THS A.J.C. DERBY.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 410, 12 October 1889, Page 5

THS A.J.C. DERBY.

I clip the following from the " Sydney Maill " anent the contest for the A.J.C. Derby : — With his Hawkesbury Guineas

victory still fresh upon him, Merriment, who looked fit enough to run for a kingdom, held his own in the Derby betting. Ab one time he hardened down to even money, but the friends of the Kirkham stable stuck so well to Rudolph that 6 to 4 was the best price obtainable, and at the last the favourite eased down to 5 to 4. Though better than he was atHawkesbury, Rudolph looked as mean and weedy asusual, and the more he is overhauled the more puzzling it becomes to understand from whence he gets his great racing ability. The powerful Singapore came in for very little attention, but he looked nicely wound up, and well prepared to perform his mission. Hales had the choice of mounts, and selected the best performer in Rudolph, while Huxley took command of the son of Malacca. As soon as they got on their legs Merriment began to pull very hard, and Ellis had a heavy task to keep him back to his horses. Singapore soon joined him, [ and with the big fellow rattling along at) his side, the favourite got excited, and began to fight for hi 3 head harder than ever. Perhaps it would have been wistr if Ellis had allowed him to sail away instead of hanging on to him so long ; but be that as it may, three furlongs from home saw the best of him, and he retired utterly disgraced before entering the straight, leaving Rudolph to chase his stable companion ; but Huxley kept his colt going and despite every ettort on the part of Rudolph, who responded to every demand made by Hales, the big colt held his own, and won cleverly. Recognising the fact that both horses were fairly ridden out in the pure interest of racing, the resulb was received by the public with great enthusiasm, although it must be admitted that it was a great surprise.