s of the city by the Tiber to
imagine anything like the scene when that crowd of 50,000 cheering persons
saw Gov. Stanley present the victor's wreath to Loftus, the boy who rode
George Smith, winner of the classic.

It was a surrender complete, unequivocal and universal with all classes,
at all places and in every regard.

But perhaps it was not a surrender at all, for that spirit of the great
Kentucky classic gave to the city a gala day that even the carnival of
Venice or Mardi Gras at New Orleans cannot surpass; it crowded the city
with 25,000 strangers from far and near and, from the calculations of
hotel men and others who come in immediate contact with the racing crowds,
brought and left no less than one-half million out-of-town dollars to the
Gateway of the South.

There was but one limit to the festivities of the day--the azure sky. If
Louisville was joyful to see so many strangers within her walls and
delighted in a day of sport that might befit dwellers of the Elysian
Fields, she had yet another cause for gladness. Despite the efforts of
"the East" to capture the Kentucky Derby for two seasons, the first and
third horses in the classic were "bred in old Kentucky."

The Derby was the fifth race on the card, and it was 5:15 o'clock when the
horses reached the post. There was but little delay at the barrier, and
within a minute they were on their way. Dodge, which ran coupled with
Franklin as the Weber & Ward entry, was the first to show colors, and his
stablemate dashed away right behind him. Dominant, which was coupled with
Thunderer as the Harry Payne Whitney entry, followed the Weber & Ward
pair, and he immediately dashed into a long lead.

Passing the stand for the first time Dominant had a long lead and appeared
to be running easily, but after reaching the back side of the track it was
evident that he was not good enough to last it out. Franklin was running
close to him and appeared to be ready to run over him. George Smith was in
third position, and Jockey Johnny Loftus was carefully nursing him along
reserving his speed for the gruelling drive through the stretch, which he
knew must come. Nearing the three furlong pole Dominant gave it up and
then Loftus called on George Smith.

The Sanford colt bounded to the front at a rapid rate and soon had a lead
of a length over his field, with Franklin closest to him. Then it was that
Star Hawk loomed up as a dangerous contender as he finally found his
stride