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JERUSALEM RACES AND ATHLETIC
SPORTS.
(BY OUR OWN REPORTER.)
Patrons: Hon. J. Lord, M.L.C., W. Hodgson,
Esq,, M.H.A., A, J. Pillenger, Esq , M.H. A.
Stewards : Messrs. W. Brook, G. Stokell, Walter
Rumney, J. Bevon, E. Kearney, J. Brain, A.
Hodgson, J. Clay. '
Hon. Secretary, Mr. Chas. G. Ramsay ; Starter,
Mr. J. W. Lord ; Judge, Mr. W. Rumney; Clerk
of the Scales, Mr. R. A. Jillett.
For two or three weeks past tho Winter Meeting,
consisting of horao racing and athletic sports, at
Jerusalem, has boon loobcd forward to with con
sideiablo iuteioat by sporting folks ; inasmuch as it
is the last meeting of the present season, that is as
regards the horsey part of the business. But we are
sorry to state that on account of the very stormy
weather during the last two or three days the
gathering was not a success. Added to this an
event that has cast a gloom over tho " holy
city" is, the sorious illness of Mr. Walter
Rumney, a gentleman who took very great interest
in the yesterday's arrangements, and whose absence
militated against the success of the meeting, for
during his illness most of those who had charge of
the arrangements-so we were informed-failed to
take as much interest in the gathering as before.
Our representative left for the scene of operations
by the express train, at which hour it was raining
very hard, consequently only two or three, out of
a very large number of sporting folks that intended
to visit the township of Jerusalem, put in an ap-
pearance. After leaving Brighton station the
clouds began to disappear, and when Cam-
pania was reached old Sol shone out in
all his glory, but throughout the day it was
very showery. On arrival at Jerusalem several
well-known country sportsmen were in attendance
at the railway station to meet their friends, but
they were doomed to disappointment for, as we
have stated above, many visitors were conspicuous
by their absence. Before leaving the subject of the
rail we might state that some persons whose nerves
were weak, were very much annoyed at a foolish
young fellow who would persist in handing oranges
and sweetmeats to some young ladies in the next com-
partment. When a curve was met with our young
friend would take a lurch, and once or twice nearly
lost his "seat." Notwithstanding the warning of the
guard, he kept to the platform, and if an accident
had occurred only himself would have been to
blame, though no doubt he would have been wrath
against the railway and its officials.
On leaving the station we adjourned to the
Jerusalem Inn; where we found the majority of the
sporting folks assembled. We heard that Calcutta
sweeps were in full swing the previous evening, but
the prices realised were unsatisfactory, our local
bookmakers having to purchase nearly all the
horses. The course is very prettily situated,
but the heavy rains had told a tale, for the
ground was in a dreadful state, in most
places the water being over one's boots.
The arrangements were very complete, reflecting
great credit on those who had the management.
Shortly after arrival we ascertained that the athletic
sports were likely to fall through, but one race was
decided. Proceedings commenced with the Steeple-
chase, and of the eleven horses coloured on the
card, five faced the starter, Fingal being installed first
favourite. It was expected, on account of the state of
the ground, that there would have been a number
of falls, but we are happy to state that not one
occurred, and the only one that baulked was Talley-
rand, which spoilt what might have been a very
fine race. The remainder of the field fenced mag-
nificently, most notably Fingal and Blackthorn,
but the former, splendidly ridden by Arthur Kear-
ney in his miniature saddle proved too much for his
opponents, and bore out the oft repeated expression
"Blood will tell." Credit is due also to the other
"jooks," for they all rode well, especially W. Dal-
lon, who, we believe, is the lightest boy that ever rode
a steeplechase in Tasmania, and their difficult task
was accomplished with no other damage than dirty
boots and jackets. The winner was loudly cheered
on weighing in. Only two competitors weighed
out far the Hurdle Bace, and Talleyrand was made
s very strong favourite, five to one bring offered
that the old horse won; but the "glorious uncer-
tainty " was once more exemplified, for Talleyrand
baulked once, and shirked the last but one hurdle,
leaving Mountain Maid to finish first in a canter.
A protest was entered against the winner for run-
ning inside a post, and some delay occurred
at the scales, when Dawsie, getting excited,
was stated to have dismounted, and a counter
protest was the result. The stewards met
immediately afterwards, and came to the following
decision :-" That Mountain Maid did run inside a
post, and is therefore disqualified." The counter
protest will be decidod this morning. Seven horses
Stsrtod for the Hack Hurd lo Race, and tho event
resulted in a well-oontcsted race, the winner
turning up in Mountain Maid. Tho winner was
bought in for £27.
Before closing our remarks, we wish to give a
word of praise to the officers present, especially the
hon. secretary (Mr. C. G. Ramsay) who proved a
host in himself.
The following is a description of the running :
HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE,
Of CO sov« , with a sweep of 3 sovs. to go to second
horse. Distance about 3 miles, over such jumps
IIB tho, stowaids decide. No made jumps to bo
higher than 4ft,
Mr. A. Kearno'y's b g Fingal, 6 yrs., list 71b. ;
carried Slbj. over .(A. Kearney) 1
Mr. W. Rumney's bl h Blackthorn, 10nt. ; eauicd
31bs. over.(W. Holding) 2
Mr. W. Rumney'« b h Talleyrand, aged, list, -lib.
