WAIKATO TURF CLUB SUMMER MEETING.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1502, 18 February 1882, Page 2

WAIKATO TURF CLUB SUMMER MEETING.

Prhsident : Lieut-Col. William Lyon. VicePresident: Capt. William Steele. Judge: Edward Waddington, Esq., M.D. Stewards : Mpssrs T. B . Whyte, MHR., Mr F. A. Whitaker, M.H.R., Mr H. W. Northcroft, R.M., Major William Jackson, Mr J. H. M. Carpenter, Mr C. J. Storey, Mr J. S. Buckland, Mr William Taylor, Mr F. R. Claude, Mr A. B. Suttoi. Startet : Mr C. J. Storey. Clerks of the Course: Messrs James> Taylor and Charles R. Johnson. Clerk of the Scales : Mr Samuel McLernon. Handicapper: Mr W. Percival. Hon. Treasurer : Mr Kennedy Hill. Secretary : R. Bradley.

First Day. The pleasurable anticipations of those who expected to find the Summer Meeting of 1882 a success can hardly be said to have been realised on Thursday. The weather was promising enough, though somewhat cloudy, yet the ;attendance was most meagre. At the outside there could not have been more than 400 people on the ground, though of these a large proportion found their way to the grand stand, which considering all things, was well supported. The attendance was made up chiefly of the town residents of the district, the absence of country people being singularly conspicuous. The arrangements of the secretary and stewards were admirable, no time being lost between the events, and no disputes or unpleasantness of any kind arising. The refreshment bar and luncheon room presided over by Mr Camp, of the Tamahere Hotel, gave thorough satisfaction, as also did Mr Granville, who ran the temperance booth. The Hamilton Band were on the ground during the day, and played numerous selections in a style which showed how much they have improved lately. Mr Adams had his totalisator on the ground, but it did not appear to very extensively patronised, and the two members of the " ring " had very little to do. The course was in fair order, though somewhat dusty. Of the racing little need be said. With the exception of the Handicap the events were uninteresting enough, notwithstanding that good fields invariably faced the starter. The Hurdles was a regular gift to Shakespeare's horse, which came up the straight in a common canter, with brown Harkaway second (under the whip), and Sportsman and Rawenafca hopelessly in the rear, Uncle Tom having come to grief in the first round. The Te Awamutu horse seemed sadly out of condition, and never made a poorer show. The Maiden Plate proved a very soft thing for Prince Charlie, though Saint and Beeswing had a pretty struggle for second place. The big race eventuated, as a great many conjectured, in a victory for Dewdrop— notwithstanding that her owner, Lennard, declared to win with Kenilworth, — partly on account of the light weight put on her, but also because there was a general impression that Randwick would beat the other chestnut. The result proved that these surmises were right. Though Kenilworth ran a game race and made the pace hot, he was collared by Randwick coming round towards the straight, and Dewdrop was left to maintain her owner's pret>tit/e. Some surprise was manifested at the result, but there existed no doubt in the minds of those who closely observed the i-ace that any xmfair play was attempted. The President's Stakes was a complete boil over, the favorite, Randwick breaking down at the back of the course, and leaving the race in the hands of Robert the Devil, who beat the other starter, Rita, by about a dozen lengths. The Selling Hack Race Avas won by J. S. Buckland's Omega, with Bravo second. In this connection it is but right to state that the starting of Mr Storey gave universal satisfaction. Not a single false start occurred during the day, and no unpleasantness of any kind arose. It will be seen by reference to our local column that the club have, in a very graceful manner, acknowledged their obligations to Mr Storey. The following were the events on the first day :—: —

