SUMMARY
May 13, 1916. Track fast. $10,000 added. Value to winner $9,750, second $2,000, third $1,000. Time 22⅖, 46⅖, 1.12⅕, 1.38⅘, 2.04.
| George Smith, 117, J. Loftus | 1 | |
| Star Hawk, 117, W. Lilley | 2 | |
| Franklin, 117, T. Rice | 3 |
Dodge, 117, F. Murphy; Thunderer, 117, T. McTaggart; The Cock, 110, M. Garner; Dominant, 117, J. Notter; Kinney, 117, L. Gentry; Lena Misha, 117, E. Dugan.
Winner black colt, by Out-of Reach—Consuelo II. Owned by John Sanford. Trained by H. Hughes.
FORTY-THIRD DERBY 1917
Mindful still of the war time, but mindful more of the play time—of Kentucky’s great play day of the May time—35,000 citizens of everywhere came from the high and low places of earth to-day to make Derby Day in Louisville what Derby Day always had been.
When a Maytime sun flushes the bluegrass of Churchill Downs, dapples the satin coats of thoroughbreds and touches to brilliancy the brave green and gold of paddock, lawn and infield, when a hawthornscented breeze, straight from the wooded hills of Jacob Park, ripples the gleaming folds of “Old Glory,” when Senators and Governors, multi-millionaires and internationally famous beauties foregather for the running of the Derby, when the motion picture cameras are licking, when the bands are playing, and the bugles sounding “Boots and Saddles,” it is time to heed Omar’s advice:
“Come, fill the cup, and in the fire of spring
Your winter garment of repentance fling!”
There were, indeed, no “winter garments of repentance” in evidence at the Down to-day but instead such Far Eastern colors, such vivid touches of Chinese red and jade green, such oriental embroideries, such swirling military capes and coats that had their inspiration in the army as to convert the Downs into a picture that suggested some vast canvas by Velasquez.
The wise man who once declared that “four things greater than all things are: Women and horses and power and war” would have found his dictum translated into living proof to-day, for added to the beauty of the women who graced the Downs, added to the fleetness of the satin-coated horses, and the power that is Kentucky, there was the suggestion of patriotism that can only translate itself in war. The olive-drab of the First Kentucky Infantry formed a fitting background for the striking picture presented by clubhouse lawn, verandas and boxes. “Old Glory” rippled and fluttered and the notes of the bugle stirred the immense throng to one single impulse of patriotism. The feeling that if fate should decree that on the next Derby days some of “our boys” should be in France, and nearer Longchamps than Churchill Downs, that Kentucky will be sure to “place a wager for them” instead of “turning down an empty glass,” was everywhere expressed.
Meanwhile, it seemed that “the loveliest, and the best” of Louisville, of Kentucky, and of the nation, were “star-scattered on the grass” of the clubhouse. In fact, the Rubaiyat of the Kentucky Derby was written to-day, and the chestnut-coated, satin-smooth Omar Khayyam won no less in the clubhouse than on the race course for everywhere the Far Eastern, the Persian, the Oriental touch was in evidence. There were Arab coats, pongees, and tussahs, silks of Oriental weave, and fabrics that were dyed in the self-same tints, and embroidered in the self-same designs and motifs as those that greeted the eyes of Omar Khayyam centuries ago.
Automobiles in a long line that narrowed close to the course and bore thousands from all quarters of the city filled all the inclosures and the open spaces near the park. Street cars, embracing nearly all the emergency equipment of the railway company, ran in an almost continuous line, southbound, for several hours on Fourth street. Many lovers of the sport and the occasion took the footpaths for the exercise.
At any rate, 1:30 o’clock found no less than 30,000 persons within Churchill Downs. It found them likewise at attention as a body of soldiers, led by a soldier band, marched in from the north gate, drawing up before a large flagstaff in the center of the infield.
