TWENTY-SECOND DERBY 1896

The Kentucky Derby is over and Ben Brush wears the crown, but his victory was obtained only by the narrowest of margins, and while his neck was clothed with flowers after the race, his sides were sore and bleeding from the marks of the spur, and his giant muscles ached as they never did before. Simms gave him the garlands, Ben Eder caused the other things. Ah! it was a “hoss-race!” Such a field of three-year olds had not met since the old standard of Spokane-Proctor Knott Derby, in which Once Again, Bootmaker, Hindoocraft, Cassius, Sportsman and Outbound followed behind the fighting leaders. And in the finish of the race to-day there was the same desperate, hair-raising finish, which marked that most famous of Derbies. Ben Brush was all out. Not only that but he needed all of the skill and strength and vim of a jockey famous on two continents to help his quivering nostrils first under the wire. And withal he is the best horse in the race. Not that Ben Eder with jockeys changed might not and probably would have won, but it was a matter of condition. Ben Eder was fit to a hair. Made fit in the only way to secure perfect condition, i. e. in actual racing, and McGuigan, after three months of constant care and thought, brought him to the post as exquisitely adapted for this particular race as any modiste fitted a Worth gown to a Parisian belle. There is now no doubt that all of Ben Eder’s “prep” and races down the line were made with an eye single to this one race. And how artistically Bill McGuigan managed it. Always racing, yet taking on no penalty, and yet thanks to Lady Inez the only genuine “Umbrella” McGuigan still took down the money. Then came the time when Lady Inez would no longer do. The finishing touches must be given; the razor edge put on. This was done, and when Ben Eder cut a hair at Nashville his trainer knew he was ready and that in the Kentucky Derby Ben Eder would race the race of his life. And he did. He will never run a better one, perhaps, while Ben Brush will. This is the difference.

Ben Brush, on the other hand, was in his first race of the season, and while he was by no means much too “high” and out of condition, still he had a host of other engagements up the line, some of them far richer in money than the Kentucky Derby. Ten thousand seemed to await him at Oakley, $12,000 at Latonia and $20,000 at St. Louis and Mr. Dwyer is not a sentimental man. His trainer could not afford to have Ben Brush too fine, and when the struggle came with Ben Eder the Bramble colt had only his class in his favor, and this was supplemented by Simms.

It is true there were many spectators who honestly believe that Ben Eder won, but the obstruction offered by the judges’ box makes it impossible for anybody but the judges or those in the timers’ stand to tell, and there seems no doubt, from the statements of those in these positions, that Simms (as a great jockey will) saved just one more effort in Ben Brush and using it in the last desperate leap, shot the hair on his nose in front of his shorter whiskered opponent.

Then too, there must be considered in estimating a popular verdict the natural and noble disposition to cheer the under dog when he gains an advantage and the sportsmanlike instinct to see an overwhelming favorite beaten.

First Mate ran like the flashy cur that he showed himself to be in all of his races. He will likely do in shorter contests or in which he can overwhelm his opponents by a bust of his speed, but nature obviously designed him for the role of a gentleman’s saddle horse, in which he can show high head and flaming tail in harmless curvetting, which will not be taken as a challenge to battle—at which his soul sickens.

The surprise was in the awful performance of Ulysses. Those who had seen the colt work did not like his going, but in the name of wonder what was “Brown Dick” thinking of to throw away that hundred starting money on a dog which may not win it back in his whole year’s campaign. Surely a trainer like “Dick” could not have been so deceived. I am of the opinion that irresistible Secretary Price buncoed “Dick” into starting a colt who had no more pretentions to being a Derby horse than honest “Dick” has of being a dude.

Semper Ego somewhat redeemed himself for his poor showing at Lexington, and may be dangerous to some of the cracks yet, and The Dragon ran his usual good, honest race, doing the best that is in him. Parson and The Winner had no business in the Derby and nobody thought they had, but probably only started as a compliment to a very popular track management.

With the aid of the form sheet below the story of the race is soon told. The Dill starting machine, which resembles that of Curly Brown and is the work of a Louisville man was used in all the races except the Derby, but in the big race Col. Chinn used the old flag flat-footed and unaided. There were several break-a-ways in all of which Ben Brush was prominent, and which were principally caused by First Mate’s fiery desire to run. Incidently, it was comical to see what a difference was presented by this degenerate son of Shipmate when he reached the same spot again after going once around the yellow circle. Then he wanted to lay right down and be put to bed. He never cared if he never saw another horserace as long as he lived and his craven heart called loudly for action by the humane society forbidding the use of spurs.

