POVERTY BAY RACE MEETING 1875.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 245, 6 February 1875, Page 2

POVERTY BAY RACE MEETING 1875.

FIRST DAY. On Thursday last the Poverty Bay race course was attended by the largest number of visitors that ever assembled in the Bay—the number of ladies particularly being noticeable by their presence. The meet took place in Mr. Breingan’s paddock at Waerenga-a-hika, and every possible precaution was taken to ensure both the comfort aud security of the spectators. A Grand Stand, well patronised, was erected in a convenient, shady, spot, close by the large willow trees which afforded a welcome retreat from the rays of the sun. A cool Sou’-easter tempered the heat which was rather sultry, but seasonable. There were no accidents, and the entire absence of excessive dissipation, and rowdyism, which are generally characteristic of these gatherings, were an agreeable feature in the day’s sport. Puctuality, too, was observed for once, for shortly after 12 o’clock the bustle in the weighing yard showed signs of the first race on the programme the Maiden Plate, One mile and a half, being in course of organisation. Before the race, opinion was divided upon the merits of Wild Duck and Al, inclining rather towards the former, but at the sound of the bell the four horses made their appearance in capital form, and the preliminary canter seemed to settle the question of support in favor of the Duck. After a fair get away they kept in close

company for the first mile when Al put on a spurt followed by Dick, and Swivel, leaving the mare to bring up the rear. They passed the Judge’s box in the following order :— Al ’. ... 1 Dick 2 Swivel 3 Wild Duck 4 We may state that the result took even the “ knowing ” ones by surprise, Al being looked upon as an outsider, and found few backers besides his owner, whois reported to have staked, and won “hundreds” on. the event. For the Ladies’ Purse, Two miles, there were only two competitors, Ben Nevis and Skysail. Swivel having been scratched. The bay took the lead, Skysail laying well up on Nevis’ quarter, passing the post, first time, nearly neck and neck. Skysail gradually dropped astern and the bay did the balance with seeming ease, leading in by two lengths Another sweater for tlie Flying Stakes, In half mile heats nut Ben again on his mettle, and he led his four companions in, in the following order :— Ben Nevis ... 1 Swivel 2 Molly 3 Dick 0 Tawera 0 The first heat was ran in 58 seconds ; the second heat in 56 seconds. The one mile Pony Race, Brought' seven colors to the start, and was a good race throughout. Little George and Not-to-be-Done “collided,” both horses coming to grass early in the running which put them both off the course. The Wild Duck kept the lead—although waited upon by Quick Step as an energetic second —and passed the Judge well in advance. For the half mile heats, Hack Race, There were 14 entries. Mr. Drummond’s Lucifer won both heats, beating his old antagonist Chanticleer. SECOND DAY. Post and Rail Race. Thope 1 Robert 2 Jane 3 Swivel’s rider came to grief through falling over the hurdle. Hack Post and Rail Race. Lucifer 1 District Stakes. Al 1 Dick 2 Turanga Stakes Handicap. Rainbow 1 Ben Nevis 2 Skysail 3 Consolation Handicap. Swivel 1 Dick 2 Forced Handicap. Ben Nevis 1 Rainbow 2