MASTERTON-OPAKI JOCKEY CLUB.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2180, 28 December 1885, Page 2

MASTERTON-OPAKI JOCKEY CLUB.

SUMMER MEETING. PRESiDENT-Mr William Lowes; Hon. Treasurer-Mi' A Elkins; JudgeMr A. W. Cave; SiABiBR-Mr T. Parsons; STEWARDS-Messrs J. lorns, A, Elkins, T. Parsons, E. Dixon, G. Dixon, H. G. Williams, D. McLachlan; Clerk of Scales-Mi J. Harding; Clerks of Course—Messrs W, lorns and.H. Yateß; Handicapper-Mi' H. McMaster ; Secretary—Mr R. J. Fitton. First Day. The Summer Meeting of the OpakiJockeyClubwascommencedonßoxing Day, and being the first on the new course which has recently been acquired by the Club, a good deal of interest naturally contered in it. The new course measures exaotly ono mile and a quarter in circumference, and is formed a full chain in width, In shape it resembles tho Island Bay course, having two long and parallel straights; but as the winning post is at one end of one of these straights the spectators can see only the horses heads during the moat interesting part of the race, and are, therefore, not quite so well able to judge of their positions. This drawback is, of course, felt to a certain extent on every race course, j Owing to the contractor failing to complete his work in time, and the dry weather which set in during the spring, the turf was not jn the condition in which it might have been desired, and at the saddling paddock, where there is an excavation of about a foot in depth, there was not a blade of grass, The remainder, however, looked fairly greon, though clouds of dust followed in the tracks of the horses, so that in the hack races, where there were large numbers of competitors, those who brought up the rear were scarcely visible. All this will, of course, be completely changed next year. It was the opinion of all good judges present that there is not a better course in New Zealand, In this we concur, for by the time the grass has taken a proper hold there will be no room for further improvements, especially as the surroundings are very attractive. The Committee', has erected a roomy saddling paddock, three sides ot which are enclosed by a picket fence, while the fourth is close boarded. A temporary stand, under which there is a booth and luncheon room, has been erected, care having been taken co put in the lower timbers of such a strength as to render this portion of the structure useful for the larger building that'is to be erected, The straight has been fenced off with a single rail fence," the rail having the edge turned up so aB to prevent the public from using it as a seat. _ It had been anticipated that the railway line would open in time to run trains to the platform at the approaoh to the course; but in this the public and the Club were disappointed. Although the sleepers and rails are down all the way, and engines and carriages could run on the lino at a moderate speed, none of it has been ballasted,- and without this, it appears the Public Works Act forbidß all traffic.The mode of reaching the course was, .therefore, 'as hitherto, either by ono of .the vehicles of. different kinds that were; put on for the occasion, on horseback or M foot. Although it was announced by the' Club that arrangments had been made under which passengers would be conyeyed;a) Is 6d per head, we notice that 2? was in a good many instances exacted. Tliis, combined with the gate charge of 2s, paused some dissatisfaction. The number of people ,pn the ground was about one: thousaiid-not' as many as was expected, yet a very satis factory number, when the aspect of the sky is eonsidered: There were two booths on the gropj, one in the saddling paddock kept by'Mr T. Thompson,of the Empire Hotel, and (mother outside, iept by Mr D. E, Tpobill, of WRoyal Hotel. Both did a very fair amount of ■ TOMS.' Mm grandstand luncheon ■ •oom warmths hands of Mr F. Pelling ' benjg'keptby i fe:p, Mcolaßhan„';4 , frulfc(it»3i was sup- ! elgjltw BaHdj^saaij a avmbsr of

selections, in a. 'convenient, stand,',: and added life to theproceedinga of the day, : ■ One of Jenkins' patent totalisators; supplied with all the latest improvements, and I'unby Messrs flay es & Co., was on the ground; and so situated that it could be' easily approached either from the saddling paddock or outside; The pay-' ments throughout were prompt and satisfactory, Except in the first race, the machine was very fairly patronised. The total amount passed through was £1291. There were three or four "games," which appeared to do a splendid trade. There were, no.bookmakors on the ground. The racing was not of a very exciting character, although the favorites by no means had mates'all their own way. The fields, were not so large as might have been desired, and this naturally detracted from the interest of tho sport, ■ Three out of the six aoceptors for the Railway Plate came to the post, and of these Revoke was a very decided'favorite, though Little, Scrub was not by any means overlooked, Lady Maud, the third starter, had but few friends. Mr Thompson's grey proved himself quite equal to the task of Upsetting tho pot of I the leading stable in the district, tor he won all the way.