They were finally off with Ben Eder in the lead, but First Mate shot to the front at once and nearly pulling Thorpe’s arms from their sockets set a merry clip past the stand, down the back stretch and around to the next turn. Ben Brush had not been lagging, but with Simms almost urging the sluggish colt had been laying up in fourth position. At the turn from the back stretch Simms leaned far over his mount’s neck and urged him to the front. He soon overhauled First Mate, who had not thought the race would be so long, and turned in for home with a good lead and the race apparently already won. But the white face of Ben Eder had followed him through like a ghost and was coming on the outside like a flash of light. Running free and strong this true son of Fonso showed the heritage of a Derby winning sire. The family prestige must be maintained and he bid fair to do it. For one fleeting instant the white face showed before the red. But Ben Brush, too, came from an unconquered race and the blood of Bramble and old Bonnie Scotland surged through his veins as responding to the touch of steel his extended nose was thrust again an inch in front. Then Tabor made the mistake of his life. His horse was running true and comparatively fresh. The spurt of Ben Brush was only a spasmodic effort. He would have come back before the wire was reached. But Tabor reached for his whip and Ben Eder losing his jockey’s aid faltered a trifle. It was now a battle of jockeys. Both urged their mounts with whip and spur, but Tabor was riding all over his horse while Simms lifted his mount at every stride. On they came nose and nose until with an expiring effort Simms struck the wire first. It was probably the only point in the last fifty yards at which a difference could be detected between the two horses.

The crowd was such as only a great race can bring out and then only in Kentucky. The railroads and steamboats from all directions poured thousands of people into the city and vehicles of every description from carriages to spring wagons kept up a steady procession out the driveways to the track, while an endless chain of street cars discharged their human freight at the jockey club gates. Over ten thousand people are officially reported to have paid admission, while thousands of ladies and complimented visitors doubtless brought the attendance up to the 15,000 mark. The stands and tall steps were packed and the crowd stood thick all along the broad space between the track and stand and extended down to the fence beyond the betting shed. A feature was the social prominence given the occasion and reminded one of the old times when Col. Clark set the fashion in Louisville and led the way on his tally-ho to the races.

The Courier-Journal gives the following statements from the judges:

“It was a great race—one of the greatest I ever saw. We can not but regret, however, that Mr. McGuigan did not have a jockey who could do his colt justice. With an exchange of riders Ben Brush would certainly have been beaten to-day. He is a race horse of the highest class, however, and I think this race will do him much good. There was no doubt in the world about the finish. Simms simply lifted Brush a foot or so in front at the last jump.”

For three-year-olds (foals of 1893), $5 to accompany the nomination; $15 to be paid May 1, 1895; $30 to be paid May 1, 1896; $100 additional to start. The Club to guarantee the value of the stakes to be $6,000, of which $700 to second and $300 to third. Colts to carry 122 pounds; geldings (at time of starting) 119 pounds; fillies 117 pounds. Those not having won a race for three-year-olds (without respect to sex) of the value of $1,500 allowed 5 pounds; maidens, 10 pounds. One mile and a quarter. 171 nominations.

Time at post 20 minutes; start good; won in a fierce drive. M. F. Dwyer’s b c Ben Brush, by Bramble—Roseville. Hot Springs Stable’s b c Ben Eder, by Fonso—Workmate. Fractional Time—:25, :49½, 1:15½, 1:42, 2:07¾

TWENTY-THIRD DERBY 1897

Withal Typhoon is by no means the faint-hearted sprinter that his early races indicated; he shows a strong infusion of the good old stout Glenelg blood, and if Ornament can beat him he cannot give him much and do it.

The race was a beautiful one, and the following description, written by Mr. E. L. Aroni, turf editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal, could scarcely be excelled in accuracy as well as graphic power.

“It lacks eight minutes of four o’clock when the six colts line up. Ornament begins to dance a little, and the jockeying of the boys on the other starters causes a wait. Typhoon does not relish the delay, and prances back of the field. In a few minutes they move up and break, but Typhoon whirls around and the flag does not fall. A minute later, when they have been at the post only six minutes, they break once again. This time they are caught in line with less than half a length between first and last. Down go the red and yellow squares. There is a roar from the crowded grand stand, and the twenty-third Kentucky Derby is begun.

“What all careful watchers of the turf expected comes to pass. Typhoon sweeps to the front, with the others after him. Garner with admirable judgment swings the big chestnut toward the dry middle of the track as they round into the stretch. Goshen and Ben Brown are lapped on him, lying toward the rail, but on good going. Dr. Shepard is still near the inside, while behind come Ornament and Dr. Catlett, the slowest to get in motion. “Teen” Williams starts to work through the bunch with Dr. Catlett, choosing the faster part of the track. Clayton, on the other hand, carries Ornament toward the rail. He saves ground, bearing out on the others as strongly as possible to get good going, but thereby using energy that his mount will need later in the race.

