THE V.R.C. MEETING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7785, 3 November 1886, Page 5

THE V.R.C. MEETING.

CUP DAY.

AN ENORMOUS ATTENDANCE.

THE CUP WON BY ARSENAL. [special cablegram.]

Melbourne, November a j The second day's racing of the V.R.C Club took place at Femington to-day. The weather was intensely hot, and there was no wind. It is estimated that the attendance was larger than last year, and that fully 135,000 were present. The lawn was packed and presented a more brilliant spectacle than ever. The stands were overcrowded. His Excellency the Governor and suite, and the Governors of South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania were also present. The win of Arsenal in the Cup, although he has been well supported by the public and the stable, is a good one for the bookmakers. The winner was previously owned by the Hon. W. Pearson, but last year was purchased by Mr. W. Gannon, of Sydney. Trenton and Silvermine, which ran second and third respectively, ran well throughout. The following are the details of the raoing :— Hurdle Rack of lOsovs each, 2 ft, with 250 added ; second, 50sova, About three miles. Mr. J. Scobie'a bl h Blue Mountain, syrs, 9st9lb 1 Mr. W. Moffatt'a b g Ocean, aged, 10st 91b «. 2 Mr. A. Halinbourg's oh g Encore, aged... d Railway Handicap of sscvs each, 1 ft, with 200 added ; second, 50iovs. Six furlongs. Mr. C. S. Agnew's ch m Pocahontas, aged ••• „ Mr. A. Halinbourg's ch c Albanus, 4yrs I Mr. H. Oxenham'a b g Toronto, 6yrs ... 3 Kensington Stakes of lOsovs each, 2 ft' with 250 added. For two-year-olds— colts, Sst 51b; tillies aud geldings, Sat. The winner to be sold for £300. No selling allowances. Five furlongs. Hon. J. White's br f Sumatra ... ... 1 Hon. W. Pearson's br c Eckersly 2 Mr. J. D. Robertson's b f Mistletoe ... 3 The Melbourne Cop, of 2000sovs ; 500 sovs. to the second, and 300sova. to the third. Two miles. Mr. W. Gannon's b h Arsenal, 4yrs, by Goldsborough— Powder, 7st 41b ... 1 Mr. W. Cooper's br h Trenton, syra, by Musket— Frailty, 9at 51b 2 Mr. M. J. Saddler's bl h Silvermine, syrs, by Napoleon—Silverhair, 7st 101b ... 3 Mr. J. O. Inglis's br h Malua, 6yrs, by St. Albans— Edella, lOst 0 Hon. W. Pearson's br h Commotion, aged, by Panic— Evening Star, 9st 9ibs ... 0 Mr. M. Loughlin's br g Sheet Anchor, aged, by St. Albans— Queen Mary, 9st 0 Mr. J. G. Reid's oh m Grace Darling, aged, by Diver-Zoe, Sst lllb 0 Hon. J. White's g h Monte Chrlsto, 4yrs, by Chester— Kathleen, Sst 0 Mr. M. Loughlin's b g Britisher, aged, by John Favourite, 7st 131b 0 Mr. M. Locke's b h Isonomy, 4yrs, by vYinterlake-Ruby, 7st 12lb 0 Mr. S. Miller's br h Boolka, aged, by Glorious—Bridget, 7at 101b ... ... 0 Mr. J. R. Smith's b g Lancer, 6yr«, by Westminster— 7st Sib 0 Mr. W. Forrester's b h Silver King, syrs, by First King—Senorita, 7st Sib ... 0 Mr. F. Henty'a b h Cyclops, 4yra, by St. Albans—Jewess, 7st 71b 0 Hon. J. White's ch c Trident, 3yra, by Robinson Crusoe—Cocoanut, 7st 71b ... 0 Mr. T. Coffey's br h Kitawa, 4yrs, by Manuka — Aurora, 7st 6'.b 0 Mr. T. Jones's br h Bohemian, syra, by Maribyrnong— Nina, Sst (including 101b penalty) ... ... ... ... ... 0 Mr. S. Hamilton's b h Meteor, 6yra, by St. Albans— Deception, 7st lllb (inolud. ing 71b penalty) .. ... ... ... 0 Mr. W. Strickland's b h Ben Bolt, syrs, by Newbold— Lady Baldwin, 7Rt 101b (including 101b penalty) 0 Mr. M. Jacob's b h Metal, syrs, by Tubal Stockroae, 7at 21b 0 Hon. W. A. Long's br f Crossfire, 3yrs, by Goldsbrongh— Powder, 7st lib ... 0 Mr. Moran'a br h Little John, 6yrs, by Hamlet—Maid of the Mount, 6st 10lD (including 31b penalty) 0 Mr. O. Barnett's b m Lesbia, aged, by Tim hiPeerless, 6at lllb 0 Mr. R. Orr's b h Recall, 4yrs, by The Drummer —Crochette,, 6st 111b 0 Mr. W. Duggan's ch c Lord William, 3yrs, by Grand Flaneur—Nina. Gat 91b 0 Hon. J. White's ch h Hexham, 4yrs, by Goldsborough—Goldfinch, 6st 51b ... 0 Mr. C. B. Rowley's b h Rifleshot, 4yrs, by Musket— Realisation, 6st 21b ... 0 Mr. J. Eale's br g Myall Kinc. 4yrs, by King Cole—Queen of the Forest, 6st 91b 0 Mr. W. R. Royd's b c Bravo, 3yrs, by Grand Flaneur—Orphan. Cat 61b ... 0 Mr. J. Calvart's bl g Jack Roach, 3yra, by Silence —Rosebud, 6st 0 Mrs. W. Brown's b h Highland Chief, 4yrß, by Napoleon—Southern Cross, 6st 0 Mr. W. H. Stockton's b c Kingfiah, 3yra, by Piicatorious— Y atterina, 6st ... 