History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921 Part 17

Starters Weights Jockeys St. 1/4 1/2 3/4 S. F.

Omar Khayyam, 117 Borel 11 10 h 10 1 6-1/2 2 1 1 2 Ticket, 117 J. McTaggart 1 3 h 3 1-1/2 4-1/2 1-1/2 2 1-1/2 Midway, 117 C. Hunt 12 12 1 9 1 8-1/2 3 h 3 4 Rickety, 117 Robinson 5 7-1/2 5 1 1 h 4-1/2 4 1 War Star, 110 Buxton 6 5 1-1/2 6 1 5-1/2 5 h 5 h Manister Toi, 117 Keogh 15 13-1/2 11-1/2 10 1 6-1/2 6 h Skeptic, 117 Martin 14 6 1 4 h 9 1 7 1 7 1-1/2 Guy Fortune, 117 Connolly 2 14 1 12 1 12 1 11 1 8-1/2 Star Master, 117 Loftus 9 4-1/2 2 h 2 h 8 11 9 h Stargazer, 110 Crump 10 1-1/2 1-1/2 3 h 9-1/2 10 2 Cudgel, 117 Murphy 13 11 1 7 1 13 1 12-1/2 11 5 Green Jones, 117 Goose 3 9 h 13 1 11-1/2 13 1 12 8 Top o' the Wave, 117 Morys 4 15 14 2 14 1 14 1 13 4 Berlin, 117 Andress 7 2-1/2 8 h 7-1/2 10 1 14 12 Acabado, 114 Schuttinger 8 8 h 15 15 15 15

The $2 mutuels paid: Omar Khayyam, straight $27.60, place $10.90, show $6.20; Ticket, place $3.70, show $2.80; Midway, show $5.10.

Omar Khayyam was bred in England by Sir John Robinson and J. T. Farr and was purchased by his present trainer, Charles T. Patterson for C. K. G.

Billings and Frederick Johnson at Newmarket, September 15, 1915, for $1,500. Omar Khayyam's sire Marco won the Cambridgeshire, etc., and is the sire of Neil Gow, Beppo, Marcovil, Malua, Bembo, Mirador, Sansovino, and other good horses.

Omar Khayyam, named for the great Persian poet and astronomer, is the first foreign-bred colt to win a Kentucky Derby. His owners are Frederick Johnson, a broker, in New York and C. K. G. Billings, owner of the famous trotters Uhlan, Lou Dillon and Major Delmar and it is his second season as a thoroughbred owner. Mr. Johnson saw his colt win but Mr. Billings was unable to enjoy seeing the victory.

Trainer C. T. Patterson said before the race: "I never trained a horse in which I had more confidence than Omar Khayyam, and I handled Hamburg and Ornament."

FORTY-FOURTH DERBY 1918

In the presence of the greatest crowd that ever thronged Churchill Downs and over a track fetlock deep in mud, Willis Sharpe Kilmer's chestnut gelding Exterminator, saddled by Henry McDaniel, and capably ridden by W.

Knapp, scored an easy victory over seven other good three-year olds in the forty-fourth running of the Kentucky Derby this afternoon. Kenneth D.

Alexander's crack Broomstick colt, Escoba, ridden by Joe Notter, finished second, a length back of the winner and eight lengths in front of Viva America, the only filly that started in the race. A. K. Macomber's imported War Cloud, a heavy favorite in the speculation and which would have paid a little less than three to two, had he won, was never a serious factor and finished fourth, beaten all of the way.

The winner was given but scant consideration by the bettors, being the least regarded of the eight that made up the field after Aurum and Jim Heffering had been withdrawn. Exterminator paid his backers the handsome odds of nearly thirty to one and in winning upset all calculations and brought consternation to the ranks of the form players, who went to War Cloud with rare confidence.

It was after five o'clock when the bugle called the horses to the post for the Derby, in which a big surprise was in store for the spectators. Every inch of s.p.a.ce in clubhouse and grandstand was taken, while a solid ma.s.s of humanity lined the lawns a quarter of a mile long, extending from clubhouse to the quarter pole, almost to the head of the homestretch. The procession of eight sleek thoroughbreds, trained to the minute, led by the outrider on a gray horse, garbed in a fiery jacket, made an imposing picture. The gay silks of the jockeys with the verdant field for a background, gave just the right touch of color to the scene. Down past the grandstand and clubhouse they pranced, with Escoba in the lead, closely followed by the others. At sight of the dark blue and white sleeves of Mr. Alexander, worn by Escoba's rider, faint cheers rippled along the fringe of the crowd that lined the rail, and which was turned into a noisy demonstration as War Cloud, the favorite, came in sight. They reached the post at 5:19, and it took Starter Dade but a brief time to get them in alignment. In exactly two minutes he sprung the barrier, and, shouting, "Come on," sent the eight horses away on their history-making journey. Viva America was the first to show in front after a few strides, and was closely followed by Sewell Combs and Escoba.

As they thundered past the stand for the first time, the Worthington filly was still in the lead, with Sewell Combs and Escoba running neck and neck to her rear. Exterminator was lying in fourth position, while Lucky B., American Eagle, War Cloud and Jas. T. Clark were running abreast not far behind. There was very little change in the running positions as the field swung into the backstretch, except that the leader was beginning to show the strain of pacemaking. As they reached the half-mile pole backers of War Cloud implored Loftus to move up and for a moment it appeared that the rider had heard the cry across the field and was making an effort to comply. The English-bred horse, however, showed clearly that the task was too much for him, for despite his rider's vigorous efforts he could not get within hailing distance of the leaders. Rounding the far turn Viva America was ready to cry quits and Escoba, after shaking off Sewell Combs, forged ahead. If Notter, who was aboard of Escoba, exulted over the advantage gained, he was soon doomed to disappointment, for Knapp had gone to work on Exterminator, and under keen urging the Kilmer gelding rushed forward and was on even terms with the Alexander colt as they straightened out for the last gruelling drive. After a brief struggle, Exterminator shook off his doughty antagonist and drawing clear in the last eighth, won in a mild drive in 2:10-4/5. Escoba had practically no opposition for the place. Viva America beat War Cloud four lengths for third money. Sewell Combs ran a good race, but tired chasing the leader in the first seven-eighths. Lucky B., which was supposed to be partial to the heavy track, ran far below expectations. American Eagle and Jas. T. Clark also ran below par and might just as well not have been started. War Cloud showed a very poor effort, due probably to the fact that he did not like the kind of mud that prevailed to-day.

