South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 - 1889), Wednesday 2 January 1861, page 3


THEBARTON ANNUAL RACES.

FIRST DAY.

The Thebarton Annual Races commenced on Tuesday, when there was a large number of persons present upon the course ; not quite so many, perhaps, as might have been expected to attend the first day's racing, but this was to be accounted for by the fact that it was New Year's Day, and many of our citizens had found private resources of amuse-ment in preference to the attraction of the racecourse. We should imagine on a rough computation that there were slightly over 2000 persons in attendance. The weather was very propitious, although towards the close of the day the rain rendered it somewhat unpleasant for the return. The morning was a little sultry, and the road dusty in consequence of the large number of vehicles travelling it but for the sports the day was a capital one. The road shortly after noon presented a very lively appearance, and the ride to the course was extremely pleasant. Arrived there, everything was found in tip-top trim, and we may safely say that we have never had better arrangements at any previous races in South Australia. The commodious Grand Stand was well filled, and Schrader's band was stationed on its highest seat, and played various pieces throughout the day.

The circus waggon, drawn by eight beautiful horses, was also present, and contributed not a little to the enlivenment of the proceedings.

We have already given a full description of the arrangements made by the stewards. and we will not therefore recapitulate them further than to remark that they gave the most entire satisfaction. The lunch was provided by Mr. Aldridge, and was well got up and equally well patronised. In betting there was but little done, the ventures evidently being "sweepstakes." The only betting of any consequence we give in its proper place below.

The stewards were Messrs. E. M. Bagot, G. Bennett, C. Jenkins, and W. Hughes. Judge James Chambers, Esq. Starter John Haimes, Esq. and Clerk of the Course, Mr. W H. Formby. We will now proceed to describe the port The first event of the day was the

BUTCHERS' PLATE.

A sweepstakes of 4 sovs., 2 forfeit, with 40 sovs. added, for horses the bona-fide property of butchers from 1st Dec, 1859. Heats, one mile and a half. The winner to be sold by auction after the race, and any surplus over 500. to go to

the fund.

1. Mr. W. Hughes's eg. Frank, 5 yrs., 9 st. 12 lb., blue jacket white spots, yellow sleeves, black cap (Holmes).

2. Mr. O. A. Walton's br. g. Unknown, aged, 10 at. 1 lb., blue jacket. pink sleeves, blue and pink cap.

3. Mr. J. Greenfield's ng. Indigo, 6 years, lOst lib. white jacket blue and white Cleeves, black cap (Sadler).

4. Mr. G. Bennett's b.h. ATeno, 4 yrs. 9st. 7lbs., scarlet jacket, black cap, (Simpson).

When the horses were brought into the saddling paddock, the lot were very much admired, more especially Indigo, certainly a very well formed horse. He did not, however, appear to be much of a favorite, and we think that the odds were decidedly in favor of Frank against the field. Those who know Simpson's performances of course backed Veno, and bets were made at 25 to 1 upon him. Unknown looked a fine powerful horse, but in the paddock did not appear in very good trim. When brought to the starting-post, however, he plucked up, and at once got

into more favor.

First Heat. - After one false start the horses got well away together, and kept their places until about the mile starting post, where Unknown shot a-head about a length, Frank following on his near quarter ; Veno, however, picked up at this time, and, when opposite the Grand Stand, about halfway round, edged in between the two horses, taking the lead, which he kept right round. The man was by this time forsaken, and, although evidently hard pushed, could not recover his ground. Veno was now closely followed by Frank, the Unknown dropping off a little near the straight running, when he again picked up by this time, however, the heat was completely between Frank and Veno. By a little display of "Simpson's own," the brown horse suddenly shot ahead, and passed the winning-post first by about a length. The race for second place was almost neckand neck between Frank and Unknown, the former winning by about half a-length. Indigo all behind. Time, 3 mins. 4

secs.