“Rating towards the stand Typhoon’s splendid burst of speed is in evidence. He comes like a wild horse opening a gap of three daylight lengths—a yellow streak, like that other one that came flying along the outer rail across the track eight years ago, when Proctor Knott raced home just one jump behind Spokane. Like Proctor Knott in many ways this same Typhoon—in color, action and the unconquerable desire to lead his field.

“Passing the stand Ornament is the nearest to him. Dr. Shepard is at the favorite’s side with Ben Brown on even terms with him. Dr. Catlett is close up and running strongly, though showing no great speed, while Goshen even this early is in trouble.

“Scarcely a change is to be noted as they round the turn and near the finish of the first half-mile of their journey. Dr. Shepard is hanging on better than was expected and Dr. Catlett is striving gamely to lie with the flying leaders. But they are out of it clearly barring falls and sudden deaths. As for Ben Brown and Goshen they are simply striking examples of the difference between stake and plater class regardless of the time test. They are lost in the dim distance before the end of the first half-mile.

“The two Doctors are good colts, and game colts, but from the time the field straightened into the backstretch, they too may be dismissed from comment. They strive hard, but that chestnut demon in front is breaking their hearts, and their utmost efforts do not save them from falling foot by foot farther back from any chance in the final struggle for the prize.

“It is a duel. To the uninitiated Typhoon seems to be merely rating in front with ample in reserve. To those who know the colt it is soul-stirring to see that other little chestnut colt buckling to his work, holding that lead down to three lengths and refusing to be outfooted by a splendid sprinter.

“Around the far turn Clayton throws the whip into Ornament’s side, and he runs out from under it marvelously. A full length is closed, but Clayton settles down to hand-riding again and no more of the gap is closed. Again he does this as the finish of the first mile is passed. Again he changes his tactics. And still Typhoon races in front.

“Garner is proving himself a rider of fine quality. He is coaxing Typhoon. He is handling a colt with hand-riding, and it may be stated right here that no prettier bit of that same sort of riding has been seen on the Louisville track since the best days of Isaac Murphy, with the one exception of Simms’ finish on Ben Brush.

“Garner looks neither to right nor left. He has the race if he can hold. He swings Typhoon wide into the homestretch, landing him in the best and dryest path. Ornament must catch that colt if there is hope for him to win. He must get to Typhoon’s throat-latch and ask him the question of courage. Clayton takes a chance. He hugs the rail and saves at least a length. Then, wisely, he bears out toward the hard going. Ornament is closing on Typhoon.

“Clayton goes to the whip at the eighth pole and again Ornament comes forward from under punishment. He is nearing Typhoon. What is that boy Garner going to do? Every ounce in Typhoon is out! If Garner has not a wonderfully cool head he will drop the rein and lift the whip. He does not do it. He looks straight ahead. He is climbing forward on the leader’s withers coaxing him on, coaxing him always on. Typhoon is all out, but Ornament, too is staggering a length back and the wire is overhead.

“Ornament is gaining, gaining at every jump, running from the whip, ready to go on until he drops. But Typhoon, with that same steam-engine action with which he gained his lead, is holding it. The wire is reached. Garner is still climbing and coaxing, Ornament is still fighting a neck back, and Typhoon II., is winner of the Kentucky Derby of 1897.”

For three-year-olds (foals of 1894); $5 to accompany the nomination; $15 to be paid May 1, 1896; $30 to be paid March 1, 1897; $100 additional to start. The club to guarantee the value of the stakes to be $6,000, of which $700 to second and $300 to third. Colts to carry 122 pounds; geldings (at time of starting), 119 pounds; fillies, 117 pounds. Those not having won a three-year-old race of the value of $1,500, allowed five pounds; maidens ten pounds. One mile and a quarter. Closed with 159 nominations. One mile and a quarter.

Start fair; won with first 2 driving hard. Time—2:12½.

J. C. Cahn’s ch c Typhoon II, by imp. Top Gallant-Dolly Varden.

TWENTY-FOURTH DERBY 1898

The day of the great event opened gloomy and showery, and the weather, therefore, reduced the crowd which would have otherwise been perhaps the greatest in the history of this famous race. Before the races began, however, the rain ceased and a brilliant assembly saw the 24th Kentucky Derby, and even in numbers the crowd suffered little in comparison with previous Derby Days, from ten to fifteen thousand people being present. The track had been deep in dust, and the light showers of the morning made the track a little slow and soggy, but by no means sloppy or muddy.

Col. M. Lewis Clark was presiding judge and Secretary Price his associate.

Thirteen bookmakers were in line and there was business for twenty.

