THE MELBOURNE CUP.

Kumara Times, Issue 1598, 10 November 1881, Page 2

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

Bluff, November 7. On the Cup clay the weather was 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 at 3 to 1, Odd Trick was next, at 6 to 1; Somnus, 100 to 4] while Sir Mod red 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. Cooreena bolted twice before reaching the post, and delayed the start. Once away, Oxalia, Wheatear, Darebin, Odd Trick, and Santa Clans 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, Savanaka, all being in the first division. Scarcely any Change in the relative position t<ok place in the next quarter of a mile. Rounding the first turn by the river Somnus still led, Santa Clans second, Bathurst, Wandering Jew, Waxy, Darebin, Coorena, 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, Coorena, Cz-.r, 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 euti red the straight with a clear lead from Waxy, who had taken second place. trump Voss followed on the inside with First Water close behind, Czar, Bathurst, C res wick, Soranus, Orient next, all close together. In the straight Waxy tired am! was passed hy Czar, who came on gamely but

failed to reach Zulu, who won hy 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. 32isec. This is very fast j has only been I-eaten by Darriwell, in 1879. The result was a great surpsise, as both first and second outsiders Were scarcely touched in the betting. Thd ring won considerably, but the publics 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 pash 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.