This, the chief event of the season, came off on Saturday last. The weather was perhaps not quite- what the stewards and perhaps others would have selected, had {it been forthe to choose; still, to get off the handicap at the first attempt is decidedly a matter for congratulation. The course was the same as for the two preceding commencing near Sicawei an at the back of Trefancha. Mr. McLeod with his usual goodwill to the hunt acted as starter; and the various lines were despatched to time. The pace was highly exhilarating from first to last as the the usual accidents, ook place, being about equally divided between the "flat" and the jumps; for the latter, the water courses immediately before and after the Graveyard" jumps, "Black Auster's," and the tidal creek were mainly responsible, though why the latter, it is difficult to say, looking at its present "Phe Sand 3} minute men did not make the most of their allowance apparently, as they were joined by some of the 2 minute allowees while refreshing at the tidal creek, the usual amiable' remarks passing current. The Island wade (full up) was as usual 2 familiar junction too, at least two of the minute riders coming to the front there, notably Mr. Souter who rode hard up to' this point together with three rejoicing under an allowance of une minute. Mr. Callaway amongst the medium to heavy weights appears to have been about the only one who made a show asa leader at any period near to the finish, but the speed of the light weights was qui sufficient to eclipse even superior riding when accompanied by bone and musd The long Island gallop was covered ata Frexcellentordor. Messrs. Nabhola, Souters enter speed than usual, the ground being
McCarthy, Sampson and several others not far behind were observed to be going in excellent form. Nearing the finish Mr. Sampson on Renown was well ahead of the field and alittle caution might have saved the fall he got and landed him an easy winner. As it was, Mr. Souter on Guarantee must be congratulated upon taking first place, winning by not more than a third of a Ipngth from Mr. Talloch on Exchange Mr. Nabholz on Miz, an excellent third Mr. Sampson. on Renown fourth, Mr. Anderson on Chaps fifth and Mr. Callaway on Twilight sixth. The length of the course, which is eight miles, was covered in twenty-nine minutes. the fastest recorded time. Mr. A. P, Wood kindly accepted and ably filled the position of judge on the occasion. The spectators were un exceedingly numerous and thoroughly interested crowd; indeed some appeared almost as anxious to put in an appearani tween the flags as the riders themselves The scratch men were about ten seconds Into, being just in sight as the finish was taking place. The Handicap may be looked upon asa thoroughly good one it is no easy matter to classify such a fine lot of ponies as were entered this season.
An_unpleasant accident occurred to a good Samaritan which may deter him from again acting in a similar capacity, and a well known company must be congratulated upon not having lost the services of its energetic manager.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.