THIRTY-THIRD DERBY 1907

Redgauntlet was made favorite. Pink Star’s victory was not a popular one. The public had no confidence in the flashy grandson of the great Leonatus, which won the same event in 1883, and neither did his owner Hal Woodford of Paris, Ky. But his trainer, W. H. Fizer, fairly bubbled with enthusiasm over the chances of his colt. “So these are the Derby horses?” said he. “Well, if they are Derby colts, Pink Star will walk in.” So he did.

The race itself was robbed of a great deal of interest by the withdrawal of Arcite, which did not start on account of the going. His owner, George J. Long, waited until the last moment before scratching him, chiefly on account of the sentiment that has marked his career on the turf. Mr. Long is a Louisville man, he takes great pride in her institutions, one of which is the “Darby”, and he felt as if he were duty bound to run the colt, but after consulting with his trainer, decided that the going was impossible.

After the parade passed the grandstand and clubhouse, the horses cantered to the post, and it was but a moment before Starter Holtman sprung the barrier and the thirty-third Derby was on. As they swept past the stand the first time, Zal was leading, with Ovelando second and Wool Sandals third. Around the clubhouse turn, it was quite noticeable that Pink Star, with his pink-coated jockey was bringing up the rear. Round the lower turn they went and now Zal had a clear lead and was running freely. Ovelando was under restraint and was a good second, next to the rail. Redgauntlet had dropped to the rear and Austin was busy with the whip but there was no response. Up the back stretch they went, Zal with gigantic strides, still in front and Ovelando was going easily close up. Redgauntlet moved up a bit and Pink Star was last. As the three-eighths pole was reached, Nicol went up to Zal, and it looked as if he could pass the Gerst colt any time he wanted to. Pink Star was moving up on the extreme outside. Nicol rounded the stretch turn on even terms with Zal and the cry went up, “Ovelando walks in.” But the jubilation was too early, for Zal drew away a bit as the field straightened for home and Nicol drew his whip. Pink Star was still coming. At the eighth pole the positions were still the same, but here Ovelando began to hang out signals of distress and he was done. Pink Star by this time had gotten on almost even terms with Zal and, as the sixteenth pole was passed, he was slowly drawing away from the fleet-footed chestnut. A few strides and it was all over, for Boland began to ride Zal, but he was done to a turn and at the end Pink Star was under wraps. Ridden out, Zal finished a little over a length in front of Ovelando, and quite a piece back came the favorite.

THIRTY-FOURTH DERBY 1908

Stone Street, a despised outsider, carrying the blue jacket and white sash of C. E. Hamilton, the popular Latonia turfman, and ridden by Jockey Pickens, walked away with the thirty-fourth Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Tuesday, with the pride of Louisville, Sir Cleges, the public’s choice, in the place. The $5 mutuels paid $123.60. Three lengths in front of the favorite, Stone Street crossed the wire a pretty tired horse, but the others were more so. Sir Cleges got the place by a neck and Dunvegan got third place by an eyelash from Synchronized, which was added at the last moment. It was a clear-cut victory and an instance where condition won over class. It was also an instance where a colt that was at home in the going beat a better horse, which besides being a bit short, the condition of the track precluding the chance to give him a final good work, did not fancy the stick track, and labored all the way. Stone Street by heritage comes of stout stock, his sire being Longstreet, son of Longfellow, a family noted for endurance rather than speed.

After the bugle called the horses to the post there was not much time wasted on instructing jockeys. Paddock Judge John Walsh called out: “Lead out, Powers,” and the eight Derby horses were on their way to parade past the judges’ stand and clubhouse and then to the post. There was no time lost at the barrier, where Judge Will Shelley presided in the absence of Jake Holtman.

The crowd rose as the horses swept past the stand, and when the field reached the line the first time Banridge forged to the front, after crowding Sir Cleges out. Stone Street was second. Dunvegan third and the favorite fourth, with Frank Bird last of all. Around the lower turn they went in the same order. When straightened out on the back stretch, Banridge opened a streak of daylight on Stone Street, while Sir Cleges passed Dunvegan. The rest of the field was not out of the running and it was also noticeable that while Sir Cleges gained ground that it was with an effort, as the colt was laboring and climbing. At the far turn, Banridge’s lead was cut down and Stone Street and Sir Cleges, the latter under urging moved up on the leader. Round the stretch turn came Banridge and at his heels were his relentless pursuers. Stone Street nailed him when straight for the wire and the shout went up, “Sir Cleges is beaten.”

Koerner was hard at work on him and he held his place with bulldog courage, but the lack of condition was telling on him and Stone Street which raced at New Orleans and was fit, drew away with ease and came under the wire with his jockey sitting still. There was a bitter struggle for the place and Sir Cleges secured this through the powerful finish of Koerner, who never let up until the last two strides, when he had second position safe. Synchronized and Dunvegan finished almost on a line a neck behind the favorite and the latter got third place. Banridge was fifth many lengths in front of Milford, which beat Bill Herron home for the distinction of having finished sixth by a head and away back came Frank Bird.

