ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPORTS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 430, 18 March 1890, Page 2

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPORTS.

Judges Messrs W. F. Crawford and E. P. Joyce; Handicapper: Mr G. Primrose; Clerk of Course: Mr A. Pritchard ; Clerk of Scales: Mr G. Matthewson ; Starter; Mr J. Maynard ; Stewards : Messrs W. O. Skeet, P. McLoughlin, W. Daly, W, Parnell, J. A. Harding, W. Good, R. M. Skeet, and W. Miller; Secretary: F. G. Maguire. The promoters of yesterday's sports ware favored with splendid weather, everything giving promise for a glorious day’s enjoyment, though the clouds ot dust in town caused vexation. The sports were in aid ot the Catholic Church, and it was a fitting pro d nf the amity that exists among numbers of all denominations in this district to see the hearty way in which all joined in to make the gathering a success. There are ot coarse many people who think it a mistake to permit horse racing at a gathering inaugurated by a church, but provided Chings are honestly conducted—as there is not the slightest doubt they were yesterday—ihs distinctions drawn are so fine as to be imperceptible to tie ordinary eye. To thoughtful persons racing is generally objectionable on account ot the undesirable associations that follow in its train ; but yesterday the sports were entirely freed from anything that could be objected to in that respect, anti viewed with the keenest eye it must have been judged a good honeet day’s sport. The services of the Garrison Band had been secured for the occasion, and of course the music formed a very pleasing feature ot the programme. In one respect there was an omission made, which caused some inconvenience. The times at which the various events were to take place had not been published, and people were left in doubts as to when the day’s proceedings were to begin, and competitors wore left in a state of uncertainty as to When it was necessary for them to be present. The greater part ot the day was kept as a close holiday in town.

The attendance was the largest that has been seen at athletic sports in Gisborne. A little dispute occurred over the Dick Turpin race, a Mr Harding entering Pride under another name. The horse was of course disqualified and the nominator resented what he considered unfair treatment, but subsequently apologised. The following is an account of the contests for tha various events : — 1. 100 Yunus Haxoioa? Foor Raes. Ist prise, £2, 2nd prize 10< ; entrance 2s Od. E. Lewis, 5 yds .. . > .. 1 W. Atkina, 5 yds 2 Th are were 23 starters tor thia event, which gave a splendid contest, all the competitors being up close at the finish. Indeed it was impossible to distinguish who came third, because ths runners were all so close together, Lewis making a very game finish. 2. FauitEM’ Race of 7 sovereigns, 10 stone up, once round; entrance 10s. For horses that have never started for public money. McFarlane's Pride (Whits) .. ~ 1

Te Hau's Faugh-a ballagh .. .. 2 Scott's Skylark 3 There was one other starter. Pride won just as he liked, there being a good finish between the next two horses for second place. A protest waa lodged against Pride, alleging that he had previously started for public money, but it appeared that be had only entered for jumping. 8. Boys' Foot Race, 150 yards, handicap, for boys under 10 years. Ist prize £l, 2nd prize 7a 61 Entrance 2s, This race was won easily by F. Gray, Morell being second. 4. Lidtbs’ Hoa-s Raos for Bracelet value £5. for lady riders only. Once round ; entrance ss. For horses that have never started for public money. Winner to take either cash or bracelet. Mrs C. McFarlane’s Pride (Mrs McFarlane) 1 Mias Ta Hau's Faugh-a ballagh (Mrs Adame) .. .. .. ..2 Mrs Bryson’s J.P. (MisaHicks) .. 3 This was a vary interesting race, Mias Hicks going off determinedly and whipping her horse into first place. But Mrs Adamsoon got on aven terms, and her horse took the lead for soma distance, Pride falling tn the rear, but going very steadily and being ridden well. Nearing the turn, Pride was brought up, and clearly had the race, Mrs Adams rode her horse well, but it could not maintain the pace, and Pride won comfortably, J.P. making a good but unsuccessful dash for second place. All the horses were ridden splendidly, but tha other three were completely out of it. Mra Sbaw’s Shamrock was f >urth.

5. Hvrdli: Foot Race (handicap), 300yds, over eight flights hurdles Oft Gin. Ist prize, £3; 2nd prize, £l. Entrance, 2s 61. G. Carrington, 12 yds ... 1 F. Loomb, 7yds 2 F. Teat, 6yds 3

Carrington won with ease. Hepburn fell at the start, and Teat, who waa making a warm finish, fell at the last hurdle. 6. Dick Turfin Racz, for Saddle and Bridle value£s. Entranoo7s6l. (Allridersto appear in fancy costume.) Time not to exceed twenty minutes. —There were entries. Power, on Corsair, being Dick Turpin. The contest was rather a fizzle. Power got off his horse shortly after the start and the others all came upon him and his horse broke away. The others kept the thing going warmly-G Oden filly keeping up we I, but the riders did not comply with the rules. Power caught his horse again and joined in, being still Turpin at the finish, but all the horses were disqualified. The animals were severely finished, end though tha race was a novelty ,’t is one which many people did not much aVpreoiate owing to the way the horses got knocked about. The prize was divided. 7. St. Patwicx’s Hinoicav (220 yard)), Ist prize £s,2nd prize £llos. Entrance 6s. Acceptance 2s 61, F. Hsejiurn, 18 yds ~ •• 1 E. O’Msara, 2 yd ,< 2 A. DeGost*, 5 yds .. ~ .» ’ Hepburn had the race rather easily, though O’Meara made » very game run of it, and DaOneta was * capital third. Buras (14yd*l was fourth.

8, B»o« »oa Pravoht Ho»sm, 6 sovereigns once round ; 18 stone *gp or more. No disqualification for overweight. Winner to draw roller on ground 60 yards after the race. Entrance 1» fid. For horses Ilfat have never started far public money. There were eight starters toy this race, some of the borsee being very light, especially the one firet past the poet. On the letter put to draw the roller he either could not or would not move it. and the second horse, Bryson's Dublin Bay, made the attempt and took the roller along at a trot, the event getting quite exciting at the finish, 9. ÜBNAOBmi Baos, JOO yards. Oats, rats, nigs, lambs, calves, mice, etc., ell to be driven. Ist prize Box Tea, 2nd 501 b Bag Flour. Entrance 2s, This event was struck out of tho programme. 10. Staoxuk Baoi for Silver Watch, once round. Last horse to be the winner, Owners to ride horses selected by lottery, No whip or spur to be used, and to be run under 15 minutes. Entrance 6s. Thia proved a very amusing event. There ware six starters, the horses going off in two trios, There was a great race tor last place between the last three, and It Beamed that the riders wore just as desirous to come In last and have the honor of their mounts winning as they wore to lose the race. Mr Parsons, on Johnson's Goaheed, made a desperate run for last place, giving Bumbly halt a length at the finish. The result thus was Goahead 1, Bumbly 2, Gay Moments 8, 11, HvnUNd Matos, 8 sovereigns, 10 men U-slde, Entrance, Is, Sides were chosen and an exciting game played, The Grandstand tide, however, was overmatched,