GERALDINE STEEPLECHASES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1197, 28 June 1884, Page 3

GERALDINE STEEPLECHASES.

Stewards : Messrs J. Godby, D. McKenzie, R. H. Pearpoint, W. S. Armitage, W. DeKenzie, W. Lawson, J. Mundell, J. Cunningham, W. Polhill, J. Meikle, D. Denoon, A. L. Barker. Clerk of Course : R. Stansell. Starter : J. Meikle. Clerk of Scales : Mr Mitton. Judge : Mr Studholme. Handicapper : Mr D. McKenzie. Secretary : Mr D. McKenzie. The first annual winter steeplechases meeting cam© off on tbe Geraldine racecourse at tbo Orari on Thursday last, the weather being very favorable for the occasion. The ground, however, was very heavy. Mr S. Breadley, of the Orari Hotel, bad the booths, Mr M. Heatley farmed tbe gates, Mr A. Owles had the right to sell the cards of the races, and Mr G. Fox the right to the games. The attendance on the ground was but sparse, consequently only little money changed hands. Messrs Mason and Roberts's totalisator was on tbe ground, but from the dividends paid out it can be seen that but little money was invested. .fhe Geraldine Braes Band, under the leadership of Mr B. Gibson, band master, was on the ground, and during the 6ay played a selection of music, enlivening the proceedings. Many persons commented most favorably on their performance. The betting fraternity were, of course the ground. Shortly after 1 p.m. the bell rang for the business of the day to commence, and a rush was made for the saddling paddock, The first event of the day was the Gang Forward Handicap, of 150 sovs., 20 sovs. from the stakes to go to the second horse. Nomination 2 sovs. Acceptance 5 sovs. Distance about three and a half miles. Mr P. Butler's b g Mustard, 10it 71bs (T. Lyford) 1 Mr J. Pilbrow's b g Barbary, lOst 121bs (Sheenan) 2 There wer« three other entries for this event, Mr J. Meikle' e b g Ben H. lOst ; Mr J. R, Brown's bg Hard Times, lOst 31bs ; and Mr P. Butler's Agent, 12st ]2lbs. The latter two horsea were scratched. A good start was effected at the fall of the flag. Ben H, took the lead, the others following in grand style, and negociating all the fences. When nearing the straight the second time going round the course, Ben H. stumbled after going over the fence, throwing his rider, The race was then between Mustard and Barbary, Both these horses had their admirers, and the concluding struggle was witnessed with considerable enthusiasm, and when Lyford, on Mustard, passed the Judge's stand he was received with ringing cheers. Totalißstor dividend, £2 6b. Maidbn Platk Steeplechase, of 60 sovs. Weight for age. Entrance 3 sovs. Distance about two miles. Mr (J. A. Jefferson's Ormidale, 12st 31bs ... (Sheenan) 1 Mr C. E. Ilawdon's b g Karaitiana, 12st 31bs ... (T. Lyford) 2 j There were eleven entries in all for ' this event. Mr J. Hammond's blk g Magic was, before the race, declared not eligible to run. Mr J. Seaton's c g Andy and Mr Gould's b h Hunnington were scratched. No less than five horses refused the first fence but Karaitu.na, Ormidale and Silenus negotiated the fence in fine style. Silenus, however, fell, leaving the race between Ormidale and Karaitiana, Totalisator dividend, £3 19s. Hunt Cltjb Cup, value 28 sovs, for qualified hunters only ; to be ridden by members of a qualified Hunt Club only ; about two miles, MrR. Roberts' bg Woodstock, aged, Dr J. S. Hayes' b g Silenus, aged, 12st 31bs (Mr G. Wood) j and Mr J. Lukey's ch g Fawn, aged, 12st 81bs (owner), also started. Silenus and Fawn baulked very early in the race, aud the rider of the former after repeated attempts at one of the fenceß withdrew from the race Woodstock gained considerably and came in a winner by a long distance. !£r A. L. Barker's b rn Cameo wag scratched. Tally ho Handicap, of 100 sovs. ; second horse to receive 20 sovs from the stakes ; two and a half miles. Mr Thomas Sheenan's ch g The £#d, aged, lOst Mr J,. Pilbyow's bg Barbary, list 51b , (C. Joyce) 2 The Agent also started. Mr J, Meikle's b g Ben H., Mr P. Butler's b g Mustard, Mr A. L. Barker's Cameo, and MrC. E. Junwdoa'a b g Karaitiana were scratched. A gopd, start being efjfactpd, Ei.eore took the lead with Moody following close behind. Ibis was a most exciting race The Agent was the favourite. A tight race ensued for first and second position?, between The Lad, The ind Barban-, but eventually The Agent fell out of it leaving the issue as above. Totalisator dividend, £4 ss. Consolation Handicap, of 40 |ovg. \ about two miles. Mr Pilbrow's bg B;arbary, list 121bs (Sheenan), 1 Mr C E. Hawdon*s b g Karaitiana, lOst 9lb» ... (H. Thompson) 2

Magic, Trapper, Bon H., HJncore and Dandy also ran. Lyford, the rider of Magic, had a nasty spill, but fortunately got up unhurt. A capital race. Totalisator dividend, £2 ss.