' In the Opaki Stakes Administrator took the fancy of the public, Pasha, Gentle Annie, and Rollo coming next in the order given; but the roan was not quite in the form he was expected to be, and Pasha beat him rather easily, Rollo running a far better horse than seemed to be expected. With some of the fat off him he would have gone very near winning the money. Gentle Annie,- who has been expected for some time past to do another big thing, was, as we have often seen her of late-last.

A noteworthy feature in the Champagne Stakes was. that thveo out of the four starters were by Puriri. Nor did they disgrace their sire. The Rose d'Amour blood once more told, Mr W, lorns' Honeysuckle winning rather easily, The two hack races brought out two fields of eleven, These were a gift to a splendid looking bay called Matamau, hailing, from Napier, who seemed to be able to run rings round his company, and should have been pitted against the trained horses,

Mr T. E. Chamberlain- having resigned the office of starter,, the duties fell on Mr T. Parsons, who was successful in sending the fields away on fair terms, The time throughout was slow, on account of the course being heavy. -The following are the details of the various events : Derby, of 70 sovs., second horse 10 sovs, For three-year-olds. Colts Bst lOlbs, fillies and geldings Bst 51bs, Mr W. lorns'br f Rumour, by Tattler —Eose d'Amour ... ..; floskins 1 Mr T. Thompson's clic Fritz, by Mangle Winteringham 2 Revoke was scratched. An oven start was effected, but Fritz gradually worked ahead, so that at the far side of tho course he was a length and a half to tho good. At the top turn this was .reduced to a length. Rumour then came'up with a rush and went up to the -winner in a few strides, but immediately fell away again. . Entering the straight Fritz led by nearly two lengths, but Rumour gradually came up and won pretty well as sho liked by a little over a length. Time 3min 7secs. Totalisator, Fritz 5, Rumour 12; total 17; dividend £lss.

Railway Plate Handicap of CO sovs; second horse 10 sovs; f mile; nomination 1 sov., acceptance 2sovs. Mr T. Thompson's gg Little Scrub, by The Paiuter, syrs, 7st 61b, Ray 1 Mr P. F. Tancred'sch f Revoke, 3yrs, Bst Vaile 2 Mr Wainohu'sg.m Lady Maud, syrs, 6st 61b (including Gibs overweight) ' Hopkins 3 Pasha, 9st 21b, Rumour, Bsc, and Treasurer, 7st 51b were scratched.

.There was some trouble in getting the trio together, and there were several breaks away. When Mr Parsons did send them away Little Scrub njade a splendid start, which gave him an advanfcage of fully a length over Revoke, whjle Lady Maud did not move till she had lost at least three lengths. Little Scrub continued to improve his position, and by the time the turn for home was reached it waß plain that nothing but an accident could lose him the race. Ho passed the prat about five lengths in front of Revoke, about two lengths separating the latter from Lady Maud. Time, lmin 19 2-Bths seconds. Totalizator, Revoke 138, Little Scrub 110, Lady Maud 36; total 286. Dividend £2 fis.

Maiden District Hack Race, of 15 sovs. For horses that have never afcarkd for any race. Once rouud the course, Catch weights. Post entry, 1 sov. Matamau 1 » Little-Fraud „ 2 Satanella 3 There were eleven starters, but tho race was won with the greatest ease by Matamau, who won by three or four chains. Totalisator 195, dividend £sl7s. Opaki Stakes Handicap, of 150sovs; second horse 20 sovs, third horse 5 sovs. 2 miles. Nomination 1 sov,

acceptance 3 sovs, and 2 sovs at post. Mr W. lorns' be Pasha, by Tho Muto -Rose D'imour, 4yrs, Bst 101b ... ••• - Hoskins 1 Mr P. F. Tancred's rh Administrator, 6yrs, 95t,... Vaile 2 Mr James Macara's b c Rollo, 4yrs,' 6st4lbs Carr 3 Mi'J. J. Laing's bin Gentle Annie, aged, 7st 51b L an g q Rumour, 3yrs, 7st 81b, was scratchedThe horses were sent away well together' Administrator assuming first place, Pasha second, Gentle Annie third and Rollo last. This position they kept for tho first quarter of a mile, there being only about half a length .difference between them. Rollo then shot ahead and got the lead! Gentle Annie, being apparently outpaced' Passing the stand the first time Rollo still held tho lead, being half a length ahead of Pasha, who had passed Administrator at the top .turn, and now led Mm by nearly two- lengths, Gentle Annie being about eight lengths behind. This 'position, was maintained till approaching the- top turn for the second time, except that Pasha had been steadily going up to the leader, whom he soon passed. Administrator also commenced to improve his position, and passing, the post at ,th,e entrance to the straight he got on level terms with Rollo, the pair bejncj about aJength and a half from the leader. Both were under the whip, but Rollo took unkindly to it, and swerved right across the course, thus losing a lot of ground. ■ Pasha won by four lengths, Administrator taking second place by about three lengths from Rollo, Gentle Annie being about a dozen lengths away. Time, 3min 47 one-fifth seconds, Totalizator, Administrator, 141; Pasha 112-; Gentle Annie, 37.; Rollo,- 21* Dividend, £2 9s. .•" - - '

