xt7jdf6k1285 https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7jdf6k1285/data/mets.xml O'Connor, John Lawrence, 1875- 1921  books b92-75-29579088 English Rider Press, : [New York : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Horse racing Kentucky. Kentucky Derby, Louisville, Ky. History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921  / by John L. O'Connor. text History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921  / by John L. O'Connor. 1921 2002 true xt7jdf6k1285 section xt7jdf6k1285 



      H I S TO RY

          of

THE KENTUCKY DERBY



1875-1921

  BY



JOHN L. O'CONNOR
 





























Copyright 1921
JOHN L. O'CONNOR
 


                    PREFACE



W 7   ITH no pretense to authorship or claim for orig-
      inality on the part of the compiler, this work is
offered as a reference book.   For many, the plain
facts of each year's Kentucky Derby will be of sufficient
interest. To the countless followers of Turf happenings
the material herein will refresh the memory and awaken
happy reminiscence.

      This compilation is made mainly from the columns
of The Thoroughbred Record, a Kentucky publication, and
I am indebted to the graciousness of its editor, Mr. John
E. Rubbathan, for the privilege to use the material from
his invaluable repository. Mr. Douglas Anderson, author
of "Making the American Thoroughbred," by his en-
couragement has made light the labor incident to compila-
tion.  To Mr. Gurney C. Gue, of the New        York
Herald, I owe a debt of gratitude for his helpful advice.

      In conclusion, if these efforts prove acceptable to my
brethren of the Turf and tend in any degree to promote
and keep up the spirit of Racing, the object in giving as
much time to the subject as I have done, will be accom-
plished and my end attained.

WHITE PLAINS, N. Y.
APRIL FIRST, 1921.
 This page in the original text is blank.

 




FIRST DERBY 1875



   To-day will ever be historic in the turf annals of Kentucky,
as the first "Derby Day," of what I hope to see a long series
of turf festivities. If the officers of the Association could have
had the pick from the calendar of the year, there could not
have been a more delightful and charming day. The morning
broke without a cloud visible in the heavens, while a cool breeze
was wafted over the course, tempering the increasing rays of
the sun. It was just such a day in May
      When the sun is rejoicing above in heaven,
      The clouds have all hurried away.
      Down in the meadow the blossoms are waking,
      Light on their twigs the young leaves are shaking,
      Round the warm knolls the lambs are a leaping,
      The colt from his fold o'er the pasture is sweeping,
      But on the bright lake,
      The little waves break,
      For there the cool west is at play.
   The course was in splendid order, and all the appurtenances
requisite for the comfort and convenience of racing was ready
to hand. In company with a friend we started early for the
course, 'thinking that we would reach it before the crowd, but
by half past eleven o'clock we found enough people to make a
respectable show. As the hour approached for the opening of
the ball, every avenue leading to the course was thronged with
people making their way to it. It was indeed a Derby Day ill
all respects. With the two railroads leading to the course, the
street cars, hacks and private vehicles, when the first bell was
rung for the riders, the Grand Stand presented one solid mass
of human faces, while the quarter-stretch, the public stand, and
a portion of the field was covered with people. There could
 



6                                HISTORY OF THE



not have been less than 10,000 persons on the course, composed
of all grades of society, the banker, the merchant, the gentl-
man of leisure and pleasure seeker, the butcher, the baker, the
candlestick maker, et id omnie genus. That portion of the Grand
Stand devoted to the ladies was -one grand bouquet of beauty,
refinement and intelligence. The ladies in the various costumes
looked like so many parti-colored butterflies, balancing them-
selves on their wings, in the slanting rays of the bright sun.
At one time you met a beauty with such sweetness in 'her up-
turned eyes, such as fancy lends to the Madonna; at another
point, one on whose lips the words laugh, and whose stately steps
         Are light, as though a winged angel trod
         Over earth flowers, and fear'd to brush away
         Their delicate hues.
   All the shades of beauty is fully represented, from the blonde
to the brunette, from the matron, whose hair is threaded with
the silver, to the young girl j ust blushing into womanhood,
whose cheeks are as ruby red as a peach that has been kissed
by the sun.
   The Derby came next, and fifteen finer or handsomer young-
sters never faced a starter. McGrath's entries had the call in
the betting and many thought he would win with Chesapeake, but
Aristides, the son of Leamington, carried -off the honors, and
worthily earned a chaplet, one of the best three-year-olds ever
stripped for a race in this country. It was extremely gratifying
to the friends of the liberal Laird of MeGrathiana, and will
be doubly gratifying to Aristides Welch, the owner of Learn-
ington, after whom the colt is christened. This is the best race
at the weights ever run by three-year-olds in this country, and
cannot fail to make Aristides a still stronger favorite for his
Eastern engagements.