The order in which the horses will place is as follows:

4. Veno it 1. Frank 2 2 Unknown 3 3. Indigo to

Second Heat At the start in this heat Indigo, Veno, and Frank, got well away together ; Unknown following, however, hard up, soon passed Indigo, but the four were well huddled until half way round the course, when they begun slightly to separate, and at the straight running the race was very close between Veno and Frank ; indeed it was

impossible within half a dozen strides of the poet to tell which would win, although every one of course felt that Simpson had the advantage. Both riders were loudly cheered, and the two horses came in within half a length of each other, Veno first. The places were

i. Veno ... i

1. Frank ...' 2 2. Unknown 0 3. Indigo 0

Time, three minutes. After the race the winner was offered for sale by Mr. Charles Jenkins at an upset price of 600, the surplus to go to the funds, but as there was no offer

he was passed to the owner. He is a remarkably fine horse. very strongly built and runs next, but his off fore foot did not look all there. The hoof appeared split, and he had a bar shoe on this, however, did not affect his yesterday's performances in the least. Regarding Frank, an opinion prevailed that had the jockeys been changed the fortunes of the race would have been materially altered. Simpson's riding was certainly magnificent, and he displayed much judgment throughout both heats. We do not in any way mean to dis-parage the performances of Holmes, who exhibited both skill and tact, but we are sure he himself will admit the superior ability of his antagonist. Under any circumstances both were deserving of great praise, and as for the chesnut. he is a very game little horse, and had evidently been well trained. His performances of Tuesday (although losing) in no way belied the confidence which had been placed in him by many. The next event of the day was the '

THEBARTON DERBY.

Sweepstakes of 10 sovs., 2 ft, with 100 sovs. added. One mile and a half. Twenty-one nominations. The entries for

this race were as under : -

1. Mr. C. B. Fisher's b c. Type, 3 yrs., 9 st, light blue

jacket, white cap (Simpson). 6

2. Mr. P. Jewell's b m. Blue Bonnet 3 yrs., 6 st 12 lbs., scarlet jacket, black cap (Radford).

3. Mr. P. B. Coglin's ham. Nancy, 3 yrs., 8 st. 5 lbs., tartan jacket, scarlet cap (Sadler).

4. Mr. C B. Fisher's b.f. Twilight, 3 yrs., 8 st. 12 lbs., light blue jacket black cap (Robinson).

The favorite in this race at the commencement of the day was, we think. Twilight, but then it was not known who was to ride Type. As soon as the telegraph announced Simpson and his jock, the aspect of affairs changed, and he was pretty freely backed at 100 to 1 against the field. Blue Bonnet was also well thought of. The lot got a beautiful start. Radford (who by-the-by seems to have suffered considerably in training for 8 st. 10lbs.), taking the lead, which he kept half round the course, where he was passed by Simpson, closely followed by Twilight, Nancy being all behind. Twilight and Typo then ran nearly neck and ask for a short distance, when Blue Bonnet again shot ahead about a length, catching Twilight and passing her just at the straight running. Type was at this time about two lengths ahead, and kept his position, coming in an esmay winner. Time, 3 minutes 3 seconds. The order in which the horses were placed is as under 1

Types 2. Blue Bonnet 2 4 Twilight 3

3. Nancy - J

It was evident that Twilight could easily have taken second place, but that she was held almost from the commencement of the race. Type was greatly admired and showed a remarkably long stride. On being unsaddled he did not look at all distressed. Indeed he was not even warm. He is by Muscovado, we believe, out of a colonial

mare. The next event was the

THEBARTON PLATE.

1. Mr. W. Filgate's br.h. Rarey, 4 yrs. 9st. 3 lbs., white

jacket, black cap (PowRing . .

2. Mr. P. B. Coglin's b.h. Vanish, 4 yrs., 9 st. 3 lbs., tartan

jacket, scarlet cap (Sadler).

3. Mr. R. T. Poole's eg. Mack, 6 yrs., 10 st. 1 lb., blue and

red stripe jacket, black cap (R. Poole).

4. Mr. C. B. Fisher's b m. Midnight KS., O st> light blue

jacket, white cap (Simpson),

To tell which was the favorite in this event is a somewhat difficult task. Both Rarey and Midnight had numerous admirers, though we think the fact of Simpson being entered to ride the mare turned the scale slightly in her favor. Mack's previous performances obtained him many admirers, but it was quite anticipated that he would stand but small chance. Respecting Vanish the card announced him as drawn, and considerable surprise was excited when he entered the saddling paddock. The reason he had been drawn was, that two days ago he had the misfortune to quarter-split his near fore foot, and it was thought he would be unable to run. However, he appeared at his place with a circular shoe on, well padded and strapped, and he really appeared to suffer but little from the effects of his misfortune. The shoe was put on by Mr. Crabbe, under the superintendence of Mr. Jordan, Mr. Coglin's trainer, and to appearance answered admirably. The knowledge, however, that the horse was next door to James, prevented speculation upon him. He is a very fine horse to look at, and possesses good power, and under other circumstances it is impossible to say what he might not have accomplished. His owner at all events proved his confidence in him by allowing him to run in his present condition. We will now endeavour to

describe the race.

