Scarce c.19th hand coloured engraving of the Finish for the Champion Stakes.
From the original edition of the Australasian Sketcher.
Seven horses started in the Champion Stakes. We quote the following account of the race from The Australasian:
Glenormiston and Robinson Crusoe were first on their legs but were soon overtaken by Waterford, who led past the stand, followed by Glenormiston and Robinson Crusoe side by side, then Pride of the Hills, Pluto, and First King in that order, with Chester bringing up the rear. Before leaving the straight, Glenormiston overtook Waterford and led around the turn at a strong pace. Waterford lay second, Pride third, followed by Robinson Crusoe, First King, Pluto, and Chester. This order held until they neared the bridge, when Pride of the Hills improved his position and took the lead, placing a dozen lengths between himself and Glenormiston, who headed the main pack. As he passed the sheds, Pride of the Hills increased his lead, but on entering the straight, the fast pace began to tell. His lead diminished, and as he approached the stand, fewer than three lengths separated him from Waterford, who was just ahead of First King and Robinson Crusoe, followed by Chester and Pluto. Glenormiston had dropped to the rear, spent. Pride of the Hills maintained the lead around the turn, but First King was close behind. The St. Albans crack had Waterford, Robinson Crusoe, and Chester right behind. Glenormiston was hopelessly beaten. Before reaching the bridge, First King challenged Pride of the Hills and quickly took the lead. Chester set out in pursuit, with Pluto also improving. After passing the abattoirs, Chester and Pluto caught up with First King. Pluto then fell behind, and the leaders raced closely to the home turn. First King held a slight advantage, and as Pigott pushed Chester hard, the crowd sensed his defeat. Below the distance mark, Chester made a desperate attempt to catch the leader, but First King held on and won by four lengths. Robinson Crusoe finished seven lengths behind in third, Pluto three lengths further back in fourth. A long gap followed before Pride of the Hills, then Glenormiston, and finally Waterford, who finished absolutely last. Time: 5 minutes 20 seconds – the fastest on record.
Only three started in the Champion Handicap—Longfellow, Comet, and Zoe—and they finished in that order.
