AUCKLAND ANNUAL RACES.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 157, 15 January 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

AUCKLAND ANNUAL RACES.

(From'tbe Southern Cross.) First Day—January Ist, 1864. The Auckland Annual Races for 1864 were ushered in under circumstances peculiarly favorable for developing the old English national sport. The weather was beautiful—a fine summer’s day—without the too frequent accompaniment of heat and dust, and the ride to the new race course, about a mile, this side of Otahuhu, proved to be not the least agreeable part of the day’s entertainment. Maiden Plate of 100 sovs, with a sweepstake of 10 sovs each added. One mile and a half; 3yrs., Bst. 21b.; 4yrs., 9st. 91b., syrs. 10st.; 6yrs. and aged, lOst. 4ibs. Mr. Redwood’s ch h Regnum, 4 years. J. Redwood. Mr. Wild’s bay g Garottcr, 3 years. Alex. Barron. Lieut. St Hill’s hr h Dainty Ariel, 6yrs. R. Pollock. Mr. D. Lynch’s gr mare Yenus, 4 years. George Clark. Capt. Walmsley’s ch h Maori Chief, 4yrs. Wheland. There was a very good start, Dainty Ariel taking the lead, followed closely by Garotter and Regnum. The latter made two or three attempts during the race to improve his position, and Maori Chief, who was several lengths behind, was seen to lose his rider when about half-way round the course. The race, almost from the first, appeared to be between Dainty Ariel and Garrotter; the latter, towards the close cf it, pulling up famously, so that the Ariel came in the winner by only half a length. Dainty Ariel 1 Garrotter 2 Eegnum 3 Time, 3m. 2s. This was a capital race. Considerable surprise was expressed at the fact of Maori Chief, who was such a favorite at starting, losing his rider so early in the race. However. the fact remained the same that the mishap had occurred, fortunately without any serious result, but the backers of the Chief were none the less disappointed. The Ladies’ Purse of 60 sovs. Two miles ; welter weights, 3yrs., lOst. 71bs.; 4yrs, list. 71bs.; syrs., 12st. 21ba; 6yrs. and aged, 12st. lOlbs, Mr. Redwood’s ch h Regnum, 4 years. J Redwood. Mr. Cameron’s b g Volunteer, aged. Alex. Cameron. Mr. M’Farlane’s ch g Harkaway, 3 vears. John Kelly. Mr. Roger’s g g Sam Slick, aged. Richard M’Ghce. Mr. Kelly’s b m Annie, 5 years. Richard Kelly We may say without doubt that Volunteer was from the first the great favorite, and found many backers. A good start was made, Sam Slick taking the lead, followed closely by Volunteer and Eegnum. Sam kept the lead nearly the whole distance round the course, but in the straight running, on the approach to the grand stand. Volunteer forged ahead, and kept the lead, and on passing the grand stand Volunteer was first, Sam Slick second, and Regnum tljird. The first two kept well together for the remainder of the race, and Volunteer came‘in about three lengths ahead of Regnum. The following was the result:— Volunteer 1 Regnum 2 Sam Slick 3 Time, 4m 12s. We may state that this and the former race were done in Derby time, the fastest yet recorded. Volunteer, as will be seen, was ridden by the owner. The horse was trained by Sir. Wild, and he deserves great credit for having produced so valuable an addition to our colonial racing stock. Dainty Ariel, the winner of the first race, is a Wellington horse. Volunteer, as we have indicated, was bred in this province, and is by Riddlesworth, out of an /Ether mare. Regnum, who we may say, is not yet known to fame, not having run before except once, nor won any money, came from Nelson with Lady Bird. He is a promising looking colt, but apparently no match as yet for our Auckland horses. Garrotter, the second horse in the first race, is by Pacific, out of ■» T. 11 t> 1,„ T) ATiUuy uiiwn, uy lulus. The Royal Cavalry Volunteer Plate of 30 sovs.; second horse, 10 sovs.; third horse to save his stakes. One mile heats ; welter weights. For all horses bond fide the property of members of the Corps, and which have been ridden as troopers for at least two months. 'To bo ridden by members of the Corps. Mr. John Bishop’s Bay Prince. Bishop. Mr. J. Foley’s g m Miss Grizzle. Donovan. Capt. Fitz Gerald’s bl g Niger. Owner. Mr. J. Mackay’s bl m Fly-by-night. Scott. Mr. T. George’s b g Micky Free. Owner. Mr. King’s ch g Wee Tammy. Dunolly. Mr. M’Ghee’s b g Billy Brown. Owner. The horses all started well together ; Micky Free, Fly-by-Night, and Wee Tammy, and Niger leading. The latter, however, soon fell behind, and when half way round

