VICTORIA RACING CLUB SPRING MEETING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4266, 21 November 1874, Page 3

VICTORIA RACING CLUB SPRING MEETING.

THE CUP DAY. (From the Melbourne Leader.) The Cup Day of 1874 will be long remembered as one of the most brilliant and successful meetings ever held under the auspices of the Victoria Racing Club. A grander spectacle or a more exciting scene was never witnessed in Melbourne than was presented during the eontest for the Cup. The prize was borne off, to the astonishment of all, except perhaps to the friends of the owner, by Mr. A. Chirnside’s Haricot, which, before the race, was looked upon as an outsider, while the favorites, Goldsbrough, Break o’ Day and others, were positively nowhere. The race might he said to have been won easily, though run in 3 min. 37sec. The following are the successful winners of the Melbourne Cup since its institution : 1861. De Mestre’s Archer .. 3m.52 s. 1862. De Meatre’a Archer .. 3m.47 s. 1863. Harper’s Banker .. .. 3m.44 a. 1864. Fiaher’a Lantern .. .. 3m.52 a. 1865. Marshall’s Toryboy .. 3m.44 s. 1866. Tail's The Barb .. .. 3m,43 s. 1867. Do Mestre'a Tim AVhiffler 3m.39 a. 186 S. Tail’s Glencoe ... .. 3m.42 s. 1869. Saqui’s Warrior .. .. 3m.40 a. 1870. Craig’s Nimblbeoot .. 3m.37 a. 1871. Tail’s The Pearl .. .. 3m.39 a. 1872. Tail’s The Quack .. .. 3 m 39 s. 1873. Johnson’s Don Juan .. 3m.36 s. 1874. Chirnside’s Haricot ~ 3 ra. 37 s.

The result of the race may be said to be a triple triumph for Victoria, as Protos and. The Diver, the second and third respectively, have been bred and trained in this colony. The attendance at the course was for in excess of that on any previous occasion. Last year, when it was telegraphed to Europe that 50,000 spectators had assembled to witness the Melbourne Cup, the announcement created a sensation ; but this will be considerably intensified when it is known that this year the race was run in the presence of a concourse of people which, at a moderate computation, numbered 80,000. The receipts at the gates approximated closely to £6OOO. The most lively interest was manifested in the meeting, and certainly the public had never been worked up to a greater pitch of excitement, owing, to the splendid field entered for the great race of the day. The weather happily turned out all that could be wished. Melbourne was literally on the move. The banks and public offices, all the leading mercantile establishments, and numerous places of business, closed at an early hour. The peculiar features of a public holiday were discernible on all sides. The strangers who were present at the course must have felt that Victoria’s claim to precedence in the Australian colonies was indisputable, for perhaps out of England, France, or Germany it would be impossible to witness such an immense gathering, or one that so indicated social order, opulence, and cultivated taste in the general body Of the people. Notwithstanding the fact that so many thousands of persons travelled by rail, the arrangements made by the railway authorities were of so complete a character that not the slightest hitch occurred. There were seven ticket windows in Spencer-street, in addition to those inside, and there was no struggling to get tickets, as was the case on former Cup days. By the praiseworthy endeavors of the railway officials, the only disagreeable part of the journey by rail was thus obviated. Two trains started every seven minutes. The advantage of the rail over the road has always been the avoidance of the dust, but many persons have shunned the journey by rail for the sole reason of the scramble to get into the carriages. It was certainly Giving to the despatch and promptitude with which the trains were sent away that no inconvenience was experienced. When it is considered that no less than 34,480 persons travelled by the line, a small meed of praise is due to the traffic manager and the officials for their arrangements. Owing to the rain of Wednesday night, the journey to the course by the road was more pleasant than heretofore, as there was little or no dust.

