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EPSOM DERBYS OF A HUNDRED YEARS. Incidents Attending the Running of the Most Famous Race of the World. Twelfth Article. Derby history wis made at :i niiiiil rate i:i the fin.-il decade of last century, and following Lord Roseberys "double" with Ladas and Sir AMsto winie tlie ovcr-to-be-reniombored triuiiiiih of the late kin; then prince of Wales, in lMt. His royal highness had Iieen actively interested in the sport for a good many years ere victory in the greatest race in the world was achieved. His colors were first registered in 1875, hut it was not until the eighties that the prince entered seriously into the sport. The foundation of success was laid with the establishment of the Saudringham Stud, one of the first marcs to he neiuircd for this being a daughter of Hampton named 1erdita II. This mare had been a fairly useful performer on the turf, hut it was at the stud that she gained undying fame. Her first foal was Derelict, which ran third in Comedys Cambridgeshire; then came I.arracoutta, a good winner as a two-year-old. Subsequently Porditn II. was put to St. Simon, anil the result was Flori-zel II., winner of the Manchester Cup and other races to the value of nearly .$ 10,000. Two years later the same alliance produced the colt which was destined to create such tremendous scenes of enthusiasm at Epsom. This colt, which was, of course, none other than 1ersimmon had satisfied his trainer that he was a good one prior to his first public appearance in the Coventry Stakes at Ascot, and it was not surprising that lie should start favorite. Moreover, he justified himself by winning in the easiest fashion from Sir F. Johnstons filly Meli Melo. He also won the Richmond Stakes at Coodwood, but in the autumn lie met with his first reverse, in the Middle Park llate, in which he could only finish third to St. Frusiiin and Omhidiua. This was his final outing of his first season. When the classics of 1S9 came up for decision in the winter and early spring, it was inevitable that the names of Iersiiumou and St. Frusipiiu should be frequently mentioned. The former was being held in reserve for the Derby, hut St. Frus-iiiiii had easily won both the Column Produce Stakes and the Two Thousand prior to the Epsom week, and as the performances of Mr. Rothschilds colt which was, like Persimmon, a son of St. Simon would bear the closest scrutiny, it was generally considered that the Derby would go to the bearer of the blue and yellow livery, and St. Frus-quiii eventually developed into an odds-on favorite, with the Princes representative second in demand at 5 to 1 against. If there was no real confidence, so far as the groat majority were concerned, in the ability of Persimmon to defeat his Middle lark Plate conqueror, there were at all events distinct hopes, and a great contest was contemplated. There were eleven runners, but, as indicated, the event was regarded as in the nature of a match. In the early stages of the race the favorites were among the rear division. Culistan, which was making the running for his slable-compainioii, St. Friisquin, took the lead before long, while Tow Loatcs sent tile favorite up with the front-rankers when the top of the hill had been reached. At the same time, Persimmon was kept well within striking distance. When the straight was entered Ray Ronald and St. Frusquin were together, with Persimmon not far off. By and bye the pace began to tell on Ray Ronald, -and a quarter of a mile from home St. Frusquin was leading, .with Persimmon in hot pursuit. The hitter shortly afterwards closed on the favorite, and when it became apparent that a Royal victory was after all anything but improbable the excitement grew. St. Frusquin was still going well, but Persimmon was obviously gaining on his great rival. When less than a hundred yards remained to be covered the favorite had been passed. True, there was not much in it; but Persimmon was in front, and, what was more to the point, was maintaining his position. The winning-post Was eventually reached, and the number of Persimmon was hoisted as the winner, St. Frusquin being beaten a neck. If there had ever been any doubt as to the loyalty of sportsmen which, however, has never been questioned the scene which followed would have settled the question. The Prince of Wales had won the Derby, and winners and losers, peers and commoners, rejoiced in that circumstance, and gave utterance to their joy in a typical British manner. The Princes personal friends were able to offer their congratulations in person; the general public cheered themselves hoarse. It was a "proud moment for the future King, who was the recipient of a further demonstration when he left the stand to lead back the winner. Truly it was a great day. A month or so later St. Frusquin avenged his Epsom defeat in the Princess of Wales" Stakes at Newmarket, in which he beat the Derby winner by a half length. St. Frusquin also won the Eclipse Stakes, but failed to stand a preparation for the St. Lcger. The path of Persimmon being thus cleared, a victory at Doiicaster followed practicallv as a matter of course, Labrador finishing second and Rampion third. hater he won the .lockey Club Stakes, and then in the summer following set the seal on his fame by easily winning the lohl Cup at Ascot from Winkfields Pride, Love Wisely and Liniasol. To bo continued.
