Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-06-06
Historic Race Calls
Many to EPSON Downs

Epson DOWNS. England, May IL IA.
P. by MaiD-All England is preparing
for the Derby. the empires greatest
turf event, which will be run here
June G. This years race promises to
maintain all the finest traditions of
past Derbies.
A field of nearly thirty horses will
contend for the Blue Ribbon and the
rich stakes. No American owned
horses will participate. but George
Archibald the American jockey. Will
ride one of the English favorites. IT.
other great turf events Archibald has
piloted scores of horses to victory. In
last years Derby he brought the
three year-old St. Louis within a few
lengths of the winner This year he
is expected to show to better advan-
tagc on account of his improved joe
keyship, his familiarity with English
race courses, and his better under
standing of British trained horses.
No event in all the world is so dear
to the heart of the English sport
loving public as the Derby. For 143
years this famous turf classic has
brought out all the finest horscflcsh in
the British Isles and has furnished
thrills to mighty congregations Of
people from the time of Charles III to
Tic pISSSHl. IlCi 40 ioNiiAiiS III ei'S
United States to compare to it in size
or the almost sacred regard in which
it is held by the public. The English
race-goer would consider it a sacril-
eye to miss Derby.
Printed words can give no true re-
Election of the vivid and variegated
scenes attending the Derby. Not ev-
ell Worlds Series of baseball in the
United States provokes such a carni-
val spirit among the people. Let the
American reader select great green
area. in the hills of his native state,
and let him mark out racecoursc
accommodating 100000 persons. Let
him portray a series of richly verdured
| hills surrounding the track and MAX
| ing it a great natural amphitheatre.
| In this vast greensward hundreds of
thousands of people from every part
| of the British Isles. America and far
| off lands gather for SO hours before
the event. Most Of them have pill
grimaged here on foot for hundreds of
miles as though obeying an irresst-
| ible religious instinct. This is their
Mecca, their Holy of Holes. They
want to lay their tribute at the shrine
| of the Horse, for today he is King.
And they are prepared to place their
| last shilling on their favorite steed.
In the midst of the great spectacle
| are countless thousands of bookmak
ers, prophets, oracles, gypsies and
| liars. standing on soap boxes, in
booths, in circus wagons or under
| tents. selling information and tips
that may make or break the buyer
Great cotton placards and canvas
banners tell the world who they are
There is Long Tom. who has been
making bets at the same old place
for 40 years.. There is Honest Hen
ry". who has picked the winner in
! twelve consecutive Derbies". There
| is skipper Sparrow. who "guaran-
tees the public prompt payment. hon
est dealings and courteous treat
ment". Some Of them have automo-
biles, some only great sunshades. 9th
ers wagons resembling American
prairie schooners, and a few come
with one-hoss shays. They screech
their odds and prices in raucous but
plausible tones. In England the book
les, unlike their American comrades
are not molested by the law. They
have an open sesame of betting. Even
the policemen place wasers. while
/ England's lax racing law winks its
| eve