TARATAHI-CARTERTON RACE MEETING, 1881.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 3, Issue 67, 24 January 1881, Page 2

TARATAHI-CARTERTON RACE MEETING, 1881.

Judge: Mr Walter Francis, Handicappcrs: Messrs John Drummond and Wallace Smith. Starters: Messrs G. H. Lister-Kayo and H. H. "Woltcrs. Glcrk of the Scales: Mr A. Fisk. Clerks of the, Course: Messrs Thos, Gibson and E. Beard. Sto nrds: Messrs A. Armstrong, J. Nicols Thos. F. Bennett, L. Nix, T. Moore, ■ Dr A, B. B, Watts, and B, Crawford. ' Hon Treasurer :■ Mr R, W. Muir. Hon Secretary: Mr H. H. Woltcrs,

The above meeting took place on tins occasion under an entirely new management, the energy and businesslike conduct of which have succeeded in making it the best that has ever been held on the Taratahi race course. The number of entries for each event and the number of people on the ground were far in excess of any previous year. The prizes to lie run for, too, were much larger. Through the energy In canvassing for subscriptions and economy displayed in the preliminary arrangements, the Committee were enabled to add £5 for the second horse in the Handicap Hurdles, a sum of £5 to the second money, and a third prize of £5 in the Taratahi-Carterton Handicap. Their treatment of the press, however, was not characterised by the liberality which is displayed by other similar gatherings. But this probably arose from a want of knowledge of racing' usagesand from this point of vie\y the fault iaexonsablo. Still, notwithstanding this and other little drawbacks arising from the same cause, the meeting was most successful, and every credit is due to those through whose energy the affair was brought to so satisfactory an issue. The day was gloriously fine, a slight breeze tempering the extreme heat during the morning; but towards noon this died away, and, as there is no stand or shelter of any kind on the course, the sun's rays were very oppressive for tho npxt two hours, When tlje breeze revived and matters were again comfortable. At an early hour people'began to assemble on the course, tho special excursion trains from Mastertoiitakinganumber of people down who would otherwise iiot hayegone. Yisitors poured in in an almost continuous stream till about half-past twelve, when there were about fifteen hundred people on the ground, and a vary large array of horses and vehicles of all kinds. Tho gatekeepers would, therefore on this occasion, make sufficient to pay them a fair return on their risk and outlay, which has not been the ciise at other recent gatherings. A vory strong band was present, wljich comprised among its members, Masterton, Carterton, and G'reytown musicians, and they kept things pleasant throughout the .day. The usual games of chance were present but did not seem to be yery well patronised, nor did the betting fraternity appear to flourish. The various booths did a good business.— Messrs Ray and Giles respectively occupyiog the refreshment booths, Mr A. L. Whyte, of Carterton, having a first class assortment of confectionery mid cakes of all descriptions, and provided a hot dinner with a good cup of tea, which was well patronised. Mr Whyte also provided a very excellent lunch for the Stewards. MrE. G. Jones, of Maslei'ton, was woll patronised at his fruit stall, the hot weather causing-his'stock to be much in demand. Although thepublican's booths did so good a business, there were very fety oases of cjt'HP|{!)ess and no fights, The meeting being m»3t qrderly throughout. There are several improvements which require to bo made in arrangement of the ground if the races are to be permanently held here, In the first place, though the running ground of the course is very good, the turns are too sharp. On many occasions, on Saturday, horses made a dart for the gate on the far side, and, yyprp with difficulty held on to the course. Another deficiency is that the saddling paddock is' not half largp enough, about half-a-dozen Ijorjbi anias'inany people quitp filling it, '! he inside (if the course up tlje straight,. t«o, was quite open, not even a rope being strgtnljed along, the Clerks of the course finding it almost impossible to keep the people from encroaching on the running ground, Through the absence °f any protection on this side, what might have been n serious accident occurred, J. Desmond, and anotherrldercomlng up straight on beaten horses got "skylarking," and oame along arm in arm, their horses suddenly swerving in upon the people. Desmond's horse fell, and knocked two or three people over (iiijjoijg them the Carterton Constable), but fortunately \yit|iout seriously injuring them. Had a fence, or eveii a rope been erected this could not have taken place. Still, these things can easily be remediod on future occasions, and the Committee might even go as far as to erect a stand, for with good .management and favorable weather, this course, from its central situation and contiguity to the railway lioe, should always command a large attendance. ■ : At about half-past glevei) the bell was rung to saddle up fqr the Hurdles. Five stripped for this, and among them the veteran Karroo. Jfany thought the old boy would" have his flag lopred on this occasion, but still he had a host'of backers among thoie would be sorry to see him beaten. They went away to a good start, Desmond leading up to and over the fjrpt hurdle, closely followed by K»hai and Hanilet, General and Ada some lengths behind. At th.e second •jump Kohai fell, Kangaroo and Hamlet going over all right, followed by General and Ada a way in the rear. The rider of Kohai not being hurt and finding his horse all right, remounted and gave, qhase, Going past the post tho second' time, Hamlet took the lead and puta length or two between him and Kangaroo, Ada a couple. of chains in the rear,' General and Kohai, who had made.up h lot of ground, about the same distance behind her. Hamlet led over the fifth hurdle. Kangaroo gaining considerably by the jump, and they came on together at top jpeed for the last hurdle.. < : Ada,now put oti her best pace ( -ri)shpd at the hurdle juSt eleai l ed f by-the leaders, caught her fore feet on the top bar, pitched oyer on to her head, and rolled over a corpse, her neck beiiig brokehJ As neither man noi horse arose, the spectators' thqiight they were both'killed; but the race w on, and for a moment the excitement and interest of it overcome sympathy, Hamlet and ind Kangaroo coming up to the lost hur>

