Every year the interest in the Kentucky Derby increases, and the desire to win also increases with breeders and owners, until it is looked upon as a mark of merit for the colt who is fortunate enough to bear off the Blue Ribbon of the Turf. More interest clusters in and about this race than any other of the year in America, and we have heard a number of prominent breeders and turfmen say that they would rather win the Kentucky Derby than any two events upon the American turf.

Bob Miles was slightly the favorite at the start, closely pressed by Buchanan and Audrain, and although the quality of the nine competitors was a little below the average that have run for the race, it seemed to lend an increased interest to the result. The horses were keenly criticised on their appearance and condition and little knots could be seen gathered together consulting as to who would win. Audrain who got bumped about did not run up to his form and his race for the Blue Ribbon Stakes at Lexington, in the mud, seemed to have taken away his speed. The Admiral behaved badly, trying to bolt in the first quarter, and did run out at the head of the home stretch. Buchanan won quite easily, and how much he had in hand we are unable to say. Bob Miles seemed to labor from the start, and the running proved what we have said all the spring—that the Derby colts of this spring, taken as a class, are far inferior to any previous year.

Nine went to the post and they were started out of the chute. After two or three breaks away the lot went off to a pretty start, Bob Miles in the lead, Powhattan III. second, Audrain third, followed by The Admiral, Loftin, Bob Cook, Exploit, Buchanan and Boreas. Entering the main track The Admiral was in the lead and tried to bolt, Bob Miles second, lapped by Loftin, the remainder of the lot bunched and in close order. Passing the stand The Admiral was two lengths in front of Loftin second, a length ahead of Powhattan third, followed in close order by Bob Miles, Exploit, Audrain, Bob Cook, Buchanan and Boreas. There was no change at the quarter except Bob Miles had dropped back to seventh place. Passing half they began to take closer order, The Admiral still leading about a length, Loftin second, Bob Miles, who got the whip on the back stretch, third, Bob Cook fourth, the rest bunched. Before reaching the three-quarters Loftin took the lead, The Admiral behaving badly and dropping back, Buchanan and Bob Miles lapped second and third, Audrain fourth. Entering the stretch Buchanan took the lead and showed signs of an inclination to run out, but Murphy soon straightened him and he came away and won quite easily by a length and a half, Loftin second three parts of a length in front of Audrain third, Bob Miles fourth, followed by Bob Cook, Boreas, The Admiral, Exploit and Powhattan III. in the order named. First half 52½, first mile 1:47, race 2:40¼.

DESCRIPTION OF WINNER

Buchanan is a good chestnut with a small star, and stands full 16 hands high. He is a very handsome colt, with a level and symmetrical frame on sound legs. The most fastidious critic could but be pleased with his general formation and racing-like look. He was bred jointly by Capt. Cottrill, Mobile, Ala., and J. W. Guest, Danville, Ky. The latter sold his half interest to Capt. Cottrill, who in turn sold a half interest in him and his stable in training to Capt. S. S. Brown of Pittsburgh, Pa. This is Buchanan’s maiden win. He started six times at two years old, was second five times and third once. He has started twice at three years old. He was unplaced in the Belle Meade Stakes at Nashville, 1¼ miles. He bolted and finished second but second place was given to Exploit on a claim of a foul, and won the Derby above. He has twenty-four additional three-year-old engagements. He is by Buckden, out of Mrs. Grigsby by Wagner, her dam Folly by Imp. Yorkshire, out of Imp. Fury by Imp. Priam, &c.

SUMMARY

Third Race—The Kentucky Derby, for three-year-olds, $100 entrance, half forfeit, $20 if declared May 1st, 1883; $40 if declared May 1st, 1884, with $1,500 added; of which $200 to second. 1½ miles. 51 subs, of whom 16 declared and 3 dead. Value $4,190.

Betting—Bob Miles $440, Audrain $400, Buchanan $400, Loftin $160, field $240.