The lawn is the rallying-point of beauty and fashion on the Cup day. Here the creme de la creme of colonial society assembles, and the upper ten is observed in all its glory. To the ladies especially it is endeared, as it not only affords them the felicity of seeing, but the more exquisite pleasure of being seen. On Thursday the lawn and grand stand presented a singularly striking appearance. It was filled to overcrowding, the vast majority of the occupants being ladies, whose handsome and varied colored toilettes conveyed at a distance the idea of an immense bank of flowers, or a vast collection of birds of the most brilliant plumage. The display of toilettes was of course the main feature of the lawn. Some of these were really superb. The prevailing colors were blue and violet, the material, mostly of silk or moird, made ea train. The absence of lighter descriptions of attire was attributable, probably, to the gloomy aspect of the weather in the earlier part of the day. Mrs. St. John, daughter of Lady Robinson, wore a very striking dress-of violet corded silk, with puffed skirt, richly trimmed with gold-colored satin ; bonnet and parasol to match. Amongst the most conspicuous toilettes might be mentioned a bright blue silk with overskirt and sash of the brightest canary color; a dress of pale apple-green silk, richly trimmed with black velvet ribbon and trained skirt was also very effective. For style, perhaps, a pale blue de nutty e satin, trimmed with silk, was unequalled. Perhaps the handsomest dress on the lawn was worn by a yoting lady, and consisted of a rich blue silk, trimmed with bands of the palest blue satin, edged with Maltese lace. Another remarkable toilette, and one that was evidently admired, was a rose-colored silk, the front covered with white muslin puffings, and profusely trimmed with black velvet ribbon. His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Major Pitt and Capt. Machell, arrived in an open carnage, and escorted by two troopers. His Excellency was subsequently joined by Lady Robinson, Mrs. St. John, Miss Robinson, Mrs. Vogel, the Speaker, and several members of the Ministry. The Hill was the great van-, tage ground for the public. On this eminence they flocked to the number of at least 30,000, and before the second event on the card was run the place was one mass of human beings, packed as close as sardines. The saddling paddock was one of the principal features on the course. Here congregated all the horsey men, layers of odds, trainers, jockeys, stable boys, and last, though not least, that very numerous class, the takers. This portion of the course was so well crowded that the perfect army of bookmakers, great and small ones, which are more numerous on off days than their customers, were not so painfully noticeable. When the horses were saddling for the Cup, Lady Robinson and Miss Robinson, escorted by Mr. R. Bright and Captain Standish, paid the paddock a visit, and inspected the Governor’s horses FitzYattendon and Speculation. Lady Robinson patted them both familiarly, and no doubt wished them luck in the ensuing struggle. When Goldsbrough was undergoing his toilet he had quite a levee, and was followed about the enclosure by an admiring crowd. King of the Ring looked grandly, and had hosts of adherents; and The Diver attracted attention from the fact that it was said he would strip the best-conditioned horse in the race. Haricot, however, who was destined to be the Cup winner, scarcely attracted a passing glance.

THE RACE. (From the Argus, Nov. 6.) The bell rang for the great event of the day, the Melbourne Cup. Instantly on the sound of that bell all the luncheon rooms and refreshment bars were forsaken, and every one at once endeavored to secure some post of observation from which to witness the race. Each horse as he came down the straight was keenly criticised. Dagworth looked a grand horse, and The Arrow, with his beautiful action, so well fitted for a two-mile journey, deluded his backers with a fond hope of victory. , Lurline looked remarkably well; and as fit as a horse could be. , Protoswas not in favor, and few took any notice of him. King of tho Ring looked a trifle lighter than he did on Saturday last. Goldsbrough was led down the course, and many persons thought the horse looked dull. Lapidist did not look well. FitzYattendon was, as his backers acknowledged, in better condition than ho ever stripped before. After Dark, Speculation, Goshawk, and. King Tom were passed by with hardly

