lucifer still led, Blazeaway had taken the second place. Charles O’Malley being still last, but there was no great interval between them. Under the hill Blazeaway raced for, and deprived Lucifer of the lead, Charles O’Malley became third, Dobbin tailing off. At the distance post Blazeaway was leading when Charles O’ Malley came up with a strong rush, and only just failed to reach him, Blazeaway wiuuing on the post by a head, after a magnificent and exciting set to. The race was run at a good pace throughout, and occupied G minutes and 32 seconds. Had Charles O’Malley come up a little sooner, we think the result would have been altered. On returning to the stand, Mr. Ferguson made a charge of a cross against Mr. Gaisford, the rider of Blazeaway. The stewards heard the evidence and after carefully considering the charge decided that it was not satisfactorily proved and that judge’s fiat must stand.

St. PATRICK’S CUP Given by B. D. Danvers, Esq., with £lO added from the Race Fund. Second horse to receive the entrance money. For all 3 year olds of St. Patrick’s get. Weights—B st.; Mares and Geldings, 7 st. 11 lbs. One mile —heats. Mr. Collins’s br. f. Brown Bess, 3 yrs Walked over. There being only one horse entered, viz., Mr. Collins’ br. f. Brown Bess, there was no race for the cup, and the filly walked over In consequence of this, the c£lo 10s. added were withdrawn. The next event was THE GREEN MEADOWS STAKES. Of £25. Entrance, £2 2s. Weights the same as for Produce Stakes. 2 miles. Mr. McDonoll’s b. g. Charles O'Malley, 4 yrs Thorpe 1 Mr. Watt’s b. o. Telegram, 4 yrs :• Wright 2 Mr. Hamlin ns. bk. g. To Whatu, 5 yrs Downes Mr. W. Ferguson ns. b. g. Lucifer, aged ....Mohi Te Whatu, whowasmade the favorite, jumped off as usual, followed by Telegram, Charles O’Malley being last. Under the hill Lucifer and Charles O'Malley seemed to be tailed off and outpaced. At three-quarters of a mile. Telegram forced the running, and took the lead. Passing the stand for the first time Telegram still led, Te Whatu being next, Charles O’Malley and Lucifer a long way behind. Under the hill side Telegram still led by a length, Lucifer falling still further in rear. Here, however, Charles O’Malley greatly improved his position, and coming fast up to his horses, before reaching the distance, caught Telegram, and shortly after obtained the lead, which, after a splendid finish, he maintained, winning an excellent race by half a length. Telegram, who ran an excellent horse throughout, being far in front of Lucifer, Te Whatu appeared to be beyond his distance, finishing nowhere.

CONSOLATION S r * 1 Of £ls. Entrance £1 Is., for horses that have started during this meeting and not ivon a race. Post Entrance. Entries to be made immediately after the Welter Stakes. To be

handicapped by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. Mr. Chapman's g. g. Schamyl, aged, 9st 121b5... (Wright) 1 Mr. Tanner na. h. g. Pnheti, aged, 9st 6lhs (Hupeta) 2 Sir. IltifiHiiii ns. u, g, T0x72.r0, 2.36C1, Ost 2Vbs ft Mr. Hamlin ns. ch. g. Dobbin, aged, 9st (Badley) 4 Mr. Hamlin, having entered two horses, declared to win with Towaro.

The last race was one for horses which had run at the meeting, and were beaten. The stakes consisted of <£ls public money, and £1 Is. entrance ; entries to be made within quarter of an hour after the preceding race, and the horses to be handicapped by the stewards. Four only were entered, and the stewards wisely put the top weight on Mr. Chapman’s grey, who had run a good horse for a long distance in the Hawke’s Bay Stakes, and who was comparatively fresh. Puketi and Toware were considered" nearly on a par, hut as the latter had run in the Hurdle Pace, and had had a had fall, and was not in condition, he received 2 lbs. from his equally small rival. Dobbin, who had gone the pace in the Welter, being the bottom weight. The result confirmed, if not the fairness of the weights, at all events the propriety of the handicappers’ judgment of their relative merits, as they came in the order of their weights. All four horses having'* accepted (a Maori horse entered accepts without reference to the weights), Puketi and Schamyl were made the favorites, the grey having the call; and public opinion proved correct. Toware and Puketi raced for the lead, passing the stand neck and neck a length in advance of Schamyl, who, however, half way round the far side, passed Toware, challenged the other plucky little Maori, deprived him of the lead, and maintained his advantage to the end, winning cleverly by two lengths, Toware being four lengths behind Puketi, and the other nowhere.

With this event the meeting terminated, and all returned home after greatly enjoying the spoit, which, if not first-rate in point of quality, was sufficiently good, and there being no great superiority in any one animal, was therefore more open and more closely contested than usual. The starting of Mr. Rich gave universal satisfaction, all the dedecisions of the Judge were unquestioned and unquestionable, and Mr. Hamlin discharged his arduous task with zeal and ability. We believe the stewards, who manfully discharged their duties, were the only persons blamed, and that only for their decision in the Produce. No doubt they acted to the best of their judgment. The case was a novel and an unfortunate one. It would have been very bad to have disqualified the clever little black, and we can find no fault with the decision. On both days the course was well frequented, especially on the first, and the course was graced with the presence of very many of the fair sex, who seemed to take great interest in the sport. The upper 10,000 removed itself from the public gaze, and took up its position aloof, and as high as possible, on the hill, uncontaminated by the presence and vulgarity of the canaille, whose mirth and enjoyment, did not however, seem much affected by their withdrawal.