THE RACE FOR THE WELLINGTON CUP. » n, „

Manawatu Herald, 10 February 1880, Page 3

THE RACE FOR THE WELLINGTON CUP. » n , „

(From tbe N.Z. Times.) This was oi course the event of the day, and created great interest and excitement. As the hoises were brought out from the saddling pad ■ dock, and pot through their paces in front of the stand, the opinions ex- • pressed as to which was most fit to win the race -were very diversified, but it was agreed on all hands that the whole lot of them were in excellent con Jition, some of course being more fit than others. Little lempleton looked' the pink of perfection and a model of symmety, without Laving an ounce of superflous flesh on him ; but game as he looked, it was felt that he would never be able to conquer the 9st Sib upon his back. Foul Play, too, and iara were greatly admired, while hazardous guesses were made as ■to the capabilities oi some of tbe ,^oUien»; vho, while yet unknown lo jgpj*, nevertheless presented a dangerous appearance. The betting men, who hitherto had been more back- - mmi thau usual iv trying 1 »v Induce ■-■■s custom, now began to ply their lung?» making their offtrs moif freely and in stentorian tones, while the proprietors " of Ihe. totalisator were by no means bacWartf ia drying <ut the mci i: s bf ih* invention, sa as to make a big haul on the Gap. As the bell was

rung, a rush was made lor the stand and other coigns of vantage; the booths" and the gum 6s of all kinds were left to take care of themselves, and there seemed to oh but o= c thought— "Who will pull it off!" Sweops were finally arranged, lets booked, and everybody was on the the tiptoe of expectation for the tace, the result of which was prolmbly fraught with most momentous consequences to dozens, if not hundreds, on the course. Everyone was on the tip-* toe of expectation for the start, and it came without much waiting. Mr Young lowered his flag, and for a few seconds they ran like one horse, as seen from the stand. But then Hailstorm cleared himself from the others, and showed to the front, and as ihe lot passed opposite the stand had increased his lead by several yards, with Chancellor second, King Quail third, Templeton fourth. Foul Way fifth, and Laerte3 sixth; the others iv a string behind At this time they presented an exceedingly pretty appearance, there being about half a length between each of the horses. Coming past the stand Hailstorm still led, but several changes had taken place in the positions of the other horses, Soukar having by this time gained second, and Lara chird place, with Foul I lay and Laertes lying close on her quarters, and the others in a cluster behind. Two-thirds round the course Hailstorm still maintained his supremacy, but just before coming into -the straight Foul Play was let out, and came through bis horses, passing Hailstorm, and winning by a couple of lengths With the-greatest apparent ease, Lara . second, and Hailstorm a good third, Laertes fourth, and the others at various lengths beI hind. At the very start Magnolia became restive, and baulked, and consequently was never iv the race, beitg left so far behind that it was considered by her jockey useless to push her. Norseman, who was going strongly when coming into the straight for the last time, collided against a post and threw his rider, shaking him very severely. Norseman was coming up well atptlie time, and his backers say he spoilt a good chance by his accident, but there can be no doubt he never would have collared Foul Play. As the latter passed the winning post he was loudly cheered, and there were CQUHofiadationa Ire&ru on all sides that there had been ♦• straight " running this time, without doubt. Ttme, 3.37.

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