THE MELBOURNE RACES.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 228, 12 November 1887, Page 12

THE MELBOURNE RACES.

Melbourne, October 30. Saturday (Derby Day) was my first experience of racing afc Flemington, and to me it was fraught with the greatest interest, inasmuch as four out of the nine competitors who were saddled up for the great race first saw the light of day in the Auckland province, and, further, two of the number carried the colours of the popular local sportsman, the Hon. E. Mitchelson. The weather was simply glorious, a bright sun and clear blue sky being tempered with a pleasant cool breeae. Victorian pressmen assured mo that the attendance was very much greater than in any preuous year, and I should think that there is no reason to doubt their word, for the whole of the immense stands were packed, whilo the ''hill" and "flat" were a mass of human beings. What a sight the lawn presented as the saddling ocll rang for the jockeys to weigh out for the Blue Kiband ! Thousands of beautifully-dressed ladies and their escorts paraded the elastic turf, and the scene of brilliancy and gaiety that presented itself was one that shall never be effaced from my memory. Truly, Flemington is a wonderful place, and the way that tho arrangements are carried out is the cause of the greatest wonder and admiration to the stranger. Notwithstanding the crush and bustle, everything goes like clockwork, and there are none of those tedious delays in starting the races that we are accustomed to on New Zealand racecourses. The power." that be of the Victoria Racing Club study their patrons, and everything that the human mind can suggest for their comfort has been done, the whole being carried out on a scale of magnificence and splendour. And what shall I say of the perfect railway arrangements? To see tens of thousands carried to and from the course without crush of any kind, and landed at the station ten minutes after the last race is run, makes me shrug my shoulders as I think of the journey on similar occasions between Auckland and Elleislic. The Victorian race-goer is wonderfully good-natured, and the only object he appears to have in view is to enjoy himself and endeavour to make others do the same. There is nosign of depression or want of wealth. Everyone in the vast throng appears to have his or her share, whether it is in the paddock, on the hill or the flat, and how they dispense it in backing their fancy ! Not tho^e individuals, mind you, who daily follow turf pursuits, but everyone who visits the couise — man, woman and child.

The Wrcsses. Describing ladies' dresses is not in my line, but a local fashion critic states that " visitorssawour Victorian women under the very best possible conditions on Saturday." The same authority continues; — "Next to Lady Loch's garden party the Derby Day was the best display of outdoor spring dres&ing we have had as yet, and one cannot but be struck with the great change from last year. Although the former season showed good style, coupled with simplicity, yet all materials were very much the same, and an absence ot strong contrast was observable. Women either wore fairly good gowns or s-unple white and cream embroideries. But this year the rich gowns have grown richer and more elaborate, while the simple ones have become simpler. One sees side by tide amongst those who are noted for good style, handsome dresses of rich watered silk and gold lace ornamentations, and the simplest gingham frocks, each wearer being considered thoioughly well dressed. In cotton as well as soft silk is to be noticed a tendency to return to the style of early years of the century — \iz., short waists, with sashes or belts and bishop sleeves. In the richer materials, straight flowing garments arc most preferred, either in redingote or pelisse style, opened in order to show the petticoat in front. But, to return to cottons, the threat that large checks would force their way to the front has turned out to be true. But these, when entrusted to a good dressmaker, refcult in artistic and smart frocks, the reverse being the ease when made up by anyone lacking in skill. To illustrate my meaning, I may mention a frock in pink and white gingham as an example of clever workmanship. The check was rather large, but the bodice and draperies were so well cut and fitted so perfectly that the pattern of the material played quite a secondary part to the make, and the fit destroyed what in inferior hands would have been a ' loud ' dress. The contrast to this was a handsome gown worn by Mrs Malicson. The on fcire skirt was of white satin duchesse, and scattered over the V shaped draped front were tiny pom-pom pendants of gold and black. Over this was worn a long redingote of black watered silk, reaching almost to the edge of the skirt. A t the back this was open, showing the flowing folds of the white satin skirt. The bodice portion in front was ornamented with revers of white satin, covered with gold lace. Her bonnet was a gold skeleton one, covered with lace. The judicious massing of black and white was very observable in this gown."