die by this time at a slashing pace. They rose at it almost together and loud were the cries of encouragement and the cheers which greeted the latter when it wasAe'en' that the jump had given him a'slight lead, and they raced up the straight neck and neck amidst intense excitement, the old horse winning by half a length. Immediately the race was over a rush was made.to the scene of the accident, when it\vas found-that Ada was dead and lying across her jockey (Bremmer), who most fortunately escaped with only some severe bruises. Ada was a well-known Masterton horse, and though not often a winner sho always ran a good mare, and heivuutimely end caused a feeling of sadness to many.of her old acquaintances. The satisfaction, to find that the man was not killed, nor even seriously injured; quickly did away, however, with the gloom caused by the accident, and a field of seven hacks turned out to try conclusions over the Bame hurdles. This was run in mile heats, The horses were all good jumpers and got over the first hurdle safely, Rising in a cluster at the second hurdle, two or three of them struck it, but managed to recover themselves and proceed on their way. A very good race ensued between the three first, the others not having much of a show. Coming up the straight Uncle Tom and Euchre drew away and had the race to themselves, and both being splendidly ridden, a very interesting finish took place, Euchre making room for Uncle Tom by about ahead. The second heat was run in much the same style and with the same result. The victory is the more creditable to Uncle Tom as he was just off the grass, while Ilia opponent was evidently corn fed. But Uncle Tom has. Olymenus blood in his veins, which may account for his gameness.

There were seven aspirants for the Maiden Plate, the favorite being Petruchip; but th'o result was a boil over, Barbara, who was thought hardly fit, winning after an obstinately contested raoe. Petruchio and Whitau each had a turn at the lead, Barbara nearly putting herself nut of it by making for the gate on the far side of the coui'se, Sho was well jockeyed, however, and soon went through and took first place, which she was not. again deprived of. For the Taratahi-Carterton Handicap there was only one scratched, leaving eleven to go for the money. They went away together, and passing the judge the first time Papawai, Winehau, and Romeo were leading. They tailed out a little as they raced along, Romeo making a try for first place, but failing, dropped a little to the rear, Lady Ellen then pushed the leader, hut both wore soon passed' by Senorita, and several nf the others closing up, a very exciting finish ensued, whips going at a great rate; but Senorita maintained her position. Lady Ellen making a very goorl second,

The Novel Race was. a well-contested event on the part of three of .the four entered. Ruby mid Ethel made.the running till about half a mile from home, when Southern Cross closed up and the three raced neck and neck for a "quarter of n mile. Ethel tip dropped to the rear and the other two came .up the straight neck and neck, Southern Cross eventually winning by half a length. The winner was then suld by Mi'A. Armstrong for £12125, and Ruby, tbo aeoond horse, for £ll lis.

