NORTE OTAGO TURF CLUB RACES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 579, 11 March 1878, Page 2

NORTE OTAGO TURF CLUB RACES.

e President —Mr. J. OMeaglier ; Vice-Presi-dent - Mr. <t. S. Liivtott ; Stewards—the Hon. E. Campbell. Dr. Webster, Dr. (i a'-land, Messrs. M. Stud holme, W- J. Steward, \. il. Maude, O. .A. Sutton, G. M'L-.m, R. I.umsden. "YV. Gardiner, and !:. M' \ 11! y ; Judge—Mr. YV. J. .Steward: Starter—Mr. T. Shahlers ; Cierk of the Course—Mr. 11. Smart; Clerk of the Scab's—Mr <?. R. Taylor; Handicapper— Mr. Sherwin ; Timekeeper—Mr. 11. Linnsden ; T;ea-iirer, Mr. H. faunsden ; Secretary, Mr. P. \Y. 0. (iranfc. FIRST DAY. F- .r some weeks past racing and matters appertaining unto the turf have formed the principal topics of conversation in Oamaru, not only amongst those who are more intimately connected with things racy," but amongst a very larne section of the general community. The excitement and speculation engendered by the j three days' racinir in Dunedin had no sooner ended with the declaration of the result of the Consolation Handicap—that final item reserved for the defeated fourfooters — than at(eution was directed very ke-nly to the Oamaru annual race meeting. The time allowed to elapse between the two principal race meetings of Otago —if we may be allowed to mention the Dunedin and Oamaru races in the same brea;h. and we think we mav—was so short, that even the general public had not time to allow their sportive feelings to eo< l ] down. Their appetites had become whetted by the reading of the accounts of the struggles in Dunedin be-fw-i on the best-bred and fleetest of x\ow Zealand racehorses, and they longed for something more than the mere reading about the races elsewiieve, more especially when it was known that many of the hol'seS which had done wonderfr.i things in 'he soulh'-rn capital, and many which had not, were to have another trial of speed on the Oamaru course. The conlias been that one-half the people one met in the street would have something to say or some question of vital importance to ask in reference to the furthcoming meeting. For a certain section of the community 110 other subject than racing, racehorse (['.edifications, anil 'he state of the betting market had any charm. Things substantial gave place for rhe nonce to the one almost absorbing matter ;>f consideration- \\ hat is going to win the big race in Oamaru The prospects of the grain yield, ill the estimation of some at least of the inhabitants. paled into insignificance as compared v'ih the " spotting" of the winner of the North 0' ago Tuvf Club Handicap ;. and evt-n the prosp- c*s of a war between Lngand !;n--s:a gave plac- in general con versa! !<>n to the chances, oi tile various horses engage! in the different races. V\ e are not going to discuss the advisability of giving so much attention to t-ie. lieefng pleasures obtaina* le from racing. Like C ,listings. tin! Oamaru races only come

i.ixv a yt :<r, and it is perhaps only natural that for a time ihey should form in prominent a liia'ter of conversation. Contrary to the many weather-wise p; ople who have, dtiring the past few davs. jiv diet ed that we should have wet v.i.'viicr fur the races, this morning broke !im . and long tl;o titno for starting f e lir.-.v i v. Nt the sun -.hove out brightly W'h'i a char ! hie Fv rv prospi c>.' pr.-seired <»: a gior'.nus day f''»r horse at! 1 this p5-os;«. cfc whs fully lnainlaiu. e !!Ir-'Ug 1:o1;t I.'a 1 da''. Fi oiil atl . ariv hour the town wa.s a'lvn with people ful;v bent upon f,,r a time casting aside t '[*' c;v s «•!' 1.-ii.s.ss. and indulging in a iiu'.; t!n.r-.:ig!- . lij'-ytisviifc. L'eg i etore ih-- time for couiioencing tee rac. s many n.ie' s j;;!~i: b- .ei seen nia!.:ng their way io e.o course, and as the morning wore on, and the hour for starting the first, race approached. the road to the', course beciine tin*'-nged with persons on pleasure limit. Jv.'ery kind of conveyance was pr..-d into service, while many preferred doing" th.> journey on "shank's p<>uy," and others o" h.e-sehack. Tee railway train. t..-o. wa.s crowded with passengers, a'd eager io waigji the perrot I,unices* of come i.f tiie In .<t Invd of New /'.ealaiid vac..-'.ors's. Tito cogs, ouence was that .'ir mid-d iv the iow;i pigs. nie. 1 a deseiaei'. ■ pgaaranee, and nearly the whole of tl'.e virhuis shops and business places were ch..vd, and ih, ~a that were not, did not ; ;.;.-.;,r io !,c doing much business. * When the bell rang for tile first rnc, :h, i-y was -arly a thousand pc.p'e present. This number gradually increased during (lie uerit coupie of hours, ami w'-en the big race of The day started there must, have been fully 2.000 on the ground. T, e eoi.rse was in capital order, the late rain having tended to greatly improve the rnniiing ground. There were of course tue ii.ual number of swindles on the

