THE MELBOURNE CUP.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 434, 4 January 1890, Page 3

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

One of the most important items of •sporting news that have ever transpired south of the line is the raising of the added money to next year’s Melbourne Cup from s,ooosovs. to 10,000sovs. Last year a profound interest was created in sporting circles when the Y.R.C. Committee decided on a bonus from their funds of s,ooosovs to the leading handicap of Austmlia; but very few ever contemplated that the enterprise would be doubled in value for next year. The magnificent sum of 10,000sovs added from the funds of the Victoria Racing Club to the Melbourne Cup puts every other turf institution in the world entirely in the shade, for it must be borne in mind that the great races run in England and the United States of -the value of 10,000sovs and upwards, are mainly subsidised from the entries, forfeits, and acceptances of owners of horses, in other words they practically run for their own money. Consequently, if the liberality of the V.R.C. Committee does not meet with a responsive reciprocity from England, the United States, India, and South America, there will be great cause for disappointment. The resolution of the Committee has been cabled to England and America, so that the turf worlds of the north during their winter recess will have ample time to discuss and marvel at this latest evidence of Australia’s prosperity and marvellous progress. The Committee have decided that the sweepstakes shall bososove., as this year. The forfeits also remain the same, viz., ssovs and lOsovs. The second and third horses are to leceive the handsome douceur of 2,Coosovs and l.OOOsovs respectively. The penalties remain the same as before, except that it is stated that the winner of the A.J.C. or V.R.C. Derby shall carry not less than 7st 61b, whereas formerly it was called the “handicap weight” of such winners. The day of closing is Monday, June 2nd, and the handicap will be declared three weeks later.