THIRTY-FIFTH DERBY 1909

Wintergreen, an Ohio-bred colt, carrying the colors of Rome Respess, ridden by V. Powers, galloped away from his opponents to-day in the race for the thirty-fifth Kentucky Derby. Four lengths behind him came Miami, which carried all the hopes and money of Central Kentucky, and he was three lengths in front of Dr. Barkley, a despised outsider, which beat Sir Catesby a head and gave the latter the place of honorable mention. Wintergreen hardly left the outcome of the race in doubt after the barrier rose. His backers had a moment of anxiety when he was bumped by Miami right after the start and once in the final furlong, when Powers laid the lash on the big bay colt. The rest of the race was play for the son of Dick Welles and Winter. Miami ran a good game race, Direct and Warfield failed to show anything much and Campeon and Match Me were outclassed. Sir Catesby ran the best race behind the winner and would have been second but for bad racing luck. The going made Friend Harry stop.

For a horse that was born and bred in the Buckeye State to win the Kentucky Derby is a new feature in the history of this classic event. California, Eastern horses, and in the majority of cases, Kentucky and Tennessee have furnished all the Derby winners.

Slowly and with Wintergreen in the lead, they filed past the stand and clubhouse and, turning, galloped to the starting point, where Jake Holtman was ready to send them away. The field got away quickly to a good start. Wintergreen and Miami came together as the barrier went up, but the son of Dick Welles was not to be denied and he at once went to the front and there he stayed. Coming past the stand, he had a clear lead, with Miami next and Dr. Barkley and Friend Harry close up. Sir Catesby was on the inside and was apparently trying to run over horses. Going up the back stretch Powers took a nice hold on Wintergreen and the great colt just skimmed along pricking his ears. Friend Harry made a determined effort passing the half-mile post, but it was just a flash in the pan, for scarcely had the cry “Friend Harry is catching him” rung out before the crowd was yelling Friend Harry is beaten, as the Alvey colt’s stride shortened. Miami, which had clung tenaciously to second place, also under restraint, was now sent after the flying pacemaker with a will. But Shilling could not rally his mount and the farther the field went the easier was Wintergreen’s task. Nearing the eighth pole Powers got a little uneasy and gave Wintergreen one good crack with the whip and he bounded away like the others were standing still. Miami was just as easily second and Dr. Barkley just managed to beat out Sir Catesby, the latter coming through the worst going. The rest were pretty well scattered.

THIRTY-SIXTH DERBY 1910

An enormous crowd gathered from all points of the compass saw and cheered the victory of the bay colt Donau in the thirty-sixth running of the Kentucky Derby, now truly the “Blue Riband” of the American turf, at Churchill Downs this afternoon. It was the largest crowd that ever graced this historic battle ground of the thoroughbreds and that crowd saw the keenest contest and the most thrilling finish that ever attended the winning of the prize, which has been annually coveted by owners of three-year olds in all the land since Price McGrath first took it with game Aristides in 1875.

The winner is owned in Tennessee, but he was bred in the Blue Grass of old Kentucky, as were also each of the half dozen that went to the post with the son of Woolsthorpe and Al Lone and came back behind him.

Derby Day dawned clear and warm. There was not a fleck in the sky when the sun peeped over the Eastern horizon. The track had dried out rapidly after the severe rain of Saturday and was fast.

When the bugle called the horses to the post, Donau, accompanied to the paddock gate by his piebald pony companion was the first to step on the track. He was No. 1 on the program. After the post parade, the horses cantered to the starting point one quarter of a mile up the stretch. Starter Milton was ready for them, and after they had lined up about twenty yards behind the barrier, gave orders to walk up. They came in good alignment and sprung the barrier at the first attempt. They were off to a good start four minutes after they left the paddock.

Joe Morris was first to show and Donau next, then Boola Boola and Gallant Pirate, Fighting Bob fifth, John Furlong sixth and Topland last.

Herbert had Donau well in his stride and he lost no time sending him to the front and when they passed the stand at the end of the first quarter of a mile in :24, he was leading Joe Morris by half a length and was at the rail with Topland third a head back and the others close up. Around the clubhouse turn, Joe Morris swerved outward and carried the others with him, giving Donau a lead of about three lengths as they straightened out for the run down the backstretch, having passed the half in :48⅘. Joe Morris was here two lengths in front of John Furlong and Topland, they on nearly even terms, with Fighting Bob two lengths back of them, a length in front of Boola Boola and Gallant Pirate a neck apart.

