The A.J.C Derby.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 223, 8 October 1887, Page 5

The A.J.C Derby.

From Australian papers to hand by the s.s. Tarawera to-day, we take the following account of the running for the A.J.C. Derby :— A.J.C. Dr.Kßr, for 3-> ear-olds; colts, Bsb 101b ; iillies, Bst 51b ; geldings, at time of starting, allowed 31b. J. White's eh c Abercorn, by Chester— Cinnamon (Hales) .. 1 W. Cooper's br c Niagaia, by Anteros (imp. )— Frailty (A Kobertson) .. 2 W. Gannon's br c The Australian Peer, by Darebin — Stockdale (imp. ) (Nerl'iker) 3 J. White's br f Llxmx, by Chester — Etna (E. Boase) 0 D. Cooper's b c Bowmont, by .Sb. Albans (imp.)-Paidoii (M. OBrien) 0 T. Sampson's eh c Matador, by Westminster — Constellation (F. Smith) ... 0 W. Robinson's br c Enfilade, by Musket (imp)— Onx (Gallagher) 0 Betting : sto 2 and sto lon Abercorn, 5 to 1 against The Australian Peer, 10 to1 Matador, 20 to 1 others. After one slight break away had been indulged in the word \vat> given, and Bowmont, Abercorn and Lava jumped away first. However, Lava, in the interests of her stable companion, took up the running, and clearing out led Abercorn four lengths past the stand, The Australian Peer running third, fout lengths away, though a length in front of Enfilade, and then came Niagara, Matador and Bowmont. The pace was already warm, but the order remained unchanged over the tan and till Cutt's was passed. Then The Australian Peer closed within two lengths of the favourite, the former having Niagara on his quarter, and the others were running in a bunch two lengths away. At the half mile post Enfilade fell back last and was beaten. Although Lava was in front she was being ridden to keep her place, Abercorn havinggone up within a length and a half of her, and The Australian Peer and Niagara were only separated by a length, while about the same distance away came the others. Lava retired beaten at the three furlongs, where her place was simultaneously taken by Abercorn. From this out the race, if it can be called one, admits of no description, as Abercorn drew away, having his opponents dead settled in the straight, ultimately winning ki the commonest of canters by a length from Niagara. The Australian Peer, who was third, two lengths away, beat Bowmont, after a determined finish, by a shoi*t head, and Matador was three lenghts away fitth ; then came a long way off La^a and Enfilade. Time, 2min. 39£ sec. The papers state that no Derby has been won easier, but the official time, 2min 39^sec, was not agreed with, private watches making it 2rain 43sec. Mr W. Cooper's, second, with the New Zealand bred colt Niagai'a, was a meritorious acquisition under the circumstances, he nob being nearly well.

There is consternation in the Turkish Court since the chief of the eunuchs has died. This functionary, who was in his seventy-ninth year, had presided over the harems of successive Sultans for more than forty years. Ho was a negro of greab strength and gigantic stature, and his name was Hasus Behran Agha. He was a genuine Moslem of tho old school, and detested Europeans and all European customs and ideas. He exercised immense influence in the Force. He was officially described as Porter of the Gate of Felicity of the Commander of the Faithful. His successor as chief of the eunuchs is an Armenian, who is supposed to be on excellent terms with the Russian Embassy.