Chapter C: A. Lewis' ch c Verdigris, by Versailles, out of Belle Brandon;

100 lbs., H. Chambers 3

H. P. McGrath's b c Chesapeake, by Lexington, out of Roxana; 100
lbs., W. Henry 0

Robinson, Morgan & Co.'s br c Bob Woolley, by Imp. Leamington, out
of Item; 100 lbs., W. Walker 0

J. B. Rhodes' b c Searcher, by Enquirer, dam by Imp. Bonnie
Scotland; 100 lbs., R. Colston, Jr. 0

Wm. Cottrill's ch f Ascension, by Imp. Australian, out of Lilly
Ward; 97 lbs., W. Lakeland 0

Stringfield & Clay's gr c Enlister, by Enquirer, out of Crownlet;
100 lbs., Holloway 0

A. Buford's ch c McCreery, by Enquirer, out of Ontario; 100 lbs.,
D. Jones 0

Stringfield & Clay's ch c Warsaw, by War Dance, out of Sister of
Charity; 100 lbs., P. Masterson 0

F. B. Harper's b c Ten Broeck, by Imp. Phaeton, out of Fanny
Holton; 100 lbs., M. Kelso 0

S. J. Salyer's br c Bill Bruce, by Enquirer, out of Aurora Raby;
100 lbs., M. Jones 0

Allen Bashford's br c, by Baywood, out of Lute; 100 lbs., J. Carter 0

A. B. Lewis & Co.'s b c Vagabond, by Vandal, out of Gem; 100 lbs.,
J. Houston 0

J. A. Grinstead's ch f Gold Mine, by Imp. Australian, out of
Income; 97 lbs., C. Stradford 0

Time--2:37-3/4

Betting--McGrath $260, Ascension $150, Searcher $120, Bill Bruce $80, Verdigris $70, Volcano $60, the field $50.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY

The fifteen youngsters assembled at the half mile pole. Little or no delay took place under the able directorship of Col. W. H. Johnson. When they were marshaled into line, he tapped the drum to one of the most capital starts I have ever seen, the fifteen going away like a platoon of cavalry, except the Baywood colt, who hung at the post. Volcano jumped away first, with McCreery second, and Searcher third, the remainder bunched, coming round the turn to the quarter pole 25-1/2 seconds. They came at a rapid rate down the stretch and past the stand in 50 seconds, McCreery first, Volcano second, Searcher third, Aristides fourth, the others pretty well bunched. Before they had reached the quarter, 1:17, Aristides had gone to the front and opened a gap of two lengths down the back stretch, Volcano second, Searcher third, the mile 1:43-1/4. The pace was so hot that it began to tell and the field was stretched over a good deal of ground. The race from this point home was never in doubt, Aristides winning by two lengths with something in hand, Volcano second, a length in front of Verdigris third, who came rapidly on the home stretch inside the distance. Bob Woolley who was caromed against on the lower turn a good fourth. Ten Broeck fifth, the Baywood colt sixth, Bill Bruce seventh, the remainder were scattered at wide intervals, and the dust was so great that I was unable to place the others. Time--2:37-3/4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE WINNER

Aristides is a chestnut colt, with a star, and two white pasterns behind. He stands fifteen hands, one and three-quarter inches high. He has a neat head and neck running into rather a straight shoulder, with great length, good barrel, excellent hips and stifles, sound feet and legs well under him. He has fine turn of speed, and from the way he finished up the Derby to-day gives every evidence of being a good stayer. He was bred by Mr. H. P. McGrath, at McGrathiana Stud Farm, near Lexington, Ky., and is by Imp. Leamington, out of Sarong, by Lexington, her dam The Greek Slave, by Imp. Glencoe--Margaret Hunter, by Imp. Margrave--Mary Hunt, by Bertrand--Betty Coons, by Hephestion--by Hampton's Twig--by Imp. Bedford--by Harlequin--by Imp. Fearnaught.