course, tile proprietors of wii.eu declared theirs to be the " only honest aii'l legit.iamir ever invented." These wore ;; 11 i<<!! i-.-t 1 s'well patronised by a number nf e:v-.i!,v-gsilU-<l individuals. Mr. Mait--1,111(1, of the Coiiimi roinl Hotel, had charge of the whole of the booths, and did a very good trade. The betting fraternity was as numerous and noisy as usual. The first race «vsts not started until nearly half an hour after the advertised tinie, but gnater punctuality was observed in lhe star'iiig of the other races. Tie winile of those intrusted in the carrying out of the arrangements worked hard to inaLe the meeting pa-s ofi successfully.

Tin.* Maiden Plate brought four to the post. Mistake and Fiirfc being the lav.-iuit'. s at even money. The race, almost a gift to Mistake, was not at all w- li lidth-n, (.-'ray, who rods FJirt himself. tried har;! to win, but Mr. Mitchell's

gi-kiing pro veil too good, and won hands down by a couple of lengths. For the iSeliiiig Race 0.-lreno and -Jack the Flat, and Miss Elswiok were each quoted at 2io 1. The race proved a bit of a gift for Miss Elswiek, tins favorite, .Jack the Flat, lu-iiig only ablo to get into the second place. The winner was afterward.-; put up (••> auction by Sir. G. Greenfield, and v. as i;ougi:t in by the owner for L 26. Then came the big race of the meeting the I\.ivth Ouigo Turf Club Handicap. For this race Ariel was dished up very hot, 5 to 4 on him being asked by the bookmakers, but spite the Laid cries of the gentlemen who are generally prepared to lay the odds, ihe public did not seem inclined to back anything but the

favorite. All the horses wero examined carefully by the public, Ariel and Fishhook forming the principal centres of attraction. Both looked lit, the former appearing to be in the bf-st condition, though Fishhook was also in very good form. Bide-a-Wee was in grand form,

his condition being the best on the course. The race was the grandest ever seen on the course. Fishhook ran exceedingly well, but the superior condition of Ariel told its tale, and when it came to the final struggle, Mr. Redwood's horse, despite his heavy weight of lOst. lib., succeeded in getting liis head in front. Blue Peter ran unexpectedly well, and for the first mile looked dangerous, but ho did not possess sufficient staying power to enable liim to win. Bide-a-Wee, who occupied a prominent position, was never in the race, and finished Jast. Ariel's victory was very popular, the public having backed him pretty freely, and both the horse and rider were loud!}'' applauded on entering the paddock. Fishhook and Blue Peter also came in for a large amount of applause. The general impression was that O'Brien made his effort too soon, but his reason for going to the front when he did was that he feared being unable to get through his horses if lie left it till a later point in the race Ariel, Fishhook, and Blue Peter were each well ridden. The novel race was not a very interesting affair, and was won comforrably by Flirt, The winner was then put up f<>l* auction by Mr. Greenfield and bought in by the owner for L3O. The Tradesman's Handicap brought iive to the post, and an excellent race took place between four of them. Titania came with a rush at the finish, and was lauded a good winner by a length. Foul Play, wlio had been made a hot fovorite, being second, and Blue Peter third. So far the meeting has been highly successful, and we must congratulate the Club on the manner in which the day's racing was carried out.

