178 ON AND O^P THE TVRV, 



bery Park^ near Sydney^ is tlie latest addition to tHe 

 pony courses. 



Eound Melbourne there are several good courses, 

 and within a mile or two of Mordialloc there are 

 three splendid courses, Epsom, Aspendale, and Men- 

 tone. These courses compare favourably with the 

 best I have seen, and good galloping ground is 

 generally found on them. Their Grand Stands are 

 elaborate, and all the surroundings of a first-class 

 racecourse are to be found. As a rule the racing 

 there is of a fair class. Sandown is another good 

 course, but the most profitable is that owned by Mr. 

 Cox at Moonee Valley. Its close proximity to 

 Melbourne always ensures a large attendance. The 

 Moonee Valley Cup, run the week before the 

 Melbourne Derby, is a race that draws a large 

 crowd. 



Williamston racecourse is a bleak place on a 

 windy day, as it is situated near the harbour, and is 

 much exposed. Racing there is, however, generally 

 enjoyable in the spring, and I have seen some capital 

 sport there. 



The general management of Australian race^ 

 courses leaves little to be desired. In several in- 

 stances they show an improvement on the system 

 generally adopted in England. The public are 

 considered in every way, and racing is more of a 

 pleasure than a business. Horse-racing ought to be 