SECOND DERBY 1876

Eleven out of the thirty-four nominations went to the post, and after some delay, caused by the breakaway and anxiety of a few of the colts to get off in front, Col. Robt. Johnson, who officiated in this race, sent them away to a good start, Parole in the lead, Creedmoor second, Vagrant third, Bullion fourth, Bombay fifth, Harry Hill sixth, Red Coat seventh, and the remainder in pretty close order. Before going half way around the turn, Vagrant had taken the lead, with Parole second, Creedmoor, third. From the three-quarter pole to the stand some changes took place, Vagrant leading, Bullion two lengths, second, Harry Hill third, Parole fourth, Bombay fifth, Creedmoor sixth, the remainder outpaced, strung out in single file. Vagrant maintained his lead around the turn and just before reaching the quarter pole, 1:17-1/2, some one, many thought Harry Hill, ran into and cut Bullion down and dropped back, Harry Hill taking his position, with Creedmoor third. Before reaching the half mile the race had resolved itself into a match between Vagrant and Creedmoor. But it was never in doubt, for Vagrant galloped along at his ease and his big stride, and won the race, like he has all the others, in a big gallop by more than a length, Harry Hill, two lengths from him, third, Bombay fourth, Red Coat fifth, Harper's black filly by Enquirer sixth, Leamingtonian seventh, Marie Michon eighth, Bullion ninth, Parole tenth and Germantown eleventh. The quarter 26, half 51, three-quarters 1:17-1/2, mile 1:45, mile and a quarter 2:11-3/4, mile and a half 2:38-1/4.

DESCRIPTION AND PEDIGREE

Vagrant is a dark bay gelding, blaze face, four white stockings, and stands a shade over 15-3/4 hands. He was bred at the Preakness Stud Farm, the property of M. H. Sanford, Esq., and was purchased as a yearling by T. J. Nichols, Paris, Ky., for $250. He has a neat head and neck, good shoulders, excellent middle piece, great length, immense hips and quarters and tremendous stifles, with sound feet and legs. His action is easy and graceful, a regular daisy cutter, and from his style and carriage must go a distance of ground.

Vagrant is by Virgil (son of Vandal and Hymenia by Imp. Yorkshire; 1st dam Lazy, by Imp. Scythian; 2d dam Lindora, by Lexington; 3d dam Picayune, by Medoc; 4th dam Sally Howe, by Sir William of Transport; 5th dam Lady Robin, by Robin Grey; 6th dam by Quicksilver (son of imp. Medley); 7th dam by Meede's Celer.

He started in his two-year-old form six times, won five, and beaten once. He won the Alexander Stakes, half mile, at Louisville, Ky., in 50-1/4, beating Harry Hill, Russ Butler and ten others. Same meeting with 5 lbs. penalty, ran third to Creedmoor for the Tennessee Stakes, three-quarters of a mile in 1:22-1/2 track deep in mud. At Lexington, Ky., won sweepstakes for 2-year-old colts, three-quarters of a mile, beating The Nipper, Creedmoor, and six others, in 1:18. Same meeting won the sweepstakes for two-year-old colts and fillies, one mile, beating Clemmie G., The Nipper, and five others, in 1:45-1/2. At Louisville Fall Meeting, won the Belle Meade Stakes, three-quarters of a mile, beating Bengal, Bombay, and nine others, in 1:17-1/4. Same meeting won the Sanford Stakes, one mile, beating Alborac, Miriam filly, and several others, in 1:46.

At Lexington, Ky., Spring Meeting of 1876, won the Phoenix Hotel Stakes, 1-1/8 miles, by more than a distance, beating Clemmie G., Knapsack, Very Fine and Yandall, in 1:56-3/4. Besides winning the Kentucky Derby, at Louisville, in present meeting, he is engaged in the Clark Stakes, two miles, and same place in fall on the St. Leger, two miles and Galt House Stakes, two mile heats, the Grand Exposition Stakes, 1-1/2 miles at Philadelphia, the Breckenridge Stakes, two miles, at Baltimore, and the Suwanee Stakes, two mile heats, at Nashville Fall Meetings.

The Kentucky Derby, for three-year olds, $50 play or pay, with $1,500 added, second to have $200. One and a half miles, 34 nominations. Value $3,200.