The Interest in the Race. Tlio several events of the day fall into niter insignificance compared with the interest taken in the Derby. Immediately the saddling-up bell rings out its warning note, a rush is made by both sexes to witness the candidates undergo their toilettes, while on the signal being given that the horses are on the course, every coign of vantage is at once taken by the eager sightseers, and even the great army of cash bookmakers— who wager during the progress of the other race— drop their calling for the time to see the running.

Auckland Visitors. I made my way to the lawn after Lonsdale, the Maribrynong Plate winner, had weighed in, when quite a number of Auckland faces met my gaze. There were the well-known figures of Mr and Mrs Thomas Barnett, Mr and Mrs W. Winston©, Mr and Mrs Neumegen, Mr W. Sibbin, Mr Philips (son of tha Town Clerk), and Mr T. (Jarrett, a Thames publican, while mingling among those in the "bird cage" were Mr H. X Abbott and Captain Lloyd (late of the Union Company service), not to mention Mr W. Lyons, who had to come across from Sydney, and Mr J. Gallagher. The last-named has given up the book and pencil, and now keeps a well-appointed hotel at Hotham, and I am glad to hear is prospering well. Among others known in New Zealand strolling about were Messrs R. Ray, J. Pilbrow, A. Drake, Moss and Harry Prince.

The Derby Candidates Interviewed. The fiysfc of the pquine candidates that I interview are the H m. E. Mitchelson'B pair, Tranter and Whakawai, who are being prepaved for the fray in one of the open sheds. A dense crowd surrounds Tranter, for not a few think that ho is the one capable of do-

