In the betting, Matilda had the call at 2 to 1; and 2 to 1 were freely given against Blacklegs. Romeo could do as much as he liked in both heats; and Matilda was drawn after the first Pick was nowhere.
A Private Match was run for 20 guineas, between Mr. Powlett's bay pony Peter, and Mr. Highett's bay pony Banker. One mile and a half; when Peter won easily.
Second Day. 4th March.
The Tavern Plate.—For all ages. 3 sovs. entrance, with £50 added. Heats, two miles and a distance. Town Plate weights.
Mr. Brown's ch m Countess, 6 years—tartan 1 1 Mr. Wood's b m Mountain Maid, aged—black and red 2 2 Mr. Highett's b m Luna, 4 years—striped tri-colour.
Mr. Powlett's br h Sir Charles, 5 years old—green and blue. Mr. Willis' br g Deceiver, aged—black and red. Mr. Baillie's br h Duke of Argyle, aged—pink and white. Mr. Gibb's ch m Maid of Lorne, 4 yrs—black and pink.
Only the two old mares started, and they appeared to be pretty well matched. It was almost neck and neck running throughout both heats, which were won by a shave. The old ladies got unmercifully punished, and until their dying hour ought not to forget that day's whippings.
The Trial Stakes.—For two and three-year-olds. Two sovs. entrance, with £30 added. Heats, one mile and a distance. Mares and geldings allowed 3 lbs.
Mr. Carrington's ch g Romeo, 3 years—red and black. 1 1 Mr. Powlett's bl f Matilda, 2 years—blue and green. 2 dis. Mr. Ewart's bf Deception, 2 years—black, pink and green 3 2
Mr. Gisborne's bc Hassan, 2 years—black and crimson. Mr. Vignolle's bl c Concord, 2 years—pink and brown. Mr. Baillie's bf Western Lass, 2 years—pink and white. Mr. Evans' b f Maid of the Mill, 2 years—tartan.
Matilda was the favourite, and disappointed her admirers. In the first heat she had no chance against Romeo, who was master of the situation all through; and in the second heat she ran against a post and threw her rider. Hassan made no show at all, and Conrad, Western Lass, and Maid of the Mill did not start.
Pony Stakes, for horses 14 hands and under, 1 sov. entrance, with £20 added; heats 1 mile and a distance; catch weights.
Mr. Powlett's bh Peter—blue and green 4 1 1 Mr. Gourlay's b p Banker 1 2 2 Mr. Baillie's Tom Bowling—pink and white 2 3 3 Mr. Watson's ch p Fairy—green.
Mr. Strode's b p Baron Munchausen—white. Mr. Carrington's b p Tory—true blue. Mr. William's g p Conservative—green. Mr. Ewart's b p Deception—black, pink and green.
Deception, the Baron, and Conservative were scratched; Fairy and Tory were not placed; and Peter, who put forth indomitable pluck, "broke the bank" after a hard day's work and a well-won fight. Peter, Tom Bowling and Deception were the favourites, especially the latter, in whose favour 2 to 1 was freely offered. The result proved that so far as his backers' pockets were concerned, his hipponymic was no misnomer.
Third Day 5th March.
A Hurdle Race was the first event on the card, for which there were only three starters.
Mr. Wood's ch g Capsicum, aged; owner rider—red. Mr. Highett's Irish Lass; 5 yrs.; owner rider—red and black. Mr. Yaldwyn's bl g Snowball, aged—black and white stripes.