Herbert took a restraining hold on Donau, passing the three-quarter ground in 1:14 and steadied him around the turn out of the backstretch still three lengths in front of Joe Morris. Here Stanley Page made his move on Fighting Bob. The son of Knight of Ellerslie was in third position in a jiffy and less than two lengths back of Joe Morris. Coming around the turn into the homestretch, Boola Boola made up ground rapidly and the pace seemed to quicken. At the end of the mile in 1:39⅘, and heading for home, Donau led by half a length, with Joe Morris a head in front of Fighting Bob, and he four lengths better than Boola Boola, the others clearly out of contention. There it looked as any one of the first four might win, for Boola Boola was carrying the Camden colors with the speed of the wind and loomed up big and strong. Down the stretch they came, whips whirling and resounding even above the roar from the stand and the field, and those jockeys rode desperately for the prize that hung at the end of the tiring, heart-breaking journey now less than a sixteenth of a mile away. On and on they came near to the black mark of the white board that should proclaim the finish; flying, yet struggling gamely and determinedly under the punishment of the bending striving riders to be first to that goal where hung fame, glory and gold.

Donau though tiring fast, was still able to hold the lead. Unshaken, his nose shot first past the finishing mark, with Joe Morris at his withers, Fighting Bob at Joe Morris’ throat-latch, and Boola Boola beaten only a nose for third money. Topland was fifth five lengths back, and two lengths in front of John Furlong, eight lengths better than Gallant Pirate a trailing last.

It was a great finish and any human being with a drop of sporting blood in his veins was to be excused for giving over for the moment to the feelings of ecstasy that well up from the soul of man at such a contest. It was beyond question the most thrilling finish ever seen in a race for the Kentucky Derby.

THIRTY-SEVENTH DERBY 1911

Meridian, Kentucky-bred, but Eastern-owned, triumphantly carried the colors of R. F. Carman to the front in the thirty-seventh Kentucky Derby in record time and before a record crowd at Churchill Downs to-day. The Derby was run from “eend to eend” as Frank Harper of Ten Broeck and Longfellow fame, used to say, for the winner set a heart-breaking pace and had the stamina to last the route and get home a scant length in front of Governor Gray. The latter was about 15 lengths in front of Colston, the dark horse for the Derby. The time 2:05, a new mark for the Derby. The best time ever recorded for the sixteen blue ribbon events which have been run at this distance was made by Lieut. Gibson in 1900, when 2:06¼ was made. It also equaled the track record made last year by Royal Report. The race was not a gallop for Meridian for he was a tired horse at the finish and was exceedingly well handled at the end by Jockey G. Archibald. Governor Gray had some bad luck. He was next to the fence going round the first turn, and Troxler was forced to take him back, and he was lengths behind the pacemaker going into the back stretch. The others were not in the same class with the two placed horses and only figured in the race for the first mile. Probably Colston will do better in the next effort and the same could be said of Mud Sill and Jack Denman.

It was 4:55 when the first of the Derby contingent filed through the gate to lead the parade of the field past the sands. The huge crowd applauded vigorously as the horses filed past the clubhouse, where they turned and slowly came back again on the outside. It was easy to tell which was the favorite as Governor Gray got a great reception. After passing the betting shed the field cantered to the post with Mars Cassidy galloping up to the same point on a fiery steed and on the steeplechase track, while the crowd in the field kidded him a bit. There was but a moment’s delay at the barrier. The field would have gotten away at the first line-up, but for Round the World which acted sour and Jack Denman. They were quickly lined up again and in a jiffy Cassidy yelled “Come on!” and the horses were on their way. The start was a good one for all but Col. Hogan, which was last to break, and when he did go went very wide and that settled his chances once for all.

Meridian went to the front at once and ere the field had reached the judges’ stand he was three lengths in front and setting a pace that had the others on their toes. Round the World was second a couple of lengths in front of Colston, which was some lengths in front of Mud Sill, with Jack Denman and Governor Gray close up. Col. Hogan trailed the field.

At the first turn, Governor Gray, which was next to the rail was shut off and Troxler was forced to take him back, and for a few moments it looked as if he were going to be displaced by Col. Hogan. The field went up the back stretch in Indian file, Meridian under gentle restraint but still burning up the track, Round the World hanging on gamely and Colston still holding third position. As the field swept up the backstretch and neared the half mile pole, Governor Gray which was eating up ground, loomed up and was soon in a position to overhaul the leaders. Troxler had him full on his stride and rounding the turn, passed Colston and soon passed Round the World, and there was but one horse to catch and victory was his. But that was a hard task as Meridian was still moving along in great style turning the mile in phenomenal time for a race of that distance. The whole field was under whip and spur when straightened for home, except the Carman colt. As the eighth pole was neared he began to shorten his stride and the cry went up “Governor Gray’s got him.” But this was premature and wrong, for Archibald holding the colt together, urged him on, handriding and he maintained his advantage of over a length until the sixteenth pole, where he swerved over in front of Governor Gray, on which Troxler was making a final effort, but it was not for the Governor. The ground he lost on the first turn and the effort to make it up told on him and right at the finish his nose was opposite Meridian’s tail. Many lengths back came Colston, which was a couple of lengths in front of Mud Sill and Jack Denman, which finished close together in the order named, then Round the World pulled to a walk and Col. Hogan, which had been eased up some time.

