A Ridiculous Horse Race.

Manawatu Herald, 9 July 1904, Page 3

A Ridiculous Horse Race.

The most extraordinary exhibition Over seen on a Gisborne, racecourse occurred on Thursday in the Park Steeplechase. Only two Stray bird and Hylas started, the latter being favourite. Both are well-known performers. Hylas, ridden by Ross, baulked at the first hurdle, and despite frantic efforts of the Jockey, refused twenty times to Clear the obstacle. Meantime Straybird proceeded at a slow cantor tb the water jump, ami to the surprise and amusement of the crowd then baulked. The jockey Burns tried in vain to get his horse to cross the wa cr, and the spectators had the r, markable sight of a “race” in which the two contestants were baulking continually in different parts of the field. A number of people husfc md to Strnybird’s assistance, and one individual, said to have had a few shillings' invested,; frantically tried to “ shoo” the animal over. Finally Burns got the horse across,, and Si ray bird, taking kindly to the. other jumps, got round the course to Where Hylas was still “ cutting up.” The St. Hippo gelding quietly followed Stray bird oyer the jump that he had refused to take, and all went we’i till the water jump was reached. Here Straybird stuck up again—so did Hylas. - A second essay,saw both animals over; and Straybird Agoing around again managed to complete the three miles in 12min 58sec. Hylas, with another round to complete, again stuck up at the water.. Finally the animal scrambled over, losing bis jockey en route. Spectators secured Hylas, and Ross remounted, only to have the recalcitrant horse stick up in front of the grandstand at the brush, fence. Ross here gave up the struggle and rode his belaboured animal in amid hearty laughter. Sportsmen say a similar “ race ” was witnessed at Christchurch some years ago, in which Irish King and Orangeman took part. Another similar event occurred at a meeting in Auckland in 1878, in which Don Juan and Fanny were the participants. Mr J. W. Nolan, the well-known solicitor, was one of the

riders in the Auckland contest, and gave his time as 87min.