PAST AUCKLAND CUPS.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 522, 22 December 1888, Page 11

PAST AUCKLAND CUPS.

Thirteen years, have winged their flight, since the first Auckland Cup, run tender the auspices of the present Racing Club, was won by Templetori in 1874. He carried the inipqst of Bst 111 b, but there were only two other starters, viz., Mr J. Watts's Toi (6.8) and Mr W. .Walters's Yatterina (9.0). J. Wattie, who now reigns as mine host of the Epsom Hotel, rode the gallant little son of Traducer, whose deeds on the racecourse will never be forgotten by turfites. The year 1876, saw Mir W.. Walters' colours to the fore on Dainty Ariel's son, King Wisher ; H. Redwood's Guy Fawkes being seoorid ; and A. Buc lsland's Ariel third,' In 1877 two Cups were run, the first being on the Ist January when Mr J . Watts's Ariel, who was a big favourite, got home, the other places being filled by Mr R. Ray's Danebury and Mr W. Walters's Izaak Walton. On the 27th December, at the end of the same year, Lara got home in front of Elsa and Venus Transit, and the two following years, 1878 and 1879, strange to say, Ariel again triumphed -on the second occasion carrying the colours of that good old local sport,, Mr M. Edgar. In 1880, Mr H. P. Lance's' Foul Play gained the verdict from the Auckland-owned Maid of Honour arid Ariel. This Cup contest was remarkable for the death of, the jockey Nolan, who was riding Libeller.." Foul Play went out with the odds of 6to 4 on him. In 1881 King Quail secured a victory, while the year ,1882 saw Welcome Jack romp, home to the delight 'of the Southern division. Salvage again won for the ' foreigner's .'. in 1883, Tim Whimer and Libeller filling the other places, . while in the rear division was. Welcome Jacki .Aucklanders «;ill' always remember this year: In 1884, The Poet boiled over a great Southern 'pot 'in Administrator, and Nelson . surprised ; the spectators at large by • simply cantering over his opponents at the finish of the Cup of 1885. This . he has followed up by winning in 1886, and last Ne<v Year's Day. The greatest weight carried to victory has been by Nelson, viz., 9.12, and Brown has been the most successful jockey in the race, having riddsa Nelson on each occasion he has won. The late George Williams rode the winner two years, and Fred Matthews is credited with a similar success. Strange to say, none of ! Musket's stock have yet sired the Cup winner, but the defunct hero has a big chance of bringing it off this year.