HOKITIKA RACES.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1167, 14 April 1874, Page 4

HOKITIKA RACES.

From the West Coast Times, of the Bth instant, we cull the following particulars of the first day's racing, which had been postponed from Monday until Tuesday last, in consequence of the dreadfully wet weather. The attendance was limited, the main cause for the lack of numbers being that the copious rains had filled dams, &c, to overflowing, and miners could not afford to lose the opportunity to wash, even though the inducement wero a day's racing. On the next day however it was expected that matters

would largely improve, and that not only better racing, but larger fields and an increased attendance would alter the first day's results. The course was in excellent order, and, considering the late rains, the Club had every reason to congratulate them - selves on the success of their efforts, to make good running ground. Owing to various causes the attendance of the Stewards was curtailed most strangely. The President, the Hon J. A. Bonar, was down in the Waipara somewhere south, Mr FitzGerald was compelled to travel to Greymouth, Mr Burton was away in Christchurch,and Mr H. Mace had also business elswbere. The Judge, Mr EL L. Robinson, was also abseut, and his duties were performed by Mr T. Ken. rick, from Greymouth. The consequence was that there only remained of the officials on the card, Messrs Davidson and Applebee, Mr Cullen, starter, and Mr Christian, Clerk of the Course and Hon. Sec. All these gentlemen discharged their duties as well as could possibly be, and they were efficiently aided by Mr Gawn, who officiated as clerk of the scales.

Ibe Trial Stakes and Trotting Race fell through, and the rest of the events were pulled off in the following order:—

Handicap Hurdle Race of 30 sovs ; distance, one and a-half miles. Mr Sexton's b g Boy in Blue 5 yrs, (Lloyd) 1 Mr Gawne's g g Vandal, aged (Cahiil) 2

Tommy Dodd, Nero, and Septimus, were drawn. Boy in Blue cantered round, jumping excellently, as he always does, and Vandal followed in his wake at a most respectful distance. The latter got over his hurdles somehow, after a time, with the exception of two flights, which a friendly hand pulled down and allowed him to gallop over.

Hack Handicap, of 15 sovs; for all untrained horses. One and a-half miles. Mr Smith's b g Garryowen, aged, 9st (Lloyd) 1 Mr Mahoney's br g Wideawake, aged, Bst 12ibs (Cahill) ... 2 Mr Evans' b g Scotty, aged, Sst 4lbs (French) ... ... ... 3 Templar, Jasper; Dougal Jack, and Darkie also started. After travelling two-thirds of the distance the three leaders singled themselves out, and a pretty race from that point ensued, the three riders being hard on their horses. At the distance Garryowen drew away about a length, and his two immediate followers being hardly separated by a head. The others were beaten off. The next race was the Borough Handicap, of 100 sovs; one and a-half miles and a distance. Mr Cameron's gg Septimus, aged, Ust 41bs, (Bamber) 1 Mr Graham's ch m Lacenfeed, aged (Barton) 2 Mr Carroll's bg Nero, Gst Gibs, (Smith) 3 Any odds on Lacenfeed, aa much as 3 to 1 on her being in some cases offered without takers. Septimus winning tolerably easily by a little better than a length, Nero about the same distance from the mare. The next event was the Selling race of 25 sovs; weight for age. Distance, one and three-

quarter miles. Mr Mclvor's b g Tommy Dodd, aged (entered not to be sold), (French) ... ... ... 1 Mr Graham's North Star, £2O, (Barton) 2 Septimus and Lacenfeed were drawn. This, though apparently a good race, was a gift'to Tommy Dodd, French allowing North Star to get on terms with him on sufferance merely, and winning with ease by about half a length.

The following entries and handicaps were made for the second day's sport: — DISTRICT PTATE. Garry owen ... ... 9st North Star Sst 121b Wideawake Sst 121b Hover Sst Sib Boy in Blue Sst Gib Scotty Bst 21b WESTLAND lIUHDLE HANDICAP. Tommy Dodd ... 10st 121b Nero 10st 41b Septimus ... ... 9st 12!bs Boy in Blue ... Bst 41bs Vandal 7st Gibs WESTLAND HANDICAP. Yatterina 9st lOlbs Lacenfeed 7st libs Septimus ... ... 6st lllbs Nero Gst Slbs