BY OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.

Southland Times, Issue 902, 19 February 1868, Page 4

BY OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.

On Thursday morning much anxietywas manifested as to what weather we should have for the first day's races Throughout the preceding night there had been frequent heavy gusts of wind, and driving showers. In the morning it looked a little more promising ; but several black lowering clouds coming heavily up from the westward induced many shakes of the head, and expressions of doubt, as to which it should be — wet, or fine — on the part of those professing to be weatherwise. As the time for starting from town drew on — from ten to eleven — the sun came out tolerably strong, which had a cheering influence on all wending their I way to the racecourse : most of the travellers, however, it could be seen had taken theprecautionofprovidingthemselveswith some kind of shelter against anticipated showers, and not without reason, as before the day was over, several very heavy ones fell. In town, horse flesh was at a premium, everything which could, even by a stretch of courtesy, be called a horse, having been eagerly secured. Several conveyances which were put on, were also largely patronised ; while a good number of unfortunates, defeated in procuring either a mount, or a perch on a machine, had to adopt the only alternative left— trudge it. The ride from town to the course was very pleasant. There had been just sufficient wet to moisten the ground, so that there was a pleasing absence of the dust which is usually so annoying where equestrians are numerous. The cool breeze blowing must have been particalarly grateful to the pedestrians. A quiet canter of about an hour brought me to the course, which was in very good condition, one part of it, where it crosses for a short distance a piece of ploughed land, being a little heavy, however, but nothing to impede the running. The Grand Stand, bearing the sign of the Prince of "Wales Hotel, was a most substantial and commodious structure, affording, above, an excellent view of the course, and, below, everything that could he considered requisite to refresh hungry and thirsty humanity. In the Hotel Department host Smith seemed to be doing a roaring business the whole day, but up stairs the patrons, we were sorry to observe, were comparatively few, while their was a total absence of ladies. Probable the rather high price charged for admittance, four shillings, operated as a check in this direction, and induced many to retain their seat in their saddle, or seek a conspicuous roost on the fence, who would otherwise have availed themselves of the superior position afforded by the grand stand. As the hour for starting the first race drew near, the crowd began to consolidate at the post, and formed a very animated spectacle indeed. There could not have been fewer than from four to five hundred horsemen, besides a goodly sprinkling of fair equestrians, whose presence lent, as it ever does on any occasion, -grace and piquancy to the scene. The number of visitors on foot was also considerable. Coaches, cabs, expresses, waggons, carts, and other vehicles, to the number of, probably one hundred, were also drawn up in imposing array contiguous to the centre of attraction. Snugly ensconced in most of these could be seen family parties evidently bent on thoroughly enjoying themselves, and rejoicing in the consciousness that they were, from their exalted position, masters of the situation, secure against all attempts at invasion or notices to quit, in the shape of refractory horses. Owing to the unavoidable absence of E. Hamilton, Esq., J. M'lntosh, Esq., of Woodside, was appointed judge, and throughout the day ably fulfilled the duties of his position. The gentlemen originally appointed as starter and clerk of the course, were also absent, and their places had to be filled up on the spur of the moment. Mr J. M'Quillan, of Eiverton, was elected to the former office, and Mr James . Shirley, to the latter. Both fulfilled the duties imposed on them as well as could be expected from gentlemen but partially acquainted with the order of the programme, and the arrangements of the course, at all events, I heard no objection taken to either of them, although it was patent that the course was not by any means kept so clear as it ought to have been, nor was that discipline in starting, quite so observable as I have seen it when entrusted to more experienced hands. I think the stewards should insist rigourously on having the course kept clear, during a race, of men, horses, and dogs. It was by no means kept clear yesterday Especially towards the close of the day's proceedings was laxity manifested. There was always some infatuated individual or another trying to distinguish himself, by crossing just in front of the horses as they came in, or some yelping cur getting among their feet ;— one ownerless whelp, ftt le^st no one would acknowledge him