THIRTY-EIGHTH DERBY 1912

Worth established his claim to the three-year old championship for the 1912 season, although he will have to win many more races this year to hold that title. At the present time he is the best of all three-year olds. To-day, just as last season, there were many doubting Thomases regarding his ability and class. It took the celebrated match race at Latonia last fall to convince these persons that he was the best two-year old out in 1911, and this spring the Kentucky Derby race is the one which sweeps aside all chances for an argument.

The colt was dead tired when the race was finished, and had to be urged hard in the last furlong. He was “prepped” for this race, and lasted long enough to win it, which ends all arguments what might have happened had the race been 20 or 30 yards more. Shilling, who rode him, announced before the race that he did not intend to have mud slung in his eyes, and he kept his word. The beaten ones in the contest had no excuse; they were beaten fairly and squarely, luck never entering into the result in the least.

There were no unusual incidents connected with the preliminaries to the big race. The crowd during the interval between the ending of the third and the time to go to the post in the big event, wended its way to the paddock and stood several deep around the railing, each and every one anxious to get a good look at the contenders. Promptly at 4:30 they left the paddock and paraded down past the judges’ stand. Flamma, the only filly in the race, leading the procession, but she was a little shy and on several occasions refused to come down in front. Wheelwright, with Byrne up, followed with free Lance, sporting the colors of George J. Long, the Louisville turfman, leading Guaranola, which was directly in front of the favorite, Worth. Sonada and Duval brought up in the rear in the order named. The clouds were hanging quite low and it was doubtful if the race would be finished before the rain fell.

The horses pranced down the stretch to the quarter pole, where Starter Cassidy told riders just what was expected of them. Several times they could have been let go, but Flamma was still in an ugly mood and she broke up many perfect starts. After about two minutes of work at the post the simultaneous cry from 18,000 throats proclaimed the fact that the big race was on.

Shilling pushed Worth into the lead, and the big brown son of Knight of the Thistle went about his work in a determined manner. He needed no urging to keep him in front and ran straight and true under the clever guidance of his rider. Free Lance cut across at the start and took the second position, laying back of Worth about a length, although Wheelwright breaking first, did not get to going right away. Sonada broke well, with Duval only a short distance back. Guaranola was a couple of lengths behind soon after they got to going, with Flamma bringing up in the rear, the filly having been caught unawares. Shilling took no chances with the Hallenbeck colt, but held him right to his knitting, coming down the stretch for the first time.

Passing the wire, Worth was easily a length and a half to the good of Free Lance, which was laying back in a contending position at all times. A length back of Free Lance, hugging the rail, came Sonada, which was only a head in front of Duval. Wheelwright followed Duval, being three lengths back of him. Guaranola was two lengths in front of Flamma, which gives an idea of the poor start gotten by the filly. Around the turn going into the backstretch, Worth was still leading by his length and a half advantage. Free Lance was still holding on, although half a length separated the Alvescot colt from Guaranola, which had slipped up on the rail. Duval was laying back in fourth place on the outside, being half a length in front of Flamma, which had passed Sonada and Wheelwright. Sonada had dropped into last place and Wheelwright was not much better, both of them running neck and neck for the booby prize. It was plain to all that they were outclassed and the crowd passed them up and centered all their attention on the leaders. Away over on the far turn, those without glasses could still distinguish that Worth was in the lead, although it was growing dark fast. They also noticed that Duval had slipped upon the inside and was now only a length behind the Hallenbeck champion. Flamma, on the outside, had also passed Free Lance, and it was quite patent here that the Long colt could not go the route, for Guaranola had also passed him. Sonada and Wheelwright were trailing nearly ten lengths back. Worth still held his advantage turning into the stretch, but Shilling was becoming nervous, for he felt the colt was tiring.

It was now a question with him as to whether he could stick out the last furlong. Drawing his whip he gave him a couple of blows and the big fellow hung on. Duval was only a length back and in this way they raced to the sixteenth pole, with Flamma in third place. Duval was gradually gaining on Worth and Fain started to ride hard. Shilling again pulled his whip at the sixteenth pole and applied it vigorously. It was well he did, for the colt was dead tired, but still game. Fain had no whip, but proceeded to give Duval a hand ride. Shilling held Worth’s head straight during the last gruelling sixteenth and the colt dashed before the grand stand a neck ahead of Duval. Fain rode his mount out, but he could not get up in time. Five lengths back of Duval came Flamma, after running a good, game race. Four lengths behind Flamma was the dead tired Free Lance, a length ahead of Guaranola. Sonada finished away back and Wheelwright was pulled up.