feating Abercorn, while Whakawai also has numerous admirers. Mr W, E. Dakin, the trainer, looks very confident as he gives Hughes the " leg-up " on Tranter, and as he lias expressed the opinion to me that ho thought the son of Pungawerewere would win, I think what' enthusiasm there will be in Auckland to-night should it be verified. The Victorian public delight in looking over a good bit of horseflesh, so it was with the greatest difficulty that I squeezed through the crowd to interview Niagara. "He will have to be a two-stone better colt than anything engaged " is the first criticism I hear from a prominent sport, but Tit appears to me that, the son of Anteros is much better in condition than most peoplo imagine. Standing by Niagara is Mr W. Cooper in earnest conversation with Robertson, and there is a look in the visages of both owner and jockey that the " all orange " will secure the judge's verdict. It dcen't take me long to spot Abercorn, whose saddle at the time of my arrival is being adjusted by Hales. The colt loooka the very picture of health and condition, and those who saw him run at Randwick give the opinion that he is pounds better. The Hon. J. White, seated under a tree close by, coolly watches operations, and more than one "society " lady and gentleman shake hands with owner and breeder j and wish him "good luck." At another part of the " bird cage," I espy the familiar form of the Hon. W. Robinson, and close alongside the Canterbury sportsmen are Messrs Ray and Pilbrow. They are watching George Cutts preparing Enfilade, but, noble-looking animal that hfc is in appearance, I look on hia chance with little favour, simply because he does njt bear the stamp of having undergone a thorough preparation. Enfilade's friends ( are few, and 1 cross over to the spot where Australian Peer is being prepared for thefray. It was my first interview with thebrown son of Darebin, and remembering that ho triumphed over Trident but a few weeks back, I linger " scanning: his points "" for some considerable time. One who knows a thing or two whispers in my ear that Australian Peer will win,, but I shakemy head in doubt. We watch the ruddyfaced elderly gentleman, Mr W. Gannon,, give Gorry his "final instructions," and then take a hasty look at Pakeha and j Jcbufeite, but although both good-looking: colts, neither strike me as having a chance- , with Abercorn and Niagara, whom I elect to. stand by, and thence make my way to thebetting enclosure. I find Abercorn is a hot favourite, his admirers betting even money that he wins, while 7 to 2 is taken about Tranter, and 11 to 2 The Australian Peer. Niagara is at the outside price of 8 to 1, and 20 to 1 can be had about Enfilade. Taking up my position in the press box, I watch the preliminary gallop, when I feel more convinced that Niagara will be very hard to beat, and it is indeed an anxious- j time to the crowd as Mr Watson files the competitors into line. Enfilade was very fractious, and lashed out at Niagara on his hind quarter before the flag dropped. Lava made the pace in the interest of Abercorn immediately the signal was given, but as the horses turned out of the straight, Niagara, who appeared to be running unkindly, badly interfered with Tranter, and it was the means of the last-named endeavouring to shy into the paddock gate. This lost Tranter a lot of ground. Whakawai went tip to Lava at the back of the course, where Niagara was again running unkindly. Robertson here foolishly took a pull at him, and brought the colt from a good position at the head of the field to the rear with Jebusite. Passing the sheds, Abercorn began to creep forward, and by a brilliant run Niagara again shot up like a streak of lightning to the front division. Abercorn showed fiist round the turn, but The Australian Peer, running closer to the fence, was nearly even with him, and Robertson had to bring Niagara right on. the outside of the clumped field — a wide circuit — before straightening him for the run home. Abercorn was seen to be in difficulties at this point, and he was not then asked for his best effort, for Hales seemed to know that the colt was nearly all out, and was saving something for the finish. First Niagara and then The Australian Peer came to him, and still it was believed that Abercorn had something in reserve. The idea was dispelled when Hales called upon him determinedly at the end of the lawn, but the colt could make no satisfactory response. The Australian Peer, with a long easy stride and characteristic style of gathering his hind legs under him, stretched out for a length's lead to the post, while Niagara and Aber- i corn fought so evenly that Mr Wakley | could not separate them. Tranter finished I fourth, while some lengths distant came Enfilade and Whakawai. The time recorded for the I'ace was 2min 40sec, the fastest being that of Martini-Henry andTrident, who each compassed the distance in 2min 39sec. There was bub little enthusiasm shown as The Australian Peer was led to the weighing room, and the only winner to any extent was his owner, who backed him for a good round sum. Australian Peer's victory may be summed up as a mild sort of surprise, and was anything but a popular one among the p lblic. The bridle was required to make Gorry scalo the weight, but on " all right " being declared, the winner was led to the front of the vice-regal box. where Lady Loch (the Governor's wife) adorned the colt with i\ silver-clasped blue ribbon. There is not the slightest doubt in my mind that Niagara should have won the race, and, to say the least, he was badly ridden. The son of Anteros should have been kept in front, and I feel certain Australian Peer would not have had his name on the scroll of Blue Riband winners. Tranter was also badly ridden, and it is a thousand pities that his trainer did not see fit to secure a more capable horseman to ride the colt.

Robertson and <*orry Interviewed. After the race I interviewed Kobertson and Gou-y. The first-named attributed Niagara's defeat simply to the fact of his running unkindly, and he thought the cause of this was partly due to the colt never having previously run on the course. He further stated that Niagara interfered with Tranter, and it was due to thia that Tranter endeavoured to run off in the early part of the journey. Gorry thus described the race, which I give in his own words :—: — "I got very badly away, and was almost left at the post. By tho time the stone wall was reached, though, I greatly improved my position, and I began to run up to Aborcorn, who was leading the field and going'strongly. I kept my position till the turn was reached, where I was racing almost on terms with Niagara and Abercorn. I continued to keep with the pair till about, the distance post, when I gave Australian Peer his head, and he ran home rather an easy winner by a length." HiproNA, iv " Auckland Star,"