THE MELBOURNE CUP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 25, 19 November 1878, Page 3

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

! Tho races gathered to Melbourneanimmenso concourse from all parts, tho cr.iwd at Flemington on Cup day being larger than on any previous 'occasion, and the receipts exceeded 'last year's by £2000. Tho spectacle. 'was a most brilliant on?. The stand I and lawn were nTed with elegantly | attired ludioß, reflecting every shade of coloi. 'Jhe hill cou'ained a dense mass of human beings, and all other parts of tho course were crowded. The race for the Cup was very pretty. The horses, thirty in mimber, were previously paraded on the lawn in front of the Stand, and when^ the start was made it was a splendid sight. Rapidity made the running for nearly a mile and a half, when Calamia came out, and after a gnod race home, won easily by two lengths. The great favorite Melita got an outside chance, and although sue once made an effort was never seen at the finish. Firebell ran well, but was not in the foremost rant at the end. Calamia belongs to De Mestre, of Sidney. Tho time, 3mins 35^sees , was not so good as last year. The bookmakers have had a good time of it, especially in the boil over of His Lordship on Saturday in the Derby. All tho doubles were destroyed. Wellington's victory in the Derb} brought him into favor for the Cup, and he ran well for a mile and a half, and was amongst the leading division at the finish. The race, taken as a whole, was an easy victory, as Calamia was never called upon to exert himself, or the time no ! doubt could have been shortened if necessary. Tho public have dropped their money on the favorite Melita. which started at six to one, but the race was regarded as very open, as some eight or nine were believed to be in it.