Worth had won and the crowd was satisfied that the best horse was the victor. As was said before, there is no use considering “if the race had been a few yards longer” the result might have been different.

The jockeys hurried back to the grand stand, the usual wreath was placed about the neck of Worth, Shilling was given a bouquet of roses and then came the deluge.

SUMMARY

May 11, 1912. Track muddy. Purse $6,000. Net value to the winner $4,850. 1¼ miles. Time, :24⅗, :49⅖, 1:16⅕, 1:42⅗, 2:09⅖.

Worth, br c, by Knight of the Thistle—Miss Hanover, 117 lbs., ridden by C. H. Shilling. Won by a neck; 4 to 5. Duval, 2nd, Fain. Flamma, 112 lbs. Loftus, Third. Also ran Free Lance, Peak; Guaranola, Molesworth; Sonada, Koerner; Wheelwright, Byrne. Owner H. C. Hallenbeck. Trainer F. M. Taylor.

THIRTY-NINTH DERBY 1913

Ten Point was rank and Buxton had difficulty restraining him in the next quarter, causing him to go the first half in 0:47⅘ and adding another length’s advantage over the others. Foundation was still in second place, and Yankee Notions, running well within himself, half a length away, with Gowell fourth next the inner rail. Donerail, on which Goose was riding a perfect race, was beginning to steel up in steady fashion. Gowell was given bungling handling by the diminutive McCabe and was also suffering from bumping. Leochares was thoroughly done for after the first half, and Lord Marshall and Jimmie Gill were also out of it to all intents and dropped rearward steadily. There was a general closing up by the first five in the next quarter, but Ten Point still held to a slight lead until the stretch turn was reached, where Buxton found his mount wavering and he began using his whip. At this time Yankee Notions was passing Foundation, and the supporters of the Knapp representative gave a shout of joy, for it was expected by them if Yankee Notions got to Ten Point before the stretch turn he would make short shift of the favorite in the battle to the finish.

Unexpectedly, Yankee Notions weakened just when his chances appeared best and the Ten Point supporters again took heart, but their hopes went glimmering shortly after when Donerail shot out of the bunch and headed the others in the last furlong. In the final drive Donerail easily held his own. Ten Point and Foundation were struggling gamely for the place at the last furlong post when the colt seemed to bore over a trifle. In the last sixteenth Foundation began weakening and Ten Point managed to get clear of him, but another menace loomed up for place honors in the shape of Gowell, though he succeeded in passing the finishing line in advance of her. Foundation was fourth and Yankee Notions fifth, the rest were distant trailers, with Leochares the whipper in.

A warm reception awaited the winner when the boy returned to the judges’ stand to weigh in. Jockey R. Goose was probably happier than Owner T. P. Hayes.

It devolved on Governor James B. McCreary to present Jockey Goose with the bouquet of flowers given by the New Louisville Jockey Club to the winning jockey of the day. He said:

“Young man, I congratulate you. The highest compliment that any person can receive in life is that of success. You have met with great success to-day and are deserving of the honor now bestowed upon you. You were on a gallant horse and you rode a brilliant race.”

Jockey Goose, in reply, bashfully said:

“Governor, I more than appreciate your compliment. I regard it as the greatest afternoon in my whole life for the reason that I was born and reared in Louisville and I have won Louisville’s greatest race. I will never forget this day as long as I live. I will say for my mount that he did all I asked of him throughout the race. He held his position well in the early part and finished staunch and game when I called on him in the stretch. While I rode him to the best of my ability, I was on a good horse to-day.”

FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE RACE

Kentucky Derby; one mile and a quarter; for three-year olds; $5,000 added; net value to winner $5,475. Fractional Time—0:23⅘, 0:47⅘, 1:12⅗, 1:39⅗, 2:04⅘, new record.

Donerail, the winner of the thirty-ninth Kentucky Derby, was raised on John S. Barbee’s Glen-Helen Farm, near Lexington. Mr. Barbee keeps all of Mr. Hayes’ mares. Ten Point, the second horse, was also raised on Mr. Barbee’s farm. Donerail gets his name from Donerail, a flag station near Lexington on the Q. & C. Railway.

Donerail was sired by imp. McGee, a stallion owned by Charles W. Moore, Mere Hill Stud, near Lexington. McGee was imported from England by E. Corrigan and raced in this country by that turfman with much success.

Algie M., the dam of Donerail, is by Hanover out of Johnetta, by Bramble. Her sire lines are those of Kentucky Derby winners, Hanover, her sire, having gotten Halma, winner of the event in 1895, which in turn, sired Alan-a-Dale the victor in the race in 1902, whereas Bramble, sire of her grandam, got Ben Brush, the Kentucky Derby winner of 1896.