T. J. Nichol's b g Vagrant, by Virgil, dam Lazy, 97 lbs., Swim 1

Williams & Owings' ch c Creedmoor, by Asteroid, dam imp. Target,
100 lbs., Williams 2

John Funk's br c Harry Hill, by Virgil, dam Lark, 100 lbs., Miller 3

P. Lorillard's br g Parole, by imp. Leamington, dam Maiden, 97
lbs., Sparling 0

F. B. Harper's ch c Germantown, by Planet, dam Nantura, 100 lbs.,
Graham 0

F. B. Harper's blk f, by Enquirer, dam by imp. Albion, 97 lbs.,
James 0

J. A. Grinstead's b f Marie Michon, by Melbourne, jr., dam Nellie
Gray, 97 lbs., Stratford 0

H. F. Vissman's b c Leamingtonian, by imp. Leamington, dam Mollie,
100 lbs., Colston 0

D. Swigert's b c Bombay, by Planet, dam Nora, 100 lbs., Walker 0

Green Clay's ch c Red Coat, by imp. Australian, dam Sally, 100
lbs., Hughes 0

A. Keene Richards' ch c Bullion, by War Dance, dam Gold Ring, 100
lbs., Kelso 0

Time--2:38-1/4

Betting--Just before the start, Vagrant even against the field.

THIRD DERBY 1877

Persons who long wished and desired a beautiful day for the Kentucky Derby were fully gratified Tuesday. The sun was out bright and the excessive heat for the past week was tempered by a gentle breeze that made it all the more enjoyable, albeit it militated some against faster time.

The course, from the heavy rain of Sunday, was not in the best possible condition, and in some places was a little deep and uneven. Early in the morning preparations commenced for the day's sport, and the crowded condition of the hotels betokened a large attendance, and long before the call bell was sounded to summon the jockeys and horses, the grand stand, quarter-stretch, field and field stand were crowded to repletion with an anxious crowd of spectators. The sky was flecked here and there with a few masses of clouds, but there was nothing threatening about them. Now and then they served the purpose of a veil, which hid the fierce glances of the sun, and cast a shade over the vast crowd that was gathered on the emerald green fields. Rarely, indeed, have the magnificent landscapes which can be viewed on either side from the grand stand and its neighborhood, looked more lovely. Behind, looking, we see the Nashville railroad winding its way like a snake through green fields and woodlands until it is lost in the distance. In front to one side you see the curling smoke arising from the city, with a cloud of dust that indicates the road over which the vast crowd is coming, bent on pleasure. To the left lay green fields and woodlands, rejoicing in the light luxuriant foliage of May; meadows and fields surrounded by whitened fences, here and there a cottage dotted over the plain with their smoke curling lazily upwards. Away beyond this could be seen the green hills running in a semi-circle, indicating where the beautiful Ohio winds its way and marked the boundary between Kentucky and Indiana.

For the Derby, eleven out of the forty-one nominations sported silk. Leonard was a hot favorite, and the race resulted in his overthrow by Baden-Baden, who was third choice in the betting. If Leonard could have won, his chances were destroyed by the way in which the race was managed. He made all the running, took the lead and set himself up as a target for the others to shoot at, and right gallantly did Lisbon serve his stable companion, Baden-Baden, for three-quarters of a mile at a clipping pace, and then dropped back. Vera Cruz, who was backed with considerable spirit by his friends, had his chances destroyed by being left at the post. King William ran a good race, and for a colt that has had the knocking about and hammering that he has, he is one of the best three-year-olds that has appeared this year. His performance should add greatly to the reputation of his young sire, Foster, one of the best bred sons of Lexington. The race was an excellent one for the condition of the course.

After some three or four breakaways, the eleven were despatched to a good start, except Vera Cruz, who reared and plunged just as the drum tapped, Dan K. showing in front, but was soon passed by Lisbon, who cut out the work at a sharp pace, the quarter 26-1/2 seconds. Entering the stretch Leonard showed in front and had a lead of half a length at the stand, with Lisbon and King William second and third, the remainder in pretty close order, the half mile 52 seconds. Going around the turn King William joined Leonard, and Lisbon dropped back, Baden-Baden taking his place, the three-quarters 1:18. Going down the back stretch Leonard led King William a length, the latter whipping, with Baden-Baden at his quarters, the mile 1:44-3/4. The two took close order on the turn, and just before entering the stretch at the three-quarter pole, the mile and a quarter 2:11-1/2, Baden-Baden showed his nose in front, Leonard second, lapped by King William, all three driving. It was a beautiful and exciting finish to the stand, Baden-Baden winning by little over a length, Leonard second, a head in front of King William, third. Vera Cruz, who reared and was left at the post, overhauled his horses and finished fourth, with Odd Fellow fifth, lapped by McWhirter sixth, Malvern seventh, Earlylight eighth, Dan K. ninth, Lisbon tenth, and Headlight eleventh. Time--2:38.