any notice.' The Diver was eagerly looked for, and his appearance was very satisfactory. His trainer had done all that skill and patience could do, and his hackers had every prospect of a good race for their money. Haricot’s style when going slowly is not at all taking, and few that saw the peacocky gentleman dancing along the green sward thought he would be able to lead such a field in a twomile race. Kettledrum was neat-looking, and in good condition, but he is not of the kind of form which we look for in Cup winners. Cleolite looked well, as she always does, and her good looks buoyed up her backers with hopes of victory. The start was fully a quarter of an hour behind the advertised time, but once the horses were got together they were soon sent away. For the first time since the Melbourne Cup was inaugurated the start was not visible from the stand owing to the crowd, and until the horses came into the course only an occasional sight of the jockeys could be got as the horses swept between the ranks of the multitude that thronged each side of the course.- As soon as the horses could be seen, The Arrow was in the van, Kettledrum, King Tom, and Lapidist being close upon him, and The Diver coming up on the right-hand side, very wide. King of the Bing, ns of old, was well in the rear. Kettledrum went to the front as they passed the stand, and led for a short distance round the turn, when Haricot assumed the lead, and from this out the race was without interest, for the gelding led home, nothing in the race being able to get near him. The Diver ran fully up to his form, and if the rider had been strong enough to force him along at the finish, he would have beaten Protos, and been very close to the winner. King of the Bing showed that he was as slow on his legs getting away as ever ; and though he beat Break o’ Day, he displayed none of that dash that his backers claimed for him. Protos stuprised everyone by beating his stable companions. Goldsbrough did not perform at all brilliantly, and it is difficult to account for the confidence of the stable after seeing the horse run. FitzYattendon greatly disappointed his backers by the position he occupied at the finish, and it is difficult to account for the form shown by Lurline. The race was the least interesting one that has yet been seen for a Melbourne Cup. Of the favorites, the only horse that did what was expected of him was The Diver. He is a lazy, long-striding horse, and the boy on him was not strong enough to ride him home. Haricot was bred by Mr. A, Chirnside. He is by Ladykirk (imported), out of Saucepan (imported). Ladykirk is by Daniel O’Rourke, the English Derby winner. Saucepan is by Coltersdale.