0 Affluence, Quinton Mataep, Maddelina, King's Own, Lesbia, Fiah-o'-Silver, and Menotfci were scratched. Betting at the post was : 5 to 1 against Trident; 8 to 1 Isonomy, Meteor, and Ben Bolt; 10 to 1, Little John ; 12 to 1 Trenton ; 14 to 1, Silvermine ; 15 to 1, Arsenal ; from 20 to 1 to 100 to 1, the others, A good start was effected, Trenton, Metal, Commotion, and Malua being the first away' with Silvermine, Boolka, Kitawa, Isonomy, and Britisher heading the second division. Passing the carriage paddock, the order was : Silvermine in the lead, the Bravo, Metal, Recall, Isonomy, Meteor, Britisher, and Kitawa. As the horses swept past the stand Bravo was running neck and neck with Silvermine, with Metal, Boolka, and Isonomy in close attendance. At the river turn, Hexham was taken to the front. Silvermine lying second, Little John third, Bravo and Isonomy being handy. Hexham was still at the lead of the field as they approached the bridge, and Silvermine had dropped back sixth, having been supplanted by Boolka, Kitawa, Isonomy, and Trident. As the horses approached the straight, Trident was taken to the front, followed by Silvermine, Hexham, Myall King, Crossfire, and Ben Bolt. At the distance post Arsenal, whose colours had been prominent throughout the race, now improved his position. When fairly in the straight Hexham fell away beaten, and left Arsenal, Trident, and Silvermine at the head of affairs. The latter at the half distance looked like the winner, but here Arsenal passed the favourite.and getting on even terms with Silvermine, desperate raoe ensued all the way home, Arsenal winning by a neck from Trenton, who came with a magnificent rush towards the finish, and wrested second place from Silvermine, who finished a good third. Trident was fourth; then followed Sheet Anchor, Myall King, and Crossfire. Grace Darling and Malua were the two last. Time, 3min 31 sees. Nursery Handicap of ssovs, 1 ft, with 200 added ; second, 50sovs, and third, 25eovs. For two.year-olds. Five furlongs. Mr. D. Cooper's br c Huntingtower ... 1 Hon. W. Pearson's br o Bedouin... ... 2 Mr. J. H. Hill's b f Perhaps 3 The Yan Yean Stakes of 3sova each, 1 ft. , with 100 added. One mile. Mr. C. L. Macdonild's b h The Levite, aged 1 Mr. S. Martin's b g Hogmanay, aged ... 2 Mr. H. Oxenham'a b g Ellington, aged 3 HISTORY OF THE CUP. The Melbourne Cop, which has been such a great institution, was first started in 1861, when Mr. DeMestre's Archie carried 9st 71b to victory in front of Mormon, Prince, and others, in 3min 52sec— a time that causes us to smile at the present day. The following year again saw Archer home in front, carrying lOst lib, with nineteen others behind him. In 1563 the race was rendered for ever memorable by a victory on the part of the three-year«old Banker, who with sst 71b sailed home in front attended by Musidora, Barwon, and others, in 3min 41sec. In 1864 the winner was Hurtle Fisher's Lantern, by Muscovado. This splendid three-year-old also won the Derby and Ballarat Cups, was never beaten, but died the same year from an accident, his career

being cut short in the same premature way as another of Hurtle Fisher's beauties, Charon, winner of the Sydney and Melbourne Derbies. The Cap of 1565 was won by grey Toryboj, one of the most indifferent progeny of the Premier, and not to be mentioned in the same breath as Tomboy, Musidora, or Mormon. He had been let in lightly at 7st, but yet had a hard struggle with Panic, who came wallowing in fat from the stud, and ran away with Joe Morrison. The following year saw " the black demon," The Barb, on the scene, and with 6sfe lib in the saddle he easily disposed of Exile, Falcon, and 25 others in 3min 43aec. This magnificent little horse, who atill lives at the ripe age of nineteen years, was by Sir Heroules, dam Young Gulnare, a nick which only came off once, for all The Barb's relatives, such as Barbelle and Barbarian, were much inferior, although Barbarian's son Zulu managed to sneak off the Melbourne Cup of 1881 under a feather weight, lame.as could be. In 1867 Tim Whiffler carried Sat 111b to victory, his immediate attendants being Queen of