ATHLETIC CLUB HANDICAP.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 3400, 18 June 1877, Page 2

ATHLETIC CLUB HANDICAP.

The contests for the two handicaps, 3 00 and 300 yards respectively, came off on the racecourse on Saturday, and, despite the inclement state of the weather, a good number of spectators appeared on the ground, including a sprinkling cf the fair sex. Out of 22 competitors only 14 showed their colours. The gentleman who officiated as starter was hardly up to hi 3, work, and some little dissatisfaction was caused thereby. Mr F. M, Betts acted as judge, in which capacity Ilia decision gave entire satisfaction. All the members of the committee were present, and were indefatigable in their efforts to make the second race a success. Shortly after three o'clock the competitors for the 100 yards handicap (lirjt heat) breasted the starting place, viz., F. Pirani, 7 ydsj It. Long, 8 yds; H. Nixon and W. J. Neill, 9 yards, and boy Walker, 12 yards. Long appeared not to be in fettle, having been suffering latterly from indisposition. Neill was the hot favourite for first position, and Penmi was backed to place himself. A splendid start was effected, the hoy Walker getfciug away with the report of the pistol, which he maintained for about 20 yards, when he was passed by Neill, who jumped to the front, taking the lead, which position he held throughout, coming in a winner by about 1| yards. Perani, 2nd ; Walker, ord ; Long, 4th ; and Nixon last. The second heat for the 100 yards handicap brought out L. Morae, 8 yards ; H. .R. Parriiigtoti, 6 yards, and Suunders at scratch. Both Saunders and Morse appeared to be in good fettle, but Parrington looked in indifferent form, and was considered from the outset out of the race, A false start was effected, by the revolver going off before Morse had toed his handicap lino. Parringtoti and Saunders trotted the distance over together. On the matter being referred to the committee, they decided that the heat should be run over again. Shortly , afterwards the same competitors came to the scratch again, and a fair start was effected. Morse sprang off with the lead, which he held for about 50 yards, when Saunders put on a pretty spurt and passed Morse, thereby securing for himself first honors by about 2 feet ; Morse, 2nd, and Parringtou 3rd.

The final heat was thon contested i between Saunders, scratch ; Neill, 9 yds ; ' Morse, 8 yards, ami Pirani 7 yards. Another false start was effected, through the starter giving the word " Go" before ho fired, and the committee decided that it should be again contested. On the competitors starting the second time, they all got well away together in their respective positions. When about 20 yards of the distance had been paced, Perani came up with a grand rush and got the lead. 'He was hotly pursued by Saunders, who fought hard lo outpace Perani, but to no avail, as the latter gamely spurted along and secured, after a hard fought battle, and much to the amazement of the spectators, the honor of first place ; Saunders 2, Neill 3, and Morse 4. The 300 yards handicap brought out Parrington and Kilgour, 18 yards, T. Oopeland 20 yards, and Chamberlain (boy) 33 yards ; Sannders did not start. They all got well away at the start, Ki\'|our having the best of it. After about 80 yards had peen traversed, 'Kilgonr rushed to the trout, passing Oopelandaud Chamberlain, and got the lead, which he held the whole distance, coming in an easy winner ; Copeland 2, Parrington 3, and Chamberlain last. This concluded the programme, and the spectators dispersed, the gathering having been pronounced successful in all essential features.