MiSTORY OF THE



6
 

KENTUCKY DERBY                                                7

                          SUMMARY
   The Kentucky Der-by, three-year-olds; 50 play or pay; As-
sociation to add 1000; second horse to have 200. Dash of one
and a half miles. Closed with 42 nominations. Value 3,100.
H. P. McGrath's ch c Aristides, by Imp. Leamington, out of
   Sarong; 100 lbs., Oliver Lewis ......................... 1
Geo. H. Rice's b c Volcano, by Vandal, out of Iodine; 100
   lbs., H. Williams ...........                              2
C. A. Lewis' ch c Verdigris, by Versailles, out of Belle
   Brandon; 100 lbs., H. Chambers ...........                3
H. P. McGrath's b c Chesapeake, by Lexington, out of Rox-
   ana; 100 lbs., W. Henry ...........                        0
Robinson, Morgan  Co.'s br c Bob Woolley, by Imp. Leam-
   ington, out of Item; 100 lbs., W. Walker ............     0
J. B. Rhodes' b c Searcher, by Enquirer, dam by Imp. Bonnie
   Scotland; 100 lbs., R. Colston, Jr.....     .......     0
Wim. Cottrill's ch f Ascension, by Imp. Australian, out of
   Lilly Ward; 97 lbs., W. Lakeland....0......               0
Stringfiel'd  Clay's gr c Enlister, by Enquirer, out of Crown-
   let; 100 lbs., Holloway...........                        0
A. Buford's ch c McCreery, by Enquirer, out of Ontario; 100
   lbs., D. Jones ...........                                 0
Stringfield  Clay's ch c Warsaw, by W ar D]ance, out of
   Sister of Charity; 100 lbs., P. Masterson ...........     0
F. B. Harper's b c Ten Broeck, by Imp. Phaeton, out of Fanny
   Holton; 100 lbs., M. Kelso ...........                    0
S. J. Salyer's br c Bill Bruce, by Enquirer, out of Aurora
   R'aby; 100 lbs., M. Jones...........                     0
Allen Bashford's br c, by Baywood, out of Lute; 100 lbs.,
  J. Carter ........... 0
A. B. Lewis  Co.'s b c Vagabond, by Vandal, out of Gem;
   100 lbs., J. Houston ........... 0
J. A. Grinstead's ch f Gold Mine, by Imp. Australian, out of
  Income; 97 lbs., C. Stradford..........              . 0
                       Time-2:374
  Betting-McGrath 260, Ascension 150, Searcher 120, Bill
Bruce 80, Verdigris 70, Volcano 60, the field 50.
 

HISTORY OF THE



                     THE KENTUCKY DERBY
    The fifteen youngsters assembled at the half mile pole. Little
 or no delay took place under the able directorship of Col. W.
 H. Johnson. When they were marshaled into line, he tapped
 the drum to one of the most capital starts I have ever seen, the
 fifteen going away like a platoon of calvary, except the Baywood
 colt, who hung at the post. Volcano jumped away first, with
 McCreery second, and Searcher third, the remainder bunched,
 coming round the turn to tthe quarter pole 25, seconds. They
 came at a rapid rate down the stretch and past the stand in 50
 seconds, McCreery first, Volcano second, Searcher third, Aristides
 fourth, the others pretty well bunched. Before they had reached
 the quarter, 1:17, Aristides had gone to the front and opened
 a gap of two lengths down the back stretch, Volcano second,
 Searcher third, the mile 1 :434. The pace was so hot that it
 began to tell and the field was stretched over a good deal of
 ground. The race from this point home w as never in doubt,
 Aristides winning by two lengths with something in hand, Vol-
 cano second, a length in front of Verdigris third, who came
 rapidly on the home stretch inside the distance. Bob Woolley
 who was caromed against on the lower turn a good fourth. Ten
 Broeck fifth, the Baywood colt sixth, Bill Bruce seventh, the
 remainder were scattered at wide intervals, and the dust was
 so great that I was unable to place the others. Time-2 :373Y4.

