A GREAT RACE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXI, Issue 9854, 6 November 1924, Page 5

A GREAT RACE

HOAV BACKWOOD AVON THE

MELBOURNE CUR

MOST THRILLING FINISH EVER WITNESSED. THREE HORSES PASS POST ALMOST ABREAST. JUDGE CHANGES DECISION ON THIRD PLACE. United Press Association—Copyright. SYDNEY, Nov. 5. Commenting on the Melbourne C'up race, the “Herald” says: It was a great finish to a great race. An excellent start was effected, although a hurdle was necessary to keep AVynette and Feathernest in* order at the barrier. Baakwood ran last till the mile post, but as the horses swung into the straight Backwood suddenly shot out, and Lilypond, who had been interfered with coming roiufd the turn, put in a claim on the outside. Backwood was clear a furlong from home. Then a thrilling finish was witnessed. Spearfelt and Lilypond both tackled Backwood resohiteiy, but werq_ unable to get on terms. Brown Rajah also made 'a hold' effort but had to give way. The honors of the race undoubtedly were with the winner, who came from last to first and put up a brilliant performance. Stand-by stamped himself as a horse of exceptional merit, as notwithstanding liis injury and, being twice hampered, once coming, into the straight and again near the post, he showed rare determination. Brown Rajah ran a great race, so did Lilypond, who had his progress impeded a couple of times. Peatiiernest found the pace over the concluding stages too much for him, while San Antonio had nothing left at the finish, and Drongo also petered out. The judge placed Brown Rajah third, but later altered jt in favor of Spearfelt, but not before some bookmakers had paid out. Lilypond was an exceedingly close fourth. Brown Rajah was next. The Telegraph says: Strangely, enough AVynette and Feathernest, neither of whom was regarded as a fast beginner showod tlie way past the stand 1 . A little later Polycletan sustained a bump, which sent him back several lengths, and must have taken a lot out of him. It was apparent from the barrier to the mile post that Brown was not urging Backwood. As soon as the horse was called on he moved up, and two furlongs from home was going great guns. For the moment it looked as if lie: was going to have an easy win. It was the most thrilling finish ever witnessed for the Melbourne Cup. Backwood, ridden' hard, commenced to falter ancl the faster did 1 Spearfelt gain on him. Stand-by, momentarily checked by Spearfelt boring in on him, came again in great style. The three horses passed the judge’s box almost abreast. —U.P.A.

OWNER’S OPTIMISM. WHY BACIyAVOOiTaVAS SENT TO AUSTRALIA. (Received Nov. 5, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 4. Mr. Clark, part owner of Backwood. is jubilant at liis Melbourne Cup victory. He said he bought Backwood on his own Judgment for 2500 guineas at the Newmarket sales in 1922. He was convinced after seeing the horse win the Ascot Gold Cup and Derby, beating the Cambridgeshire winner Re-echo, that lie was good enough for Australia. Backwood was slow in getting acclimatised but lie did not lose hope, being convinced that Backwood would eventually strike form. —Sun Cable.

BOOKMAKERS PAY OUT ON AVRONG HORSE. FRUITLESS~APPEAL EOR RETURN OF MONEY. (Received Nov. 5, 10.4-5 p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 5. AVhen the result of the. Melbourne Cup was received at the Epsom trotting meeting, stating that Brown Rajah was third, the bookmakers paid out. Then-, later, when it was corrected, they had to pay out again on Spearfelt. Several exhibited notices asking those- who had been paid outon Brown Rajah to return the money, but were not besieged by punters anxious to comply with the request. U.P.A