NELSON RACES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 106, 3 May 1872, Page 2

NELSON RACES.

This Day.

Owing, no doubt, to the fact of the races having been postponed from the day originally appointed, and to the threatening aspect assumed by the weather about ten o'clock this morning, the attendance on the course was much thiuuer than usual, and tbe road did not present its customary lively appearance, either on the country or town side. Shortly after 12 the six horses for the Maiden Plate put in an appearance in the saddling yard, and numerous were the criticisms passed by tho knowing ones present on their condition. Awatea appeared to be the favorite, but a ''though she looked like a flyer, there were many who thought a mile and a quarter over a heavy course might be a little too much for her. Fides took the fancy of many, but having been but a shon time in training, her condition was not quite the thing, although she looked well and strong, but a little too stout. Cameo did not find many admirers, neither did Mies Nightingale or Diomedia, the latter of which certainly looked a little out of place in- the high bred company in which she found herself. Equity looked in excellent condition, and found a few supporters who were hopeful that his long legs might land him the winner. The race may be shortly described : — MAIDEN PLATE, of 25 soys, added to a sweepstakes of 3 soys e?ch; second horse to save his stake. For two year olds, 6st ; three, Bst lib; four, 9st lib; five, 9st 4lbs; six and aged, 9st 6lbs ; 3lbs allowed to mares and geldings. Entrance, 2 soys each. One mile and a-quarter. For all horses that have never won a stake of 20 soys. Mr. Redwood's b f Awatea, 2 yrs (Lyford) 1 Mr. Thomas' b g Equity, 6 yrs (Nicholson) 2 Mr. G. F. Morse's bk f Fides, 3 yrs (Mason) 3 Mr. Arnold's br m Miss Nightingale (Arnold) 0 Mr. F. H.Blundell's b m Cameo, s yrs (Blight) 0 Mr. Thompson's b m Diomedia, 5 yrs (M'Glashan) 0 The lot got away well together, Cameo leading as they passed the Stand, with Awatea in close attendance, but after rounding the corner at the Turf the two-year-old forged ahead, Equity, Fides, and Diomedia together a length or two behind, and Miss Nightingale well in the rear. At the opposite side of the course, Equity deprived Cameo of second place, and ifc was evident that tbe little mare's chance of the race was gone, as Fides soon tackled and passed her also. The last corner was turned in the following order : — Awatea first, Equity secoud, and Fides third. Nicholson made a desperate effort to pass the little filly in coming up the straight run, but it was quite useless, and Awatea passed the post the winner by a length, Fides a good third, the reßt nowhere. Time, 2mins. 30secs. TURF CLUB HANDICAP PLATE, of 40 soys, added to a sweepstakes of 4 soys each, h ft ; second horse to save his stake. Entrance, 2 soys. One mile and three-quarters. Mr. Walters' b m Yatterina, 6 yrs, 9 st. : (French) 1 Mr. Redwood's eh ra Peeress, 6 yrs, 9st. lOlbs , (Mason) 2 Mr. Hales' b g Flying Jib, aged, 9sfc. 21bs. (Owner) 3 This was a magnificent race between the two first horses. After one false start the three got away together, Yatterina, who had inside place, soon takiug a slight lead, with Peeress waiting closely upon her, but on passing the Stand tbe chestnut went to the front and took up the inside running. By the time they had reached the lower part of the coures it was clear that the Jib was beaten, while a splendid race was taking place between the two mares, who were going stride for stride. In coming up the straight run a desperate struggle ensued, both jockeys flogging hard,

and doing all they knew to win, but Yatterina came up just at ihe end, and her nosewastbe first seen on passing the post. Time, 3min. 33secs. HANDICAP STEEPLECHASF, of 40 soys, added to a sweepstakes of 4 soys, h ft ; over about 3 miles of fair hunting country. Second hcrse to save his stake. Mr. M'Glashan's eh g Rouald, aged, lOst. 71bs. ... (Powell) 1 Mr. Hope's bk m Heiress, aged, 9st. lOlbs. (Owner) 2 Mr. Arnold's b g Eclipse, aged, lOst. (Hagan) 3 Mr. Proffit's b g Sailor Boy, 5 yrs, 9st. lOlbs. (Nicholson) 0 Hope went away with tbe lead and took the first hurdle in pretty stylo, followed by Ronald, Sailor, and Eclipse in ihe order named, and continued to keep the lead until about half way round the course, when be took a pull ou the mare in order to give tbe lead to Ronald, in the belief that he would not take his leaps unless led over tbem. In this however be was disappointed, as the chestnut proved himself thoroughly game, went over his fences well, and never gave Heiress a chance to catch him. A good race home would in all probability have taken place, but at the last leap Heiress fell aud allowed Eonald to come in an easy winner, Eclipse racing the mare for second place wbich, however, he failed in obtaining, Sailor Boy, having refused to take a ditch near Condell's, was out of the race altogether.

LADIES' PURSE, of 25 soys ; entrance, 3 soys; second horse to save his stake. Two yearolds, 6st 12lbs ; three, 9st ; four, lOst 2lbs ; five, lost 9lbs ; six and aged, list; 3lbs allowed to mares and geldings. One mile and a-quarter. Mr. Walters' b m Slander, aged (French) 1 Mr. Hales' bk g Black Eagle, aged (Owner) 2 Mr. Eedwood's b c Mystery, 2 yrs (Lyford) 3 Mr. Lovegrove's bk g Black Hawk, aged (Nicholson) 4 First Heat : After a false start, Mystery got away with the lead, which he retained for the first half of the course, Black Eagle second, but then Slander tackled first the Eagle and then the colt and went to the front and was never again challenged. The Hack Race was won by Stella, tmd tho Lady's Purse by Slander.