CHRISTCHURCH RACES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5329, 26 April 1878, Page 7

CHRISTCHURCH RACES.

(PER PRESS AGENCY). Christchurch, Monday.

The Autumn Meeting commenced to-day under, most favorable auspices. The weather was beautifully fine, and the attendance large. Greater interest than usual was taken in the races, speculation on each event being very lively. The racing throughout was decidedly good. . For the Champagne Stakes there were more starters and a much better class of youngsters . than ever seen here before. Natator is a grand colt, and promises to make a first-class racehorse, . He started a very hot favorite, though York, Nemo, and Merlin were also freely backed. The Great Autumn Handicap was one of the prettiest races ever seen on the course. Longlands -was heavily backed, he and Natator were taken in'a good many , doubles. Maritana, Templeton, and Ariel were all backed to a large extent for the Autumn Handicap, and were taken in doubles’with Natator and York. The finish for the Autumn. Handicap was very exciting, and it was anybody’s race till coming up the strait, when Maritana and Longlands came away a little, and ran neck and neck to the post, where Longlands just got his head in front. The pot boiled over in the Free Handicap, which prior to the start was regarded as a perfect moral for Bribery, but she was never in it. . ST. tEGEIt. • • .« Of |IDO sovs., for threo-year-olds, added to a sweep- ' stake of 15 sovs, each 31 subs. Mr; Ay ebb’s Jangle*; (H. Fuller) .... .. 1 Mr. Mallock's Foul Play, (llaggatt) ~ .. .. 2 Betting : 6 to 4 on dangler. Fraser’s Trump Card and Poynter’s Standard Bearer were scratched. A good start was effected, dangler getting first away and leading as far as the three-quarter of a mile post, when Foul Flay crept up; but dangler scarcely required calling upon and won a comparatively easy race by a length. Time, 3m;n. 27iseos. '[■' : CHAMPAGNE STAKES Of 160 sovs, for two-year-olds, added to a sweepstake of 15 sovs each ; IB subs. Mr. l Redwood’s eh c Natator (Matthews) ~ .. 1 Mr.’ Poynter’s ch o York, 211bs overweight (Ray).. 2 Mr. Mallock's b c Nemo, 21bs overweight (Lyford) 3 Atlantic, Merlin, and Waitaki also ran. Piccadilly and Bamarama were scratched. Betting: 3 to 2 agst Natator, 2 to 1 agst Nemo and York, and 3 to 1 agst the others. After several Mse starts, in which Natator especially seemed anxious’ to get away, the well-known shout, “ the’re off,” , went up,’ and Natator ’ was seen to be leading, closely followed by York and Nemo. At the turn York went up to Natator, and for ’ a moment or two seemed likely to wrest the] lead from him; be swerved, however, from, the course, and so lost ground. Matthews gave Natator his head, and won a pretty race by a length, York second, Nemo a good’ third. Time, iminl 17|seCi CHEAT AUTUMN HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs., added to a sweepstake of 10 sovs. each; second horse to save Ids stake. One mile and a half. Mr. Redwood’s Longlands, 7st. 31bs. (Clifford) .. 1 Mr. Bunn's Maritana, Cst. 121bs. (Allen) ■ .. ~ 1 2 Mr. AVebb’s dangler, Cst. 121bs. (X. Clark) .... 3 Templeton, Ariel, ; Titania, Bide-a-wee, Mufti, and Oberon also ran. Foul Play and Luna were scratched. Betting : 2 to 1 agst Longlands, 3 to 1 agst Ariel and Templeton, 5 to 1 agst Bide-a-wee, 7 to 1 agst Maritana, 8 toil agst Titania, 100 to 12 agst dangler. After some trouble a fair start was effected. Templeton and Longlands wore , the first to show in front. At the mile and a quarter post Oberon took the lead, with Maritana close up, Longlands .and Templeton, being next. Quarter of a mile further on Maritana collared Oberon, when the latter fell rapidly to, the rear. On turning into the straight Longlands went up to Maritana, the others being close behind them.; Maritana and Longlands raced down, the straight amidst great excitement and cries of “ Longlands wins,” “ Maritana'wins.” Both jockeys whipped, and after a magnificent struggle Longlands won by a short head, dangler a moderate third, Ariel fourth.. Time, 2min. iljaecs. I FREE HANDICAP, 0160 sovs, added to a sweepstake of 6 sovs. Three! quarters of a mile. O’Brien’s Luna, (Jst lbs (Allen) .. ... .. 1 Mallock's Ranoif, 7st (Trade) .. .. ..2 AVobb’s Undine. Ost .. .. 3 Bribery (Bst 41b) and Ratcatcher (fist) also ran. Betting ; (3 to 4 on Bribery. A fair,