HANDICAP HURDLE RACE. Of 30 soys ; with a sweepstakes of 2 soys each added. Second horse 5 soys out stake. Distance two miles. Over eight nights of hurdles, 3ft. 6in. high. Nomination 1 soy ; acceptance 2 soys. Mr Shakespeare's eh q Harkaway, aged, lOst. 81bs 1 Mr Coutts b q Harkaway, aged, lOst. 71bs 2 Mr Rutherford's eh q Sportsman, aged, list. 21bs 3 Mr Grave's Uncle Tom and Mr Corcoran's Rawenata also started. Betting : sto 4 agst Harkaway, 3to 1 agst Sportsman and Rawenata, 6 to 1 agst. brown Harkaway. Tho horses got away well together. Uncle Tom who was well up to the front took the top rail off the first hurdle, but no casualty occurred. Count's horse was now leading, with Uncle Tom next, and Rawenata last. In this order they cleared the next two hurdles. At the fourth Uncle Tom, who was now third, struck heavily and turned a complete somersault, severely injuring thejockey, breaking his collar bone. Passing the stand the two Harkaways were running neck and neck, with Sportsman next, and Rawenata still last. Very little change occurecl around the course, all the horses jumping well, until the straight was neared, when it was seen that brown Harkaway was under the whip, while, Goodman, who was riding Mr Shakespeare's horse, was holding hard. Coming up the straight, the latter horse was only cantering, though he won by a good length, Sportsman was a bad third.

MAIDEN PLATE. Of 30 soys. Distance, one and a half miles. Weight for age. Entrance, 1£ soys. Open to all horses that have never won an advertised race exceeding 10 soys. Mr A. Buckland's eh h Prince Charlie 5 yrs, 9st. 31bs 1 Mr G. Wilkinson's b q Saint, aged, 6st 31bs 2 Mr Adam's b c Blackcock, 5 years, 9at 3 Mr Bond's Beeswing also ran. Mr McCracken's Nelly, and Mr Bond's St. Patrick were scratched. Betting even on Prince Charlie, 6 to 4 agst Blackcock, 3 to I agst Saint, 5 to 1 agst Beeswing. The horses were sent away well tof ether, Prince Charlie having the post of onour, with Saint in attendance, Beeswing bringing up the, rear as they passed the stand. At the back of the course Blackcock passed Saint, and retained his position until entering the straight, when a desperate struggle for second place ensued between him and Saint, the latter eventually getting the advantage. Prince Charlie was never challenged, and won with ease.

TURF CLUB HANDICAP Of 100 aovs, with a Sweepstake of 5 soys. each added ; second horse 15 soys., , third horse, Ssovs. putf of the stakes. Distance, 2 miles. Nomination 2 2 soys. ; acceptance 5 soys. MrLennard'sb m Dewdrop, aged, 6st. iabs w ... ; „ '-- 1 Mr B.- Coyle's, eh h Bandwick 6 yrs, t 9st, > ••• 2 Mr liennard's eh .h Kenilworth, 4 , Mr Adam's Lara, and Mr; Hunt's '.Betting^J'S^M'agst'Dewdrop and; \ JKenilwprth^^l rtol agsti.gandwick 3to 1; win Iwith*

course theorder was : Kenilworth, Yatapa, Randwick, Dewdrop, and Lara, and coming into the straight the two first maintained their respective positions while the rest were running in a cluster. Passing the stand the old order was resumed, but going round the turn Dewdrop went up, followed by Randwick, and these two assumed first and secoud places respectively at the back of the course. Lara being at this time quite out of it. Coming round towards the straight Kenilworth began to show signs of distress, and Randwick, closely watched by Dewdrop's rider went up. All three raced together until the straight was gained when Kenilworth fell off slightly, and a splendid tussle between Randwick and the little mare followed, Dewdrop winning by about a length, amid considerable applause. Time, 3mm. 47aec.

