SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12908, 3 July 1905, Page 3

SPORTING.

VICTORIA RACING CLUB'S GRAND

NATIONAL MEETING.

By Telegraph Press Association Copyright.

Melbourne, July 1. The V.R.O. opened their Grand National Meeting at Flemington to-day. Rain fell during the previous night; but the day proved beautifully fine, and the going was in good condition. ' The following was the result of the principal event:

THE GRAND NATIONAL HURDLE RACE, a sweepstakes of 15sovs. each, with lO&Osovs. added. The owner of the second liorse to receive 200sovs., and the owner of the third horse lOOsovs, from the. stakes. Three miles.

Mr. V. Elliott's eh g York, syrs., by Conclusion. 12Jb (Whelan) 1 Old Chappie, 9st 51b (Sutherland) 2, Adjuster, lOst 81b (Cootes) ... ... ... 3

Twenty-three horses started.' Betting: 5 to 1 agst Oblivion, 6 to 1 Marmont, 7 to 1 Airly, 10 to 1 Merrion, 11 to 1 Adjuster, 33 to 1 York and Old Chappie. From a gc'od start Corral and York were the first to show in front, and that pair led past tho stand, with Old Chappie last, Along the river side the field was well strung out, when Corral was making the pace a cracker. At the abattoirs Oblivion, Herd Laddie and York were in the van, Oblivion led round the turn into the straight, and on passing the stand the second time he was half a. length in front of York. Placing down to the sheds York, Oblivion, Loch Lochie, Merrion, Old Chappie and Adjuster were close together. York rounded' the turn full of running, with Oblivion and Old Chappie as his nearest attendants. For a few strides it looked as if Old Chappie would catch York, but the latter never faltered, and won by three lengths. Time, sm. 50s. . ,

Australian papers to hand by the s.s. Zea,landia show that Maniapoto has been weighted at Bst 71b in the Caulfield Cup. Mahntonga has been awarded Bst 91b in the Melbourne Cup.

Up-to-Date has been taken to Melbourne, to fulfil his engagement in. the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase, which event is to be run on Saturday next.