CANTERBURY RACES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5495, 6 November 1878, Page 2

CANTERBURY RACES.

(PER PRESS AGENCY). Christchurch, Tuesday. Stewards : H. 11. Prime, J. T). Prankish, Hon. AV. Robinson. L. Walker. \V.P, Delamaiu, J. 13r<ib«2on, J. Studholme. Judge: J. Studholme, Starter ; J. Campbell, Haudicapper: H. P. Lame. Clerk of the Course : E. W. MUlott, Clerk of the Scales: R. Oarfortii. The first clay of the racing carnival of Can* terbury. opened gloriously with magnificent weather, alarge attendance, and good sport. The most exacting of turfites could hardly wish for more. The number of visitors present on the occasion was far in excess of last year, both the South aucl the North being well represented. The arrangements made by the Christchurch Jockey Club were very complete, and gave every satisfaction. An improvement on last year was made by the hoisting of the time of the race at the same time as the winning numbers, thus- giving the public what they have not hitherto had—reliable and official time for each event. His Excellency the Governor and suite were on the ground in time for the first race. For the Free Handicap, with which the ball opened, ten were colored on the card ; but of these Mr. Horsfall’s Ratcatcher and Mr. Ray’s Lady Ellen were early absentees, and Rama of course did not show up, being reserved for the next race. The betting at „thc start was even money ou Foul Flay, 2 to 1 agst Danebury, 3 to 1 agst Lara, the rest not mentioned. FREE HANDICAP. A swoops'akes of 5 sovs each, with 100 sovs added. One mile. Mr J. Gilligan’s ch h Danebury, by Traducer— Ada, 5 yrs, 9st (Dsmnth) ~ .. ... 1 Mr Ray’s oh g Sinking Fund, 6 yrs, 7st 121 b (Allen) 2 Mr AY. W. Mullock’s b c Foul Play. 4 yrs. Sst 12lb (Higgott) S Mr Knight's b U Lara, d yrs Sst slb .. .. 0 Mr R. Mason’s br g CambaUo, 4 yrs, Sst llib .. 0 Mr J. Oilligau’s ch m Lady of the Lake, 5 vrs, 7st 71b ‘ 0 Mr lloskruge’s b m Kalluln, 5 yrs, 7st 71b.. .. 0 Several false starts took place, mainly owing to the fractiousuess of Lady of the Lake. At last, after three attempts, Mr. Campbell despatched the lot to a very good start. Danebury taking the lead after the first few strides, with Sinking Fund second, Foul Flay third, and the rest tailing. At the turn into the straight Lava came up and got on terms with Foul Play, Sinking Fund taking third place. In this order they came down the straight, with Danebury still leading by a length, Sinking Fund second, and Foul Play third, the rest in the ruck. Danebury won by about two lengths. Sinking Fund second, and the favorite third, the rest beaten off. Time, 1 min. 46 sec. Mr. Gilligan’s victory was very popular, the winner being loudly cheered ou coming to the scales.

DERBY STAKES, A sweepstake of 15 sovs each, with 150 sovs added. For three year-olds. Colts and geldings, Sst 101 b; tlllies Sst 51b. Second horse to save hia *takes. MrNeilson’s ch c Natator, by Traduccr—Waterwitch, Sst 101 b (Derritt) .. .. .. .. C

Mr Redwood’s ch c Yorke, Sst 10lb (Matthews) .. 1 Mr W. Matlock’s b c Nemo, Sst 10lb (fliggott) .. 2 Mr J Gilligan’a b c Merlin, Sst 101 b (Martineer) .. 3 Mr G. Fraser’s ch f Naiad, Sst 51b (Clifford) .. 0 For this race, always a popular one, seven were colored on the card. Rama and Dundee, however, did not come to the post, so that the field was reduced to five ; of these the grand colt Natator, after his Champagne victory of last year, was greatly fancied, and the result of the race showed that those who pinned their faith to the rose and black were not wrong iu their opinion. Nemo had a following, and so also had York, whilst Merlin had a few friends. The handsome filly Naiad had no friends, and her chance was gone after the first quarter of a mile. Mr. Campbell made a splendid start, the horses being well in line. Nemo went away with the lead, with Natator and York close up, Naiad and Merlin forming the rear division. At the turn by Redwood’s paddock York went up aud took second place, with Natator third, aud Merlin and Naiad still in the rear. Coming to Ford’s Merlin went up, leaving Naiad in the rear, but he was unable to get ou terms with his leaders. Nemo, Natator, and York still held their respective positions to the turn, where the favorite went to the front, closely followed by York, Nemo’s bolt being shot. From this to the rails a'capital race ensued between Natator and York, but the Traducer colt went as straight as a line, while the other colt swerving as he did in the Champagne Stakes, the son of Watcrwitch won comfortably by three lengths, Nemo third; Mermaid and Naiad not being persevered with. The new owner of the winner was loudly cheered on scoring hia fir.<t win of the meeting.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB HANDICAP. Of 600 sovs, added to a sweepstake of 20 sovs ; second horse to receive 50 sovs from tho stakes ; third horse to save his stakes. Two raiica.