start was effected. Ranolf aud Luna at once took the lead, Bribery being a few lengths astern, .This order was maintained to the rails, where Luna gradually’ began to forge ahead of Ranolf, and ultimately won by halt a length, Undine a bad third. , Time, Imiu. 7isecs, V . SECOND DAY. Christchurch, Tuesday.. On the second day the weather was threatening in the early part of the afternoon, but subsequently cleared up, and continued fine throughout. The racing again was very good. The Steeplechase, though there were only two starters, was-ia pretty race, both horses jumping beautifully, and the result being to all appearance doubtful till near home. Longlands and Natator were scratched at an early hour for all engagements, aud this must ” have been a very great disappointment to a large number, as both had been heavily backed over night, both straight out and in doubles. It is said the very hard state of the course, consequent on the recent dry weather, was the cause of these horses being scratched. The Easter Handicap was a splendid race throughout. Ranolf looked all over a winner till nearing the rails, when he ran off the course. The other races need no comment. THE FLYING STAKES, Of 100 sovs, with a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. Weight for age. Distance, three-quarters of a mile.Mr. Ray’s Templeton, aged (R. Bay) .. .. 1 Mr. Matlock’s Foul Play, 3yrs (Higgott) .. .■ ~”2 Mr. Mallock’s Nemo, 2yrs (Wade) .. .. . .. 3

Ratcatcher also ran. Bribery, Natator, and Merlin were scratched. Atlantic and Turk did not show up. Betting: Even on Templeton, 6 to 4 agst Nemo and Foul Play, 3 to 1 agst Ratcatcher. At the third attempt a capital start was effected, but Templeton at once rushed to the front, followed by Ratcatcher aud Nemo, while Foul Play was last away. Within a, quarter of a mile Foul Play came .through the ruck and joined issue with Templeton. They raced into the straight together, aud were neck-aud-neck to the rails, when Templeton drew away, aud won by half a length ; Nemo a good third. , Time, Imin. 17Jsec.

’ HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE, Of 100 sovs., added to a sweep of 10 sovs. Distance, three miles and a quarter. Mr. Mackey's Mousetrap, aged, list 41b, (O’Brien) 1 Mr. Dawson’s Ivanhoe, aged, list 71b (MoUoy) .. 2 > ; Betting :.6 to 4 on’Mousetrap. Eolipso'was scratched. /(Mousetrap at once took the lead, aud held it throughout the running by several lengths, without once being'called upon. Both horses took all the nineteen jumps, including a double, splendidly. Time, Bmiu. 24seo. EASTER HANDICAP, ; • ' Of 100 sovs., added to a sweep of 7 sovs.' Distance,’ • one mile. ■•■■' Mr. Matlock’s Foul Play, 3yrs. 7st 21b, (F Clarke) 1 Mr. Fraser’s Banbury, 4yrs, 7st 41b, (Clifford ~ 2/ Mr. Lunn's Maritana; aged, 7st Clb, (Nicholls) .. ’3 ; Templeton (&st 81b) ; Ariel (9st 31b); Luna, (6st 21b) ; Oberon (6st); and Ranolf (fist 91b) also ran. Betting : even agst Templeton, 2 to 1 agst Foul Flay, Ranolf, and Oberon, 5 to 1 agst Bribery. At ■ the starting post Bribery played up and Maritana bolted. Ultimately a level start was effected. Ranolf and Bribefy made the running; Luna going third, arid Templeton fourth. On entering the straight Ranolf and Bribery still led, Foul Play creeping up ; on nearing the rails Foul Flay collared the leaders, when Ranolf bolted off the course, and a pretty race between Foul Play and Bribery ensued, resulting in favor of the former by halt a length. Maritana was placed third, Luna fourth, but the two really came in in the reverse order. Time, Imin. 45jsec. ’ ‘ SELLING BACK Of 50 sovs. added to a sweepstake af 5 sovs. Distance, ’ three-quarters of a mile. Mr. Mallock’s Ranolf, £IOO, Bst 71b (Allen);. .. 1 Mr. Webb’s Undine, £IOO, 7st 31b (Clarke).. ’ .. 2 Mr. Fraser’s Bribery, £3OO, Bst 121 b (Clifford) ‘ .. 3 Oberon, £3OO (Bst-51b); Waitaki, £IOO. sst 81b; John Stovel, £SO- (7st 81b) also ran. Betting : 6 to 4 on the field. A capital start was effected. Bribery and Ranolf again went in front of the others, except, john Stovel, who was close up. After entering the straight Undine ran into third place, aud there was a neok-and-neok race between Bribery and Ranolf to the rails, when the latter showed in front, gradually drew away,; and won by a length. Time, Imiu 17sec. On being put up at auction Ranolf was sold to Ray for £165, the. club thus getting £65. , . CONSOLATION EACB, Of 40 sovs. Distance, one mile; Mr. Redwood’s Ariel, fist 31bs (Matthews) .. ... 1 Mr. Lunn’s Maritana, Bst (Dennith) .- .. -*. 2 Betting: 6 to 4 on Ariel. Maritana led till well into the straight, when Ariel came away and won by three lengths. Time, Imin 46 secs. A man. /named Kinsman, a warder, at the lunatic asylum, in returning from the races was run over by Dalwood’s omnibus, and killed.. It is said no blame attaches to the driver of the omnibus. AUCKLAND RACES. (PER PRESS AGENCY.) . Auckland, Monday. The weather was fine, aud there was a large attendance. The acceptances for the Tradesman's Handicap were Puugawerewere, Isaac Walton, May Moon, Gainsbro’, Queen Mab, and Late-in-the-field. Isaac was made a favorite at even money. tradesman's handicap, Of 50 sovs., nomination 1 sov,, acceptance’ at jjost 2 sovs. Distance, 1 mile. . Mr. Walters’ br hlsaao Walton, Sst Sib (French).. 1 Mr. Kelly’s r g Gainsbro* aged, 6st 71b, (Byers) .. 2 Mr. McGee's b m May Moon, 6 years, Sst (Mo Gee) 3 Won by a length. Time, Imin. 40sec. The following also ran : Puugawerewere,. Queen Mab, and Late-iu-the-field. Betting ; Even on Isaac Walton, 2 to 1 Gainsbro’, 2 to 1 May Moon, 3 to 5 to 1 agst the others. The start was a very bad one, Gainsbro’ being the chief sufferer. Isaac took the lead almost at once, and kept it throughout. Gainsbro’ creeping up made an excellent race. The general feeling was that Gainsbro’ would have won it the start had been a good one. HANDICAP hurdle bace, Of 40 sovs, with a sweep of 2 sovs each. Distance, 2,1 miles. Over nlue flights of hurdles. Mr. Thorpe’s b g IVhilefoot, aged, list 21b (Thorpe) .. .... .. .. .... 1 Mr. McGee’s b m Ferfumo, aged, list 71b (Bond) 2 Mr. Brewer’s b g Gazelle, aged, 10st 101 b (Kraft) 3 The following horses also ran : Sportsman (101 b. extra), Tui and Baron (191 b. extra). Betting: 6 to 4 agst Whitetoot, Perfume, and Gazelle, and from 5 to 10 to 1 agst any of the others. This was a splendid race; Perfume and Whitefoot came in almost together, the latter winning by a half-length. Time, smiu. 64sec. ' : . EASTER HANDICAP,. Of 100 sovs, with a sweep of 3 sovsea.cb added. Distance, 2 miles. Mr. McGee’s Elsa, 7st lOlbs (McGee, jun.) ... . - 1 Mr. Edgar’s The Don, aged, 7st (Tom Taylor) • ’• 2 Air. Leonard’s Tho Worm, 7st 111 b (Bremnor) .. 3 Hippocampus, Magician, and Xautippe also ran. Betting; 6 to 4 agst Hippocampus, 3 to 1 agst Elsa, 5 to 1 agst Musician and Don, and 10 to 1 agst Xautippe. After a .false start, in which Elsa with difficulty was pulled up, they got off fairly well, Magician aud Elsa leading. Hippocampus broke down coming round the course the first time. Elsa throughout increased tho distance between herself and the others. As tho race progressed Don, challenged her as she neared tho stand, but failed to get up, and the grey mare! won gallantly by three lengths, only about a head separating the second and third horses. Time, 3min. 46isec. NOVEL HANDICAP, ' Of 50 sovs., with a sweepstako of 1 sov. added. The winner to be sold by auction. Mr. -McGee’s Falcon ... ... 1 Mr. Quinlie’s Barony 2 Mr. Kavenagb’s Belle of tbo Isles ’ ..’ .. .. 3 Falcon had a slight lead throughout the race, winning by a length. Indian Warrior was quite out of the race. The winner was sold for £35 10s. . ■ ■ PUBLICANS’ PURSE. Of 60 sovs., with a sweepstako of 1 sov. Distance, three-quarters of a mile. Air. Walters’ Isaac Walton, Ost lib 1 Air. Perkins’s Pungvwerewere, Ost 2 Air. Buckland’s Omega, Gst .. .. .. .. 3 Nimrod also ran. Isaac Waltou had the race in his own hands from the first, and won easily. SECOND DAY. Auckland, Tuesday, ■JUIST. LEGEB STAKES, Of 100 sovs, with a sweep of 10 sovs each added.. Colt’, Allies; and geldings, Sst 71b. Air. Walters* Venus Transit; 3 yrs .... .. 1 Mr. Buokland’s Queen Mab, 3 yrs 2 Betting : 3 to 1 on Venus Transt. Queen Mab started off with a slight lead, but Venus creeping up, they kept well together until after they had passed the stand the first time, when Venus took the command, retained it throughout, and won easily by three lengths, Time, Smin. 37soc. French, the jockey, was fined 2 sovs for being late/ PLYING STAKES. Isaac Walton .. .. .. .. .. 1. Aloy Aloou .. .. .. : .. . ... S' Omega .. • • • • 3 . Betting: 8 to I agst Isaac Walton, 5 to' 1 agst anything else, Tho following horses were scratched: —Nimrod, Hippocampus, Puugawerewere, and Xautippe. Isaac carried, a penalty of 51ba. for winning the Selling Race in Ja'nuary. A false start jvas made,.in which ‘Omega ran some distance before being pulled up. Eventually May Moon led off, followed by Isaac and Omega. * Isaac headed May Moon, and they wore in this order until ‘entering the

