United Hunt Club's Steeplechase Meeting.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4168, 18 July 1892, Page 3

United Hunt Club's Steeplechase Meeting.

(From Our Oibn Comsponienl).

Wellington, Monday. The fate j who his, or nithor the i-lei'lt of the weather was-most affable, for the second Annual Sieeplo chase Meting of the United Hunt Club took place under tlio most favor able conditions as -regards weathei. The Ilutt Pa-It course, on. the previous Saturday a sea of mud and slush, w»s on thi3 occasion in voiy fair order, thanks to the bright, dry weather that existed for the groa'er part of the week. The going was of oonrse a little heavy, but that is only to be expected in the depths of winter. The outside attendance of the public was r.nt as large U3 might hate been expected, but tlio lawn, grand stand, and saddling paddock wero ciowded l>y a fashionable attendance, included amongst whom wi-re His Excollonoy ilio Governor, and Capt, Hunter-Blair. Lady Glasgow was unfortunately absent, owing to indisposition. Two totalisators were used, and speculation was extromely brisk during tbo day. The racing, of which you have already had particulars, was decidedly interesting, and resulted in a series of surprises, f->r none of tlio favorites caught the Judge's eye first throughout tbo whole mee'ing. As a natural result, thedividends, although not sensational, were very good. One of the prettiest races ol tlio day was the Open Hurdles, in wbich Empiro just beat Bide-a-Wee almost on the post by a short neck. The Hunt Club Steeplechase was an mtertsting race, and was cleverly won by Morok. llalicoie caused roars of laughter'by his amusing refusals to negociate the turf wal in front of the stand. The dispute between horse and rider was eventually ended by the jockey coming gently off and philosophically leading the recalcitrant beast home. Flintstone's easy victory in tlio Open Steeplechase was a thorough surprise to those not in the " know," but the wise ones who were in this fortunate nosition, were rewarded, by tbo very handsome dividend of £l7 2s.

Tho Stowaids ably assisted by the energetic Secretary (Mr D, H, Mackinnon), worked hard 10' ensure the success of the meeting. Mr A. E. U, Rhode?, M.H.R., aoted as Judge, and performed his not very onerous duties (on tins occasion) tojthe satisfaction of all concerned. The general arrangements were excellent and the starting was beyond all praise. Jenkins' band played on the lawn during the day, thereby considerably enlivening the proceedings. We must congratulate the Club upon a successful day's sport, and compliment all the officers (more especially the Secretary) upon the manner in wbioli their various duties were performed.