A GREAT YEAR 



Epsom was now at hand, the majority of backers 

 by this time staunch in the conviction that The Panther 

 would win the Derby. Winners of the Two Thousand 

 Guineas have been accustomed to do so. Accepting 

 the substitute Derby over the Suffolk Stakes course at 

 Newmarket as the real thing, both classics had of 

 recent years been won frequently by the same horse, 

 Gainsborough in 191 8, Gay Crusader 1 9 1 7, Pommern 

 1916, Sunstar 191 1, Minoru 1909, St. Amant 1904, 

 Rock Sand 1903, Diamond Jubilee 1900, Flying Fox 

 1899, Galtee More 1897, Ladas 1894, Isinglass 1893, 

 Common 1891, Ayrshire 1888, Ormonde 1886; 

 then Paradox in 1885 was beaten a short head, and 

 Galliard in 1883 had just missed it the year after 

 Shotover had carried on the tradition. This was 

 encouraging for those who placed faith in The Panther, 

 admittedly a really good-looking colt, and it was 

 protested that in his case appearances were not de- 

 ceptive. He maintained his favouritism in the face 

 of the sceptics, notwithstanding that on his arrival at 

 Epsom he had shown temper, translated by his 

 admirers into " a little wilfulness the result of high 

 courage." It is thus that men credit what they are 

 anxious to believe. 



Meanwhile misfortune, or what seemed to be so, 

 was affecting Barling's stable. One morning Grand 

 Parade showed symptoms of lameness. His progress 

 had been in all respects satisfactory until a few days 



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