CANTERBURY.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 9, 2 March 1860, Page 3

CANTERBURY.

By way of Wellington we have received an account of part of the first day's racing on Tuesday, the 14th February. THE WANDERER CUP, OF £39. Mr Hodgson’s g f Nourmahal (F. Day) . 1 Mr Gator’s Whisper (3[r. Lancs) . . .2 Beeswing also started. Nourmahal took the lead at starting, which she kept with perfect case the whole way round to the winning post. About 200 yards from the post, Mr. Lance did all he could to get a rush out of Whisper, hut there was no answer to the call, Nourmahal winning easy by several lengths. CANTERBURY MAIDEN STAKES. Mr Hodgson’s Nourmahal .... 1 Mr It. Wilkin’s Cassandra . . . .2 The following also started : Hawkeye, Bedlamite, Emerald, Xantippe, the Comet, and Flying Shot. Cassandra took the lead, waited on by Emerald and the Comet, Flying Shot malting the running unintentionally for Nourmahal, as he kept Cassandra oil for more than half the distance. Nourmahal then took up the running, and a pretty smart set to took place between her and Cassandra. A cross occurred about live hundred yards from the post, from which distance the filly gradually increased her distance, winning by a length ; pace pretty good.

THE CIIAI J.ENOE CUP. Mr If. Trnftord’s Ultima ... 1 Mr W. S. Moorhouse’s Betty Martin . . 2 The following also started : Polka, Tamarlane, and Alma. Alma took the lead a" starting, hut was speedily passed by Polka, Ultima, and Betty, the former having to give way in turn to the two mares. More than half way to the post the Wellington marc had it all her own way. and won easily by several lengths. Polka third; pace good.

The races seem to have thus far gone off with considerable eclat; tbc attendance cn on the field was most numerous, and the weather such as the most sanguine of the holiday-keepers could have desired. Both the Royal Bride and (he Liverpool clipper Mermaid had been despatched for England with rich cargoes of wool; and although, at the time of our last advices, there was less thought of business than of holiday-making, the Canterbury settlers appear to look with bright hopes to the future of the province.