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AN AMERICAN AT MELBOURNE RACES. "We could show you nothing so picturesque in America. Its the finest race meeting scene 1 have ever looked upon." That is how ONeil Sevier, one of the United States Commissioners to Australia in connection with the Panama-Pacific Exposition summed up his impressions or Melbourne Cup Day at Fleniington. Mr. Sevier is a well-known American sporting journalist, and be has hijen a regular attendaut at race meetings since his arrival in Australia. Iu regard to racing details, Mr. Sevier said he thought American methods were an improvement on those In Australia. The posting of details as to scratching, jockeys names and post positions, and the "warming up" gallops were instances. The numbers worn on the saddlecloths in America were much more prominent than those worn in Australia. Before the race the horses left the saddling paddock In the order in which they appeared on the official program, and paraded past the grandstand. That practically gave backers an opportunity to identify their favorites. Then, too. in America form charts were regularly published showing the positions each horse occupied during the different stages of every race iu which he had started. The type of horse racing in Australia lias appealed lo Mr. Seviers trained eye. "They are a b!g-loned, fine-looking lot of animals, and they look sound," he said. "I think you train them a little harder than we do. We try to bring them in with a little more flesh, but at the same time tough enough to win a race. Vitality is necessary for success In anything. Still, your horses reach a speed that indicates good condition." Melbourne Argus.
