THE MELBOURNE HUNT CLUB STEEPLE CHASE.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XV, Issue 67, 19 November 1856, Page 3

THE MELBOURNE HUNT CLUB STEEPLE CHASE.

[From the Argus, October 6.]

This event, interesting to a large section of the sporting world, came off on Saturday. The ground selected was a line of country skirting the lagoon between Emerald Hill and St. Kilda. The startiug point was opposite that part of the lagoon which most nearly approximates to the embankment of the St. Kilda Railway, and was on the south-western front of Emerald Hill township. The distance to be traversed by the high-mettled racers

engaged was about three miles. Ten animals were submitted to the handicappers' slcill, and of these nine sported silk at the tristing place. The result of the handicap was successful in two important respects, viz. : first, that it ensured a good field : and secondly, that "at the weights" the cognoscenti were somewhat puzzled to make a good favourite. Blackboy was fancied, on account of the fame of his rider, Mr. George Watson ; Comus was rather a favourite, on the score of his owner having declared him "bound to beat all creation." Peter Simple found backers for the sake of "auld lang syne," and the fair Clementina, too, had friends, on the score of her superior aualities as a fencer ; Camel was backed "on ie quiet" by a number of men who "never make a mistake; and the field, always "a good horse," was entrusted with a considerable investment. As soon as the weights were out, Blackboy was mads nominally a favourite at 4to 1 ; Comus, Peter Simple, and Volunteer were talked about at from 5 to 1 to 1 0 to 1 ; Camel was really backed for money at whatever price was laid ; from 5 to Itosto 2 ; a stake would have been put on at 2 to 1, had

the fielders been disposed to persevere. The f state of the weather on the morning of the race caused considerable anxiety to the friends of some of the quadruped candidates for favour, but as the afternoon drew forward, it was found

that the ground was in good order, rather heavy and sticky in parts, but. altogether not to be grumbled at by animals who could enjoy their work. Amongst the water jumps were two "big-uns" which looked slightly ugly, but which improved on better acquaintance : and we may observe that no accident happened throughout. The leaps were just a score in number, and were of such a character as to try the talent and courage of the animals, almost without risk to nag or rider. The race was announced to take place at two o'clock, but the start did not take place until half-past three o'clock. This very uncommendable disregard of punctuality was excused on the ground that it was thought that the course would be improved by an hour's sunshine. At the time above noted the race came off as under : — A SILVER CUP, for horse 3 the property of members of the hunt, added to a sweepstakes of 10 Sovereigns each, over such ground and leaps as the stewards may appoint. Distance about three miles. Handicap weights. Gentlemen riders. Mr. Clarke's b. g. Camel, 12st. 71b. (Mr. Davis)... 1 Mr. Watson's bl. g. Blackboy, 12st. 71bs. (owner) 2 Mr. Kirk's b. m. Clementina, 12st. (Mr. Athorn) . 3 Mr. Driver's bl. g. Comus, 12st. (owner) 4

Mr. Pattison's b. g. Peter Simple, 12st. 31b. (Evans) 0 Mr. Anslow's eh. g. Volunteer, 12st. (Carwardine) 0 Mr. Anslow's ro. g. Will-if-I-can, list, (owner) ... 0 Mr. Newton's h. g. Tolegraph, list. (Mr. Long) ... 0 Mr. Ede's br. g. Wee Mickey, lOst. (owner) 0

Betting at starting, sto 2 against Camel ; 4to 1 against Blackboy ; sto 1 against Comus ; 6to 1 against Volunteer ; 10 to 1 against any other. A good start was effected at the first effort. Wee Mickey went away with the lead, and was over the first post and rails two lengths in advance of Volunteer, who had taken second place. The light weight continued to lead to the third leap, where he baulked ; and Volunteer took up the running, Comus next, Blackhoy and Peter Simple lying very handy, and Will-if-I-Can looking as well as anything in the race. Clementina, who wanted condition, lay off, and brought up the rear. Volunteer led over the first water jump, Comus, Blackboy, and Peter Simple taking it immediately after in good style. Wee Mic-key, who had made up his lost ground, getting over just before Clementina. Volunteer continued to show the way over the two next fences, but a third he refused, and before he had thoroughly got over it, Wee Mickey had got to the front, and was going 'great guns.' Shortly afterwards however the little 'un again baulked, and left his rider " sitting on a rail," whence he had a fine view of his competitors passing, but could never afterwards get a taste of a chance of the race. Blackboy now went ahead, and showed the way to Comus, Camel, Peter Simple, Clementina, and Volunteer, until they had journeyed to a double fence and ditch, on the St. Kilda side of the course. Here Blackboy came to grief, for, dropping inside, he quiet lost his lead, and almost his

rider, who, however, quickly pulled him out, %and sent him along at a cheering pace after Camel and Comus, who had both passed him. It was presently seen that Camel, stout and strong, would win the race. He was going fresh and well, when the others showed symptoms of having had fully enough. He led over the next fences, and ran in an easy winner by three or four lengths. Blackboy second, and Clementina, who had gone without making a mistake from beginning to end, finishing] third. Comus was a very bad fourth, not being persevered with. The favourite ran in a good place throughout, and could have won at any time, and very easily. There was a large attendance of spectators on the ground, perhaps from six to eight thousand in number, and the steeple chase appeared to give rise to a great deal of pleasant and pleasurable excitement, evincing that the Annual Race Meeting, which will shortly take place, will command a very large share of public attention.