FORTY YEARS AGO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2228, 18 January 1921, Page 3

FORTY YEARS AGO.

AX OLD-TIME RACK MEETING

(From the “Herald,” March 18th, 1881.)

The above races took place yesterday. .St. Patrick’s Day, and were a pronounced success. The attendance of the public was between live and seven hundred, of whom a large portion- went on horse back from Foxton, Rangifikei, etc., a great

number by I rain from FOxton and Palmer,stun,' whilst the balance rode in buggies, traps and carts. Although called the Himatangi races, it was really a small Foxton meeting. As the oldest Munawatu township, and the former centre of the district, Foxton could at one time boast of a capital annual ratio meeting, but through some causa or other the racing spirit became faint, and was thought to be dead, but last year a few of -the Foxton people threw a little spirit into the Himatangi meeting—which previouslywas a small Maori affair —and the meeting of yesterday was no doubt - the outcome of the successful one of a year ago. The course is rather a heavy one, as the ground in thet vicinity is mostly very sandy. It is, however, perfectly level, and as the stewards had prohibited all horses from training upon it, was in fairly good order. The course had been worked out carefully, and every provision had been made to secure as far as possible the comfort of visitors. A small stand, about 20 ft. long, was erected for the convenience of the officials, and formed a capital vantage point from which the races could be watched. . , . . There were the usual games of chance on the course, including “under and over,” etc., etc. whilst a totalisator of rather pri- . mitive construction did fair business, the number of chances taken in it being 208. The youth who was in charge of it appeared rather “verdant,” being particularly so as regards his arithmetic. We have only to add that the whole of the officials did their level host to make the affair go off successfully. Messrs Whyle, Young, Liddell and Oshorn being conspicuous for the energy with which they worked. The following is ihe list of events: — Hurdle Race, of £2O, 2 miles and a distance; weights, one stone over weight for age. A. M’Alfster's Eclipse, 10.0, was the winner. D. Scott’s Lady "Mary, J. Purcell’s Sultan, and T. Cribbs’ Right Bower, al.so started. Hack Hurdles, sweepstakes, of 10s, with Ihrec guineas added; distance 2 miles; catch weights, was won by AVr. Robinson’s roan/gelding, ridden by HBiiit. There were three other starters. District Race, of £2O; weight for age; 2 miles, was won by Scol'l’s ('amelia. Ollier starters were McKenzie's Otangaki. Bobin- , son’s Barmaid. 0. Fraser's Aurora, Cameron's Larrikin. Hack Race, "sweepstake of 10s,.with 2 guinea* added, was won bv Lumsderr’s Rangitnna. Maiden Plate of £ls, weight for ago, distance 1A utiles, was won by ft. Fraser’s Annuity, M’Uonald’s Omaiiuka 2. Wi Ilemera’s Mu ire, Larrikin, T, Barnett’s Ananali, R. Stevens’ Emblem, and Cribbs’ Mary Queen also started. A pony race was won by a horse ridden by Sydney Trask, who belled his gee gee to victory as the saddle dangled over his mount’s rump. Himalangi Cup of £3O, handicap, 2A miles, was won by d. Biggie's bfl*’ g. Monk, D. Scott s Canielia 2. Skylark, Aurora, and Otangaki also started. Monk was an easy winner, his splendid action and gigantic stride being much admired, bate Purse- of £ls, handicap, one mile, was won by D. Scott's Lady Mary, Robinson’s Barmaid 2, and ]). Fraser’s Eangitira 3. Mudgwny's Ivi Ivorari also entered, but just before the start bolted, and when he was brought back; found I.lint he had lamed himself. Barmaid was pluckily ridden by Charley Robinson, but she could not overtake Mr Scott’s mare. Rangatira was never in the race. Consolation Race of £lO, handicap, TA miles, was won by Aurora, Omamika 2. Emblem, Larrikin and Right Bower also started. Mr Fraser’s mare was whipped vigorously, and the jockey succeeded in landing her a length ahead of the favourite, Onntruika,