or claim for originality on the part of the
compiler, this work is offered as a reference book. For many, the plain
facts of each year's Kentucky Derby will be of sufficient interest. To the
countless followers of Turf happenings the material herein will refresh
the memory and awaken happy reminiscence.

This compilation is made mainly from the columns of _The Thoroughbred
Record_, a Kentucky publication, and I am indebted to the graciousness of
its editor, Mr. John E. Rubbathan, for the privilege to use the material
from his invaluable repository. Mr. Douglas Anderson, author of "Making
the American Thoroughbred," by his encouragement has made light the labor
incident to compilation. To Mr. Gurney C. Gue, of the _New York Herald_, I
owe a debt of gratitude for his helpful advice.

In conclusion, if these efforts prove acceptable to my brethren of the
Turf and tend in any degree to promote and keep up the spirit of Racing,
the object in giving as much time to the subject as I have done, will be
accomplished and my end attained.

WHITE PLAINS, N. Y.

APRIL FIRST, 1921.

FIRST DERBY 1875

To-day will ever be historic in the turf annals of Kentucky, as the first
"Derby Day," of what I hope to see a long series of turf festivities. If
the officers of the Association could have had the pick from the calendar
of the year, there could not have been a more delightful and charming day.
The morning broke without a cloud visible in the heavens, while a cool
breeze was wafted over the course, tempering the increasing rays of the
sun. It was just such a day in May

When the sun is rejoicing above in heaven,
The clouds have all hurried away.
Down in the meadow the blossoms are waking,
Light on their twigs the young leaves are shaking,
Round the warm knolls the lambs are a leaping,
The colt from his fold o'er the pasture is sweeping,
But on the bright lake,
The little waves break,
For there the cool west is at play.

The course was in splendid order, and all the appurtenances requisite for
the comfort and convenience of racing was ready to hand. In company with a
friend we started early for the course, thinking that we would reach it
before the crowd, but by half past eleven o'clock we found enough people
to make a respectable show. As the hour approached for the opening of the
ball, every avenue leading to the course was thronged with people making
their way to it. It was indeed a Derby Day in