had stipulated, notably on the grandstand, which was better appointed than that at Flemington. Then South Australia entered a period of economic downturn, brought about by the drought of 1884–1886, and the racing industry suffered; the A.R.C. disproportionately so, and Blackler felt the time was ripe to cut their losses, and outlined a plan whereby the Council would resume the course and recompense the partners, as they were keen to extend Halifax Street and bisect the "Old Course". Ferry strongly disagreed, and there began the split between the two partners, which became quite bitter, at times to the point of farce. At the Globe Hotel one day, Blackler retaliated to something Ferry said by threatening to punch his face. Ferry turned to a nearby sportsman, and gave him specific instructions as to how White's Rooms should be secured for the prize fight: Blackler stormed off, fuming. What followed was a few years of low-key meetings run by Ferry — sufficient to satisfy the Council's requirements, but with modest stake money, consequently races with few starters dominated by Ferry's own stable, and poor attendance. On 11 October 1888 a meeting of interested sportsmen held at the Globe Hotel resolved to re-form the Club once more. A steering committee consisting of Ebenezer Ward, M.P., J. MacDonald, and Samuel James Whitmore was formed. In November 1888 the Blacklers agreed to take over the lease and the Club's debts to Ferry, assessed as £2,500, and brought in a new co-lessee, John Pile. A provisional committee was formed to form a new Club: J. C. Bray, M.P., J. H. Gordon, M L.C.. Messrs. E. Ward, M.P., J. Pile, W. Blackler, J. McDonald, S. J. Whitmore. Gabriel Bennett, and Dr. O'Connell. In December 1888 the Licensed Victuallers' Racing Club (founded June 1888) joined with the rump of the A.R.C. to form a renewed Adelaide Racing Club with an additional 250 members, with the Victuallers' committee augmented by W. Robertson, John Pile, S. R. Wilson, and R. C. Cornish. In June 1891 he attempted to sell the Fulham Park Stud and other freehold properties, valued at £65,000, on the art union principle. The lottery was however under-subscribed and had to be abandoned. Blackler died shortly after catching a cold, which developed into pneumonia. He was remembered as a man with a very straightforward nature, verging on rudeness, but was esteemed for his honesty. His remains were buried