                 DESCRIPTION OF THE WINNER
   Aristides is a chestnut colt, with a star, and two white pa.,-
terns behind. He stands fifteen hands, one and three-quarter
inches high. He has a neat head and neck running into rather
a straight shoulder, with great length, good barrel, excellent hips
and stifles, sound feet and legs well under him. He has fine
turn of speed, and from the way he finished up the Derby to-day



8

 

KENTU CKY DERBY



gives every evidence of being a good stayer. He was bred by
Mtr. H. P. McGrath, at McGrathiana Stud Farm, near Lexington,
Ky., and is by Imp. Leamington, out of Sarong, by Lexington,
her dam The Greek Slave, by Imp. Glencoe-Margaret Hunter,
by Imp. Margrave-Mary Hunt, by Bertrand-Betty Coons, by
Hephestion-by Hampton's Twig-by Imp. Bedford-by Harle-
quin-by Imp. Fearnaught.

                 SECOND DERBY 1876
   Eleven out of the thirty-four nominations went to the post,
and after some delay, caused by the breakaway and anxiety of
a few of the colts to get off in front, Col. Robt. Johnson, who
officiated in this race, sent them away to a good start, Parole
in the lead, Creedmoor second, Vagrant third, Bullion fourth,
Bombay fifth, Harry Hill sixth, Red Coat seventh, and the re-
mainder in pretty close order. Before going half way around the
turn, Vagrant had taken the lead, with Parole second, Creedmoor,
third.  From  the  three-quarter pole to the  stand  some
changes took place, Vagrant leading, Bullion two lengths, second
Harry Hill third, Parole fourth, Bombay fifth, Creedmoor sixth.
the remainder outpaced, strung out in single file. Vagrant maill-
talined his lead around the turn and just before reaching thl
quarter pole, 1 :17, some one, many thought Harry Hill, ran
into and cut Bullion down and dropped back, Harry Hill taking
his position, with Creedmoor third. Before reaching the half mile
the race had resolved itself into a match between Vagrant and
Creedmoor. But it was never -in doubt, for Vagrant galloped
along at his ease and his big stride, and won -the race, like ha
has all the others, in a big gallop by more than a length, Harry
-Hill, two lengths from him, third, Bombay fourth, Red Coat
fifth, Harper's black filly by Enquirer sixth, Leamingtonian sev-
enth, Marie Michon eighth, Bullion ninth, Parole tenth and Ger-



9
 


10                               HISTORY OF THE



mantown eleventh.   The quarter 26, half 51, three-quarters
1 :172, mile 1:45, mile and a quarter 2:1134, mile and a haif
2:38/4.
                  DESCRIPTION AND PEDIGREE
   Vagrant is a dark bay gelding, blaze face, four white stock-
ings, and stands a shade over 1534 hands. He was bred at the
Preakness Stud Farm, the property of M. H. Sanford, Esq.,
and was purchased as a yearling by T. J. Nichols, Paris, Ky.,
for 250. He has a neat head and neck, good shoulders, excel-
lent middle piece, great length, immense hips and quarters and
tremendous stifles, with sound feet and legs. His action is easy
and graceful, a regular daisy cutter, and from his style and car-
riage must go a distance of ground.
   Vagrant is by Virgil (son of Vandal and Hymenia by Imp.
Yorkshire; 1st dam Lazy, by Imp. Scythian; 2d dam Lindora,
by Lexington; 3d dam Picayune, by Medoc; 4th dam Sally
Howe, by Sir William of Transport; 5th dam Lady Robin, by
Robin Grey; 6th dam by Quicksilver (son of imp. Medley); 7th
dam by Meede's 'Celer.
   He started in his two-year-old form six times, won five, and
beaten once. He won the Alexander Stakes, half mile, at Louis-
ville, Ky., in 504, beating Harry Hill, Russ Butler and tenl
others. Same meeting with 5 lbs. penalty, ran third to Creedmoor
for the Tennessee Stakes, three-quarters of a mile in 1:22Y2
track deep in mud. At Lexington, Ky., won sweepstakes for 2-
year-old colts, three-quarters of a mile, beating The Nipper, Creed-
moor, and six others, in 1:18. Same meeting won the sweepstakes
for two-year-old colts and fillies, one mile, beating Clemmie G.,
The Nipper, and five others, in 1:45. At Louisville Fall Meet-
ing, won the Belle Meade Stakes, three-quarters of a mile, beating
Bengal, Bombay, and nine others, in 1 :17'. Same meeting won