the course Micky Free was first, Fly-by-Night second, and Wee Tammy third. Wee Tammy then took the lead, and came in the winner of the first heat, the result being as follows : Wee Tammy 1 Micky Free 2 Billy Brown 3 Time, 2m. 12s. On the second heat being commenced, a good start was made, hut from some cause or other it was declared to be a false one. On starting again Micky Free and Niger had the lead, but the latter fell behind. Wee Tammy soon crept up and took the lead, keeping it, hardly pressed, however, by Micky and another horse. On going halfway round the course, Niger, who had fallen behind, gained rapidly on the leading horses, and in the straight running was very nearly abreast of Wee Tammy. The race here became most exciting, not a few predicting that the captain, who rode his horse exceedingly well, would come in the victor. The result, however, was that Wee Tammy came in the ’winner by a neck. Had it not been that Niger got so far behind in the beginning of the race, he would most probably have come in the winner. The horses were placed thus ; Wee Tammy 1 Niger 2 Micky Free 3 Time, 2m. 14a. We need hardly say that Wee Tammy having won the two heats, was declared the winner of the race, which was a well contested one. The Innkeeper’s Plate of 50 sovs. One mile and a distance ; maiden plate weights. Mr. M’Gliee’s b g Hotspur, aged. D. M’Sherry. Mr. Redwood’s ch m Ladybird, 5 years. Richards. Mr. Wild’s hr m Brunette, aged. Farmer. Mr. Kelly’s b m Annie, 5 years. Colgan. Lieut. St Hill’s br h Dainty Ariel, Gyrs. R. Pollock. Mr. R. Graham’s b m Laura, 3 years. W Ferguson. Capt. Walmsley’s ch h Maori Chief, 4yrs. Robinson. Mr. King’s ch g Butterfly, aged. King. Of course, from the reputation that Lady Bird has gained, she was a popular favorite, and there were not a few who looked to Dainty Ariel and Maori Chief as the next likely horses. Two false starts were made, and on the third attempt Lady Bird took the lead, followed by Brunette and Dainty Ariel. The two first horses kept this posh, tion for the whole of the race. At the corner near the grand stand Maori Chief, who was previously not far behind, increased his pace wonderfully and got pretty close up to the leading horses, but Lady Bird won. The horses were placed thus : Lady Bird 1 ■Dainty Ariel 2 Brunette 3 Time, 3min. This was a splendid race, and Lady Bird was generally admired. It appears that after the first mile of the race had been run, she stumbled over a man who got in her way, and Brunette, who was close behind, did the same, letting in Dainty Ariel, who by this means was able to second place at the conclusion of the race. Colonel Lyons, acting as the representative of Captain Walmsley, protested against the race on the ground that there had been a false start, it being stated that the Maori Chief was four lengths behind, and was being held by the head when the flag was dropped. The protest was at once enquired into by the stewards. Capt. Shaw, the starter, insisted that there had been a fair start, and the stewards not being satisfied that it was otherwise, held that the race had been run, and Ladybird was the winner. The Farmer’s Purse of 40 sovs., added to a sweepstake of 4 sovs each. One mile and three-quarters ; 3yrs. Bst.; 4yrs., 9st. 71b.; syrs, lOst.; 6 and aged, lOst. 45bs. Mr. Redwood’s Ladybird. Redwood. Lieut. St Hill’s Dainty Ariel. Pollock. M. Roger’s Sam Slick. Brunette, who had been entered, was scratched. Ariel led away, Ladybird being second, and Sam Slick third. When twothirds round the course, Ladybird got abreast of Ariel, but fell behind again; but subsequently made up to her, and passed her in good style ; coming in the winner, being held hard, by about a dozen lengths. Ladybird 1 Dainty Ariel 2 Sam Slick 3 Time, 3m., 255. Pony Race of 10 sovs. added to a sweepstakes of 1 sov. each. One mile catch weights, post entries. Mr. Baker’s Johanna. Mr. Kelly’s Kitto. Mr. Coyle’s Sheet-Anchor. Mr. Conochie’s Kate. Mr. Coyle’s Tom Sayers. Lieut. St Hill’s Mosquito. Mr. Howell’s Wizard. The race was run, but as there was a false start it was run over again, and Johanna