Donerail is a nicely made colt of more than average height, being close to 16 hands high. He has never been credited with speed of the sprinting order, but what he can do is of the rating sort, which tells for a lot in his favor in a long race. He started eighteen times last season, winning four times, finishing second four, and third six times. This season he ran three times previous to the Derby to-day, his best race being in the Blue Grass Stakes, at Lexington, in which he ran second to Foundation, at a mile and an eighth, run in 1:51⅖.

The Kentucky Derby of to-day was the richest race in the history of that classic, being worth $6,600 gross. Of this, the second horse, Ten Point, won $700, and the third horse, Gowell, $300. With the $125 deducted, the winner’s entrance and starting fee, the net value to Donerail is $5,475.

FORTIETH DERBY 1914

Rounding the turn into the stretch Old Rosebud was in the lead by two lengths, Hodge was second by four lengths and John Gund was third by half a length. Surprising was a head in advance of Old Ben, and the latter was a length and a half in advance of Bronzewing, which was running like a wild horse. As the band of racers passed into the stretch, McCabe called on Old Rosebud for an extra effort, and he responded in a manner that opened the oldest turfman’s eyes in wonder and amazement, for he sprinted away from his opposition as if they were standing still to win easily by eight lengths in the remarkable time of 2:03⅖, a record for the distance here, and making the performance stand out the more in view of the fact that the track was far from being in its best shape. Hodge finished second by a length and a half. Bronzewing closed up the space separating her from John Gund, Surprising and Old Ben, passing the three and dropping into third position four lengths behind Hodge.

The ride which Old Rosebud received was second only to his own great courage. Jockey McCabe, a midget whose head and hands are busy under all conditions, rode a wonderful race. Coming through the stretch he was working in perfect unison with his mount. McCabe was restraining the high-strung gelding, and at the same time looking back into the rut of blasted hopes where Hodge, Bronzewing and other stars of the turf struggled toward the wire.

Old Rosebud seemed to realize the importance of the occasion. He had given his best efforts and won. Except for flecks of foam and sweat upon his arching neck, he seemed as though he had just come out of the barn for a workout. He was the leading money-winner on the turf in 1913, and bids fair to hold his record again in 1914.

Governor McCreary, who had witnessed the Derby running as the guest of the stewards, presented Jockey McCabe with the huge bouquet of American Beauty roses and also tendered his congratulations to Messrs. Weir and Applegate, the joint owners of the winner.

Old Rosebud, the winner, was bred by J. E. Madden at Hamburg Place. His sire, Uncle, was bred by Col. E. F. Clay and his breeding partner, Catesby Woodford, in Bourbon County, and his dam, Ivory Bells, was bred by E. S. Gardner at Avondale Stud, in Tennessee. She is by Himyar, the sire of Domino, and out of the wonderful race mare Ida Pickwick, by Mr. Pickwick. The latter horse is a son of the English Derby winner Hermit. The next dam was Ida K., by King Alfonso, she being the dam of Indigo, that produced the Suburban Handicap winner, Go Between.

Old Rosebud was purchased, along with four yearling fillies, in the season of 1912, by H. C. Applegate & Co., for $3,000. He won his first race, the Yucatan Stakes, at Juarez, Mexico, in the winter of 1913, and also won another race at that track before being brought to Kentucky last spring. Little Nephew, also by Uncle, is the only horse that ever beat Old Rosebud in a race.

Last year the Derby winner won twelve of his fourteen starts. He ran three most remarkable races as a two-year old at Douglas Park, first winning at five furlongs in 0:58⅘, again in 0:58⅗ and again 0:58⅖. In all of these races he beat his old rival, Little Nephew. He has only started once before this season, that being a mile race at Lexington, which he won with ease. That race was intended as a preliminary trial for his Derby race to-day, and it must be admitted that it brought him to the post in the Derby in the very pink of condition. The great gelding was trained by F. D. Weir, who is famous in turf annals of other days as the trainer of Roseben, one of the champion sprinters of all time.

“This was surely a great day, and the Kentucky Derby this season eclipses all records,” said President Charles F. Grainger. “Old Rosebud and Hodge are two three-year olds the like of which perhaps never met in a Derby race. To beat a performer like Hodge as handily as he did to-day makes Old Rosebud one of the champion three-year olds of all time. Hodge beat the previous Derby record for a mile and a quarter as well as Old Rosebud, and the race was run over a track more than a second slow. Had the Downs course been at its fastest undoubtedly Old Rosebud would have beaten the world’s record for the Kentucky Derby distance on a circular track had he been pushed.”

Judge Charles F. Price stated that he had never seen a greater day of racing. “There was not a single happening to mar the great pleasure of the afternoon, and the Derby of 1914 was the most remarkable race ever run in the long history of this classic event,” said the presiding official. “It was not only a track record for the Downs, but it was a remarkable race in every particular and wonderful to relate, the two starts of the contest, Old Rosebud and Hodge, are both geldings. It is questionable if in a life-time two such horses as these three-year olds will be seen in any Derby race together.”

