THE RACE FOR THE DERBY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 253, 1 November 1897, Page 5

THE RACE FOR THE DERBY.

HOW IT WAS LOST AND WON

(By Cable.—Press Association.)

MELBOURNE, this day

This year's Derby was run under exceptionally favourable circumstances for the classic event. The field was both big and choice. The weather was glorious, the tracks in splendid order, and the attendance one of the largest ever seen at I<'iemington on Derby day. The race, unfortunately, has not been run without one of those regrettable incidents, which will leave a doubt in the minds of some that the best did not win.

Before the horses, left the Birdcage the half-a-dozen candidates came in for a great, deal of attention. Auruui appeared to be in the pink of condition. He was surrounded by a dense crowd of admirers. Despite that he was beaten on the track the previous day by his stable mate .Manfred, and that his split hoof was bound round with wax ends, his supporters never lost confidence, and they accorded him such staunch support that the pem-illers did not take less than 2 lo 1 at the finish. The eonlidence of the followers of the St. Alban's colt did not daunt the Sydney contingent, who freely accepted the odds of rhree to one available against Amberite. Before the distance was reached Manfred beat a retreat, leaving Amberite at the head of affairs, with Fleet Admiral, Aurum and Eiridsdale next. A few strides further on the favourite made an effort, but Harris shook up Ambeiito, who generously responded, and drew right away and passed the post more than four lengths clear from the favourite. Returning to the weighing enclosure, Aurum'a hind leg was bleeding freely. An examination disclosed that the coronet of his near bind leg had-been badly cut when the collision with Eiridsdale occurred.

Ambcrite's victory was well received, and bis owiier Duggan was accorded many congratulations. In the absence of Lady Brassey Mrs Freeman Thomas decorated Amberite with the Blue Ribbon. Great applause followed at the success of the Carbine colt.

Amberitc's win is very welcome, to the members of tbe ring, for it eased considerably their liabilities in connection with double wagering. With one exception, perhaps, there does not appear to be any big losers through the defeat of Aurum despite that for the past twelvemonths the colt has been a red hot favourite, and for nearly half of that time odds have been wagered on bis ability to win tbe Derby. The Victorian squatter who bets on a princely scale is understood to have lost several thousands.