came in the winner. A protest was, however, made, on the ground that the winner was not a pony, and the stewards decided that she should be measured at Hardington’s, and that if she exceeded fourteen hands she should he disqualified. This concluded the sports for the day, and the concourse of persons present soon began to disperse and move away for Auckland, and the race course which was the scene of so much bustle was restored to its usual quietude. We must not forget to mention that Redwood's riding was generally admired; in fact, as a rule, the riding was far better than it has ever been on previous occasions. Second Day.—January 2nd, 1863. The races were resumed on Saturday, and were carried on throughout the day with spirit. The weather was pleasant, although some threatening indications of rain were apparent. The races commenced at twelve o’clock, and the following are the particulars of the running ; The Maiden Produce of 50 sovs. Entrance 5 One mile ; 3jrs., Bst. 6 lbs. ; 4yrs.; 9st. 10 lbs ; syrs., lOst. ; 6 and aged, lOst. 4 lbs. For all horses bred in New Zealand. The ■winner of the Maiden Plate to carry 5 lbs extra. Lieutenant St. Hill’s b h Dainty Ariel. Pollock. Mr. Macfarlanc’s br g Koheroa. Stewart. Mr. Kelly’s b m Annie. Coigan. Mr. R. Graham’s b m Laura. Kelly. There was a very good start. Dainty Ariel took the lead and maintained it throughout. When about half way round, the other three horses were very close together, and about three lengths behind Dainty Ariel. Laura then ran off the course, and was followed immediately by Koheroa and Annie. Dainty Ariel then left them all behind, and came in an easy winner. Laura and Koheroa got on the course again, and ran together until within a few yards of the grand stand, when Koheroa again bolted, and allowed Laura to come in second. Koheroa afterwards took the third place. Annie was compelled to give the race up, having run so far off the course. Although this was a very uneven race, it caused considerable amusement, as no sooner had one horse made good ground than he suddenly bolted, and until the close it was hard to say who would be the winner. The race resulted thus : Dainty Ariel 1 Laura 2 Koheroa 3 The Jockey Ci.ub Plate of 200 sovs., given by the members of the Auckland Jockey Club with a sweepstake of 10 sovs. each added. Half forfeit, If three horses start, the second horse to save his stake. Three miles ; 3yrs., 7st. 7 lbs,; 4yrs., 9st. 5 lbs.; syrs ; lOst.; 6 and aged, lOst 4 lbs. Mr. Elliott ns Mr. Redwood’s ch in Ladybird, 5 yrs. Mr. J. Redwood. Mr. Wild ns b g Garotter, 3yrs. Darron. Captain Walmsley’s ch h Maori Chief, lyrs. Coylan. Mr. King’s ch g Butterfly, aged. J. King. Regnura had been entered for this race, but was scratched and only four started. It was a splendid race, and the betting was rather heavy. Lady Bird and Garotter were decidedly the two favorites. A capital start was made, Lady Bird soon taking the lead by about a length. Maori Chief and Garotter being well together, and followed very closely by Butterfly, who tried hard several times to improve his position, but was unable to do so. When passing the grand stand, after. the first mile, Lady Bird was about three lengths ahead of Garrotter and Maori Chief, who were abreast of each other. Butterfly was about two lengths behind the two latter, but soon after passing the stand lost ground, which he was not again enabled to make up. When passing the grand stand the second time, Lady Bird still occupied tile same place, Garotter running hard and 'coming up only about two lengths behind her. Maori Chief kept up a good pace, but gradually lost ground after running the first two miles. Butterfly, too, continued to fall behind. The race now became very exciting, as it was at one time thought Garotter was going to pass Lady Bird, but on his coming up almost abreast, Lady Bird made some desperate strides, and passed the winning post about three lengths in advance of Garotter. Garotter ran admirably, and it is satisfactory to think we have a horse belonging to the province that is so near a match for one with so high a reputation as Lady Bird. Maori Chief behaved very well, made several attempts to take up the second place, and came in very close to Garrotter. Butterfly, at the close of the race, was several lengths behind. They were placed thus : Ladybird 1 Garrotter 2 Maori Chief 3 Hurdle Race of 30 sovs. Twice round tho course. Welter weights. Mr. Cameron’s b g Volunteer. A. Cameron. Mr. M’ Ghee’s g g Little Dick. Calvert. Only two horses were entered for this trace. Little Dick was a great favorite, but