attracted great attention, by darting out from amongst the crowd and attacking the horses in almost every race, as they passed the stand. In either case an example should be made by enforcing on the first culprit the rules provided for such offenders. It was nearly 1 o'clock when tlie bell rung for the first race, and another quarter of an hour was wasted before any of the jockeys made their appearance at the scales, a delay that sorely annoyed the attendant stewards, and, by being repeated in some instances at all the other events, helped considerably to protract the day's business to a rather late hour. Ultimately, the six horses entered for the Maiden Plate, were brought to the post, and took the preliminary canter,, Post Boy, and Idle Boy, were about equal favorites, Mr Meadows's horse, finding, if anything, most backers, Nelly Grey had also a good many admirers, as had also Mr Hill's mare, Fashion, she was, however, known to many to be but a short time off grass, and therefore not very freely backed; Glendyne is a powerful looking chestnut, but has a slovenly loose manner of galloping,which placed him low in the estimation of betting men. Idle Boy secured the coveted inside place, and the other horses having taken their respective positions, the whole ruck got away well together the first time the flag fell. Post Boy at once started to the, front, and maintained the lead throughout, winning by about three lengths. For the first half-mile he had a strong lead of about twenty yards ; Idle Boy next, with Fashion well up; the Grey and Grlendyne a good way behind ; Scotia nowhere. Before coming to the last turn, Fashion fell back, yielding third place to the little mare, which was running pluckily, and at times threatening to overhaul her horses. Idle Boy also put on a spurt, and at the last turn collared the Postboy, when Smith called upon his horse, and again increased his lead, Nelly coming in a very good third. The horses were placed as follows : — MAIDEN PLATE. Value 40 soys. For all horses that have never won an advertised race. Distance, one mile and a-half. "Weight for age. - Mr Meadows's b g Post Boy, aged, lOst lib (Smith) ... 1 Mr Howell's b g Idle Boy, aged ; lOst lib (Kelso) .... 2 Mr Kiddle's g m Nelly Grey, 6 yrs. ; lOstllb (Mitchell) . , . 3 Mr Hill's b m Fashion, 5 yrs. ; 9st 81b (Kobertson) .... 0 Mr Hamilton's eh g Glendyne, 6 yrs. ; lOst lib (White) . . ■. 0 Mr Grieves b g Scotia, aged ; list lib (Lambert) . ■• . • 0 Considering that the course was a little heavy, the pace was a tolerably fast one ; the time being 3 minutes, 7 seconds, 2 seconds slower than the same event last year. The next event of the day, though not on the card, was one to which considerable interest was attached, and involving a tolerably heavy stake, viz., a trotting match between Mr G. Smith's bay mare, Flora Temple, and Mr Eiddle's black gelding Butcher Boy ; 2to 1 being laid on the mare. The distance was twice round the course. All speculation on the event was, however, speedily at an end, as it was almost immediately apparent that it was a gift to Mr Smith, who won in reality just as he liked ; the Butcher being wisely pulled up when half way round the second time. The next event, the SOUTHLAOT) CUP, Value 50 soys., (handicap), two and a half miles, created a considerable deal of interest, there being several horses in it whose relative merits were but little known. Mr Howell's Skyonian having been scratched, the field was reduced to four, all of whom had so many backers that it would be hard to say which was first favorite. Mr Hill's horse, Allander, stripped beautifully, looking a very likely horße to win, and found many supporters. Traveller, a strong bay horse, apparently possessing great staying powers, was also much admired. Mr Pollock's Merrimac, a splendid-looking mare, whose condition did infinite credit to her trainer, seemed to me lilkest the winner, and was likewise freely backed by those who knew something of her antecedents. Arab Eobert had also many friends, but seemed light enough in bone for the journey in such company. The preliminary gallop raised Merrimac considerably in public estimation, although it could not be said to place her as first favorite, Allander having if anything the advantage of her. After one falsa start, the four got away well together— Allander inside, Merrimac outside, a position which was changed within • the first hundred yards, the. mare going s to the front at once, and running strong » with a good lead ; Traveller lying well to • his work, contesting second place with the Morton Mains horse, who was runi ning splendidly ; Allander holding back, j About half way round, Foot's horse , yielded second honors to the grey, and „ J fell back until he was nearly collared by