Hearts and Exile, and the time 3min 39«ec. In 1868 Mr. Tait saddled with his own hands the chestnut Glenooe, as his pick for the Melbourne Cup, and Glenooe justified expectations by winning, the odds against him being 8 to 1. Tait had The Barb entered, and the little blaok demon was thought to hold the race safe ; but " old John" decided to win longer odds on Glencoe. The latter was a captious, cowardly horse. He always had to be forced in front, as his heart died away to a pimple if he was collared by another. In this Glencoe was an entire contraat to The Barb, whoae pluck was invincible, and he would run till he dropped. The following year, Warrior, with Bst lOlbs, carried off the rich prize from twenty-six others, the plaoea being filled by Monk and Photbe. In IS7O there was the moat exciting race for the Cup that had ever ooourred up to that period. Wilson, of St. Albans, had been disappointed time after time over the event. He was especially mortified at the time when game little Musidora was so narrowly beaten. His revenge for this did not come until Musidora's daughter, Briseis, by English Tim Whiffler, won the Cup and Derby. Well, in 1870, Wilson thought he held the big race safe with Lapdog, a little horse by Muscovado, sire of Lantern. Lapdog was about equal in size and quality to the grey horse Savanaka. Young Wilson, the cleverest juvenile rider in Australia, was trusted with the mount on Lapdog. On surveying the field, in 1870, Wilson and his partisans saw nothing to equal Lapdog, who was kept pretty dark to, like Flying Scud and Darkie, in later years. Lapdog, nevertheless, was just beaten on the post by Nimblefoot, who started at- about 15 to 1, having won the Hotham Handicap. A fortnight before the Cup Nimblefoot was nominally at 33 to 1, but probably 100 to 1 could be had. Nimblefoot, by Panic, was a Victorian horse, and exhibited a trifle of dash as a three-year-old, but was considered as having fallen away to nothing. He had been in Tasmania for a long time, when brought over to race for the Melbourne Cup as a five-year-old. He was entered in the name of Walter Craig, a Ballarat hotelkeeper, who died before the race. Craig had a dream that he saw Nimblefoot winning, with a piece of crape round the jockey's arm. Relating the incident, a sporting bet was made between Craig and Stack, the bookmaker, who laid £1000 to half a crown against Nimblefoot. After the horse won Slack paid the £1000 to Mrs. Craig. Quoting the name of another racehorse, we may indeed say, " There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Nimblefoot's jockey, young Johu Day, also known as a famous pedestrian, carried the crape on hia arm to victory. In 1871 the redoubtable and plucky Wilson brought up another supposed certainty—the filly Romula, by New Warrior. She was beaten by Tait's Pearl (also a son of New Warrior), who started at odds of 100 to 1 against him. Romula came in second, jnst as Lapdog did the year before. Old John Tait "suabbled" another Melbourne Cup in the next year, 1872, with The Quack, who carried 6st 71b home in front of twenty-one others, and compassed the distance in 3min 39sec. A great certainty came off in 1873, for Don Juan fairly romped home with 6st 12lb», and after him succeeded Dagworth, Horatio, and a field of twenty-one, and the two miles were got over in 3min 36»ec. Don Juan waa raced in Mr. J. Wilson's name, but it turned out after that Mr. Joe Thompson was hia real owner. The ring got a severe scorching by hia victory, Mr. Thompson's book alone showing wagers to the extent of £50,000. Haricot made a one-horse show in the following year, and Protoß and The Diver filled the places, in 3uiinß 37iseos. In 1875 Woollomai (7at Bibs) won trom Richmond.Goldsborougb, and 15 others, in 3rnin 3Ssec. In 1576 Briseis (Gat 41b) won, Sybil and Timothy rilling the places, in 3miu 36J' e c, to the discomfort of 30 others ; and in 1577 Chester, 6st 121b, just got home before Savanaka, who was followed by The Vagabond and 30 others, in 3min 83£sec —the fastest record up to date. In 1878 Ualamia carried Bst 21b, and won cleverly from Tom Kirk, Waxy, and 27 others, in 3min 35J«ec ; and the year after Darriwell astonished everyone, including his owner and most intimate