GREYMOUTH RACES.

Kumara Times, Issue 2662, 19 March 1885, Page 3

GREYMOUTH RACES.

The second day’s meeting of the Greymouth annual races was held yesterday. The Argus reports: The attendance was pretty fair, though not nearly so large as on the previous day ; between 600 and 700 was about the limit. As a whole the day was not so successful in any way as its predecessor. The stewards, however, did all in their power to make it so ; but the cause of any little disappointment that had been felt lay elsewhere. The day closed with a feeling of unpleasantness at the scratching of one of the horses on which some money had been laid. The race itself was not worthy the name, and need not be referred to further. Goldfields Handicap— Of 100 sovs. ;If miles; second horse to receive 20 sovs. from the stake. Mr M'Gaffin’s b g Cardigan, aged, Bst 91b ... 1 Mr S. Eramerson’s b m Marie Stuart, aged, 7st. 101 b 2 Marie Stuart was declared sßb overweight. Cardigan took the lead at the start, but Marie kept her distance well. There was little change until on the home run, when Marie was called upon in a vigorous way by her rider applying the whip. The game little mare responded bravely, and ranged up alongside her male opponent. Approaching the caretaker’s house it looked for a moment as if Marie could win the race up the straight. But Cardigan was as game as the mare, and in quite as good condition, holding' his own easily. A few strides from the judge’s box, however, Cardigan’s rider meant to prevent any surprise, and putting the spur to the old veteran, he showed that he still had a reserve of force, and at once increased his lead, winning by a length. The amount on the totalisator was £l7l, £B7 being on Marie Stuart, and £B4 on Cardigan. Dividend, £1 16s 6d. Hack Race Handicap—Of 10 sovs. ; 1| miles ; open only to untrained horses. There were four entries, as follow : Maori Boy, lOst.; Cob, 7st. 101 b.; Dunroon 9st. 78>.; Brian Bom, Bst. Maori Boy won easily by half a length, well held, Totalisator, £226, of which £ll6 was on the winner. Div. £1 15s. Grey Valley Stakes Handicap—Of 50 sovs. ; miles ; nomination, 2 sovs. ; acceptance, 2 sovs. ; second horse to receive 10 sovs. from stake. Mr George Matthews’ ch g Comet, 6 years, Bst. 31b 1 Mr M‘Gaffin’s b g Cardigan, aged, 9st. 101 b 2 Mr S. Emmerson’s b m Marie Stuart, aged, 9st 3 Mr Thurogood’s b g Playboy, 5 years, 7st 0 Hop-picker, Oockfield Putter, and Hekateramea were scratched. This was the race of the meeting. A very good start was effected. Comet took the lead, but soon yielded it in favor of Marie Stuart, with Cardigan suspiciously close. Coming round the second time the race began to show signs of interest. All passed the judge’s stand in a cluster, with Marie Stuart coming to the front. Opposite the stand on the other side of the course it was seen that the contest lay between Cardigan and Comet. As soon as they entered the straight a grand struggle ensued between these two. The horses were head to head, going stride and stride, the cowhide being laid on both very freely. Within a few strides of the judge’s stand Comet’s nose showed in front, and he won by only half a head. It was a gamely ran race, and gave a great deal of satisfaction to the spectators. Amount on totalisator, £226; div., £1 13s. Cardigan was the favorite with £99 on him. Borough Handicap.—Of 30sovs. ; 1J miles. Mr J. W. Jones’s blk g Hop-picker, 5 years, 6st. 121 b 1 Mr Thurogood’s b h Norman, aged, 7st 121 b . ... 2 Marie Stuart was scratched, the handicap being considered too high (9st. 41b.) after having just run a very severe race. Hekateramea and Duntroon were also scratched. This was a very hollow affair. Only two came to the post, Hoppicker and Norman. It was a gift to the former, who won as he liked hard held. Norman was nowhere. Totalisator, £79 ; dividend, £1 4s 6d. The Hurdle Race fell through. The Consolation Handicap was won by Cob.