THE WAIRARAPA RACES.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 11, 16 March 1867, Page 2

THE WAIRARAPA RACES.

The annual Race Meeting, under the auspices of the Wairarapa Jocky Club, has taken place and is now numbered amongst the things of the past. The weather proved very unfavourable, a cold south easter, accompanied by several squalls, blew during the whole of .Wednesday, and not only prevented hundreds from attending the course, but was well calculated to mar the enjoyment of those who did attend. In addition to this unfavourable state of the weather several accidents occurred on the first day of the meeting, one of which resulted in the immediate death of two horses and the serious injury of their riders. Notwithstanding these, and other occurrences which had a tendency to mar the pleasures of the meeting it was on the whole a success. The drinking booths, of which there was a plentiful supply, appeared to do a good business, and there was a further indication of this in the more than usual large number of persons, both Maori and European, who had wiittngly or unwittingly sacrificed themselves and money to the “ rosy god.’'

We missed the presence of that lafge number of the gentler sex, of both races, which on former occasions have graced the course by their presence. There was, however, a number of lady-equestrians on the ground who appeared to enter heartily into the sports provided. Thb male sex were represented in goodly numbers from all parts of the valley, and there were not a few gentlemen from the Empire City present “ Aunt Sally ” was on the ground, but “ owing to the inclemency of the weather ” she did not make her appearance in public, nor was there any other provision made to relieve the pockets of the people save what was furnished by the drinking booths, and the sweepstakes. Still there was a good deal of life and annimation on the course though at best it must be owed that it was the pursuit of enjoyment under difficulties. The horses were as good as any that have ever run for public money in the Province, and if they did not show to advantage it was not so much their fault as that of their owners. Opinions differed as to how Policy, Tomboy, Volunteer and Robin Hood should be placed. Volunteer maintained throughout the meeting that well-earned reputation which had rendered him so great a favorite. Under the admirable jockeyship of Mr. J. Hayward he was well able to hold his own against all comers. Policy could have done better had her owner chosen, but by doing better, her owner would probably have done worse. Robin Hood had been carefully trained, but for some reason or other she did not fulfil expectations. Tomboy looked well, and her performances did not belie her looks. Of the other horses little need be said except that Native who, it was arranged, to win the Licensed Victuallers Purse but did not. He had a good chance at the Hurdle Race, but lost it through the blind eagerness of his jockey. There were favorites for each race, and bets of two to one were freely offered that the better .could name the winner. The field at this meeting was not a good horse, an<J the best horse did not always win the race.

FIRST DAY.—WEDNESDAY, 13th MARCH,

As our opening remarks have special reference to the first day of the meeting we will not occupy further space here, but at once proceed to notice briefly the different events of the day. The first event was the race for the

Maiden Plate,—£4o—Entrance, £4 4s h.f. Weights, 3 yrs., Bst.; 4 yrs, 9st.; 5 yrs. 9st 71b; 6 yrs and aged, 1 Ost. Two miles, —single event. For horses that have never won public money, Mr W H Smith’s ch.f. Tomboy, 5 yrs. (C. Miller) - - . . . . i Mr H McMaster’s ch.g. Sauutrie, 5 yrs. (Dougherty) 2 Mr J Fuller’s ch.g. Robin Hood, 4 yrs. 1 (Rogers) 3 Mr J Day’s g.m. Willow Holme, 4 yrs. 0

At the starting, Sauntrie, Tomboy and Robin Hood got well away together, leaving Willow Holme a little in the rear, who at the end of the first round bolted from the course. On passing the winning post in the first round, Sauntrie was first and Tomboy second. The racing after this was entirely between these two, and eventually the last carried oft' the prize Waieaeapa Stakes— £3o—Entrance, £3 3s h.f. Weights for age, 3 yrs., Bst 71b.; 4 yrs., 9st. 71b.; 5 yrs., lOst.; 6 years and aged, lOst. 71bs. Two miles; single event. Mr W Dorset’s br.g. Volunteer, aged, fHayward] - - . . : . i Mr J Day’s cb.m. Policy, 4 yrs. (Barron) - 2 Mr H. McMaster’s b.g. Recruit, 6 yrs (D. M’Masters) 3 Mr T. Allardsce.a b.g. Rangitoto, acred, [Baldwin] 4

A good start was affected, the horses being kept in hand for their work. Hayward held his horse well behind passing the winning post a good distance behind Policy, between which and Recruit and Rangitoto, there was a little distance. At the second time Recruit passed the post first, Rangitoto second, Policy third, and Volunteer last with however but half the distance between him and Policy that there was in the first round. At the turn nearest the bush, Policy took the lead, Volunteer overhauling Recruit and Rangitoto who were not equal to pace. Half-way up the straight by the cross fences, Volunteer collared Policy gained and maintained the lead and retrieved the honors lost to Policy last year amid the plaudits of those assembled. Policy four or five lengths behimt, Recruit third, Rangitoto fourth.

