LITTLE WONDER'S DERBY 45 



saw a horse sent to the post in such perfect con- 

 dition and bloom in my Hfe ; and, unless I am much 

 mistaken, he'll wear 'em all down if he gets a good 

 start.' On examining him more closely, I began to 

 think my friend was justified in his opinion. You 

 could see your face in the brightness of his skin, 

 and his muscles stood out like knots of iron, his 

 sinews and feet were perfect, he had a sweet temper, 

 walking and cantering like a gentleman. This was 

 Little Wonder, belonging to W. Forth, who had 

 another horse, a nameless one, in the race, known 

 as the ' Solace colt,' which he intended to ride 

 himself, placing Macdonald on Little Wonder, 

 which warranted the public in putting their money 

 on the Solace colt, who started at 20 to i, whilst 

 odds of 40 to I were laid against his companion. 

 Launcelot, the favourite, who was a beautiful colt, 

 and in the best possible condition, stood at 5 to 2 

 against. The race is easily described, for as soon 

 as they started Little Wonder galloped away, 

 and when rounding Tattenham Corner forged ahead, 

 and was never caught. Bill Scott striving his utmost 

 to reach him with Launcelot, who was second. 

 This was also a most noticeable Derby, as it was 

 the only one at which her present Majesty ever 

 attended. She was accompanied by Prince Albert, 

 who had promised to present a gold-mounted 

 whip to the rider of the winner. Macdonald was 

 called up to the Royal Stand, and received the much 

 coveted prize. He was considered to be a butcher 

 on any horse he rode when necessary, but in this 