friends, by carrying 7st 4lb to the front in 3min 30|sec, beating Sweetmeat. Suwarrow, and a numerous field. In 1880 another great certainty came off, for Grand Flaneur, with 6it 121b in the saddle, finished in front of Progress, Lord Burghley, and : 22 others in 3min 34J«ec. The following year, however, the Cup was quite upset, for Zulu one of the 100 to 1 division, with her feather weight of sst 71b up, ran home in front of The Czar, Sweetheart, and 25 others, in 3min 32£ sec. 1882 saw the noble untertainty of the turf again forcibly demonstrated, for The Assyrian (a hundred to three chance) romped home in front of Stockwell, Gudars, and a field of 22 in 3uriu 40seo. The race was run in terribly bad weather, and the jockey's featurea were so beapattered with mud during the race that they could scarcely be recognised. It was thought at the time that Assyrian's win was merely a fluke ; but his after performances proved him to be a great horse. The year 1883 will always be remembered as a red-letter day for New Zealandera, for it saw the Auckland-bred colt, MartiniHenry, go to the post a warm favourite, and spread eagle a brilliant field of twenty>nine in 3min 30£' ec, First Water and Commotion filling the places. The following year aaw a great battle fought out between two of the heavy brigade in Malua (9st 91b) and Commotion (9st 121b) who finished home as named in 3min 30Jsec. It was generally said that had not I'ower been so eager for Plausible to win, Commotion must have been first. Though Commotion was not unbacked, Plausible was undoubtedly the stable horse, and had he won the ring would have received a terrible blow. Last year was a great year for New Zealand, and with Trenton, Liverpool, Winchester, and Thunderbolt, to represent us, many thought that the time had arrived for a New Zealand bred and owned horse to annex the great race. But again the pot upset, for Sheet Anchor, who started at 20 to 1, just got home a head in front of Grace Darling, while Trenton was only a head behind, third. The race was run at a great pace, and the time (3min 30secs) the fastest on record. This year again saw the favourites all go down before Arsenal (7st 61b), Trenton (9st slb) being second, and Silvermine (7at 10lb) third. ARSENAL'S VICTORY. As waa the case on the running of the Melbourne Cup last year, the unwelcome task again devolves upon me this year of chronicling the downfall of all the popular idols, and a victory on the part of one of the less favoured division. The Cup this year, it ia true, did not have the same attractions for New Zealandera as last year, by reason of the fact that our horses were on this occasion conspicuous by their absence ; but still the fact that the Auckland-bred Trenton and Kingfish were amongst the list of candidates infused a deal more interest into the con. test than would otherwise have been the case, and right loyally did many of their number pin their faith to the great son of Musket. Arsenal, the hero of yesterday's race, though not one of the public fancies, waa considered by his party to have a great chance of annexing the Cup, and on the strength of a trial whioh he recently recorded on the Randwick course they supported him to win something like £25,000. Though this was undoubtedly a good lead for the public to follow, they had, on the other hand, the stern fact before them that only once during hia career had the son of Goldsborough got home first ; and also that the Hon. W. Pearson last year parted with him him for something like the paltry sum of 150 guineas, apparently disgusted with the form shown by the horse and also apparently of little hope thatjhe would record any performance of

