SPORTING.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13798, 2 November 1908, Page 5

SPORTING.

V.R.C. SPRING MEETING. By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright. FLEMINGTON, Oct. 31. Tho Spiing Mooting promises to be one ot tho most successful in tho club's history. There has never been a bigger Derby Day attendance, the- crowd m the cheaper paits ot the ground being greater than ever. The sun broke through at noon after a dull morning, and the course never looked better. The Dudleys attended, accompanied by isiting Governors. Results : — Maiden— Pendil 1, Five Crown 2, Beau Vive ."1 Won by half a head, three-quarters of a lengtji between second and third. Time, lmm 4Hsec. Maribyrnong Plate. — Brookong 1, Mala 2," Captain White and Saltare (dead heat) 3. A good finish. Won by three-quarter.s of a length ; a head between the next horses. Time, lmin 2^ see. Hotham Welter.— Moani 1, Lady Diffidence 2, Lo Jeunc I). Moani led all tho way and won by five lengths, two and a-haif lengths separating second and third. V.R.C. Derby, a sweepstake of 25 soys each, with 1500 added; one mile | and a half. — M. Gordon's br c Alawa (Malster— Crossfire) 1, Parsee 2, Lord Nolan. All started. Wai-ila led out of the straight from Alawa, and con^ tinned in the lead round the back, two lengths from Alawa. Wai-ila lost a length at the abattoirs. Alawa and Lord Nolan ran neck and neck past the sheds, with Parsee, who made a fast run, two lengths away. Brewer was next, Wai-ila having shot his bolt. Alawa on the inside led round the turn into the straight from Lord Nolan. Parsee passed Lord Nolan. Brewer, six lengths behind, faded away. Alawa, full of going, won by two and a half lengths, Parsee eight lengths ahead of Lord Nolan. Time, 2min 35£ r>eo. Melbourne Stakes. — Peru 1, Mooltan 2, Pink 'Un 3. Won by one and a half lengths, three-quarters of a length between the next. Time, 2min 7sec. Coburg Hack. — lolaire 1, Verenice 2, Vavasor 3. Won by half a head, one and a quarter lengths between second and thitd. Time, lmin 40fsec. DERBY RACE DESCRIBED. (Received Nov. 2, 10.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 2. Tho Herald thus describes the Derby race : It was a splendid start. Alawa was the fir-t io take the advantage. Wai-ila dashed past his stable-mate, going at a solid pace. He set up a gap of six lengths at the bridge, where Alawa and Lord Nolan were the nearest with Brewer and Parsee in the rear. Wai-ila came back on his field as they raced along the back. Alawa closed the gap at the abattoirs. Soon after Waiila beat a hasty retreat and left Alawa and Nolan disputing the lead a couple of lengths ahead of Parsee and Brewer. Alawa shook off Nolan coming round the turn. When the Heads were turned for home Parsee ran past Nolan and went in pursuit of Alawa. The latter, with plenty in reserve, romped home an easy winner. Nolan was an indifferent third. The Telegraph says: Alawa's style stamped him as the finest Malster that has yet been produced, while, if judged by the time test, he is at least equal to any previous winner of the blue ribbon . TURF NOTES. Nominations for the Waihi Sports Club's annual meeting, which takes place on Nov. 19, close with the hon. ■cc. (Mr. H. George) to-night at 9. Mr. E. P. Webster took over the secretarial duties of the Taranaki Jockey Club this morning. A rumour was current in Sydney sporting circles a few days ago that Maranui, Mr D. O'Brien's Caulfield Cup w inner, was causing his trainer some anxiety owing to trouble in his hock. Some weight was attached to the rumour since a comparatively long price was occasionally offered against him for tho Melbourne Cup, which will be run to-morrow.