V.C.R. CHAMPION STAKES.

Westport Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1969, 24 January 1882, Page 4

V.C.R. CHAMPION STAKES.

Notwithstanding the fact that slight showers fell during New Tear's Day, the attendance at the Melbourne Champion Meeting was far in excess of that of previous years. The following account of the race for the Champion Stakes is from the Age:— The Champion Stakes of 25 sovs each, 10 ft., with 1000 added. For three year olds and upwards. Weight for age. The second horse to receive 200 sovs, and the third 100 sovs, out of the stake. Three miles. Horses foaled north of the line allowed 71b. Mr S. Gardiner's b c Coriolanus, by Tubal Cain —Pauline, 3yrs, 7st 81b 1 Mr H. Phillips' b c Commotion, 3yrs, 7stSlb 2 Mr C. G. Baldock's br h Wellington, 6 yrs, 9st Gib 3 Captain Osborne's b c Wheatear, 3yrs, 7stßlb 4 Mr D. Macpherson's be Santa Claus, 3yrs, 7st Blb 5 Mr W. Branch's b f Boyal Maid, 3yrs,7stSlb 6 Betting 2 to 1 agst Wellington, 3 to 1 agst Wheatear, 4 to 1 agst Commotion, 5 to 1 agst Santa Claus and Koyal Maid, 7 tol agst Coriolanus. At the fall of the flag, after a considerable amount of time had been wasted at the post, Commotion and Santa Claus went to the front, and, pulling double, led past the stand, followed by Wheatear and Koyal Maid, Wellington and Coriolanus side by side last. At the turn there was no alteration, the pace being very slow, but at the river Santa Claus went on in advance of Commotion, the latter, however, once more assuming the pride of place at the bridge, Santa Claus being followed at intervals of a length by Wheatear, Royal Maid, Wellington, aud Coriolanus. No alteration occurred for the rest of the distance to the stand the first time round, which was passed by Santa Claus and Commotion well in front of Eoyal Maid, Wheatear half a length behind the filly, the same distance separating Wellington and Coriolanus. Nothing occurred till, going aloug the back stretch, Wellington passed Eoyal Maid, and went on third. At the abattoirs Commotion led, Santa Claus dropping back beaten, Wheatear and Wellington, side by side, went on second and third, Ciriolanus at the same time passing Boyal Maid aud Santa Claus, both of whom were done. At turn into the straight, Mr Gardiner's horse joined the leaders, and in a few strides was in front in the centre, Commotion and Wellington being next, at intervals of half a length, while Wheatear and the other two were beaten. A struggle ensued to the distance, but Coriolanus was full of running, and, shaking off Commotion and Wellington with great ease, won cleverly by a length ; Commotion the same distance ahead of Welling ton, next to whom came Wheatear, Santa Claus, and Boyal Maid. Time smin. 40s ec.