SUMMARY

Saturday, May 9, 1914. Track good. Derby 1 and ¼ mile. $10,000 added, value to winner $9,125. For 3-year olds. Time 1:38⅘, 2:03⅖.

John Gund, 117, Byrne; Old Ben, 114, Turner; Surprising, 117, Peak; Watermelon, 112, French.

Winner bay geld, by Uncle—Ivory Bells. Owner H. C. Applegate. Trainer F. D. Weir.

FORTY-FIRST DERBY 1915

Far Back was For Fair, a winter king; Ed Crump, the hope of the Tennesseeans; Norse King, a star of the Maryland racing, and others. Each had done nobly, he had done his best, but it was not enough to-day. Old horsemen squinted their eyes unavailingly; they could not recall a Derby wherein so many good horses had been found wanting. For when was there such a field as that in the forty-first running of this turf fixture? Regret and her victory will long be talked of where the turf is discussed.

“A filly cannot win the Derby” has been a familiar slogan in Kentucky. But no filly of Regret’s type has ever before aspired to this turf honor. Of richest lineage, trained by the master hand of James Rowe, and ridden by the clever Notter, Regret’s claim demanded consideration. Those who scoffed at her chances did not consider.

After a short delay at the starting pole, all breasted the line together and up went the barrier. Down the stretch came the charging thoroughbreds; past the grandstand they sped with Regret leading by a half length, Pebbles second and Sharpshooter third, overlapped by Ed Crump. The others were in close attendance.

On swept Regret, Jockey Notter sat well forward and the filly moved with the utmost precision, maintaining a moderate rating stride that bespoke much reserve. Pebbles still hung at the saddle girth, his long sweeping strides a source of discomfort to the backers of the favorite. Plain it was that Pebbles was the chief contender, and in the interest of the thousands it was a two-horse race.

Around the first turn and up the back stretch went the flying leaders. At the five-eighths pole Pebbles challenged, and momentarily seemed to make up a few inches on the pacemaker, but Notter loosened his reins a notch and Regret responded easily. Sharpshooter was still leading the pursuit. Ed Crump, a close attendant, then made his move. Near the end of the back stretch the Schorr colt crept up. He was ridden by Jockey Goose, a Louisville boy, and his friends sounded above the din, “Come on Roscoe.” But Ed Crump was not equal to the occasion. He tried, but failed and dropped back further and further as the journey progressed.

As they took the turn by the old clubhouse Pebbles made a determined bid for the honor and glory that go to the winner of the Kentucky Derby. Again Regret met his challenge easily. She moved away from her dogged rival and came into the stretch with a lead of a length and a half. Sharpshooter plodded stubbornly after the Butler crack, his steel-like cords playing beneath the skin. Three-sixteenths of a mile from the wire Notter shook up the filly slightly and she came on down the rail two lengths in front of Pebbles. Sharpshooter, driving madly under the urging of Jockey Butwell, held Royal II. safe.

Regret pulled up remarkably fresh after her long journey. When she came back into the charm circle before the judges’ stand she was still full of run. When the wreath was placed around her neck and Jockey Notter boosted up on her bare, sweaty back the cheering which had accompanied her victory was a mere whisper in comparison to the ovation she received when the idea that the unattainable had been attained and that a filly had conquered the princes of the turf and won a Kentucky Derby, penetrated the head of the vast throng.

Regret was bred at Mr. Whitney’s Brookdale Farm, in New Jersey.

Under a smiling sun, forgetful of world’s tragedy, society assembled a brilliant gathering around the clubhouse grounds to witness the running of the Derby to-day.

Mr. Whitney was one of the first men out on the track after the race was over, and as Regret was jogging back to the stand he remarked: “Isn’t she the prettiest little filly you ever saw? You know,” he continued, “this is the greatest race in America at the present time, and I don’t care if she never starts again. The glory of winning this event is big enough, and Regret can retire to the New Jersey farm any time now. I told Rowe I didn’t care if she never won another race if she could only land this one. I have seen much bigger crowds than this one in the East and abroad, but I never saw a more enthusiastic one. It’s great” and the expression on his face as he stood patting the mare’s neck was the best evidence in the world that he is a worthy representative of his illustrious father, than whom racing never had a better friend.

This was the largest field which ever went to the post in the Kentucky Derby. In 1875, when the first Kentucky Derby was run, and Aristides, the little chestnut horse was returned the victor, fifteen competed for the prize and honors. In 1882, when Apollo was victorious, fourteen went to the post, but never in its long history did sixteen horses fight it out.

SUMMARY

May 8, 1915. Track fast. Derby, $10,000 added, value to winner $11,450; $2,000 to second; $1,000 to third. Time 23⅗, 48⅗, 1.13⅗, 1.39⅖, 2.05⅖.

