KENTUCKY DERBY 135 



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 hold- 

 ings 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 noth- 

 ing 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 



