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-a-J-ta.a-.a_j x jli/X-lx EPSOM DERBYS OF A HUNDRED YEARS. Incidents Attending the Running of the Most Famous Race of the World. Twenty-second Article. One of the greatest surprises in the long history of the Derby was that of IMS, in which the spoils went to toe unconsidered Signorinetta. a filly by the Cesaiewitch winner Chnleureux Signorina, and owned by the Italian sportsman Chev. Ginistrolli. Signorina was. of course, a race horse of exceptional merit, but there was nothing in the juvenile form of her daughter to indicate that she had inherited the capacity of her famous dam. Signorinetta ran in a half dozen races in her initial season, making kst debut in the Fult ourno Stakes at the First July Meeting. In this one of her opponents was White Eagle — now one of the government stallions — then at the top of his form, and it was only in accordance wilii anticipations that Victory was readily obtained by Colonel Hall Walkers colt. The filly had another cut at White Eagle in the National Brooders Produce Stakes at Sandown Park, this race likewise Ixing won by the son of Gallinule, though it was only by a head that the latter got the better of Mr. Crockers Rhodora. Signorinetta b ing well beaten. Still being kept to the best-class events. Signorinetta next appeared in the Breeders Foal Plate at Kempton ljirk in Septi-mbcr. in which she auain failed to n-ach the leaders, the race going to Malheur, which beat the favorite Cocksure 11. by a longth. She next took part in a Plato at the First October Meeting. In this odds were laid on a sister to Pretty Polly, afterwards named Miranda, which won comfortably from St. Wolf. Chev. ". inistrellis filly once again figuring among the rack. Having thus failed in the better-class races. Sigiiorimtta was given an opportunity in more lowly company and was one of the competitors for the Second October Nursery, in which she was handicapped at 90 pounds, but put up two pounds overweight for the service* of Heckford. She again ran moderately, being unplaced to the Formosa filly Hackberry and Hat Trick. Her sixtli essay, however, was ,-ittcndcd by success, as on the final afternoon of Houghton week she easily boat the Foxglove eolt Rising Dawn and three others in the Criterion Nursery. Second Season Failures and Successes. This was not the sort of form to lead anyone to suppose that HgSSrtaettS was destined to make history, and she had few friends when sic turned out for the Due Thousand Guineas. This was con siderctl good for Sir D. Coopers Lesbia, but the BaCS went to Rhodora. whose nearest attendants were Bracelet and Ardeatrive. Signorinetta was also unplaced to St. Wolf. Mercutio and Printer I I in the Newmarket Stakes; but. undismayed by these I reverses, tin Chevalier decided to run his filly in the Derby. It was admittedly a lean year, bat. even so, the prospects of the daughter of Signorina ap Seared hopeless, and on the day of the race she was on olfer loo to 1 against. The chief fancies were Norman III., whieli sad won the Two Thousand, and Mountain Apph - which were joint favorites at 11 to 2 against the French colt Sea Sn-k II.. and Sir Archibald. The field numb, red i ightecn. and with glorious weather prc ailing the contest was witnessed by a crowd well above the average. The horses were ten minutes late in getting to the post. When a start was effected Vamose, whose temper was not of the best, was left some twenty lengths. Mercutio was BOSS in possession of a substantial lead. Going down the hill Mr. Brjmes colt was pressed by Norman 111., but before Tatteiiham Corner was reached the pace had begun to tell on the two leaders. Mountain Apole led round the bend, while Sir Archibald, White Eagle. Bea Hick II., and Royal Realm wire in the fighting line, as also was Nig-BoriSM tta. Mountain Apple had had enough below the distance, and almost before the onlookers could realize it Signorinetta had dashed past the winning post two lengths ahead of Primer, while Llangw m. the mount id •Danny- Maher. was a seek Carts* r away. The Chevalier came. m for a great reeeptisn. Sad, needless to say. he was mightily pleased. The superstitious may like to know, by the way, tiiat Signorinetta was No. 13 on the card. Victory in the Caks. Two days later Bbjnsflaetta was saddled for the Oaks, being agate ridden by- ia r Derby jockey. W. Pullock. Naturally, on this sccastoa she had many supporters, though the majority preferred Rhodora. The latter, however, was soon out of the race, through no fault of her own. When a half mile had been covered French Partridge, which was travelling well at the time, fell, and Khsdsm, which was elose up, made an attempt to jump the prostrate form, but struck iier legs and also came down. Dnesrsa, Santera, Bracelet and Persuasion were also involved in the stelee to a lesser degree, and in the end a great race was witnessed between Signorinetta and Courtesy, carrying the famous "Mack, -whit:- sleeves, red cap," of Lord Falmouth, tin- former winning by three -parts of a lenuth, Baatere filling third place. Thus did Bhpskriaetta follow in the footsteps of Eleanor and Plmk Poiiny by winning both Derby and Dak-. Che sahseajaent form of Signorinetta was not to be complied to that of Epsom we-k. Sic- ran in the Uoyal Stakes at Newbury, and started joint favorite witli White Engl". There were only si:; runnels, but Signorinetta was unable to obtain a place, White Eagle winning by a head from Qaer-clis. with Linacre third. By St. I.eger time Sig norinetta had shed some of her glory, and she Sras a 30 to 1 order for the final classic. Your Majesty being a good favorite at 11 to s against. .1. P.. Joels colt had previously won the sVllpsr Stakes with some degree of ease, and he was quite entitled to his position in the St. Leges market. In the hands of Walter Griggs, tie- son of Persimmon won by a half length from White Eagle with Santo Strato third. Signorinetta made but one further appearance, in the Jockey Club Stakes, for whi-.h the lilly eras on the 100 to 12 mark. Primer was a good favorite at 7 to 1 against, and but for the Intel ISn-than of Siberia the Duke of Portlands colt would have won this valuable stake. Signorinetta ants again out of the first three, but having acquitted herself so splendidly in Epsom week, Signorinas daughter had done sufficient to justify her existence. To be continued.