Champagne Stakes; of 50 sovs, second horse 1Q sovs. 6 furlongs. Colts fat lOlbfillyfjand geldings 7sfc 61b. Nomination 1 sov.ylsoy. on the night of general entry, Fov'"two.year ; b)ds. twelve nominations,;'/. ; MrW. lorns' br f Honeysuckle, by Puriri-Rose D'Amouf''.. >ery 1 Mr F..W; Burt's bfJeanettei by WW - ... ... Lang' 2 SfeT? Qfeswo ? by Purirr : ••'" l 'o ; ■•■. '■'. J, k MrP.F.Tanored'Bfi.o Forester, by yMiaeyerand soratjeliei

;r. -After one false'start, the .'flag'fell to an* indifferent start,'; Namu being. Mft at the; post.' Honeysuckle got a little thei quickest away, Jeanette being seicondiand :Fqre;ster,ihira;v After - going] the first quarter,..Jeanette drew ahek, 1 ' while Forester dropped behind N/imu, who showed a good turn of f00t,,/aa he made up a' good deal of ground. Honeysuckle once more assumed first plae-3, and kepfc it to the finish, winning by Jaalf a length from Jeanetfco, who was-/ about four lengths in front of Namu. I Forester was last. Time, lmm. 24secs/ Totalisator, ; Forestnr : G5, Namu 47, / Jeanette 53, Honeysuckle 108; total, 253. Dividend. £2 2s. / '

Hack Race, of 10 sovs ;once round the course. Eight stone up. Post entry 10s. Matamau ~. ;' i Little Vagabond .„ .„ 2 Suzette ... ; ... „. 3 '

There we're eleven starters, and Matamau again won as he liked. Totalizator 228. Dividend £1 16s. -

m This concluded the day's meeting,

The following horses havo accepted for to-days events : : ' Hurdles.. Cribbage 12st 121b, Dan O'Connell 10st lib, flalicore 9at 101b, Walkover 9at 61b. District Handicap, .- ' Administrator 9st 51b, Pasha 9st 51b, Rumour 7st 91b, Gabble 7st 81b, Gentle Annie 7st 41b, Revoke 7sfc .'3lb, Kakapo 7st, Rollo list 81b, Lady Maud fist 61b. Tradesmen's Handicap. Pasha 9st 51b, Little Scrub 7st 121b Revoke 7st 91b, Rollo 6st 121b;: -Cribbage 6st 71b, Lady Maud 6st 21b, '•

LOWER VALLEY JOCKEY CLUB. The annual meeting of. the above Club was held on the Maryborough course on Boxing Day. In the early part of the day the weather looked rather threatening, and fears were felt that the meeting of this popular club was to be marred by the weather. However, about noon the clouds rolled by and the crowdß rolled up, and by the time the races were in full swing there must have been between 700 and 800 people on the course. The stewards were punctual in starting the programme, but got very slow towards the last; but this is a fault which is not confined to tin's club alone. The only protest which had to be considered during tho meeting was entered by Mr Tailored in the L.Y.J.C. Handicap, the protest being against Ugly Buck for crossing Gabble. After going into the matter at some length the protest was not upheld. During the time it was being considered the public eot rather excited. Mr J. McMaster as starter was very successful •in getting the fields away together, and Mr Wallace Smith as judge gave great satisfation, more especially in the Native Race, which was the most exciting event of the day. Mr H. C. Dowman was indefatigable as secretary. There was a totalisator on the course and put through something like £lOl3 for the meeting, Big dividends were not the order of the day, the heaviest being on Loch Lomond in the Steeplechase, £2 19s. The publicans' booth wasundor tlie charge of Host Orr, who supplied a want which was very noticeable, viz., plenty of waiters for eacli bar. The general run of people do not care about being kept away from the races when going for refreshments. Mr A. L. Whyto, of Carterton, supplied the refreshments in his usual style, consequently, with his attendants was kept very busy the whole day. Mr W. Smith, of Featherston, provided fruit in abundance, and appeared to do a good trade, There were no games on the course, but "Judy," the Maori, ran a "menagerie," the only exhibit being a " little dear," as he called it; 'but on entering the show, the tent was occupied by a native with a barrel organ anb a fawn about 12 months old. However, nobody grumbled at paying their" bob," as the proprietor was ex : tremely amusing, The following is the result of each event :

