If the prospects of a successful meeting were somewhat dampened by the heavy fall of rain for three days previous to its inauguration, ample amends were made for the postponement by the bright and genial sunshine that ushered in Wednesday morning, and the large and brilliant crowd that was in attendance on Derby Day. This was more to be wondered at for the reason that the weather had been so unseasonable, great coats and a fire feeling remarkably comfortable. Indeed in looking at the vast sea of upturned faces, to be seen in the Grand Stand, the lawn and the field, we were reminded of witnessing our first English Derby, when Umpire, the first American candidate who had ever appeared for this classic event, failed to obtain a place, and the race was won by Thormanby, a son of the renowned Alice Hawthorne, and what is remarkable, it happened on the same day, just twenty-three years ago.

At the first attempt the seven went away to a good start, Leonatus in the lead, Raglan second, Chatter third, followed by Kellar, Pike’s Pride, Drake Carter and Ascender. Before reaching the three-quarter pole Chatter had taken second place to Leonatus, Raglan third, followed by Ascender, Kellar, Pride’s Pike and Drake Carter. There was no change at the stand, and Leonatus was a length in front of Chatter at the quarter, Raglan third, Carter fourth, Ascender fifth, Kellar sixth, Pike’s Pride last. Before reaching the half Ascender made a spurt and was third, but he soon died away, Drake Carter taking third place. The truth of the whole affair summed up in a nut-shell is that Leonatus took the lead, made all his own running, was never headed, and won it in a big gallop by three lengths, Drake Carter second, a half length in front of Lord Raglan third, Ascender fourth, Kellar fifth, Pike’s Pride sixth, Chatter last. First quarter 27½, half 54, mile 1:49, race 2:43.

DESCRIPTION OF THE WINNER

Leonatus is a rich bay, blaze face, and two white heels behind above the pasterns. He stands full 15¾ hands high, and is certainly one of the smoothest and neatest sons of his distinguished sire. He has a neat, handsome head, stout neck, well inclined shoulders, good middle piece, with great length, excellent back and loins, and full hips and quarters, on sound good legs. He is rapid in motion, and keeps legs well under him. He was bred by Mr. J. Henry Miller, Lexington, Ky., and sold last winter to his present owners for $5,000. He is engaged in fifteen more stakes this year.

SUMMARY

The Kentucky Derby, for three-year-olds, $100 entrance, half forfeit, $20 if declared May 1st, 1882; $40 if declared May 1st, 1883, with $1,500 added; of which $200 to second, 1½ miles. 50 entries, 3 void, 1 declared May, 1882, 8 declared May 1883; value $4,020.

Betting—Ascender $275, Leonatus $260, Raglan $135, Carter $125, Kellar $41, Chatter $35, Pike’s Pride $20.