OPENING OF THE PARK.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 376, 12 November 1889, Page 2

OPENING OF THE PARK.

GISBOBNE RACING CLUB’S INAUGURAL SPRING MEETING.

President, W. Maude, Erq; Vico President, J. Carroll, Esq, M.H.R ; Judge, W. H. Tucker, Esq ; Starter, G. J. Winter; Clerk of Scales, J. Maynard, Esq ; Clerk of Course, A. Pritchard, E-q ; Handicapper, J. 0. Evett, Esq ; Stewards, Messrs J. A. Hardiug, A. Tuohy, A. McKenzie, W. Adair, J. E Whitby, J. Thomson, E. Benefield, M. Hogan, and W. 0. Skeet; Totalizator Steward, W. 0. Skest; Secretary, M. G. Nasmith. The opening of the Gisborne Park was looked forward to with much interest, for, apart from the race meeting to be held under the auspices of the Gisborne Racing Club, the realisation that the district has a Park is a matter for congratulation to everyone who believes that ifle sunshine of life should not be ail lost in broading over business ceres. The Park is not merely a ground for horse racing purnosee—it can be made use ot for all classes ot field sports, and even now is a beautiful retreat for picnic parlies, from those ot the jolliest description to the quiet family outdoor gathering. But horse racing

—which is acknowledged to be the king of colonial sport—was naturally the chief sport which the promoters of the Park Company bad in view when they resolved upon transforming a patch of scrub covered land into the beautiful green meadows that tie just outside the town boundary. The place has already been described through the columns of the Standard, but no description could convey an adequate impression of the glorious condition in which the country is everywhere to ba found during this luxurious season. To the stranger she Park conveys an idea of what he may expect to see whan he has had an opportunity to inspect the country; the country settlers it reminds ot the energy ot his feliowman; and the townsman becomes convinced that tha dusty town, although it has bean acknowledged as the prettiest ip New Zealand, has more reason to ba proud of tha country by which it is surrounded than ot in own tree-dotted little apace. The weather gave cause for apprehension on the previous day, the atmosphere being moist and a Cool breeze blowing, though it would be a near approach to fiction to say that it rained, But in the night it came down in a way that made things look gloomy for the morrow; nor did the morning break

out with a more promising aspect, the rain continuing until nearly 11 o’clock. As it was there were fully 1200 people present, there being a large concourse* of ladiee, and had tho weather been more pleasant the attendance would have been much larger. The Band, under Bandmaster Brown, played selections during the day, and added much pleasure to the day's proceedings. The officials of the Club were all assiduous and successful in the discharge ot tbair many duties, and though a few little inconveniences in this way would have been quite excusable at an inaugural meeting, no excuses ot any kind were needed, for everything went off nicely. The übiquitous Secretary, Mr M. G. Nasmith, with his long experience to guide him—and a courteous disposition that enables him to put hie knowledge to tbe best'uae—was as successful as he should have been, and only those whose duty it ia to oriijoise the management ot the meeting have a fair idea as to how much thejr success or o'herwise is dependent upon the goad or in different way in which the Secretary doos the arduous work of his office.

Captain Tucker acted as Judge, and Captain Winter as Starter, everything going off well. Mr Skeet had one of the most important and onerous positions as totalise tor steward, and gave complete satisfaction, and things want well in regard to tha machine, which was worked by Messrs Cooper and Barry. All the arrangements were of a most complete order, and the fine grandstand was greatly admired and made good use of, while the attention to the general convenience was highly approved of, the Press representatives being among those who expressed pleasure at the consideration there had been for their comfort. The luncheon room was under the control of Mr L. Stevens, and though the accommodation and the efforts of the waiters were taxed to the utmost, there was plenty for all. If there is anything that might be complained of where aJi the arrangements were so good it is with the gatekeeping. There was a good staff of hands on, but the delay that occurred at the front gate on account of only cue trap at a time being able to pass, reminded one of a funeral procession. In regard to the grandstand, too, there ought to be a discouragement to the allowance of lively children on the stand. Yesterday they enjoyed themselves greatly, in romping about, the noise created making things very uncomfortable at times. THE RACING.

