The Delta independent., 1889-05-14
THE KENTUCKY DERBY:
The Big Race Won by a Montana
Horse In 2.24 I.2.

LOUISVILLE, May 9.-The spring
meeting Of the Louisville Jockey Club
opened to-day. The weather was very fine
and the largest crowd ever known was
present, It being variously estimated a,
from 1900 to 25,OOO The track was in
good condition, well sprinkled, hard and
safe, through two inches Of dust, and lit
tie fast.
Montana answers to California in the ro
suits Of the day. All else was eclipscd in
the Kentucky Derby. 1t had been in sigh,
and hearing for weeks. A great race was
expected and the expectation did not rise
to tho reality. Three years ago Haggin
brought Ben Ali out of the West to lower
the Kentucky Derby record TO .. .36J<; Arm
strong came to-day with Spokane and two
seconds more disappeared.
little crowd of Far West turfmen were
present, and with little ado they went
| about backing their favorites. Armstrong
year ago said he was going to take this,
the highest honor of the West.
There were not enough Coast people to
| overcome the immense enthusiasm which
backed the home horse, Proctor Knott, and
betting was nearly all one way. The first
pool sold this morning was $50 for Knott
and Sill on the field and while much bet
ter than this was done, both in the books
and especially in private bets, this shows
the strength Of sentiment All bets against
Knott were snapped, and the only reason
Kentucky is not broke tonight was the
lack OF men from the West to take their
offers.
As tho horses filed up the track for the
great event all appeared in perfect condi
ton. The game chicken on the great futur-
ity winner was checrcd TO the echo as he
came out sixth, and Young's entries, who
followed, called for applause. Spokane was
hardly noticed, though u quiet tip was out
among the knowing that he had been saved
for the occasion.
The race was run out OF the chute. Fer
yuson had little trouble in getting
them on together, and tho start was
very even. Hindoo Craft was in front,
Bootmaker second, Spokane third
On the way down to the stand
Barnes gave Proctor Knott his head and
the great gclding bounded forward like a
flash, passing the stand five lengths in the
lead, Hindoo Craft second and Spokane
third. foung's pair were close behind.
All the way around to the head of the
stretch the positions were little changed,
though the crowd was closing up on Knot,
who WAS evidently watching FOR the fin.
ish.
As they turned around the stretch the
race commenced, and seldom was such u
run witnessed in America. Knot was let
out, but Spokane came up with u trcmcn-
Gus rush. Half way down the stretch
Knot swcrvcd and Spokane forged to the
front by two lengths. Barnes wheeled
the favoritc into line JUS, Us they reached
the distance stated and he came up like a
bolt II was too late, however, and Spo-
kane passed under the wire winner by n
nose, Once Again third, three lengths OF
The rest were strung out.
Spokane is owned by Noah Armstrong Of
Helena, Montana, where he was bred. He
wintercd ut Memphis. The race was
worth q, $50 10 the winner.
Tho quarters in the Derby race were run
as follows; First quarter, .24lf; half mile,
.4sh thrcc-quartcrs, i.i4ll. mile, l.Ill; ;
mile and quarter, 2.os; mile and u half,
234l.