The Derby was booked a moral for Kimball. While it was a great disappointment to his backers to see him lower his colors to Fonso, he lost no credit in the race, for in our judgment it is by odds the best Derby ever run since its inauguration, when everything is taken into consideration. The colts carried five pounds more this year than heretofore, and the track was certainly a second slower than we have seen it any previous year, Fonso covering himself with honor, and must bring his sire prominently to the front. Fonso cut out his own work, did all the running, held the lead from start to finish, and won like a first-class racehorse. The last mile was run in 1:44¼, and the last half in 51¼ seconds, showing it to be a splendid race. Such a performance as that of Kimball would have won five out of six Derbies.

With little or no delay the five went away to a good start, Fonso in the lead, lapped by Kimball, Boulevard third, Bancroft fourth, Quito fifth. Fonso cut out the work at a good pace, and led Kimball by a length at the three-quarters, which he held at the stand, Boulevard half a length from him, third, Quito fourth, Bancroft fifth. Going round the upper turn Fonso increased his lead and passing the quarter was two lengths in front of Kimball second, Boulevard third, Quito fourth, Bancroft fifth, about a length each separating the last four named. Nearing the half mile Kimball drew up to Fonso, when the latter received a cut of the whip and darted away again, Bancroft taking third place, Boulevard fourth, Quito fifth. It was a beautiful race round the lower turn. Entering the stretch Kimball was at Fonso’s quarters, the race being reduced to a match between the two. Fairly in the home stretch both were whipping, Fonso answering gamely to the three or four licks he received, came away and won a splendid race a little over a length, Kimball second, two lengths in front of Bancroft third, he a length in front of Boulevard fourth, and Quito four lengths from him finished fifth. Half mile 53¼, three-quarters 1:19¾, mile 1:46¼, race 2:37½. The mile from the stand back to the stand was run in 1:44¼, and the last half mile in 51¼ seconds.

DESCRIPTION OF WINNER

Fonso is a dark chestnut colt, with a star and two white feet behind up over the pasterns. He has grown and thickened greatly since last year, and stands full 15¾ hands high. He is a very neat, wiry colt, with a good head and rather short neck, which runs into well inclined shoulders. He has great length of body, deep through the heart, good hips and stifles with sound feet and legs. He has the best of tempers, and is rather inclined to need forcing to make him run.

He was bred by A. J. Alexander, Woodburn Farm, Spring Station, Ky., and purchased as a yearling by J. S. Shawhan, Shawhan, Ky., for $200, by King Alfonso, out of imp. Weatherwitch by Weatherbit, her dam by Irish Birdcatcher, out of Colocynth.

SUMMARY

The Kentucky Derby, for three-year-olds, $100 entrance, half forfeit, with $1,500 added, of which $200 to second. 1½ miles, 47 entries, four of whom are dead. Value $3,850.

Betting—Kimball $700, Quito $362, Fonso $222, Bancroft $50, Boulevard $——.