Mr Ray’s b m Maritana, aged, 7st 71b (Watty) .. 1 Mr Goodman’s b colt Chancellor, 4 years, Ost 10lb (Ridings) .. 2 Mr 1). O'Brien’s b g Fishhook, aged, 9st 4lb (Derrott) ~ ’ 3 Mr 11. Hay’s b h Templeton, aged, 9st 71b (Hay) .. 0 Mr J. Gilligan’s b h Lmrtes, G years, Sst 51b, (Martincer) .. ~ .. ~ ~ .. .. 0 Mr Redwood’s ch g Louglauds, 4 rears, Sst slb (Clifford) 0 Mr G. Fraser’s b m Bribery, 5 years (Thomson) ~ 0 Mr T. Owen’s br f Foam. -4 years. Tst 91b (Walker) 0 Mr J. Gllligan’s ch c Mufti, -4 years, 7st 121 b (XichoG) 0 Mr W. F. Ncilsou’s ch f Luna, 4 years, o>t 91b (Bodger) 0 Mr Redwood’s ch c lUmarama, 3 years, Cst 71b (McConkcy) .. .. 0 Mr Horsfall's br c King Quail, 3 .years, 6st 71b, (Carrington) 0

For this event fourteen were colored on the card, but of these Pin fire and Ariel were absent. This race was considered a very open one, owing to the handicap* being so good, and many ot the knowing ones were at a loss to spot it. After a‘little delay at the post, in which the colors of Bribery and Marifcana were conspicuous, Mr. Campbell got the lot, except Bribery, away on very good terms, leaving Bribery at the post. Maritaua at once went to the front, making the pace very warm indeed, with Fishhook, Buna, Chancellor, and Templeton close up;.the rest forming the rear division. In this order they passed the stand, and at the turn Chancellor, Maritaua, Rama, Fishhook, arid Templeton were the advance guard, with tho rest, except Bribery, who made a strenuous effort, close up. At the roads Rama was out of it, and Laertes had shot his bolt, Fishhook and Chancellor were close up to Maritaua, who well held the pride of place; hero Fishhook made his effort, but the game little mare favored with the advantage of weight was not to be reached. Chancellor, as the horses came to the rails of tho run in, came into second place, and a grand race ensued between MaritanajChancellor, and Fishhook. They ran so closely that it was thought to be a dead heat between the first two. However, the judge gave his verdict in favor of Maritaua, Fishhook being third, Templeton fourth, and Louglands fifth; the rest were not ridden out. Time, 3mins. 36.{secs. Betting—4 to 1 against Templeton ; 5 to 1 against Fishhook and Longlands ; 10 to 1 against Maritaua ; G to 1 against Luna ; 2 to 1 against Rama ; 10 to 1 against Mufti. THU RAILWAY I‘LATB Of 100 sovs ; entrance 5 sovs ; weight for ago. Half a mile. Mr J. GilHgan’s ch h Danebury, Cyrs, 9st 21b (Demuth) 1 Mr U. Redwood's ch colt York, Ryrs, Sst (Clifford) 2 MrJ. AY Mallock’s br colt Foul Play, 4yrs, 031 (Iliggott) .. a Mr llorsefall’s b colt Ratcatcher, 4yrs, 9st (Hughes) 1 After a little delay at the post, caused by Foul Play, Mr. Campbell despatched tho quartette to a nice start. Foul Play took the lead until tho turn was reached, when the lot closed at the distance post. Danebury on the inside had evidently the best of it, coming on full of running, and beat York by about half a length; about two lengths separating the second and third. Time, 50sec. The Hack Race was won by Lotbair, and brought a very successful first day’s sport to a conclusion.