Lieber Karl’s Memphis performances had made him the hottest tip that in recent years has started for the Derby. Although all of the trainers at Louisville had been confident that Plaudit would win the Derby, as shown in the reports of the Louisville correspondent of The Record, the Memphis tip was brought up so hot and strong by the Southern delegation, that, with few exceptions, Plaudit’s sturdiest friends succumbed and sadly concluded that after all the Memphis Hindoo would beat their pet. The most notable exceptions were Dr. J. D. Neet, who bred Plaudit and who was there to pull for the colt; “Brown Dick,” who trained him as a two-year-old, and Willie Simms, who was to ride him. Albert Simons, his trainer, felt the responsibility too keenly to commit himself to an expression of opinion and John E. Madden, the owner, had gone to New York two days before with Plaudit’s half brother Glenheim, of which he is said to have a higher opinion of even than Plaudit. Major Thomas, who owned Himyar when Plaudit was sired, did not come down from his Lexington home to see the great son of his great sire perform.

The bookies had nearly all come from Memphis, and were thoroughly imbued with the belief that no horse on earth could beat Lieber Karl, and that every dollar they bet against him was thrown away. Hence they tentatively put up 9 to 20 Lieber Karl and 2 to 1 Plaudit. This was soon changed to 7 to 20 Lieber Karl and 2½ to 1 and 3 to 1 Plaudit, and 2 to 1 the field against Karl. As the other two starters—Isabey and Han d’Or—were considered to have no earthly show for first money the bulk of the money was forced on Plaudit by the prohibitive price on Karl, and the bookies were probably losers by the race, although Mr. Schorr was said to have bet heavily on his colt.

Karl is an impressive looking fellow, with a high-headed, dashing way of going, and duly impressed the spectators as he worked by the stand. He is a handsome horse, much resembling in appearance and gait Typhoon II and First Mate. Plaudit, on the other hand, though more blood-like, is the least imposing looking of all Cinderella’s great sons and is withal a sluggish racer. He has, however, a clean, low frictionless stride far preferable to the high sweeping action of his rival, and his clean-cut thoroughbred lines and splendid chest indicated that he had both gameness and stamina.

There was little delay at the post, and when the flag fell Lieber Karl at once shot to the front, and came by the stand like a wild horse, with Burns pulling with might and main and keeping the rank colt well within himself. Plaudit was on the outside and running last, but easily, and the others right on the flying Karl’s heels. Simms sent Plaudit forward, and when the back stretch was reached his red jacket flashed in front of Isabey and Han d’Or, who were never noticed again in the race. Lieber Karl was still running like a locomotive, but Simms set sail for him and before the middle of the back stretch was reached had his head at the leader’s flanks and held his place, though he seemed to be extended, while Karl was apparently well in hand. As they struck the next turn Plaudit made a move to go up but Burns let out a link and Karl shot away. Simms began to ride, however, and the sluggish Plaudit, as if waiting to be called on, held his own at Lieber Karl’s tail. Straightened into the run home Simms drew his whip and at the first touch of the lash Plaudit shot forward and slowly drew up to his rival’s head, and at the last eighth pole they were on even terms. Karl for the first time this season had been collared. Not till then did Burns begin to urge his mount, and soon the catgut was raising welts upon Karl’s heaving sides, while Simms was vigorously plying the lash to Plaudit. It was a desperate duel for a few strides, and then Plaudit gamely responding drew away and the race was over. Lieber Karl was all out, and while Simms rode the sluggish Plaudit to the end, he no longer needed the lash and finished with something to spare by a full length.

When the winner trotted back to the stand, the heartiest ovation tendered a Derby winner in recent years was given him. The crowd surged through the gates and over the fence and it was necessary to call a policeman to keep the enthusiastic crowd from the horse’s heels. A wreath of red roses was placed about the victor’s neck, and as he was led before the stand the crowd—ladies and all—arose and cheered the hero to the echo.

Kentucky Derby; for three-year-olds; guaranteed value $6,000. 1 mile and a quarter.

Start good; won driving.

Post 4 minutes. Lieber Karl was rank and Burns had him under a stout pull to the head of the stretch; he tired badly in the last furlong. Fractional time—0:25½, O:50½, 1:17, 1:30, 1:43½, 1:55¾, 209.

