THE MELBOURNE CUP.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2371, 8 November 1881, Page 3

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

[By Telegraph.} [Per s.s. Eotomahana, at the Bluff.' MELBOURNE, November 3. On the Cup day the weather wai splendid, and there was an immense crowd on the course, estimated at nearly one hundred thousand. Contrary to expectation, thirty-three horses came to the post for the Cup. The betting was in favor of Darebin and Waxy, each being 3to 1. Odd Trick was next at 6 to 1 ; Somnus, 100 to 4 ; while Sir Modred was not mentioned. Zulu stood at 100 to 3, but was not mentioned, and was very little backed. Czar was also neglected, Sweetmeat was the only one of the placed horses at all backed. It was a grand race, but the rider of Zulu says he held the other horses safe almost from the beginning. Oooreena bolted twice before reaching the post, and delayed the start. Once away, Oxalia, Wheatear, Darebin, Odd Trick, and Santa Claus were first to show in front half-way to the stand, and after going a quarter of a mile, Somnus had taken first place ; Bathurst, Claus, Wheatear, Waxy, Wandering Jew, Darebin, Savanska, all being in the first division. Scarcely any change in the relative position took place in the next quarter of a mile. Bounding the first turn by the river Somnus still led, Santa Claus second, Bathurst, Wandering Jew, Waxy, Darebin, Ooorena, Wellington next in the order named, with First Water, Chatterer, Cockney, and Lord Burghley following. Somnus led all along the river bank to the far side of the course, with Bathurst and Darebin well up. After rounding the turn Zulu ran up to the front, and was soon joined by Pawnbroker on the outside; Somnus, Darebin, and Zulu were leading the second division. Zulu came on with an increased lead, and as he approached the sheds he was going strong and well within himself. Then came Waxy, Ooorena, Czar, Sweetmeat, Darebin, all closely packed. At the home turn a dog rushed out and Wheatear fell; Suwarrow also fell, breaking the rider’s leg. Zulu entered the straight with a clear lead from Waxy, who had taken second place. Trump Yoss followed on the inside with First Water close behind, Czar, Bathurst, Oreswiek, Somnus, Orient next, all close together. In the straight Waxy tired and was passed by Czar who came on gamely, but failed to reach Zulu, who won by a length. Sweetmeat, who came fast at the finish, secured third place. Waxy fourth, Orient, First Water, Odd Trick, and Chatterer, in the order named. Time, 3min. 32Jsec. This is very fast; has only been beaten by Darriwell, in 1879. The result was a great surprise, as both first and second outsiders were scarcely touched in the betting. The ting won considerably, but the public were the losers. Zulu was not even expected to start for the race, and he was suffering from what is known in turf parlance as a “leg,” and had not done a good gallop for some weeks past. He limped home to the weighing yard. Czar also suffered similarly, and has been eased off work. Zulu was bred by Mr J, Lee, of Larras Lake, New South Wales. A.J.O. SPRING MEETING. [Br Tblegbaph.] [Per Eotomahana, at the Bluff.] MELBOURNE, November 3. The Spring Meeting opened auspiciously. On Derby day the weather was fine, and there was a great attendance. There were unusually large fields and the racing was good. Twenty started in the Hotham handicap, including the New Zealandhorse;Hilarious, who ran well forward throughout and then finished eighth. The Maribyrnong Plate brought out a field of thirty, and Segenhoe won with something in band. Navigator and Guesswork tried for second place. A dozen started for the Darby, for which Somerset was a strong favorite at 2to I. Santa Claus led from the start, but soon Somnus was in the front but gave way to Santa Claus and Cockney, the three being well away. At the far turn of the course Darebin held second place, with Somnus, Commotion, Sardony, Royal Maid, Spinningdale, all well up. Passing the abattoirs Somnus was in front, with Santa Claus and Cockney next. Somnus dropped back before reaching the turn for home and gave Santa Claus the lead, followed by Darebin, and Somnus third. In the straight Darebin took the lead, and Somnus had retired from the contest. Darebin came in an easy winner by two lengths, followed by Santa Claus, Commotion, Boyal Maid, Cockney, Monmouth, and Spinningdale in the order named. Somerset was last. Time, 2min4lJsec, surprisingly fast. Darebin was originally purchased as a yearling for 350 gs, and the net value of the stakes was £I2OO.