THE MELBOURNE CUP.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 275, 20 November 1874, Page 2

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

{Australasian, Novtmber 14.) , Once more we are called upon fo cbrooicle the decision of the tnosfc exciting race that occupies a place in Australian programmes, nnd though it is to be regretted that the struggle tbis year terminated in a ridiciousiy easy victory for an outsider, the spectacular ttfoct transcended eveiy thing seen io former years. Thouannds upon thousands ol pleusure-se^era had arrived durin>> the week from tlio country and ihe adjoining coionite, and so full was the metropolis tbat it was with the greatest difficulty our visitors secured apartments at the numerous hotels that abouud in the city. It only needed fine weather to ensure a bumper attendance. Fortunately this deeifhratum was secured, and though a shower or two fell duting the morning, tha day became finer ns it wore on, and just as the Cup was beiu« run for the wcuther was delightful, the wind, which had been somewhat boistetoue, moierating i ta a gentle breeze, and the sun shining ! out in all its glory. Lon# before ten j o'clock Melbourne waa alive with thousands of f,eof.le oo pleasure bent, and 2.8 early as 9 o'clock (he exodus began, the rush to the Spencer-street railway station commencing at about half-past 10. from which hour up till 2 o'clock the tiai„s were pouring icto Fiemington with their living fr» i^ht. The road, foo, was largely p*(ro*jtee<*, an.l for hours one contiuuoua line of vehichs, ie4<hing from town io courea occupied the road. Iv addition to the, large numbers that journeyed by ioad, and rail, Borae thousands fouu 1 their way to the course on foot. Tbe attendance was estimated at 75,000 persons, nearly 35,000 of thiß number , being conveyed to the course by the rail. Never since mcii g was initiated io Australia did the grmi.il ttaud enclosure present such &n appearance as: it did to-d-»y. It is not within the' province of a sporting writer to " gush " over the beauties of the lawn, but it is impossible to deny that the scene on tbe grass plot ia front of the stand surpassed everything wo la I witnessed before. The dr easts were of the most gorgeous description Light blue, lavender, and ptuk predominated, and a3 the bemtifully npparelh'd la lies took up their positions just previous lo the Cup tho effect was charming indeed.. So great was the attendance in ihe enclosure that it was impossible to find room for one half of thobe desirous of getting a seat, or even a etundiug \ lace the staircases nnd corridor being crowded lo excess. The hill was just as densely packed, and for half a mile down each side of the straight thick crowds of people lined the mile, the surrounding hiiis being dotted here and there with family panit^, picuicing and enjoying the sport nt the same time. The course, although hurd, was iv lair order, and fast time was predicted for tuo uup. — .. ... _ .. _.__ _ * * The note of prepaiation bad heeu sounded, and the thousands of spectators upon the hill and flat had taken up their positions to witness tho struggle, while those who were more fortunate in possessing grand stand j tickets assembled io the saddling paddock to see the intending competitors receive their final polish before leaving the enclosure. It would be impossible to describe (he ..scene that'presented itself at this particular moment. The slaod was full to repletion, hundteds being unable to obtain even standing room, and the lawn and terrace were crowded with beautifully drtsVed ladies attended by their pfquiies. Thu hill was one dense mass of hinds, aid far

