The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-06-22
THE DERBY RACES,
A Grand Triumph Achieved by Iroquois.

LONDON, June For the first time since
the Derby stakes have been run for, they
have been carried away by al American
horse, and the whole world of London is ask
ing itself tonight what it all means. At the
meeting on Epson Downs this afternoon,
Mr.. Pierre Lorillard's b. c. lroquois snatched
the victory from fourteen competitors,
among which were some of the most famous
horses on the English turf, covering the mile
and q half Of the course in $3.50, and winning
by g good half length over the favorite, Per
egrine, owned by R. w. Grosvenor. Many
thousands of pounds were staked on the Eng
lish horse, and those who had the courage
or sagacity to back Mr.. Lorillard's stables
have taken fortunes from the pockets of the
English turfmen. The betting yesterday
against Iroquois was seven to one, and when
a rumor was circulated to the effect that
Fred. Archer, known as the "Demon Jock
ey" on account Of his numerous victories on
the course, was not to ride the American
colt the odds were raised to fourteen to one.
The rumor was soon exploded, however, and
last night the book makers returned to their
old figures Of seven to one, and these odds
were freely offered and given to-day, just be-
fore the race, while in some cases as high as
eleven to one were given, so confident were
the Englishmen that Iroquois had no chance
Of winning, notwithstanding the fame and
skill of his rider. With such figures, on a
race course that is always crowded with
Lords and Commoners who have plenty Of
money, and are always anxious to risk it on
the Derby, it can be easily seen that a vast
amount Of money musthaye been transferred
to the pockets of the fortunate hackers of the
winner.
The day opened warm and sultry, and by
noon the sun was pouring down on the roads
leading to Epson Downs with a most intense
heat. This however did not prevent the
usual crowd which throng to the Derby
from starting to-day, and the parched and
dusty roads were filled from early morning
with carriages and vehicles Of a. description
while thousands trudged along on foot from
every direction to the race-course. Every
Englishman within reaching distance Of Ep-
som who has the money to get there is bound
to go to the Derby, and the popular excite
ment over the event was as great to day as it
has been on any past occasion. London as
usual poured out great crowds, and it is an
nounced that $4,000 persons went to the
grounds by rail from Victoria station alone,
while many thousands were carried over the
the various other routes.
The scene at the course before the race be.
Car ypac G moot livnlv orI nycitsrr ono IT,
hill was literally covered with drags contain
ing ladies and gentlemen, the toilets Of the
ladies being Of the most elegant description.
A great number Of tents were erected for the
sale of refreshments, while booths and shoot
u g-gallerles, and amusements Of all kinds,
including the ever popular Punch and Judy.
were to be encountered on every side. A
vast multitude Of people surged round the
rails and packed the grand stand s. that it
was uncomfortable to occupy in the heat of
the day. It may be confidently asserted that
no Derby ever attracted a larger assemblage
to Epson Downs than that which witnessed
the triumph Of America over England.
The great interest taken in the contest was
manifested by the large attendance at the
Paddock" which was thronged with ladies
and gentlemen, all eager to examine the
horses before the race began. The Paddock
IN "a ASACoaAS % PNkSo WILL AANA AL
made picturesque by groups Of trees, in
which the horses are brought forth for gen
tie exercise before going on the course. It
IS here that connoisseurs examine their
"points" and form judgments to guide them
in their betting. Here, too, is given what is |
known as the "Paddock Parade" all the
horses marching around in a circle, preceded
by a body Of police, just before being called
to the track. Peregrine and Geologist were
greatly admired, and the other horses had
their special friends, but Iroquois was not il
especial favor with the betting men. One
old habitue of the turf made the remark that
he looked as though he would do better over
hurdles than on q fat course. The parade
was given just before 3 o'clock, all the start
ers in the Derby engaging in it except the
f~avorite, Peregrine.
At this time the betting on lroquois had
gone still lower. 1t was evident that his in
spection In the Paddock had lessen his mar
ket value in the pools, and odds of eleven to
TWO were offered against him, while the bet
ting was even on Peregrine and four to one
against Geologist, the second choice Of the
crowd. The track was in good condition, |
but rather hard. The start was made on the |
second trial, the horses all being Wellin hand
and behaving nobly. Marshal Mcdonald got |
Oft first, having only q slight lead of Cullo-
den and st. Louis. Following these three,
who ran very nearly in a line, came Cumber-
land, Don Fulano, Town Moor, Geologist and
Fortissimo, and slightly in the rear Of these
Peregrine an1 Iroquois. The others were
trailing behind. Marshal Mcdonald, who
was ordered TO make running for Don Fula-
no, retained the lead for q quarter OF a mile,
when he was Tapped by ST. Louis, and the
two ran together to the mile post, when ST.
Louis gained a slight advantage. Marshal
Mcdonald, however, soon closed up the gap,
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