Alexandra Times at KellyGang 24/3/1871
GODFREY'S CREEK RACES
Those races took place on Friday, the 17th instant, and were attended by a good number of spectators. The weather was all that could be desired, old Sol having arrayed himself in his brightest garb, as if determined to give additional zest to the sports of the day by his beaming presence. A very fair sprinkling of visitors from the surrounding districts took the opportunity - it being also a holiday-to pay a visit to the races. The course, which is pleasantly situated on the flat to the west of the township, presented a lively aspect. Various amusements were in fill swing, including a merry-go-round, which was extensively patronised by the juveniles, and by children of a larger growth. There were also a few "Professors" of the ,"Doodlem-buck" and "three card-trick" business, offering unlimited sums of money, which could be easily won by, "Just one try, Sir." Radford's Band " discoursed sweet music" in the Grand stand in their usual masterly style.
With the exception of a slight outburst occasionally, owing to the exuberant spirits of one or two enthusiastic individuals, who had been “drowning the Shamrock" in honor of St Patrick, the greatest good order prevailed throughout the day. The racing was of a very fair character, but from the nature of the course it was impossible to see much more than the start and the finish of each race. Those interested in racing at Godfrey's Creek should take some steps for the purpose of clearing the course, and thus afford a better view of the racing. The first race was the Maiden Plate, £10
Mr Hoysted's Stockwell ... ... ... ... 1
Mr Hogg's Boundary Rider ... .... ... 2
Mr Cairn's Bando ... ... ... ... 3
This was a well contested race. Bando took the had at starring, and kept it for the first time round. He was then passed by Stockwell and Boundary Rider, and a fine race home ensued, Stockwell winning at last by about half a length. The next race on the programme was the Ladies' Purse, £10
Mr Hall's P B . .. ... .... .. I
Mr Downing's Dick ... ... .. ... 2
Mr Bartlett's Kitty Clyde ... ... .... 3
P B took the lead in both heats, kept it all the way, and won full of running. After a rather long interval, came the great race of the meeting, the Gobur Handicap, £30
Mr Cairns's Maude ... ... 1
Mr LeClerc's Telegraph, late Alexander ... 2
Mr Owens's Wee Mick ... ... ...... 3
Mr Hoysted's Othello ... ... ... ... 4
Mr Kelly's Minnie Warren .. ... ... 0
A very good start was effected, Minnie Warren at once rushing to the front, followed by Telegraph, the rest well up. This order was maintained for some time, when Minnie Warren, in her usual wilful manner, ran off the course, which put an end to her chance of winning. Maude now closed up to Telegraph, with Wee Mick in close attendance, rand a splendid race in ensued, Maude eventually winning by about a neck.
Hurdle Race, £15
Mr Cairns's Bondo ... .. ... ... 1
Mr Hoysted's Cruiskeen ... ...... ...0
Cruiskeen, who only started to save a walk over, was pulled up after he had gone a short distance, and the old bay was left to canter round at his leisure.
Consolation Stakes, £5.
Telegraph ...................1
Othello........ ... 2
Telegraph took the lead at starting, ran gamely throughout, and managed to come in a winner by about a head in front of Othello, after a hard struggle down the straight.
end
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