The Licensed Victualuer’s Cup.— Value £2o—Entrance, £2 25., h,f. Weights for ages, One mile; heats. Mr Roger’s g.g. Otto, aged, [Fuller] 12 1 Mr Allardice’s b.g. Rangitoto, aged, [Allardice] - - - - 3 1 2 Mr J. Day’s ch.m. Policy, 4 yra [Day] 2 3 0 Otto took the lead and rapidly increased it; Policy was second, hard held ; Rangitoto third’ close up. Coming in, Otto lead by a trifle, Policy gaining rapidly, hut running into Otto’ as it seemed. Day jerked her back and being apparently careless of winning, lost by half a neck. Rangitoto a good third. In the second heat, Otto again took and kept a good lead • at the turn, just previous to coming into the straight, the horses got close together and came clattering in close company to within a short distance of the winning post, when Policy, who was hard held, tore away from her rider, and was very nearly winning, but Day by a firm effort, snatched her back nearly on to her haunches, her jockey evidently considering it a “ winning game ”to lose. Rangitoto by considerable exertion just snatched the breath of victory from the nostrils of Otto. Otto and Rangitoto appeared again, but Day riding the latter brought ill luck to his horse which lost by a length or so. Indignation at the way this race was run was freely expressed, and a protest was entered against Day which was however decided iu his favor.

The Ladies’ Purse.—2s Guineas—Entrance £3 35., h.f. Welter weights, 3 yrs. lOst.; 4 yrs., list.; 5 yrs. and aged, list. 71bs. One mile and a half; heats. Gentlemen riders. Mr W Smith’s ch.f. Tomboy, 5 yrs [D. McMasters 1 1 Mr J Day’s b.g. Native, aged [Hayward] 2 2 Mr J Fuller’s ch. g. Robin Hood, [Day] 3 q The circumstance of Volunteer -being scratched and Hayward putting on Day’s colours gave a “ fishy ” pdbur to this race. Coming to the starting place Day appeared on Robin Hood, Hayward on Day’s horse, Native ; and D. McMasters on Tomboy. Tomboy took the lead, but was kept in hand, Robin Hood then attempted to make the running for a short distance, while Native was kept back. Getting round Robin Hood was hauled behind and on the opposite side at the cross fences, Hayward gradually overhauled Tomboy and passed her at the cross-fences on the winning post side. Several sharp applications of whip and spur were now made, and Tomboy did not dishonor her training or her sire, but exerting herself overhauled long legs, and won cleverly amidst loud cheers. There was considerable interest excited as to the result of the second heat. Some thought Robin Hood had been kept “easy” to run down the filly in the second heat, and much satisfaction was evinced at seeing that the race was to lay between Tomboy and Native, Robin Hood not being brought up. It was clear that Native was inferior in point of substance, though bets of two to one were offered in his favor. Hayward kept his horse carefully in hand and equally distributed his strength over the ground gradually overhauling Tomboy as they neared the cross-fence — at about t half the distance—where McMaster let out and gently urged Tombov. Still Hayward was overhauling and the excitement increased. In the’straight run at the crossfences, Native reached Tomboy and kept comJiany a dozen strides, but Tomboy gradually eft his company and won without any great cadi on his powers to the evident satisfaction of numerous bystanders. An interesting Hack Race brought the day's proceedings to a close. There were from twelve to fifteen horses entered. The first heat was won Greathead’s Old Kit, ridden by himself. ' In the second heat the running, comparatively speaking, was terrific, but Old Kit was too fleet for the rest, and again obtained the victory. Welch’s grey horse was for the first time second.

SECOND DAY.—THURSDAY, 14th MARCH.

The morning opened with some heavy showers, and the sky being overcast until noon had the effect of detering great numbers from leaving their homes. Before the iirsteventcame off the weather cleared up, and during the afternoon, had it not been rather chilly, it was all that could be desired. Much interest ■was manifested in the first race, and each horse had its backers.

Hurdle Race.—Six jumps over four flights of hurdles, 3ft 6in high, darkened—£30 —Entrance £3 35., h.f. Weights, S yrs. 9?t.; 4 yrs., lOst; 5 yrs, list; 6 yra and aged list. 71b. Onec round and a distance; heats.

H. M'Masters’ b.g. Recruit, 0 yrs., (Mur-

phy 2 11 J. Fuller’* or.c. Trooper, aged, (J. Dorset) 13 2 J. Day’s b.g. Native, aged, (Gollop-Day] 0 2 0 Volunteer scratched.

A good stare was effected. Native was kept in hand, but joined in the close companionship of Trooper and Recruit, at the lower turn, from whence he made the tunning rather heavy. Coming to the last hurdle he was still urged though several lengths a-head of the other horses, but here unfortunately for his safe chance Native’s rider was either too late in seeing the hurdle—it is said he turned to look at the horses behind—or else he very improperly omitted to gather his horse together, and that dashing through the hurdle over-ran his fore-legs, stumbled, and fell in a few strides throwing his rider rather heavily. Trooper first grazed the jockey and then as Gallop was getting up Recruit struck him with his fore leg severely on the back of the hip. Trooper came in first riderless, Native keeping with him. Recruit being a length or more behind.