Royal II, 117, A. Neylon; Emerson Cochran, 117, W. Taylor; Leo Rey, 117, T. McTaggart; Double Eagle, 117, C. Burlingame; Dortch, 110, A. Mott; For Fair, 117, Warrington; Ed Crump, 117, R. Goose; Little String, 117, E. Pool; Goldcrest Boy, 114, J. Kederis; Uncle Bryn, 117, J. McTaggart; Tetan, 117, J. Smyth; Norse King, 117, W. J. O’Brien; Booker Bill, 117, W. Andress.

Winner Ch F, by Broomstick—Jersey Lightning. Trained by J. Rowe. Owner, H. P. Whitney.

FORTY-SECOND DERBY 1916

The Derby was the fifth race on the card, and it was 5:15 o’clock when the horses reached the post. There was but little delay at the barrier, and within a minute they were on their way. Dodge, which ran coupled with Franklin as the Weber & Ward entry, was the first to show colors, and his stablemate dashed away right behind him. Dominant, which was coupled with Thunderer as the Harry Payne Whitney entry, followed the Weber & Ward pair, and he immediately dashed into a long lead.

Passing the stand for the first time Dominant had a long lead and appeared to be running easily, but after reaching the back side of the track it was evident that he was not good enough to last it out. Franklin was running close to him and appeared to be ready to run over him. George Smith was in third position, and Jockey Johnny Loftus was carefully nursing him along reserving his speed for the gruelling drive through the stretch, which he knew must come. Nearing the three furlong pole Dominant gave it up and then Loftus called on George Smith.

The Sanford colt bounded to the front at a rapid rate and soon had a lead of a length over his field, with Franklin closest to him. Then it was that Star Hawk loomed up as a dangerous contender as he finally found his stride and had clear sailing. In the stretch, though, Loftus kept hard at work on George Smith, while Jockey Walter Lilley, who rode Star Hawk, was making vigorous efforts to get him up.

Between the sixteenth pole and the finish it looked as though Star Hawk could make it, but Loftus’ experience served him well and he never drove a horse harder than he drove George Smith.

The showing of the Whitney pair was disappointing to the Eastern contingent and to Trainer James Rowe himself, who was the picture of confidence before the race. Thunderer did not show to advantage at any stage of the race, but he finally managed to beat his stablemate, he finishing fifth, and Dominant seventh.

Nine three-year old colts contested for the race, Bulse, Huffaker and St. Isidore being scratched.

George Smith is entirely of English blood, both his sire, Out of Reach, and his dam, Consuelo II., being of imported blood. His sire is now owned by the New York turfman, James Butler.

The Derby was worth gross $13,200. The winner’s net share was $9,750, while the second horse, Star Hawk, took down $2,000; the third horse, Franklin, $1,000, and the fourth horse, Dodge, saved his stake of $225. The time, 2:04, has only once been beaten in the Derby, being second to the mark of 2:03⅖, scored by Old Rosebud in 1914, which is still the Kentucky Derby race record.

Jockey John Loftus, who rode George Smith to victory in the Kentucky Derby, is a native of Chicago, Ill., where his parents reside. He has long been regarded one of the leading riders of America, and is now under contract to James Butler. He only came West this spring to ride George Smith at Lexington and in the Derby, and will return to New York at once to his employer. Loftus was long connected with the stable of J. B. Respess and was also awhile with the J. Livingston stable. He rode one season in France and made good there, the same as he has in this country.

John Sanford, the owner of George Smith, is a son of the noted turfman of the same surname, who raced such great horses as Caughnawaga, Rockton, Chuctanunda, Mohawk II. and Molly Brant. The Sanford place is Hurricana Stud, near Amsterdam, N. Y., where is also located the Sanford carpet manufacturing plant. It is at Hurricana Stud that George Smith will do stud service when his turf career is over.

George Smith, the winner of the forty-second renewal of the historic and classic Kentucky Derby, is a superbly made black colt of average good size and much quality, with a superior way of going. He is very sightly in appearance and has a perfect track disposition.

He was bred in Mercer County, Kentucky, at the Fountainbue Stud of Chinn & Forsythe, and was sold at a fall sale of yearlings at the Latonia track for $1,600, being the second highest priced yearling sold at that time. Ed McBride, at that sale, left considerable money with Lou Tauber to buy three yearlings, one of these was George Smith, another was Tom Elwood, and the other was Eddie Henry, both of which have won stake races for McBride.

SUMMARY

May 13, 1916. Track fast. $10,000 added. Value to winner $9,750, second $2,000, third $1,000. Time 22⅖, 46⅖, 1.12⅕, 1.38⅘, 2.04.

Dodge, 117, F. Murphy; Thunderer, 117, T. McTaggart; The Cock, 110, M. Garner; Dominant, 117, J. Notter; Kinney, 117, L. Gentry; Lena Misha, 117, E. Dugan.

Winner black colt, by Out-of Reach—Consuelo II. Owned by John Sanford. Trained by H. Hughes.