A record Derby in more ways than one was this year's Louisville's big
racing attraction. Never was there such a crowd, the dimensions of which
reminded me of Epsom and of Flemington. A vast surging mass of racing
enthusiasts, which, prior to the running of the big race, were to be found
eagerly discussing the merits or demerits of the Derby contestants and
afterwards the whys and wherefores of the success of one and the failure
of others. A record Derby also because of the fact that two horses in the
same ownership finished first and second, and also for the first time in
its history the spoils fell to a sportsman who hails from the land of "God
save the king and heaven bless the maple leaf forever."
Fortunately the morning's promise of still more rain was not fulfilled,
nary an umbrella did I see raised during the course of the afternoon. Many
there were who availed themselves of the privilege of watching the race
from the infield, though the grandstand was not filled to that overflowing
that has marked the decision of former Derbies. This was true because of
the fact that the whole grandstand was reserved, an extra charge being
demanded for admission. Surely this is a mistake, ugh! What next? What
would have happened it is hard to say had Jupiter Pluvious again gone to
work. The going itself was more than fair. The Churchill Downs course
never becomes holdings as does Lexington; proof of this is the winner's
more than good time, made when competing for the Derby.
Now then for the Derby. The gelding Be Frank is first on view, presenting
a well trained appearance. Vindex, though out on the course for a warming
up canter, did not pass the stands. His manners are even yet not by any
means perfect, whinnying and nickering when returning to the paddock, a
magnificent specimen of a thorough bred, perhaps a trifle long of back,
carrying abundant condition, too, but in every way a gentleman to look at.
Along came the Canadian pair Billy and Barton, by odds the best ordered
horses in the race, Kelly especially looked fit to run for the proverbial
king's ransom, his whippet like contour convincing evidence that Trainer
Bedwell has lost nothing of his skill, and Barton, too, though built on
somewhat more generous lines, had the look of one trained to the minute.
Indeed, it is comforting to know that there are yet to be found those who
can prepare a horse for a ten furlongs race. Eternal and Sailor also are
shown, the favorite more bulky than ever, Sailor put up on more rangy
lines. Little Regalo was the last to come out, evidently on the best of
terms with herself, evincing an interest in the spectators and playing
with her pony companion on her return. St. Bernard, Frogtown and Under
Fire I did not see, the paddock was altogether impossible. The absolutely
fit condition of the Ross pair was the subject of much favorable comment,
the magnificence of Vindex, the lack of scope of Eternal, the well being
of Regalo, all of us had something to say, but there goes the bugle.
Starter Dade did not keep us waiting long, and from the outset the Ross
chestnut, Sir Barton, was at the head of affairs, followed, as they pass
the stand, by Eternal, Vindex and Billy Kelly. On they sweep round the
upper turn, Barton galloping easily in front of Eternal, Billy Kelly
third, just in front of Vindex, then came St. Bernard and Sennings Park,
well clear of the rest. Only one-half mile has been run when Vindex
rapidly compounds and quickly falls to the rear. On spins the chestnut
well in advance of Eternal and Kelly; won't he ever come back? Oh no, as
long as weight and condition serve, both of which are in his favor.
Eternal momentarily makes a stab at the three-eighths, but is done,
absolutely done thereafter. Billy Kelly now looms up, and as they
straighten for home makes his gallant effort, but it is of no avail, even
to the application of the rawhide he is unable to respond, and Sir Barton
sails home an easy winner after making every yard of the pace. Under Fire
comes out of the ruck at the end to take third place, the son of Swynford
again shows lack of pace in the early running, but came along stoutly at
the finish, the rest scattering. Yes, scattering; there was no rattling
horse against horse at any part of the race. It was thus Sir Barton broke
his maiden, assisted of course in this by his pull in weight and also by
his superior racing condition. Billy Kelly's condition, too, saved him the
place, and this is a feat which Trainer Bedwell is deserving of all praise
and of which he may well be proud. Under Fire's gameness and race horse
qualities enabled him to obtain third place, and some day, later along, he
is certain to develop into a cup horse of the best sort, sound, long
winded and hardy as they come. Regalo disappointed me. Fillies, however,
are ever uncertain in this spring season. The form displayed by Vindex was
altogether too bad to be true. Maybe he has his peculiarities as had his
grandsire St. Maclou. Eternal did not have the appearance of a thoroughly
trained horse. Maybe he was more fit than was thought and does not fancy a
distance. As for the rest, they simply are not of Derby calibre. The time,
2:09-3/5, was remarkably good, everything, track and atmospheric
conditions, considered and goes a long way to show that the Kentucky Derby
this year, at all events, was a true run, honest race.
"EXILE."