Haricot is a light-built horse, not at all taking to the eye of a racing man, and to see him go at half-speed he looks like a horse that would win a half-mile scurry, but when extended his action is very good, and he gets over the ground in a style that one would hardly expect from seeing his action when going slowly. Haricot is a good winner for the King, as the public did not fancy him for the distance, and only a few bets were made on him outside the stable. On the horses coming in to weigh there was a faint cheer, but the victory of Haricot was not at all popular. MELBOURNE CUP. A sweepstake of 20 sovs. each, 10ft., or 6 if declared, with 300 added. The second horse to receive 60 sovs., and the third to save his stake. Two miles. Mr. A. Chirnside’s b. g. Haricot, by Ladykirk— Saucepan, 4yrs, 6st. 71b., including 51b. penalty (Pigott) .. .. .. ... 1 Mr. J. Wilson's b. g. Protos, aged, Sst. 01b. (Arthur) 2 Mr. C. Dublin’s br. h. The Diver (late Dolphin, 4yrs, 6st. 10lb. (Greville) 8 Mr. E. De Mestre's b. h. Dagworth, 6yrs, 10st. (Donnelly) 0 Mr. J. Watt's br. m. Lurline, 6yrs, Bst. 111 b. (Mason) .. .. .. .. .. 0 Mr. J. Wilson's b. h. King of the Ring, syrs, Bst. 71b (W. Wilson) 0 Mr. J. Tail’s b. h. Goldsbrough, 4yrs, including 51b. penalty. Sat. 21b. (Ashworth) .. .. .. 0 Mr. J. Tail's b. h. The Arrow, 6yrs, Ssfc. (H, Grub) 0 Sir H. Robinson's b. h. Fitz-Yattendon, 4yrs, including 51b. penalty, 7st. 121 b. (M. Thompson).. 0 Mr. W. Filgate’s b. h. Lapidist, 4yrs, 7st. lllb. (J. Day) .. .. 0 Mr J. Brewer's b. g. After Dark, aged, 7st. 71b. (W atson).. .. ..‘ 0 Sir H. Robinson's b, h. Speculation, 4yrs, 7at. 61b. (Duggan)* .. •.. .. 0 Mr. S. P. Winter’s b. h. Goshawk, 4yrs., 7st. 41b. (Musgrave) 0 Mr. P. Lewis’s br, h. King Tom, 6yrs, 7st. (S. Davis) 0 Mr. W. Filgate’a br. g. Gloom, Cst. (Jib. (Nolan) .. 0 Mr. J. Coldham’s b. h. Break o’ Day, syrs, 6st. 61b., including 51b. penalty (J. Ryan) .. .. .. 0 Mr. F. Leng’s ch. h. Kettledrum, 4yrs, 6st. 41b. (Cleary) 0 Mr. A. Williamson’s b. m. Cleolite, 4yrs, sst. 121 b. (Scrivener) .. .. 0 Betting.—s to 2 each agst Goldsbrough and King of the Ring, 6 to 1 agst Diver, 8 to 1 Break o’ Day, 10 to ? agst Arrow, Fitz-Yat-tendon, and Lurline, 12 to 1 agst Lapidist and Protos, 16 to 1 agst .Haricot. The Arrow was the first to show in the front, Kettledrum, Goldsbrough, King Tom, and: Lapidist being his immediate attendants. The Diver was coming up on the outside; King of the Ring, who was slow on his legs as usual, was last. As they came opposite the stand, Kettledrum got in front ; The Arrow and Goldsbrough were running close behind him. Speculation, Haricot, and The Diver came after in that order. The others came in a cluster, with Dagworth behind the ruck, King of the Ring ten lengths behind him. Coming round the turn past the stand, Kettledrum and The Arrow were running side by side, Haricot, Goldsbrough, Cleolite, FitzYattendon, and The Diver following, all close behind the leader.' Opposite the stand, Haricot went to the front, and soon had a lead, Kettledrum, Arrow, Goldsbrough, and Diver, following in that order. Haricot was ten lengths ahead as they'passed the railway bridge, The Arrow was second. Diver had taken third place, and as they went on to the far bend he passed Arrow. Protos had been creeping up, and was then third. Goldsbrough, Arrow, King Tom, King of the Ring, and Break o’ Day were coming after in that order, and fairly together. Haricot led round the turn, Diver and Protos coining up to hiim In the straight Protos passed Diver, but could not get up to Haricot, who won easily by nearly half a dozen lengths. Diver was a good third, King of the Ring was fourth, Break o’ Day fifth, King Tom sixth, Goldsbrough seventh, FitzYattendon eighth. Arrow ninth,’ After Dark tenth, Dagworth eleventh, and Lapidist twelfth. Time 3m. 375. (From the Australasian.) Nothing attracted more attention than New Zealand’s champion mare Lurline, who stripped one ball of muscle; but the season of the year was against her, and many good judges did not admire her front action as she cantered past. f The New South Wales champion Dagworth was comparatively deserted by his friends, 4 walking about the paddock almost unnoticed ; and another animal that r was almost totally neglected was the strapping fine son of Ladykirk—Haricot—whose owner fondly hoped for a Cup success, only for the honor that attaches itself to so important a triumph, and he was gratified. From what we could see of it the start was an excellent’ one, the Arrow and Protos on the left, with Kettledrum in the centre, and The Diver on the extreme right, appearing to hold the most prominent positions- as they swept up the straight, King of the Ring, as usual, whipping in. But before they had gone a mile Haricot rushed to the front, and, increasing his lead to twenty lengths as he passed the abattoirs, it was evident that the despised outsider had the race at his mercy, for though The Diver (who ran wide all the way, and thereby lost a deal of ground) went after him, and was followed by Protos, and Haricot began to come back to them as they entered the, straight, he had slipped his field too far for them to get on terms with him, and the boy easing within a few strides of the post, he; won by four lengths, to the intense gratification of the bookmakers, many of whom had hardly written his name, owing to the inferior forln shown by the horse t when placed alongside of. Maid of Avenel, a performance that . caused those who witnessed it to believe that Haricot was a non-stayer. Such a runaway race has never been seen for the Melbourne Cup since the mighty Archer galloped over his field and cut his opponents down without an effort, and so far as the actual race itself was concerned, it was about the least interesting Cup that has ever been seen, as Haricot hod the race at his mercy more than a mile from home. The winner is a staring light bay horse, standing nearly 16 hands, and though, like many geldings, ho has a

weakiah-looking neck, and appears to be light in his middle, he is nevertheless a powerful animal, and when in the humor gallops in fine form, though not like a thorough stayer.