CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3398, 12 November 1879, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

Last night.

THe CJwiatchuTclL Races.

Clianei-lior won the Christuhnrth Jock<;y (lub Handicap, Marilana 2ud, Pinfiro 3rd. Won by a neck;, time, 3mins. 39secs

Although ft slight shower of rain fell this morning, the weather has turned out lovely. The attendance on tho course was large, each train bringing an immense number of passengers. To pn vent accident, the line is being worked to day between Christchurch and the course on the absolute block system, A great many people have come by road, and tln-re are more vehicles on the course than have been sien at other meetings. Tho Chrislcliurch Grand Stand was well filled with ladies with summer toilettes. There were a good many visitors from the North aud South. The Governor and party arrived shortly before the race. All tho acceptors saddled for the Free Handicap were : Foul Play (Devitt) 1, Sinking Fund (if arris) 2, York 3. Elfin King and Rohinhood also started. Beltini.': 5 to 4on Foul Play, 3to 1 on Sinking Fund and York. Sinking Fund had the best of the start, with York second, and Elfin King third, Sinking Fund making tho running, Titaniu lying lust. At the top turn of the course York and Sinking Fund came awey together, Foul Play coming third. Afc the turn to the straight York and Sinking Fund came rouud together, Foul Play coming up hard held. Bidden hard 50 yards from home, Foul Play came with a rush, and passed the post a little over a neck the winner, and Sinking Fund, half a length behind, being the third horae. Time : lmin. 45sccs.

Derby Stakes : 1 mile and a half. — Hornby (Wattie), 1; Grip (Nolan), 2; Billinsgale (French), 3; Betrayer, Adamant, On Dit, Ann, and Midge also started. Belting eveu on Betrayer. 2to 1 on Hornby, 3 to 1 on Billinsgate, and 4, 5, and 6tol on the others. A considerable time was lost in getting the hor.-es away, owing to the fractiousness of Hornby aud Adamant. "When they did start Grip got first, Adamant second, Hornby third, and Betrayer a long way behind. At the first turn Grip led, Betrayer last but two, but coming strong he passed Kedwood. Grip and Hornby were leading, Billir sgate third, Betrayer running into fourtli place and catching up opposite the stand. The two leaders were keeping well together along the back of the course. The race was excellent at the top corner. Hornby then took up the running, with Betrayer on his quarters, who, however, dropped back. Adamant and Miige were clean out of the race. Coming into the straight, Hornby led Wattie sitting still. Betrayer made his effort, but was also beaten, and at the rails Wattie commenced to ride. Hornby, with grip close on his quarters, 50 yards from the post Hornby came away winning by a length and a half, Grip second. Time, 2mins 45secs. The winner was loudly cheered on coming to the scale.

Welcome Stakes : 4 furlongs.—Hilarious 1; Sir George 2. Tim Winder Bsfc 51b. Sir Madrid, Romeo, Sir Garnet, Lady Florence, Colt Sure, Miss Flat colt also started. Betting: stol on Hilarious, 3 to 1 ou Sir George, 4 to lon Tim Whiffler. After three false starts 3 horses were let away, 3 remaining at the post. Hilarious led up the straight, winning easily by 4 lengths ; time, 52£secs The remaining event on the programme is the Hack 14ace.