A droning buzz as if from 45,000 human bees, a sudden silence as felt
before a storm, and then an outburst of sound over topped in volume by the
rebel yell let out by Uncle Billy Garth, of Virginia, thousands of
fluttering spasms of dying thrills, and then the finish of the forty-sixth
Kentucky Derby passed into history.
Running a great and game race, that did credit to his illustrious
namesake, Paul Jones, a son of Sea King and May Florence, led from start
to finish of the mile and a quarter, and won under a drive by a good neck.
Fighting it out to the last ounce of endeavor, Harry Payne Whitney's
Upset, that owner's home bred son of Whisk Broom II. and Pankhurst,
finished in second place, with four lengths to spare over George W. Loft's
On Watch, who was early favorite in the winter books for this big event.
On Watch was four lengths in front of Damask another of the Whitney entry,
while Donnacona, the other of the Loft pair to start, was fifth, with
Blazes, stable mate of Paul Jones, sixth. The race was worth $30,375 to
the winner, and there was $4,000 for Upset, who ran second, and $2,000 for
On Watch, as the short end of the rich purse, while Damask saved his entry
fee when he finished in fourth place, $275.
For once, the monster throng, many of whom had witnessed many other
Derbies, awakened to a perfect day, just as perfect as a day in June, but
the track was slow, as was evidenced by the time of 2:09. The record for
this race was made by Old Rosebud, who did the distance in 2:03-2/5.
The start of the race could not have been better, the seventeen
thoroughbreds getting away in almost perfect alignment, after having been
at the post less than four minutes.
Paul Jones was the first to show in front, following the rise of the
barrier, but pounding along at his throat-latch was Prince Pal, with the
others following closely. By the time the leader had reached a point
opposite the padlock gate, a few hundred yards from the starting line, the
others had begun to string out.
On they came with Paul Jones showing the way. As the field passed the
grandstand, the first time, Jockey Ted Rice nestled low in the saddle. He
was rating his mount nicely and the son of Sea King was eager to run. On
they sped around the first turn and into the back stretch. Here By Golly
made his move for the honor and glory that goes to the winner of the
Derby. He hung close to the heels of Paul Jones as they swung into the
straight-away, and then fell back beaten.
Wildair took up the chase. He closed to the saddle girth of the Parr
winner and they swept along at a tearing pace. One or the other must
falter, the crowd knew, but Paul Jones proved his mettle. Wildair dropped
back.
On Watch then drew the gaze of the spectators. As the field passed the
half-mile post he shot forward and sped past his tiring opposition. On he
continued as they rounded the last turn, and an old horseman shouted.
"On Watch wins."
But On Watch had spent himself and all the courage and stamina at his
command could not overhaul the driving duo out front. At the furlong pole
Paul Jones met his sternest test. He seemed to be weakening from the long,
hard struggle. Upset appeared to be the stronger. But Jockey Rice again
called on his game little mount and Paul Jones did as Hanover or Hindoo
would have done. He would not be denied.
Paul Jones met challenge with challenge and at the close displayed a heart
of iron as he drove madly under the wire with Upset at his throat-latch.
Throughout the stretch the twain waged a heartrending duel. As they took
the final turn Upset made his bid. Inch by inch he forged past rump and
flank and withers. He stretched fiery nostrils alongside the gelding's
throat. Only the blazed face remained between him and victory. On they
came past the furlong pole, and still the blazed face would not be
dislodged. It remained there to the end.
This triumph of the East was more than a victory for Kentucky. The ugly
little brown boasts blood that long has been the pride of the Blue Grass.
His dam is by Hamburg, which got Jersey Lightning, the dam of Regret, and
Hamburg's sire was the immortal Hanover, by Hindoo, winner of the Kentucky
Derby of 1881. Hindoo was from the loins of Virgil out of Florence, by
Lexington, and he by Boston, the great Boston.