J. E. Madden’s br c Plaudit, by Himyar, imp. Cinderella.

TWENTY-FIFTH DERBY 1899

The twenty-fifth Kentucky Derby was run on Thursday, May 4, and was won easily by A. H. and D. H. Morris’ Manuel, ridden by Fred Taral, who had come on from New York expressly for the mount. The weather was warm and pleasant, though cloudy, and the track deep with dust. The race was a poor one from the standpoint of time and would seem to indicate that with the single exception of Manuel there was not a horse of Derby class of ordinary years in the field. Some excuses could be made for Corsine, as he traveled from the Pacific Coast and was giving from five to twelve pounds to his opponents. But the son of Riley showed no speed at any part of the journey, though he seemed to be in fine form, and will have to improve remarkably to win rank among the good horses of America. There is not much to say about the others, except that they finished behind Corsine. Mazo will probably do much better at shorter distance, but Fontainbleau and His Lordship seem to be counterfeits. The latter was trained to the hour by his trainer and part owner, Mr. John Smith, who showed his skill in the development of the crack McIvor in his first year on the turf, but he shut up like a jack knife when collared and dropped out of it. But few words are needed in addition to the form-sheet in describing the race. His Lordship took the lead before reaching the grand stand and going down the back stretch seemed to be leading easily with his mouth wide open. Taral had Manuel under a wrap close up in second place and approaching the turn from the backstretch he nailed the leader. There was a moment’s struggle and His Lordship fell back sulky and beaten and was no longer a contender in the race. Coming into the homestretch Corsine made his run and half way home came up under the whip and for an instant had his head at Manuel’s hips. But Taral shook up the son of Bob Miles and the latter springing away, came on with Taral looking over his shoulder, and won without farther urging.

Although the race was by no means a sensational one, yet it was the Kentucky Derby, and an immense crowd, estimated at 20,000 people, saw the race. Of this number, probably one-third were ladies in their spring toilets and presenting a scene of beauty which is equalled at no other race in America save the great Kentucky classic.

There were eighteen bookmakers in line. The executive officers were as follows:

Presiding Judge—Charles F. Price.
Associate Judge—Lew Tarlton.
Timers—Arthur Newsom, Pat Dunne and Charles McMeekin.
Starter—Morgan Chinn.

Manuel is a bay colt, sired by Bob Miles, son of Pat Malloy and Dolly Morgan, by Revenue; dam Espanita, daughter of Alarm and Outstep, by Blue Eyes. He is owned by Messrs. A. H. and D. H. Morris, and trained by Robert Walden, son of Mr. Wyndham Walden, one of the greatest of American trainers. Manuel was bred by George J. Long, Bashford Manor, Louisville, Ky., who raced him in his two-year-old form until October, when he was bought by his present owners for $15,000. Last year he started twenty-one times, winning three races, second three times, and third six times.

The Kentucky Derby; for three-year olds; guaranteed value $6,000 1¼ miles. Fractional time, 0:25¾, 0:50½, 1:17¾, 1:45½, 2:12. 151 nominations.

Start good. Won easily; place same. Post 3 minutes. Winner, b c by Bob Miles—Espanita. Value to winner $4,850.

TWENTY-SIXTH DERBY 1900

Carrying 117 pounds as lightly as a feather, Lieut. Gibson still going easy, traversed the first three-quarters in 1:13½. The conservative element among the backers of the favorite became uneasy at this stage of the race, fearing the horse would be unable to withstand the tremendous strain of the fast pace. A second time Boland took hold of the flying leader that with measured strides seemed to be annihilating distance and defying time.

A second glance at the field and all cause of doubt as to Gibson’s ability to live at the flying clip was expelled. He was going easy, much easier than any horse behind him, and seemed only a horse out for a good stiff breeze. Passed the mile ground in 1:40⅖, he was only rating along three lengths in front of the tired His Excellency, with Scoggan’s pair Florizar and Highland Lad, going well, but in no danger of overhauling the galloping leader.

Into the stretch, a novice could see that Gibson was going easy, and coming on the gallant colt passed first under the wire by four lengths in front of Florizar that Van Dusen had most sensibly not driven to his limit when he found it impossible to overtake the great son of G. W. Johnson.

The time was 2:06¼, one and one-half seconds faster than the Kentucky Derby had ever been run.

TWENTY-SEVENTH DERBY 1901

Amur and Alard Scheck also ran. Betting 10 to 7 Scheck; 3 His Eminence. Good start. Won easily, place same.

His Eminence, b c, by Falsetto-Patroness. Owned by F. B. Van Meter.

DESCRIPTION OF RACE

His Eminence, a beautiful bay colt by Falsetto-Patroness by Pat Malloy, foaled in the Blue Grass and trained at Churchill Downs, won the twenty-seventh renewal of the Kentucky. Sannazarro, the brown son of imp. Pirate of Penzance—Roseola by Duke of Montrose, was second, while Driscoll, Woodford Clay’s bay colt by Dixon—Merry Maiden by Virgil was third. The time was 2:07¾. Alard Scheck, the odds-on favorite, the property of John W. Schoor, of Memphis and the pride of all Tennessee, finished absolutely last, five lengths behind Amur. It was a truly run race and His Eminence outclassed his field.