Fiiur youngsters stripped and went for the Sapling. Stakes, and Fleetwood made the pace for them; K ikau and the Nanakia fitly it- his hegla. About a quarter of a mile from home Nikau.assumed command' with the Nanakia (illy second. But this state of affairs only lasted about a dozen strides, Fleetwood going through theiu like a flush and won by two. or three lengths, hands down, the filly passing Nikau and taking second place. A field of seventeen hacks was next despatched to a fair start, and after a good' race came in first, Shamrock a good second, Hill's "Verdict third, A protest' was'lodged against Taratahi, on the ground that ho had won a race for £lO at the Hutt." Tlie protest was considered in the evening. The Consolation Handicap brought out a field of seven, Romeo taking the lead, hard pressed by fapawai and Cotuus, but after an exciting race won rather easily, Com us second.

The following was the programme Handicap T'liuidmlUqe of £2O, aecondhorso to receive £5 from the stoke i twice round the course; over fl hurdles, 3ft 91n in height; nomination 1 sov,. aoceptanoe 1 sov, J. Desmond's Kangaroo, aged, list 4lbs (Owner) 1 W, Mitchell's gg Hamlet, aged, Oat (Moore) 2 The latter deplarpd JJlbg overweight, T. OarsweU'R IColiai (9st), Valliinoe's General (9st), and T. L. Thompson's Ada (10st 7llw), also ran. Kohaifell at the second hurdle, and lost what chance he illicit have had; Genoril was a good jumper, hut not fleet enough on the flat for his company ; Ada fell at the fifth Imrdlo and was killed, the first and second horses having the race all to themselves, and finished as above, half a length separating then), amidst great cheering; 4daV- head •u|u?t- have been tjuite doqhleu ipider, iis l|er teeth' penebreast; death instantaneous. Hack Hurdle Mace of £ls, mile heats, over 3 hurdles each, 3ft 9in high; minimum weight 9st. Post entries—l sov, R, Bright's g g Uncle Tom (W. Birch) 1 R. Higijinsoii's Euchre ... (Owner) 2 Yallance's Torped'o, Mitchell's Warrior, Driscoll's Saunterer, and Oarswoll's Arapawa also ran. A splendid race between the two first, in each heat, Uncle Tom losing a lot of ground in the second by hollmg for the gate, but he went up in splendjd atylp and raced the leader wjth considerable pliick", winning ea'oh heat by half a length, Torpedo third, ' ■Maiow Pmte of £ 15.1| mijes, weight for age; open to horses \vhiol} ty'VO never woij-a public stake over £lo.' Nomination, 1 sov. W, Mace's Barbara, Syrs, 7at 111b (T. Winteringham) 1 Hearne's b f Whitau, 3yrs, ftt 111b (Jno. Harris) 2

John Maura's g g Petruchio, 4yrs, Bst 111b: Nicol's Flycatcher, fjst jib; Higguison's Elfrdda, '■ 3yrs, 'fct jllb; R, Bright's g i)i Jliimie Clyde, aged; fist lib; iiti'4 H.' Pliffpn's bg fjatcatoher, aged, 9st lib, alao ran. They \perß. a very troublesome lot to start, but were sent away in a'pretty good line, the rider of Flatcatcher, however, being left at the post, through not watching the flag, and not making a movo till the rest were in full swing. Barbara'took the lead, but in passing the post thp fjrst time, Petnjchiu superseded her. After 'racing a few chains, .Whitau went up and took the load from Petruchio, tlio rest pretty close up. Cominginto the straight fur home, Barham again came to the front, and a splendid race took place, Barbara winning by about a length. • " An extra hack race was introduced here By the Stewards for a saddle-and"bridle, weight 12st, 1| miles. • Eleven were sent away for it, Konini winning a good race, ■ Roebuck second. Two riders in this race began " skylarking" up the straight and their horses .swerved in among the crowd, one of them falling and.'knockirtg.'oygr two or three people, A formal complaint against Desmond (one of the riders) waß lodged with the stewards, and/.was considered oh Saturday , evening, when Desmond and Driscnll were each fined two guineas or in default disqualification from entering horseaor riding on the course at Taritahi,

