Omaha daily bee., 1889-05-10
He GREAT AMERICAN DERBY
Spokane Wins and Lowers the
Record Two Seconds.
AN EVENT SELDOM EQuALLeo.
Jockey Mclaughlin Gets in Some
Fine Work at Nashville and is
Ruled or the Track
Base Ball.
Spokane Wins.

LOUISVILLE, KY, May 9-The spring
meeting of the Louisville Jockey club opened
t. day. The weather was fine and the largest
crowd ever known was present, being var
iously estimated at from $1,000 to 25,0O0.
The track was in good condition, well
sprinkled, hard and safe through two inches
of dust, and little fast A great race. was
expected, but the expectation did not rise TO
the reality. AS TWO years ago Hagin brought
Ben Ali out Of the west to lower the
Kentucky Derby record to 2;36lf,
so Armstrong came to-day, with Spokane,
aud two seconds more disappeared. Arm
strong year ago said that he was going to
take this, the highest honor OF the west.
There were not enough coast people to over
come the immense enthusiasm which backed
the home horse, Proctor Knott, and betting
was nearly all one way. The first pool sold
this morning was $3.50 for Knott and Sill for
the field, while much better than this was
done. both in the books and especially in
private bets. This shows the strength of
sentiment.
AS the horses filled the track for the great
event, all appeared in perfect condition. The
jockey on the great futurity winner was
cheered to the echo as he came out sixth,
and Young's entries, who followed, were
also applauded. Spokane was hardly no
ticed, though quite tip was out among the
knowing ones that he bad been saved tor the
occasion Facing the post the starters and
riders we're:
Sportsman, 11s pounds; Spokane, i1s,
Kiley; Proctor Knott, 1l5, Barnes; Once
Again, llS, Murphy; BookmaKer, 11S, War
wick; Cassius llS. Taral; Outbound, 49,
Hollis; Hindoocraft, 1lS, Armstrong.
The starter had little difficulty in getting
them off together, and the start was very
oven. Hindoocraft was in front, Bookmaker
second, Spokane third. On the way down to
the stand Barnes gave Proctor Knott his
head, and the great gelding bounded for
ward like q FASH passing the stand five
lengths in the lead, Hindoocraft second, and
Spokane third. 'Young's pair were close be-
hind. All the way around to the head of the
stretch the positions were little changed,
though the crowd was closing up on Knott
who was evidently waiting for the finish
AS they turned around the stretch
the race commenced, and seldom
was such run witnessed in America
Knott was let out, but Spokane came up
with a tremendous rush. Half way down
the stretch Knott swerved, and Spokane
forged TO the front by two lengths. Barnes
wheeled the favorite into line Just as they
reached the distance stand, and he came up
like a bolt. 1t was too late, however, and
Spokane passed under the wire winner by
nose in 2:341S, Once Again third, three
lengths off. The rest were strung out.
Spokane is owned by Noah Armstrong, of
Helena, Mont, where he was bred. He
wintered at Memphis. The race was worth
"a, $50 TO the winner.
Maiden two-year-olds five-eighths of
mile-Swifter won, Pinkie Il. Second, Morse
third. Time 04X.
One and onesixteenth MILESTONE to Taw
won. Badge second, Lavina Belle third. Time
:51L.
All ages, three-fourths of mile, heats
First heat: Bravo won, Tudor second, Mac
auley third, Weeks and Vanguard distanced.
Time-l:l7. Second heat: Bravo won,
Prather second, Macauley third. Time
116&.