First Heat-H the start the horses got well off together. Midnight and Rarey taking the lead, followed at a length by Vanish, Mack being behind. This order was kept for a quarter of a mile round the course, when Midnight shot somewhat more ahead, the other two closing up and running almost neck and neck at a couple of lengths behind. When half-way round the course, Midnight put out at tremendous speed, and went ahead about two lengths on the inside of the course After this she kept gaining ground at every stride until near the straight running, when Rarey laid out in splendid style; and taking somewhat the inside of the course, began sensibly to gain on the mare. By the time the horse rounded into the straight running, he had closed up with her, and the race was now furiously contested, both riders punishing hard, and the horses being almost necked neck. The mare, however, now showed her superior length of stride, and shot ahead about three lengths, when Simpson held her in somewhat, and won by about the same distance easily. Time, 4 min. 1 sec. Places

4. Midnight 1

1. Rarey "2 3. Mack 0 2. Vanish 0

On unsaddling both Midnight and Rarey showed signs of the punishment they had undergone, the latter, especially being spur galled on the offside. They were allowed a ''spell" before the second heat, during which was run

A MATCH

for 20. a side. One mile. The entries being as follows: - 1.

Mr. H. H. Bickford's the. Volante, by Witton, 3 yrs., 8st 6lbs., amber jacket, purple cap (Hall

2. Mr. Ragless a br. g. Zeuo, by Witton, 3 yrs., 8st. 3lbs., scarlet jacket, black cap (Fergus).

This was a closely contested race. At the start the horses were well together. Volante being outside, about half the distance. When half round he took the lead, which he kept, winning by about a length. Time, 2 min. 13 sec.

THEBARTON PLATE.

Second heat-H this hill Vanish and Mack were draw;:, the contest therefore lying between Midnight and Rarey. At the start the horses got well aw ly together, both held hard and Midnight slightly ahead on the inside of the course. When about half round the horses began to push out, 1 Rarey

commencing creeping up slightly. About this time betting has become somewhat animated, 100 to 10 being offered on the mare. On entering the straight running the pair were either up to within half a length, but Simpson shot rapidly out, and came in a winner by about three lengths. Time, 4 min. 9 race. The mare was much admired, and some betting promised between Victorian gentlemen present and her admirers. The Hon. G. C. Hawker offered Mr. Herbert Power 50 guineas even that she would beat the celebrated Victorian horse Flying Jib whensoever they should meet, and the bet was taken. The same gen; Is-mail also offered an even look, that South Australia won! t beat any lots which Victoria could bring against her on all first meeting from date, but we are not aware that the. bet was accepted. The mare is entered for the Welter States to-day, but we are informed that she is drawn.

The next race on the card was the

BUTCHERS' HACK RACE.

A sweepstakes of one and a half sovs., with 15 sovs. added, for butchers' untrained horses used in the trade from December 1, 1861, and that have never started for paper.: money except Hack Stakes. Heats, one mile. Weight, rest The winner to be sold by auction after the race, and any surplus over 300. to go to the fund.

The following horses were entered Mr

Hughes's br.m. Zoe, 5 yrs, amber jacket, blue, cap

(Dignum)

Mr. Bennett's b.h. Mus. 4 yrs., scarlet jacket, blue. cap

(Jewell).

This race was well contested, the horses being almost neck-and neck to the straight running, when Jewill shot ahead, closely followed by Dignum, who picked up as they near id the winning post, and came in first by about a length. The

2 minutes 15 seconds.

Second Heat This heat was equally well contested, Zoe again coming in first by about a length. Time, 2 minutes

14 seconds.

This closed the programme for the day, and a rush was at once made to the various conveyances, the rain falling somewhat sharply ; all available means of transit was 30011 taken up, and many persons were left behind, several walking home rather than wait for the return of conveyances. So far as we are aware, all were transported to town without accident. We understand that His Excellency has intimated his intention of being present to-day, when the programme will claimprize the following events Maiden Plate, Welter Stakes. Private Match for 200. a side, Hurdle Race and Hack Stakes. The first race will start at 1 o'clock.