note. However, matters have turned out differently, and Arsenal has achieved the great distinction of having his name enrolled on the escutcheon of Melbourne Cup winners. Mr. Wm. Gannon, who purchased Arsenal when Mr. Pearson parted with him, is considered to be one of the beat judges—as he is one of the pluckiest bettors— of the thoroughbred in the colonies, and though the downfall of such a popular idol as Trident waa a perfect saviour to the ring, the "happy band" behind Arsenal have no doubt administered a big knock to the wielders of the pencil. The following are the performanoea of Araenal :— At Flemington Soring: Nowhere in Maribyrnong Plate. 6 furlongs. Bst 101b, won by Newstead, Bst 101b ; nowhere in Flying SUke«. J mile. 6st 61b, won by Newstoad. fat 6lb ; nowhere in Flemington Stakes, J mile, 7st 101b. won by Melodious, Sst 101b. Caulfield December: Nowhere in Juvenile Stakes, 5 furlongs, Bst, won by Monte Christo, tot, Flemlngton Autumn : Nowhere in Nursery Handicap, 6 furlongs, Bst, won by Sunny Davs, Bst 4lb. Caulftuld March: Won Criterion Stakes, 5 "furlong?, 7st 121b, lm sis, Lady Claudia, Sst 111b. second, Ullalume. 7at 9H>, third. Randwick Autumn: Nowhere in FiyiMK Handicap, i mile, tist 121b, won by Ellington, 7.t 71b. S.A.J.C. (at Flem-ing-ton): Nowhere in Nursery Handicap, 6 furlongs, Bst 41b, won by Remus. 7»t 41b ; third in Flying Handicap, } mile, 6st lllb, won by Middlemarch. Bst 101b. Melbourne Hunt Club May: Third in Birthday Handicap, 1 mile, 6«t 81b, won by Grace Darling, Bst 41b. At Syrs— Flomington Spring: Nowhere in Melbourne Cup. 2 miles, 6*t 91b, won by Sheet Anchor, 7«t 111b ; nowhere in Spring Handicap, 1$ mile, 7st 21b, won by Cerise and Blul, fist 101b; second in Mares' Produce Stakes, lj miles, Bst 101b, won by Remus, Sit 101b ; nowhere in V.R.C. Handicap, 1} miles, 6st 21b, won by Brown and Roie, 7st 41b. Randwick Summer : Nowhore in Christmas Gift, li mile, Sst, won by Trident, C.st 51b. At 4yrs—Won Melbourne Cup, 7st 41b, 3m 31s, Trenton, 9st 51b, second, Silvermine, 7st 101b, third. Arsenal was got by Goldsborough, from Powder, by BlinkhoolieJeu d' Esprit, by Flatcatcher— Etempore, by Emilius— Maria, by Whisker. Goldsborough, by Fireworks— Sylvia, by Fisherman—Juliet, by Touch* stone. The great race that Trenton ran, fully bore out the big opinion I held of him ; and his brilliant performance of carrying the heavy burden of 9st 51b into second place, adds further lustre to the name of hia illustrious sire Musket, whoae death we all deplore. Bitter bad luck has, indeed, been the lot attending the Messrs. Cooper this season, for Blairgowrie finished second to Trident for the A.J.C. Derby, j then followed Cheshams, second to Trident I in the V.R.C. "blue riband," and Huntingtower's, second to Hortense for the valuable Maribyrnong Plate, and to these have now to be added the most mortifying piece of illluck—Trenton's second to Arsenal for the Cup. In June last Mr. W. Cooper purchased Trenton for £2500. Though beaten, Trenton haa covered himself with glory, for he has still the great record of never, during his career being unplaced. Trenton's record shows that he has competed in ten races, of which he haa won seven, been second twice, and third once. Though it waß undoubtedly with Trident and Trenton my fancy laid, I did not altogether overlook Araenal, aa in my notes on Saturday last I penned the following concerning him : — " Arsenal has many times been spoken of as a horse that would come sooner or later, and during the present week we have heard that on the strength of a splendid trial at Randwick he has been heavily supported by his party. However, dealing with his chance we have simply to rest on common talk, for only once during hia career has ho claimed the attention of the judge, while the word ' nowhere ' ia plentifully sprinkled through his record. Still, with only 7at 41b to carry, he has not a severs taßk set him ; and as the party behind him well know the game, the son of Goldsborough must be regarded as possessing a show." The local ring have been relieved of a very heavy settling by the victory of Arsenal; but, though little thought of by the great majority of backers, it is understood that they have written the winner's name to the extent of £1000—one well known backer taking £300 of this sum. A victory on the part of Trenton would certainly have been a most serious matter for the ring, as he was very heavily supported by the public, as was also I need scarcely state Trident. AUCKLAND SPRING MEETING, The Auckland Racing Club's Spring meeting, which takes place on Saturday next, promises to provide a capital afternoon's sport. For the Prince of Wales Handicap, Turquoise and Friendship are held in most esteem, while for the Hurdle Race, Tiger, Belle, and Guy Fawkes are much fancied. Phaeton.