CRESCEUS, 2:02V'4 



colors of Cresceus. It was only a faint hope, however, 

 as few there were that really thought Lord Derby 

 would prove equal to the task cut out for him. 



The fact that Cresceus was to race brought out 

 fifteen thousand people. Every available spot within 

 the stretch was occupied by a surging crowd. All the 

 notable horsemen gathered in the grand stand, the 

 aisles of which were utilized by people who had stood 

 through five hours of racing. In front were gathered 

 men, women and children, all craning their necks to 

 get a glimpse of the champion. The open stand at the 

 left was also crowded, and the lawn up to the turn 

 w^as one dense throng. Inside the ring, tally-hos, 

 barouches and turnouts of every description stood, 

 with their owners and friends standing on tip-toes to 

 witness the great race. Along the rail, from turn to 

 turn, on the stretch, was a long string of people, two 

 and three rows deep, eager to see the great battle be- 

 tween Cresceus, Lord Derby and Charley Herr. The 

 piazzas and porch of the Gentlemen's Driving Club 

 were also crowded with members and their friends. 

 The first of the big trio to put in an appearance on the 

 track was Cresceus, and he was greeted with great 

 applause. Lord Derby next appeared, and was also 

 applauded. Then came the Kentucky champion, Char- 

 ley Herr, limping, and evidently in no condition to do 

 battle with the champion. 



Hardly any breeze was blowing when the great trio 

 tame down for the word the first time, but Starting 



137 