The day’s sport was really good, and the difficulty to spot the winner of each race greatly increased the interest taken in the different events. With the exception of the Forced Handicap (in -which scratchings are a general thing, several being struck out before the weights wore announced), there was not a single absentee. The course was in fine order after the rain. The “ first bipod at the Park ” was drawn by Mr D. Hepburn, with Cynical, who romped home first in tho Maiden. Mr Hepbqri} was heartily congratulated on the achievement; and all will agree that the honor oould not have fallen into tbe hands of a more straightforward and genuine sportsman. Our congratulations are also extended to that gentleman. One thing about the meeting was that it did not lead to any cash being taken out of tho place—even the spieler element had a desirable weakness in numberg. Over £l5OO was passed through the totalisator. The Hurdle race was a good one, though the favorite, Gipsy, took the sticks in a very unkind way. The big race of the day—the Park Handicap—was a plum for the discarded one of the team, Mr Clark’s Misfortune, who could only get backed for £22 out of a total of £317, and she rewardod those who had confidence in her by returning a £l3 19s dividend) Criminal acted as whipper in, with £33 on; Fitzjames was only one place better, with £B4 on, while Pani and Nora were backed on the machine to the extent of £69 and £59 respectively. Truthful had a soft thing qti in the Hack Elat. In this race Harlequin was one of the outcasts, tut with topweighf in the Forced Handicap he made Gipsy travel to beat him, In the Handicap of second importance—the Grandstand—the rule of going by contrary was not so applicable. Certainly the favorite (Impostor with £B4 on) was left in the cold, but the winner had £7l on. HJ I '* came to grief, bat with only 8 sovs. on, and Criminal (£2O on) maintained his reputation

for being unsuccessful. The only accident during the day was that which occurred to Myth, the mare getting het fore feet crossed and then stumming. When she got up again, the jockey’s foot was caught in the stirrqp, hut he was free in a couple of seconds, arid was not much the worse for his fall. The last race gave an exciting finish, but Home Rule was a discreditable representative qf the Irish cause. The following are the results of the various events t—

Pitino Handic ir. of 30 sovs; distance, J mile, Mr D, Hepburn's Cynical, 4yrs, Bat 7lb (Hepburn) .. 1 Mr A. Earsone’ Mangachans, aged, 7at Ijib (Hayden) .'. ’ ' -.u 2 Mr A. Devery's Myth, fiyra. fls ?tb (Moore) 8 Mr G. L. Sunderland's Moonstone, flyra. Gat 71b 0

This was a splendid race throughout, After a littje trouble at the start Myth got away first Moonstone next, then Cynical, and Mangahone last. Myth was allowed to make the pace until a quarter had been traversed, when Mr Parsons' roan, splendidly ridden, closed up, Moonstone’s chance being in the balance, while the maroon jacket on Cynical was lying to the rear. Another distance and Mangaohane was challenging the leader, but Cynical was striding along with the most aven paces, evidently having plenty to spate. Qn nearing tha hums turn Cynical made a dash alongthnoutaide track and held tha leaders safely, Myth and Mansaohane'a jockeya were using tha whip freely, while Cynieal strode along beautilully, not being asked to exart

himself much. There was a splendid race for second place, the roan getting ia by a note in front ot Myth, the winner barely having • length (though an easy task) to the good, and Moonstone left the leaders quite little enough to spare.

