PRIME MINISTERS AND THEIR RACE-HORSES 



1870. The colt won the Newmarket Stakes, and 

 then awaited the Epsom race. At this date Lord 

 Rosebery was Prime Minister of England, and 

 every sportsman in the country hoped that at 

 last " the double event " would be won. But, in 

 reality, there was little doubt of his success when, 

 on the chill morning that ushered in the Derby, 

 Ladas at six o'clock, in the presence of his owner, 

 did a six-furlong gallop in brilliant style. As 

 the day drew on, the crowds were immense. The 

 superstitious were persuaded of victory, for did 

 not Primrose Way win the race immediately 

 before the Derby Stakes ? The actual wagering 

 was small, for few could afiford to lay the almost 

 prohibitive odds. Nothing looked so well as 

 Ladas. From the start he allowed his opponents 

 to lead until they were in line for home, and then 

 coming right away he won at his ease. The scene 

 of triumph was without parallel. The crowd 

 swept the police off their feet, while Lord Rosebery 

 struggled through the cheering masses to lead in 

 the second Ladas. The spell had been broken, and 

 at last the First Minister of the Crown during his 

 term of office had won the Blue Riband of the 

 Turf. 



Although Ladas never gained another race, Lord 

 Rosebery was consoled by taking the Derby in the 

 following year with Sir Visto after an exciting 

 contest, and then won the St. Leger with him. 

 Ten years later the elegant Cicero, enjoying some 

 luck and with long odds betted on him, won Lord 

 Rosebery his third Derby. Three more classic 

 victories have to be mentioned. In 1910 Lord 

 Rosebery won the Two Thousand with Neil Gow, 



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