METROPOLITAN MEETING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6695, 7 November 1889, Page 4

METROPOLITAN MEETING.

Second Day — Nov. S, gtewards— Hons E. Parker, W. Beeves, M.L.0., and L.Walker, M.L.C., Mr J. D. '. Lance, M.H.E., Messrs F. Cunningham, G. H. Clifford, F. J. Kimbell, H. H. ; Prins, J. Studholme, T. Teschemaker, H. Wynn- Williams ; Judge— Mr F. C. ' Tabart; Handicappers — A Committee; Starter— Mr P. Campbell; Clerk of the \ Scales— Mr T. Aclandj Clerk of the Course— Mr A. Husey ; Hon Treasurer — Mr G.G. Stead. The beautiful weather which signalled the contest for tb.3 New Zealand Cup on Tuesday was vouchsafed for the Derby yes terday, and notwithstanding the promise of '■very moderate racing a large number of ; sportsmen and holiday-makers journeyed out to Eiccarton, by the various routes • they had patronieed so liberally on the previous day. The moist atmosphere of the previous night — it would be a pleasant fiction to call it rain— had freshened up tho turf and renewed the spring appearance of the lawn and shrubberies 3 but the trip by road was still an . experience of dust and 'boulders, and the people who went out by rail — and they were again in a large majority—com- • menced- the day with a very wise choice. Lord Onslow was again present, appearing to take a lively interest in the business of the day, and the novelties by which he found himself surrounded. After Scots Grey's victory in the Derby His Excellency, at the request of the Stewards, invested the ■winner with a veritable " blue riband," a marvellous piece of colour and embroidery, which the good horse bore with what dignity such poetic extravagance would permit.. The stand waß again well filled, and the display of summer toilets was as varied and tasteful as that of Cup day, while the lawn presented the same favourable field for the e'khibition of these triumphs of the milliner's art. The officials were again all assiduous and successful in the discharge of their multifarious duties, and Mr Westmacotfc may congratulate himself ...upon the possession of an admirable staff of assistants. Speoial credit ia due to the Secretary's indefatigable lieutenant, Mr Walter Neville, who is already qualified, except in years, for the highest position in the service of the Club, and if we should be tempted to find fault where there was so much to commend, it would be with the dilatory fashion in which the totalisator figures were supplied to the representatives of the Press. The gentleman entrusted with this particular duty is probably sure; he is certainly very slow. Mr Amyes again catered in the Grand Stand and well-main-tained the high reputation he has so thoroughly earned, while the other arrangements for the comfort and entertainment of the visitors were as complete as those of the previous day. The inside and outside tatalisators were worked together, that is the investments were put together and the same dividend paid from both machines. This innovation seemed to work smoothly and well, and will doubtless be continued at future meetingß of the Club. The sum of £11,775 was passed through the machine during the afternoon, making .£23,294 for the first two days of the meeting, or £1948 more than the sum manipulated by Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin at the corresponding stage last year.

The card was unquestionably the poorest that has been discussed at a Metropolitan meeting iot several years, and some other attractions than sport must have filled the stands and enclosures. The ball was set rolling with the Second Hurdle Ease, in "which well-informed backers -were content to lay level money on the heavily- weighted Ahua, Daring the early part of the contest it looked as i£ the Banguine ones were to pay dearly for their information, but directly Kingan asked the favourite to go he galloped over his very moderate opponents, and won by the best part of a length from Sankey. Bosebud was scarcely asked to gallop in. the Criterion Stakes, ao she got away ia & good position and going on at her own pace won with a lot in hand by three or four lengths. Stewart, the nominator and trainer of Rosebud, was subsequently called before the Stewards to explain the mare's running in the Eiccarton "Welter on Tuesday. The explanation •was not considered entirely satisfactory, and Stewart was cautioned. Cypriote's withdrawal left five to do battle for the "blue riband," a very fair field considering the form ScotsGreyhadshownintheCup on the previousday. OfcourseMrStead'scolt wa3 made a strong favourite, his friends ■were required to lay 2 to 1 ; but Eenata sndPeerswick both had little followings of their own, and the Chokebore fillies, Cynisca and Alsaca, were not entirely neglected. Scots Grey came on to the course very lame, but after cantering past the stand he led the parade without exhibiting any signs of his mysterious ailment. Mi Campbell seemed to keep them at the post rather longer than was necessary and one or two chances to send them away on good terms were allowed to escape, but when the flag ■ultimately fell they were in capital line. The favourite, next the rails, was the firsfa to move, but he did not get into his stride co quick as some" of the others, and "gave way first to Eenata and then to Alsace. Alsace had settled down in front at the end of a couple o£ furlongs, and carried the field along at a tolerable pace for half a mile, when Eenata drew level, and the pair made play side by Bide until reaching the top turn. Here White shook up Scots Grey, who at once responded, and lanup to the leaders. Alsace was the first beaten, but in the next fifty yards she was joined by Eenata, and the favourite was left with a clear j advantage of Feerswick. Cynisca in the meantime had left her position in the rear, and catching Peerswickat the top of the straight, looked for a moment like making a race with. Scots Grey, but the latter had ; plenty in hand, and White giving the speedy filly no chance to effect a surprise came right away and won by four lengths. The winner was subsequently led on to the lawn and decorated with the " blue .riband/ a ceremony which was accompanied by cheers for His Excellency tjhe Governor— -who was investing officer for the time being— the colt, his owner and. trainer. Bose Argent waa served up as a good thing in the Juvenile ■Stakes, and losing the opposition of Cafca- : mount at the start had no difficulty in disposing of Musk Deer and Ben Trovato.Three or fonr horses were backed in real earnest for the Stewards' Stakes, j but when the nag fell Whisper was a i

holding a good position to the distance, then came away and upset a well-preserved coup with Aloinous. Erin-go-Bragh waa better backed than Don C-sosar & * Qe Epsom Stakes, but never got on anything like terms with hi 3. horses, and Mr Good- ! man's gelding just managed to get home in 'front of Quibble. Oddß were laid on Seraph, in the Selling Two-year-old Plate, but Bhe failed to run out the distance, and succumbed rather feebly to Tempest. A Post Stakes, which attracted fourteen competitors, was won by Vaultress, and. concluded the day's sport. [Peb Pbess Association.] AUCKLAND, Nov. 6. At a meeting of the Committee of the Auckland Eacmg Club to-day it was unanimously resolved to ask Mr George Cutta to take the position of starter. 1b is believed that he will accept the post. t -