Day rode his own horse the next heat when a fair start was made. Day and Dorset kept their horses in, which allowed Murphy to make too good a lead which they could not regain, simply -winning comfortably by 50 yards over Native. The deciding heat between Recruit and Trooper was then ran. Recruit won by half a length after a close run all round. Hack Hurdle Race, —Sweepstakes. Entrance £l.

There were six entries. J. Greathead’s Old Kit, ridden by himself, won easily. Allerdice’s Catchem-alive being second. Jockey Club Cup.— Value, £4o — Entrance, £4 45., h.f. Weights for ages. Twice round and a distance. W. Dorset’s Volunteer, aged, (Hayward) - 1 W. Smith’s Tomboy, 5 yrs., (C. Miller) • 2 J. Day’s Policy, 4 yrs., (Brown) - - - 3 Robin Hood and Rangitoto were scratched. A good start was made and in a short distance Tomboy lead, well held, Volunteer following close, also well held, Policy being several lengths behind who was likewise hard held. These positions were kept during the first round. At the second, Hayward brought Volunteer alongside Tomboy, and going down the opposite “ straight,” Mr. Miller let out Tomboy gradually urging his horse; Hayward holding his horse steady, At the turn, coming into the straight run home, Volunteer was urged forward, but Tomboy contested hard for the slight lead she held half way up to the post when Hayward gave his horse mentor two and gained in a few strides a lead of half a length, which he gradually increased to a length, Volunteer first, Tomboy a very close second. Policy had been let out before coming to the turn but failed to diminish the 8 or 9 lengths between her and Tomboy. Pony Race —£lo —Entrance, £l la. Catch weights; once round ; heats. J. Brown’s Miss Nelly - - 2 111 McMaste.ra Perfect Cure • - 112 0

There were four other entries, viz., Welch’s Rebel, W. Smith’s Tom Thumb, Daysh’s Lucy, and J. Fuller’s Black Kit. The race resolved itself into one between Miss Nelly and Perfect Cure, who showed themselves to have plenty of bottom, maintaing a heavy pace, a good distance. The first heat was won by half a neck by Perfect Cure, the second was a dead heat, the third was won by Miss Nelly By a length, and the fourth heat was a “ walk over ” taken by Miss Nelly. Forced Handicap.—£ls—Entrance £2 2s One mile and a half. Volunteer, 10] st. Tomboy and Policy 91 st.; Otto and Recruit, 8] st. There were only entered. Policy, (Barron, weight) - - - 1 Recruit, (J. Dorset, 1 st. lOlba above weight) 2 Recruit is a big horse, but it seemed altogether absurd to secure a good jockey to overload him twenty-four pounds. Policy took and kept a good lead, winning easily. Hack Race. — £lo. — Entrance £l 1., once round and a distance. Richard’s Cloud .... 1 Gillies’ Chance .... 2 There were numerous entries. The pace was heavy as usual. Gillies' Chance and Richards’ Cloud left the ruck at the bottom turn and from thence up an exciting race between them took place. Just at the finish, Cloud anticipated Chance’s victory by an effort, winning by half a neck. D. McMaster's heavy weight could not be made up by his superior riding. A very light weight would have enabled Chance to maintain the lead and win the race. Cloud appeared a trained horse. Consolation.—£ 10—Entrance, £2 25.; once round and a distance. Catch weights, Allerdice's Rangitoto - - • 1 J. Day’s Native .... 2 Native had a “light” weight jockey between eight and nine stone, but Rangitoto had a “lighter” as his jockey perhaps did not weigh four stone, who, when perched on his back was nearly smothered in his pretty jacket, and looked quite comical. This light weight threw great doubts on the result, as before he appeared the knowing ones had gratuitously disposed of the race to Native. Mr. Donald having started them Rangitoto ran swiftly off with his jockey who rose superbly in the stirrups and who endeavored to hold his head, but the attempt was ineffectual and he was nearly jerked over and carried away. Rangitoto secured a very good lead before Native commenced overhauling, a hard piece of work, but which he succeeded in doing when nearly half way up the straight. Now there was a very exciting race, but the previous work had somewhat “baked” Native, and Rangitoto, always a good horse at bottom energetically responded to the vigorous appeal of his tiny jockey winning by a neck. The little jockey was cheered as he passed the winning post. The Consolation Stakes concluded the events of the day, which, on the whole, passed off more satisfactory than those of the first day. We cannot, however, conclude our hurried report without speaking in the highest terms of the indefatigable secretary of the Wairarapa Jockey Club, who had no end of work thrown on his hands and who did it all with a good temper, and earnestness which won the admiration of all present. The Clerks of the Course too performed their onerous duties with zeal and discretion, and with the aid af the police succeeded in keeping good order. Mr. Lucas made a first-rate Clerk of the Scales, and gave every satisfaction. Mr. Donald acted, as usual, as Judge and Mr. Collins as Starter, and both it is almost needless to say performed their duties in the most admirable manner. The Stewards were new to their, work, hut we have heard of no complaints regarding them. Nevertheless on the whole, the races did not give that satisfaction which they had done on previous occasions; which was owing, no doubt, in part to the accidents which occurred, in part to the unfavorable state of the weather, but in part also to certain arrangements which it was suspected had been made to prevent too close a competition for the prizes to be awarded.