The following is ;i detailed account of the running in the various events : iIAIDKN* PI.ATK —40 govs, (start at 12 o'clock. For all horses that have never wiin an advertised race of over 25 sovs. Weight for age. Distance, li mile. Kntrance, 2 sows. Air W. Mitchell's ch g Mistake, aged. 9st 21b (Havel) 1 Mr J. (irav's b in Flirt, aged, Ost 211) (Cray) 2 Mr T. Shalder's g m Nelly, 4y rs. Sxt 1 111) (J. Cotton) 3 Lady Anno also started. Modesty and Knni'St Jack were .scratched.

Cettinu' Even on Flirt and Mistake, 2 to 1 against Kelly, 3 to 1 against Lady Anne.

The Int. were sent away to a good start by Sir. Dooley. who acrid as starter in lieu of Mr. Shalders. Mistake, who had the inside running, at once assumed the lead. closely followed by the other horses. When a (piarter of a mile had been traversed L:idv Atiue had fallen considerably to the rear, and was entirely out of the race. At the half-mile Mistake was leading by a length, with Flirt second, Kelly gradually falling back". Flirt shortly after went up to Mistake, and the two raced together until entering the straight. Mistake then began to forge ahead, the whip being applied to Flirt, but without any good, Mistake winning, hands down, by a couple of lengths. Kelly was a bad third. Time : 2min 2Glsec. Stn.uxi; Hack—3o sows, (start at 1 o'clock). Winner to be sold by auction, for 40 S"Vs. Weight for age. Tibs, allowed for everv redaction of £lO. Distance. 1] mile, Kntrance. 1. sow Any surp'ns over selling price to go to the Coin. Mr W. M 'Kay's c m Mis* Flswick. 4yrs, Tsr l!lb ... (\V. M-Nay, jim.) 1 Mr A. M 'lvav's eh g Jack the Flat aged, <>.t 21 h " (A. M'Kay) 2 Mr M'Kay's cli g Celceno, aged. Osfc f!-t 2!h ... ... ... (J. flare) 3 Lady Anr.e also ran. Sir William and Flirt were scratched.

2>-.-tciuur : 2 K» 1 against Miss Elswick, Jnck t!i« Flat, and Cekeno : 10 to 1 against Lady Anne. Tiie tia_r ffll to ;i ;. r ood start. ?<Tis3 Elswick taking Hji tins load with Ookutio close alongside, Jack the Flat and Lady Anno raciny side by shle a lenLrfh behind. After going si quarter of a mile Lady Anno fell ont of tho race beaten. Miss Elsvn.-k and (Jcheno raced together to the .second turn from home, when Cehouo L'.ave war. and Alex. M'Kay took Jack the Flat up and raced Miss Elswick np Rtr;!V/]u ; hut on entering tile rails Willie M'Kay called on the creamcoloured daughter of Elswick. and she forged .".head, ultimately winning easily i v t'.vii hnuths, Celiono a had third, 'i'ir.u: : S.tiins. 28 sees. Xoi:iTi !it',cii 'i'ruF Ourn Tlaspicai'—2oo sow. (start at 2 o'clock), with a sweep of 5 sovs. Second horse to receive 20 sovs.: third horse, 10 snv.i.. out of the stakes. The winner of any advertised handicap stake of I'iOO, after the de-eia-aiimi of weights, to carry 51bs.; i'L'liO, to carry 7H'S.; .i!.'i(io. to cau-y KiS'iis.: £SOO or over, to carry 1-iUis. extra : penalties not to be accumulative. I;,' mile. .Nomination, 2 sovs.; acceptance. 2 sovs. Mr J-T. Redwood's b h Ariel, 5 yrs, 10.<t 111) ... ... ... (Matthews) 1 Mr D. O'Brien's b g Fishhook, 5 vrs, <)st Slbs ((j'Brien) 2 Mr Swansoirs b g Blue Feter, (>' yrs, 6'st Slbs (Allan) 3