147 on the totalisator, 76 being on (bo winner, dividend £ll4s, Maidin Hack Flat Rack, of lOaovs; 1 mile. Minimum weigh;, Bst. For all borees that have never won an advertised race or any dewnption. Satellite (Moore).. ~ v Idle Boy *’ j Mormon ~ jj '* g The race was a plum for Satellite, tho horses all tailing out in military laebion, halt of them being out of the hunt from tha etart. The race was a good one eo far as the first bunch was concerned, but Satellite was never pushed, and the second horse had a couple of lengths in front of the third. Toe other starters wore Witch, Sweetheart, Mi ute, Lady, Toroa, Mato, Whvaot, Cloth ot Gold. Ho ne Rulo, and Fancy. 149 on the totelisator, dividend £3 12s. Hl-udle Race Handicap, of 40 sovs; second horse to receive 5 sovs from stakes, about 2 miles, over eight flights ot hurdles, 3ft 6in.

Mr 0. Buff n’ms Nancy, aged, lOst 12lb (Sufi) j Mr Boyle’s Tit Bit, 6yr«. 9it (Smith).. 3 Mr M. Maher’s n’ms Off Color, aged, Ost, (Maher) 3 Messrs Currie and Hogan’s Darnley, srs list 71b .. 0 Mr W. Alien's Blackboy, 4yrs, Oat 101 b 0 Mr Robert’s n’ms Gipsy, aged, Oat 101 b 0 Darnley led off and was the first to cross the sticks, with Nancy alongside, Gipsy following, Darnley and Nancy raced together for some time, Gipsy keeping close up, when the latter baulked at a hurdle and lost her present chances. Th Bit was then seen to reduce the gap between hlmeelf and the first horses, aud when the first mile had been traversed, the leading order was Tit Bit, Darnley, and Nancy, and Gipsy making another mess of tbe hurdles she woe oom. pletely out of it, and Blackboy and Off Color were also out of the reckoning, Darnley and Tit Bit raced t gether, Suff watching them with Nancy. At the mile and a half Tit Bit forged ahead and cleared the rails nicely, N.noy making a rush and passing Darnley, The latter then took his turn, it being dearly evident that he wis dona, and he failed when the effort was required. Bob Mareball was dislodged from the saddle, but he very cleverly regained his seat, this piece ot brilliant horsemanship eliciting a loud cheer from those on the stand. At the second to last hurdle Nancy and Titbit were together, the latter gaining the lead, and for the moment it appeared like a toss up eg to which would win, but Nancy bed ao effort yet, and challenging the grey, a apleodtd race oisuecl, Darnley being some distance behind, and not being a source of danger. Enterlug the straight Nancy shot ahead, and the race was clearly her own, though Tit Bit did not give up without a game effort, the victor only having a couple ot length* to the good, Darnley eased off, seeing there was no further show, and Off Color was brought In with a rush and secured the doubtful honor of third place 277 on the tn tohine, 64 on th* winner 1 dividend £3 17s. Pabk HAxnxctp, of 100 sovs; second horse tn receive JO sovs from stakes ; I| miles. Mr J. Clark’s Misfortune, 3/s, flat Mr Wm. Walsh's Pani, 4yrs, Tst jib (Moor.') .. ~ •• ~ g Mr W. Hamon’a Nora, aged, ?at 101 b