I down to the starting post thon* of excited spectators lined the bnt it was in the saddling paddock the scene surpassed everything had preceded ie at Flemiugtoo, bis portion of the enclosure was f packed with members of the >r sex, anxious to get a glimpse c different favourites. Golds ghVas a matter of course, was the brilliant light, and as Asbworth, ig wasted and weak, strolled the paddock to mount bis horse, is followed by a large crowd tbat tinded tbe horse as he was being red for the impeding struggle ult could be found with his cod. ,* and so confident wore the ans of the popular colors that » leaving the paddock as little as waa taken (hat he won. King (Ring, who stripped in splendid lion, also advanced to 5 to 2, an prevailing that he was the stable /because youoe Wilson was select- > ride him. Break of Day and j 8 were turned out in Mr Wilson's style, but in point of Dg surpassed The Diver, whose xaoce denoted great muscular den6e_it and General fitness, snd Mr s was congratulated upon all sides iviog succeeded in bringing tbe to? the post as fit as hands could^ hftow The t Arrow, too, w£s in^i $M*i£ > b H??j n "& attracted more tion than New Zealand's champion Lurline, who stripped one ball of e> but the; see son of the year against her, and many' good s did not admire ber front action i caotered pastf The Australian pion Dagworth was comparatively totfby birfriendg, walking about taddoek almost unnnoti-ed, and er animal that was almost totally cfed was the strapping fine son of kirk, Haricot, whose, owner j f- hoped for a Cop' success, f only j e ; honor that attaches itself to so 'tent a triumph, and he! was led; Harding bad him in the >f condition; and though he 1 bad beateq iaja, trial with Maid of bI» ihis trainer fancied ibat be juently improved, and was 'ore not at all dismayed by ifesence of such formidable foes idabrpogb, King of the Ring, &c. i the summons to go to the post 1 forth there was a general rush > grand stand; but spacious though ilructure is, it had already been possession of, and hundreds had urn to the lawn, while many, made way to the hill. As. the 19 stitors walked down to the startmf the excitement increased to heatj and when Mr Watson dropped his flag one stentorian shout announced that the Melbourne Cup of 1874 was being contested. From what we could see of it the start was' an excellent raej The Arrow and Protos on the left, with Kettledrum in the centre, * ■-"d The Diver on the extreme right, -appearing to hold the most prominent positions as they swept up the straight, King of tbe Ring,. as usual, whipping in. ■ But before they had gone a mile Haricot rti____ io ibe front, and, increasing his lead fp twenty lengths as he passed the abattoir^ it was evident that the despised" outsider had tbe race at his mercy, for thriogh the Diver ( w H*« n .w*de ajl tbe.way, and thereby lost a deal of groandy went after him, and was folldwed bjfr,Protoe, atid Haricot Hegan to come back' ty the_j ; as tbe^ entered the straight; he had slipped his field too far, for them to get-on, terms with him, and the boy easing within a fe ? *}?s**. A tn^ #?$> fte.woa hy four lengths,, to the im mease gratification of the bookmakers, many of whom had hardly written bits, name, owing to the '®S»Hffr 'ibW showw by the horse when pipped alongside b.f Maid of Avenel, a performance that caused those who witnegftd it to believe that Haricot waa .a. non-stayer. Such a runaway race has never f\pen seen for the Melbourne Cup jince the mighty Archer . galloped Iverjiis field and out his dpponentsrdown without an effort, and tto far as tbe actual race itadf was concerned! it was about the least interesting Qjip that has ever been seen, 98 Haricot had the race at his merc£ mote thai a mile from home. This Winner is a atafing light bay horse, standing nearly 16 bands, and though, like many geldings, %e has a weakishlooking ijgck, and afpears to be light in his middle, hefis nevertheless a powerful animal, md when in tbe humor gallops in fine form, though not like a thoroogh stay*. Hi 8 breeding is first-rate, lor be is full of Waxy blood, and, as is often the case with good horses, he is considerably inbred, Daniel O'Rourke being his grandsire on his sire's aide, and bis great grandsire on his dam's side — in fan, it i a a Sir Tattoo Sykea pedigree all over, and had the old baronet been alive be would bave received with joy (he intelligence of the success in the antipodes of one that bad sprung from tbe loins of his own beloved Daniel. Having been comparatively unsuccessful at tbe stud, Mr Cbirnside determined to get rid of Ladykirk, and a abort time ago be was sold. to Mr C. FVaser, of Kyneton, for 300 guineas. As Haricot bad only started o_ceWfbre the Cup handicap .was declared, and had. upon that -Solitary occasion won the Warrnambool AU-aged Stakes in a common canter, he i was most absurdly handicapped by Mr : Barnard at 6at/.i2lb.J his penalty for s winning at Ballarat increasing his ', weight to 6at. 7lb. After bis ridiculoos.'y easy victory over tbe Dowling Forest course, he was backed rather freely for the Cap, bat subsequently in • trial with Maid of Avenel be cut up very indifferently, and the public was

