Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-14

was the second chqice, opening at 2 to I,
and was backed to to 8. The four others
were played by thqSes th&t fancied a long
price. The nineteen books were unable to
handle the money that was wagered, and
it was a case of fight to get a bet down.
The weather was yeryiwarm. but it did
not prevent one of the largest crowds of
the season from attending the races. 1t
was by far the most representative gath
ering that has ever witnessed days rae
ing in New Orleans.
When the Derby field paraded to the post
the grand stand was paoKed with perspir
ing humanity. Not a vacant spot could be
secured. There was not the usual APP
plause that Derby candidates receive at
other courses Every one was critically
sizing up the starters. AS the horses
reached the post they lined up, but Rain
lard, Auditor and Vestina Belle broke up a
number of starts.
After five-minute wait Starter Fitzger-
aid managed to get the field lined up and
sprung the barrier Conkling was first to
show, closely pressed by Vestina Belle and
Rainland Helgerson Immediately let Au-
ditor have his head, and the field reach
ed the stand the first time around Auditor
was leading by a length, with Ostrich Sec
ond, neck in front or Conklfng, and the
others strung out bit. All managed to
get around the first turn safely and there
was not the usual amount of crowding.
Helgerson took Auditor in by the rail, saw
ing some ground. Fuller, on Ostrich, also
swung in on the rail behind Auditor.
AS the field reached the back stretch it
was plainly evident that it was strictly a
twO-horse race. but it was a question if
Auditor could live up to the killing pace
that he was setting. Auditor at the half
opened up gap of two lengths and looked
to be running easy. ostrich, with Fuller
sitting still, was only a head in front of
Conkling. The latter clearly had it on the
others, and it could be seen that they
would not be among the first three.
There was no change in the positions I'M
til the field reached the stretch. 1t was
then that Fuller let Ostrich down. Hell
gerson swung bit wide with the son of
Usher while Fuller chung to the rail. Au-
ditor was fast firing. while Ostrich was
full of running. At the sixteenth pole Os-
trich got to Auditor, and the pair fought 1t
out until opposite the head of the grand
stand, when both Helgerson and Auditor
seemed to go to pieces. Ostrich drew
steadily away, and won cleverly by a
length. Auditor managed to secure the
place by three lengths from Conkling, who
had ribbons of daylight separating him
from those that brought up the second di-
vision
Ostrich is entered in the American and
other Derbies, and will start in them all,
should he not meet with an accident or
train off. G. L. Richards, the owner of Os-
trich, arrived in time from his home in
Boston. Mass, to witness the running OF
the Derby. John W.. Gates. the plunger,
was also present. The victory of Ostrich
was more than popular with local race
goers. The race was worth $4,625 to the
winner.
The owner of Ostrich presented Jockey
Fuller with $1,000 for winning with his
colt, and also gave $500 to Trainer Frank
Lightfoot and $500 to be divided among
the various exercise lads in his stable.
Mr.. Richards, after the race, said that he
did not want any portion of the purse but
wanted the handsome bag that held the
check.