PEESIDENT STAKES Of 35 soys. Distance 1£ miles. Weight for age. Winner of Maiden Plate to carry 7lbs. penalty. Mr J. Ransfield's br. g. Robert the Devil, aged, 9st. 31bs 1 Mr White's b. g. Rita, (late Skylark) aged, 9st. 31bs 2 Mr B. Coyle's eh. h. Randwick, 6yrs. 9st. 31bs 3 Harkaway, (brown,) Dewdrop, and Blackcock, were scratched. Randwick went away from the start and was looked upon as certain to win. To the surprise of the onlookers both Rita and Robert passed the favourite going round the turn, and then Randwick put out the red flag in an unmistakeable fashion, breaking down so badly that his rider pulled him up at the back of the course and dismounted. It is supposed one of the smaller bloodvessels in his head burst. The race then lay between Robert and Rita, the former finishing a dozen lengths ahead of his opponent.

SELLING HACK RAGE Of 15 soys. Distance, 1 mile. Weight, lOst. Winner to be sold for 15 soys. ; surplus to race fund. Post entries, 10s. Mr J. S. Buckland's Omega 1 Mr Corlett's Bravo 2 Mr Hoy's Beeswing 3 Omega won somewhat easily, but Bravo and Beeswing ran well for second place. This concluded the days sport, and as rain now commenced to fall, the visitors lost no time in leaving the course.

Second Day. There was a slight improvement in the racing yesterday, and it may be said that the attendance was somewhat larger, but, as on the first day, not so large as might have been expected. The weather in the morning was certainly very threatening, thoughnorainfell, and to this may be attributed the partial failure in this respect. There was a good show of vehicles, and the grand stand was fairly patronised. The Hamilton Band was in attendance, and contributed considerably to the harmony of the day. Much credit is due to the stewards for the manner in which everything in connection with the racing was carried out. There was nothing in the way of serious accidents to record, though in some of the events, notably the Steeplechase, many of the riders were unseated. The Handicap Hurdles was won by Harkaway, though not without a struggle, Robert the Devil showing considerable pluck, but unfortunately coming to grief at the third hurdle. Sportsman raced a good second under the whip. Maori was looked on as likely to carry off the Publicans' Purse Handicap, but Mr Bobbett's big horse Paramena won easily. The attraction of yesterday's racing was the Maiden Steeplechase, which ultimately — speaking from a racing point of view — did not turn out so entertaining as was anticipated. Out of the six horses that started, only two passed the judge in racing order, some not having got past the first hurdle, the others breaking down in the middle of the course. Harkaway (brown), who ran well, broke his leg at the last hurdle. Paramena was again successful in carrying off the Flying Stakes, Kenilworth taking the Consolation, beating Lara and Yatapa. The following is a more detailed account of the racing :—: —

HANDICAP lIURDLK RACE, Of 30sovs., with a sweepstake of 2sovs. each added j second horse ssovs. out of stake. Distance, 2 miles, over 8 flights of hurdles, 3 feet 6 inches high. Nomination, lsov. ; acceptance 2sovs. Mr Shakspeare's eh q Harkaway,llst. 21bs 1 Mr Rutherford's eh q Sporstsman, lOst. 71bs 2 Robert the Devil and Hard Times also started. The betting was :6to 4 Harkaway, 3 to 1 Hard Times and Eobert the Devil, and 4 to 1 Sportsman. Shortly after the appointed hour the horses faced the starter, and were sent off abreast. The field shortly formed in line, Hard Times leading over the first hurdle, with Sportsman, Harkaway, and Robert the Devil following in order. This order was maintained until the third hurdle had been negotiated, when Sportsman and Harkaway gradually crept to the front. Passing the stand the first time, Sportsman was in the lead, with Hard Times close behind Harkaway and the Devil coming up. Harkaway shortly got to the front, and led over the third hurdle at the outside of the stand, the Te Awamutu horse close behind. Robert the Devil, who was ridden well by Goldsmith, tripped on the hurdle and did not appear in the race afterwards. Hard Times again got to the front, aud ran a~ neck and neck race with Harkaway, but unfortunately came to grief at the last hurdle. Sportsman and Harkaway finished the race, the latter winning by about a length.