; AUander. Passing the stand the first ; time, the horses were in the position named, and about a dozen lengths each : apart ; but when half a mile from home, the Arab and Traveller made play, and 1 lessened the distance between themselves and Merrimac. At the last turn it almost seemed that the grey would win, while Foot was also bringing his horse up at ' every stride. Lynch's mare, however, showed she had plenty of speed in reserve, and was landed an easy winner, hands down. A very sharp little struggle forced Williams to yield second honors to the Traveller. Allander never showed up at all. The distance was done in five minutes fifty-two seconds. Mr Pollock's br m Merrimac, aged, 9st lllbs, (Lynch) . . . .1 Mr Foot's b g Traveller, 5 yrs, 9st 81b (Foot) 2 Mr Hamilton's g g Arab Eobert, aged Bst 41b (Williams) . ■' . .3 Mr Hill's b g Allander, 5 yrs, 9gt 61b (Martin) 4 Five horses were entered for the next event, a TROTTING- RACE Of 25 soys. Three times round the course, but only three were brought to the starting post, Jessie, and Tommy having been scratched. Considerable delay occurred before a start was effected, a very heavy shower having come on, which made everyone run to shelter that could get it; a supply of umbrellas would have brought their possessor a fortune, while Macintoshes were in great demand ; I observed many of the gentlemen bravely bearing the pittiless pelting of the storm in their pervious tweeds, having gallantly denuded themselves of their oilskios, to place them upon the shoulders of their fair companions. It having cleared up after a few minutes, the horses were again brought on, but the first start was lost, owing to the difficulty experienced in starting three horses at considerable distances appart, at the same moment. A second attempt was more successful. Old Eanger, ridden by Mr George Smith, was certainly the favorite, indeed, so much so, that betting on the event might be said to be nil. Butcher Boy, after his previous performance, was thought nothing of, and although Plantegenet had 500 yards start, he was never expected to win. The result wbs precisely as anticipated. Butcher Boy, with 350 yards start, was overhauled by Smith the first round, and old Plantegenet was collared very soon after, he ran game however, and gave a little interest to the race, but I think Eanger could have run away from him far sooner than he did, had Smith let him out, as it was he came in an easy winner. The next event was the PUBLICAN'S PURSE, Of 40 soys. Open to all horses. Two miles. "Weight for age. This was the best, in fact, the only good race of the day. Seven, horses were entered, and six started (Post Boy was scratched). The horses formed a really fine field, several of them looking splendid Firetail especially, was admired on being stripped, and Harkaway also looked firstrate. Lady Ellen was in good condition too, and a likely-looking mare. Firetail, was, however, favorite ; the others, about equal. A capital start was effected, when the Popotuna mare started off and made the running; Firetail close behind, and Harkaway a good third ; Nelly Grey and Traveller, fourth and fifth ; and Skyonian bringing up the rear. These positions were maintained for the first round, the three first horses passing the stand all well together. Half-way round second time, Firetail crept up to the chesnut, and took the lead from her ; half a dozen strides more and Harkaway also passed her. A very pretty race then ensued between the two bays, Mr "Wentworth's horse ultimately having to yield first place to his game old antagonist ; Lady Men a good third. Mr Bradley's b g Harkaway, aged, lOst lib (Laverty) .... 1 IMr "Wentworth's b g Firetail, 5 yrs, 9st ; 101 b (Martin) . . . .2 Mr Pollock's chm Lady Ellen, aged, lOst lib (Lynch) . . .3 Mr Foot's b g Traveller, 5 yrs, 9st 101 b (Foot) . . . ■ . .0 Mr Eiddle's g m Nelly Grey, 6 yrs, lOst lib (Kelso) . . .0 Mr Howell's eh g Skyonian, aged, lOst lib (Howell) . . . . . 0 For the Cigar Eace, ten soys., heats, there were eight entries, and a very fair race ensued. The stakes were, however, won easily enough by a ches>nut mare of Mr Pollock's, named Lucy, ridden by Kelly, in two heats. The owner of Nelly Grey entered a protest against Post Boy, in the race for the Maiden Plate, on the ground of his having won an advertised race previously. The day passed over without accident or disorderly conduct of any kind, so far as lam aware. It is to be hoped that the weather may be a little more favorable for thia day's running.