KENTUCKY DERBY 127 



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 sud- 

 denly 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 