publicans' purse handicap, Of 75sovs., with a sweepstake of 3sovs. each for starters, to go to second horse. Nomination, lsov. ; acceptance, 3£sovs. Distance, 14 miles. Mr Bobbett's br h Paramena, 7st. 1 Mr J. Lennard's b m Dewdrop, 7st. 61bs 2 Mr W. Adams' br h Lara, 7st. 61bs. 3 Kandwick and Maori also started. The betting was : 3 to 1 Paramena, 7 to 4 Dewdrop, 2 to 1 Maori, and 5 to 1 Lara. Several false starts having been made, the horses .got well away together, Paramena taking the lead, Lara and Dewdrop close behind, with Randwick fourth and Maori last. In this way the horses Eassed the stand. Dewdrop soon overtook iara and passed him. Coming up the straight the order remained unaltered, Paramena passing the judge's box first, Dewdrop (whipping) a fair second, and Lara not far behind.

MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE, Of 25sovs. Distance, aboufc 2 miles, over a fair hunting country. Entrance, 1J soys. Welter weight for age. Mr W. Clarks m q Blucher, 12st, lib. 1 Mr G.W. Grave's Uncle Tom, 12st. lib. ....rfe..:. 2 , Bachelor, Harkaway (bay), Saint, and Magician also started: The" betting was : 4 to 1 Uncle Tom, 4to 1 Blucher, ' and 5 to 2sfiarkaway. * - . * ' r Great excitement,' not, altogether unmixed with ; mirth, manifested .throughout' , this' content. Of thei six ; "horaes that started only ' Wo/passed* the i 'wiMin'^^'at^thl^btheM^'havipg^ come to. - grief/afc various stages, off |h"e race. Mr St9rey-, baying- r sent-thein*'dtt*.lwitL a fair , ptarth Bachelor,- /Sajnife -Magician^ '-bi^lk?ed-at the first hurdle, the others

clearing it. Magician, who was forced over the first hurdle, and Uncle Tom baulked at the brush fence. Uncle Tom was got over, and followed Blucher and Harkaway up to the water jump. Blucher, who was the first to approach the jump, baulked and took the dram a few yards down. Harkaway was then brought up by Hitchman and got into the middle of the creek, giving his rider a thorough ducking. He was eventually got out, and followed Blucher, who had negotiated the jump when put at it the second time, and Uncle Tom, who had got over successfully, to the second water jump. Bachelor followed Harkaway through the first jump, giving his rider (Mr Hunt) a ducking also, and with the others struggled through the second water jump. Blucher, who jumpedf^lljjjbeing well piloted by Mr Laing, *Epjit& wst across the field again, and tool&tradouble ditch and bank, followed by 'Uncle Tom and Harkaway, who was also well ridden.* Bachelor baulked'here, and did not appear in the contest after. The three-rail fence was taken in the above order. Blucher led across the last hurdle, and galloped home a safe winner, with Uncle Tom, who was ridden by Williams, second, Harkaway having tripped over the last hurdle and broken his leg,

FLYING STAKES, Of 35sovs. Distance, |-mile. Weight for age. Entrance, 2sovs. Mr Bobbett's br h Paramena, 9st. lib. 1 Mr J. Lennard'a eh c Kenilworth, 9st. lib 2 Mr W. Adams.' b c Blackcock, Bst. 121bs 3 Omega, Flora, and Stella also ran. This was considered a fair race. Paramena kept well in front throughout. Flora made a good show at the start, but soon fell behind. Coming up the straight Paramena was well raced by Kenilworth, who made a fair second, with Blackcock a bad third.

CONSOLATION HANDICAP, Of 20sovs. Distance, 1 mile. Nomination, lsov. ; acceptance, lsov. For all beaten horses during the meeting, hacks excepted. Kenilwovth 1 Lara ... ... ... ... 2 - Yatapa 3 Bita also started. The two first horses kept well together from start to finish, Yatapa making a bad third. This event brought the meeting to a close.