NELSON RACES, 1869.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 91, 20 April 1869, Page 2

NELSON RACES, 1869.

Never before was the road between Nelson and the race course crowded to such a degree as was the case to-day, and never did in Nelson sun shine on a gayer or more cheerful throng, than that which was assembled this morning in the vicinity of the Grand Stand, which had been enlarged and decorated for the occasion. The roof had been so constructed as to allow persons to stand upon it. The interior was hung with red, white, and blue drapery, and festooned with wreaths of flowers, one end being partitoned off for the accommodation of H.R.H. The interest taken in the racing was quite secondary to that felt with regard to the Prince, and as twelve o'clock drew near, there was manifested a restless feeling, which was not created by an anxiety for the sound of the saddling bell, as might have been seen from the numerous glanes that were cast in the direction of the road leading from town. The weather was all that could be desired, the heat of the sun which shone so brilliantly, being tempered by a delightful breeze, and the view to be obtained from the stand of the Waimea Valley, with the lofty range of hills in the distance was beautiful in the extreme. At a few minutes before J2, a tremendous cheer told that H.R.H. was approaching, and he shortly afterwards, with his Excellency the Governor, drove up in his carriage with four grey horses, aud was at once conducted by the stewards to the room set apart for his use. After a short interval the horses made their appearance for the first race, which, it soon became known, was to be confined to one

representative from each of the two stables that had entered for it, Mr Stafford's filly Lancenfeed, a fine powerful looking filly, was at once made the favorite, her opponent Misfortune, though showing considerable breeding, giving evidence of the accident that had occurred at her birth, when her dam Regalia died. After taking the preliminary gallop, the fillies were taken to the post, where an excellent start was effected for the The Maiden Plate, of 60 soys ; second horse to save his stake. For three-yeax-olds, Bst lib ; four, 9st lid ; five, 9st 61b ; six and aged, 9st 8lbs ; 31bs allowed to mares and geldings. Entrance, 6 soys each. One mile and a-half. For all horses, maidens at the time of entering. Mr Stafford's eh f Lacenfeed, 3 yrs 1 Mr Redwood's eh f Misfortune, 3 yrs 2 The two went off at tiptop speed, Misfortune taking the lead, which she maintained until they had arrived at the dip, opposite the stand, when Lacenfeed went up and after a severe trial of speed took the lead and kept it home.. Time 2 mm 52 sees. A protest was lodged by the rider of Misfortune, on the grouud of a cross, but after a lengthy investigation, the stewards considering that there was not sufficient evidence, dismissed the case. For the Duke of Edinburgh Handicap Plate three horses stripped out of six that were entered, and the contest was to lie between Peeress, Magenta, and Lacenfeed. The former is a slashing filly, possessing great muscular power, which was fully developed, she being in excellent condition, Magenta is known of old on our course, but the filly seemed to be fancied in preference to the gelding, and Lacenfeed did not make much show in the betting, her just having run a severe race telling against her considerably. This was the race of the day and great interest was displayed in the event. The Duke of EDiNBUBoa Handicap Plate of 100 soys, added to a sweepstakes of 5 soys each, 2 soys ft ; second horse to save his stake. Entrance, 5 soys. One mile and threequarters. Mr Stafford's eh g Magenta, 5 yrs, 1 Mr Redwood's eh f Peeress, 3 yrs, 2 Mr Stafford's b f Lacenfeed, 3 yrs, 3 At the drop of the flag Lacenfeed went ©IF with a bound, Peeress close on her heels, Magenta quietly biding his time. A hard race ensued between the two former until they reached the corner near the stream, when Peeress shook off the filly, she being at the time at least twenty lengths in advance of Magenta. But now the advantage of reserving Magenta became appareut, Peeres3 was evidently feeling the effects of her gallop with Lacenfeed, while the gelding, who was comparatively fresh, tackled her, and catching her at the corner raced her hard up the straight run, and won a severely contested race by half a length. Time 3 mm. 23| sees. The Waemea Plate, of 15 soys, added to a sweepstakes of 1 soy. each ; for all horses that have never run an advertised race of the value of 20 soys. Catch weights. Entrance 1 soy. Once round. ■ Mr F. H. BlundelPs bk m Deception 1 Mr Stafford's eh m Occult i...'^.... 2 Mr Gibbs' b g Jerry 0 Mr Page's b m Rainbow 0 Mr Barret's bg Te Kooti 0 - Dr Marr's eh g Sultan 0 Mr Sellon's Heartsease 0 This was one of the best contested races of the meeting, Occult taking the lead from the commencement and retaining it to the Distance Post when Deception collared her and, running her hard, passed the "Winning Post the winner by half a length. » The Galatea Steeplechase, of 100 soys, second horse to receive 10 soys out of the stakes. Entrance, 8 soys each. Over about three miles ot fair hunting country. Three-year-olds, 9 st four-year-olds, lost ; five-year-olds, lOst lOlbsj six and aged, list.

Mr Thomas'^b g Eustic, aged 1 Mr Sellon's eh m Quicksilver, 5 yrs 2 Mr. Kichardson's br g Gamester aged... 0 Mr Redwood's b g Bones, 5 yrs 0 Mr Harford's b g Ranger, 4 yrs 0 For this race all the horses entered came to the post, and Gamester was at once elected the favorite. A capital start was efiected but the whole of them baulked at the first leap which was a row of hurdles placed across the course. Rustic was the first over, and the rest soon followed suit, Gamester and Rustic took the second leap almost simultaneously, Bones some 30 yards behind. Rustic now took the lead to the foot of the hill where he was collared by Gamester and a beautiful race ensued between these two, Bones meantime coming up past. Gamester shortly after resigned the second place in favor of Bones, and this state of things continued for half a mile, when Bones came to grief. The race once more seemed to be between Gamester and Rustic, but at the last leap but two Gamester fell and left the race in Rustic's hands, Quicksilver, who took all her leaps gamely throughout, coming in second, Bones having gone to earth again at the last leap. The Ladies' Purse was won by Mr Redwood's XXX, beating Nebula and Robin Hood.