SPORTING NOTES.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 999, 15 November 1881, Page 2

SPORTING NOTES.

THE RACE FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP. (From the N. Z. Herald.') The weather was splendid.-There was an immense crowd, estimated at nearly 100,000. The usual interest was shown. Contrary to expectation, thirty-three came to the front for the Cup. The post betting was in favour of Darebiu and Waxy, which were each 3 to I ; Odd Trick next, 6 to I ; Somnus, 100 to 4; Sir Modred, not mentioned; Zulu, 100 to 3 ; but was not mentioned and was very little backed. The 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 sure almost from the beginning. Colleen bolted twice before reaching the post, and delayed the start. Once away, Oxalia, Wheatear, Darebin, Odd Trick, and Santa Claus were first to show to the front, half way to the stand, and after going a quarter of a mile Somnus took first place. Bathurst, Claus, Wheatear, Waxy, Wandering Jew, Darebin, and Savanaka were all in the first division. There was scarcely any change in the relative positions in the first quartermile. On rounding the first turn by the river Somnus still led, Santa Claus 2nd, Bathurst, Wandering Jew, Waxy, Darebin, Colliana, and Wellington were next in order. First Water, Chatterer, Cockney, and Lord Burghley were the next division. Somnus led all along the bank to the far side of the course, with Bathurst and Darebin well up. After rounding the turn, Zulu run up to the front, and

was soon joined by Pawnbroker. On the outside Somnus, Darebin, and Czar were leading the second division. Zulu came in with a decreased lead as he approached the sheds, going strong and well within himself. Then came Waxy, Colleen, Czar, Sweetmeat, and Darebin, all closely packed. At the home turn a dog rushed out and Wheatear fell. Suwarrow also fell, breaking his rider’s leg. Zulu entered the straight with a clean lead. Waxy had taken second place, Trump Yoss coming up first on the inside, with First Water close behind. Czar, Bathurst, Creswick, Somnus, and Orient were next, all close together. In the straight Waxy tired, and was passed by the Czar, who came on gamely, hut failed to reach Zulu, who won by a length. Sweetmeat, w’ho came past at the finish, secured third place; Waxy fourth. Orient, First Water, Odd Trick, Chatterer, in the order named. Time, 3mins. 32| secs. This is very fast, and has only been beaten by Darriwell. The result was a great surprise as both the first andsecond were outsiders and scarcely touched in the betting. The ring won considerably but the public are losers. Zulu was not even expected to start for the race as he was suffering from what is known in turf parlance as “ a leg,” and had not done a gallop for some weeks past. He limped home from the weighing yard. Czar also suffered similarly, and had been eased off work. Zulu was bred by Mr. J. Lee, of Larra’s Lake, N.S.W. Hilarious ran in the Yan Yean Stakes well, but never showed in the race. THE DERBY.

On the Derby day the weather was fine, and there was a great attendance. Thirty started in the Hotham Handicap, including the New Zealand horse Hilarious, who ran well forward throughout and finished eighth. The Maribyrnong Plate brought out a field of thirty. Legenhoe won, with something in hand. Navigator and Guesswork tied for aecond place. A dozen started for the Derby. Somerset was a strong favourite at 2to 1. Darebin 3to 1, Somnus 4to 1. Santa Claus led from the start, but Somnus was in front, but gave way to Santa Claus and Cockney, the three being well away. In the far turn of the course, Darebin was in the second place with Somnus, Commotion, Sardonyx, Royal Maid, and 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. In the straight Darebin took the lead, and Somnus had retired from the contest. Darebiu come in an easy winner by two lengths, Santa Claus, Commotion, Royal Maid, Cockney, Monmouth, Spinningdale, in the order named. Time 2mins. 41|secs. This was surprisingly fast. Darebin was originally purchased as a yearling for 350 guineas. The net value of the stakes is £l2OO