RANGITATA BRIDGE RACES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1834, 29 December 1888, Page 4

RANGITATA BRIDGE RACES.

Stewards—T. W. Corbett, A. Rae, D. DeDOon, J. Bull, O. Terry, F. Bull, V. Parham, J. Turner, and W. R. I». Lawson. Judge—S. Rae. 'Clark. l of Scales—W. R. D. Lawson. Starter— T. W.- Corbett. Clerk of the Course— J. Rae. Haßdicapper—T. W. Corbett. The fifth annual gathering: under the auspices of the Rangitata Bridge Racing Club took place on Wednesday. The weather was perfect, bat owing/no doubt, to the numerous attractions elsewhere, the attendance was only limited. The course, Vhich was about l£ miles round, was considerably on the rough side. There waino totalisator on the ground, which proved a disappointment to many. Mr Whselbatid had the general license booth, and Mr Mcllwraith the refreshment booth, both seeming to be well patronised. Mr T. W. Corbett performed the double duties of secretary and starter very efficiently. Iu the latter capacity he ■ncceeded in sending his fields away to • excellent starts, and most of the finishes were very good. Mr Lawson proved a thoroughly efficient and obliging clerk of the scales. The arrangements made by the -club for a jockeys' and secretary's room were a great improvement on former years. The following are the Jesuits : Hjwdioap Hurdle Race, of 12 sovs. Open to all comers. l£ miles ; over 6 flights of hurdles. MrF. BullßKorari,9st7lb(Purdham) 1 Mr WV Mitchell's Nero, 12st 31b (Lewis) 2 MrD. Decoon s Old Donald, 9stlob (F.Taylor) 3 Milkman, lOst 81b, also started. On the fall of the flag Milkman had a slight advantage, hut all rode a waiting race to the first hurdle, when Old Donald baulked, but afterwards took it. This hurdle having been negotiated, the horses settled down to work. The first time round the order was: Korari, Milkman, Nero, and Old Donald. Passing the post the second time, the rider of Korari evidently thought it was the last time, and almost pulled up, letting Nero get away by several lengths. The shouts and hooting of the crowd, however, made him aware of his mistake, and he then went in chase of the favorite, amidst great excitement. Coming into the straight, he caught the leader, and beat him on the post by a neck, after an exciting struggleHack Race, of 5 sovs. For hones that haye never won public money. No weight under 9at. 1 mil". Mr F. Bull's Matsgouri... (Gibbs) 1' Mr T, Logan's Lop Ear ... (Baumber) 2 Mr Lee'» Temptation ... (Wilson) 3 Teddy and Little Gipsy also Btarted. Matagouri had a Blight lead at the 'start, and was never displaced, though closely attended by Lop Ear, throughout the race. Temptation came up well when entering the straight. About a length separated each of the three horses. Avaam Cur, of 15 sovs.. 1J miles. Open to all comers. Mr F. Simmons' Kate, 9.4 3:b (Owner) 1 Mr W. Mitchell's Nero, 9st 7lb (Smith) 2 Mr F. Bull'sMatagouii, Bst3ib (Gibbs) 3 Little Shamrock also ran. Temptation refused for some time to face the starter, and on the fall of the flag was left at the post. The horses were sent away to a good start, with the above exception, of which Kate had a slight advantage, and ' was- never headed. The second time round Little Shnmrock, who ran well throughout, challenged the leader, but was beaten off, after a game struggle. Little Shamrock ran inside a flag a few yards 'from home, and put himself out of it.

Hurbt Scubbt. For untrained horß9s that have never won public money. Winner to receive entrance money. Catch weights, Once round the course. Mr T. Logan 8 Lop Ear ... (Baurnbor) 1 Mr J. Armstrong's Iron Grey (Gibbs) 2 Our Pony, the only other starter, ran inside the first poat, and was pulled up Lop Ear cantered home 'very comfortably All-Aged Hakdicap, of 8 sovs. 1 mile. Mr F. SjimmoDb' Ktite, 9<U 71b (OwDer) 1 Mr P. Burke's Little Shamrock, Bat 3 b (Baumber) 2 •Mr Mitchell's Nero, ?st 51b (Smith) 3 ■This proved a splendid racj. Little Shamrock got away with a good*start, Kate being some distance at the rear. Kate immediately went up to and challenged the leader, who, responding gamely, kept his position, Nero being close up to Kate. In this way the horses raced, amidst great excitement Kate being unable to get first place. ComiDg into the straight both were whipping bard, when Kate caught the leader, three itrides from home, and won by a very short nose, to the surprise of the spectators, who thought -that Little Shamrock had won. Little Shamrock carried 7ib over the weight given him by the handicapper; otherwise there is little doubt he would have won. Handicap Tbot, for entrance money j d'Hta n ce 3 miles. Mr J. Bull s Bismarck, 30aec (Physic) 1 Mr A. JSisset's Semolina, scr (McKay) 2 Five horses started, but only the above two finished. Time, 9min 23sec. Consolation Handicap, of 8 sovs. For all beaten horses during the meeting. Post entry, 7s 6d. 1 mile, Mr Prices Little Shamrock Bst 11 lb (Baumber) 1 Mr W. Mitchell's Nero, 9st 121 b (Smith) 2 Mr Price's Ginger, 7st ... (Owner) 3 This finished the races, about 5.30 p.m.