DESCRIPTION OF WINNER

Baden-Baden is a dark chestnut colt, with a star, stands 16 hands high, with a plain head, good neck, well placed shoulders, with plenty of length, good back and loins, and sound feet and legs. There is nothing striking about him, and he greatly resembles his own brother, Helmbold, and has bred back after his sire.

He was bred by A. J. Alexander, Woodburn Stud Farm, Spring Station, Ky., and purchased by D. Swigert, Stockwood Farm, as a yearling for $1,010, by imp. Australian, out of Lavender by Wagner, her dam Alice Carneal by imp. Sarpedon--Rowena by Sumpter--Lady Gray by Robin Gray--Maria by Melzar--by imp. Highflyer--by imp. Fearnaught--by Ariel--by Jack of Diamonds--imp. Diamond by Cullen Arabian--Lady Thigh by Croft's Partner--by Greyhound--Sophonisba's dam by Curwen's Bay Barb--by D'Arcy's Chestnut Arabian--by White-shirt--Old Montague mare.

Baden-Baden started five times at two years old, won one, lost four. He was unplaced at Lexington, Ky., for sweepstakes, one mile, won by Glentina in 1:45-1/2. He ran second at Louisville, Ky., for the Belle Meade Stakes, three-quarters of a mile, won by McWhirter in 1:17. Same meeting ran second to Belle of the Meade for the Sanford Stakes, one mile, in 1:44-1/4. Same meeting ran second to Belle of the Meade, 100 lbs. each, for a sweepstakes, one mile, in 1:44-1/4, the best on record, and at Nashville won the Young America Stakes, one mile, in 1:46-3/4, beating King William, Barbara, Joe Burt and Alice Murphy.

He has the following engagements: The Belle Meade Stake No. 2, 2 miles, the Suwanee Stakes, 2 mile heats, Nashville Fall meeting; the Clark Stakes, 2 miles, Louisville spring meeting; the Kentucky St. Leger, 2 miles, and the Galt House Stakes, two mile heats, fall meeting, at Louisville, Ky.; the Dixie Stakes, 2 miles, at Baltimore; the Belmont, 1-1/2 miles, the Jerome, 2 miles and All Aged stakes 1-1/2 miles at Jerome Park; the Jersey Derby, 1-1/2 miles, and the Robbins, 2 miles, at Long Branch; the Travers, 1-3/4 miles, and Kenner, 2 miles, at Saratoga, and the Woodburn Stakes, 2-1/2 miles, at Jerome Park in 1878.

SUMMARY

The Kentucky Derby, for three-year-olds; $50 p. p., with $1,500 added; $200 to second horse. One and a half miles (41 subscribers). Value $3,550.

D. Swigert's ch c Baden-Baden, by imp. Australian, dam Lavender,
100 lbs., Walker 1

H. P. McGrath's br c Leonard, by Longfellow, dam Colleen Bawn, 100
lbs., Swim 2

Smallwood & Co.'s ch c King William, by Foster, dam by imp. Albion,
100 lbs., Bailey 3

J. T. Williams' b g Vera Cruz, by Virgil, dam Regan, 97 lbs., Murphy 0

J. J. Merrill's b c Odd Fellow, by Longfellow, dam Magnolia, 100
lbs., Williams 0

A. Buford's ch c McWhirter, by Enquirer, dam Ontario, 100 lbs., H.
Moore 0

Geo. H. Rice's br c Malvern, by Melbourne, jr., dam Magnetta, 100
lbs., S. Jones 0

F. B. Harper's gr f Early Light, by Longfellow, dam Fannie Wells,
97 lbs., W. James 0

Johnson & Mills' b g Dan K., by imp. Bonnie Scotland, dam Jennie
June, 97 lbs., McGrath 0

D. Swigert's b c Lisbon, by imp. Phaeton, dam imp. Lady Love, 100
lbs., Douglass 0