Lord Derby Wins Epsom Derby: Sansovino Carries His Colors Successfully in Worlds Famous Race, Daily Racing Form, 1924-06-05

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LORD DERBY WINS EPSOM DERBY • Sansovino Carries His Colors Successfully in Worlds Famous Race » Greatest Crowd in History of English Turf Sees Derby Run in the Rain and Under Most Unpropitious Weather Conditions — Lord Astors St. Germans Finishes Second ♦ ■ BY E. E. COUSSELL. , EPSOM DOWNS, England, June 4.— Before the greatest crowd that ever witnessed a horse race in England, Lord Derbys Sansovino, bay son of Swynford and Gondolette. cantered through deep going in a heavy drizzle here this afternoon to win the historic Epsom Derby by six lengths. Struggling along behind him came Lord Astors St. Germans and Somerville Tattersalls Hurstwood in a desperate bid for second place. More wretched weather conditions than those which faced the visitors to Epsom Downs today could hardly be conceived. A cold, heavy drizzle persisted throughout the day, soaking the already sodden turf to the saturation point. - The sheltered points of vantage were at a premium hours before the first race and 9 thousands of the less fortunate spectators, chilled and drenched, stood for hours in the cpen waiting for the big event. From all parts of the country, by train, motor, cart and any other means of locomotion which could be pressed into service, the crowds began pouring into the little town of Epsom before daybreak this morning. In spite of the terrible weather, it became apparent early that all attendance records would be shattered. Lord Derbys remarks at the Press Club luncheon yesterday when he referred facetiously to the fact that his ancestors and he had been trying without success for 137 years to win the Derby were thoroughly appreciated by the public. His statement that, in view of the going which would prevail, the best way to pick the winner would be to place all starters in a hat and back the one which one drew struck the popular fancy. Whether this had any effect on the wagering, however, is hard to say. At any rate a steady flood of support for Sansovino began last evening and at post time Lord Derbys colt was a strong favorite at 9 to 2. Twenty-seven horses started. St. Germans was at 100 to 7 and Hurstwood at 20 to 1. Jellis sent Benjamin Irishs Dawson City into the lead soon after the start and he raced along in front for the first mile. When Westcn was ready, he called on Sansovino. however, and Lord Derbys colt easily passed Dawson City. He soon drew away into a commanding lead and increased his advantage on the upgrade approaching the finish. EARLY LEADER EXHAUSTED. After losing the lead, Dawson City tired badly and dropped back. Some of the others were making up ground, but they were unable to threaten the leader at any time after he had assumed command. In the last quarter mile it became apparent that St. Germans and Hurstwood would have the minor portion of the stake between them. Parmenio and Polyphontes were racing prominently and Diophon had succeeded in racing his way into contention. Bullock, on St. Germans, and Smyth, on Hurstwood, were riding desperately in the struggle to the finish. Sansovino had drawn out until he was half a dozen lengths clear and in the last eighth St. Germans began to shake Hurstwood off. At the end the Astor colt was a neck ?n front of his rival for second place. Hurstwood held third place safe, although Permenio was pressing him closely at the finish. As Sansovino crossed the finish line a tremendous outburst of cheering greeted him. Lord Derby received one of the greatest ovations which has ever been extended to the owner of a Derby winner. A victory for the King himself could hardly have been more popular. The difficult mile and a half course was completed by the winner in 2:46%. Following is a summary of the race : Lord Derbys Sansovino. b. c. by Swynford — Jon-dolette, 126 pounds Weston, 9 to 2 1 Lord Astors St. Germans, b. •. by Swynford — Hamoaze. 12tt pound-, Bullock, 100 to 7 2 Somerville Tattersalls Hurstwood, b. c, by Jay Crusader — Bleasdale, 126 pounds V. Smyth, 20 to 1 3 Lord Roseberys Iarmenio, by Tracery — Whimper Elliott 4 Sol Joels Polyphontes, by Polymelus — St. Josephine McLaehlan 5 Ana Khans Diophon, by .rand Parade- Dou- netta Hulme J Time, 2:46%. Twenty-seven started. Won easily by six lengths; neck between second and third horses.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1920s/drf1924060501/drf1924060501_1_8
Local Identifier: drf1924060501_1_8
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800