TiBATAm-GABTEimHj .•: ' 2nd horse to receive £lO, and fo from thf, 'stake; %ice round; the course; , nominatiin'fil 10s, acceptance 1 sov. J. Drunmdnd'e. bra GstlS'iy : (T. Hazard) 1' " R, Bright'a br f Lady Ellen, - . T. Carswell's ,b g Papawai, aged • (Native) 3 J. Desmond's Ika was a good fourth. .11 started. .Papawai made the running for the first half-mile, hard pressed by Whitau and Romeo, most of the other! close up. At the turn for home Senorita took the lead, the rest in a.cluster close;' ; behind, and a good race ensued, a forest of whips rising and falling amidst the dust kicked up.by the leaders. The cry was " Papawai I Papawai I" but it soon changed to " Senorita I" is she was soen gallantly forging ahead, and won a wellcontested race by a length, Lady Ellen passiug Papawai in the .straight, and taking second place. Novel Race of. £ls. 1J miles; catch ' weights; the winner to become the absolute, . property of the Stewards,"apd'to be sold by public auotion'lO minutes alter |'. proceeds to go to' the race fiind/AtjikiX entries—los. J. Driscoll's Southern Cross 1/7"' R. Crawford's Ruby ... ... ... 2 Four started, and a very good race re-. : suited, R Bright'a- Ethel- making the running with Ruby, Southern Cross two or three lengths in the rear, the other never in it, At the turn into the straight Southern- Cross went through, and won. by a heai?, Ethel,?being pulled up when - her ohance was gone. Ruby was bought . in.by the owner for £ll lis, Southern ;• Cross selling for £12125. Sapling Stakes of £lO, G furlongs; ooltg Bst 101b, geldings and fillies Bst 51bs; en* • ■ trance 1 sov. J. Casey's o g Fleetwood (0, Winter* inghara) '.,.'-l :; Heame'B br f by Nanakia, Bst 81b, (F. Polling) _2 Armstrong's Nikau (Bst Bibs) and Olif-' tnn'B Bandit (Bat lOlbs) also ran, Fleetwood winning easily, Nikau a.good third. Haok Rao? of £7 10s, once .round the . course; catch weights; opoo to all bona-fifle.... hack-horses that have never, wona race, of ■ £lO. Post entries — T. Ray's Taratahi ... (T. Ray, jun.) 1 R, Tilson'a Shamrock ... ... 2. T. Hill's Verdiot ' ... 3 Seventeen started, and they made a tremendous dust and olatter as they raced by the stand in a bunch the first time-;".', but they tailed out till about a quarter of' : • a mile from the winning post, when many i that were in the rear closed up to the' -' . leaders, and whips and spurs vent at it afc- : - , a great rate, but Taratahi was too goo'd,' and won pretty easily. A protest/WM.;; entered against hira by the owner of '. • Shamrookon the ground that he had ffi.nl.. I a stake of £lO at the IJutt. It was con--. : , sidered in the evening, but' was not Bua«:i r tained.

Consolation Stakes of for all beaten horses'; once' wmd and a d}».„. taqofl, J. Casey's Romeo, Bst (C, Winterings ham) .1; T. Ray's Comus, ?st 41b (T. Ray, jua) : 2-; Romeo carried Bib overweight Carswell's Papawai, ost2lbs; Mitchell's; Hamlet, 6st ,41ba; Bright's Lady Ellen,. Qst 81bs; and Nicol'a Flycatcher, 6atlolb«, also ran. , ... i A very, good race, Romeo winning-, by a length. Another hack race was got . up by the' stewards, once round,' catch weights. Eleven started, and a good race resulted" in J. Driscoll's Ernest pulling it off, with T, Carswell's Vagabond second. This con- ' eluded the meeiing and the' course was very quickly deserted. In concluding our notice we must express our thanks for the courtesy displayed towards our representative by Mr Wolterß, the energetic secretary, and also to Mr Kimber, who wasassisti 'g him, as well as to the stewards generally, who afforded every facility for obtaining a correct report of the proceedings.