therefore led to believe that he could not stay the distance, and deserted him accordingly. Prolos ran a great hoise under the weight, and it was something of a triumph for hia former owner to see homes selected by bim running second and third for the great race of the southern hemisphere. The Diver was ridden strictly to orders, wide on the outside, and possibly lost a few Ipgtbs therehy. Young Grevillo rode bim io tbe entire satisfaction of his owner and trainer, but it require 1 a man (o get all uut of a lazy horse like The Diver, and had the boy been ordered to make more use of his light weight ba might have got to Hurricot'a head. King of the Ring juat managed to beat Break of Day and King Tom for fourth plac**, and uext to this trio came Goldsborough, for whose deffat no excuse can be tendered, as be held a good position throughout, but eoenx d to be beaten at the abattoirs. Mflboorni-- (up a S*eep** ? akes of 20 aov«. e*cb, 10 It, or sif declared, with ßoo added; 'Ihe send horse to r.-ecive - o sdVs, and* tbe ibtrd to save his stike. Two mile*. Mr, A. Cbirnside's b gr Haricot, l>y LadyHrk — aucep-m. 4 jn. iat 7lbs I Mr. J. C. Wihon-a b g Pr. J-s, b The Prt uiier— vi„s Crbck'ord, aged, Bst »;bs 2 Mr C. 1 ub in's br h The Hirer (la?e Dolphin), by Maiibyrnong -Gwendoline, 4 yrs, 6>t nibs 3 . Ddj| worth, Ltirline, King of the *Riog, Goldsborough, Tbe . Arrow/ LaHdiat, Fiiz-Y«iitVndon, Afur Dark, Speculation, Goshawk, King Tom, Gloom, Break o' D.y, Kettledrum, and Cleolite, also started. Belting : 2 to 1 agst G -Idsborough. 5 to 2 agst King of the Ring, 6 to 1 agst The Diver, 7 to 1 agst Break o' Day, 10 to I each agst Lurline, The Arrow, end Filz-Yattendon, 16 to 1 each agst Dagworlh and Haticot, 20 to 1 each agst Lopidist, Gloom, Protos, King Tom, Cleolite, aud Speculation, 50 to I each agst Alter Dai k, and Kettledrum. Without any unnecessary delay, Mr Watson sent them on tbeir journey to an excellent Btart, tbe. colors of The Arrow, Protos, aod Goldebrough on tbe left, King Tom, Speculation, Lapidief, and Kettledrum in ibe centre, and The Diver wide on tbe extreme right, showing most prominently as they crossed tbe fan. Leaving (be training gtourid, The ArrowV head was in front, witb Kettledium second, Goldsbrough third, Speculation fourth, Haricot lying next, and 'ihe Diver, still far on ihe Outside, fifth. Passing the stand Kettledrum supplanted The Arrow, and cut out the work at a strong . pace,. Goldebrough lying clase behind bis stable companion,: with Speculation and Haricot close at his hoela, The Diver going on next, Protos heading : the ruck, which was closely packed* \ Dagworth being at tbe end of it, aud King of the Ring ten or a dozen lengths • behind him. Rounding the turn by the rivei'a side, The Arrow and Kettledrum were running side by side, Haricot by this time haviug forged into third place, Goldsbrough beii'g fourth, Cleolite fif h, aoli Fisz Yattendon and The Diver next, King of the Ring still whipping jn. .At the riypr side Haricot Bbot^o-ijie fqre, and increasing his lead'otiievarytstride, he was ten lengths in front -%e%e reaching the railway bridge, Arrow going on second, and Tho Diver, a little further on, haying run up into third place. Passing the bridge, The Arrow, Goldsboiough and The Divor were ruonibg sidel hy aide, and Protos began to improve hie position, but af the abattoits Haricot had increased his advantage lo lenglhs, and The Diver, leaving^ Mr Tuu'a two, went on in, pursuit oi him, Protos following suit, with The Arrow, ( ; oldsbrougb, and Break of Day after him. At the sMfli The DTvSr * had deereafced the gap between himself and the leader, aodas b© stlif further lessened it ar he entered the straight, it Was for a moment imagined that he was going to caUiil- Haricot, but Greville not being ati'oo,** enough to make the tpostof bim he cited awayi and; Protos headed bim 100 fti-ds (roni 1 aome, but failed to catch Haricot, who won byjour lengths, Protos beating, The Diver, by a neck for second pjaee. . Kioj* of -^the Ring came with the accuatooied rush at the finish,, and just beat Break of Day and King'Toni fbir fouftb place, these three being several lengths behind The Diver. Goldsbrough was seventh, and then came Fitzr-Yattendou, Tbe Arrow, After Daik, Dagworth, LapidUr, and' Lurlioe in straggling order. Time, 3m. 375.

t Including alb over. • Includinjj 31b penalty. I Including 51b penalty. Pkrkormances of the Winnkb.-— Haricot siarted onceasa«liree-year-old, and won the Warrnambool All-aged Slakes i 1 a canter, beating Finoigan, Mirib, nud Gazeite. As a lour year old, cairyinp, 6st lOlbs, won the Ballarat H mdicap in a canter, beating King loir, Planter, and six others. At the V U.C. Meeting ran second to jßagwoi-;- for the Melbourne Stakea, beating King of the Ring, Lapidist, Speculation and others. Won the Melbourne Cup.

WIHXJBKS OF THB MeLBOOBNB CUP. Year Winner Started •\Vefcht Time 1861 ... Arvhit ... 17 ... 9 7 ... 353 1862 ... At lier ... 20 ... 10 2 ... 34/ I*6 B... Ii nicer ... 7 ... 5 -I ... 344 1861 ... L-nttrn ... 19 ... 6 3 ... 352 1865 ... To }boy ... 23 ... 7 0 ... 344 1866 ... 'J t - Harb ... 28 ... 6 Uf ... 343 1867 ... Tim Whiffl .r 27 ... 8 I.* ... 3 3J 1863 ... G'cocoe ... 25 ... 9 I* ... 342 1863 .. V .vrior ... 20 ... 8 10 ... 3 40 !870 ... Ni-Jthl.foot... 28 ... fi S* ... 3 37 1871 ... T i; e Pearl ... 23 ... 73* ... 339 1872 ... Ihe Quack... V 2 ... 7 10* .. 839 18J3 ... lon Juan ... 25 ... 6 12 ... 3 3fi 1874 ... ll.ricot ... is ... g 7J ... 337