324 JOHN PORTElR OF KINGSCLERE 



Johnstone jokingly ask Prince Soltykoff if he 

 could suggest a better name for the horse. 



Common, of course, became forthwith a 

 strong favourite for the Derby, and finally his 

 supporters could get no more than ii to lo 

 to their money. Even so, the price was a liberal 

 one. It was a wretched Derby day — about as 

 bad as that of the previous year when Sainfoin 

 won, for rain fell heavily most of the afternoon. 

 The prevailing conditions did not, however, 

 impede Common in the least. A quarter of a 

 mile from home he and Gouverneur drew right 

 away from the others. The favourite gained a 

 decisive lead at the distance, and, without being 

 pressed, beat the French horse two lengths. 



At Ascot, Common won the St. James* Palace 

 Stakes, but in the contest for the Eclipse Stakes 

 at Sandown Park in July was beaten a length 

 and a half and a short head by Surefoot and 

 Gouverneur. Those who can call to mind the 

 make and shape of Common will, I feel sure, 

 agree with me that the Eclipse course was not 

 suited to his build and action. His next, and 

 last, race was the St. Leger. With odds of 5 

 to 4 laid on him, he won from M. Blanc*s 

 Reverend and Colonel North*s St. Simon 

 of the Rock; Mimi, the Oaks winner, finis'^'.ed 

 fourth. Towards the end of the race Common's 

 backers had a fright, for about half a mile from 

 home he appeared to be beaten. But his game- 



