INVERCARGILL RACES.

Southland Times, Issue 629, 8 February 1867, Page 2

INVERCARGILL RACES.

(fiV OTO OWN EEPOBTBB.) Yesterday, the first of the Livercargill Eaces, was as fine a day as could have been wished for the purpose — if— great nuisance those " ifs —"a strong northwest wind had not been blowing with singular pertinacity from before noon until night. Still for the pleasure-seekers whose route lay Eastward Ho ! the wind appeared at starting no great drawback, rain being the only thing feared on holidays in Southland. So numbers of our citizens who could "raise" horses, or obtain conveyance pn wheels, and a few who could do neither, but hopefully trudge, wended their way to the course. True the road was dusty, — true also that clouds of the finely powdered mud were^driven along, fairly concealing the riders as they cantered onwards. " Mine Host " of the Bridge Inn could doubtless tell a tale of the number of " quenches " required to allay the thirst occasioned by exercise, and the hot and dusty air. The road was fortunately in tolerable condition, so that a good pace was' practicable. THE COURSE. The course shortly after noon presented a very animated appearance. Equestrians out-numbered the pedestrians, by at least four to one, and from the highest point of view the assembly looked like a large and remarkably undisciplined regiment of cavalry out of uniform. At first, some difference of color was perceptible in the faces, coats, and hats, but gradually a uniform neutral tint prevailed. The ladies, of whom there was a fair sprinkling, stood it well for some time, but truth to tell, although they preserved to the last some trace of complexion, the fairest and rosiest were ultimately toned down to the fashionable dust brown. The hastily-erected refreshment-booths were thronged, but we missed all the hundred and one amusements between events which characterise races in the old country. Not even "three sticks a penny," nor more than one vendor of apples; nuts, and oranges was visible, although " k'rect card " were. The course on either side the winning post was fenced off for some distance, but only by very constant. attention on the part of the police was it possible to keep it clear when required. In accordance with the usual practice, almost every rider kept moving about with greater or less speed, to the infinite discomfort of those on foot. It Bpeaks well, however, for the generally orderly conduct of those present that no accident of moment occurred in consequence. It struck me that it would be advisable, on another occasion, if a space could be roped off wherein timid persons might walk about without dread. Preparations having been completed, the course was cleared for the first race. The Maiden Plate Of 20 soys, for all horses that had never won an advertised race, li miles. Weight for age. "For this race the following horses were entered — Mr W. Hill's b.g. Playboy, 3 yrs, 7st Blbs ... 1 „J. Shirley's b.g. Postboy, aged, 10st-41b5... 2 „ — Pollock's b.m. Lucy, 3 yrs, 7st 81bs ... 3 „ A. Matheson's blk. g. Maori ... ... 0 „ — Barclay's g.g. Wallace 0 „ W. Lawson's blk. g. Braddy ... ... 0 „ — Galbraith'a b.g. Shakspere ... ... 0 „ — Cameron's eh. g. Eclipse 0 This was a well contested race, but Playboy made light work of it at the finish. Publican's Pitbse. 30 soys. For all horses. 2£ miles. Weight for age. Mr J. Smith's b.g. Hatter, aged, 10st41bs ... 1 „ Blythe's b.g. Carramut, aged, lOst 41bs ... 2 „ Cox's Harkaway, aged, lOst 41bs 3 „ Howell's ch.g. Skyonian ... 0 „ Pollock's Merrimac, (late Black Jenny) ... 0 „ Clulee's b.g. Melton 0 „ Mr Kiogswell's g.g. Bob Roy 0 Betting was rife ou these two events, and a considerable amount changed hands. Harkaway was the favorite with many at starting, but Hatter proved himself possessed of good staying power, and came in the winner. Carramut a good second. Tbottictg Eace. 20 soTB. For all horses. Three times round the course. Mr J. Mitchell's ch.g. Struggler 1 „ Napiers b.g. ... ... ... ... 0 „ J. Mitchell's b.g. Tom 0 This was a very hollow affair. The chesnut had it all his own way throughout. He is certainly able to get over the ground rapidly, but his trotting is peculiar in style, and not quite up to our idea of the pace. Paemebs Cup. 25 boys. This race did not come off — Playboy having been scratched at the last moment. To make up the day's sport the Committtee got up a Hubby Skubby. 15 sora. Heats. Open to all horses not winners of the day. The following horses started : — Mr Lafferty's Bones, „ Pollock's Lucy, „ Printz's Dolly, „ Sutherland's Lubra, . „ Kingsland's Eob Boy, ; . „ Lawson's Braddy, „ Matheson's Maori, In the first heat, Lucy led the running almost all the way, and came in well a-head. In the second, Bones appeared master of the situation, and passed the post one or two lengths in front. A slight dispute arose respecting the rule to be observed in contesting the next heat. It was finally ruled that in accordance with the Otago Jockey Club Eegulations, the winners of thejirst two heats should run off. A good race ensued; Bones winning easily, i' This closed the day, and a movement homeward became general. The expresses, waggons, gigs, &c, proved insufficient to supply the demand, and many had to march as best they might. Not a few horsemen were to be seen in an , exhilirated state, performing "John Grilpin-like"

fteaks, and getting an occasional spill, escaping injury with wonderful good fortune. Only one accident of a serious nature occurred throughout the day, but we were unable to ascertain any particulars further than that Mr ... W. Kavanagh, a settler of the district,.. had sustained a fracture of the leg. Should the- weather pTove fine, the second day's races will present features of greater attraction, and some capital sport may be expected. The entries for the events are numerous, and comprise dome well-known horses.