RACING NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 255, 3 November 1897, Page 5

RACING NEWS.

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF THE

RACE.

(By Cable. —Press Association.)

MELBOURNE, this day.

Cup day broke just as most people hoped it would not. The Government astronomer had predicted light rains and high wind, but it Avas fondly hoped that for once hia tip, or at all events the first half of it, would not be realised. However, when curtains were drawn at daylight rain was seen descending steadily, black clouds were banked up in all directions, and the outlook was just about as unpromising as the elements could have made it. As the breakfast hour approached, however, affairs overhead brightened considerably, the sun peeped through the clouds, and glimpses were had occasionally of bright blue sky, So things went on until about one o'clock, a passing shower or two being encountered in the interim. The remainder of the afternoon was as bright as could have been wished for. The attendance nevertheless suffered considerably compared with last year. There was comparatively little interest taken in the opening events, but as soon as the way was cleared for the Cup the immense crowd seemed seized with restlessness and eagerness, which became more marked as the time for starting drew near.

Clarion was late in reaching the post, and there was a delay of nearly ten minutes before Mr Watson gave the order "go." Until the horses actually were sent away on the journey, a confused hubbub arose from the spectators, but this diedaway into silence as every pair of eyes became focussed upon the moving mass on the running track. Delaware forfeited at an early hour, leaving 29 to battle for the rich prize. Despite his recent eccentricities on the trade Positano found plenty of friends who, backed him so consistently that ere the held assembled at the post he had deposed Coil from the position of iirst favourite. Coil, who was a strong second favourite, was in splendid condition, and Wait-a-Bit was apparently fit to race for a kingdom. Amberite was in great nick and attracted large crowds, as did Gaul us, who had been trained to the hour. Similarly honoured was Aurum, who also made friends.

Without much delay the horses took up their positions behind the barrier, Positano being next to the rails, with Chevalier next, Aurum, Fueile. Gaulus, and Amberite in the centre, while on the outside were Parthenopaeus Trent and The Grafter.

When the barrier was released Positano got quickly on his legs, and with Trent, Chevalier, Koha, and Gaulus, formed the first division until they reached the course proper, where Wait-a-bit came through and led for a furlong, but resigned in favour of Koha as the horses thundered past the stand.

A little further on Uundook deposed Koha and carried his iield along at'a merry pace out of the straight along t'ao river side, wi tii Mischief and Fleet Admiral to bear him company, aud Aurum, Wait-a-Bit and Dreamland handy. Koha fell back last. At the bridge Mischief joined liundook and the pair were three lengths in advance of Aurum and Coil, who had hitherto been among the back division, but began to improve their positions, and The Grafter also commenced a forward movement.

Mischief took temporary command at the abbattoirs, hut ilundook again got, level with her at the sheds, where Aurum and The Grafter -were pursued, and Coil, Gaulus, Positano, and Battalion were on IJundook turned the home corner in safety, but The Grafter was hard upon him, and outpaced the .Mill Park horse after a short struggle. Then Aurum, Coil, Dreamland, and i'ositajio appeared on the scone, and as they approached the distance Ganlus shot out in pursuit of his stable companion, who had placed a couple of lengths between himself and the Held. Inside the half distance Gaulus gradually began to close the gap, anil, steadily gaining on The Grafter, caught him about 100 yards from the post. They raced together for a few strides, and thun Gaulus, asserting himself, forged ahead and gained the judge's verdict by half a head. Aurum, who held a promising position all the way, could not pace it with the Warwick Kami pair at the end of the journey, and passed the post four lengths behind Gaulus.

Jjundook ran a good horse, but, after making the most of the running, just failed to get a place.

Considering the heavy state of the track Coil acted well under his burden, but Amberite never flattered his friends. Fucile ran most disappointingly, so did Parthcnopaeus. The much-fancied Positano was never dangerous. Fleet Admiral kept in the leading division during the greater part of the race, but died out when it came to racing. Mischief ran a good mare, but could not live to the end of the journey.

For the iirst time since the inauguration of the Cup the unique spectacle was afforded of two equine brothers belonging to the same owner lighting out a determined battle for the great event of the season. The result was received with an outburst of cheers.