THE VICEROY'S CUP

Otago Witness, Issue 2391, 28 December 1899, Page 40

THE VICEROY'S CUP

"Ribbleden" writes: For the Viceroy's Cup, the most coveted prize offered for competition in India, Australia will be well represented, also England and America, so that the race v.-ill have quite an international character. The race was founded in 1856, when it was won by Nero, an Arab horse ; and with the exception of Meg Merri!ie3, who was successful in 1858 and 1859, the prize has never fallen to a native-brad horse. During Lord Lawrence's vice-regency, from 1864 to 1868, the race lapsed; and there was no "Viceroy' «s Cup in 1876, owing to- the Imperial meeting at Delhi; but a Prince of Wales's Cup was substituted, and won by the Australian horse Satellite, after a dead heat with Lord Clifden. In 1874- it ended in a walk-over for Maid of Athens. Australian horses have played a prominent part in the Viceroy's Cup from its inception, having carried off the honours on no fewer than 25 occasions. The victorips pained by English hoive.J number only 10. Mr 11. K. Maitland shares with Lord William Beresford the honour oi having won the Viceroy's Cup three timej with one horee — Kingcraft representing .Mr Mailland and Myall Kins " -t-Sill IWesford," who also v. on it with Camballo. 'JLho Viceroy's Cup began in a small v.ay only, but its value has gradually increased until it 13 now worth 20,000 rupee;-, besides a cup value 5100, presented by hu Excellency the Viceroy. The chief interest the race will have for Australian* this year will be tho running of Merloolas and Strathrcy. Meiioolas is perhaps the highest-priced horse that ever left Australia for India, and l!ie prico paid for ytrathroy wa3 somewhere in the neighbourhood of a thousand. .Both are light-fleshed horses, well suited to their new surroundings, and possessing brilliancy and stamina. Catipaw, Cheiry, Foiett, Vanitas, VedGtte, and one or two others may also represent Australia, and with the American horpe ICcenan and (41ulen ((winner of the Goodwood Stakes), and Up Guards (winner of the Chester Cup) to swell the field, the race will be of interest to other workk than our?. According to latest advices), Merloola& and StratJiroy are the favourite?, and with ordinary hick there need be no fear of the Australians notMiolding their own in the strife. It is not unlikely that tie war in South Africa will interfere with racing in some parts of India", if not now, in the spring — that is, February and March.