PUKATOTARA RACES.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 25, 5 February 1879, Page 2

PUKATOTARA RACES.

The above sports were- .held upon the Pukatotara Racecourse- on last Saturday.* | The morning looked everything that could be desired, and a good muster of- both Pakehas.and Maoris assembled from Foxton, Pahnerstbn, and the surrounding district ; b»t unfortunately, towards the afternoon-the-rain commenced, first m a drizzle, then m a regular downpour, driving the fair sex from the- ground, and only leaving those-, really interested m the- racing on, the course. This was much to be- regretted, as. iiv consequence of the- rain it was found" impossible to hold the-., Athletic "Games. Mr. Walter : Simpson, who is the. promoter of the annual races and sports, deserves tli'e greatest credit for the- manner m which he, withi.his characteristic energy, carried the- programme through. Mr. M. Con,way acted as Judge, a position, m. -which; he gave the .greatest satisfaction. In fact, larger meetings would ,do well if they. took, example from this small gathering. The- first event on the card was THE HANDICAP HiUBtDLB BACE. (Two miles, over a flight of- six hurdles). ■ Seven sported colors for this race, and the pace from, the- sfcartr was good, Ronga Ronga leading froni the first mjle, wjien he^bauiked, and: Tupapuka then came to the front, closely follpw.ed.by Banjo, who fell, at the last hurdle* Feather then toot second place, but could not head Tupapeka, wjiich won by three- lengths, j "HA.CX BACK, For this event 1 seven started, but the money was collared by Greyhound.. Had not Mr. Cook's Rumpti Fugiorius bolted, th& result might hav.e- bqen. different, and another- added to the- victories of this wellknown horse. OROiPA S3JASB&.. As this race was restricted to. horsesowned by eesidents m the District, only two came to the post. The result, however, was a surprise to most people, and a sell, to the "knowing ones," as Mr.. Adam Clarke's Nanika beat Mr* Caineron-'s Rangi hands down,. • '"'... JOTTBTH EACH. This event was for a prize- of a handsome bridle, givon, by Mr. Pepper, who is well kn.owHjfoi'-hirt yUeralitv m all sporting uwK tera.. Pour- started, and resulted m Mr. Cameron's Argyle comidg m first, closely followed by Nigger. : sapinraK: stacks. Three came te- the post, and resulted m an easy win for Mx,_ Burnett's Korari. I BAIiWAT PiA^E— -HANDICAP. Seven started for this race, which proved the- beat race of the meeting, Goodisson's Fox, top weight, carrying .off the prize; , closely followed by Cameron,' s Miwnie. All ' the other- hordes w.ell up, with the exception of" Tommy, which was out ofrit before the first half-mile was covered. It ended m a close- run home between Fox and Minnie, Fox ultimately winning by dinji of. hard flogging, by two lengths. • .•■-•■ CONSOLATION 1 . This race was run m a pouring- shower; and resulted in* a win to the Maori pony Tim Whiffler-by half a fengfch. ■So closed a good day's- racing. Too much praise cannot be. given to Mry Harry Larkins, who csrried out the duties of. starter with great efficiency, and to the general satisfaction. Mr. Pepper hadthe gates, and we hear made a good thing out of them.