MELBOURNE CUP

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 3 November 1926, Page 9

MELBOURNE CUP

A EXCITING RACE. IN DOUBT TILL THE END. SPKARFELT’S GREAT EFFORT a\ OAisi,fc, -PRESS ASOOCIATIOJN- COP VRIGHT. Received 12.10 p.m. to-day. • SYDNEY, Nov. 3. The Sidney Morning Herald/ commenting on tne Meiljouilie Gap, sa\s: •‘while the noises were aomg tneir preliminary gauop it was noticed tnat x lie La niter was stepping a little gingerly. the horses got away irorn ne oairiep piaeticany on terms, uiiu it was some time before the line was broken. Going past tne stand Genius snot to the iTont and ensured a fast race by having a lead of about fifteen lengtns wnen the mile post was reached. topearfelt was tnen a long way buck, woming to the five furlong post, tiie field commenced to close on Genius, but he stiil had live lengths’ advantage, altnough he was railing badly. Pantheon was here in second place, wnile Tne Banker was keeping in Pantheon’s wake as much as possible, followed by Limerick, Spearer, Royai Charter, bpearfelt, and Naos. The last two were coming round quickly. Rounding the turn, Pantheon had pulled his way to the front and appeared to be holding The Banker safeiy. Spearfelt aiso was going kindly. Rime rick was still in the picture, and -Naos was on tiie outside of the bunch in front of him. Then followed an interesting anil exciting finish. Spearielt forged ahead and flashed past the post half a length in front of Naos, who showed considerable improvement on Saturday’s display, and on this occasion put in a wonderful run up the long straight, just beating Pantheon oy a neck lor second place.” The Daily Telegrapn says: “It was a thrilling struggle and a remarkable race in many ways. Cemus, who was a runner so that a solid pace would be assured in the interests of The Banker, ran to the front, and so last did he travel that his lead was soon fifteen lengths. As none of the other riders displayed any inclination to go after the runaway, Pike set Pantheon the task, liis mount responding marvellously. Pantheon, in whose wake came The Banker, Rampion, Spearrtlt, and Royal Charter, was within five lengths of Cemus at the five furlong post, and on terms with him just after passing tiie half-mile, AArith three furlongs to go, Pantheon, who was clear, swung into the straight two lengths ahead ot the Banker, who had Royal Charter at his girth. Just behind the trio was a big bunch, which included Rampion, Spearfelt and Naos. Even though the latter two were going particularly well, their chance of overhauling the leaders did not appear bright. Even a furlong from home victory appeared to rest between the trio. AVith* their riders working at top pressure, Spearfelt and Pantheon gave of their very best. It was Pantheon who first felt the pressure, and Spearfelt came on splendidly to stall off the faster finishing Naos.” YOUNG STANDS DOAA’N FOR CAIRNS. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION -COPYRIGHI Received 12.50 a.m. to-day. MELBOURNE, Nov. 3. G. Young, who had been engaged to ride Spearfelt in the Melbourne Clip, agreed to stand down in favour of H. Cairns, who previously was engaged to iride Heroic. Spearfelt’s owner pays Young the winner’s percentage, amounting to £485, as compensation.