SPORTING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 November 1924, Page 9

SPORTING.

MELBOURNE CUP. - A WILLING finish. JUDGE’S MISTAKE. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT, Received Nov 5, 2.10 p.m. SYDNEY, Nov. 5. Commenting on the Melbourne Cup results, the Sydney Morning Herald says: “It- was a- great finish to a great race. An excellent start was effected, although a hurdle was necessary to keep AVynette and Feathernest in order at the barrier. Backwood ran last till the mile post was reached, but as the horses swung into the straight Backwood Suddenly shot out, and Lily Pond, who had been interfered with coming round the turn, put in a claim on the outside. Backwood was clear a furlong from home, and then a thrilling finish was witnessed. Spearfelt and Lily Pond both tackled Backwood resolutely, but were unable to get on terms with him. Brown Rajah also made a bold effort, but had to give way. The honours of the race were undoubtedly with the winner, who came from last to first and put up a brilliant performance. Standby stamped himself as a horse of exceptional merit, as, notwithstanding his injury and being twice hampered—once coming into the straight and again near the post—he showed rare determination. Brown Rajah ran a great race, and so did Lily Pond, who had his progress impeded a couple of times. Feathernest found the pace over the concluding stages too much for him, while San Antonio had nothing left at the'*’ finish, and Drongo also petered out. The judge placed Brown Rajah second, but later altered it in favour of Spearfelt, but not before some of the bookmakers had paid out. Lily Pond was an exceedingly close fourth and Brown Rajah next.” The Telegraph says: “Strangely enough, Wynette and Feathernest, neither, of whom was regarded as a fast beginner, showed the way past the stand. A little later Polycletah sustained a- hump, which sent him back several lengths and must have taken a. lot out of him. It was apparent from the barrier to the mile post that Brown was not urging Backwood. As soon as the horse was called on he moved up, and two furlongs from home he was going great guns. For a moment it looked a,s if he was going to have fin easy win. It was the fiiost thrilling finish ever witnessed for the Melbourne Cup, Backwood. ridden liard, commenced to falter, and Spearfelt gained on him. Standby, momentarily checked by Spearfelt boring in on him, came again in great style. The three horses passed the judge’s box almost abreast.” KING’S TR,ATNF;R. RESIGNS. Received Nov. 5. 2 10 n m LONDON.. Nov. 4. His Maicsty has regretfullv accepted the resignation ©f Richard Marsh, who ha/s he«n the King’s trainer for 31 years.—Reuter.