(Streeter) ~ ~ ~ ~ g Mr Pitt’a Filtt James, Oyrs, 7st llib .. 0 MrD, Hepburn's Criminal, syra, 7at 6 b 0 A good start was effected, Misfortune appearing to have tha advantage, Panl keeping close eimpiny and Fi'ejimas bling Hat. The race vas.n splendid one all through, The horses passed the stand in a bunch Misfortune being prominent qn the inside track, Pani alongside, and Criminal having the outside turn, Nora and Fitzjames keeping company in the rear. Misfortune continued to lead and when the mile had been covered Mr Clark's bay and Pani were racing neck and neck, Nora being at band and going well, while Criminal was showing signs of distress, and soon fell to the rear, Fitzjames was making the best of a dis. oouraglng position, but oould not overhaul the leaders. Nearing the straight Nora tqide a game effort, and for a time it was thought she would come in victorious. Fitzjames also made a gallant rush up on the outside, but it availed him not, and be died off, Criminal too being hopelessly out of it. Misfortune and Pani still raced neck and neck, but the whip was being used on the grey, Misfor une being stilt fresh, and passing the judge's box a length in front of Pani, tha result being the signal for a loud cheer. Nora made a desperate attempt when entering the straight, bat even then she was completely beaten, and finished a length and a haff behind Pani, Fitzj >mes easing off for third place, and Criminal cantering in. 317 on the totalisator, 22 on the winnez, dividend, £l2 19s. Hack Racz Handicap, of 10 sovs; X mile. Mr Hansen’s Truthful Ost lib, (Maher) 1 Puti, fist fllb ~ ~ ~ 2 Pouawa, Bst Hlb., ~ ~ ~ g —The other starters were, Harelequin 3.3, Luna 8.4, Falcon 83, Privateer 7.12. Idle Boy 7 fl, Mormon 72, Witch 7 2, Rangipa 6.7, Puti 6 2. Harlequin led off, Mr Hepburn’* Pouawa being at hand. The horses kept w*H together until the tbreequartera had been reached Whefl Truthful neared tbe front. Truthful.then shot out from tbe ruck, secured second position and challenged Puti. A fine race took place in the straight, but Puti was easily beaten, Truthful winning by a length, hands down, There W a struggle for third plecs, whiofi Pouawa held by only a quarter ot a length. 187 ou the totalisator, 37 on the winner, dividend £4 IQs. Grandstand Handioip, of 30 sovs; 1J miles Mr Wethered's Avis, 3yrs, Cat (Ready) 1 Mr D. Hepburn's Criminal, syrs, Sst (J. Smith) .. .. ~ 2 Mr A. Parson’s Impostor .. 0 Mr A. Devery's Myth, flyrs, Ost Sib ~ 0 All the horses got away togelhsr, Avis showing in fount, Pissing the stand hq maintained that position, Criu)inql qeeondj then Myth, and Impostor last, Impostor made a rush to get a better position, and just as he was passing Myth the latter fell, throwing her jockey headlong and regaining her balance before the jockey (Moore) could extricate Ms foot from the stirrup. Impostor clossd up t<J the front, but soon fed away again, Avis stllf keeping the lead a length ahead of Criminal, The latter made a final eft irt when nearing tfiq straight and got alongside Avis's girth, but Avis was still good for a finish and drew away, winning comfortably by a couple of lengths, Impostor being another four lengths to tfij rear, : •

183 on tho machine, "I ou the winner, dividend £2 6s.

Forced Handica?, of 15 sovs; X mile, Mr Roberts* Gipsy, Sst (Atkins) ~ 1 Mr Malone's Harlequin, Sst 81b (Smith) 9 Mr Boyle's Tit Bit, 7st sib i, ' ~ 8 —Home Rule 6,7. was tbe only other etartar. those scratched being Truthful 8.10, Oyoloal 8.8, Harlequin 8 3, Misfortune 7.8, Avis 7.0, Nancy 7.4. Titbit and Gipsy got away togsthsr, ihl horses being in a bunch when peeking tbe stand. Gipsy then led the string, Titbit M hla neck, Harlequin at bls girth, and Home Rule preventing a gap. At the half-mile Harlequin cloaca in towards the leader, Titbit being outpaced, and Home Bule having but • sorry show. Nearing the straight Gipsy end Harlequin ware racing abreast o| apbh othsr ( and a grand finish was witnessed, the twd horses being neck and neck coming down the. straight, and Gipsy then winning by a bare head, Titbit being a good third. Tbe Home Rule colors were left somewhere in tha dietenoe, - 241 on the totalisator, 57 on the winner dividend £3 16s.

A Napier paper published the results ot ths Gisborne Racing Club's meeting a week before the races came off, the telegram being marked a* a “special." Sems enterprising member ot the staff msnaqad to hash up tM acceptances and thus make them appear by the addition nf the numbers as the results ot he races. All the horeee did Start, b«t tbe places were oonsideraliy off,