HISTORY OF THE



so
 

KENTUCKY DERBY



the Sanford Stakes, one mile, beating Alborac. Miriam filly,
and several others, in 1:46.
   At Lexington, Ky., Spring Meeting of 1876, won the Phoenix
Hotel Stakes, 1'/8 miles, by more than a distance, beating Clem-
mie G., Knapsack, Very Fine and Yandall, in 1:56Y/4. Besides
winning the Kentucky Derby, at Louisville, in present meeting,
he is engaged in the Clark Stakes, two miles, and same place
in fall on the St. Leger, two miles and Galt House Stakes,
two mile heats, the Grand Exposition Stakes, 1Y2 miles at
Philadelphia, the Breckenridgb  Stakes, two miles, at Balti-
more, and the Suwanee Stakes, two mile heats, at Nashville
Fall Meetings.
The Kentucky Derby, for three-year olds, 50 play or pay, with
   1,500 added, second to have 200. 'One and a half miles,
   34 nominations. Value 3,200.
T. J. Nichol's b g Vagrant, by Virgil, dam  Lazy, 97 lbs.,
   Swim  ..................................................  1
Williams  Owings' ch c Creedmoor, by Asteroid, dam imp.
   Target, 100 lbs., Williams .......... ..................... 2
John Funk's br c Harry Hill, by Virgil, dam Lark, 100 lbs.,
   Miller .... 3
P. Lorillard's br g Parole, by imp. Leamington, dam Maiden,
   97  lbs.,  Sparling  ........................................  0
F. B. Harper's ch c Germantown, by Planet, dam Nantura,
   100 lbs., Graham         .......................0  
F. B. Harper's blk f, by Enquirer, dam by imp. Albion, 97
  lbs., James ...................................... .0  
J. A. Grinstead's b f Marie Michon, by Melbourne, jr., dam
  Nellie Gray, 97 lbs., Stratford ............... .       a
H. F. Vissman's b c Leamingtonian, by imp. Leamington,
  dam Mollie, 100 lbs., Colston ............... .0  
D. Swigert's b c Bombay, by Planet, dam Nora, 100 lbs.,
  WValker ...................................  .....       0



it

 

HI'STORY OF THE



Green Clay's ch c Red Coat, by imp. Australian, dam Sally,
   100 lbs., Hughes....                                 o
A. Keene Richards' clh c Bullion, by War Dance, dam Gold
   Ring, 100 lbs., Kelso ..................................... 0
                         Time-2 :38
   Betting-Just before the start, Vagrant even against the field.

                   THIRD DERBY 1877
   Persons who long wished and desired a beautiful day for the
Kentucky Derby were fully gratified Tuesday. The sun was
out bright and the excessive heat for the past week was tem-
pered by a gentle breeze that made it all the more enjoyable,
albeit it militated some against faster time.
   The course, from the heavy rain of Sunday, was not in th.
best possible condition, and in some places was a little deep and
uneven. Early in the morning preparations commenced for the
day's sport, and the crowded condition of the hotels betokened
a large attendance, and long before the call bell was sounded to
summon the jockeys and horses, the grand stand, quarter-stretch,
field and field stand were crowded to repletion with an anxious
crowd of spectators. The sky was flecked here and there with
a few masses of clouds, but there was nothing threatening about
them. Now and then they served the purpose of a veil, which
hid the fierce glances of the sun, and cast a shade over the vast
crowd that was gathered on the emerald green fields. Rarely,
indeed, have the magnificent landscapes which can be viewed on
either side from the grand stand and its neighborhood, looked
more lovely. Behind, looking, we see the Nashville railroad wind-
ing its way like a snake through green fields and woodlands until
it is lost in the distance. In front to one side you see the curling
smoke arising from the city, with a cloud of dust that indicates
the road over which the vast crowd is coming, bent op pleasure.