Twenty thousand people saw the Derby run. The grand stand was a monster hillside of beautiful costumes and shining faces.

They were at the post only a short time—four minutes. There was a little jockeying for positions, one false break; they were called back and lined up again. Then there was a flash of yellow and red, a long hoarse roar from the thousands packed in the stand and here they come, five good colts closely bunched, with the black nose of Alard Scheck showing slightly in front.

Before the colts had gone fifty yards Winkfield had moved his charge up to first position and as they passed the stand His Eminence was half a length in front of Scheck, while Driscoll had also moved up and was only a neck behind, with a length between him and Amur, Sannazarro bringing up the rear. They ran the first eighth in :13, and passed the quarter in :25½.

His Eminence was beautifully rated by Jockey Winkfield, the colored boy. He carried his field to the three-eighths in :38 and passed to the half in :51, consistent pace in a mile and one-quarter race. His Eminence, in fact was never headed after he passed the stand and was never in trouble. He made his own pace and Winkfield shook him up above the eighth pole and he responded gamely and came on, dashing a couple of lengths ahead without effort. At the half, he was a length to the good, at the five-eighths he was a length and one-half to the good, at the three-quarter pole he was three lengths in front of the bunch. This is where Winkfield shook him up, for O’Connor on Sannazarro; Boland on Driscoll and Dupee on Amur, were whipping and digging the rowels into the satiny sides of their mounts.

And Alard Scheck, the favorite? J. Woods, the crack Schorr jockey, had him under restraint, believing the colt would be able to win easily when he got good and ready. He was under a steady pull for the first three-quarters, and when Woods called on him he did the worse thing a horse can do next to quitting—he sulked. When Woods attempted to lay him down he positively refused to go ahead and finished five lengths behind Amur, the next to the last horse.

His Eminence continued to increase his lead, and as they round into the stretch the colored boy looked over his shoulder and saw the others hopelessly beaten. He kept His Eminence under restraint all the way through the stretch and won easily by two lengths in 2:07¾. O’Connor gave a fine exhibition of riding on Sannazarro and while the Hayes colt was not quite up to such a race as the Derby was, he got all out of him that was in him and finished second ahead of Driscoll, as easily as His Eminence finished ahead of him.

The fractional time of the race was :13, :25½, :38, :51, 1:04, 1:16¾, 1:29, 1:43, 1:55½, 2:07¾.

TWENTY-EIGHTH DERBY 1902

The Derby was a true run race and the best horse won and as the English say, that any horse that makes his own pace at a mile or over from the drop of the flag to the finish must certainly be the best horse. It was Alan-a-Dale all through the race. The crowd yelled and cheered itself hoarse even those who bet and lost on other horses in the race, joined in the cheering. When it was over it was a sight worth going a thousand miles to see. It seemed as though everybody was looking for the popular owner, T. C. McDowell to shake him by the hand and congratulate him.

The pace was fast for the first mile and then it dropped off badly, but when one really notices how fast Alan-a-Dale went the first mile in the race, they will not wonder that the last quarter was so slow. A first glance at the time of the race one would think from a time standpoint that it was a bad race, but when compared with other races of its kind, you will see that in all races that are fast run the horses who make the fast time generally rate along instead of running the first part of it real fast. In his race, Alan-a-Dale, according to our timing ran as follows: ⅛ :12½, ¼ :25, ⅜ :37½, ½ :49¾, ⅝ 1:02½, ¾ 1:14¾, ⅞ 1:27½, 1 mile 1:40¾; 1⅛ miles 1:54½ and 1¼ miles in 2:08¾.

Of course, the winner tired greatly after setting the terrific pace he did in the early part of the race, but the other horses also tired as much by trying to keep within striking distance of him. Abe Frank, although conceding the winner, Alan-a-Dale, Inventor, the second horse and The Rival, the third horse, five pounds each, was only beaten a scant length by Alan-a-Dale and a half length and a neck by Inventor and The Rival. It was a great race to watch from start to finish. At the finish of the race all four jockeys were riding like demons, and the favorite, Abe Frank, was beaten because he was not the best horse at the weights that day. Inventor and The Rival, second and third horses in this race were well ridden and ran gamely, but there is no way they could have been closer up at the finish no matter in what way they would have changed their running. All the glory and honor belongs to Alan-a-Dale and his popular owner and trainer, Mr. T. C. McDowell of Lexington, who in spite of winning this great event, has also a great misfortune to bear as Alan-a-Dale has broken down and it is doubtful if he will ever face the starter again.

