If the prospects of a successful meeting were somewhat dampened by the
heavy fall of rain for three days previous to its inauguration, ample
amends were made for the postponement by the bright and genial sunshine
that ushered in Wednesday morning, and the large and brilliant crowd that
was in attendance on Derby Day. This was more to be wondered at for the
reason that the weather had been so unseasonable, great coats and a fire
feeling remarkably comfortable. Indeed in looking at the vast sea of
upturned faces, to be seen in the Grand Stand, the lawn and the field, we
were reminded of witnessing our first English Derby, when Umpire, the
first American candidate who had ever appeared for this classic event,
failed to obtain a place, and the race was won by Thormanby, a son of the
renowned Alice Hawthorne, and what is remarkable, it happened on the same
day, just twenty-three years ago.
At the first attempt the seven went away to a good start, Leonatus in the
lead, Raglan second, Chatter third, followed by Kellar, Pike's Pride,
Drake Carter and Ascender. Before reaching the three-quarter pole Chatter
had taken second place to Leonatus, Raglan third, followed by Ascender,
Kellar, Pride's Pike and Drake Carter. There was no change at the stand,
and Leonatus was a length in front of Chatter at the quarter, Raglan
third, Carter fourth, Ascender fifth, Kellar sixth, Pike's Pride last.
Before reaching the half Ascender made a spurt and was third, but he soon
died away, Drake Carter taking third place. The truth of the whole affair
summed up in a nut-shell is that Leonatus took the lead, made all his own
running, was never headed, and won it in a big gallop by three lengths,
Drake Carter second, a half length in front of Lord Raglan third, Ascender
fourth, Kellar fifth, Pike's Pride sixth, Chatter last. First quarter
27-1/2, half 54, mile 1:49, race 2:43.