12
 

KENTUCKY          DERBY                                     13

To the left lay green fields and woodlands, rejoicing in the light
luxuriant foliage of May; meadows and fields surrounded by
whitened fences, here and there a cottage dotted over the plain
with their smoke curling lazily upwards. Away beyond this
could be seen the green hills running in a semi-circle, indicatin-
where the beautiful Ohio winds its way and marked the bound-
ary between Kentucky and Indiana.
   For the Derby, eleven out of the fcrty-one nominations
sported silk. Leonard was a hot favorite, and the race resulted
in his overthrow by Baden-Baden, who was third choice in the
betting. If Leonard could have won, his chances were destroyed
by the way in which the race was managed. He made all the
running, took the lead and set himself up as a target for the
others to shoot at, and right gallantly did Lisbon serve his stable
companion, Baden-Baden, for three-quarters of a mile at a
clipping pace, and then dropped back. Vera Cruz, who was
backed with considerable spirit by his friends, had his chances
destroyed by being left at the post. King William ran a good
race, and for a colt that has had the knocking about and ham-
mering that he has, he is one of the best three-year-olds that
has appeared this year. His performance should add greatly to
the reputation of his young sire, Foster, one of the best bred sons
of Lexington. The race was an excellent one for the condition
of the course.

  After some three or four breakaways, the eleven were de-
spatched to a good start, except Vera Cruz, who reared and
plunged just as the drum tapped, Dan K. showing in front, but
was soon passed by Lisbon, who cut out the work at a sharp
pace, the quarter 26Y2 seconds. Entering the stretch Leonard
showed in front and had a lead of half a length at the stand,
with Lisbon and King William second and third, -the remainder
 

HISTORY OF THE



in pretty close order, the half mile 52 seconds. Going around
the turn King William joined Leonard, and Lisbon dropped back,
Baden-Baden taking his place, the three-quarters 1:18. Going
down the back stretch Leonard led King William a length, the
latter whipping, with Baden-Baden at his quarters, the mile
1 :44. The two took close order on the turn, and just before
entering the stretch at the three-quarter pole, the mile and a
quarter 2:11 Y2, Baden-Baden showed his nose in front, Leonard
second, lapped by King William, all three driving. It was a
beautiful and exciting finish to the stand, Baden-Baden winning
by little over a length, Leonard second, a head in front of King
William, third. Vera Cruz, who reared and was left at the
post, overhauled his horses and finished fourth, with Odd Fellow
fifth, lapped by McWhirter sixth, Malvern seventh, Earlylight
eighth, Dan K. ninth, Lisbon tenth, and Headlight eleventh.
Time-2 :38.
                   DESCRIPTION OF WINNER
   Baden-Baden is a dark chestnut colt, with a star, stands 16
hands high, with a plain head, good neck, well placed shoulders,
with plenty of length, good back and loins, and sound feet and
legs. There is nothing striking about him, and he greatly re-
sembles his own brother, Helmbold, and has bred back after his
sire.
   He was bred by A. J. Alexander, Woodburn Stud Farm,
Spring Station, Ky., and purchased by D. Swigert, Stockwood
Farm, as a yearling for 1,010, by imp. Australian, out of Lav-
ender by Wagner, her dam Alice Carneal -by imp. Sarpedon-
Rowena by Sumpter-Lady Gray by Robin Gray-Maria by
Melzar-by imp. Highflyer-_by imp. Fearnaught-by Ariel-by
Jack of Diamonds-imp. Diamond by Cullen Arabian-Lady
Thigh by CrQft's Partner-by Greyhound-Sophonisba's dam by