TWENTY-NINTH DERBY 1903

A Kentucky Derby always marks an epoch in Kentucky history; time and incidents are reckoned from one Derby to the next, and the event of to-day was characteristic, for there was the same surging, jostling, mass of humanity, crowding stands and paddock and overflowing to the field. Eighteen thousand people were in attendance.

It was an exciting finish. Early, with a length and a half to the good, was ridden down the stretch as though the race had already been won, when within the last sixteenth H. Booker brought up Judge Himes and in a merciless finish Early who had lost his stride by the overconfident Winkfield, was beaten three-quarters of a length by the practically neglected colt. The day was perfect. From the South drifted an invigorating breeze, bearing the fragrance of sprouting foliage on the nearby hills, of which the green slopes of Sugar Loaf and Iroquois afforded a delightful rest to the eyes bewildered by a maze of gorgeous costumes and myriads of beautiful faces, banked tier upon tier in the grand stand and club house terrace and representing the fairest of Kentucky’s womanhood.

The track was fast. The six colts were not kept long at the post, and after some ten minutes consumed in getting them in line, the flag went down and the Derby was on. When Starter Holtman gave the word the colts were almost at the fretful line and the jockeys found Woodlake of the McDowell entry hugging the inside rail with the others well bunched and Judge Himes a half length away. They raced in this position past the stand, Bad News being third, Early fourth and Bourbon fifth, while Treacy brought up the rear. When they made the lower turn it was evident that Helgesen on Woodlake wanted to make a runaway race of it, for he had increased his lead to two lengths. Bad News had moved up to second position with Judge Himes a neck away, while Early still maintained his position of fourth, Bourbon being fifth and Treacy a half dozen lengths in the ruck and out of the race.

When the colts had been straightened out on the back stretch the canary jacket of Jockey Winkfield emerged from the rear and with an unusual burst of speed.

“Early wins!” was the exultant cry of the vast majority of the crowd as the son of Troubadour with even, steady stride, moved to the front. When the three-quarters was reached he was in easy command with nearly a length to the good and this lead he increased as they rounded the last turn for the final struggle. Meanwhile Judge Himes and Bad News had been having an almost neck and neck race of it for third place, with their noses at the flank of Woodlake, which had continued to show the way down the backstretch, until he had surrendered to Early’s burst of speed. As the colts made the swing for the turn into the stretch, Booker saw an opening and when they had straightened out he had Judge Himes next the rail. There was but one horse between him and victory. Maintaining a comfortable position, some two lengths behind the favorite it was not until he had passed the eighth pole that he called on him for speed. In the interim Winkfield sat quietly on Early, contemplating the victory so near at hand, and not until Judge Himes thundered down upon him was he apparently conscious of the colt’s approach. Winkfield half turned, then quickly resorted to the whip and spur. But it was too late, Judge Himes passing under the wire winner of the event, with the question of supremacy still a mooted one. The fractional time for the race was :25½, :51, 1:16½, 1:42, 2:09.

THIRTIETH DERBY 1904

In the presence of one of the largest crowds ever seen at Churchill Downs race track the thirtieth renewal of the Kentucky Derby was decided on Monday. The winner turned up in Elwood, a son of Free Knight and Petticoat by Alarm, and the outsider in the betting. Elwood was bred by Mrs. J. B. Prather, Marysville, Mo. Proceeds, the favorite, took command just after the start, but began to quit before five furlongs had been negotiated. The Talbot horse, Prince Silverwings, who had been in second place, now took the lead and led the way until well in the stretch, where lack of condition told and he gave way to Elwood who had trailed the field to this point. Ed Tierney joined Elwood at the paddock gate, and from there on the race was between the two, Elwood winning by half length. Elwood was a seasoned horse and this probably gave him the race. According to our way of thinking, Prince Silverwings would have won easily had he been fit. While a small horse he is well made and showed he possessed more speed than anything in the race. Take it all in all, one cannot help but say that they were a bad lot of Derby horses, and if such a horse as Ben Brush, Ornament, Halma or Alan-a-Dale had been there they would have looked like $200 selling platers. It was a nice race to look at, every horse looked to have a chance the entire route, well bunched they struggled hard and did their best. The time, 2:08½, was good when you consider the time made in previous Derbies. Judge Himes won the Derby in 2:09, Alan-a-Dale in 2:08¾, His Eminence in 2:07¾, Lieut. Gibson in 2:06¼, Plaudit in 2:09, Typhoon II., in 2:12½ and Ben Brush in 2:07¾, all carrying the same weight, 117 pounds.

THIRTY-FIRST DERBY 1905

Today is Derby Day in Louisville and the thirty-first running of the Kentucky Derby was won by Capt. S. S. Brown’s Agile, with Ram’s Horn in second place and Layson third. The attendance was the largest in the history of the famous track and the twenty thousand people who stood and watched the race looked like a solid mass of humanity. At 1 o’clock the track was a sea of mud, but after an hour’s working it had dried out considerably and was in fair condition when the bugle called the Derby candidates to the post.

