WINTON RACES.

Southland Times, Issue 1194, 11 January 1870, Page 2

WINTON RACES.

These Eaces, the first thfEfc have been held in that locality, came off on. an excellent course, laid out on the farm of Mr Carmichael, about two miles beyond the township. The day was beautifully fine, which induced a large and highly respectable attendance. Although most of the horses running might properly be classed under the term " hacks," some of them were turned out in good racing order, and showed both speed and staying powers. The first event on the card was the Hurdle Eace, of 10 soys., distance two miles, over 8 flights of hurdles, 3 ft 6 ins high, welter weights. Three horaes entered for the contest, and started off at the fall of the flag well together. For the first round, a very pretty race ensued between Mr Barclay's g.g. Wallace, and Mr White's b.g. Shoemaker. The grey proved himself worthy of his name, and came in winner by several lengths. The Maiden Plate, of fiVe soys., came next, and brought four horses to the post. A good start was followed by a most exciting race, cleverly won by a bay mare ""belonging to Mr Bunton, Mr Swale's Eob Eoy running a neek-and-neck second. The District Plate, of 10 soys., for horses the property of residents in the district, brought out three competitors, viz., Mr King's Tommy Tough, Mr Carmicbael's Micky Free; and Mr Bunton's Mystery. For the first mile-and^i-half the running was very exciting, but at that distance the Irishman's staying powers told in his favor, and he. gradually increased his advantage until passing the judge several lengths clear. The Winton Cup, of 10 soys., mile-and-a-quarter heats, brought out the best horses on the ground, viz., Mr Patterson's Prairie Flower ; Mr Gf-rieve's Quickstep, and Mr Moore's Dinah. la the first heat Quickstep ran the Flower pretty well, but could not snatch the victory from her, although the latter lost a little ground at the going off. The second heat, when the horses got better away together, was won also by' Patterson's mare, pretty much as she liked. The Trotting Eace. was contested by five steppers, and won by Mr Lindsay's Lady Chips, Mr Bunton's old mare making's fair show for second place. The Consola- / tion money, run for in heats, was carried off by Quickstep. Mr Allan's Brownie won the first heat, but Quickstep took the second so easily that it was evident he had been held in reserve the first round, his competitors therefore declined the trird struggle, and allowed him to walk over. The Hurry Scurry which followed, was taken by Mr Shaw's mare, Jenny Lind, from a field of ten. This brought a very satisfactory meeting to an end, and the people, whose orderly b9haviour during the day was the subject of remark by those who frequently witness the reverse elsewhere, speedily dispersed to their respective homes.