14
 

KENTUCKY DERBY                                          15



Curwen's Bay Barb-by D'Arcy's Chestnut Arabian-by White-
shirt-Old Montague mare.
   Baden-Baden started five times at two years old, won one,
lost four. He was unplaced at Lexington, Ky., for sweepstakes,
one mile, won by Glentina in 1 :45'A. He ran second at Louis-
ville, Ky., for the Belle Meade Stakes, three-quarters of a mile,
won by McWhirter in 1:17. Same meeting ran second to Belle
of the Meade for the Sanford Stakes., one mile, in 1:44. Same
meeting ran second to 'Belle of the Meade, 100 lbs. each, for a
sweepstakes, one mile, in 1:44, the best on record, and at
Nashville won the Young America Stakes, one mile, in 1:463,4,
beating King William, Barbara, Joe Burt and Alice Murphy.
   He has the following engagements: The Belle Meade Stake
No. 2, 2 miles, the Suwanee Stakes, 2 mile heats, Nashville Fall
meeting; the Clark Stakes, 2 miles, Louisville spring meeting; the
Kentucky St. Leger, 2 miles. and the Galt House Stakes, two
mile heats, fall meeting, at Louisville, Ky.; the Dixie Stakes, 2
miles, at Baltimore; the Belmont, 1/2 miles, the Jerome, 2
miles and  All Aged    stakes 1 /2 miles at Jerome   Park;
the Jersey Derby, 12 miles, and the Robbins, 2 miles, at Lo'Ig
Branch; the Travers, 14 miles, and Kenner, 2 miles, at Sara-
toga, and the W'oodburn Stakes, 2y2 miles, at Jerome Park in
1878.
                         SUM MARY

The Kentucky Derby, for three-year-olds; 50 p. p., with 1,500
  added; 200 to second horse. One and a half miles (41 sub-
  scribers). Value 3,550.
D. Swigert's ch c Baden-Baden, by imp. Australian, dam
  Lavender, 100 lbs., Walker .........  .................... 1
H. P. McGrath's br c Leonard, by Longfellow, dam Colleen
  Bawn, 100 lbs., Swim .     ..................................9



KENTUCKY DERBY



15

 

16                                HISTORY OF THE



Smallwood !Co.'s ch c King William, by Foster, dam by imp.
  Albion, 100 lbs., Bailey ................................



J. T. Williams' b g Vera Cruz,
  lbs., Murphy .................
J. J. Merrill's b c Odd Fellow, by
   100 lbs., Williams ...........
A. Buford's ch c McWhirter, by
   -lbs., H. Moore ..........
Geo. H. Rice's br c Malvern, by
  netta, 100 lbs., S. Jones.......
F. B. Harper's gr f Earlv Light,
  Wells, 97 lbs., W. James
Johnson  Mills' b g Dan K., by
  Jennie June, 97 lbs., McGrath



by Virgil, dam Regan, 97
...........................
Longfellow, dam Magnolia,
...........................
Enquirer, dam Ontario, 100
...........................
Melbourne, jr., dam Mag-
...........................
by Longfellow, dam Fannie
...........................
imp. Bonnie Scotland, dam



Swigert's b c Lisbon, 'by imp. Phaeton,
Love, 100 lbs., Douglass .................
B. Field's b c Headlight, by Bayonet, dam
Shelton ..................................
                      Time-2:38
Betting-Leonard, 400; Field, 430.



lam imp. Lady
...............
Olivia, 100 lbs.,
,...............



3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0



                FOURTH DERBY 1878
   No better evidence would be wanted of the popularity and
growing interest rin racing than was the case to-day, the opening
of the Spring meeting of the Louisville Jockey Club. The club
have struck the keynote of success in throwing open the inner
field free to the public, which was graced to-day by some six
or eight thousand people. as well behaved and orderly an as-
semblage as has ever been seen collected together. They came
on foot, in every sort and kind of vehicles, and the grand stand
and every other available space was full to overflowing to wit-
ness the first day, which gave one of the best races ever witnessed
in America. But we must not anticipate our report. The sport



D.