Bide-:'.-Wee, Maritana, ami Unknown also started. Templeton, Hippocampus, Pungawerewere, Longlands, Oberon, and Miiville were scratched. Betting : 5 to 4 on Ariel, 2 to 1 against Fishhook and Bide-a-Wee, 4 to 1 against Maritana, 10 to 1 against Blue Putwr and Unknown. The half-dozen were sent away to a fair start at. 2 p.m., Maritana having the best and Fishhook the worst of it past the stand, Maritana leading by half a length, Blue Peter second, Unknown and Bide-a-Wee half a length behind, while close alongside them came Ariel, with Fishhook two lengths away. After going half-a-vnile, Blue Peter assumed a clear lead of two lengths, and there were a great many who thought the race was already over. This order was nr.iintained until opposite Shalders', when the Hook was observed to go through his horses like a shot, and when they had reached the turn into the straight lie liad passed them all in succession, but on entering the straight Matthews called on Ariel, and the latter, who had been running third, soon passed Blue Peter, and when the horses entered the rails he was on even terms with Fishhook. From thence one of the grandest struggles ever seen on the Oamavu course took place, and amid intense excitement and shouts of " Ariel wins," " The Hook wins," the two champions rushed past the stand for the last few strides, and got his nose in front, and won a grand race by a short head from the Hook, Blue Peter a good third, Maritana fourth, Unknown fifth, and Bide-a-Wee last. Time—3mins. lOsecs.

Novel Race—so sovs. (start at 3.30 o'clock). Winner to he-sold immediately after the race, and the whole of the proceeds to go to the race fund. Entrance, 1 sov. Distance, li miles. Mr John Gray's b m Fiirt, 9st 21bs, (Gray) 1 Mr A. M'Kay's ch g Jack the Flat. aged. 9<t '-'Hi (Tiney) '2 Mr W. M 'Kay's com Miss Elswick, 4 yrs, Sst llll.s ... (W. Mivay, jun.) 3 Boomerang also ran. Betting : Level money about .Flirt and Jack the Flat, 2 to 1 auainst, Miss Elswick and Boomerang, Sir William was scratched. The lot were sent away to a good start, Jack the Flat took the load, and held it in passing tho stand, with Flirt, Miss Elswick, and Boomerang in closo attendance in the order named. After going some little distance Flirt assumed the lead, Boomerang gradually pulling to the rear. At the back of the course Flirt was still leading, with Jack the Flat second. Miss Elswick then went up to the loaders, but soon fell back again. At tho mile Flirt had still further increased her load, and despite tho efforts of Jack, the Flirt came in a winner by four lengths, Miss Elswick being about six lengths behind the Flat, and Boomerang a long way behind. Time —2min. oflsecs. H ack Kaou, of 20 sovs. Six hacks faced the starter, and a very good race took place for some distance, but Mr. T. M'Kav's Malabar came in a tolerably easy winner, Mr. W. M'lvay's Zeuobia being second, and Mr. Evans' Deception third. TitAUHsjiHN-'s Hanpk'ap—()o sovs. (start at 5 o'clock. Nomination, 1 sov.: acceptance, 1 sov. Distance, 1J mile. Mr R Ray's b in Titania, 4 yrs, 7st lOlbs ... ... ... (IK-hmith) 1 Mr Malleoli's b or br c Foul Plav. 3 vrs, VstSlbs (Clill'ord) 2 Mr Swanson's b g Blue Peter, <> yrs, list 1 Olbs (Allan) 3 Izaak Walton and Craeoft also started. Ariel, Tenipleton, and Hippocampus were sera tclied. Betting—3 to 2on Foul Play, even on Titania and Izaak V. Alton, to 1 agst. Blue Peter. 0 to 1 agst. Craeroft. Punctually at 5 p.m. Mr. Shaldors scni the horses away to a splendid start. <>n passing the stand Blue Peter and Izaak Walton were leading, with Foul Play and Craeoft a length away, while Titania was last, Vint going well within herself. After going half a mile, Blue Pefer took a clear lead of a length, with Izaak Walton second, and Foul Play two lengths behind him. after which came Titania and Craeroft, the latter being thru clean out of the hunt. On entering the straight. Dehuuth called on Titania, and the game little mare passed the tiuvleadiiv horses in about a hundred yards. Ilaif way up the straight s'le had a clear lead, and from this the race was never in doubr, for she won easy by a length, Foul Plav second, Blue Peter a good third, izaak Walton fourth, and Craeroft. nowhere. Time : 2inin. Hisee.