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 1-1/4
miles. Fractional time, 0:25-3/4, 0:50-1/2, 1:17-3/4, 1:45-1/2, 2:12. 151
nominations.
Starters Jockeys St. 1/4 1/2 3/4 M. S. F. Betting
Manuel, 117 Taral 1 3 3 3 2 1 h 1 2 1 2 1 2 11 to 20
Corsine, 122 T. Burns 5 5 5 3 h 2 3 2 4 2 5 3 to 1
Mazo, 117 Conley 4 4 1 4nk 4 1 4 3 3 3 3 6 8 to 1
His Lordship, 110 Turner 2 1-1/2 1 1 2 1 3 h 4-1/2 4 2 12 to 1
Fontai'ebleu, 117 Overton 3 2 1 2-1/2 5 5 5 5 50 to 1
Start good. Won easily; place same. Post 3 minutes. Winner, b c by Bob
Miles--Espanita. Value to winner $4,850.