L.



HISTORY OF THE



16
 

KENTUCKY DERBY                                              17



proved to be of an interesting and most exciting character, and
those who were present were more than repaid. This Association
has been extremely fortunate in the way of weather, and to-day
was no exception to the rule. The track was in admirable order,
but many thought it was fully two seconds slow. The day was
fine and springlike, a slight breeze tempering the otherwise warm
rays of the sun. The fields, considering the number of horses
on the grounds, were not as large as many anticipated, but as
the favorites were overthrown, the crowd shouted themselves
hoarse with joy.
   For the Kentucky Derby, out of 56 nominations nine
splendid colts faced the starter.  Himyar was such a big
favorite, 3 to 1 over the field, that he was left out of the pools,
and Day Star was next in favor, closely pushed by Bergundy
and Leveller.  The result is easily told.   Day Star made
all his running and won the race like the first-class colt that he
is, just as he did the Blue Ribbon at Lexington. Himyar was
miserably ridden, and ran fully sixty or seventy-five yards farther
in the race than was necessary. This defeat does not lessen him
in our estimation, and we look upon him as the greatest colt of
the year, with Day Star little inferior.
   After three or four false starts the lot were sent away to a
capital one, except for Charlie Bush, Bergundy, and the favorite,
Himyar, who seemed to hang fire, which enabled the lot to get
some six to ten lengths the start. At the half-mile pole Day
Star was first, McHenry second, Respond third, Leveller fourth,
Solicitor fifth, Earl of Beaconsfield sixth, Charlie Bush sevenths
Burgundy eighth, and Himyar ninth. Day Star cut out the work
at rapid rate, no change occurring at the three-quarter pole. Day
Star passed the stand two lengths in front of McHenry, Respond
third, Leveller fourth, Himyar fifth, Charlie Bush sixth, Solicitor
seventh, Earl of Beaconsfield eighth, and Burgundy, who was



17



KENTUCKY DERBY
 
HISTORY OF THE



knocked to his knees on the lower turn, ninth. Day Star held
his lead round the turn and after passing the quarter-pole;
Himyar, who was ridden miserably, running on the extreme
outside on the turn, took second place, with Leveller third. The
race was now over; Day Star was never headed and won easily
by two lengths, the spur being freely applied with an occasional
touch of the whip in the last quarter; Himyar second, four
lengths in front of Leveller, third, followed by Solicitor, Mc-
Henry, Respond, Burgundy, Earl of Beaconsfield, and Charlie
Bush in the order named. Quarter 25; half 50; three-quarters
1 :16Y2 ; mile 1:43; mile and a quarter 2:09; the race 2:37.

                    DESCRIPTION OF WINNER
   Day Star is a chestnut colt, with star and light stripe down
the -face, three white stockings, a little white on the left hind
pastern, and gray hairs scattered through the flank. He is 15
hands 2X2 inches high, is an extremely handsome colt, neat head,
stout strong neck, well inclined shoulders, extraordinary short
stout back, well coupled, broad flat ribs, drops down full in the
flank, good hips and quarters, immense stifles, broad flat legs
which he keeps well under him and has an extra turn of speed.
Day Star was bred by Jno. M. Clay, Esq., Ashland, near Le.-
ington, Ky., and purchased a yearling by T. J. Nichols, Paris,
Ky., for 825, by Star Davis out of 'Squeez'em by Lexington,
her dam Skedaddle by imp. Yorkshire, out of Magnolia, by imp.
Glencoe, the dam of Daniel Boone, Kentucky Gilroy, c., z.
Day Star has a double Glencoe cross through his sire Star Davis,
and his great grandam Magnolia.

                          SUM MARY
   The Kentucky Derby, for three-year-olds; 50 p. p., with
1,500 added; second to have 200.     Dash of 1X2 miles.



