SPORTING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3034, 3 November 1908, Page 7

SPORTING.

THE VICTORIAN DERBY. THE RACE DESCRIBED. jiy Telegraph -Press Association. Received November 2, 10.80 a.m. SIDNEY, November 2.

The "Herald," describing the race for the Derby, says:—"When the horses ranged up at the barrier Alawa had a berth next the inner rail, Wai Ila and Mother Goose being next and Monobel and Parsee on the outer wing. Without any delay the signal was given for a splendid start,. Alawa being the first to take advantage of it, while Parsee turned half round and was left at the heels of the others. Turning out of the straight Wai Isla dashed past his stable mate, and, setting a solid pace, opened up a gap of three lengtns along the riverside, which lie increased to half a dozen at the bridge, where Alawa and Lord Nolan were the nearest of the others. Here The Brewer joined Parsee in the rear, and Wai Ila came back to his field as they raced along the back, Alawa closing the gap at the abattoirs. Soon after passing that point the Wai Ila mission ended, and, beating a hasty retreat, he left Alawa and Lord Nolan disputing cue lead, a couple of lengths in advance of Parsee and The Brewer. Alawa shook off Lord Nolan coming round the turn, where Parsee was just behind the pair, and King turned his whip on The Brewer, who was beginning to lose ground. When heads were turned for home, Parsee ran past Lord Nolan and went on in pursuit of Alawa, but the latter had plenty in reserve, and romped home an easy winner, while Lord Nolan was an indifferent third." The "Telegraph" says:—"Alawa's style stamped him as the finest Malster that has yet been produced, while, if judged by the time test, he was at least equal to ar.y of the previous winners of the Blue Ribbon. The story of the actual race is soon told. After his stable mate, Wai Ila, had cut out the work for about a mile, Alawa, who had always been in attendance, took charge and was never again headed. Lord Nolan was the first to tackle Alawa at the home turn, but Alawa soon shook him off. Then Parsee put in a claim, but though he made a brilliant effort, Alawa sailed away, and won at his ease a race that was fastest V.R.C. Derby on record. Alawa, who simply won full of running, is beyond any doubt the best horse of the day. He has not only a great accumulation of pace, but is a stayer, and also a colt to whom weight does not make mucfo difference. Alawa ran in plates, one of which became Ipose arid shifted round before the winning post was reached. Lewis has ridden four winders of the Victorian Derby,"