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EPSOM DERBTS OF A HUNDRED YEARS. Incidents Attending the Running of the Most Famous Race of the World. Twentieth Article. In relating the story of the "Thunderstorm Derby" a little time ago it was suggested that had Major Loders phenomena] filly Pretty Pollv been eligible to compete the prize would in all probability have gone to Clarehaven instead of Palace House. The usually fortunate Major was in this instance, then, somewhat unlucky; but he had not long to wait for his turn, w-iiich came along two years later, when Spearmint won a memorable race. Major Loder had been associated with the turf for some sixteen years prior to the achievement of bis greatest triumph. One of his earliest important successes was that recorded by a lightly weighted four year-old named BiRoW in the Ascot Stakes of IMS; but it Was left to such as Pretty Polly, Ilammerkop and the Derby winner of 1906 to bring the Majors colors into real prominence. Spearmint, which was by Carbine— Maid of the Mint a daughter of Ormondes great rival. Minting—was bred by Sir Tattsa Sykes. and with eight otiier yeanlings from SKdmere was sent to Don-caster to be disposed of. The majority of these yearlings were responsible for keen competition, ami in the bulk made nearly 11.000 guineas. But somehow bidding hung fire in the cases of two or three of the lots, including the Maid of the Mint colt. Which was finally knocked down to the Major at 300 guineas— not an exorbitant sum for an embryo Derby winner. Had it been necessary the purchaser would have gone to a much higher figure, for he had taken quite a fancy to the colt. Victim of Fever for Several Months. The Majors proverbial luck was in so far. but following his arrival at Clarehaven. Spearmint was stricken with fever, which did not leave him for several months. But by dint of careful attention he was brought around, and that his indispo sition ilid not have any permanent ill-effects was amply proved in due course. The colt must have been blessed with a hardy constitution. There was nothing staggering ahstrt Spearmints two-year-old performances. He was first seen out at Lingficld in July, starting favorite for the Great Foal Plate. The colt ran as if he did not know much about the business, and though he won, it was by only a head that he disposed of Succory. He was at Derby up against something of better dass in uncertain Black Arrow. The latter had badly floored his backers on a previous occasion, but with I to I laid on him. Colonel Kail Walkers colt beat Spearmint by three lengths. His next and final effort of the season was in a nursery handicap at the Houghton meeting, in which he carried top weight, and did by no means badly in finishing fourth to Farasi, Queen Camilla and Chil- telll. When the classics of 1000 came to be discussed, the name of Spearmint was rarely mentioned. As a matter of fact. Flair was regarded as the champion id the Claiehaveu conting.nt, while the record of Admirable Crii hton was also superior to that of the son of Carbine. And there were other good ones elsewhere. Admirable Crichton lost caste by reason of a moderate show in the Two Thousand. On the other hand, tin reputation of Flair was enhanced by a stylish victory over Lischana and several ethers in the Owe Thousand a couple of days later, and it seemed highly probable that the Darby would go to Sir Daniel Cooper. A Change of Plans Enforced. It was. therefore, decided to prepare Spearmint far the Grind Prix de Paris, relying upcr. the filly for the Kpsom race, but circumstances necessitated a change of plans. Shortly after the Newmarket victory of flair, tie daughter of Clare broke down, and it was then resolved to get to work on Spear mint, which ssaa began to attract attenth n. Originally an offer at substantial odds. Major Loders colt ewutually headed the quotations, though Lally was favorite on the day of the race, being quoted at 1 to 1 against. Spearmint, which by this time was the fi.noy of many of the shrewdest .judg. s. was next on the list ;,t 0 to 1 against. Then came Sancy rail Mataa at 8 to 1; the Two Thousand win nor Gorgos stood at 10 to 1. while Black Arrow. His Kmiiience. and Pictoa were others with backers. The field totalled twenty -two. probably a greater number than would have gone to tin post had Flair remained well. The start was not a perfect one. Tiie favorite dwelt When the barrier was raised, and got badly away, while Prince William whipped round, and. for all practical purposes might have remained in his Stable. Tie "yellow and black" of the Duke of Westminster was soon conspicuous through Ti tbeck, whi li was attended by Mates and Frustrator during the early stages. Spearmint. Pictoa, and Black Arrow joined the leading flight when the field ha I fairly settled down. Lally made up his lost ground rapidly — too rapidly, as a matter of fact, and Mis ehaace had vanished before a half inih had been covered. Notable Double Event. Ttoalhcth rsatlaard to hold the had. being roi lowed by Pictoa, with Bpearmkst, Bepps, Banry and Mates all well placed. Filtering the straight Iictou and Troathecfc were running level, while Spearmint was drawing closer. When a quarter of a mile remained to be covered, the three last-named were together, but at the distance Iicton took the lead. For a moment it appeared as if George Ihaaahp was to be compensated for his disappointment with John oGaunt two years previously, but Danny Meter on Spearmint had a bit in hand, ami Major Loders colt had little difficulty iii defeating Iicton by a length and a half. Troutbeck being two teagthl further away. At the time it was thought by some that Spearmint had not beaten much, but the subsequent performances of several of his victims caused this view to be 1 siderably modified. Spearmint was. of course, the h"ro of the hour, and when less than a fortnight after his Kpsom triumph he was sent to Paris to take part in the Graad Prix he was accompanied by numerous Knglish sportsmen. For the great French race, in which Malua also competed, the colt was a slight odds-on favorite. Ma in tenon being looked upon as the chief danger. Dillon rode Spearmint on this occasion, and had the satisfaction of winning by a half length from Brisecoeur, with Storm. which later endeavored to win our St. Leger. third. The Preach hope. Maiateaaa, ran badly. This was Spearmints final race, and though he had run but five times in all, he had done sufficient for his owner to justify tiie batters reputation of being lucky. To be continued.
