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FAMOUS RACER AND SIRE Emperor of Norfolk One of Americas Noblest Thoroughbreds. $ How That Popular Horse, with the Mar-Telons Isaac Mnrphy In the Saddle, Won American Derby. of 1SSS. Underneath one of those grand old pepper trees that abound on the famous Baldwin ranch at Arcadia, Cal., with its leaves and branches drooping toward the ground as if in sorrow, is a grave marked by a stone indicating that beneath the sod lie the bones of one of the greatest race horses ever known in this country, the many time winner and noted sire. Emperor of Norfolk. Those who saw this great horse after his retirement, as he was led from his stall, could not help but notice and appreciate the beautiful disposition he possessed, his playful character, stout heart and bright eye. His beautiful curly mane and almost human roguishness would sometimes lead his admirers to think he had a mean disposition. But such was not the case. He was simply high strung and seemed to appreciate his own importance and his surroundings, for his stall was built in a barn that was shaded by palm trees and drooping peppers, with a perfect carpet of flowers of the California variety. Being led from his stall, he would snatch his halter, as if anxious once more to try his speed. He would wheel around and rear and kick vigorously like a two-year-old colt. But a word from his groom and he would become as docile as a kitten. "Whoa, Emperor," the groom would say to him, and immediately the animated piece of racing machinery would become as gentle as a pet rabbit. To gain his friendship all one had to do was to show him a piece of sugar, and he would follow even the greatest stranger around the paddocks of the ranch from one end to the other. His trainer, Tom Cook, has frequently said that Emperor of Norfolk had more sense than many human beings. ALL MOUKS" HIS DEATH. "When this noted race horse died all the big and little residents of Arcadia felt his loss as one does a house pet. Even the children on the ranch shed tears, for it was their wont to watch him and carry him little delicacies from the family sugar bowl and apples from the mothers cupboard. Hardened as was "Lucky" Baldwin to scenes of bloodshed and strife, much of which he went through in his earlier years, he broke down completely when told of the death of his favorite stallion, as if he had been one of his family. The incident recalled many of his great turf achievements, of which the winning of the American Derby was one. In those days the American Derby was the three-year-old race of this country. It was of as much importance to an American horse owner as is the "blue riband" of the English turf. To win the Derby was an honor and the height of a turfmans ambition. Why, then, should not Mr. Baldwin have had a soft spot in his heart for the Emperor of Norfolk, which stamped the final seal of his turf ambitions by winning the great American race. It was a memorable day at Washington Park, Chicago, in the year 1888, when seven of the best horses in the country filed out of tho paddock gate to parade to the post for the Derby with an estimated assemblage of 60,000 or more lovers of a horse race packing the grounds from rail to rail in the Continued on eizMh page. FAMOUS RACER AND SIRE Continued from first page. grandstands and in the infield. These horses were ridden by seven of the most famous jockeys of the day, including Isaac Murphy, Hamilton, Armstrong, Taral, StovaL Lewis, and last, but not least, "Andy" McCarthy. now RACE WAS RITJr. The cheers that rang out from the vast throng lasted until the horses had reached the starting post on the backstrctch, for the race was over a mile and a half course. Mr. Baldwin had two entries, Emperor of Norfolk and Los Angeles, the former carrying 123 pounds, with Isaac Murphy in the saddle. That reliable trainer "Bob" Thomas had prepared Emperor of Norfolk for the race and carefully timed his work. So universal was the opinion that he would win the race that odds of 4 to 1 were bet on his chances. Thomas knew the horse and his extraordinary ability so well that all he said to Murphy as he lifted him into the saddle was to let the horse do as "he liked, that he knew as much about the race and probably more than either his rider or trainer. He knew that Isaac Murphy and Emperor of Norfolk made a team without equal. While the horses were waiting for a start and maneuvering Mr. Baldwin and "Bob" Thomas stood side by side on the clubhouse stand. "Emperor looks to be mighty fit for the race," remarked his owner to tho trainer. "I dont think he could be in better condition," was the reply. "He seemed to know that he was being especially prepared for a big event. Many a time I have looked into his eyes and they seemed to say to me, When is this big thing coming off, boss? Then he would turn his head toward the tack room, as much as to say, I am ready if you are. I tell you, Mr. Baldwin, the Emperor has brains and plenty of em, and I dont think any one win ever know just how fast he can run or how far he will carry his speed. He never seems to be extended." The cry, "Theyre off!" stopped further conversation for the moment, but it was only a false break. Then Baldwin asked Thomas what instructions he had given to Murphy. 2TO NEED OF INSTRUCTIONS. "I told him to just hang around until he thought it time to whisper to the horse. That was all," was "Bobs" confident reply. "Do you mean to say you did not tell him just what to do and where to make his move?" asked the owner. "They both know when to move," was the answer. The words had hardly died away before the horses had made a move and the starters flag had given the signal that the race had begun. A horse called White was first to show in front, followed by Los Angeles and The Lion, the others being strung out pretty well, with Emperor of Norfolk among the trailers. These positions were maintained until entering the backstretch, where The Lion made a move and went to the front, followed by White and Los Angeles. To those who did not know it looked gloomy for Emperor of Norfolk. All this time Murphy was sitting as comfortably on Emperor of Norfolk as if ho had been idling his time in his old-fashioned armchair by the fireside. He was apparently content with the way things were going. So careless did he seem that it brought out an expression from Baldwin that was more forcible than elegant. "What is that nigger doing? Docs he never mean to make a move or is he going to wait until the race is over?" asked Baldwin of his trainer in a rather excited manner. "Dont worry, boss," answered Thomas in a most confident way, smiling as he said it "That be " shouted Baldwin, getting more and more excited as the race proceeded and as he watched Murphy, who was still hanging back on the leaders with as little concern as if he was riding- a cheap selling race instead of a prize worth more than 4,000 and the honor of winning the Derby. "What does he expect that horse to do," he shouted, "make up five or six lengths in an eighth of a mile?" "Let him alone and dont worry," tanta-lizingly answered Thomas. "By the Lord Harry, do you know what this "race means to me and to my friends? That jockey has no license to be so far behind as he is. He can never make up the ground." "You dont know your own horse," quietly answered the trainer. The horses were now nearing the home turn and the change that occurred in the positions will never be forgotten by those who saw the race. What Murphy said or did to the Emperor of Norfolk could not be heard or seen, but the colt seemed to fly past his opponents as if they were stricken with paralysis. In less than one hundred feet he went by the leaders, one by one, and took command in such a resolute fashion that the contest narrowed down into a one-horse race in a few seconds. The crowd went wild. Hats, umbrellas, gloves and almost every conceivable thing in the garment line floated in the air. Once in the lead Murphy rode as confidently as if he was taking park exercise. Not a hand or heel did he move, and amid a scene of wildest excitement he won the race practically pulled up. Baldwin wiped the perspiration from his brow with his old red bandana handkerchief and, turning to his trainer, shook him by the hand, remarking: "What a horse and what a rider!" Emperor of Norfolk trotted back to the judges stand to report, and notwithstanding he had run a mile and a half in 2 :40 over a slow track he did not take a long breath. His trainer took hold of his bridle and stroked his nose and then patted him on the neck. "Well, old boy," said he, looking the Emperor in tho eye, "now you know why you have been getting the best California hay and the finest oats you have won the Derby." And Emperor of Norfolk pricked up his cars, pawed the ground and nodded his head as if he understood.
