THE MELBOURNE CUP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18550, 7 November 1923, Page 9

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

AUSTRALIA'S GREAT RACE.

FAVOURITES DEFEATED.

VICTORY OF BITALLI. By Telegraph— Association— '(Received 9 p.m.) A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE. Nov. 7. Cup Day at Flemington was characterised with beautiful weather, and there was an enormous attendance. His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Stradbroke, was present. The great event of the day resulted as follows : — THE MELBOURNE CUP. A handicap sweepstake of £75 each with £10,000 added, and a trophy valued £200: the owner of the second horse to receive £2000 and the owner of the third £1000 out of the stake* 2 miles. A. T. Craig's br g Bitalli, syrs., by October-Miss Philliua, 7.0 (A. Wilson) 1 L. J. H. S. Barnes' b h Rivoli, 4yrs., by Repartee Lady Babbie, 9.1 (J. Munro) • 2 B. Chafferv's b g Accarak, syrs., by Woorak—Polacca, 6.9 (D. Zeally 3 Twenty-six started. Royal Roue was scratched on the course. King Ingoda was one of Che first away, followed by Fred Power, Comique, and Backwood. When they settled down Mirthmaker took up the running and led past the stand from Paratoo, King of Mirth, Harvest King, Comique and Englefield. * The rrder was much the same leaving the straight, where Rivoli was last, and Bifalli about twelfth. Paratoo was in charge a mile from home and led past the seven furlong post from Mirthmaker, Harvest King and King of Mirth. Five furlongs from home Paratoo led from Mirthmaker, Harvest King, King of Mirth, Bitalli and Engleheld. Bitalli took charge at the half mile and piloted the field into the straight. Resisting a game challenge from Rivoli Bitalli hung on long enough to win by three-quarters of a length from Rivoli, with Accarak a length and a-half away third. Comique was a length and a-half further off fourth, Frances Tressady fifth, Even Song sixth, Paratoo seventh, and then came Valwyne, Fred Power, Backwood, Drongo, David, Harvest King. Yacamunda was last. Time 3m 24,15. It was a great race. Bitalli was in the middle of the field early in the race. He led from the home turn and won well from Rivoli, who was third from last at the half-mile post. Rapine finished fifteenth. The time (3m 245 s) was a race record. Tho first half-mile took 51; second, 52, third 51£, and the last halfmile 49|s. The concluding six furlongs were compassed in 1m 15£s. Bifalli is owned by a Melbourne warehouseman, Mr. A T. Craig, who also raced Sand Bee successfully. The Cramer is James Scobie, who has prepared three winners of the Melbourne Clip. He won the cup last year with King Ingoda. A. Wilson rode King Ingoda and Bitalli. Wilson stated that he had a good ride. He held the rails till the seven furlongs was nassed and always thought his horse would win. Munro, the rider of Rivoli, stated that he was third Co last till hall a mile from home. The weight told its tale. Bitalli won only one previous race. THE MINOR EVENT 3. The following were the results of the minor events :— CUP HURDLE RACE, of £500; 2 miles. Tarquil, 10.3 . . . • . . •. 1 Flaviol, 11,5 .... . . ..2 Jackstaff, 10.9 .... - . .. -. ° Seven started. Time 3m 40s ; a course record. RAILWAY HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, of £500; 6 fur. Blue Cross, 10.10 .... .. ..1 Pteropod, 10.11 •• 2 Shanky, 8.9 . . ...... 3 Eighteen started. Time lm 13Js ; equal fo the course record. NOVEMBER NURSERY HANDICAP, of £500; 5 fur. Flying Princess, 8.3 .... » * 1 Kanchani, 8.3 .. . . . .... 2 Queen of Florence, 8.2 . . .. .. 3 Sixteen started. Time lm lis. CUP STEEPLECHASE, of £500; about two miles and half a furlong. Gold Coin, 12.2 ...» . - .. 1 Warry, 9.11 ... . • ,'. \i. 2 Silver Fire, 11.8 ~ .... ' . 3 Ten started.. Berribee, Warlock, Nickajack, and Dunupna .fell. Gold Coin won by three lengths. Time 4m 3Jsj, a race record. * ~ . * YAN YEAN STAKES, of £500: 1 mile. Leachim . . •■. . , .. . .'. . 1 Melola .. ... ..».,. 2 Bridgehead . . -'.• . .4 ,• .'3 Leachim won by half a. length, a length : between second and third. Time lm 39£s. i