Flying Handicap, six furlongs, T. Smith's b h Ugly Buck, Skinner... 1 R. Tilson's b c Theodore, Keegan .„ 2 J, Skeet'sbg Tho Slave, Jones ... 3 Capucine, 7st 21b, was the only other starter. Gabble, Bst2lb, and Fawn, 7st 121b, wore scratched. Before starting Theodore took a spin of 3 miles on his own account, which, of course, made his backors mad. However, when the race was all over, he proved himself a good second. Shortly after the start Capucine bolted offthe course, leavingthe remainder of the field to finish as above. Time lmin 21|sec. Totalisator £101; Dividend £1 14s.

Next on the programme was the Handicap Steeplechase, 100 sovs. second horse 10 sovs from the, Btakes! About two miles and a half. Blower's Loch Lomond lOst 61bs „ , ;■■ , Woods 1 Bales Skipper lOst 41b, Johnson 2 Tilson's Kangaroo, list lib, Harriss 3 Halicore, lOst 41b, Flying Jib, 12st 51b also started, Director, 12st 71b, was scratched. Loch Lomond and Kangaroo were the first over fence No. 1, the others 'taking things very comfortably.' All went well till coming to the first wall, whon they all refused. Ultimately, Loch Lomond, Skipper, and Kangaroo got over, Halicore and Flying Jib refusing. While they were trying their best the others had got a considerable distance ahead, all fencing in grand style, the only one "refusing being Loch Lomond. However, he lost very little time, and was soon on to the leaders, and mado the pace pretty merry for the remainder of the race, ultimately winning by about one length from Skipper, Kangaroo being about- three lengths from Skipper. Flying Jib was the only horse that came to grief. Time 7min29£sec. Totalizator £199, Dividend £2l9s. : ■ Next came the Handioap-Hack Race, 10 sovs., 1 mile. Open to horses that have never been entered for other than' hack races, Post entry, 10s. Eor this event 12 started, and after a good raco the winner, turned up in Mr. Tooker's Scraps, Mr Benton's Wizard being second. Totalizator 183, dividend £2 ss. .' L.V.J.O. Handicap, 85 sovs., second hrae 5 sovs from the stakes; 2 miles., Smith's Ugly Buck, Bst ... 1 Tancred's Gabble, 7st3lbs.,. 2 Administrator wasscratched. The Buck had this in his own hands after the first mile, and won pretty comfortably in 3min: 47 sees. MrTancred entered a protest against the Buck for a cross, but- it was not upheld, Totalisator 206, dividend £2 lis. \ Selling..Race, 20 sovs, 1-mile, weight for'age. "' J. Standen's Kaitoa ,j J. Tilson's Oliver Twist 2 From the startKaitoahad t!mrace in hand, and landed it easily. • Totalisator $?, dividends 7s, The winner was put up tql auction Md knocked down to his 6s: •' .-.-;.. .f .■(.!. vViS ■.-■;■ Handicap, qo' govs, one .„ple,- '."- -i>.--r-tvi-i

_The only iiorsßs thai started WM'fl Faiyn and True Blue, and after *M mtim race True Blue, won by a nose. m&m- ww-. ruced fenvthelalirof I the flsg. ; ;Fawn;wai;t]ie. favpfcei-but carnsdoTCTa; tfom (im^jak^: T]me'

Jlmipif : socs.' 87; Dividend ■.:,■<:■ <\ r ' ■{■■: ■■ ■■: /Onemile; '-."■ [/p ; Tli'estartera.wereUgly Buck 9sfc 41b, The Slave 6sfci2}b, Capucine 6st. Before they had gone far Capucine bolted off in the same place as !h the Flying Stakes, and left tho others fco. finish/which, of courso put the Buck right into it. Won hard held; . ,• . :.* . '.Totalizator. 148. Dividend, £lßs. This brought the meeting to a close. '-.-■ AUCKLAND CUP.

[United Pbes's Association,] this day. ~ Nelson .;, „;■ „-. . ,„ l Waitiri ' ~, 2 . Victoria ... ... „. 3