The winner's portion of the stake amounted to $14,700. The second horse's share was $2,500, and the third horse, $1,000. By finishing fourth War Cloud saved his owner nominating and starting fees.

Exterminator and his rider were roundly applauded upon their return to the stand. Mr. Kilmer, who watched the race with Mrs. Kilmer from a box, was called into the judges' box and warmly congratulated by Gov. A. O.

Stanley, while the floral wreath was placed around the neck of the winner.

The morning dawned bright and clear, but shortly after 7 o'clock the sky became overcast and by 8:30 the rain was pouring down. It was steady and heavy until shortly after 1 o'clock when it ceased and there was an occasional feeble attempt of the sun to kiss away the dampness on stand and lawns and rye-grown infield of verdant Churchill Downs, but it was all to no purpose, for the country's most cla.s.sical race was decided over the muddiest course for any Derby since that won by Worth in 1912.

As the horses came from the paddock onto the track in parade to the post for the opening race, the band struck up the national anthem, and at the same time the stars and stripes were run up to the top of the tall flag mast in the center field. Everyone stood--the soldiers, who had come in goodly numbers from Camp Zachary Taylor, at attention, and the male civilians, with their heads uncovered. Two of the jockeys, Frank Murphy and Lee Mink, took off their caps when they heard the strains of "The Star Spangled Banner," and saw "Old Glory," floating to the breeze, a resplendent guarantee to the freedom of the nation and earnest evidence that our fighting forces and their allies will make the world safe for democracy. And just at the moment of the good old flag's ascendancy the sun shone out from behind the vanishing clouds until it was bright enough to cast shadows from the trees and shrubs upon the lawn.

In the spring of 1914 Joseph Knight made arrangements to breed three of his mother's mares to McGee on shares. Mr. Moore was to have the pick of the mares owned by Mr. Knight's mother. Fair Empress was one of the mares selected by Mr. Moore to breed to McGee and Exterminator was foaled on May 30, 1915. He was sold as a yearling at Saratoga by the Powers-Hunter Company to J. C. Milam for $1,500. Mr. Milam broke him and developed him, and last year won $1,350 with him, and this month, during the Lexington meeting, sold him to Mr. Kilmer for a price reported to have been in the vicinity of $10,000.

The Kentucky Derby; one mile and a quarter; for three-year olds; $15,000 added; net value to the winner $14,700; $2,500 to second; $1,000 to third; $275 to fourth. Fractional time--0:24-1/5, 0:49-1/5, 1:16-1/5, 1:43-3/5, 2:10-4/5. Went to the post at 5:19 p. m. Off at 5:21.

Starters Weights St. 1/4 1/2 3/4 S. F.

Exterminator, 114 W. Knapp 5 5 1 4-1/2 1 h 2 4 1 1 Escoba, 117 J. Notter 2 3 1-1/2 2 h 2 1 1 h 2 8 Viva America, 113 W. Warrington 1 1 1-1/2 1 1-1/2 3 4 3 2 3 4 War Cloud, 117 J. Loftus 7 4 h 5 2 4 4 4 3 4 2 Lucky B., 117 J. McCabe 4 6 h 7 8 5-1/2 5 6 5 6 Jas. T. Clark, 117 J. Morys 8 7 3 6 3 7 6 7 3 6 12 Sewell Combs, 117 L. Gentry 3 2nk 3 1 6 2 6-1/2 7 1 American Eagle, 117 E. Sande 6 8 8 8 8 8

The $2 mutuels paid: Exterminator, straight $61.20, place $23.10, show $12.40; Escoba, place $4.90, show $4.60; Viva America, show $13.20.

Start good. Won handily; place driving. Winner, ch g, 3, by McGee--Fair Empress. Trainer H. McDaniel.

FORTY-FIFTH DERBY 1919

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 ma.s.s 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 "G.o.d 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 pa.s.s 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 pa.s.s 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, a.s.sisted 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."

SUMMARY

May 10, 1919. Track heavy. $20,000 added. Value to Winner $20,825, second $2,500, third, $1,000, fourth $275. Time--24-1/5, 48-2/5, 1.14, 1.41-4/5, 2.09-4/5.

Sir Barton, 112-1/2, J. Loftus 1 Billy Kelly, 119, E. Sande 2 Under Fire, 122, M. Garner 3

Vulcanite, 110, C. Howard; Sennings Park, 122, H. Lunsford; Be Frank, 119, J. Butwell; Sailor, 119, J. McIntyre; St. Bernard, 119, E. Pool; Regalo, 117, F. Murphy; Eternal, 122, A. Schuttinger; Frogtown, 119, J. Morys; Vindex, 122, W. Knapp.

Winner Chestnut Colt, by Star Shoot--Lady Sterling. Owned by J. K. L.

Ross. Trained by H. G. Bedwell.

FORTY-SIXTH DERBY 1920

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 pa.s.sed into history.

Running a great and game race, that did credit to his ill.u.s.trious 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 pa.s.sed 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.