THE PHAKO RACES.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1051, 20 March 1879, Page 2

THE PHAKO RACES.

The settlers and residents of Morrinsville and surrounding districts, have been for the last weeek on the tip-toe of excitement, on account of the great annual event above mentioned. Many on Sunday evening were anxiously watching the sunset, m this they were sadly disapointed, for instead of seeing his majesty retiring to rest and the heavens blushing far and near at the sight of it, the heavens were actually frowning at us, m fact", everyone expected a thorough wetting, but St. Patrick must have had a quiet chat with the clerk of the wether, as the morning broke with a glorious sunrise, and the day throughout was fine, not even a shower falling to lay the dust. And, lam happy to say, the races were a decided success. The first race was tho Handicap Hurdle race. — Two started for this event, which ended as follows : •— W. Smith's c g Loafer, 12st (Carr) 1 W. Smith's blk m Blackthorn (Johnston) ... <.. 2 This was a very tame affair, as it was well knowu before starting to be a gift to Loafer. The mare balked at the second hurdle, and threw her rider, but he quickly mounted and joined m the race. Scotlandyet and Ploijghboy were scratched Maiden plate.— Tana Thomson's bg Clover, lOst slb (Maori) I Charlie Totara's b g Cockey 9st 51b (C. Totara) , 2

Eight entered for this event, which was very hoily contested ; four, however, came to the post. I hear lhat Mr Buoklaud's mare went wrong before starting for the Piako: Mr Smith's Midnight also came to grief, and Mr Bond's Wee Pet aud Loafer were scratched. Passing the post the first lime they were m this order i Clover. 1; Dainty, 2 ; Cockey, 3 ; Lucy, 4. Dainty and Clover carried over weight. Piako Cup.— Six ran for this event, which terminated as follows : — Thos. Bond's b g Derby, 9st 51b (Bond) l W. Smith's b g Loafer, 9st 51b (Roulands) 2 This was one of the hottest events of the day, won only by a neck. A protest was entered by Roulands, the rider of Loafer, against Bond, for whipping his horse as it passed. There was not sufficient evidence, however for the stewards to enter, tain it. Distance Handicap Trotting Race. — Six entered for this event, but only four came to the post. Graham's g m Fanny (Graham) 1 W. Smith's blk g Blackthorn (Smith) 2 Tha rest, nowhere at the finish ; but Pearson's Minnie went well foi the first round, leading all the way. Galloway Race.— Seven ran m this event, G. Cooper's b g Tipperary ... 1 Graham's r m Lucy ... ... 2 This was a hard flogging race towards the finish. Won as above by half a length only. The local favorite, Parata, not showing her metal at all. Hack Race.— Ten startrd for this event, which terminated as follows : — J. G. Smith's b g Gladys ... 1 Brindle's b g Skylark 2 A very exciting race from beginning to end. 1 understand that a match has been arranged between Smith and Brindle, to run their respective horses for <£50 a side. Maori Race.- Six entered for this event, which was hardly fought; from beginning to end. Tana Thompson's Clover ... 1 Tuhakaraina's Master 2 Master began to show his temper iv this race, or probably he wou d have placed himself difforeutly. Popora, Shingle, Korupourau and Mary, also ran. Consilation Stakes.— Four started for this event, which finished as follows : — Taylor's bg Rally 1 Tana Thomson's b g Hauhau ... 2 Cockey ran off the coursefcoming up the straight; Master did the same thing the first time going round, and severely shook his owner, Tohakaraina, but luckely no bones were broken. A Hurry Scurry terminated the days amusement, which, I understand, was heartily enjoyed by everyone present. This event was carried off by Cocky, only four entering. THE PIGEON MATCH. March 18. The Pigeon, Match as advertised m the columns of the. Waikato Tmees, came oft m the paddooks attached to the Nottingham Castle Hotel, the day after annual races, several of our sporting friends of Hamilton, Cambridge,Te Awamutu, and other settlements, staying either to witness or take part m the sport, which proved very interesting and exciting towards the close. Money changed handa freely. Subjoined are the scores : — Total. Mr Hunt 22202212 ... 13 Mr Wood 02222221 ... 13 Mr Collett 20002001 ... 5 Mr Bertram 00200222 ... 8 Mr W. Smith 0000 a ... 0 Mr Hitch man 12220102 10 It will be seen by the above scores that Mr Hunt and Wood tied. Mr Hunt's fourth shot was not a miss, the bird, however, fell outside the bounds, therefore could not count. Mr Bertram was very unfortunate, as several times when attempting to shoot he was not prepared, for, firing as he did with a i breach-loder, he omitted on these occasions to slide back his safety slide before raising the gun to his shoulder. Mr Hitchman did some" thing similar, for he attempted to shoot when he was at half cock. Subjoined are scores of the ties : — Total. Mr Hunt 220 4 Mr Wood 220 4 At this juncture they elected to divide the stake, but continued, to satisfy what bets might have been made. The scores were as follows : — Total. Mr Hunt 02 2 ! Mr Wood 00 0 Iv firing off the above, Mr Wood's gun hung fire, fearing she was foul, he threw hia piece aside and took np Mr Bertram's, but, us anticipated, not being used to it, it flailed him. Mr Hunt was therefore declared the winner. Mr Wood labored under a diadvantage, for his gun was used by three others besides himself. Tbe others firino* with their own pieces. wimi-i ■ ' ■