18

 

KENTUCKY DERBY                                            19

56 nominations, three of whom are dead. Value 4,150. Colts
100 lbs., fillies 97 lbs.
T. J. Nichols' ch c Day Star, by Star Davis, dam Squeez'em,
  Carter .................................................. 1
B. G. Thomas' b c Himyar, by Alarm, dam Hira, Robinson... 2
R. H. Owen's b c Leveller, by Lever, dam Sly Boots, Swim.. 3
L. P. Tarlton, Jr.'s b c Solicitor by Enquirer, dam Sallie,
   Edward ...0....................................... 0
Gen. A. Buford's ch c McHenry, by Enquirer, dam Ontario,
  James ............................                     0
Rodes  Carr's b c Respond, by Enquirer, dam by imp.
   Bonnie Scotland, Ramey                .0
J. M. Wooding's ch c Burgundy, by imp. Bonnie Scotland, dam
   La Bluette, L. Jones.                                  0
A. )Straus  Co.'s ch c E-arl of Beaconsfield, by Enquirer,
   dam Geneura, Mahoney                 .0
Jennings  Hunt's b c Charlie Bush, by John Morgan, dam
   Annie Bush, Miller                  .0
                       Time-2:37
   Betting--Himyar 305; Field 110. With Himyar out, Day
Star. Burgundy and Leveller sold about even.

                  FIFTH DERBY 1879
   For the Kentucky Derby, Lord Murphy was made the favorite
at nearly even against the field, and fully justified the high
opinion in which he is held by his friends in running the fastest
Kentucky Derby on record. His trainer, George H. Rice,
brought him  to the post in the pink of order.     Though
Falsetto and Strathmore were defeated they lost no credit
and proved themselves excellent colts, and we should not be
surprised to see Falsetto rank yet with the best of the year.
 

20                                HISTORY OF THE

   The entire lot went away like a platoon of cavalry in line
to a beautiful start, Gen. Pike in the lead, Strathmore second,
Lord Murphy, who got knocked to his knees on the first turn,
third, Wissahicon fourth, Trinidad fifth, One Dime sixth, Ada
Glen seventh, Buckner eighth, Falsetto ninth. Half way round
the turn the lot were so closely bunched that it was impossible
to distinguish the colors in the clouds of dust. At the three-
quarter pole Ada Glen was first, lapped by Gen. Pike, Strath-
more and Lord Murphy. At the stand Gen. Pike was a head
in front of :Strathmore second, he lapped by Trinidad, then came
the second division a length off, composed of One Dime, Wissa-
hicon, Lord Murphy and Ada Glen, followed by Buckner
eighth and Falsetto ninth. They had hardly gone under the
string until Strathmore was a length in front of Gen. Pike, who
was lapped by Trinidad. Going round the turn the pace was
fast, Strathmore still leading at the quarter pole. Just after
passing the quarter Lord Murphy took second place, One Dime
third, Gen. Pike and Trinidad dropping back. Before reaching
the half-mile Lord Murphy lapped and showed in front of
Strathmore second, One Dime third, Falsetto fourth.  Lord
Murphy was a length in f ront on the lower turn and at the
three-quarter pole, Strathmore second, two lengths in front of
One Dime third, who was lapped by Falsetto. Entering the
stretch Falsetto came with a rush and passed One Dime and
,Strathmore and half way down lapped Lord Murphy. A most
exciting race took place between the pair to within forty yards
of the stand, where Lord Murphy drew clear and won the race
by a length and a half, Falsetto second, three lengths in front
of Strathmore third, followed by Trinidad fourth, Ada Glen
fifth, One Dime sixth, Gen. Pike seventh, Buckner eighth, Wis-
sa-hicon ninth. Mile 1 :45; race 2:37.
 

KENTUCKY DERBY



                  DESCRIPTION OF WINNER
  Lord Murphy (formerly Patmos), bay colt, star and snip
running down over the nostrils, with two white heels behind
extending nearly half way to the hocks. He stands full 15
hands 3y/2 inches high, has a neat head and neck, plenty of
length, good hips, quarters and stifles, with sound feet and legs.
He has a great turn of speed, the first and greatest requisite
in a race horse, and is a Lexington looking youngster, and must
bring his sire, Pat Malloy, prominently to the front as one of
the best sons of Lexington at the stud.
  Lord Murphy was bred by J. T. Carter, Gallatin, Tenn., and
purchased the spring he was two years ol