.(Ü. Dawsio) 3
Mr. A. O'Connor's brg Commodoro, aged, lOst. -lib.
,..'..(J. Mulei) 0
Mr! P. Dalian's b g Banger, 4 yrs., Ost. lilli.
.,.,.(W. Dallim) 0
Victor, Warrior, Moonraker, Fireworks, Lola
MonteB, and Larrikin were scratched.
Tho start for thia event was a very straggling
ono, Talleyrand took the lead, and led over the first
fence, followed hy Fingal, Blackthorn, Commodore,
»ud Banger in the order named. Talleyrand still
led over the second leap, and the order was
very much the samo with the rcmaiudor of the
field. After this all the horses wcie steadied,
and before approaching the third fence Fingal led,
with Banger running through the field. The
obatacle was takon first by Fingal, Bangor being
next, followed by Blackthorn, but old Tallyrand
baulked. At tho next fence Blackthorn passed
Bangor, the Quorn Hall horse still leading, and
roany wore the surmises as to what horses would
negocíate the next fence, a regular Btiff one, but
Fingal got safely over, followed by Blackthorn,
Commodore, Banger, and Tallyraud, as given. At
the next fence Commodore had taken' second
place, Fingal still leading, and the 'same
positions wore maintained over tho next two leaps,
and nt this stage many thought Talleyrand- nut of
the race. The winning post was passed and the
horses started for the second time round the course.
Before coining to the first fence Blaokthorn went
through h¡B horses, and led over the obstado, fol-
lowed by Fingal, who knocked tho top rail out, and
pearly paine to grief. Before the next fence was
reached, Tallpyrand had made up his lost ground in
wonderful style, but the fence was takon (¡ret by
Blaokthorn, followed by Fingal. Here it was seen
that Ai thin Kearney was waiting ou Blackthorn,
for he drew up to the latter and led over the sixth
fence by six lengths, Talleyrand in the third piuco,
but the old lim so baulked at the next obstucle.
Very little alteration then took place, and tho race
was oventually won by Fingal by throe lengths,
Blackthorn, Talleyrand, Bangor, and Commodoie
in tbs order named.
HANDICAP Honm.n RACI'.
Of - Bovs.. with a sweep of 2 HOVS. added. Ovor
'"hurdles about 3Jft. 1'¡stance, about 2 miles.
Mr. W. Bumnoy's b li Talleyrand, aged, ljst..
carried (lib-, over ....;...'.. (D. Dawsio) 1
Mr. E. Fox's i g m Mountain Maid, 5 yrs , 9st. 51b. 2
' Victor, Fingal, Fireworts. Whalebone, Miss '
Lucy and Best were scratched.
Only two horses started for this event, and Talley-
rand was made a groat favourite. Talleyrand led
fiff, and got over the first hurdle with safety, Moun-
tain Maid following very Blowly. On coming to
tim next hurdle f'ï'aljy baulkod, but Mountain
Maid got over safely, and was soon followed by
Talleyrand, Tho third hurdle waa taken first by the
latter, and tho old horse maintninedhis position over
the noxt obstante, bub rapped tho top rail very hard
and after this Mountain Maid um up to Talleyiand,
find both'raced side by 8idoui|ti} the laut leap fiom
iqmp waq reached, when 'Pulloyrand ran »round it,
And lost all chance of winning, for tho Maid cluaiod
t|io last hurdle safely", mid won iii a cantor. A
protest was entered against tho winner receiving
(ho stake on account of miming lound a hurdle,
and a counter protest was put in against Tulloyiaml
u it was stated that his rider dismounted without
oidora.
8KM.1NC1 HAOK HUltm.E RACE.
Of-sovs. Post ontry £1. Winner to bo sold for £20.
if over that, balance to go to fund«. Jf lo hu sold
for £10, ono stone allowod. Woight, I Ost. Distance
about 1J milos, over hurdles about 3Jft. high. '
Mr. E. Fox's Mountain Maid (to be sold for £20
..,:.,.(G. Mills) 1
Mr, T. Rumney's MÍB* Ringtail (to 1» sold for £20) 2
Mr. e. Davl^'Bost (to bo »old for £20). 3
Mr. C. O'Couoi'B Colleen Bawii (to be'sold for U1Ü) 0
Mr. Bailey's Wiufrod (to bo sold for £20)...'....;.,.. 0
Mr. .1. Ciislinuin'B Gaiuocock (to bo sold for £20),.. 0
Mr, J. Clay's Whalebone (to bo sold for £20). 0
All the horses gqt away well together, and all,
with the acception of Gamecock, who ian round
>t( got safely ovor tho first hurdle, Qamooook
phnrtjy after pulled up. Tho romaindor of tho
field nognoiatoil tho ucoond huidlo safely, but
all rapped the nbotaolo, Su vol al changes took
place nitor this, mid when the botaos appeared in
view Miss Ringtail and Mountain Maid were to
gether, and an exciting race took place to the finish
between the pair, Mountain Maid eventually winning
by three lengths, Miss Ringtail second, and Bust
third.
$