The crowd waited patiently for the Derby, which was the fourth race on the card and at 15 minutes past 4 o’clock the three colts passed from the paddock out into the broad, heavy path. A cheer that is almost a roar goes up from the crowd. The parade takes but a few minutes and they passed on up to the turn, where Starter Dwyer gives the boys a few words of instructions and almost before the crowd has had time to realize it, they’re off to a beautiful start, and here they come on the trip that means so much to the admirers of both star performers.

Jockey Martin has his orders regarding Agile, and obeying these instructions to the letter, he starts out to show Ram’s Horn a merry time, because it is a well-known fact that the son of Bute is unable to do himself justice in the mud. They pass the stand with Agile a length in front, while Jockey Lyne, on Ram’s Horn, is trying to rate his colt and keep him within striking distance of the leader. Even at this early point in the race Layson is hopelessly beaten and even to the most inexperienced, he is merely running for the money that goes to the third horse. The cherry jacket and blue cap which is on Agile’s back bobs up and down like a cork in a choppy sea. The black silk on Ram’s Horn’s back moves through space with very little motion. A long roar like the snarl of a multitude of bulldogs comes from the stand and spreads itself over the crowd in the infield and reverberates from the whitewashed barns on the other side of the beautiful course. This is the cry of the people from the Blue Grass land, friends of Ram’s Horn, the poor man’s horse. The real race has only begun.

As they round the first turn, Martin lets out a wrap and Agile shoots forward like an arrow from a bow. Ram’s Horn is too close for comfort, and the boy has orders to keep the lead. Then they turn into the back stretch, and here Ram’s Horn runs his race. With whip and spur and with his knees digging into the satiny sides of Ram’s Horn, Jockey Lyne asked the question of the son of Bute. Instantly the game colt responds, and before the half-mile pole is reached Ram’s Horn has cut the lead down to one length and his nose is very close to Agile’s tail.

The positions do not change for a quarter of a mile. Then the favorite gradually begins to move away from Rams Horn in spite of the vigorous efforts of Lyne. But its no use—the track is muddy and sticky and slippery, and this son of one of the best stallions any American ever brought to this country from England is unused to the going and does not like it. And so they turn into the home stretch, with Agile two lengths in front and galloping with his mouth wide open, while Ram’s Horn is laboring many lengths in front of Layson.

The shouting and the tumult die and Martin, realizing that his victory is now assured, eases his mount to an ordinary gallop, while Lyne, on Ram’s Horn, also refuses to drive Jim Williams’ colt, because he knows the case is hopeless. They pass under the wire in a straggling procession, with little excitement or applause. The time, 2:10½, shows the condition of the track.

THIRTY-SECOND DERBY 1906

It was a great day for Louisville, and everyone with a trace of sporting blood in his veins was out to see the Derby, and when a home-bred horse won, the crowd demonstrated that the victory of Mr. Long was a most popular one. They cheered him from the time he left the paddock until he crossed the wire, only to renew it when the usual formalities were gone through with at the judges’ stand.

There was no delay at the post, and as the barrier was lowered, the horses came walking up and Starter Dwyer gave the word. “They’re off!” yelled the crowd with one accord, and down the stretch came the sextette in pretty close order. Nearing the eighth pole, Hyperion II drew clear and by the time the judges’ stand was reached he was three lengths in front, with Velours and Sir Huon next in order. Then came Lady Navarre and James Reddick, and Debar brought up the rear. As the club-house turn was rounded, Sir Huon dropped in behind Hyperion II, and there he laid all the way up the back stretch. Velours was done when the field straightened out in the backstretch, and James Reddick, which showed unexpected speed, moved up behind Sir Huon. Out in front Hyperion II was still sifting sand, Troxler sitting still and holding Sir Huon well in hand. Lady Navarre, who had suffered a little interference on the lower turn, was being whipped to keep up and Velours was now the trailer.

As they approached the far turn, Hyperion still had a clear lead, but now Troxler had gone to work on the son of Falsetto and it took considerable of an effort on his part to run the flying Hyperion down. He caught him and passed him on the stretch turn and then the Ellison pair closed, as the rest were beaten. Straightened for home, Troxler plied his whip and then sat down to ride. Dominick was busy on James Reddick and Burns was putting forth his best efforts on Lady Navarre, but it was to no avail, for the big colt had enough left to stall off the efforts of the tired pair behind him.

Sir Huon broke a tradition in the race, and that was that a colt which had not previously started the same year that the Derby was run always got beat, no matter how good his work might have been.