Volunteer was, nevertheless, backed by many, his doings of the previous day imparting confidence in him. Little Dick took the lead, Volunteer following, and both horses took the hurdles remarkably well. When passing the grand stand. Little Dick was closely followed by Volunteer. When about half way round the course the second time, Volunteer gained rapidly upon his leader, and they were some little distance together, after which Volunteer got nearly a length iu advance, and clearing the hurdle nearly at the same time as Little Dick, came in a winner by about half a length. Volunteer had evidently the advantage in the long run ; but once round the course only, and Little Dick would have won. They were placed— Volunteer 1 Little Dick 2 Royal Cavalry Volunteer Hurdle Race of 30 sovs ; second horse, 10 sots ; third horse to save his stakes. Entrance £3. Twice round the course. Welter weights. Mr. Thomas George’s b g Mickey Free, i W Good. Mr. M’Ghee’s g g Little Dick. R. M’Ghee. Mr. Styark’s b m Gipsy. A very good start was effected, Mickey Free and Little Dick keeping well together for a time, when the former ran ahead. Both took the hurdles well, but Gipsy ran away from the course, and was obliged to give up the contest. The horses came in thus : Mickey Free 1 Little Dick 2 Military Plate of 80 sots. Two miles. Welter weights. Gentlemen riders. Five horses were entered for this race, but when the bell rang for starting Lady Bird was the only one to put in an appearance. She consequently walked over the course, and was declared the winner. Consolation Stakes of sots. Entrance, £3. each, p p. For horses that have started and not won in the meeting. Horses to be named within fifteen minutes after the Military Plate has been run. To be handicapped by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. 1 mile. Mr. Wild ns br m Brunette. Capt. Fitzgerald’s bl g Niger. Mr. Roger’s gr m Sam Slick. Mr. Kelly’s gr m Annie Mr. R. Graham’s b m Laura Mr. D. Lynch’s gr m Venus The whole of the horses got of well together. Brunette soon took the lead, followed closely by Sam Slick and Niger. Annie, Laura, and Venus, were abreast of each other for some time. When half way round the course Brunette increased her pace wonderfully. Niger passed by Sam Slick, and made some good running, coming up very close to Brunette. Sam Slick then forged ahead, but just before reaching the grand stand Niger ran by him, taking the second place. The race resulted as follows ; Brunette 1 Niger 2 Sam Slick 3 The Forced Handicap, of 10 per cent, on the gross amount of money won by any horse ; half forfeit. Horses to be named at the same time as for the Consolation Stakes, and to be handicapped in the same manner! One mile and a distance. Mr. Wild’s br m Burnette Lieutenant St Hill’s hr h Dainty Ariel Mr. Cameron’s b g Volunteer. All three horses kept well together for some distance, but when half-way round, Dainty Ariel ran off the course, and not being able to take up his former place withdrew from the contest. The race was then left to Brunette and Volunteer, the former keeping about ten lengths iu advance of the latter, and maintaining it until the end. Volunteer ran well, and came in a very good second. Brunette 1 Volunteer ... 2 Hack Race, for untrained horses, of 10 sovs. 1 mile. Entrance, £l. Catch weights. Post Entries. Mr. King’s Wee Tammy Captain Irving’s b h Emucho Mr. Absolem’s John Mr. Foley’s Miss Grizzele Mr. Carter’s Koheroa Mr. Macmarra’s b Jessie Mr. Bishop’s b Prince Mr. Henderson’s Emu Mr. Wheeler’s Papakura Mr. Baker’s Fanny Mr. Keith’s Barbara Mr. Selbey’s Fawn This race caused no small amount of amusement. The start was first rate and the whole of the horses kept well together until about half the distance was run, when they scattered. John was the first horse to pass the grand stand. Five of the horses came in very close to one another, but the two first were Mr. Absolem’s John 1 Mr. Foley’s Miss Grizzle ... 2 This being the last race, the band of the 12th Regiment which bad been present during Friday and Saturday, and had added much to the enjoyment of those present by

their performances, played the National Anthem, and there was a general movement homewards, the road being once more thronged with vehicles of all descriptions. There was, besides, a large number of pedestrians—either from choice or necessity. Altogether, the Auckland Annual Races for 1864 passed off well, and showed a decided improvement over the racing of previous years.