cutting, when Isaac had considerably increased his lead, Omega being third,. On emerging from the cutting Gainsbro' -was called on, but too late to take the leading position, and Isaac came in a winner by a good length and a-half, May Moon being the same distance behind. Omega, a two-year-old, was a good third, and Gainsbox-o’ on the flank of Omega. The latter is considered to have run very well. ' STEEPLECHASE. . ■ 1 Don Juan (Mclvor) ..... .. 1 Sportsman (Wilson) .. .. .. 2 Perfume (Wheeler) .. .. ’.. «. 3 The following also ran -Loafer, Whifccfoot, and the Don. Don Juan carried 71b. and Sportsman 171 b. extra. Betting, 2 to 1 agst Don Juan, Perfume, and Butcher Boy, 3 to 1 agst Loafer, sto 1 agst Sportsman. Whitefoot led off, followed by Butcher Boy and Don Juan, with Perfume, whb got badly off, last. At the double hurdle opposite the stand McGee’s mare struck her heels violently, splintering the bars, A small stone wall was successfully negotiated by all, blit a 'little further on Perfume made a kind of half-baulk, which threw her much behind. As they were mounting the hill Don Juan kicked the wall, and Loafer fell behind, seemingly out-paced. Whitefoot baulked at her old place.. On passing the stand the second time, Butcher Boy led, followed by Don Juan, Sportsman, and Perfume; the latter being a long way behind. On mounting the hill the second time, Batcher Boy cannoned off- Sportsman and threw his rider, and from this point the race was a gift to Don Juan, who came in a gallant winner by a length from Sportsman, who made an excellent race of it, Perfume a bad third.