When 30,000 persons are of one mind, and are gathered in silence in one place, there is eloquence in the air. The very breeze gives a thrill. When the Star Spangled Banner and a Kentucky Derby in wartime are turned loose on such a vast gathering of Americans the heart thumps mightily. In that gathering were men who have seen the ravages of war and men who expect to feel its blight; men in the khaki and men hoping soon to don it. And so, when the regiment boys burst into the anthem as a large flag was raised along with two smaller ones, the crowd rose, held its silence until the band ceased, and then broke into a mighty cheer.
It was nearly 5 o’clock when the bugle sounded calling the horses to the post. The long procession of fifteen, led by the outrider on a gray horse, garbed in a fiery red jacket, made an imposing picture. The gay silks of the jockeys, with the verdant infield for a background, handed just the right touch of color to the scene. Down past the grandstand and clubhouse they pranced, and here they were all given cheers. It takes Kentucky racing audiences to grow enthusiastic, and they know how to do it. On the way to the post Ticket, the favorite, was the most nervous one of the lot, prancing and dancing throughout the stretch. All others were a well behaved lot.
It took the starter four minutes to get them in alignment, and then the grand old shout of “They’re off!” shot out from the grandstand and was spent on the distant green hills.
Ticket dashed into the lead, but Stargazer soon assumed command, with Berlin forcing the pace at his side. They swept past the grandstand at a stirring clip, the field strung out as the riders jockeyed for positions. On went Stargazer, his dazzling pace tearing at the hearts of those who attempted to follow it. Berlin curled up from the effort and dropped back, beaten, as the band sped up the back stretch. Ticket still held on and it was plain that he was the horse the winner would have to beat.
As they rounded the turn by the old clubhouse Rickety made his move. He seemed to have the speed of his party and rapidly mowed down his opposition. At the quarter pole Rickety flashed in front, but it was only for an instant. He appeared to suddenly weaken and Ticket headed the procession.
Meanwhile one of the cleverest riders in America was nestling low over the neck of a big chestnut colt. As the field passed the grandstand the first time he was in tenth place. There he continued around the curve and into the back stretch. Out in front he could see the flying leaders, but his mount was running smoothly, and as they passed the half mile pole he noticed he was shortening the distance that he must make up. He was satisfied with his position. But suddenly every hope was threatened. He was borne over against the rail and his mount was knocked off his stride. But Borel did not despair. He took back until the way was clear and passed the mile mark in sixth place.
The flying leaders swung a trifle wide into the stretch and left an opening on the rail. Borel did not hesitate. Along the white fence he took Omar. In a couple of jumps his mount was at Ticket’s rump. Steadily he moved toward the front, past saddle girth and withers. He soon was stretching fiery nostrils alongside the bay colt’s neck, and then Omar Khayyam’s blaze face showed in front, and in the last hundred yards commenced to draw away and swept under the wire winner by two lengths.
The Kentucky Derby; one mile and a quarter; for three-year olds; purse, $15,000 added; net value to the winner, $16,600; $2,500 to second, $1,000 to third, $275 to fourth. Fractional Time—0:23⅗, 0:47⅗, 1:12⅘, 1:38, 2:04⅗.
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 space in clubhouse and grandstand was taken, while a solid mass 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 2:10⅘. 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 classical 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—0:24⅕, 0:49⅕, 1:16⅕, 1:43⅗, 2:10⅘. Went to the post at 5:19 p. m. Off at 5:21.
| Starters Weights | St. | ¼ | ½ | ¾ | S. | F. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Exterminator, 114 | W. Knapp | 5 | 5 | 1 | 4½ | 1 | h | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||
| Escoba, 117 | J. Notter | 2 | 3 | 1½ | 2 | h | 2 | 1 | 1 | h | 2 | 8 | ||||||||||||
| Viva America, 113 | W. Warrington | 1 | 1 | 1½ | 1 | 1½ | 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 | 5½ | 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 | 6½ | 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 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, 2:09⅗, 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.”